tagresults
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.
IFC, Proparco and MIGA back Kasada to support Kenya’s hospitality sector
The financing package includes an $11 million loan from IFC and an $11 million parallel loan from Proparco. In addition, MIGA will provide $27.5 million in political risk insurance to the project.
Plexus Africa Finance collaborates with Altair Consultancy on housing and infrastructure projects in West Africa
The collaboration may also extend to include other nations on the African continent, based on project requirements.
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.
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.
Shelter Afrique Development Bank launches affordable housing credit guarantee programme in Nigeria
The innovative financing structure has begun with the first pilot transaction of ₦aira three billion (₦3 Billion) debt financing guarantee for Modern Shelter Systems and Services Limited under a comprehensive affordable housing program.
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.
IFC announces support for UNEP-GlobalABC buildings breakthrough target
IFC will become the first private sector-focused development financial institution globally to endorse the Buildings Breakthrough Target via its two climate innovations:
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.
SODIC expands in Egypt with the addition of two luxury hotels
Underpinned by SODIC's extensive expertise and reputation, Nobu's introduction into Egypt will anchor two of SODIC's developments – Cairo in the New Zayed area and a coastal development on the North Coast.
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.
[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.
CPS and African School of Economics join forces to establish University and Research Labs in Fumba Town
CPS to announce its partnership with the African School of Economics (ASE), spearheaded by Prof Leonard Wantchekon, the esteemed President and Founder.
Baron & Cabot Launches a portal to support the expansion of local real estate agencies in Africa
Baron and Cabot, a UK-based international real estate firm has launched a game-changing concept – a UK property portal that is offering a strategic expansion plan for real estate agencies in Africa.
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.
[ChatGPT Biography] Samih Sawiris, Founder of Orascom Development
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.
[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] Manu Chandaria, Founder of Comcraft Group
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
[ChatGPT Biography] Ashish Thakkar, Founder Mara Group
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.
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: 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.
[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.
[Column] Natasha Koli-Muhire: Housing financiers have vital role in promoting housing recovery post disaster
Many countries have constitutions that recognize the right to accessible and adequate housing and to reasonable standards of sanitation under their Bill of Rights. This right to adequate housing is critical more so within the context of disasters.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Bolstering integration with Tripartite Business Council
In a historic move for the integration process, The East African Business Council, COMESA and SADC Business Council recently launched and formed the African Tripartite Business Council.
[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] 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.
[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: 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: 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.
[Column] Muhammad Gambo: The Russia – Ukraine conflict and its impact on the built environment industry in Africa
The imminent food crisis resulting from the war is the topic du jour. However, there are other sectors to consider; one of them is the Built Environment.
[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.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Nigeria sets course to unify industry benefits, lead Africa's 5G
Following a turbulent year of stock market fluctuations, restrictions related to an ongoing pandemic and varying economic instabilities, predictions on Nigeria’s performance last year ranged from inferior to mediocre to excellent.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: The 'ember' months performance review
The end of year (fondly referred to as ‘ember months’) tends to bring about anxieties of different sorts among Nigerians.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Industries unanimously look toward renewable, sustainable practices
The Covid-19 crisis has been cause for numerous economic slumps round the world; companies were shut down, production halted, industries crippled and prices skyrocketed the world over.
[Column] Roger Long: Divergent trends in property values across Africa
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic not only affected people and communities, but also impacted commercial property values across the world. This report looks at the effect of the pandemic on property values in Africa.
[Startup Interview] Adedokun Muhammed-Ali Adedeji, Founder, Brightcloud Automobile, Nigeria
Adedokun Muhammed-Ali Adedeji is a Nigerian innovator, entrepreneur and logistics manager. A green mobility advocate, Adedokun is the founder of Brightcloud Automotive.
[Column] Babatunde Oyateru: Africa should rethink business models for impact and sustainability
Is the corporate goal of an organisation solely to return a profit to its shareholders, or should it be purpose-driven and respond to wider societal needs at the expense of robust profits?
[Column] Mathew Hall: Why off-grid solutions are starting to make more sense to South Africans
With load shedding back and disrupting day to day life, compounded by consumers feeling the 15% increase on their electricity bill, alternative sources of energy are starting to look more attractive to South Africans.
Eastern and Southern Africa's vast renewables potential offers route to sustainable growth, IRENA
Eastern and Southern Africa are vast, geographically diverse regions with rapidly growing populations and rising demands for energy. According to master plans for the two regional power pools, electricity demand is set to grow.
[Column] Andres Vega: Powerships: A solution for Africa’s energy short-term supply?
Energy poverty represents one of the most critical challenges for development in Africa. According to the International Energy Agency, in 2019, the continent had more than 580 million people without electricity access.
[Interview] Victoria Nannozi, CEO, The Association of Real Estate Agents, Uganda
The Association of Real Estate Agents, AREA-Uganda, is an umbrella institution of real estate agency/brokerage companies, consultancy real estate firms, and real estate agency /brokerage professionals in Uganda that have key interests in real estate agency/brokerage.
[Column] Titilayo Adewumi: Building greater sustainability, climate resilience in West Africa
Across Africa, urban centres are rapidly expanding as the continent’s large – and growing – youth population seek better fortunes in the city.
[Column] Charné Hundermark: South Sudan pursues a power sector revival
South Sudan is re-directing its focus on power sector development in a bid to dramatically transform its electricity market, which faces a deficit of approximately 170 MW and has led to one of the lowest electricity access rates globally.
[Column] Gaopalelwe Santswere: What the future hold for South Africa’s energy mix
South Africa relies on coal-fired power stations to produce approximately 90% of its electricity. Moving forward, the country's aim should be to reduce this percentage.
[Startup Interview] Tony Botha, Managing Director, carbonTRACK Africa, South Africa
carbonTRACK Africa is a South Africa technology startup that seeks to create a world where energy is consumed sustainably, shared fairly and empowers all people.
Rystad Energy analysis shows Africa’s renewable energy capacity is set for consecutive years of growth
Africa’s installed capacity of renewable energy, which stood at 12.6 gigawatt (GW) in 2019, is set for consecutive years of growth, a Rystad Energy analysis shows.
[Column] Emma Colenbrander: Is an Amazon for Africa’s “energy poor” in the making?
A majority of consumers in Africa still live off the grid, in what are commonly called "last-mile" communities.
New economic analysis for Malawi calls for efficient public investment management to improve service delivery in water and energy
Malawi faces an infrastructure investment gap in the energy and water and sanitation sectors of approximately $332 million per year due to limited fiscal space combined with weak public investment management and inefficient State Owned Enterprises.
[Column] Phyllis Wakiaga: Promoting sustainability through energy efficiency and conservation
Energy Efficiency might sound like ‘ Board Room speak’ to many, but what is it really?
New analysis shows onshore wind potential across Africa enough to power the entire continent many times over
Developing Africa’s huge onshore wind energy potential can boost its transition to affordable and reliable clean energy. For the first time ever, wind and solar made up the majority of the world’s new power generation in 2019.
Finance for renewables in developing countries on the rise, IRENA highlights
Global finance to developing countries in support of clean and renewable energy reached $21.3 billion in 2017, which almost doubles the level from 2010 when international financial flows were at $10 billion.
[Column] Toufik Khitous: How Egypt bets on renewables to meet expected energy demand surge
To meet its soaring demand for energy, Egypt is turning to renewable sources. Its targets, if accomplished, will see it become a pioneer in the African energy landscape. But are the plans realistic?
[Column] Siyabonga Mbanjwa: Delivering sustainable energy across Africa in a more accessible and reliable way
The global Coronavirus pandemic has disrupted the operating environment for both the public and private sectors as a result of the unprecedented lockdowns and restrictions put in place by countries to curb infections.
[Column] Dr. Kevin Kariuki: The journey to electrifying Africa
Five years into the African Development Bank’s ambitious New Deal on Energy for Africa, the Bank’s investments are set to provide electricity access to around 13 million people.
[Column] Victor Oladokun: Africa's lockdown nightmare
Across Africa, affordable housing is in acute short supply. It is one of the reasons why lockdowns and social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic are unimaginable and unsustainable.
[Column] Verner Ayukegba: Africa’s energy transition must be African at heart and in practice
Africa is at an energy cross-road. On one hand, the most talented, better educated, most entrepreneurial and competitive generation the continent has ever had is rising.
The investment case for energy transition in Africa
Falling technology costs have made renewable energy a cost-effective way to generate power in countries all over the world, which would drive further development and improved economy.
[Startup Interview] Oluwatosin Dada, CEO, Dadus Properties, Nigeria
Oluwatosin Dada is the CEO of Dadus Properties, a Nigerian real estate startup of property development and management consultants.
[Column] Olagoke Aluko: Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) regulations lead the way in reshaping consumer behaviour and industry in Kenya
Kenya has paid a heavy price in lives lost for its slow uptake of LPG as a cooking fuel.
[Column] John Defterios: The global energy challenge and the answers that lie in renewable power
It is big, fast growing, with a young population and a middle class that is nearly as big as the entire U.S. population.
[Interview] Anne Wambui Gaitha, CEO, Regal Africa, Kenya
Anne Wambui Gaitha is an investment and financial services professional. She founded Regal Africa in 2015. Located at Top Plaza, 4th floor, Kindaruma Road, Kilimani, Nairobi, the company provides diverse financial services in East Africa.
[Startup Interview] Wilhelmina Diop, Marketing Director, HelloSolar, Ethiopia
Wilhelmina Diop is investing her skills in Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development into providing rural communities in Ethiopia with affordable access to power, through the startup company, HelloSolar.
[Column] Samuel Kariuki: East African real estate investors discover the working class
The last 20 years of real estate boom in East Africa has changed our building landscape and inventory, as it quite rightly should have done.
[Kenya Business Week] No to robots in banks
Even as Kenya continues to record impressive penetration of technology, a section of citizens still prefer the brick and mortar services and are still apprehensive about embracing new innovations among them machine intelligence.
Ten developments that will shape Africa’s energy sector in 2019
After a year of rebound and recovery, Africa’s old and new hydrocarbons markets have an opportunity to further entrench the continent’s position as the world’s hottest oil and gas frontier in 2019.
[Kenya Business Week] US key investment target in Africa
US has reiterating its commitment to strong partnerships with key countries in Africa, specifically naming Kenya as a target for future US aid and investment.
[Column] Armando Da Silva: Why solar power is the obvious solution for South Africa
As South Africa kicks off the New Year with a lower petrol price and hopes for a constructive 2019, there are some looming problems that hinder the great spirit of the country.
[Column] Sachen Gudka: Tracking Kenya Big Four Agenda’s performance
By deliberately centering Manufacturing in the Big 4 Agenda, Kenya made an expedient decision to steer itself back on the fast track towards realizing Vision 2030.
[Kenya Business Week] Manufacturing, automation and job creation nexus
Even with mounting fears that rapid automation could reduce the number of jobs in the Kenya’s manufacturing sector, a new report posits that digital technologies can, in fact, boost job creation.
[Kenya Business Week] Leveraging the blue economy wave to boost national purse
Kenya has this week successfully hosted the first global conference on blue economy that brought together over 16,000 delegates.
[Kenya Business Week] Flying into new opportunities
African countries have been pushing for an open skies agreement to make intra Africa trade and movement cheaper and faster.
[Column] Bob Koigi: Renewable energy lights the way for Africa
The growing appetite for energy in Africa despite unreliable hydro power has birthed renewable energy renaissance.
[Nigeria Business Week] Towards sensible investments, capital pours in from the outside
For a country as populous as Nigeria, the wheels can and should not stop rotating. Supply rarely ever exceeds demand, investors are always welcome and jobs are never surplus.
[Kenya Business Week] Cementing bilateral relations with South Africa, China
As Kenya continues to cement its position as East Africa’s economic powerhouse, it has been on a charm offensive targeting African and global public and private players.
[Interview] Irfan Mirza, CEO, Trend Solar, Tanzania
Irfan Mirza is an IT consultant, project manager and strategist who co-founded Trend Solar, a power solution for rural communities in Africa.
[Kenya Business Week] Breathing new life into SMEs
Small and medium sized businesses in Kenya represents 75 per cent of the country's workforce, constitute 98 percent of all businesses in Kenya and contribute 3 percent to the national purse.
[Kenya Business Week] The economic cost of trade misinvoicing
Even as Kenya continues to seal loopholes of money laundering and illicit flows, details are emerging that the country is experiencing sophisticated forms of tax evasion.
[Kenya Business Week] Renewed onslaught on fake news
With Kenya having experienced proliferation of online news channels occasioned by an impressive penetration of the internet and a critical mass of consumers with an insatiable appetite for breaking news, truth and fact have been the latest casualties.
[Kenya Business Week] Fertilizer shortage and the ripple effects
Mergers, expansions, partnerships, taxation controversy and delays at major installations have dominated Kenya’s headlines this week.
[South Africa Business Week] Why SA entrepreneurs are not thriving
A Study carried out on more than 1000 entrepreneurs in South Africa revealed that entrepreneurship in South Africa is not thriving, despite the fact that South Africa is one of Africa's strongest economies.
[Kenya Business Week] Towards affordable housing
As Kenya aims for mid- level economic status it has set targets it hopes will propel it to this dream.
[Startup Interview] Tomiwa Majekodunmi, CEO, NASPA, Nigeria
At a time when the electricity needs of Africa continue to outstrip available supply, a company in Nigeria is investing in providing low cost, clean and sustainable energy to especially those not connected to the national grid.
[Kenya Business Week] Tackling illicit financial flows
In one of the most historic developments in the country, President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Swiss counterpart Alain Berset have overseen the signing of a key agreement that clears the way for the recovery of assets acquired through corruption and crime in Kenya
[Kenya Business Week] Gauging regional growth through Kenya’s prism
As one of East Africa’s big brothers in economic growth and development, Kenya has this week continued to attract praise and investment with its landmark investments delivering impressive payoffs.
[Interview] Reuben Kimani, CEO, Username Investment, Kenya
Reuben Kimani is an engineer, ICT professional and currently the CEO of Kenyan Real Estate company, Username Investment.
[Kenya Business Week] Energizing investor relations
Kenya this week continues to strategically place itself to benefit from regional integration and reap from its warm relationship with development partners and international investors.
[Kenya Business Week] Power to businesses
As Kenya now fully recovers from a grueling election that took a toll on its economy, key sectors are experienced renewed resurgence and the business climate is promising.
[Column] Hannes Venter: Tomorrow's smart cities will need equally smart utilities
Sustainable energy consumption and 'green' energy production at home is becoming a new lifestyle.
[Interview] Peter Tole, Co-Founder and Director, Land LayBy Real Estate, Kenya
The real estate firm, Land LayBy was founded by Dr. Peter Tole, a Kenyan medical doctor resident in Australia, in 2014. Land LayBy is a unique combination of assistance to Africans in diaspora and accelerating economic growth on the continent.
[Startup Interview] Oladunmade Otitoola, Founder, RentYourHall, Nigeria
Oladunmade Otitoola, an entrepreneur and beneficiary of the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Program in 2016, is founder of RentYourHall, Nigeria. Africa Business Communities poses him some questions on development of the startup.
[Startup Interview] Frank Balestra, Founder, AB Minerals & Made for Africa Eco-Friendly solution
Frank Balestra is a Canadian who has lived in Africa the better part of the last five years, both in the DRC and Rwanda. This has given him a good understanding of the people, the African culture, the countries and the coltan industry.
Reshaping the future of real estate for African cities
Researchers predict that in 2030, Lagos, Cairo and Kinshasa will each have to cater for over 20 million people, while Luanda, Dar es Salaam and Johannesburg will have crossed the 10 million mark.
Roads & Corridors East Africa 2017 | 20-21 June Nairobi, Kenya
Governments across East Africa are set to change transportation and trade development by investing in the expansion and rehabilitation of existing roads, the creation of new road links between key cities and cross-border connections
[Column] Phyllis Wakiaga: Empowering women through renewable energy
The more central energy is to our lives, the more crucial it is to provide equal access and distribution for all in order to secure our country’s future. Increasingly, what we are realizing is that this accessibility is made problematic and the lack of it exacerbated by the growing poverty gap in spite of modern technological advances.
The Kenyan real estate market and the introduction of Real Estate Investment Trusts
The past decade has seen significant growth in most key sectors of the Kenyan economy, thanks to a vibrant private sector and the ever-increasing foreign appetite for investments in Africa.
African Energy Chamber launches initiative to celebrate women in the sector
The African Energy Chamber has launched a new initiative that not only celebrates women in the energy sector but empowers them too – The African Women Business Energy Network.
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