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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
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.
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.
[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
[Column] NJ Ayuk: African oil and gas and the rest of the world: what changed in 2023?
It’s undeniable that the Russian invasion of Ukraine proved highly disruptive to world energy markets. This geopolitical clash led to the imposition of Western sanctions on the export of Russian oil and fuel and the imposition of a price cap on Russian crude by the G7 group.
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.
[Column] NJ Ayuk: Oil market predictions and what they mean for Africa
The chaos certainly was felt in the oil industry, which saw record distortions during the pandemic era, especially during its first few months.
[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.
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.
[Free Webinar] Global Payment Strategies for Shipping & Logistics: Empowering Seamless Trade
In the rapidly evolving landscape of shipping and logistics, effective cross-border payment strategies have emerged as a critical driver of success. Join this insightful webinar that delves into the world of global payment strategies.
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.
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.
[Column] NJ Ayuk: More progress needed in African gas exploration and development
African gas consumption is slated to rise. Even as total production moves upward, commercial flows from the continent are likely to rise to about 27-28 bcf per day within the next few years and then remain at that level until the late 2030s.
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%).
[Column] NJ Ayuk: African oil and gas exploration is going strong
Despite the call heard 'round the world commanding the global business community to divest from fossil fuels and shrink their carbon footprints in the name of net zero, international oil companies (IOCs) still recognize Africa as their next frontier.
[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.
[Column] NJ Ayuk: Nigeria must fully implement the petroleum industry Act
Nearly two years from its passage into law, implementation of the PIA and its initiatives has been slow for numerous reasons, but not without progress, and signals from Nigeria’s new administration indicate that these conditions will not remain the status quo.
[Column] NJ Ayuk: The promise of Angola’s growing natural gas industry with a ready-made market
From exploration to production and export, the Angolan oil and natural gas industry is bustling with new initiatives. This past year alone, international oil companies and the Angolan government partnered to award numerous regional operators with service contracts.
[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.
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.
[Column] NJ Ayuk: Natural gas represents tremendous opportunities for Africa — we must seize them now
For Africa to move forward and grow its natural gas output, a two-pronged approach is required: Gas producers must continue to pump from existing fields while countries with new discoveries must get these undeveloped projects to the final investment decision (FID) stage as quickly as possible.
[Column] Gawie Kanjemba: The state of play of African oil and gas
Historically, oil and gas projects are known to experience delays ranging from 5% to 20% of the project duration owing to project complexity, significant capital requirements and the multi-faceted nature of developments.
[Column] NJ Ayuk: The outlook for African oil in 2023 is promising
Several years ago, the African energy industry was in survival mode. The COVID-19 pandemic had practically eliminated demand for crude oil, and African exports dropped sharply.
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.
[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.
[Column] NJ Ayuk: Time to break the deadlock on TotalEnergies’ offshore gas deal
There’s another complication at hand, in that South Africa’s government has pledged to reduce the power sector’s carbon emissions intensity.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Nigeria battles odds to maintain productive economy
According to the International Monetary Fund, Nigeria is being pushed to the brink by inflation. Banks however, one of the pillars of the economy, have remained in good standing.
[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: 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.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: West meets East
West African companies have particularly been keen to expand their operations in the East African region. This has been through mergers, partnerships or takeovers.
[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.
[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.
[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: 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: 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.
[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.
[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.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Heightened oil and gas activities inspire more investments
As the East African nations continue to make oil and gas discoveries, investors and multinationals are pitching tent in the region on an exploration binge with governments betting on the newfound resources to grow national and regional economies.
[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: 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: 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: A 5G promise looms, global trade predictions show winning numbers
Nigeria’s tactic is one of sharpening the sectors that have shown promise (such as technology, agriculture and banking) while throwing resources at those that have been in a work-in-progress mode for years.
[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.
[Column] Grace Goodrich: Driving deal making in Mozambique post-COVID-19
While overall transactions dropped by eight percent in sub-Saharan Africa in 2020, in Mozambique, the number of transactions rose, with 12 deals reported compared to only four deals in 2019, according to a Baker McKenzie analysis.
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.
[Column] Neil Ford: South Sudan government bets on marketing to bolster oil reforms
The government of South Sudan is seeking to greatly change the way it markets its oil in order to boost revenues and make the process more transparent.
Mauritius oil spill puts spotlight on ship pollution
Often close to world shipping lanes, small island and coastal nations are at particular risk from oil spills.
[Column] C. Derek Campbell: Stakeholders engagement and security will be key to ensure success of Mozambique’s LNG projects
The scale and enormous economic potential of Mozambique’s LNG projects constitutes a seminal effort with national, regional and global implications and visibility.
[Column] Leoncio Amada: Economic recovery must go through a reform of forex regulations in Central Africa
The health and economic crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic is devastating the productive, economic and financial systems throughout the entire planet.
Protecting trade in Nigeria, how DFIs are responding to COVID-19
With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to devastate economies around the world, Africa is set to experience its first recession since the 1990s, threatening to undo two decades of growth and development.
[Column] NJ Ayuk: African lives matter, too; Energy Policy decisions should consider their needs
As African oil and gas countries struggle with Covid-19’s devastating impact on demand, two international groups seem to be celebrating it.
Industry downturn in Angola presents opportunities for local content and marginal players
With an economic recession expected at -1.4 per cent by IMF this year, Angola is expected to be less hit than its immediate neighbours or than the rest of African oil-producing countries.
[Column] NJ Ayuk: How Africa can make a comeback from the oil and gas downturn
Stunning drops in crude oil prices—the result of COVID-19-related declines in demand and an oil price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia—have been taking their toll around the globe this spring.
East Africa’s oil industry: A new story in the making
The recent acquisition by Total of Tullow Oil's entire interests in the Lake Albert Development Project in Uganda marks the beginning of a new chapter for East Africa's energy industry.
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.
Should Africa consider the nuclear energy route?
Despite its advancements over the years particularly in the oil, gas and power industries, it is no secret that Africa is still plagued with the very real issue of inefficient energy supply.
COVID-19 affirms urgency for trade facilitation reforms in Angola, UNCTAD
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic’s blow to global oil prices has re-emphasized the need for Angola to wean its economy off volatile fuel exports.
[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.
[Column] NJ Ayuk: The Mozambique gas promise and why it epitomizes the African dream
It has been almost exactly ten years since Anadarko drilled the well that would give Mozambique its first major gas find in over sixty years of mostly disappointing oil and gas exploration.
[Column] NJ Ayuk: Opportunities for African oil producers post OPEC+
Sometimes it is easy to forget how interconnected human lives across the globe have become.
Offshore Network publishes Nigeria Well Intervention Forecast
See how to position yourself to take advantage of an uplift in activity as the Nigerian government puts well intervention at the forefront of production plans
[Column] NJ Ayuk: We must not jeopardize Africa’s future in the name of fighting climate change
Pressure is building to phase out fossil fuels in Africa to fight climate change.
[Column] NJ Ayuk: What Africa’s Future Liquefied Natural Gas producers can learn from Qatar
As I got into the process of writing my recent book Billions At Play, The future of African Energy and doing deal, the story of Qatar intrigued me.
[Column] Boris Ivanov: How global energy dynamics are shaping the outlook for African exploration
Africa is a continent rich in energy resources, but poor in supply. For most Africans energy is either unaffordable, unreliable or inaccessible.
[Column] NJ Ayuk: Between extortion and the sanctity of Petroleum contracts in Nigeria, DRC and Senegal
Last week, a UK commercial court gave reason to a claim by engineering company P&ID, which demands over USD$9 billion from the Nigerian government over a failed gas deal.
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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