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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).
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
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.
[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.
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] 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.
[Column] Chika Idoko: Bridging the divide: Confronting Socioeconomic inequality In Sub-Saharan Africa
As leaders who support mainstreaming equality, diversity, and inclusion, we aim to ensure that every individual, regardless of their background, enjoys the same rights, opportunities, and dignity.
[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.
How to expand health insurance coverage in Africa?
In many regions of Africa, access to affordable, high-quality healthcare is still a problem.
Ghana’s tax on sugar-sweetened beverages a win for health sector, experts
Actioned by the Ghanaian Government as part of measures to reduce impacts of SSBs on public health, the country is now one of hundreds that have implemented World Health Organization-recommended interventions to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
How does African women’s health compare to women’s health around the world?
In Africa, however, according to the World Health Organization, a woman’s life expectancy is just 54 years.
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.
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] 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.
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] Tony Elumelu, Founder of Heirs Holdings
Artificial Intelligence is taking the world by storm. As an experiment, Africa Business Communities is publishing a series of 100 biographies of the most successful entrepreneurs in Africa. We only ask the questions and let ChatGPT write.
[Column] 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.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Digitization on all fronts, tech takes the lead
There is an obvious, increasing amount of technology awareness, and appeals for more extensive technology trainings in Nigeria.
[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.
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.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Boosting small businesses’ competitivity in the region
Small businesses are the engine of the East African economic growth, employing millions and opening up the member states to interact with each other through seamless trade.
[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.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Region warms up to the hospitality industry’s expansion binge
Global respected hotel brands are expanding their footprint and have identified Africa as a key investment destination with the East African region catching their attention for its MICE, business and leisure growth potential.
[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: Investing in women-led businesses
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for an estimated 90% of all businesses in Africa and women own about a third of all registered African SMEs.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Banking on innovations, partnerships to grow financial services sector
These developments have led to improved services and a robust sector that is shaping the region’s financial services industry dynamics.
[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.
[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.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Boosting diaspora remittances through regional collaboration
As the region bets on diaspora remittances to boost respective countries’ national purses and drive economic growth across East Africa, member states are looking at cementing regional partnerships.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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: 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.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Investing in women-led businesses to deepen integration
East African member states, private sector players and development partners have stepped up their investment in women-led businesses and SMEs in a move likely to impact cross-border trade and boost integration in the region.
[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: 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.
COVID-19 brings Work-From-Home to Africa; What has been the impact on businesses so far?
The Covid-19 crisis has pierced through the fabric of every layer of society, leaving virtually no country unscathed. The consequences for businesses has been significant and African economies have had to make rapid changes to their way of doing business.
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.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: East Africa positions itself as investment destination of choice
The East African community continues to live up to its billing as a prime investment destination for investors.
[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] 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.
[Column] Victoria Epelle: The retail value chain and its ongoing counterfeit battle
Counterfeit products have a presence across major industries in Nigeria. The impact of having these counterfeit products for manufacturers range from dwindling sales and failed customer loyalty schemes.
[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.
[Rwanda] Delivery drones: Why Zipline is switching to 24/7 operations
Hospitals in Rwanda will now receive much needed medical supplies and personal protective equipment from drone firm Zipline on a 24-hour basis.
COVID-19 ‘extremely unlikely’ to have come from a lab, experts say
The virus that causes COVID-19 probably jumped from animals to humans and is “extremely unlikely” to have come from a laboratory, the head of an international team investigating the origins of the disease said on Tuesday.
"Until Africans get the Covid vaccinations they need, the whole world will suffer", said Paul Kagame
Ensuring equitable access to vaccines globally during a pandemic is not only a moral issue, but an economic imperative to protect the wellbeing of people everywhere. But when will Africa get the protection it needs? If all lives are equal, why isn’t access to vaccines?
[Rwanda] "Until Africans get the Covid vaccinations they need, the whole world will suffer", Paul Kagame
Ensuring equitable access to vaccines globally during a pandemic is not only a moral issue, but an economic imperative to protect the wellbeing of people everywhere. But when will Africa get the protection it needs? If all lives are equal, why isn’t access to vaccines?
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] Kumar Utpal: What is needed to streamline South Africa healthcare
Most people have heard stories about inefficiencies, unexpected costs or redundant re-testing while visiting medical facilities across the globe. I have a few, such as having to re-run tests because my regular specialist couldn't be reached.
Why South Africa’s coronavirus death rate is lower than predicted
Before the pandemic, when tourists flocked to Cape Town, they often ignored Khayelitsha township.
[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] Caleb Onyango: Managing our wellbeing in these trying times
Psychologically, the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted our emotions, our thought processes and ultimately our behavior.
[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.
[Column] Nelson Maina: Kenya should support first-line COVID 19 teams
As Kenya doubles efforts to contain the spread of Corona virus that is increasingly shutting down the world, personnel in the medical and security dockets are arguably our first lines of defence.
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.
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.
[Corona Stats] 6 April: Positive news from almost all severely affected countries
Encouraging news regarding the corona crisis is coming from almost all of the hard-hit countries. In Italy, at the height of the crisis, 15 days ago, 6557 new corona infections were registered, which was 4316 yesterday
[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.
[Column] Mukhisa Kituyi: keeping ports open and cross-border trade flowing in the wake of COVID-19
As the world battles the coronavirus pandemic, the global maritime transport industry is playing a critical role in the response.
[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] 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.
[Column] Robyn Curnow: The world is waking up to the power of dyslexia
As a journalist, I love words. I care about what I write, think before I speak, read with delight and savour language. Part of that relationship with words comes from the fact that I respect them.
[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] 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] 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.
[Column] Ochuko Keyamo: Engaging the private sector to eliminate malaria
Malaria has a devastating impact not only on the health and wellbeing of people across Africa and around the world, but also on economic growth and stability.
[Interview] Kemi Ayinde, CEO, Healthpoint, Nigeria
Kemi Ayinde is co-founder and CEO of Heathpoint, a company making healthcare, through the use of technology, widely accessible and affordable in Nigeria.
[Interview] Nikhil Pereira, CEO, Africa Healthcare Network, East Africa
Africa Healthcare Network has over the years worked to change the landscape of renal care and education in Sub-Saharan Africa through the provision of dialysis services, education of clinicians and patients.
[Column] Erik Roos: Are e-pharmacies on the cards for South Africa?
Amazon’s recent entry into the pharmaceutical market, following its acquisition of PillPack – an online US pharmacy – has got local experts re-evaluating the role of internet pharmacies in SA.
[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] 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.
[Startup Interview] Musawa Mukupa, Founder, Health Literacy Zambia
Despite spirited efforts to provide affordable education to all in Zambia, more than 80,000 children of school going age are out of school.
[Column] Stephen Poyer: It’s time to engage the private sector for malaria elimination
Global progress against malaria has stalled and there is renewed urgency to expand access to core malaria interventions in high-burden countries.
[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.
[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.
[Nigeria Business Week] Calling for free-trade, efficient energy
The possibility of free trade within Africa is an ongoing one, to which several African countries have pledged their support and signed their agreements. Though Nigeria has shown caution in joining The Agreement, its one champion is Aliko Dangote, Nigerian industrialist and wealthiest African.
[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.
[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.
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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