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EIB’s Water Sector Fund invests €10 million to support innovative businesses in Africa and Asia
W2AF is a “water-focused” blended finance impact fund targeting sustainable and scalable solutions that improve access to safe, affordable drinking water for underserved populations, mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa and South and Southeast Asia.
Nexgen Packaging opens African headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya
Nexgen Packaging, a global provider of apparel brand identification and packaging products, has announced the grand opening of its African headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.
[South Africa] Volkswagen announces R4 billion investment in Kariega plant
The changes being made in preparation for the production of the new SUV also affords training and upskilling opportunities for Volkswagen Group Africa’s production employees.
South African used car platform WeBuyCars lists on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange
WeBuyCars, a prominent and recognised brand within the pre-owned motor vehicle market, established over 23 years ago, has listed on the Main Board of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) under the share code "WBC."
[Kenya] Mombasa green entrepreneurs launch Zero Waste Festival
Zero Waste Fest culminated a week-long digital campaign dubbed #BeatPlasticPollution aimed at addressing the plastic pollution menace in Mombasa.
Nissan Africa announces regional appointments
Jordi Vila, currently Nissan Divisional Vice President Marketing and Sales Europe has been appointed as President Nissan Africa, as DVP.
Nissan Navara to fly the flag up through Africa in daring expedition
Dubbed Nissan Daring Africa 2024, the expedition will visit Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and Kenya before ending in Egypt.
IATA partners with Smart Freight Centre on carbon emission calculations
The two organizations will focus efforts on developing the cargo component of IATA’s CO2 Connect offering, which successfully launched its passenger version in 2022.
Zambia validates blue economy strategy
The strategy will guide the nation in advancing knowledge on biotechnology, environmental sustainability and ecosystem services.
IBM commits $45 million towards resilient cities
IBM also announced that it would increase investment in the pro-bono social impact program by 50%.
[South Africa] Volkswagen Group Africa unveils R20 million airbag deployment centre
The new facility will boost the plant’s airbag testing capacity to 150% of its previous output.
Toyota to open a vehicle manufacturing plant in Kenya
The agreement will see Toyota set up a vehicle manufacturing plant in the country. The company has committed an initial investment of Kshs 800 million in the Kenya Thika vehicle manufacturers.
[South Africa] GAC Motor and Salvador Caetano Auto sign vehicle distribution partnership
GAC Motor and Salvador Caetano Auto have come to an agreement regarding the distribution of vehicles, spare parts and services, in South Africa.
Mastercard partners with CarbonSifr to advance climate action in MENA region
The innovation-driven partnership aims to equip small businesses in the region with innovative tools to measure, reduce and compensate for their carbon footprint.
Volkswagen collaborates with DHL Express for the pilot test of ID.Buzz Cargo fleet in South Africa
The units will be utilised for specialised last-mile delivery service part of DHL’s local pilot test of its global zero emissions logistics target.
[Column] Hassan Egeh: What does it mean for Somalia to join East Africa Communities (EAC)?
Somalia was admitted into the East African Community (EAC) on Friday Novermber24, 2023 the eighth member of the bloc as it seeks to expand free trade across the region.
Only a fifth of companies are on track for net zero, report
Over a third (38%) say they cannot make further investments in decarbonization in the current economic environment, according to new research from Accenture.
Volkswagen signs agreement with Government of Egypt for strategic co-operation viability study of shared automotive painting facility
Volkswagen and Government of Egypt have signed an agreement to work together to develop a feasibility study on a shared automotive painting facility within the East Port Said Industrial Zone in the East Port Said Automotive Zone in Cairo.
OPEC Fund commits $21 million to enhance water supply in Rwanda
The OPEC Fund loan complements a US$143.3 financing package provided together with the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (AFDF), the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) and the Export-Import Bank of Hungary.
Western Australia to host 24th WTTC Global Summit after Kigali
During the closing session of the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Global Summit in Kigali, Western Australia was announced as the host for 2024, marking the first time the event will visit Oceania.
[Kenya] Mombasa Plastics Prize unveils the start of incubator to support growth of sustainable businesses
Building on the success of the initial phase, the incubator aims to support teams from the initial phase of the project to create sustainable businesses that significantly impact the mitigation of marine plastic waste pollution in Mombasa County's informal settlements.
JSE partners with Xpansiv to launch voluntary carbon market to advance South Africa’s carbon credit capabilities
This sustainability initiative will allow local participants to buy or sell carbon credits and renewable energy certificates that are held in either local or global registries.
Dalberg Advisors appoints Lillian Kidane as new Regional Director for Africa
Dalberg Advisors, a global impact consultancy committed to building a more inclusive and sustainable world, has appointed Lillian Kidane as the new Regional Director for Africa region.
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.
Eurorepar enters the South African automotive spare parts industry
The launch of Eurorepar comes with the backing of Stellantis. From a network that stretches across 40 countries, Eurorepar is synonymous with diversity, offering an impressive array of more than 15 000 part numbers.
Stellantis invests ZAR 3 billion in a greenfield manufacturing facility in South Africa
The manufacturing plant will be built in the South African Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Coega situated near Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.
BFA Global, FSD Africa And IUCN Launch a $1 million initiative powering ocean sustainability in Africa
Thiis initiative, made possible through funding from FSD Africa and the Canadian Government, builds on TECA’s (Triggering Exponential Climate Action) expertise in fostering blue innovation over the last year through a successful pilot wave supported by FSD Africa.
[Column] Marlene Mutimawase: Promoting women's leadership for land restoration in Africa
African Union in partnership with the Government of Kenya and Africa Climate Summit brings together leaders from governments, businesses, international organizations, and civil society to showcase a diverse range of bold innovative climate actions taking place across Africa.
IFC invests $11.5 billion for Africa’s green transition and job creation
IFC made $11.5 billion in investments between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, across 40 countries, the largest ever annual commitment for the continent.
[Chronique]Frida Frans: L'impact des coups d'État sur les accords de commerce et la stabilité économique en Afrique de l'Ouest
La récente série de coups d'État en Afrique de l'Ouest a entraîné des bouleversements politiques dans la région. Ces coups d'État survenus au Mali, en Guinée, au Burkina Faso et au Niger se caractérisent par des changements soudains et souvent violents à la tête du pays.
[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.
Ford and Salvador Caetano appoint Motorcare as the official Ford distributor in Uganda
Motorcare Uganda and its cumulated experience, strong market knowledge and commitment to service excellence will provide Ford customers in Uganda with the highest standards of Ford products, services, and support.
Volkswagen signs deal with Government of Rwanda to establish a modern farm with electric tractors
As part of the MoU, the Government of Rwanda has agreed to provide land in Gashora (Bugesera District) for the project, as well as to assist with permitting and licensing requirements of the project.
Award scheme recognizes Kenyan entrepreneurs fighting marine plastics problems
The awards, which showcased the most effective solutions to tackle Mombasa’s marine plastics problem, were the culmination of a six-month initiative funded by USAID and Global Affairs Canada.
ExecuJet MRO Services Africa awarded authorised service centre status for Embraer
ExecuJet MRO Services has been appointed by Embraer as its authorised service centre (ASC) for business jets in Africa. The decision represents an expansion of the aircraft manufacturer’s service network in the region.
Global tyre manufacturer Goodyear seeks to expand to Zambia and DR Congo
As part of its growth strategy, Goodyear Middle East & Africa (MEA) is actively seeking the right distributor & service provider to expand its reach within Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
[Column] Anthony Mwangi: Why accelerating circular economy is a no brainer for Kenya
The concept of a circular economy is increasingly being recognized globally as crucial for achieving global sustainability goals.
Nissan Africa announces new leadership structure
Nissan Africa has taken the next step towards unlocking the potential of the African market, by unveiling a new leadership structure with effect from 1 April 2023 to drive the company’s mid-term plan.
Eni launches Sustainable Supply Chain Finance programme to support access to credit for companies committed to sustainable development
It is designed for Eni suppliers to receive advance payments from the scheme’s financial partners.
Volvo delivers the first heavy electric truck to Africa
Deployment of heavy electric trucks is now spreading across the world. With Europe and the US among the leaders, the shift to more sustainable transport is kicking off also in other parts of the world. In Africa, the first heavy electric truck is now being delivered in the city of Rabat in Morocco.
Volkswagen opens a new vehicle assembly facility in Accra, Ghana
With this move, Volkswagen also takes over the new vehicle assembly responsibility from its licensed importer in Ghana, Universal Motors Limited (UML).
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.
[Interview] Jesse Onomiwo, Co-founder, Autosparkle, Nigeria
Autosparkle is part of Riltouche and Sparkles, a company dedicated to building the largest chain of the most eco-friendly cleaning solutions out of Africa through its specialisations in car care, aircraft, boats, homes, offices and cities.
[Column] Shabir Ahmed: Practical approach, clear business case needed for sustainability success
Effective sustainability-led business transformation creates long-term value for organisations as well as the communities and environment in which they operate.
[Interview] Gbolahan Tobi Ayediran, MD, Suit-U Travels, Nigeria
Gbolahan Tobi Ayediran is a Nigerian entrepreneur and the founder of an NGO dedicated to creating support and opportunities for widows and orphans, while running an agency for travel and tourism.
[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
Africa Business Communities Forum: Which African countries will perform best economically in 2022?
Africa Business Communities talked to several entrepreneurs and founders in the early months of the year, and they cast their votes on which African countries will thrive best in 2022.
Africa Business Communities Forum: Quels seront les pays Africains plus performants sur le plan économique en 2022?
Africa Business Communities s'est entretenu avec plusieurs entrepreneurs et fondateurs au cours des premiers mois de l'année, et ils ont voté pour déterminer quels pays africains seront les plus prospères en 2022.
[Column] NJ Ayuk: How Africa can capitalize on its mineral wealth to develop an electric vehicle value chain
As the entire global transportation marketplace marches toward an increasingly electrified and battery-powered future, many countries across the African continent stand at the threshold of profound economic opportunity.
[Column] Goodie M. Ibru: What the AfCFTA brings to the table in Africa
The trade and investment layout of the African Continent is a story of both promise and missed opportunities. With a population of over 1.2 billion, Africa promises a huge and promising market.
[Column] Edna Eason: Procurement is now pivotal to ensuring a sustainable future
ESG (environmental, social, and governance) metrics are gaining popularity as a barometer to hold companies accountable for their sustainability efforts.
Forum de l'African Business Roundtable: Que peuvent faire les gouvernements Africains pour renforcer le secteur privé du continent?
African Business Rountable (ABR), créé par le Groupe de la Banque Africaine de Développement en 1990, est la principale association d'entreprises et de chefs d'entreprise d'Afrique et représente la Société Africaine des Affaires auprès des Nations Unies.
African Business Roundtable Forum: What can African governments do to elevate the continent’s private sector?
The African Business Rountable (ABR), set up by the African Development Bank Group in 1990, is Africa’s foremost and continent-wide association of businesses and business leaders, and is the representative of the African Business Society to the United Nations.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Region’s startups are on an expansion binge
East African startups have been on an expansion drive, raising funding as they seek to tap into emerging opportunities in the region and across Africa while growing their portfolio.
[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.
[Interview] Dr. Mima Nedelcovych, Chairman, AfricaGlobal Schaffer
Dr. Mima Nedelcovych is the Founder and Chairman of AfricaGlobal Schaffer, a strategic consulting firm focused on project development, project finance, trade facilitation, and public-private partnerships in developing countries, with a particular focus on Africa.
[Interview] Dr. Mima Nedelcovych, Président, AfricaGlobal Schaffer
Mima Nedelcovych est fondateur et président d'AfricaGlobal Schaffer, une société de conseil stratégique spécialisée dans le développement de projets, le financement de projets, la facilitation du commerce et les partenariats public-privé dans les pays en développement, et plus particulièrement en Afrique.
[Column] Cameron Tandy: Mining industry is becoming a steward of sustainability and decarbonization
For a long time, the mining industry was considered a contributor to the problem of environmental sustainability, but now it is increasingly seen as a critical part of the solution.
[Column] Tracy Bolton: How to close the gap between sustainability and profitability
New research has highlighted the challenges most organisations face with balancing sustainability and profitability.
[Column] Vukani Mngxati: CEOs must prioritize sustainability and risk mitigation
I was appalled at reports suggesting the possibility of malfeasance in relief fund distribution and along with other members of the business community welcome strong words by President Ramaphosa that corruption in this respect will not be tolerated.
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.
The African Business Roundtable stays firm as Africa's private sector conduit to the world
The African Business Roundtable came into being in an era when Africa was hit by a horrendous economic climate. Between the fight for independence in many countries and the end of apartheid in South Africa, Africa’s private sector barely had any structure in the 1960s.
L'African Business Roundtable reste ferme en tant que conduit du secteur privé Africain vers le monde
L'African Business Roundtable a vu le jour à une époque où l'Afrique était frappée par un climat économique épouvantable. Entre la lutte pour l'indépendance de nombreux pays et la fin de l'apartheid en Afrique du Sud, le secteur privé Africain n'était guère structuré dans les années 1960.
[Column] Job Wanjohi: Why the Kenya National Automotive Policy is a big win for the manufacturing industry
Over the years, Kenya has carried out significant reforms geared towards improving the business environment and driving competitiveness.
[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.
[Column] Andy Tomkins: Remanufacturing, the missing link in recycling
Many businesses and individuals are making an active effort to reduce environmental impact, especially by aligning with the concept of the circular economy.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Harnessing the potential of African intermediary cities
Africa’s urbanization rate has reached a record high with the continent being the most urbanized globally.
Les citadins africains bénéficient d’une meilleure qualité de vie
Malgré leur croissance rapide, les grandes villes africaines ont assuré, au cours des trente dernières années, un meilleur accès aux services, aux emplois et aux infrastructures à des millions de citadins que les localités de petite taille.
[Column] Kelly-Ann Mealia: Non-fungible Tokens (NFTs) and the Future of Capital Raising in Africa
More African energy projects should be crowdfunded either in fiat or digital currency and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to ensure that these projects get developed.
[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.
[Column] Phyllis Wakiaga: Policies must reflect commitment to climate change mitigation
Over the last few years, Kenya has embarked on a rigorous campaign designed to restore and conserve the environment. The country has recorded remarkable progress on this front.
[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.
[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.
[Column] Tracy Bolton: How to build a sustainable business in 2022
As our fragile planet experiences unprecedented man-made changes to its climate, organisations are being challenged to move onto a more sustainable path in 2022.
[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.
[Interview] Christina Bwana, General Manager, Ubongo, Tanzania
Ubongo is a Pan-African social enterprise that creates localised edutainment to help Africa's 440 million kids learn, and leverage their learning to change their lives.
[Interview] BIBOUM Kléber, Founder and CEO, GO AFRICA Business Sarl, Cameroon
BIBOUM Kléber is the current CEO and founder of GO AFRICA Business Sarl created in 2020, with a specialization in the development of the tourism industry in Cameroon.
[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.
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.
[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.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: The 'ember' months performance review
The end of year (fondly referred to as ‘ember months’) tends to bring about anxieties of different sorts among Nigerians.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Industries unanimously look toward renewable, sustainable practices
The Covid-19 crisis has been cause for numerous economic slumps round the world; companies were shut down, production halted, industries crippled and prices skyrocketed the world over.
[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.
[Column] Charity Migwi: Climate Action: Pending the 11th hour
As excessive floods, severe drought, and famine continue to be experienced in different parts of the world, global leaders remain largely unfazed as regards making ambitious climate targets.
[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.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: National GDP for Q3 sees increase, amid growing economic concerns
The Nigerian Minister for labour recently has affirmed that more needed to be done in order for the employment crisis to be mitigated. He did allow that much has been done, but a lot of action still was required if the problem was to be tackled from the roots.
[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] Judy Njino: Anchoring business priorities on sustainability
In November this year, leaders from around the world will gather in Glasgow for the UN Climate Change Conference to explore ways that governments, the private sector, and global institutions can promote sustainable development.
[Startup Interview] Adedokun Muhammed-Ali Adedeji, Founder, Brightcloud Automobile, Nigeria
Adedokun Muhammed-Ali Adedeji is a Nigerian innovator, entrepreneur and logistics manager. A green mobility advocate, Adedokun is the founder of Brightcloud Automotive.
[Column] Babatunde Oyateru: Africa should rethink business models for impact and sustainability
Is the corporate goal of an organisation solely to return a profit to its shareholders, or should it be purpose-driven and respond to wider societal needs at the expense of robust profits?
[Column] Phyllis Wakiaga: Sustainable manufacturing key for environmental restoration
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Indeed, if the past year is anything to go by, the need to restore the planet has been underscored by the ensuing consequences of the COVID 19 pandemic.
[Column] Mathew Hall: Why off-grid solutions are starting to make more sense to South Africans
With load shedding back and disrupting day to day life, compounded by consumers feeling the 15% increase on their electricity bill, alternative sources of energy are starting to look more attractive to South Africans.
[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.
[Column] Joanne Yawitch: Climate change and sustainability: Demystifying the Just Transition
Beyond its environmental components, addressing climate change is about economic competitiveness and opportunity.
Eastern and Southern Africa's vast renewables potential offers route to sustainable growth, IRENA
Eastern and Southern Africa are vast, geographically diverse regions with rapidly growing populations and rising demands for energy. According to master plans for the two regional power pools, electricity demand is set to grow.
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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