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Kenya to host flower buyers from 75 countries for the 11th edition of International Flower Trade Exhibition
Nairobi is set to host the global flower trade fraternity for the 11th edition of the International Flower Trade Exhibition (IFTEX) from June 4-6 2024, as Kenya stamps its growing dominance in the sector.
Mastercard and Women Choice expand partnership to invest in women entrepreneurs
Women Choice - an international organization dedicated to advancing women's personal and professional development - launched the pilot cohort in 2023.The next cohorts will be participating in the new programs this year and will aim to impact 50,000 women.
[Column] Farai Bayai Ncube: Bridging gender gaps in Africa’s creative sectors
The Creative DNA programme, initially successful in Kenya with three completed cohorts, has expanded to Ethiopia, Senegal, and Uganda, and plans to launch in more sub-Saharan African countries.
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] Frida Frans: The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) - A Beacon of Unity Amidst African Challenges
Hats off to the Elephants of Cote d'Ivoire for securing the trophy of the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations. What a host! It was a fascinating month as Africans united on the field of play.
Philippines, Rwanda sign agreement to bolster bilateral cooperation
Under the MOU, the Philippines and Rwanda will collaborate in the fields of human resources development, scientific and technological exchanges, education, health, agriculture, gender, youth, environmental issues, and security.
[Column] Agnes Kalibata: Urgent action and leadership critical for climate wins
Climate change stands as a threat to the foundations of our global food systems, unrivalled in its scope and impact. Today, soaring temperatures, shifting weather patterns, and extreme weather are adversely affecting our ability to feed ourselves, demanding urgent solutions.
[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.
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.
Power tools manufacturer STIHL East Africa grows regional footprint one year into operation
The transformation into STIHL East Africa Limited, launched in August 2022, is attributed to the region's growing demand for power tools.
Ghanaian actress, Yvonne Nelson, joins top YouTube MCN, Age Africa
Yvonne Nelson is the latest signee of Age Africa Agency, the top multi-channel network for YouTube creators, brands, publishers and artists in Africa responsible for the growth and management of YouTube channels.
[Interview] Yvonne Nelson, Actress and Entrepreneur, Ghana
Yvonne Nelson is a renowned Ghanaian actress and producer who has led a life filled with significant moments that illuminate her remarkable characteristics as a human being. Africa Business Communities interviews with her.
[Ghana] Actress Yvonne Nelson relaunches Heels & Sneakers TV series on YouTube
After seven years of launching the Heels and Sneakers drama series on TV, actress Yvonne Nelson’s YN Productions has relaunched the series on YouTube with a captivating plot twist.
[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.
New UK projects announced to fight climate change in Africa
hese projects will focus on mobilising finance for climate action and help people manage the impact of climate change across the continent.
[Column] Thandi Moticoe: Driving change through economic empowerment of South African women
One of the keys to overcoming the challenges faced by women is economic empowerment. By providing women with skills training, microfinancing, and entrepreneurial support, we are helping women break free from the shackles of dependence and vulnerability.
ECOWAS moves to empower women through cross-border women in development networks
The ECOWAS Commission through the Directorate of Free Movement of Persons and Migration organised a meeting for Needs Assessment and Project Identification for Cross-Border Women in Development Networks (WID). The event took place in Accra, Ghana.
[Column] Rajan Shah: Strengthening local value chains key to Kenya’s transformation
The government, through the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), has committed to drive economic and inclusive growth through agricultural value chain approach.
[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] Dickson Naftali: Harnessing Africa’s youth population for inclusive growth
By empowering Africa’s youth and creating an enabling environment, we can transform the continent’s food systems and unlock its economic potential.
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.
STIHL EA sets eyes on localizing its product development with $100 million investment
Power tools manufacturer STIHL East Africa has announced it will invest Sh100 million in local accessories manufacturing every year as it seeks to localise its product development in the region.
The driving forces: Major industries impacting the African economy
Despite the challenges it's facing, Africa is home to some of the world’s fastest economies. With a fast-growing population and a wealth of natural resources, it has become an attractive destination for investors to capitalize on its untapped potential.
Elgon Kenya MD Dr. Bimal Kantaria appointed to the global advisory council of CWEIC
The Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, CWEIC, has selected agro input company Elgon Kenya as its strategic partner and appointed its Managing Director Dr. Bimal Kantaria to its global advisory council.
VC firm Equator raises $40 million in commitments for African climate tech startups
The global venture capital firm with teams in Nairobi, Lagos, London, and Colorado, seeks to invest in high-growth, ready-to-scale ventures that are driven by technology and business model innovation in their quest to address material economic and sustainability challenges in the region.
Kenya and Rwanda sign agreement on 10 areas of cooperation
Kenya and Rwanda Tuesday signed an agreement in 10 areas of cooperation to enhance relations. The Memorandum of Understanding will establish mechanisms for effective cooperation in Education, ICT, Gender and Child Development, Youth and Capacity Development for the Public Service.
[Interview] Awe Oludayo, Managing Partner, OS Concepts, Nigeria
Awe Oludayo is a business analyst with specialties in business process improvement, business process improvement and business process management. He's the managing partner of OS Concepts, headquartered in Nigeria.
Food tech company GrubMarket expands into Egypt
These developments represent GrubMarket's underlying commitment to building a robust, global supply chain for high-quality, fresh produce.
Factor[e] Ventures launches a new venture studio to transform the African startup ecosystem
Delta40 focuses on technology-driven energy, agriculture, and mobility ventures led by diverse, experienced founders.
KFC appoints Akhona Qengqe General Manager for Africa
Akhona’s experience, spans across multiple industries including petroleum, property, marketing, operations and convenience retail. She has also served as the Chairperson of the Board of the Franchise Association of South Africa.
eco.business Fund receives $67 million from BMZ and KfW to support sustainable practices in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America
The eco.business Fund has received investments for an aggregate amount of USD 67 million from its strategic partners, the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), acting through KfW Development Bank (KfW), and KfW on its own behalf.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Investors bet on fintechs, startups
The past couple of weeks have seen a flurry of activities in several sectors of the Nigerian economy. Startups are receiving increasing financial backing from VCs for the growith of SMEs.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Improving business competitiveness in the region: The case of TradeMark Africa
As it rebrands to TradeMark Africa, TMA, in its bid to grow its continental footprint, aid for trade institution formerly known as TradeMark East, boasts of having made a lasting mark in East Africa where it has operated for over ten years.
EIB Climate Survey in Kenya
97% of Kenyan respondents say climate change is already affecting their everyday life.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: 2022 statistics outline Nigeria's economic status quo
Despite all the setbacks plaguing economies the world over, Nigeria’s GDP for 2022 is projected to be north of $500billion, the largest in Africa. All eyes are now turned to what these next 12 months could bring Africa’s largest economy.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Enhancing regional digital integration
As East Africa seeks to become a more deeply integrated and dynamic digital investment, innovation, and growth hub, it is exploring initiatives and partners to help it drive that agenda as it seeks to boost its competitiveness as an investment hub.
[East Africa Business Week] Growing the region’s investment portfolio
In the last week, a series of investments across East Africa have been unveiled by corporates, banks, multinationals and development partners as the region continues to position itself as an investment hub in the continent.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Scaling startups’ investment in the region
As startups successfully raise funding, they are boosting their product and service portfolio while setting sight on the East African region for expansion. This
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Deepening diaspora remittances, driving regional investment
In a first of its kind move, The East African Community (EAC) has announced setting up a Diaspora desk that will focus on facilitating East Africans living in the diaspora to invest and trade in the region.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: 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.
[Column] Khethiwe Nkuna: Why investing in women is a smart economic policy
There is a growing body of evidence around the world that shows that gender diversity is linked to innovation in business. An innovation mindset is six times more likely in more gender-equal cultures than in the least equal ones.
[Column] Mary Ngechu: Placing women at the center of development discourse works
Any conversations around increasing our competitiveness as a country without looking at women’s involvement are echoes in a hollow chamber. This is no longer a ‘good conversation to have’; it is an urgent measure that needs to be taken.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Cushioning food systems from shocks
This week, thousands of delegates across the continent and beyond are gathered in Kigali, Rwanda for the African Green Revolution Forum, AGRF, an annual event bringing governments and partners together around food security and making safe, nutritious foods produced in a sustainable way available to all Africans.
[Interview] Dr. Mohamed El Sahili, CEO, Medland Hospital, Zambia
Dr. Mohamed El Sahili is the Chief Executive Officer of Medland Hospital, Zambia. As a medical doctor and entrepreneur, Dr. Sahili also serves on the board of key economic international organizations like the African Business Roundtable, the American Chamber of Commerce, Zambia, Olympic Youth Development Center and the Africa CEO Forum.
[Interview] Dr. Mohamed El Sahili, PDG, Hôpital Medland, Zambie
Le Dr Mohamed El Sahili est le directeur général de l'hôpital Medland, en Zambie. En tant que médecin et entrepreneur, le Dr Sahili siège également au conseil d'administration d'organisations économiques internationales clés, telles que l'African Business Roundtable et l'American Chamber of Commerce.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Bolstering integration with Tripartite Business Council
In a historic move for the integration process, The East African Business Council, COMESA and SADC Business Council recently launched and formed the African Tripartite Business Council.
[Interview] Dr. Mima Nedelcovych, Chairman, AfricaGlobal Schaffer
Dr. Mima Nedelcovych is the Founder and Chairman of AfricaGlobal Schaffer, a strategic consulting firm focused on project development, project finance, trade facilitation, and public-private partnerships in developing countries, with a particular focus on Africa.
[Interview] Dr. Mima Nedelcovych, Président, AfricaGlobal Schaffer
Mima Nedelcovych est fondateur et président d'AfricaGlobal Schaffer, une société de conseil stratégique spécialisée dans le développement de projets, le financement de projets, la facilitation du commerce et les partenariats public-privé dans les pays en développement, et plus particulièrement en Afrique.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Actualizing the Common Market Protocol
The Summit discussed a raft of issues touching on the region from infrastructure development, energy transition, removing all restrictions on air transport services and strengthening the community.
Côte d'Ivoire as a country for investment
Côte d'Ivoire has raised its reputation as a leading party for investment when considering francophone Africa but also considering the continent as a whole.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Region bets on bioeconomy to bolster growth
Among the key interventions proposed in the strategy is the creation of new forms of sustainable bioenergy, and the conversion of waste materials to useful products.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Gas price triggers ripple effect across industries
Nigeria’s inflation as of the month of May stood at 17.71%, but economists are now predicting just a month later a new figure we can expect at the end of this year.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: South Sudan remains a strategic player in the region’s petroleum industry
Owing to its strategic position at the heart of a wider Nile Basin-East Africa hydrocarbons-rich area, South Sudan is emerging as the hub for petroleum industry services and exploration in the region.
[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: Region bets on $91.5 million budget to drive economic integration
This week, the East African Community has tabled before the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) the budget estimates for the 2022/2023 Financial Year totaling $91.5 million.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: 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: Telecoms slide into banking, Central Bank ups interest rates
The last few days have shown us developments and setbacks, statistics that show growth on the one hand and room for improvement on the other.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[Column] Mary Ngechu: Making space for the next generation of women in manufacturing
Pivotal moments in history have brought manufacturing to where it is today, and women have played an important part in the sector’s evolution over the years.
[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.
[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: Government, Central Bank turn focus to the startup movement
There’s an ongoing comparison in Nigeria's status quo that is causing some rift – the national statistics and reports are showing a promising and stable economy, but the situation on-ground reflects a different reality.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: 5G becomes national security policy, industries seek sustainability in technology
The one thing the current global pandemic has unilaterally effected in all nations is a rearrangement of priorities, both for people and for governments. Survival elements – food and healthcare – have taken lead position.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: The 'ember' months performance review
The end of year (fondly referred to as ‘ember months’) tends to bring about anxieties of different sorts among Nigerians.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Come dry season, food production and supply chain gain emphasis
As we have established time and again, fertile lands and an able, skilled workforce are a vital combination for a thriving agricultural sector.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Industries unanimously look toward renewable, sustainable practices
The Covid-19 crisis has been cause for numerous economic slumps round the world; companies were shut down, production halted, industries crippled and prices skyrocketed the world over.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Nigeria enters green market, takes on AfCFTA implementation
The collaboration of government with industries is crucial for economic progress, be the market large or small. Nigeria knows this and is taking steps to work closely and create better transparency in one of the country’s most robust industries.
[Column] 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] Phyllis Wakiaga: Invest in women entrepreneurs to improve livelihoods
The resilience of women in entrepreneurship and business does not go unnoticed. It is their agility to overcome archaic beliefs and tough situations that have proven their worth.
[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.
[Column] Phyllis Wakiaga: Nurture technical skills to revolutionize manufacturing
Countries all over the world have prioritized manufacturing in their economic rebound strategies, following the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
[Column] Titilayo Adewumi: Building greater sustainability, climate resilience in West Africa
Across Africa, urban centres are rapidly expanding as the continent’s large – and growing – youth population seek better fortunes in the city.
[Column] Phyllis Wakaiga: Increasing participation of women in the manufacturing sector
The increased participation of women in manufacturing is the inevitable change we need to achieve our industrialization goals.
[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
[Column] Andiswa Bata: What it entails to support women entrepreneurs
Whilst female entrepreneurship is on the rise globally, The World Bank's research shows that female entrepreneurs tend to encounter a unique set of challenges in starting and running their businesses.
[Interview] Marieme Esther Dassanou, Coordinator, AFAWA programme, AfDB
Marieme Esther Dassanou is the Coordinator of Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) the African Development Bank’s flagship pan-African initiative
African Development Bank delivers on a decade of transformative commitments to reduce poverty
For the past five decades, the African Development Bank Group has been at the forefront of driving Africa’s economic transformation, leveraging its diverse resources and unique know-how as an indigenous development finance institution.
Tough future for women small-scale and informal cross-border traders
As the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic continue to unfold, it becomes clear that some will be hit harder than others.
[Column] [Column] Phyllis Wakiaga: Home-grown solutions are key for sustainable development
Necessity is the mother of all inventions. We are witnessing an increase in innovations as the world races to develop a vaccine to treat COVID-19.
[Startup Interview] Josephine Pretorius, Founder, Consolidated Marketing Services, South Africa
Josephine Pretorius is the founder and CEO of Consolidated Marketing Services, CMS, a South African startup offering marketing and PR services to clients predominantly in the energy and power infrastructure sector.
Most commodity prices to drop in 2020 as COVID-19 depresses demand, disrupts supply, World Bank
The global economic shock of the COVID-19 pandemic has driven most commodity prices down and is expected to result in substantially lower prices over 2020, the World Bank said in its April Commodity Markets Outlook.
[Column] Bob Koigi: Of coronavirus crisis and the silver lining for Africa
As economies take a hit from the impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic, the crisis is birthing opportunities and continues to create crucial lessons on resilience and adaptation especially in Africa.
[Column] Rémy Ejel: International Women’s Day: What will it take to achieve gender equality?
“There should be equality for all – men and women – at all levels, and all ages” was the compelling call from Anna, one of our young female talents at Nestlé CWA Ltd, about gender equality.
[Interview] Bob Koigi, Africa Business Communities
Bob Koigi, multiple award winning journalist and East Africa Region Chief Editor at Africa Business Communities, was recently selected as one of the 100 worldwide most influential people of African descent under 40
[Column] Okisegere Ojepat: Why multiple, conflicted agencies make a mess of food safety
Safe food is essential to our health and wellbeing; yet it has emerged as a political football in recent months, as different authorities chase a role in food testing.
[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.
[Interview] Kagure Wamunyu, CEO, Kobo360, Kenya
Kobo360 was launched in 2017 by entrepreneurs Obi Ozor and Ife Oyedele II. Kagure Wamunyu is the current CEO, leading the company's expansion and growth in the African region.
[Column] Bob Koigi: Technology farming is the answer to Africa’s growing food demand
The unprecedented population boom in Africa, the highest world over, continues to put more pressure on food producers as they grapple with having more mouths to feed.
[Column] Donna Rachelson: What Corporate SA should be doing this Women’s month
South African business has a serious diversity problem - only 3.3% of listed companies have female CEOs and 85% of CEOs are white, despite an increase from 2018.
[Column] Maria Auma: Let's really talk AfCFTA
When I envision AfCFTA, I see a continent where the cost of trade is cut by nearly 80 per cent. Having been in the importation business for over three years I will say that the one thing that eats up our profits the most was the importation taxes and duties.
[Column] Anne Wambui Gaitha: African Trade Agreement key to Financial Services, Logistics, Tourism industries
I believe that the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) is a game changer in international trade and will be an amazing opportunity for African brands.
[Interview] Mary Njoku, Director General, ROK Film Studios, Nigeria
Nigerian Film and Entertainment Studio, ROK, was recently acquired by French media giant, CANAL+. Mary Njoku, the leader of ROK, talks to Africa Business Communities about the aquisition and what it means for the African entertainment industry.
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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