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[Column] Anthony Mwangi: Road towards gainful employment in Kenya: The Dual TVET approach
The evolving employment landscape demands a fresh perspective, one that champions the pragmatic alternative of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
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.
[Column] Lizelle Strydom: Why skills development will always be a priority investment
January is the start of a brand-new year, and the time when millions of matriculants and recent graduates begin their search for employment.
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.
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:
[Column] Phylla Jele: Prioritizing people over processes for business success
The workplace today looks very different from the workplace people left behind when remote work was mandated in 2020. Not only did the work model change, but also the mindset of the average employee.
[Column] Moses Anibaba: Building connections and opportunities for young Africans
The next generation is essential to the continent’s development and to global shared interests in creating a safer, healthier, and more prosperous future for us all.
[Column] Vera Ng’oma: Propelling TEVET as Africa is set to be the world capital for young talent
Africa could seize this opportunity as it pursues a re-envisioning of its economic prospects. But this aspiration can only be attainable if education systems are revitalised, skills development philosophies re-set and job markets scaled to support the demographic boom.
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.
[Column] Pankaj Bedi: Transform Kenyan human capital for sustainable growth
For any business, one of the most critical components of enhancing productivity and giving the company a competitive edge is a skilled and highly efficient workforce. The most industrialized nations attribute their development to a highly skilled workforce, among other factors.
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.
COMESA, IOM sign agreement to strengthen cooperation
COMESA and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to build a cooperative working relationship in different areas of common interest which centers on managing migration and related activities in the Eastern and Southern African region.
HRLeverage expands into seven African countries
HRLeverage, a provider of outsourcing and Professional Employer Organization (PEO) solutions, has announced its expansion into Kenya and seven other African countries, including Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Senegal, Nigeria and Zambia.
[Interview] Ayodeji Ayorinde, Co-founder, Artisankonect, Nigeria
Artisankonect is a Nigeran startup that helps outsource user requests to skilled persons. Africa Business Communities chats with Ayodeji Ayorinde, one of the founders.
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.
[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.
Recommendations for better focus at work
There are activities - mostly our hobbies like betting - during which you completely forget the time. So you don't look at the clock or think about problems in the future or mistakes from the past.
[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.
[Column] Cathy Smith: With change the only constant, leaders will need to be adaptive in 2023
The last few years have revealed the futility of making predictions about what lies ahead. In our uncertain times, the only guarantee is that the world will keep changing, with change coming at an ever-accelerating rate.
Growing Crypto Market in South Africa - What Cryptocurrency is best to invest in?
Undoubtedly, trading crypto has become one of the primary sources of income for many people. In South Africa, a few people trade crypto full-time, while most treat it as a side hustle.
[Column] Anthony Mwangi: Reinvigorate Kenyan textiles and apparel sector to create jobs
This might surprise you, but Kenya is one of the global suppliers of big fashion brands in America.
[Column] Cathy Smith: Empowered employees walk the talk on social impact
But social impact requires more than just a clear sense of purpose. It requires concerted action to redirect resources and effort toward activities that hold the greatest potential for positive impact.
[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.
[Column] Millicent Clarke: Creating a strong employee value proposition that exceeds employee expectations
A workforce revolution has set in, one which business cannot ignore. While not too long ago, compensation and benefits were enough to attract and retain talent – this is no longer the case.
[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.
[Column] Shiraz Khota: How to beat the great resignation with human experience management
The past two years have shifted the goalposts for every company wishing to build a high-performance culture.
[Column] Vukani Mngxati: High time for a greater national effort in skills development
The skills required range from cyber security practitioners, data design and analytics to artificial intelligence and machine learning. Those who have these skills have become marketable commodities not only in South Africa but around the world.
[Column] Tobias Alando: Driving the business community’s participation in skills training
The ever-evolving trends in sectors such as manufacturing, technology, automation and climate change are changing the world of work, and together with it, the skills required to adapt and maintain a competitive edge.
[Column] Moses Anibaba: Education for employment
Africa has the youngest population in the world, representing an enormous opportunity for the continent’s growth and the opportunity to become leaders as global citizens – provided these energetic, creative young people can achieve their true potential.
[Column] Vukani Mngxati: Building trust in the workplace is mission critical
Earlier this year the global communications firm Edelman in its excellent annual Trust Barometer Survey found that close on seventy percent of those surveyed tended not to believe information until they saw evidence it was trustworthy.
[Interview] Michelle Matthews, Director, Viridian, South Africa
Following the rising levels of unemployment among young South Africans, the UK-South Africa Tech Hub Launch League initiative undertook a research project.
[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
[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.
[Column] Phyllis Wakiaga: Role of productive jobs in improving quality of life
The growth of productive jobs by manufacturing means that many people will be able to support their dependants and live quality lives with access to basic amenities such as healthcare, education, clean water and food.
[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.
South Africa’s office and work-from-home plans have changed for 2022
In June 2021, an estimated 50% of the South African workforce was working from home full-time, with the Covid-19 pandemic fundamentally changing views on where and how people work best.
[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] Titilayo Adewumi: West Africa’s circular economy efforts at the forefront of fostering a more sustainable future
The vast majority of population growth across the continent will be concentrated in urban areas. WEF data indicates that more than 80% of Africa's population growth between now and 2030 will be in cities, with Lagos growing at a pace of 77 people every hour.
[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.
[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] Lizelle Strydom: How the BPO sector is giving African women a platform to grow
While training programmes can help bridge the skills gap for women from disadvantaged communities, it is vital that organisations develop a culture of mentorship to help women progress in their careers.
[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.
[Interview] Naike Moshi, Country Director, CVPeople Tanzania
CVPeople Tanzania is a talent acquisition and recruitment company that has for 6 years established itself as a frontrunner in the executive search and headhunting for clients across banking, telecom, and NGO sectors.
Eight responsibilities of which a warehouse manager must be aware
A warehouse manager has one of the most challenging jobs around. They have many responsibilities and have to oversee one of the most complex yet critically important aspects of the business.
Looming cash crisis threatens airlines, IATA
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) warned that the airline industry will burn through $77 billion in cash during the second half of 2020 (almost $13 billion/month or $300,000 per minute), despite the restart of operations.
Tackling youth unemployment in Kenya through sustainable waste management
Abdul Said Konde is a youth resident in Tudor informal settlement in Mombasa County. Like thousands of other young people across the country, he is not formally employed and the Covid-19 pandemic has made it even harder to access manual jobs.
[Column] Ntombi Mphokane: What will it take to tackle the global skills crisis?
If the World Economic Forum (WEF) is to be believed, then business across the globe could be facing a reskilling emergency.
[Column] Phyllis Wakiaga: Kenya economic recovery is anchored on saving lives and securing livelihoods
The International Labour Organization (ILO) highlights that protection of workers and their families from the risk of infection should be a top priority for all economies at this time.
[Column] Paulo de Matos: What manufacturers can do now to maintain continuity in the new normal
Manufacturers and distributors are operating in intensely pressured times. Stats SA reported that manufacturing output contracted for the ninth consecutive month in February of 2020.
[Column] Risha Isaac: How companies can restore employees confidence through health benefits
In light of the coronavirus pandemic, it has become even more critical for organizations to properly manage the impact of a disaster.
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] 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.
Economic impact of COVID-19 on African cities likely to be acute through a sharp decline in productivity, jobs and revenues, ECA
As part of its analysis to inform COVID-19 policy responses, the ECA is calling for adequate consideration of the vulnerability of city economies.
[Column] Shabir Ahmed: Mining sector to fast track automation amid Covid-19
Mining companies have been affected by COVID-19 outbreaks, and global restrictions to encourage social distancing have meant that mining projects have either slowed or been put on hold until further notice.
[Column] Guy Ryder: Covid-19 has exposed the fragility of our economies
The human dimensions of the COVID-19 pandemic reach far beyond the critical health response. All aspects of our future will be affected – economic, social and developmental.
[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] Ngaite Mgeni: Why organizations should invest in staff training
As organizations evolve and competition to acquire top talent heats up world over, businesses are increasingly realizing the need and essence of investing in their most prized possession; their workforce.
[Interview] Catherine Jura, Director Learning and Development, Edify Learning Forum Africa, Kenya
Training management firms like Edify Learning Forum Africa, ELFA, have been at the forefront of designing, managing and redefining organizational learning processes in Africa over the years.
[Startup Interview] Radwa Khairy, Founder, Talents Fit, Egypt
Radwa Khairy has over a decade's worth of experience in the Human Resources, Hospitality and Travels fields. In December 2018, she founded Talents Fit, a recruitment platform servicing human resourcing and employment needs in Egypt.
[Column] Deon De Swardt: Preparing South Africa for the future of work
South Africa alone has a youth population of 20.6 million, making up 35.7 percent of the country’s total population of about 57.7 people.
[Column] Deon De Swardt: Preparing Nigeria for the future of work
According to the World Economic Forum, 70 percent of Africa’s population is under the age of 30, signaling a significant opportunity for the growth and advancement of the continent.
[Column] Paul Akiwumi: How entrepreneurs can evolve from survivalists to opportunity-driven
Meskerem is a middle-aged Ethiopian woman, who runs a café and bakery with ten employees in an affluent neighbourhood of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
[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.
[Column] Flora Mutahi: Closing the gender gap in the Kenyan workplace
As the world marks International Women’s Day it is time to take stock of our strides as Kenya, towards gender parity, especially in terms of women’s economic contribution.
[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.
[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] 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] 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.
[Column] Donna Rachelson: Careers of South African businesswomen constrained by unsupportive male partners
A supportive relationship with male partners is a key factor in women succeeding in the workplace. This is a rarity in South Africa and it is negatively affecting women’s careers.
[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.
[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.
[Column] Sandiso Sibisi: Youth employment key to development in Africa
Despite Africa’s impressive growth in past 25 years and its entry into the digital economy, the job market continues to be in a depressed state as youth unemployment continues to rise.
[Column] Five roots to Central Africa’s industrialization
Four years after the oil boom ended and Central African countries faced a sudden reverse in their fortunes from the strong growth of the early 2000’s.
[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.
[Column] Phyllis Wakiaga: Why TVET is central to economic development
The economic well being of any nation rests on the country’s ability the create sustainable jobs for all.
[Kenya Business Week] Realigning businesses to drive growth
With competition across public and private sector now being driven by innovation, Kenyan institutions have invested heavily in modernizing operations and selling the convenience message to customers.
[Interview] Kifle Bantayehu, Founder, Afrinection.com
Kifle Bantayehu is an Ethiopian entrepreneur, consulting professional and policy strategist. He founded in 2016 Afrinection, a platform that closes several gaping holes in the African employment and investment market.
[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.
[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.
[Column] Joyce Karanja Ng’ang’a: Saving jobs is a priority for African competition authorities
Avoiding or limiting job losses when companies merge has become a major priority for competition authorities throughout East and Southern Africa.
[Column] Phyllis Wakiaga: National Wage Policy: The Next step for Kenya
In 2016, the Kenya Tea Growers Association decried the uncertain future of investment in tea, due to the rising costs of labour.
[Interview] Sarah Fitzgerald, Managing Director, Executives in Africa, UK
Sarah Fitzgerald is Managing Director at Executives in Africa, a company engaged in executive and upper management placements in sub Saharan Africa, identifying local African talent, Africans in Diaspora and expatriate managers.
[Column] Phyllis Wakiaga: Innovation should be a primary focus for Kenya
The capacity for innovation in industry is a key ingredient in the creation of a productive workforce, which in turn increases industry competitiveness.
[Column] Phyllis Wakiaga: Women and the future of manufacturing
The world of manufacturing is beginning to realize the value of women’s participation for its advancement, as it transforms through technology and rapid digitization.
[Column] Paul Williams: Collaboration, concerted drive could fast-track African digital transformation
Africa appears to be lagging the world by five or six years on average, with some countries as far as 12 years behind the rest of the world.
[Column] Bob Koigi: Towards a sustainable African economy: Leaving no one behind
In most African countries, a staggering seventy percent of all unemployed citizens are youth in the 18-35 age brackets in a regrettable state of affairs that the World Bank has described as a ticking time bomb.
[Column] Lusanda Raphulu: Is your company ready for automation and the new world of work?
The world of work is evolving, and future-conscious organizations need to be aware of the business implications associated with automation and robotics.
[Column] Tobias Alando: Good leadership is paramount to the growth of any economy
The economic development of any country is highly dependent on good leadership. This is particularly so because the core values of a nation are directly linked to equality and equal distribution of resources.
[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.
[Column] Phyllis Wakiaga: Human capital development holds the key to Kenya’s economic progress
The Global Human Capital Index released by the World Economic Forum this year, ranked Kenya at position 78 out of 130, up from position 120 in 2016.
[Startup Interview] Utibe Uko, Founder, UniQuest Farms & Innovations Centre, Nigeria
Utibe Uko has his mind and eyes set on luring more youth into farming through his enterprise UniQuest Farms & Innovations Centre that besides working in vegetable cultivation, is partnering with young people in Nigeria through Agribusiness Cooperative Development.
Bring 'hidden' employee costs to light before the deal is done
While it's unlikely that a company changing hands would deliberately conceal any employee costs and liabilities from potential buyers, due to the buyer's unfamiliarity with the local employment landscape it is possible to miss some employee costs..
[Column] Flora Mutahi: Women and Future of Work: Opportunities in the Fourth Industrial Revolution
The onset of new technological inventions is always underpinned by ambivalence at best, and at worst, fear and alarm.
[Bob Koigi] Column: Diversification to new frontiers the magic bullet to fixing unemployment in Africa
Africa’s smallholder farmers are the apex of agricultural output in the continent contributing a staggering 75 percent of all agricultural production and creating millions of jobs in the process.
[Column] Phyllis Wakiaga: Why we need to strengthen trade ties in the EAC
A study released by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers last month stated that Africa continues to be Kenya’s leading export destination accounting for 40.6 per cent of our exports.
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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