tagresults
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.
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] 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.
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:
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.
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.
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] 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.
[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.
[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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
[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.
[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] 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.
[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.
[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.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Gas price triggers ripple effect across industries
Nigeria’s inflation as of the month of May stood at 17.71%, but economists are now predicting just a month later a new figure we can expect at the end of this year.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: 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.
[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.
[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.
[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] 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: Nigeria sets course to unify industry benefits, lead Africa's 5G
Following a turbulent year of stock market fluctuations, restrictions related to an ongoing pandemic and varying economic instabilities, predictions on Nigeria’s performance last year ranged from inferior to mediocre to excellent.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Industries unanimously look toward renewable, sustainable practices
The Covid-19 crisis has been cause for numerous economic slumps round the world; companies were shut down, production halted, industries crippled and prices skyrocketed the world over.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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] 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.
[Startup Interview] Boluwa Olojo, Marketing Officer, Go Ads Africa, Nigeria
Boluwa Olojo joined the startup Go Ads Africa as its Chief Marketing and Sales officer, telling the company story and selling its products.
[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.
[Startup Interview] Wilhelmina Diop, Marketing Director, HelloSolar, Ethiopia
Wilhelmina Diop is investing her skills in Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development into providing rural communities in Ethiopia with affordable access to power, through the startup company, HelloSolar.
[Column] Pippa Scaife: It pays to be emotional-‘I am a feminist’
I am a ‘feminist’.It’s a title that’s crept up on me over the last few years, as I’ve become increasingly impassioned about gender equality.
[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] Faridah Afadameh, CEO, Ashfar Group, Ghana
Faridah Afadameh is CEO of Ashfar Group, a pan African business enterprise with footprints in West Africa, East Africa and Southern Africa.
[Interview] René Stegmann, Director, Relocation Africa
René Stegmann is a South African entrepreneur experienced in the Mobility, Research and Immigration industries, and is currently the Director of Relocation Africa.
[Column] Phyllis Wakiaga: Embracing inclusivity is smart economics
Evidently, the novelty and productivity that women bring into a business is being lauded across the world for having a reverberating effect on all growing economies.
[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.
[Interview] Jill Sawers, Director, FEMTECH, South Africa
Dr. Jill Sawers is an innovation, business and entrepreneurship development specialist that co-founded FEMTECH to roll out in Africa an experiential training programme for women entrepreneurs running technology-enabled businesses.
[Interview] Donna Rachelson, CEO, Branding & Marketing YOU, South Africa
Founded in 2007, Branding & Marketing YOU is headed up by Donna Rachelson - branding and marketing specialist, author of three best-selling books, successful businesswoman and savvy business investor.
[Interview] Kirsty Chadwick, Group CEO, TTRO, South Africa
Kirsty Chadwick, a citizen of New Zealand, puts to work her passion for education and the technology at her disposal to create innovative, cost effective and fully customised e-learning solutions.
[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.
[Interview] Esther Dumbiri, Managing Director, SHTL Publishing, Nigeria
Esther Dumbiri put her talent with words and colors to good use by starting a publishing firm over a decade ago, a firm that has grown in leaps and bounds.
[Interview] Kathryn Main, CEO, Money Savvy Kids, South Africa
Kathryn Main is an advocate of financial literacy and believes it is a cornerstone of prosperity and security for any community. The author of 'Raising Money Savvy Kids', she runs her company in Johannesburg, South Africa, delivering financial education in a number of ways.
[Column] Donna Rachelson: The future of women in the workplace in South Africa
Year after year, the majority of senior executives in South Africa are men. In July last year, only one of the JSE’s Top 40 companies had a female CEO.
[Interview] Hayat Essakkati, Director, Maroc4Invest, Morocco
Hayat Essakkati is a Dutch/Moroccan entrepreneur and Director of Maroc4Invest, a company that secures foreign investors a smooth and efficient entry into the Moroccan market.
[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.
[Nigeria Business Week] Industries partner to reach common goals
The sectors are revving up to keep up momentum as the 2019 opens new doors for Nigeria’s stride toward economic balance.
[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.
[Interview] Lara Onafeko, CEO, Sidney Folarin Consulting, South Africa
Lara Onafeko is a Nigerian entrepreneur, CEO of consulting firm Sidney Folarin Consulting, located in Cape Town, South Africa.
[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]Flora Mutahi: Women can boost global value chains
The move by Ethiopia to increase female representation in Government is the latest indication of a global wave of awakening to the reality that increased female participation for development is a must for any economy.
[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] Bob Koigi: Water access and economic growth nexus
For every $7 spent on water and sanitation, a community receives $30 worth of benefits according to the World Health Organization.
[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.
[South Africa] Pink tax causes financial pain
Basic toiletries, grooming products, medical screenings and haircuts are some of the items that see women spending hundreds to thousands of rands more than their male counterparts.
[Column] Michael Hailu: Focus on youth, women will boost agribusiness
There are two strong arguments why we need to get greater women and youth involvement in agriculture – pragmatic and strategic.
[Interview] Marcia Ashong, Founder, TheBoardroom Africa
Marcia Ashong, of Ghanaian nationality, is an entrepreneur with experience in upstream oil and gas law, project management, consulting and business development. She founded TheBoardroom Africa, an outfit dedicated to increasing female boardroom participation in Africa, with her co-founder Tamsin Jones.
[Nigeria Business Week] Towards self-dependence, reduced importation
As industries grow, so does the job market, consumer satisfation and investor confidence. Nigeria is gaining a reputation as fertile ground for both business expansion and takeoff point for startups.
[Interview] Duduzile Mkhwanazi, CEO, Project Isizwe, South Africa
Duduzile Mkhwanazi is the Chief Executive Officer of South African non-profit organization, Project Isizwe, an organization dedicated to bringing internet access to the populace.
[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
Share this article
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
.png)
[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