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Kenya to host flower buyers from 75 countries for the 11th edition of International Flower Trade Exhibition
Nairobi is set to host the global flower trade fraternity for the 11th edition of the International Flower Trade Exhibition (IFTEX) from June 4-6 2024, as Kenya stamps its growing dominance in the sector.
African healthtech shows resilience with mere 2% decline in funding while broader tech ecosystem plunges in 2023, report
Healthcare consulting firm Salient Advisory has launched its latest Intelligence Report, presenting findings on funding activity, covering grant, equity, and debt investments for African healthtech startups in 2023
Digital commerce in Africa to expand 25% per year by 2026, report
Africa has emerged as a frontier for the new online consumer class, representing an estimated 10 million new consumers in 2024 and trailing only Asia as a region. This is according to the new annual Beyond Borders digital payments and commerce report by EBANX
EAC experts adopt strategies to boost the region's agricultural, pharmaceutical and leather sectors
East African Community (EAC) regional experts in the agricultural, pharmaceutical, and leather sectors convened in Nairobi, Kenya, to review the progress achieved within their respective industries and to formulate recommendations aimed at enhancing growth and scaling up regional trade.
Vodacom, Safaricom hit 200 million subscribers
Vodacom Group’s subscriber base including Safaricom has now surpassed 200 million for the first time, having previously achieved 100 million customers in 2018.
15% of companies in the Middle East, Turkiye, Africa region do not train employees on IT
According to Kaspersky’s Business Digitization survey, only 29% of companies surveyed in the Middle East, Turkiye, and Africa (META) region organised training on cybersecurity for their employees.
[South Africa] Ninety percent of CEOs are waiting for GenAI to move past the hype, report
Seventy-one percent of global executives surveyed say they plan to increase tech investments in 2024—an 11-point jump from 2023—and even more (85%) plan to increase their spending on AI and GenAI.
23% of companies in the META region suffered from malicious actions by staff, report
A Kaspersky study found that in the past two years, 78% of companies surveyed in the META region have faced cyber incidents in different forms, 23% of which were caused by deliberate malicious behaviour by employees
Philippines, Rwanda sign agreement to bolster bilateral cooperation
Under the MOU, the Philippines and Rwanda will collaborate in the fields of human resources development, scientific and technological exchanges, education, health, agriculture, gender, youth, environmental issues, and security.
[Column] Agnes Kalibata: Urgent action and leadership critical for climate wins
Climate change stands as a threat to the foundations of our global food systems, unrivalled in its scope and impact. Today, soaring temperatures, shifting weather patterns, and extreme weather are adversely affecting our ability to feed ourselves, demanding urgent solutions.
47% of companies in the Middle East, Turkiye, Africa region plan to outsource cybersecurity, report
Company bosses are boosting their cybersecurity following an alarming increase in cyberattacks, a new study commissioned by Kaspersky has found.
Generative AI skills gap slowing down AI adoption EMEA region, report
Organisations in the EMEA region plan to embrace AI solutions but are slowed by a generative AI skills gap. This is according to a new report released by hybrid multi-cloud computing provider Nutanix.
Retailers are struggling to deal with ransomware attacks, Sophos report
After surveying 3,000 IT/cybersecurity leaders in organizations with between 100 and 5,000 employees (including 355 from the retail sector), across 14 countries in the Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacific Sophos found that only 26% of retail organizations this past year were able to disrupt a ransomware attack.
75% of healthcare organisations lose data to ransomware attacks, Sophos report
Cybercriminals successfully encrypted data in nearly 75% of ransomware attacks on healthcare organisations. This is according to the The State of Ransomware in Healthcare 2023 report released by cybersecurity firm Sophos.
Kenyan consumers remain optimistic, but financial worries weigh heavy, report
According to TransUnion’s Consumer Pulse Study, one of the significant factors contributing to the decrease in household income was job loss, with 30% of consumers reporting that someone in their household lost their job over the past month.
Kenya among top countries receiving most DDOS attacks amid ongoing geopolitical unrest
Kenya has been listed among the top five countries hit by distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks in the first half of 2023. Other countries include France, Germany, Italy, and Saudi Arabia
[South Africa] Companies acknowledge inadequate budgets to address the root cause of breaches, J2 Software survey
A recent survey revealed that 58% of organisations believe their budgets allocated to manage insider risks are insufficient to effectively mitigate the increasing costs and frequency of security incidents instigated by individuals within the organisation.
[Free Webinar] Global Payment Strategies for Shipping & Logistics: Empowering Seamless Trade
Join this insightful webinar that delves into the world of global payment strategies tailored to empower seamless trade within the shipping and logistics industry.
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.
Power tools manufacturer STIHL East Africa grows regional footprint one year into operation
The transformation into STIHL East Africa Limited, launched in August 2022, is attributed to the region's growing demand for power tools.
Mobile threats in the Middle East, Turkiye, Africa region rise in Q2 2023
The number of mobile threat detections particularly in the Middle East, Turkiye, and Africa region increased by 5% in Q2 2023 compared to Q2 2022.
43% of employees in META region afraid of losing job due to lack of digital skills, report
Among those who think they are most likely to lose their job because of the lack of digital skills within the next 5 years are department heads (29%) and top managers (15%).
New UK projects announced to fight climate change in Africa
hese projects will focus on mobilising finance for climate action and help people manage the impact of climate change across the continent.
[Column] Rajan Shah: Strengthening local value chains key to Kenya’s transformation
The government, through the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), has committed to drive economic and inclusive growth through agricultural value chain approach.
[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.
[South Africa] Financial Sector surpasses the National Average as Data Breach Costs Reach R73.1 Million
The average data breach cost for South African organizations reached R49.45 million in 2023 – an all-time high according to the IBM Security annual Cost of a Data Breach Report.
Nigeria trails South Africa and Kenya in Africa’s B2B payment revolution
Nigeria trails South Africa and Kenya in the development of key B2B payment processes across Africa, including the adoption of electronic bank transfers, speed of processing invoices and payment automation.
Kenya experiences 82% increase in cyber-attacks, Liquid C2 Cybersecurity Report
Cyber-attacks on Kenyan businesses increased by 82 percent according to a cybersecurity report released by Liquid C2, a business unit of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.
STIHL EA sets eyes on localizing its product development with $100 million investment
Power tools manufacturer STIHL East Africa has announced it will invest Sh100 million in local accessories manufacturing every year as it seeks to localise its product development in the region.
The driving forces: Major industries impacting the African economy
Despite the challenges it's facing, Africa is home to some of the world’s fastest economies. With a fast-growing population and a wealth of natural resources, it has become an attractive destination for investors to capitalize on its untapped potential.
Kenya lost Ksh 3.6 billion to cyber criminals in 2022, report
Kenya’s losses to cyber criminals reached Ksh 3.6 billion (USD 36 million) in 2022, compared to Nigeria and South Africa where they are nearly tenfold at Ksh 50 billion (USD 500 million) and Ksh 57 billion (USD 570 million) respectively.
Elgon Kenya MD Dr. Bimal Kantaria appointed to the global advisory council of CWEIC
The Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, CWEIC, has selected agro input company Elgon Kenya as its strategic partner and appointed its Managing Director Dr. Bimal Kantaria to its global advisory council.
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.
Kenya and Rwanda sign agreement on 10 areas of cooperation
Kenya and Rwanda Tuesday signed an agreement in 10 areas of cooperation to enhance relations. The Memorandum of Understanding will establish mechanisms for effective cooperation in Education, ICT, Gender and Child Development, Youth and Capacity Development for the Public Service.
[Interview] Awe Oludayo, Managing Partner, OS Concepts, Nigeria
Awe Oludayo is a business analyst with specialties in business process improvement, business process improvement and business process management. He's the managing partner of OS Concepts, headquartered in Nigeria.
Food tech company GrubMarket expands into Egypt
These developments represent GrubMarket's underlying commitment to building a robust, global supply chain for high-quality, fresh produce.
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.
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.
[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.
[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.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: 2022 statistics outline Nigeria's economic status quo
Despite all the setbacks plaguing economies the world over, Nigeria’s GDP for 2022 is projected to be north of $500billion, the largest in Africa. All eyes are now turned to what these next 12 months could bring Africa’s largest economy.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Enhancing regional digital integration
As East Africa seeks to become a more deeply integrated and dynamic digital investment, innovation, and growth hub, it is exploring initiatives and partners to help it drive that agenda as it seeks to boost its competitiveness as an investment hub.
[East Africa Business Week] Growing the region’s investment portfolio
In the last week, a series of investments across East Africa have been unveiled by corporates, banks, multinationals and development partners as the region continues to position itself as an investment hub in the continent.
[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: Deepening diaspora remittances, driving regional investment
In a first of its kind move, The East African Community (EAC) has announced setting up a Diaspora desk that will focus on facilitating East Africans living in the diaspora to invest and trade in the region.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Cushioning food systems from shocks
This week, thousands of delegates across the continent and beyond are gathered in Kigali, Rwanda for the African Green Revolution Forum, AGRF, an annual event bringing governments and partners together around food security and making safe, nutritious foods produced in a sustainable way available to all Africans.
[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.
[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.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Actualizing the Common Market Protocol
The Summit discussed a raft of issues touching on the region from infrastructure development, energy transition, removing all restrictions on air transport services and strengthening the community.
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.
[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.
[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.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Region bets on $91.5 million budget to drive economic integration
This week, the East African Community has tabled before the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) the budget estimates for the 2022/2023 Financial Year totaling $91.5 million.
[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: FG targets unidentified sim cards, CBN targets non-compliant banks
Events this week have taken an interesting turn – investors have in the last few days demonstrated a lack of confidence in the banking sector, otherwise known for its resilience in the face of economic instability.
[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: Persistent shortages and inflation call for new measures
Africa has in the past decade positioned itself as a knowledge economy, with one of the most robust startup ecosystems in the world.
[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: 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: Domestic savings, capital formation meet infrastructure demands
The Federal Government is taking huge strides to strengthen the infrastructure and agriculture industries in Nigeria.
[Column] Rene McGregor: How to find the story in a business’s data and then action it
It's broadly understood that a data literate person can read, understand, communicate, argue and apply insights from data.
[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.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Economic conditions returning to pre-pandemic levels
The startup movement has picked up pace in Nigeria over the last decade, with the government and responsible agencies ramping up efforts in motivating the burgeoning industry.
[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.
[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: Come dry season, food production and supply chain gain emphasis
As we have established time and again, fertile lands and an able, skilled workforce are a vital combination for a thriving agricultural sector.
[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.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Nigeria enters green market, takes on AfCFTA implementation
The collaboration of government with industries is crucial for economic progress, be the market large or small. Nigeria knows this and is taking steps to work closely and create better transparency in one of the country’s most robust industries.
[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.
[Interview] Stephan Eyeson, fondateur et PDG, Survey54
L'entrepreneur Britanique-Ghanéen, Stephan Eyeson, est actuellement PDG et fondateur de la société panafricaine de collecte de renseignements sur les consommateurs, Survey54.
[Interview] Stephan Eyeson, Founder & CEO, Survey54
British-Ghanaian entrepreneur, Stephan Eyeson, is current CEO and Founder of pan-African consumer intelligence gathering firm, Survey54.
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.
[Africa Business Panel] 6 percent of African Business Professionals expect their companies not to survive the Covid-19 Crisis
About 2/3 of the African companies (62%) say they are struggling but will survive. Almost a third of companies (29%) say they are doing well and the near future is looking good
[Survey] Threats and Opportunities for African Business in 2020 and beyond
As a valued member of Africa Business Communities, we invite you to participate in this a survey to better understand the impact of COVID19 on the current economy in general and within specific industries, but also look at the near future
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.
African Development Bank delivers on a decade of transformative commitments to reduce poverty
For the past five decades, the African Development Bank Group has been at the forefront of driving Africa’s economic transformation, leveraging its diverse resources and unique know-how as an indigenous development finance institution.
Most commodity prices to drop in 2020 as COVID-19 depresses demand, disrupts supply, World Bank
The global economic shock of the COVID-19 pandemic has driven most commodity prices down and is expected to result in substantially lower prices over 2020, the World Bank said in its April Commodity Markets Outlook.
[Column] Bob Koigi: Of coronavirus crisis and the silver lining for Africa
As economies take a hit from the impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic, the crisis is birthing opportunities and continues to create crucial lessons on resilience and adaptation especially in Africa.
[Interview] Bob Koigi, Africa Business Communities
Bob Koigi, multiple award winning journalist and East Africa Region Chief Editor at Africa Business Communities, was recently selected as one of the 100 worldwide most influential people of African descent under 40
[Column] Okisegere Ojepat: Why multiple, conflicted agencies make a mess of food safety
Safe food is essential to our health and wellbeing; yet it has emerged as a political football in recent months, as different authorities chase a role in food testing.
[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] Bob Koigi: Technology farming is the answer to Africa’s growing food demand
The unprecedented population boom in Africa, the highest world over, continues to put more pressure on food producers as they grapple with having more mouths to feed.
[Column] Michael Arum: Sugar industry faces exacerbated decline and extinction on proposed regulations in Kenya
Kenya’s sugar industry has many natural advantages, almost all of which have been undermined by policy and public mismanagement that has seen its productivity slump.
[Events] The Land Accelerator | 7-12 September 2019 | Nairobi | Kenya
A game-changing event took place in 2018 that breathed new life into old land: the first cohort of the Land Accelerator brought together entrepreneurs from seven countries across Africa. The magic will happen again from September 7-12, 2019, in Nairobi, Kenya
[Column] Forster Boateng: Ghana intensifies bid for eradication of aflatoxin-related losses from agricultural value chains
In sub-Saharan Africa, grains, tubers, nuts and oilseeds are key food items, representing the dietary basis for most of the population.
[Column] Thierry Hoza Ngoga: Agriculture flagship programmes blazing a trail in Africa
State capability, the ability of government to administer effectively, defines a political system. A government must be able to produce and deliver economic and social goods as its populace expects.
[Interview] Natalie Miller, CEO, GreenFingers Mobile, South Africa
Natalie Miller is an American entrepreneur and business development professional with over a decade of experience leading and growing organizations across Africa. In April 2018, Natalie joined agritech solutions provider, GreenFingers Mobile, as its CEO.
[Interview] Eric Acquah, Founder, AcquahMeyer Drone Tech, Ghana
Ghanaian entrepreneur, Eric Acquah, uses his experience in the Aerospace and Aviation industry to better Agriculture and farm productivity in Ghana.
[Interview] Samson Ogbole, Co-Founder, PS Nutraceuticals, Nigeria
Agriculture and technology working together create a environment condusive to efficiency, empowerment and health. This is the mandate at PS Nutraceuticals, co-founded by Samson Ogbole.
[Column] Diphetogo Lefhoko: Business risks that Botswana faces in 2019
One of the most important trends to emerge in recent years is that it is increasingly difficult to identify individual risks in isolation.
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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