tagresults
Verdant Capital and KfW establish fund to support MSMEs growth in Africa
Verdant Capital Hybrid Fund (VCHF) has reached its first closing with committed capital of $36 million. The fund is targeting high developmental impact, including job creation and income generation through SMEs and micro-entrepreneurship.
Coca-Cola lance JAMII, sa nouvelle plateforme de développement durable en Afrique
L’Africa Operating Unit (« AOU ») de Coca-Cola et ses partenaires embouteilleurs ont annoncé le lancement de JAMII, la nouvelle plateforme de développement durable dédiée à l’Afrique.
Coca-Cola launches JAMII, its new sustainability platform in Africa
Coca-Cola Africa Operating Unit (“AOU”) and its bottling partners announced the launch of JAMII, the new Africa-focused sustainability platform.
IFC and We-Fi help tackle gender financing gap through IFC ScaleX
To help tackle the financing gap that women entrepreneurs still face IFC and the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative launched a new call for applications for IFC ScaleX, that will provide an award of up to $25,000.
More than a third of clinicians across META have had their patients’ data compromised, Kaspersky
Global Kaspersky research unveils that 37% of healthcare providers across the META region have experienced cases where their employees compromised customers’ personal information during remote consultations.
Kenyan BNPL startup Lipa Later secures $12m funding to expand across Africa
Lipa Later, one of it’s kind buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) company operating in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Nigeria, has raised $12 million from a consortium of investors.
[Kenya] TransUnion Africa appoints Morris Maina as CEO for its Kenyan operations
Information and insights company TransUnion Africa has announced the appointment of Morris Maina as chief executive officer (CEO) of the company’s rapidly-growing Kenyan operation.
[Column] Andrew Bourne: What will online privacy and security look like in 2022?
Online privacy and security is an ongoing battle and that organisations of all sizes will have to keep stepping up their efforts when it comes to protecting their customers and staff
57% of businesses surveyed across META list lack of expertise as a top reason for outsourcing IT security
More than half (57%) of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and enterprises across the META region listed the need for special expertise among their top reasons for engaging third-party security specialists in 2021.
[South Africa] Realness Institute and Netflix Extend 2022 Episodic Lab and DET Entry Deadline For African Writers
Realness Institute in partnership with Netflix has extended calls for submissions calls for the 2022 Episodic Lab and Development Executive Traineeship (DET) programmes from African writers.
Foodics grows MENA footprint with acquisition of provider of restaurant cloud technology POSRocket
The acquisition is a strategic move by the two companies and allows Foodics to consolidate itself in the market, as well as to assume market leadership in Egypt, Kuwait , Oman and Jordan, in addition to the dominant position it already held in the rest of the GCC.
Multi-asset broker Exness expands its presence in Africa
Exness, the multi-asset broker in the world, announced it will continue to expand its presence in Africa in 2022.
Agile software is a boon to manufacturing for Ghana and Rwanda
Processes originally aimed at speedy application development are giving manufacturers the tools to build the next generation of urban-flight and space vehicles in Africa.
Ababacar Diaw appointed CEO of Allianz Ghana Non-Life
Ababacar Diaw has been nominated as CEO of Allianz Ghana Non-Life, effective January 17th 2022, subject to necessary approvals.
Allianz appoints Abderrahim Dbich as new CEO for Morocco
Allianz Africa announced the appointment of Abderrahim Dbich as CEO of Allianz Maroc, effective January 1st, 2022. He succeeds Joerg Weber, who will take on new responsibilities in the Allianz group.
[Column] Tris Morgan: The future Chief Information Security Officer (CISCO) is a Chief Trust Officer
As the CISO’s role changes, they’re taking on a newfound importance in their organisation and becoming the face of trust - driving strategies forward and enabling the business.
Added boost for SADC export infrastructure as DHL Global Forwarding expands its presence in Zimbabwe
DHL Global Forwarding has launched in Zimbabwe to extend its presence across Africa.
73% of healthcare providers globally use medical equipment with a legacy OS, Kaspersky
The research found that organisations globally widely use medical equipment with a legacy OS, mainly because of high upgrade costs, compatibility issues, or a lack of internal knowledge on how to upgrade, among other reasons.
[Column] James Bayhack: Innovations that will reshape business in Kenya in the future
The global crisis introduced the necessity to innovate, forcing many to rethink how they communicate with their customers and repackage product and service offerings for the new landscape.
New Mastercard podcast shows how financial inclusion is creating an equitable future for all
Mastercard is bringing awareness to some of the world’s most critical issues through an innovative podcast series ‘Journey to One Billion’.
StarTimes Secures AFCON 2021 Broadcast Rights
Pay Television Company StarTimes Media has acquired broadcasting rights the TotalEnergies 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in sub-Saharan Africa.
Kaspersky develops cybersecurity policy for bionic devices
Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has developed a cybersecurity policy, making it one of the first organisations to address the challenge of the human augmentation phenomenon.
[Column] Kevin Muley: How globalization has greatly transformed how we communicate beyond borders
The ability to communicate globally has made it effortless to share information with those in different time zones and locations.
NuRAN announces agreement for us$15,000,000 senior credit facility as financing for Cameroon and DRC projects
NuRAN Wireless Inc., a specialist rural telecommunications company, is pleased to announce an agreement in principle for a senior secured credit facility with a development finance institution that provides up to US$15,000,000 in total funding.
Samsung Electronics unveils ‘Together for Tomorrow’ vision to build a more sustainable and connected future
The company’s “Together for tomorrow” vision is one that empowers everyone to create positive change and drives collaborations that address some of the planet’s most pressing challenges.
FSD Africa Investments injects £3 million into Kenya’s first factoring fintech
FSD Africa Investments (FSDAi), the investing arm of FSD Africa, has announced a £3 million investment into IMFact, an expanding fintech company that uses supply chain financing to provide working capital to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Orange organise les premiers tournois de football panafricains
Orange, partenaire majeur du football africain depuis 2008, est sponsor officiel de la Coupe d’Afrique des Nations pour la 7ème édition consécutive.
Orange holds first Pan-African football tournaments enabling youth to be actors of positive change
Orange, a major partner of African football since 2008, is the official sponsor of the AFCON for the 7th time in a row.
Private securities and crowdfunding surge to continue in 2022, report
According to Pitchbook data, global crowdfunding exploded from $8.61 billion in 2020 to $113.52 billion last year – a 1,021% increase.
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.
World Bank Group and CTA announce winners of Global Women's HealthTech awards
The World Bank Group and the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) announced the winners of The Global Women's HealthTech Awards.
[Column] Wale Arewa: Eliminate Risk with Data Erasure
Data erasure is the software-based method of securely overwriting data from any data storage device using zeros and ones onto all sectors of the device.
3 trends in Africa’s crypto sector to expect in 2022
As we kick off the new year, Marius Reitz, Luno’s General Manager for Africa, explores three key trends to expect on the continent throughout the year:
New malicious files discovered daily grow by 5.7% to 380,000 in 2021, Kaspersky report
In 2021, Kaspersky’s detection systems discovered 380,000 malicious files per day, indicating a 5.7% increase compared to 2020.
AvosLocker Ransomware Uses AnyDesk in Safe Mode to Launch Attacks, Sophos Reports
Sophos research explains how attackers attempt to bypass security controls by using a combination of Windows Safe Mode and the AnyDesk remote administration tool.
Huawei partners with African universities to train 700,000 ICT professionals
Huawei Technologies has set an ambitious target of training nearly 1 million new ICT professionals in partnership with universities in Africa.
Merck Foundation recognizes best African women researchers and best young African researchers
Merck Foundation yesterday held a ceremony to reward 13 winners of best African Women Researchers and best Young African Researchers of MARS Awards 2021.
[Column] Zion Adeoye: Repositioning Africa under the AfCFTA
Established in 2018, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), represents perhaps Africa’s biggest opportunity for the next few decades in its battle against poverty of all forms, energy and infrastructure included.
[Column] NJ Ayuk: Why we need African energy banks now
For more than a year, the African Energy Chamber has been pushing back against steadily building pressure to halt new foreign investments in Africa’s oil and gas industry.
[Nigeria] CcHUB's Syndicate invested in over 11 high-growth African startups in 2021
In 2021, Syndicate invested in 11 companies led by amazing founders across 7 different verticals like consumer and lifestyle, logistics, health, fintech, data and business intelligence, Agritech and identity management.
[Column] John Mc Loughlin: The greatest asset becomes the biggest risk
Companies deploy multiple security, intelligence and productivity monitoring tools in the hopes of working smarter and safer. However, none of these solutions focus on the humans driving day-to-day operations.
Palo Alto networks appoints Helmut Reisinger to leadership team
Palo Alto Networks, the global cybersecurity leader, announced the appointment of Helmut Reisinger to the position of CEO for the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
Irish fintech Pipit Global and Cellulant extend partnership to 12 new African markets
International cash payments platform Pipit Global and Cellulant have extended their partnership agreement to now include eighteen countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
[Column] Laurent Sarr: Why Digital Identities Are The New Frontier
Whenever a user, or consumer, creates a profile or account on any online platform, they must have a unique way to identify themselves and give them access to their data.
Pfizer and BioNTech receive U.S. FDA authorization of COVID-19 vaccine booster for individuals aged from 12
Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of a booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to include individuals 12 years of age and older.
L’AFD signe un accord de partenariat avec renater en Afrique australe et orientale
l’Agence Française de Développement (AFD) et RENATER ont signé un accord de partenariat pour travailler ensemble à la structuration et au développement des Réseaux nationaux d’enseignement et de recherche en Afrique australe et orientale.
[Nigeria] The Tony Elumelu Foundation opens applications for its $5000 2022 Entrepreneurship Programme
The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme is open to African entrepreneurs with business ideas or existing businesses under 5 years from all 54 African countries
BBC StoryWorks working with TECNO on mobile camera innovation film
Chinese smartphone maker TECNO is working with BBC Storyworks, BBC Studios’ in-house commercial content studio to create a short film on mobile camera innovation.
World Mobile, Altaeros partner to launch aerostat balloons to connect Africa
World Mobile, the first mobile network built on blockchain and run by the people, partners with Altaeros, developers of the world’s first autonomous aerostats, to connect the unconnected.
Digital Realty to acquire majority stake in Africa’s largest data centre services provider Teraco
Based in Johannesburg and established in 2008, Teraco is Africa’s largest data centre services provider. The company offers vendor-neutral colocation and other related services in secure and resilient data centres.
Xcelerate acquires controlling interest in Tanzania virtual health startup AfiyaSasa Africa
Xcelerate, Inc. has signed a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement to acquire a 51% interest in AfiyaSasa Africa, LLC, ASA, a start-up medical technology and virtual health company.
AfDB approves pooled investment in tech start-up fund to boost innovation across sub-Saharan Africa
The pooled funds comprise €7 million provided by the African Development Bank and a €3.5 million contribution by the European Union and the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States.
Lotus Ecoculture launches in Ghana
Lotus Ecoculture through its subsidiary Mepe Farms Limited an agricultural development company launched its services seeking to offset $35 billion annual food imports to the African continent.
AfDB approves €10.5m in tech startup fund to boost innovation across SSA
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group has approved an equity investment pool of €10.5 million toward the first close of the Janngo Start-Up Fund, a pan-African tech start-up fund.
TerraPay partners with FloCash to enable cross border business payments in Middle East and Africa
TerraPay, a global payments infrastructure company, has partnered with Flocash, a provider of payment services powering ecommerce in Middle East & Africa, for large cross-border business payments.
MTN messaging app Ayoba reaches 10 million monthly active users
The ayoba platform aims to harness growth in the African digital economy by breaking down barriers such as limited access to the internet and digital services, low smartphone penetration, lack of locally relevant content, and affordability.
Oxford Business Group launches first global ESG CEO survey
In its research, OBG surveyed executives based across the economic sectors, with financial services and energy highest in terms of representation.
[Column] NJ Ayuk: Developing marginal oil fields is more important than ever for Africa
Nigerian energy-industry leaders have been reminiscing lately about the country’s earliest efforts to develop marginal oil and gas fields.
Visa completes acquisition of global payments solution company Currencycloud
Visa has announced it has completed the acquisition of Currencycloud, a global platform that enables banks and fintechs to provide innovative foreign exchange solutions for cross-border payments.
IFC, Fidson Healthcare partner to develop Nigeria’s pharmaceutical production capacity
To support Africa's goal of strengthening its production of medicines and reducing its rneliance on imports, IFC and Nigeria's Fidson Healthcare have partnered to develop Nigeria's capacity to produce active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
[Column] Akshay Grover: Elevating digital payments for a cashless future in Africa
COVID-19 has propelled the adoption of digital payment platforms for millions of people across the African continent. The need for contactless methods of making transactions, transformed what was once a nice-to-have into a necessity.
AfDB grants $1.5 million to Smart Africa Alliance to strengthen the policy environment for digital trade and e-commerce across Africa
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group has approved a $1.5 million grant to assess policy gaps in the digital trade and e-commerce ecosystems in 10 countries in Africa.
Acer announces senior management changes for Middle East and Africa region
Acer has also appointed Michele Montecchio as Country Manager for Middle East (ME) effective from 1 January, 2022 following the decision of Paul Collins who, after a successful tenure of driving the Acer Middle East and Africa business for 7 years, has decided to retire.
Kenyan fintech startup Paylend raises $2m seed investment to accelerate growth
Paylend, a Kenyan fintech startup focused on providing access to finance and digitizing MSMEs in Kenya announced it has raised $2 million seed investment from Next Chymia Consulting.
African Development Bank appoints Stephen Ashcroft as Director, General Services and Procurement
The African Development Bank Group announced the appointment of Stephen Ashcroft as Director, General Services and Procurement, effective 16 February 2022.
JCR Rating Agency announces Afreximbank international-scale long term issuer rating of A-, outlook stable
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has received an inaugural international-scale long term issuer rating of A- with a stable outlook from the Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR).
Zimbabwean government grants land to Afreximbank for construction of the Africa Trade Centre
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has been granted land in Harare by the Zimbabwean Government to build a landmark centre for facilitating intra-African trade.
[Column] Sunil Geness: Africa’s e-government efforts are bearing fruit
Following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on governments and citizens, countries across the African continent are looking at e-government with renewed interest and urgency.
[Africa Cloud Review] Simon Ngunjiri: 2022 will be an interesting year for cloud in Africa
Forrester predicts that the general-purpose cloud has had its time, and that in 2022 we can expect to see the growth of specialised industry clouds, with solutions tailored for each sector.
IsDB approves $1.6 billion funding for projects in Africa, Asia and Europe
In a significant increase in its financing operations, Jeddah-based AAA rated Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), approved $1.6 billion to finance 24 new development projects in 19 member countries located in Asia, Africa and Europe.
African Development Fund grants $1.5m to strengthen policy environment for digital trade and e-Commerce across Africa
The African Development Bank Group approved a $1.5 million grant to assess policy gaps in the digital trade and e-Commerce ecosystems in 10 countries in Africa.
[Column] Brandon Rochat: Log4Shell will have a lasting ripple effect
The tech world was shaken this past week. A vulnerability affecting Apache Log4j versions 2.0 to 2.14.1 was disclosed on the project’s GitHub page.
Africa50 appoints Zurina Saban as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Africa50, the pan-African infrastructure investment platform, announced the appointment of Zurina Saban as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary.
Africa50 unveils Kigali Innovation City urban masterplan in Rwanda
Africa50, the pan-African investment platform, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the Ministry of ICT and Innovation of Rwanda unveiled the urban masterplan for the development of the Kigali Innovation City (KIC) project.
[Nigeria] Ventures Platform Closes its First $40M Pan-African Fund
Nigeria-based Ventures Platform has announced the first close of its $40 million pan-African fund to invest in market-creating innovations across Africa.
AfDB Board approves €70 million credit facility and $24 million equity investment to West African Development Bank
The line of credit will support businesses in the West African Economic and Monetary Union, particularly in job-creating sectors such as agribusiness, renewable energy, health and information and telecommunication, which were drastically affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
How to start a digital marketing agency in Africa
A digital marketing agency is undoubtedly one of the most profitable and rewarding businesses you can operate in Africa for a number of reasons.
L’enseignement technique transforme les villes rurales et améliore les conditions de vie au Kenya
La Banque africaine de développement appuie le développement de l’enseignement et de la formation technique et professionnelle au Kenya et dans vingt autres pays africains.
[Cameroun] L'AfDB accorde plus de 38 millions de dollars pour la gestion des eaux pluviales et l’hygiène
Le Conseil d’administration du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement a accordé un prêt de 38,55 millions de dollars américains au Cameroun pour le financement du Projet complémentaire d’assainissement durable de la ville de Yaoundé.
Nigeria remporte le Ecobank Fintech Challenge 2021
Le Groupe Ecobank, a annoncé que Trove Finance, une application de négociation d'actions internationales basée au Nigéria, a remporté la quatrième édition du concours annuel Ecobank Fintech Challenge.
DPO Group partners with Amadeus to offer mobile money payments for international airline customers across Africa
Amadeus, a global player in travel technology, has partnered with pan-African digital payments company, DPO Group, to enable digital payments for regional and international airlines.
AfDB’s Board of Directors approves the institution’s borrowing programme for 2022
The 2022 borrowing programme of the African Development Bank has been approved by the Board of Directors for up to $10 billion to be raised from the capital markets.
[Africa Tech Review] Duncan Mochama: Safaricom expands its smartphone financing plan
Safaricom partnered with Google and Transsion, the company behind TECNO, Infinix and itel to add new devices under its Lipa Mdogo Mdogo smartphone financing plan
IFC partners with Bank of Africa to expand SMEs lending in Kenya
IFC has partnered with Bank of Africa Kenya (BOA Kenya) to spur private sector growth and promote access to finance in Kenya, including for women-owned businesses and businesses focused on addressing climate change.
Writer Information, Morphisec partner to deliver unified cyber threat prevention platform in Africa
Writer Information Management Services (Writer Information), announced its cyber security services partnership with Morphisec, to offer its cyber threat-prevention platform in the GCC region.
Digital talent in Africa is more willing to change jobs and relocate for better opportunities, report
Digital talent in Africa leads the pack in looking to change jobs in the near future for better career opportunities. This is according to the findings of a Decoding the Digital Talent Challenge report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and The Network
[Kenya] Wowzi raises $3.2 million seed funding to expand across Africa
Kenyan startup Wowzi has raised $2 million in seed funding to expand its digital marketplace across Africa. The round was led by 4DX Ventures.
[Nigeria] Online learning platform Edukoya announces $3.5M pre-seed led by Target Global
Lagos- and London-based startup online learning platform, Edukoya has raised $3.5 million in a pre-seed round led by Target Global.
Cassava Technologies and ITC Secure announce joint venture to expand Microsoft cloud security expertise in Africa
ITC Secure and a Microsoft Gold cyber security partner, and Cassava Technologies, announced that they have entered into a Joint Venture to build and launch an extensive portfolio of cyber security services, powered by Microsoft Azure cloud technologies in Africa.
IBM appoints Julia Carvalho as General Manager for IBM Growth Markets in Africa
Ms. Carvalho will be responsible for IBM’s business operations, growing our partner ecosystem and driving client satisfaction across multiple regions in Africa.
IFC and ADGM launch initiative to boost opportunities for women-led startups and businesses across MENA
IFC and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) launched She Wins Arabia, an initiative to help women-led startups across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) get the advice, finance, and mentorship they need to grow.
African Development Bank appoints Patricia Laverley as Country Manager for Tanzania
The African Development Bank announced the appointment of Patricia N. Laverley as Country Manager, designated for the Tanzania Country Office.
Orange et la Coopération Allemande inaugurent le 8e Orange Digital Center en Afrique et au Moyen-Orient
Orange et la Coopération Allemande inaugurent le 8e « Orange Digital Center », un écosystème digital entièrement dédié au développement des compétences numériques et à l’innovation pour former les jeunes aux nouvelles technologies et renforcer leur employabilité.
Le Groupe Ecobank s’associe à des compagnies d’assurance pour proposer des solutions de bancassurance aux PME
La Banque Commerciale du Groupe Ecobank, le premier groupe bancaire panafricain, s'est associée à cinq compagnies d'assurance pour proposer une gamme de solutions de bancassurance aux Petites et Moyennes Entreprises (PME) clientes de Ecobank à travers son réseau panafricain.
IBM and MuleSoft partner to help accelerate flexibility across public and private clouds
IBM and MuleSoft plan to deliver increased integrations and solutions around the IBM Z product family to support financial services and other mutual customers.
African Development Bank approves $210m for Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones in Nigeria
The African Development Bank approved $210 million loan co-finance Phase 1 of the Nigeria Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone Program in Nigeria. The program will help to unlock Nigeria’s agriculture sector potential.
Ecobank partners with insurance companies to offer bancassurance to SMEs across African markets
Ecobank Group’s Commercial Banking business has partnered with Old Mutual, Allianz, SUNU, Sanlam & NSIA, to offer a range of Bancassurance solutions to Ecobank’s Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) customers.
[Africa Cloud Review] Simon Ngunjiri: Digital Marketers and now taking full advantage of cloud
Harnessing the power of the hybrid cloud platforms are just some of the strategies that agencies and advertising firms are utilizing to increase collaboration
PAC Holdings sets up The Catalyst project to promote African entrepreneurship
PanAfrican Capital Holdings (PAC Holdings) has set up The Catalyst, a venture capital project, to identify and invest in growth to product-expansion stage companies with convincing business models and market opportunities.
Zwarttech rebrands to Zarttech to strengthen its service offering
Zwarttech, the Netherlands-based tech startup is changing its name to Zarttech to strengthen its service offerings and consolidate its market position.
COLUMNS.
[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 ...read full column here
[Column] Andrew Bourne: What will online privacy and security look like in 2022?
In many ways, 2021 was a landmark year for online privacy. In April 2021, Apple rolled out an update allowing users to opt out of app tracking, with most iPhone users having done so by the end of the year ...read full column here
[Column] Tris Morgan: The future Chief Information Security Officer (CISCO) is a Chief Trust Officer
Right now, many businesses are at different stages of their digital transformation journey but, ultimately, one of their main goals remains the same - to have a flexible and secure infrastructure ...read full column here
INTERVIEWS.
[Interview] Janek Winand, Managing Director, Siemens Gamesa, South Africa
Janek Winand is the Managing Director of Siemens Gamesa South Africa, a leader in the renewable energy industry, working to provide the world's best offshore and onshore wind turbines and services … read full interview here
[Interview] James Claude, Chief Executive Officer, Global Voice Group, Africa
James Claude, the CEO of Global Voice Group (GVC). GVC assists governments to increase efficiency, revenue, and transparency and compliance, through intelligent big data solutions … read full interview here
[Interview] Alioune CISS, Chief Executive Officer, Webb Fontaine, Africa
Alioune CISS is the Chief Executive Officer at Webb Fontaine, a leading provider of solutions for Trade facilitation, powered by modern technology including artificial intelligence across different African countries … read full interview here