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Mastercard and Women Choice expand partnership to invest in women entrepreneurs
Women Choice - an international organization dedicated to advancing women's personal and professional development - launched the pilot cohort in 2023.The next cohorts will be participating in the new programs this year and will aim to impact 50,000 women.
[Webinar] Complimentary expert session for Telecom leaders and Startups in Africa, March 21
Designed for telecom leaders and startups, thia event offers invaluable strategies for expanding services, managing FX risks, enhancing cross-border payments, and establishing credibility in the international arena.
Transcorp Power lists on Nigerian Exchange
Following its listing on NGX, the company made its Facts Behind the Listing presentation and showcased its performance and strategy to stakeholders.
Village Capital unveils programme targeting African startups focused on greentech
The programme is designed to advance innovative and sustainable solutions, actively contributing towards building resilience and mitigating the effects of climate change across Africa.
GE Vernova commits to support sustainable energy transition in Nigeria
Nigeria, one of Africa's economic powerhouses, faces a dynamic energy landscape characterized by a growing population, industrialization, and a rising demand for electricity.
DFC reaffirms commitment to scaling investment in African infrastructure and critical minerals
Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) Nisha Biswal traveled to South Africa and Zambia as part of the largest U.S. government delegation to Mining Indaba and the first Lobito Corridor Investors Forum and to deepen DFC’s investments on the continent.
[South Africa] Sasol and Transnet announce rail transport partnership
Under the five-year agreement, Transnet will deliver ammonia from Sasol’s Secunda and Sasolburg facilities to the company’s customers through a dedicated fleet of 128 ammonia tankers. In turn, Sasol will fund Transnet’s maintenance and repair programme for the fleet.
Toyota to open a vehicle manufacturing plant in Kenya
The agreement will see Toyota set up a vehicle manufacturing plant in the country. The company has committed an initial investment of Kshs 800 million in the Kenya Thika vehicle manufacturers.
[Kenya] KenGen diversifies into offering testing services to industries
The accreditation of the calibration centre will not only contribute to KenGen’s financial sustainability but also position the company as a leader in calibration services regionally and globally.
Aramco expands global venture capital programme with $4 billion funds injection
It will take Aramco's overall venture capital allocation to $7.5bn, which also includes the $500 million venture capital fund Wa'ed Ventures that focuses on the start-up ecosystem in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
EIB Global announces $30 million investment in Seedstars Africa Ventures I, a VC fund for African entrepreneurs
Innovative businesses and start-ups across Africa will benefit from better access to risk capital thanks to a US$30 million equity investment by EIB Global in the Seedstars Africa Ventures I venture capital fund.
India’s energy solutions brand Luminous Power Technologies forays into South Africa
Having established a strong foothold across the African continent in the past 15 years, this landmark partnership is a major milestone for Luminous Power Technologies as it further strengthens its foothold in the African market.
Arab Coordination Group allocates $10 billion to support energy transition
This funding is meant to drive a comprehensive and affordable transition to renewable energy in developing countries.
Youth-led African enterprises awarded $800,000 at COP28 for climate solutions
They will also receive a comprehensive mentorship and coaching as part of a 12-month accelerator program. Since its launch in 2021, the YouthADAPT initiative has provided more than $5 million to 33 young entrepreneurs from 19 African nations.
[Kenya] AfDB commits over €101 million to boost access to electricity
The project will also benefit from a $13.17 million (€12.12 million) loan from the Canada-African Development Bank Climate Fund (CACF), administered by the Bank, providing long-term concessional loans for climate change adaptation and mitigation projects.
Global mobility firm inDrive launches venture targeting startups
inDrive, a global mobility and urban services platform, has announced the launch of a new venture and M&A arm aiming to invest up to $100 million in promising startups.
Christine Namara joins Flat6Labs as partner for Africa Seed Fund
In a strategic move to strengthen its existing footprint in the vibrant African startup ecosystem, Flat6Labs, the seed venture capital firm in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region, has appointed Christine Namara as Partner for its Africa Seed Fund.
[Column] NJ Ayuk: Oil companies still have vital role to play in African energy
Behind every discovery, final investment decision (FID), and first oil announcement in our continent are companies of all sizes, advancing our energy industry and bringing Africans closer to realizing the energy security and prosperity that their petroleum resources represent.
Arab Coordination Group pledges $50 billion for African development
The Arab Coordination Group (ACG) has announced that it aims to allocate up to US$50 billion to help build resilient infrastructure and inclusive societies in the African continent.
Mombasa Plastics Prize innovators Pique King’s interest during Royal visit
Mombasa’s young innovators addressing marine plastic pollution caught the attention of King Charles III and Queen Camilla during their royal visit to Kenya.
[Kenya] Mombasa Plastics Prize unveils the start of incubator to support growth of sustainable businesses
Building on the success of the initial phase, the incubator aims to support teams from the initial phase of the project to create sustainable businesses that significantly impact the mitigation of marine plastic waste pollution in Mombasa County's informal settlements.
Africa Climate Summit 2023 concluded with Nairobi Declaration
At the closing of Africa Climate Summit 2023, African leaders announced $23 billion Nairobi declaration target for green growth in Africa.
IFC invests $11.5 billion for Africa’s green transition and job creation
IFC made $11.5 billion in investments between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, across 40 countries, the largest ever annual commitment for the continent.
ACWA Power signs deal with NREA for 10 gigawatts wind project in Egypt
ACWA Power, a Saudi-listed company and the world's largest private water desalination company, the first mover into green hydrogen, and a player in energy transition, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the New and Renewable Energy Authority (NREA) to allocate land for a 10 GW wind project in Egypt.
Sahara Group Foundation announces its third cohort of the Sahara Impact Fund Fellowship Programme
With a focus on increasing access to energy and promoting sustainable environments, the Sahara Impact Fund program attracted over three hundred applications from nineteen African countries including Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, Burundi, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, and Uganda.
[Column] Dickson Naftali: Harnessing Africa’s youth population for inclusive growth
By empowering Africa’s youth and creating an enabling environment, we can transform the continent’s food systems and unlock its economic potential.
African Energy Chamber partners with World Nuclear Association to advance sustainable nuclear energy in Africa
As part of this partnership, World Nuclear Association, the organization representing the global nuclear industry, will be a leading participant in the upcoming AEW 2023 conference.
OPEC Fund and partners finance new power transmission line in Tanzania
The project will include the construction of a 166km overhead transmission line connecting the Kagera region to the national grid, replacing the current energy supply from Uganda with local hydropower resources.
[Column] Wayne Glossop: Gas power solutions for South Africa
While to date our society has been heavily reliant on coal, it's not able to keep pace with the energy and environmental aspirations of the nation currently.
FMO partners with African Angel Academy to accelerate angel investing
FMO announced a strategic partnership with The African Angel Academy (AAA) and DGGF (Dutch Good Growth Fund), to bolster the capacity of early-stage investors in 5 growing African startup ecosystems.
Award scheme recognizes Kenyan entrepreneurs fighting marine plastics problems
The awards, which showcased the most effective solutions to tackle Mombasa’s marine plastics problem, were the culmination of a six-month initiative funded by USAID and Global Affairs Canada.
AfDB, European Union and France invest $300 million in Tanzania’s hydropower project
The funds will finance the construction of the 87.8-megawatt Kakono Hydropower Plant located in Kagera region in the northern part of Tanzania. The project also received a grant of EURO 36 million from the European Union.
250 entrepreneurs get business boost from Youth Startup Academy Uganda Boot Camp
Some 250 ambitious entrepreneurs from across Uganda completed an intense boot camp to learn how to grow their businesses. Run by the Youth Startup Academy Uganda, the boot camps are part of an incubator project that aims to work with 1,000 entrepreneurs under 35 years old.
AfDB, COMESA launch $1.5 million project to improve electricity regulation in the region
The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) have launched a new regional initiative to enhance the sustainability of the electricity sector in Eastern and Southern Africa through harmonized regulatory frameworks.
[Column] NJ Ayuk: Natural gas is key to addressing South Africa’s energy needs today and tomorrow
As the country’s fleet of mostly coal-powered plants struggles to keep up with electricity demand, South Africans are enduring daily power outages that last six to 10 hours a day.
VC firm Equator raises $40 million in commitments for African climate tech startups
The global venture capital firm with teams in Nairobi, Lagos, London, and Colorado, seeks to invest in high-growth, ready-to-scale ventures that are driven by technology and business model innovation in their quest to address material economic and sustainability challenges in the region.
AfDB approves $28.49 million grant to enhance Ghana’s universal electrification goal
The financing, which will come from the Climate Investment Funds (CIF)– Scaling Up Renewable Energy Program in Low Income Countries (SREP), will support construction of mini-grids, stand-alone solar photovoltaic systems and solar-based battery facilities for storing excess power, a practise known as net metering.
Nigerian logistics startup Fez Delivery raises $1 million funding to expand operations
This funding announcement follows Fez Delivery's acceptance as one of the only two logistics companies in Nigeria to have received investment from Techstars Toronto, an elite global tech accelerator.
Eni launches Sustainable Supply Chain Finance programme to support access to credit for companies committed to sustainable development
It is designed for Eni suppliers to receive advance payments from the scheme’s financial partners.
[Interview] Ayodeji Ayorinde, Co-founder, Artisankonect, Nigeria
Artisankonect is a Nigeran startup that helps outsource user requests to skilled persons. Africa Business Communities chats with Ayodeji Ayorinde, one of the founders.
Factor[e] Ventures launches a new venture studio to transform the African startup ecosystem
Delta40 focuses on technology-driven energy, agriculture, and mobility ventures led by diverse, experienced founders.
[Column] NJ Ayuk: How domestic gas production can help mitigate South Africa’s energy crisis
The country’s fuel and energy sector is truly in trouble, with power shortages and blackouts worse than ever before.
Volvo delivers the first heavy electric truck to Africa
Deployment of heavy electric trucks is now spreading across the world. With Europe and the US among the leaders, the shift to more sustainable transport is kicking off also in other parts of the world. In Africa, the first heavy electric truck is now being delivered in the city of Rabat in Morocco.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Investors bet on fintechs, startups
The past couple of weeks have seen a flurry of activities in several sectors of the Nigerian economy. Startups are receiving increasing financial backing from VCs for the growith of SMEs.
[ChatGPT Biography] Tony Elumelu, Founder of Heirs Holdings
Artificial Intelligence is taking the world by storm. As an experiment, Africa Business Communities is publishing a series of 100 biographies of the most successful entrepreneurs in Africa. We only ask the questions and let ChatGPT write.
[Interview] Fedir Ted Martynov, CEO, CARMACHAIN, Nigeria
Ted Martynov leads CARMACHAIN, a fintech outfit operating in Nigeria that enables credit data for lenders in markets underserved by credit bureaus.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Digitization on all fronts, tech takes the lead
There is an obvious, increasing amount of technology awareness, and appeals for more extensive technology trainings in Nigeria.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: What the entry of Somalia to the EAC means for region
This week, The East African Community (EAC) officially launched the verification mission to assess the Federal Republic of Somalia’s readiness to join the Community.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Improving business competitiveness in the region: The case of TradeMark Africa
As it rebrands to TradeMark Africa, TMA, in its bid to grow its continental footprint, aid for trade institution formerly known as TradeMark East, boasts of having made a lasting mark in East Africa where it has operated for over ten years.
EIB Climate Survey in Kenya
97% of Kenyan respondents say climate change is already affecting their everyday life.
[Column] Givemore T. Chiwanza: How has the Russia-Ukraine crisis affected Africa?
This Ukraine crisis escalated on 24 February 2022 and has tremendously impacted the global socio-economic terrain. The situation has and will continue to affect the African continent's financial system and food and energy security.
Enquête de la BEI sur le climat en Côte d’Ivoire
91 % de la population ivoirienne interrogée estiment que les changements climatiques ont déjà des répercussions sur leur quotidien.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Investments take priority over all
With global inflation spiraling out of control, every country is working harder than ever to welcome new enterprise and business. Nigeria made great progress in this in recent months.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Scaling startups’ investment in the region
As startups successfully raise funding, they are boosting their product and service portfolio while setting sight on the East African region for expansion. This
[Column] Patrick Utomi: For AfCFTA to deliver on its promise, we must address concerns of entrepreneurs
We must recognise the preponderance of micro-small and medium sized enterprise in the continent’s commercial landscape.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Accelerating sustainable and clean transport solutions
A bulk of East African countries’ electricity comes from renewables. Yet the region’s transport sector relies entirely on imported petroleum fuels.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Boosting small businesses’ competitivity in the region
Small businesses are the engine of the East African economic growth, employing millions and opening up the member states to interact with each other through seamless trade.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Local fintech spreads to East Africa, oil and gas find major milestone
Nigeria, like other countries of the world, is going through some economically turbulent times. Inflation is on the rise (recently pegged at 21.9%) and local startups are directly impacted by financial crises on the other side of the world.
Africa Business Communities Forum: Which African countries will perform best economically in 2022?
Africa Business Communities talked to several entrepreneurs and founders in the early months of the year, and they cast their votes on which African countries will thrive best in 2022.
Africa Business Communities Forum: Quels seront les pays Africains plus performants sur le plan économique en 2022?
Africa Business Communities s'est entretenu avec plusieurs entrepreneurs et fondateurs au cours des premiers mois de l'année, et ils ont voté pour déterminer quels pays africains seront les plus prospères en 2022.
[Column] NJ Ayuk: How Africa can capitalize on its mineral wealth to develop an electric vehicle value chain
As the entire global transportation marketplace marches toward an increasingly electrified and battery-powered future, many countries across the African continent stand at the threshold of profound economic opportunity.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Region warms up to the hospitality industry’s expansion binge
Global respected hotel brands are expanding their footprint and have identified Africa as a key investment destination with the East African region catching their attention for its MICE, business and leisure growth potential.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Partnerships bolster cross-border remittances and trade
This will also accelerate financial inclusion and remove the barriers around cross-border money transfers.
[Column] Mike Smollan: The effect of loadshedding on South African retail industry
With loadshedding recently declared the 2022 word of the year by the Pan South African Language Board - retailers, brands, and manufactures have faced heavy knocks in a sector that is still in recovery post lockdown
African Business Roundtable, Afreximbank organize free webinar masterclass, September 28
In continuation of the series of webinars that has been ongoing throughout the year, the African Business Roundtable and the African Import Export Bank (Afreximbank) are set to hold yet another webinar on capacity building and investor preparation.
L'African Business Roundtable et Afreximbank organisent un séminaire en ligne gratuit le 28 septembre
Dans la continuité de la série de webinaires qui s'est déroulée tout au long de l'année, l'African Business Roundtable et la Banque Africaine d'Import-Export (Afreximbank) vont organiser un autre webinaire sur le renforcement des capacités et la préparation des investisseurs.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Region’s startups are on an expansion binge
East African startups have been on an expansion drive, raising funding as they seek to tap into emerging opportunities in the region and across Africa while growing their portfolio.
[Interview] Dr. Mohamed El Sahili, CEO, Medland Hospital, Zambia
Dr. Mohamed El Sahili is the Chief Executive Officer of Medland Hospital, Zambia. As a medical doctor and entrepreneur, Dr. Sahili also serves on the board of key economic international organizations like the African Business Roundtable, the American Chamber of Commerce, Zambia, Olympic Youth Development Center and the Africa CEO Forum.
[Interview] Dr. Mohamed El Sahili, PDG, Hôpital Medland, Zambie
Le Dr Mohamed El Sahili est le directeur général de l'hôpital Medland, en Zambie. En tant que médecin et entrepreneur, le Dr Sahili siège également au conseil d'administration d'organisations économiques internationales clés, telles que l'African Business Roundtable et l'American Chamber of Commerce.
[Column] Tobias Alando: Key learnings from the waste management journey
The perception of waste as an unwanted material with no intrinsic value has dominated attitudes towards proper waste disposal. Yet, waste is a critical resource with the potential to transform the lives of Kenyans through the creation of jobs and wealth.
[Column] Tobias Alando: Securing our future: the path to net-zero
Accelerating the transition to energy efficiency and conservation is one of the surest ways of securing the future of our planet for generations to come. This is because, energy is at the heart of climate change.
The African Business Roundtable Project Preparation Masterclass Free Webinar, July 27
After discussions with a variety of advisory and investment institutions, and to further attract investment to projects, the African Business Roundtable Secretariat in association with Afreximbank has designed the “Project Preparation Masterclass”.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Gas price triggers ripple effect across industries
Nigeria’s inflation as of the month of May stood at 17.71%, but economists are now predicting just a month later a new figure we can expect at the end of this year.
The African Business Roundtable stays firm as Africa's private sector conduit to the world
The African Business Roundtable came into being in an era when Africa was hit by a horrendous economic climate. Between the fight for independence in many countries and the end of apartheid in South Africa, Africa’s private sector barely had any structure in the 1960s.
L'African Business Roundtable reste ferme en tant que conduit du secteur privé Africain vers le monde
L'African Business Roundtable a vu le jour à une époque où l'Afrique était frappée par un climat économique épouvantable. Entre la lutte pour l'indépendance de nombreux pays et la fin de l'apartheid en Afrique du Sud, le secteur privé Africain n'était guère structuré dans les années 1960.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Nigeria scores big in budget transparency
The infrastructure of Nigeria is such that for meaningful progress to be made, there must be give-and-take on the parts of the government and the people.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: South Sudan remains a strategic player in the region’s petroleum industry
Owing to its strategic position at the heart of a wider Nile Basin-East Africa hydrocarbons-rich area, South Sudan is emerging as the hub for petroleum industry services and exploration in the region.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Government, Industries move to expand women enterprise
With plunging profits in its prized sector, oil and gas, and an ever-climbing inflation, Nigeria is increasingly turning to what most of the world has been blind to – the potential of women in business.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Banks move into East Africa, telecom pushes NSE profit
The telecom industry this week recorded a peculiar development – the massive registration of Nigerian SIM card holders.
[Column] Alexandra Fraser: Angel investors plugging the early-stage funding gap in sub-Saharan Africa
To fill the early-stage funding gap, the continent urgently needs more investors.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Banks rally behind women-led SMEs
The NNPC has an approximated value of 50 trillion naira. With oil and gas infrastructure in Nigeria constantly plagued by mischief and vandalism, an ECOWAS expert has profferred a very interesting solution to this persisting problem
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Telecoms slide into banking, Central Bank ups interest rates
The last few days have shown us developments and setbacks, statistics that show growth on the one hand and room for improvement on the other.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Clean energy gets funding amid inflation and trade deficits
Oil and Gas has been a pillar supporting the Nigerian economy for a very long time. Rich in this natural resource, Nigeria may be guilty of neglecting other promising sectors, like Agriculture and even Insurance.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Digitization set to penetrate capital market, investment
Given the economic situation spreading across the globe in the last couple of years, it is with some optimism we can take the modest increase in Nigeria’s GDP.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: An economic overview for Q1
As we have seen over time, when one sectors hits a low point, another is seen hitting high notes. Such is the situation as we’ve seen it lately.
[Column] Kelly-Ann Mealia: Non-fungible Tokens (NFTs) and the Future of Capital Raising in Africa
More African energy projects should be crowdfunded either in fiat or digital currency and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to ensure that these projects get developed.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Telcos break new ground, digital loans gain momentum
Instant loans, sometimes called digital loans, are gaining speed in the country and the telecom sector took some giant steps forward this week.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Crude industry facts underlining the Nigerian economy
The Nigerian stock market indicators have shown lately a typical pattern in stock markets – investors stay loyal to the resilient stocks.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Experts point toward startup management for local productivity
Nigeria’s crown jewel, oil and gas, has been in a state of mild disrepair for several months now. There’s an ongoing fuel scarcity situation that is intensifying by the day and causing a ripple effect in every aspect of daily life.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Government, experts look to non-oil exports for economic recovery
The math is really simple – a rise in fuel prices leads to a rise in price in everything on the market because it costs more to transport it.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: A call for exports diversification for higher market gains
Agriculturists and entrepreneurs are working harder than ever to address food sufficiency, but energy rests firmly on the government’s shoulders.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Investing in women-led businesses to deepen integration
East African member states, private sector players and development partners have stepped up their investment in women-led businesses and SMEs in a move likely to impact cross-border trade and boost integration in the region.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Domestic savings, capital formation meet infrastructure demands
The Federal Government is taking huge strides to strengthen the infrastructure and agriculture industries in Nigeria.
[Column] Phyllis Wakiaga: Energy Reforms: A catalyst for an emerging economic powerhouse
The discourse on energy sector reforms is not unique to manufacturers but Kenyans at large, as many grapple with the high cost of electricity and frequent power outages.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: State to digitize tourism, FG takes on efficient mobility
Banking is one of the most thriving sectors in Nigeria. The reason for this success has been attributed to the efficiency with which this industry has leveraged technology to modernize its operations.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Financial institutions bank on tech to bolster offerings
East Africa financial institutions are betting on tech to boost their offerings, grow their customers’ portfolio and stay afloat in a competitive market.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: What EU’s lifting of financial sanctions on Burundi means for EAC
The EU made the decision in the wake of deteriorating political situation occasioned by a disputed presidential election in 2015.
The best ways to build your business brand and increase sales
What is business branding, how does it increase sales, why should you create a brand for your small business? These are some of the questions this article aims to answer.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Government, Central Bank turn focus to the startup movement
There’s an ongoing comparison in Nigeria's status quo that is causing some rift – the national statistics and reports are showing a promising and stable economy, but the situation on-ground reflects a different reality.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: 5G becomes national security policy, industries seek sustainability in technology
The one thing the current global pandemic has unilaterally effected in all nations is a rearrangement of priorities, both for people and for governments. Survival elements – food and healthcare – have taken lead position.
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COLUMNS.
[Column] Louis Avenant: Trends for African telcos in 2024
Africa’s vibrant telco sector is set for a bumper year in 2024 as it expands operations and broadens service offerings ...read full column here
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[Column] Virodh Sunderlall: What to expect from South Africa’s cybersecurity landscape in 2024
As widely reported last year, South Africa received the most cybersecurity threats on the continent by far ...read full column here
[Column] Stephen Bottger: The power of data analytics to revolutionise public safety
The use of applications, technology and data analytics can play a significant role in public safety globally ...read full column here
INTERVIEWS.
[Interview] Chester Wisniewski, Director of Global Field CTO, Sophos
Chester Wisniewski, the Director of Global Field CTO at Sophos, emphasizes several key trends and predictions for the cybersecurity realm in the coming year … read full interview here
[Interview]: Daniel Otu, Koa’s Production and Operations Director & the factory project lead
Daniel Otu, Koa’s Production and Operations Director & the factory project lead, touched on the challenges faced, the importance of sustainability, the role of local culture, and the lessons that shaped Koa’s future vision … read full interview here
[Interview] Oluwole Eweje, CEO-WATT Renewables Corporation
We provide sustainability for communities, especially communities that have very few businesses … read full interview here