tagresults
EIB’s Water Sector Fund invests €10 million to support innovative businesses in Africa and Asia
W2AF is a “water-focused” blended finance impact fund targeting sustainable and scalable solutions that improve access to safe, affordable drinking water for underserved populations, mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa and South and Southeast Asia.
Nexgen Packaging opens African headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya
Nexgen Packaging, a global provider of apparel brand identification and packaging products, has announced the grand opening of its African headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.
[Kenya] Mombasa green entrepreneurs launch Zero Waste Festival
Zero Waste Fest culminated a week-long digital campaign dubbed #BeatPlasticPollution aimed at addressing the plastic pollution menace in Mombasa.
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.
IATA partners with Smart Freight Centre on carbon emission calculations
The two organizations will focus efforts on developing the cargo component of IATA’s CO2 Connect offering, which successfully launched its passenger version in 2022.
Zambia validates blue economy strategy
The strategy will guide the nation in advancing knowledge on biotechnology, environmental sustainability and ecosystem services.
IBM commits $45 million towards resilient cities
IBM also announced that it would increase investment in the pro-bono social impact program by 50%.
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.
Mastercard partners with CarbonSifr to advance climate action in MENA region
The innovation-driven partnership aims to equip small businesses in the region with innovative tools to measure, reduce and compensate for their carbon footprint.
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.
[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.
[Column] Hassan Egeh: What does it mean for Somalia to join East Africa Communities (EAC)?
Somalia was admitted into the East African Community (EAC) on Friday Novermber24, 2023 the eighth member of the bloc as it seeks to expand free trade across the region.
Only a fifth of companies are on track for net zero, report
Over a third (38%) say they cannot make further investments in decarbonization in the current economic environment, according to new research from Accenture.
[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.
OPEC Fund commits $21 million to enhance water supply in Rwanda
The OPEC Fund loan complements a US$143.3 financing package provided together with the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (AFDF), the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) and the Export-Import Bank of Hungary.
Western Australia to host 24th WTTC Global Summit after Kigali
During the closing session of the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Global Summit in Kigali, Western Australia was announced as the host for 2024, marking the first time the event will visit Oceania.
[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.
JSE partners with Xpansiv to launch voluntary carbon market to advance South Africa’s carbon credit capabilities
This sustainability initiative will allow local participants to buy or sell carbon credits and renewable energy certificates that are held in either local or global registries.
Dalberg Advisors appoints Lillian Kidane as new Regional Director for Africa
Dalberg Advisors, a global impact consultancy committed to building a more inclusive and sustainable world, has appointed Lillian Kidane as the new Regional Director for Africa region.
80% of SMEs in South Africa project similar or increased revenue in 2023, Mastercard report
From surviving to thriving in the post-COVID world, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa are projecting similar or increased revenues in 2023.
BFA Global, FSD Africa And IUCN Launch a $1 million initiative powering ocean sustainability in Africa
Thiis initiative, made possible through funding from FSD Africa and the Canadian Government, builds on TECA’s (Triggering Exponential Climate Action) expertise in fostering blue innovation over the last year through a successful pilot wave supported by FSD Africa.
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.
[Column] Marlene Mutimawase: Promoting women's leadership for land restoration in Africa
African Union in partnership with the Government of Kenya and Africa Climate Summit brings together leaders from governments, businesses, international organizations, and civil society to showcase a diverse range of bold innovative climate actions taking place across 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.
[Chronique]Frida Frans: L'impact des coups d'État sur les accords de commerce et la stabilité économique en Afrique de l'Ouest
La récente série de coups d'État en Afrique de l'Ouest a entraîné des bouleversements politiques dans la région. Ces coups d'État survenus au Mali, en Guinée, au Burkina Faso et au Niger se caractérisent par des changements soudains et souvent violents à la tête du pays.
[Column] Chika Idoko: Bridging the divide: Confronting Socioeconomic inequality In Sub-Saharan Africa
As leaders who support mainstreaming equality, diversity, and inclusion, we aim to ensure that every individual, regardless of their background, enjoys the same rights, opportunities, and dignity.
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.
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.
[Column] Anthony Mwangi: Why accelerating circular economy is a no brainer for Kenya
The concept of a circular economy is increasingly being recognized globally as crucial for achieving global sustainability goals.
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.
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.
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.
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.
eco.business Fund receives $67 million from BMZ and KfW to support sustainable practices in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America
The eco.business Fund has received investments for an aggregate amount of USD 67 million from its strategic partners, the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), acting through KfW Development Bank (KfW), and KfW on its own behalf.
[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.
[Column] Shabir Ahmed: Practical approach, clear business case needed for sustainability success
Effective sustainability-led business transformation creates long-term value for organisations as well as the communities and environment in which they operate.
[Interview] Gbolahan Tobi Ayediran, MD, Suit-U Travels, Nigeria
Gbolahan Tobi Ayediran is a Nigerian entrepreneur and the founder of an NGO dedicated to creating support and opportunities for widows and orphans, while running an agency for travel and tourism.
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.
[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
[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.
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: 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
[Column] Goodie M. Ibru: What the AfCFTA brings to the table in Africa
The trade and investment layout of the African Continent is a story of both promise and missed opportunities. With a population of over 1.2 billion, Africa promises a huge and promising market.
[Column] Edna Eason: Procurement is now pivotal to ensuring a sustainable future
ESG (environmental, social, and governance) metrics are gaining popularity as a barometer to hold companies accountable for their sustainability efforts.
Forum de l'African Business Roundtable: Que peuvent faire les gouvernements Africains pour renforcer le secteur privé du continent?
African Business Rountable (ABR), créé par le Groupe de la Banque Africaine de Développement en 1990, est la principale association d'entreprises et de chefs d'entreprise d'Afrique et représente la Société Africaine des Affaires auprès des Nations Unies.
African Business Roundtable Forum: What can African governments do to elevate the continent’s private sector?
The African Business Rountable (ABR), set up by the African Development Bank Group in 1990, is Africa’s foremost and continent-wide association of businesses and business leaders, and is the representative of the African Business Society to the United Nations.
[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.
[Interview] Dr. Mima Nedelcovych, Chairman, AfricaGlobal Schaffer
Dr. Mima Nedelcovych is the Founder and Chairman of AfricaGlobal Schaffer, a strategic consulting firm focused on project development, project finance, trade facilitation, and public-private partnerships in developing countries, with a particular focus on Africa.
[Interview] Dr. Mima Nedelcovych, Président, AfricaGlobal Schaffer
Mima Nedelcovych est fondateur et président d'AfricaGlobal Schaffer, une société de conseil stratégique spécialisée dans le développement de projets, le financement de projets, la facilitation du commerce et les partenariats public-privé dans les pays en développement, et plus particulièrement en Afrique.
[Column] Cameron Tandy: Mining industry is becoming a steward of sustainability and decarbonization
For a long time, the mining industry was considered a contributor to the problem of environmental sustainability, but now it is increasingly seen as a critical part of the solution.
[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] Tracy Bolton: How to close the gap between sustainability and profitability
New research has highlighted the challenges most organisations face with balancing sustainability and profitability.
[Column] Vukani Mngxati: CEOs must prioritize sustainability and risk mitigation
I was appalled at reports suggesting the possibility of malfeasance in relief fund distribution and along with other members of the business community welcome strong words by President Ramaphosa that corruption in this respect will not be tolerated.
Côte d'Ivoire as a country for investment
Côte d'Ivoire has raised its reputation as a leading party for investment when considering francophone Africa but also considering the continent as a whole.
[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.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Region bets on bioeconomy to bolster growth
Among the key interventions proposed in the strategy is the creation of new forms of sustainable bioenergy, and the conversion of waste materials to useful products.
[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.
[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.
[Column] Andy Tomkins: Remanufacturing, the missing link in recycling
Many businesses and individuals are making an active effort to reduce environmental impact, especially by aligning with the concept of the circular economy.
[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.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Harnessing the potential of African intermediary cities
Africa’s urbanization rate has reached a record high with the continent being the most urbanized globally.
[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.
Les citadins africains bénéficient d’une meilleure qualité de vie
Malgré leur croissance rapide, les grandes villes africaines ont assuré, au cours des trente dernières années, un meilleur accès aux services, aux emplois et aux infrastructures à des millions de citadins que les localités de petite taille.
[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: 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.
[Column] Phyllis Wakiaga: Policies must reflect commitment to climate change mitigation
Over the last few years, Kenya has embarked on a rigorous campaign designed to restore and conserve the environment. The country has recorded remarkable progress on this front.
[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.
[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.
[Column] Tracy Bolton: How to build a sustainable business in 2022
As our fragile planet experiences unprecedented man-made changes to its climate, organisations are being challenged to move onto a more sustainable path in 2022.
[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.
Share this article
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
.png)
[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