tagresults
African Union set to boost intra-African agricultural trade
The African Union (AU) has set out plans to construct industrial parks that will improve the manufacturing of agricultural products as well as the supply chain.
[Nigeria] Federal Government builds capacity of rice farmers
As part of efforts to improve the production capacity of rice nationwide and enhance food security, the Federal Government launched a scheme to train farmers in the rice value chain on improved techniques from farm to market.
[Burundi] TDB group unlocks funding for women-led small and medium enterprises via its SME program
As part of its SME program, the Trade and Development Fund (TDF) of the Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank (TDB) Group, has issued a 3-year BIF 500 million partial risk guarantee facility in favor of the Women’s Initiative for Self-Empowerment S.A. (WISE) in Burundi.
African trade finance sees $5b in portfolio outflows in Q1 2020 due to Covid-19 but opportunities exist, report
Constrained global financial conditions caused by Covid-19 have led to massive portfolio outflows from Africa, exceeding $5 billion in the first quarter of 2020, a new continent-wide survey on trade finance has shown.
Proposed new measures by the African Telecommunications Union and Ericsson set to expand Africa’s ICT space
African countries and telecommunications stakeholders have today launched the first set of ATU spectrum recommendations that focus on transforming Africa into a knowledge economy.
[Africa Tech Review] Duncan Mochama: More African countries are now rolling out 5G
A number of African telcos already starting to roll out this fifth-generation technology standard for broadband cellular networks in the different countries they operate in.
Sophos Unveils XGS Series Firewall Appliances
Sophos has today unveiled new XGS Series firewall appliances with unrivaled performance and advanced protection against cyberattacks.
Standard Bank Group appoints Yinka Sanni as CEO of Africa Regions
Sanni, the group’s Regional Chief Executive for West Africa, takes over from Sola David-Borha, who is retiring after 31 years of distinguished service to the group.
PayTabs partners with Visa to launch Tap to Phone payment solution in MENA
Tap to Phone aims to make traditional expensive location centric devices like physical POS devices and terminals, obsolete.
[Uganda] Insurtech startup OKO raises $1.2 million to bring innovative insurance to smallholder farmers across Africa
OKO, an Insurtech startup that provides inclusive agricultural insurance to secure farmers’ income across Africa, has closed a Seed investment of $1.2 million.
[Column] Ian Lessem: Shaping tomorrow’s innovation - Collaborating with the right VC partner
HAVAÍC says aligning to startup founders’ interests leveraging off smart capital and working together towards a mutually favourable exit is the foundation for successful collaboration between Venture Capital (VC) investors and startups.
[Column] Dejan Kastelic: How 5G technology could shape Africa's future
Developing nations have arguably surpassed their developed counterparts in benefiting from the rapid deployment of mobile technology.
Airtel Africa signs $500 million credit facility with banks
Airtel Africa, a provider of telecommunications and mobile money services has announced the successful signing of a new $500 million loan facility with a group of relationship banks.
[Nigeria] P2P Crypto Marketplace Bitzlato Partners with Lemonade Finance to Ease Money Transfers Across Africa
Bitzlato (BZ), the latest P2P Crypto Exchange to enter the African market, has added Lemonade Finance, a borderless payment platform for Africa as a payment method to its platform.
[Column] Joshua Ndemenge: University Students need continuous mentorship to become relevant in their chosen fields of study
In March, Microsoft’s Africa Development Centre announced the kick-off of Season 2 of its Game of Learners (GOL) program, an initiative aimed at enhancing digital and coding skills amongst university students in Africa
[Column] Emmanuel Osanga: Data and data science strategies will unlock Africa’s future competitiveness
How can we not pay attention to data, considering this value it provides? Ultimately, it will position organisations to either win or lose in their industries.
MIGA issues guarantees of $37.1m to AIIF3 for clean off-grid solar energy in Central and East Africa
MIGA issued guarantees of up to $37.1 million to a fund (AIIF3), to cover the fund's equity and quasi-equity/shareholder loan investments in Bboxx subsidiaries in Rwanda, Kenya, and DRC for up to 10 years.
Africell partners with Aviat to provide 5G network across Africa
The new network, which will be designed, installed, and maintained by Aviat, will include Aviat WTM 4000 and WTM 4800 Multi-band point-to-point radios and CTR microwave switches, and disaggregated cell site gateways.
Global financial conditions, COVID-19 have undermined capacity of banks to finance African trade, report
The report is the first of its kind, surveying 185 banks from across Africa, representing more than 58% of total assets held by African banks.
AGRA partners with PAFO to support African smallholder farmer organizations
The Pan-African Farmers Organization (PAFO) and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) have signed a cooperation and partnership agreement to strengthen the capacities of African farmers’ organizations.
IATA and Eurofins collaborate to boost travel with testing
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced an agreement with Eurofins to incorporate its worldwide COVID-19 testing network into IATA Travel Pass.
Issuance in emerging market green bonds to reach $100 billion by 2023, Amundi and IFC report
Amundi, European asset manager, and IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, have published the third edition of their Emerging Market (EM) Green Bond Report 2020.
Coca-Cola to sell part of its shareholding in Coca-Cola Beverages Africa via an IPO
The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) have announced plans to list CCBA as a publicly traded company.
African investment firm Altica Partners announces senior appointment, expands advisory board
Altica Partners, an Africa-focused investment firm that provides credit strategies to Impact and ESG conscious institutional investors has announced the appointment of Andrew Ofori as a Partner of the firm and a member of its investment committee.
[Africa Cloud Review] Simon Ngunjiri: Cloud computing is the technological revolution of the twenty-first century
For some African sub-regions, the cloud computing model has already come to represent a solution to IT under-equipment problems, and the trends indicate that this model is set for major development.
Andela Announces Global Engineering Talent Expansion
Andela, the global talent network that helps companies build remote engineering teams, today announced the global expansion of their engineering talent.
[Rwanda] SHEKINA enterprise finds export market for dried cassava leaves product
SHEKINA Enterprise is a going-concern Rwandan food processing company, created in 2007 from the idea of MBATEZIMANA who visited a small market in his home village and met some girls who were throwing cassava leaves in the garbage and decided to come up with an innovative product.
[Kenya] Logistics startup Amitruck and Sky.Garden announce last mile goods pick-up and deliveries partnership
Logistics platform Amitruck and e-commerce platform Sky.Garden have announced a partnership aiming to form an end-to-end digital chain for goods pick-up and deliveries to the last mile.
How cold chain technology is enhancing healthcare in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The introduction of solar-powered fridges is helping DRC to safely store vaccines in health care centers, from which they can be administered to people and could benefit the country’s wider healthcare system.
ECA partners with African countries to increase investment in agriculture
The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is working with African countries to increase investment in infrastructure and agriculture on the continent.
Uganda-Tanzania pipeline deal draws high expectations for East Africans
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and Tanzanian President Samia Hassan Suluhu signed an agreement to contruct the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).
inq. announces strategic partnership with Elastic to strengthen cybersecurity in Africa
Pan-African cloud-based digital service provider inq. has announced that they are now a strategic managed security services partner for Elastic, the company behind Elasticsearch and the Elastic Stack.
PETRONAS Selects AVEVA ‘s Unified Cloud Solution to Drive Productivity
Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) has partnered with AVEVA to provide a modern enterprise cloud solution that promotes integration across the entire value chain.
[Interview] Nick Treurnicht, Customer Engineer for Google Workspace, DigiCloud Africa, South Africa
Nick Treurnicht is the Customer Engineer for Google Workspace at DigiCloud Africa, Africa's Google Cloud Brokerage, specialising in Google Cloud products - including Google Cloud Platform, G Suite, Google Maps and Chrome.
[Column] Richard Rattue: How technology has shaped financial services
We can only expect technological capabilities to increase exponentially and for more competition to come onto the market via robo-advice offerings to more application-based options for younger investors.
[Column] Sangji Lee: The case for a green economy
As countries develop revised national climate pledges, known as Nationally Determined Contributions, they’re doing so in the context of multiple historic crises: climate change, rising inequality, and the health and economic impacts of COVID-19.
[Column] Wayne Miller: The role of the pandemic in transforming healthcare
Despite the many challenges of 2020, healthcare organisations have gained considerable insights and experience that will transform the sector well into the future.
Dangote Fertilizer to train farmers in the South East
Good times are ahead for farmers in the South-East geopolitical zone as Dangote Fertilizer has promised to train them on better ways of farming to obtain bumper yields…
FAO and the African Union Commission launch a guide to help countries enter Africa's new single market
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the African Union Commission's Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Development (AUC-DARBE) have launched a guide to boosting intra-African agricultural trade under the new African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.
Paratus Telecom appoints Martin Cox Group Chief Commercial Officer
Cox brings a wealth of experience as a founder shareholder of Neotel and Executive for Strategy, Commercial and M&A at Internet Solutions.
[Africa Tech Review] Duncan Mochama: Twitter Opens First African Office in Ghana to Tap Fast-Growing Market
Twitter announced that it's finally coming to Africa. The microblogging site announced on Monday that it was opening a new office in Ghana, which it said was in line with its growth strategy.
Forter partners with Flutterwave to drive e-commerce growth across Africa
The partnership, the first of its kind in Africa, will enable merchants to accurately identify legitimate buyers from fraudsters, resulting in increased transaction approvals and reduced friction in the purchasing experience.
UNDP and GISD Alliance launch platform to facilitate private sector investments in SDGs
SDG Investor Maps is a unique tool that allows investors identify the impact/sustainability areas that, combined with high return, can be game changers in their portfolio.
Africa receives its first Level D helicopter full flight simulator
The simulator allows pilots to train in complete safety for a variety of complex situations (adverse weather conditions, helicopter failures and emergencies), that could occur in the during actual flight operations.
African Fintechs collaborate to interlink mobile money and digital assets
Seychelles-based Securities, Commodities and Derivatives Exchange (SECDEX), and KOINON, the global Digital Coin and Token-based payment platform have announced a collaboration to interlink mobile money and digital assets.
Truecaller launches anti-fraud enterprise solution for businesses
Truecaller has introduced a new identity solution for businesses to bolster safety and eliminate fraud. The enterprise solution is dubbed Truecaller Business Identity.
IFC, partners help African healthcare providers access essential medical equipment
IFC launched partnerships with health technology company Philips and the Co-operative Bank of Kenya to help smaller businesses in Africa's health sector purchase essential medical equipment.
Telecel Group launches applications for Africa startups accelerator programme
The Program helps startups achieve 18-24 months of growth in just three months. Now, the next generation of early-stage African tech startups disrupting a wide range of industry sectors are being sought.
IFAD, Islamic Development Bank invest $500 million to address impacts of climate change among rural communities
Using their own resources, IFAD and IsDB will jointly finance priority projects in some of their 57 common member countries over the next five years with a cofinancing target of $500 million.
Global Fund report shows massive disruption to healthcare caused by COVID-19 in Africa and Asia
A new report by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria shows COVID-19 has massively disrupted health systems and health service delivery for HIV, TB and malaria in low- and middle-income countries in Africa and Asia in 2020.
EU allocates €54.5m to Africa's Great Lakes region
The EU announced a new funding of €54.5 million in humanitarian aid devoted to the most vulnerable people affected by human-made or natural disasters, epidemics, and displacement in the Great Lakes region of Africa.
[Column] Ryan Mer: Staying ahead of cybercrime is a business imperative
Cyber security is almost always a people problem first. While the amount of business transactions taking place online is constantly growing and working from home is now commonplace, business controls have not kept pace with digital transformation.
Africa is ready to fight covid-19 with seven innovative data projects
Agence Française de Développement (AFD) in its shared Innovation series highlights seven innovative programs created or developed by African countries to combat covid-19.
CEPI and the African Union join forces to boost African vaccine R&D and manufacturing
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and the African Union Commission announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding responsible for the prevention and control of diseases in Africa.
[Column] Apollos Nwafor: How Africa can rebuild through agriculture
The COVID-19 pandemic has created massive disruption in agri-food systems around the world. It has compounded the food security situation globally.
African Energy developments demand sustained investment with new projects in Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, and Senegal
In the past twelve months, the African energy sector has seen several encouraging developments, in the form of both Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and strategic partnerships, that have advanced the sustainable development of its natural resources.
Zecurion launches solution to safeguard businesses from internal fraud
The solution includes several brand-new modules: Staff Control, Screen Photo Detector, Incident Workflow Automation, and risk-based User Behavior Analytics
Africa Finance Corporation’s total assets grew by 20 per cent to $7.36 billion in 2020
AFC’s audited financial statements for 2020 calendar year show strong and continued growth, with total assets reaching $7.36 billion on Dec. 31, compared with $ 6.12 billion a year earlier.
[Column] Genevieve Koolen: How organizations can shape their culture for the new world of work
Will people return to the office when it’s safe to do so? Since the start of the pandemic last year, organisations and employees across the world have embraced remote work like never before.
Swahili Connection launches translation and localization services to international companies
why Swahili Connection has launched its translation and localization services to international companies, including producing marketing materials and writing content in Swahili.
Global brokerage firm Brokerslink appoints Benjamin Raimbault as African regional manager
In the regional manager role, Boudeau-Raimbault will work with the support of a dedicated steering group and Brokerslink partners and affiliates in 35 African countries.
USAID launches agriculture consortium to combat threat of infectious diseases to human and animal health
The five-year, $33 million consortium will harness innovation to sustainably improve animal health, strengthen animal agriculture production systems in Asia and Africa and enhance global health security.
Vodacom partners with AUDA-NEPAD on Covid-19 vaccine roll-out across Africa
The roll-out of mVacciNation, developed by Mezzanine, a member of the Vodacom Group, is the first project in a public-private partnership that has been formed between Vodacom Group and AUDA-NEPAD.
Ecobank Transnational Incorporated appoints Akin Dada as Group Executive, Corporate & Investment Banking
Akin has over 30 years of banking experience in client coverage, strategic transaction initiation and advisory dialogues across various client segments, including public sector, telecoms, FMCG and oil and gas.
[Africa Cloud Review] Simon Ngunjiri: Africa is Undergoing a Revolution in New Cloud and Data Centre Capacity
Africa is indeed moving forward with its instigation of cloud computing on a theatre-wide basis. Cloud services are transforming Africa's productive capacity and emerging as one of the most essential pillars of Africa's digital transformation.
Absa launches cloud computing skills incubator across its operations in Africa
Absa Group has launched a cloud incubator initiative in collaboration with Amazon Web Services Inc. (AWS), a leading cloud services provider, to enhance its cloud computing skills across its operations in Africa.
Nigerian fintech Appzone raises $10m for expansion and proprietary technology
Appzone, the Pan-African fintech software provider building proprietary solutions for the continent’s banking and payments industries, has today announced the close of its $10mn Series A round.
Gender inequality is meeting Artificial Intelligence in today's tech-applications
Technological innovations like artificial intelligence (AI) promise to identify and close these gaps through claims of a more data-driven, objective approach.
[Egypt] Evina and Telecoming join forces in the fight against cyber fraud
Evina and Telecoming have signed a global alliance to work hand in hand in promoting DCB as the safest and most appropriate payment method in the new mobile economy and, in particular, for the fight against fraud.
Total signs agreements with Uganda and Tanzania on East Africa oil project
Uganda, Tanzania and oil firms Total and CNOOC on Sunday signed agreements that will kickstart the construction of a $3.5 billion crude pipeline to help ship crude from fields in western Uganda to international markets.
[Morocco] RES4Africa makes moves in renewable energy sector
RES4Africa Foundation is increasing its footprint in Morocco’s renewable energy sector with the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN) and a formal agreement with Morocco’s Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Environment.
Lukoil Withdraws Bid To Acquire Shares In Senegal’s Sangomar Development
Russian multinational Lukoil will not proceed with its non-binding bid to acquire FAR Limited’s stake in Senegal’s Rufisque, Sangomar and Sangomar Deep (RSSD) project, according to a statement by the Australian oil and gas explorer.
[Column] Anthony Njoroge: The importance of flash storage for the cloud
As cynicism about the benefits of the cloud give way to rapidly embracing digital transformation, companies are finding themselves in a position where they must optimise their infrastructure.
Two thirds of META consumers would shun an online service provider following a data breach, Kaspersky
Two thirds of META consumers (65%) would walk away from an online service provider if it suffered any form of data breach, according to a study of 15,000 consumers worldwide, conducted by Kaspersky.
ACTESA develops over four million seed labels to grow in-country seed trade
The labels will enable companies engage in regional seed trade for large seed consignments crossing the borders and in-country seed trade in smaller packages.
Airtel launches IOT integrated platform for the world of connected things
Airtel IoT is an end-to-end platform with the capability to connect and manage billions of devices and applications in a highly secure and seamless fashion.
[Interview] Stephan Eyeson, fondateur et PDG, Survey54
L'entrepreneur Britanique-Ghanéen, Stephan Eyeson, est actuellement PDG et fondateur de la société panafricaine de collecte de renseignements sur les consommateurs, Survey54.
WHO launches Viral Facts Africa initiative to combat dangerous health misinformation
Viral Facts Africa, a first of its kind African initiative to combat health misinformation online, was launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) and a network of fact-checking organizations and leading public health bodies.
Mali gets first-ever ATM anti-fraud program
BS/2 company, a software security company in cooperation with its partner, Diebold Nixdorf, has begun installing its ATMeye.iQ solution in financial institutions in Mali.
[Rwanda] KTRN partners with Babyl to power digital healthcare during the pandemic
KTRN, Rwanda's only 4G LTE wholesaler company, has joined Babyl Rwanda in its efforts to expand digital healthcare across the country through the #ConnectRwanda Initiative.
West Africa welcomes data centers developments
While South Africa is home to the largest concentration of data centers on the African continent, the appeal of West Africa seems to be growing, with new developments planned for both Senegal and Nigeria.
[Column] Mokrane Sabri: Focusing on Africa’s growth and potential of the Blue Economy
For years there have been numerous attempts to bring the continent together to create a continent-wide common market — a free trade area where all can benefit, but the attempts have yet to gain serious traction.
[Column] Andres Vega: Powerships: A solution for Africa’s energy short-term supply?
Energy poverty represents one of the most critical challenges for development in Africa. According to the International Energy Agency, in 2019, the continent had more than 580 million people without electricity access.
Digital information service helps small scale farmers respond to COVID-19
As movement restrictions and other safety measures took hold across Kenya, the Kenya National Farmers’ Federation (KENAFF) created a mobile phone–based information service as a way to respond to the crisis and keep farmers better informed.
[Cameroon] MTN launches it’s new brand campaign dubbed the indomitable network
MTN, Cameroon’s leading telecommunications company, is pleased to announce the launch of its new brand campaign dubbed “Unbeatable with MTN, the indomitable network”.
ZTE implements Africa's first 3G/4G/5G Tri-RAT dynamic spectrum sharing solution in South Africa
ZTE Corporation, the international provider of telecommunications, enterprise and consumer technology solutions for the Mobile Internet, announced it has implemented Africa's first live 3G/4G/5G Tri-RAT dynamic spectrum sharing solution.
[Column] Akinwumi Adesina, Patrick Verkooijen: African agriculture is ready for a digital revolution
After a dark 2020, a new year has brought new hope. In Africa, where up to 40 million more people were driven into extreme poverty and the continent experienced its first recession in 25 years.
African fisheries need reforms to boost resilience after Covid-19, study
The African fisheries sector could benefit substantially from proper infrastructure and support services, which are generally lacking. The sector currently grapples with fragile value chains and marketing.
[South Africa] Driving Digital Inclusion to Promote Global Equality, Amdocs
Covid-19 has accelerated the rate of digital technology adoption around the world, but also revealed the depth of the digital divide worldwide.
Ecobank Transnational Incorporated appoints Tomisin Fashina as Group Executive, Operations & Technology
Tomisin has over 30 years of experience, predominantly in technology management and financial services. Before joining the Ecobank Group, Tomisin was the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Steward Bank Harare Zimbabwe.
[Africa Tech Review] Duncan Mochama: Africans are increasingly using eCommerce in response to COVID-19 restrictions
Ten countries are responsible for 94% of all online business in Africa. South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria, and Kenya together account for 78% of total marketplace traffic.
Jio Haptik partners with iSON Xperiences to enable AI-powered customer service for enterprises in Africa
The partnership forges the power of Conversational AI and Contact Centre Automation to personalize customer experiences, improve agent performance, and lower cost overheads for businesses.
Big Gains for Low-loss Materials in the 5G Market, Reports IDTechEx
5G roll-out is in full swing. 144 5G networks have been launched with 90 more expected in 2021. Over 200 5G devices are now on the market and 5G is expected to reach 1 in 5 people by the end of 2021
[Column] Andrew Bourne: Tech companies can help reverse talent erosion in rural communities
One of the countermeasures to address rural decline is for tech companies to recognise that talent can operate from anywhere and provide employees the option of working from anywhere.
Nairobi is the most innovative city in Africa, Knight Frank report
The report notes that the ability of African cities to emerge resilient from the pandemic will depend on their ability to innovate, providing long term social solutions to their residents, attracting funding and generating new demand for space.
InspiraFarms partners with Ifria to develop cold chain tech in West and North Africa
Ifria and InspiraFarms are partnering following a mutual concern. Over 40% of food produce in Africa spoils before it reaches a consumer, approaching 60% for fresh produce in Sub Saharan Africa and North Africa.
[South Africa] Mazule Fuels Growth with Infor SunSystems and Sapphire Anywhere
Infor, the industry cloud company has announced that mineral and energy trading company Mazule has selected Infor SunSystems.
TravelPort unveils digital platform to simplify travel
According to the company, Travelport+ is the centerpiece of Travelport’s new global strategy and is designed to accelerate industry innovation in multi-source content distribution, travel retailing and value generation.
[Rwanda] AgriGO apps to empower the local smallholder farmer to grow financially
AgriGO apps, is primarily assisting a farmer to improve the current yield, by availing the right, modern and personalized best practices in farming through personalized SMS in local languages.
API, African Energy Chamber sign MoU to expand natural gas, oil industry standards and initiatives
The American Petroleum Institute (API) and the African Energy Chamber (AEC), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on capacity building initiatives and standardization to enhance safety, environmental protection and sustainability.
platforms
COLUMNS.
[Column] Richard Rattue: How technology has shaped financial services
Going forward, capturing millennial and Generation Z investors will be no easy task for advisors who will need to be positioned to capitalise on those who are hungry for non-traditional personal finance solutions, with on-demand access ...read full column here
[Column] Wayne Miller: The role of the pandemic in transforming healthcare
Despite the many challenges of 2020, healthcare organisations have gained considerable insights and experience that will transform the sector well into the future ...read full column here
[Column] Sangji Lee: The case for a green economy
As countries develop revised national climate pledges, known as Nationally Determined Contributions, they’re doing so in the context of multiple historic crises: climate change, rising inequality, and the health and economic impacts of COVID-19 ...read full column here
INTERVIEWS.
[Interview] Nick Treurnicht, Customer Engineer for Google Workspace, DigiCloud Africa, South Africa
Nick Treurnicht is the Customer Engineer for Google Workspace at DigiCloud Africa, Africa's Google Cloud Brokerage, specialising in Google Cloud products - including Google Cloud Platform, G Suite, Google Maps and Chrome ...read full interview here
[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 ...read full interview here
[Interview] Stephan Eyeson, Founder & CEO, Survey54
British-Ghanaian entrepreneur, Stephan Eyeson, is current CEO and Founder of pan-African consumer intelligence gathering firm, Survey54 ...read full interview here