tagresults
Incofin sells its equity stake at Unguka Bank in Rwanda
Incofin just sold its 28% equity stake that its Rural Impulse Fund (RIF II) had in Unguka Bank to LOC Holdings, one of the leading global financial platforms for micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs).
Ecobank Rwanda appoints Richard Mugisha as new Board of Directors Chairman
He is credited with ability to provide effective strategic direction, foster innovation, maintain strong financial performance, and uphold the bank's commitment to responsible banking practices.
SFD funds a $20M project to deliver electricity in Rwanda
The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) signed an agreement for a concessional development loan of $20 million to finance the electricity delivery project in the Kamonyi District.
Kenyan electric bus manufacturer BasiGo expanding to Rwanda
BasiGo which recently partnered with the Associated Vehicle Assemblers Ltd (AVA) to assemble its buses in Kenya is entering Rwanda with a new entity, BasiGo Rwanda Ltd.
Bboxx and MTN Rwanda partner to deepen smartphones access
Bboxx, a data-driven super platform, and MTN Rwandacell PLC, a subsidiary of MTN Group, Africa's mobile network operator, have announced a transformational new strategic partnership aimed at widening access to smartphones across Rwanda and accelerating the country's digital agenda.
Hantec Group has announced its expansion in Africa
Hantec Group celebrates 33 years of accomplishments and announces expansion in Africa.
European Union, Germany join forces to boost Rwanda's mining sector
The project is jointly funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and will be implemented by GIZ in cooperation with RMB
I&M Bank, partners join forces to support the growth of MSMEs in Rwanda
I&M Bank Rwanda, the European Commission, the European Union Delegation and FMO have joined forces through a $10 million NASIRA Risk Sharing Facility to support the growth and development of the MSMEs in Rwanda.
Rwanda to receive new financing to crowd in private investment and build climate resilience from IMF
Rwanda, Team Europe and partners pioneer an additional EUR 300 million financing to crowd in private investment and build climate resilience following Resilience and Sustainability Facility arrangement with the International Monetary Fund
Ansys expands presence to Africa with new office in Rwanda
Ansys, the global player and innovator of engineering simulation software, is establishing its first physical presence in Africa with a new office in Kigali, Rwanda. Opening in August, the office will expand Ansys' world-class customer support team, servicing Ansys' global customer base out of Kigali Innovation City, a growing Pan-Africa technology hub.
IFC and Bank of Kigali partner to boost Trade in Rwanda
Bank of Kigali has joined IFC's Global Trade Finance Program (GTFP) and become one of 240+ issuing bank partners of IFC under this Global Trade Finance Program.
Equity Group acquires 91.93% of Cogebanque in Rwanda
Equity Group Holdings Plc enters into a binding term sheet with the Government of Rwanda, Rwanda Social Security Board, and other investors to acquire 91.93% of the issued share capital of Compagnie Générale de Banque (Cogebanque) PLC Ltd.
Volkswagen signs deal with Government of Rwanda to establish a modern farm with electric tractors
As part of the MoU, the Government of Rwanda has agreed to provide land in Gashora (Bugesera District) for the project, as well as to assist with permitting and licensing requirements of the project.
Comment Bolingo Consult aide les organisations à surmonter les défis en matière de communication
Un site web, plusieurs langues : Comment Bolingo Consult aide les organisations à surmonter les défis en matière de communication
Bolingo Consult helps organizations to deal with miscommunication by seamless technology
One Website, Multiple languages: Bolingo Consult helps organizations to deal with miscommunication by using technology.
[Rwanda] Electric mobility startup Ampersand achieves major milestone with 1,000 motorcycles
Ampersand, the Kigali-based electric motorcycle startup now has more than 1,000 commercial-use electric motorcycles on the roads in Rwanda and Kenya.
Liquid C2 collaborates with INOVO to offer omni-channel cloud contact centre to clients in Africa
INOVO's cloud contact centre solution enables businesses to easily optimise channels, supporting processes, data and their workforce to drive efficiencies and boost the customer experience
GoGlobal expands presence in Africa with local offices in 18 countries
GoGlobal, a leading Employer of Record (EOR) is expanding its global footprint with the launch of on-the-ground offices in 18 African countries.
Fintech firm dLocal receives regulatory licenses to operate in Kenya and Rwanda
dLocal, the fintech firm has announced that the Central Bank of Kenya and the National Bank of Rwanda have granted it their respective payment service licenses.
AFIA PHARMA has partnered with Babyl Rwanda to improve patients' access to healthcare.
AFIA PHARMA Ltd. has partnered with a top-notch telemedicine service, Babyl Rwanda to improve Rwandans patients' access to healthcare.
FSD Africa, Swiss Re Foundation and National Bank of Rwanda to launch BimaLab Africa Acceleration Program
FSD Africa, Swiss Re Foundation and National Bank of Rwanda launch partnership to boost financial inclusion in nine African countries.
[Column] Malik Shaffy Lizinde: Unlocking the Potential of AI-From Fear to Excitement
AI is becoming a significant part of our lives, and there's a growing concern that it will replace human jobs, leading to unemployment.
Flow Global raises fund to expand and scale rapidly within and across markets
Flow Global raises additional Bridge Funding to continue scaling its ecosystem-agnostic digital growth solution for merchants.
Fintech startup Payday re-launches in Rwanda, partners with Starlink to enable internet access
Pan-African payments startup PayDay has re-launched in Rwanda and announced a partnership that will enable Startlink customers to purchase their subscription services through the platform.
HRLeverage expands into seven African countries
HRLeverage, a provider of outsourcing and Professional Employer Organization (PEO) solutions, has announced its expansion into Kenya and seven other African countries, including Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Senegal, Nigeria and Zambia.
Rwanda and Singapore launch annual global fintech forum to advance innovation in inclusive finance
Global regulators, policymakers, decision-makers, founders, and investors will gather for three days of discussions on inclusive and sustainable FinTech, primarily focusing on the Global South, stretching from Africa to Latin America and Asia.
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.
Airtel Rwanda and UNICEF Rwanda team up to increase access to digital learning for school children in Rwanda
Airtel Rwanda and UNICEF Rwanda has announced a partnership to help accelerate the roll-out of digital learning through connecting schools to the internet and ensuring access to learning platforms in Rwanda.
Payday secures $3M seed to power the future of work for Africa
Payday, a neobank issuing global (USD, EUR and GBP) accounts to Africans has raised $3M seed round to drive its expansion into Europe, North America and the rest of Africa.
Visit Rwanda signed a new deal
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB), through the Visit Rwanda campaign signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Veteran Clubs World Championship where Rwanda will host the next three editions of the football tournament.
Operationalisation of the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund MoU signed in Rwanda
The AfCFTA Secretariat and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) signed the Host Country Agreement for the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund with the Republic of Rwanda.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino re-elected by acclamation at historic FIFA Congress
Gianni Infantino will serve a second term as FIFA President after being re-elected unopposed to lead global football’s governing body for another four years, during the 73rd FIFA Congress in Kigali, Rwanda.
[Rwanda] Applications for 2023 Africa’s Business Heroes Prize competition open
Now in its fifth year, the competition offers a unique opportunity for African entrepreneurs to highlight their talent and make a bigger impact on the community through their businesses
Zipline unveils new autonomous system for home delivery
Zipline, the global delivery company famed for its use of drones to deliver healthcare products has unveiled a new platform to offer deliveries directly to homes.
Flutterwave secures two additional licenses in Rwanda
With these new licenses, in addition to being a Payment Service Provider, Flutterwave can offer money deposit and withdrawal, electronic funds transfer, as well as inbound and outbound remittance services to the 13.46 million people living and working in Rwanda.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: What the entry of Somalia to the EAC means for region
This week, The East African Community (EAC) officially launched the verification mission to assess the Federal Republic of Somalia’s readiness to join the Community.
[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.
[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: Accelerating sustainable and clean transport solutions
A bulk of East African countries’ electricity comes from renewables. Yet the region’s transport sector relies entirely on imported petroleum fuels.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Boosting small businesses’ competitivity in the region
Small businesses are the engine of the East African economic growth, employing millions and opening up the member states to interact with each other through seamless trade.
Africa Business Communities Forum: Which African countries will perform best economically in 2022?
Africa Business Communities talked to several entrepreneurs and founders in the early months of the year, and they cast their votes on which African countries will thrive best in 2022.
Africa Business Communities Forum: Quels seront les pays Africains plus performants sur le plan économique en 2022?
Africa Business Communities s'est entretenu avec plusieurs entrepreneurs et fondateurs au cours des premiers mois de l'année, et ils ont voté pour déterminer quels pays africains seront les plus prospères en 2022.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Region warms up to the hospitality industry’s expansion binge
Global respected hotel brands are expanding their footprint and have identified Africa as a key investment destination with the East African region catching their attention for its MICE, business and leisure growth potential.
[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: Partnerships bolster cross-border remittances and trade
This will also accelerate financial inclusion and remove the barriers around cross-border money transfers.
[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.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Banking on innovations, partnerships to grow financial services sector
These developments have led to improved services and a robust sector that is shaping the region’s financial services industry dynamics.
[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.
[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.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Boosting diaspora remittances through regional collaboration
As the region bets on diaspora remittances to boost respective countries’ national purses and drive economic growth across East Africa, member states are looking at cementing regional partnerships.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: West meets East
West African companies have particularly been keen to expand their operations in the East African region. This has been through mergers, partnerships or takeovers.
[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.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: DR Congo’s factor in the integration agenda
The recent entry of the Democratic Republic of Congo to the East African Community has heralded a new economic dispensation expanding the regional market.
Is Africa ready for green growth? AfDB assesses some countries
A new report co-authored by the African Development Bank and the Global Green Growth Institute, has found evidence of growing political commitment to green growth in Africa.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Investing in women-led businesses to deepen integration
East African member states, private sector players and development partners have stepped up their investment in women-led businesses and SMEs in a move likely to impact cross-border trade and boost integration in the region.
[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.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Heightened oil and gas activities inspire more investments
As the East African nations continue to make oil and gas discoveries, investors and multinationals are pitching tent in the region on an exploration binge with governments betting on the newfound resources to grow national and regional economies.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: What 2022 portends for East Africa
As the East African Community, EAC, member states eye innovative ways of deepening integration and trading more with each other, the bloc and individual countries are putting in place mechanisms, policies and legislation that seek to address longstanding hiccups that have put the brakes on seamless regional trade.
[Rwanda] Delivery drones: Why Zipline is switching to 24/7 operations
Hospitals in Rwanda will now receive much needed medical supplies and personal protective equipment from drone firm Zipline on a 24-hour basis.
[Rwanda] MTN considers setting up financial tech firm
MTN Rwanda is considering setting up an independent company to take on and operate its financial technology operations.
[Rwanda] 550,000 Rwandans to fall into extreme poverty this year – World Bank
Rwanda’s economy has fallen into its first recession due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic and could potentially compromise years of gains in poverty reduction, the World Bank said Monday.
[Rwanda] "Until Africans get the Covid vaccinations they need, the whole world will suffer", Paul Kagame
Ensuring equitable access to vaccines globally during a pandemic is not only a moral issue, but an economic imperative to protect the wellbeing of people everywhere. But when will Africa get the protection it needs? If all lives are equal, why isn’t access to vaccines?
[Interview] Nikhil Pereira, CEO, Africa Healthcare Network, East Africa
Africa Healthcare Network has over the years worked to change the landscape of renal care and education in Sub-Saharan Africa through the provision of dialysis services, education of clinicians and patients.
[Column] Phyllis Wakiaga: How the EAC bloc can leverage its market
This year, reports and news articles have been awash with stories of a dysfunctional EAC bloc stagnated and in near-crumbling state.
Join the African Green Revolution Forum Investor DealRoom
The Forum will be held in Kigali, Rwanda on 5-8 September 2018
Are you an agribusiness seeking funding and/or investment?
Africa Green Revolution Forum pulling together stakeholders in the agricultural landscape, will host a Dealroom connecting investors with business owners
[Column] Bob Koigi: Deepening regional trade and East African integration with one stop border posts
Traders passing through East African border points have traditionally grappled with harrowing experiences, from bureaucratic procedures to harassment by custom officials.
[Vacancy] Freelance African Tech Journalist
Africa Business Communities will be developing a Tech Platform on its website and is therefore looking for a freelance journalist/webmaster
[Interview] Jameel Verjee, Founder & CEO, CityBlue Hotels, East Africa
Jameel Verjee is a British entrepreneur expanding his business in the hospitality industry across East Africa. He is Founder and CEO of CityBlue Hotels, founded in Rwanda and now expanded into Kenya and Uganda.
[Column] Bob Koigi: East African Community. Whither integration agenda?
If the East African community member states are not burning each other’s chicks, or auctioning cows, they are embroiled in trade disputes and mistrust in what has become characteristic of the integration journey.
Africa’s performance over the year 2017: A Q4 summary by ICAEW Economic Insight
East Africa is forecast to show very strong real GDP growth of 5.9% over the full year 2017. The biggest contributor to this expansion was Ethiopia (accounting for a full 2% of regional GDP growth), with its stellar performance of 7.1%.
[Column] Jens Ischebeck: East Africa edtech success stories
Today, new technologies including information communication technology (ICT) and e-learning have become the driving force in the education sector in Kenya.
[Startup Interview] Frank Balestra, Founder, AB Minerals & Made for Africa Eco-Friendly solution
Frank Balestra is a Canadian who has lived in Africa the better part of the last five years, both in the DRC and Rwanda. This has given him a good understanding of the people, the African culture, the countries and the coltan industry.
[Column] Tony Elumelu: Demystifying African Business Myths
Though the story line on Africa has progressed – it is no longer about “saving” Africa, but how best to promote investments in Africa – there is still work to be done to tackle inaccurate information about Africa that persists in mainstream media.
Economic growth in East Africa remains strong despite drought - Report
East Africa's economy has continued to grow despite the adverse effects of drought being felt across the region according to ICAEW's (the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales) latest report.
[Column] Jens Ischebeck: 3 worth-it benefits of mobile learning in Rwanda
M-learning is education that uses primarily mobile or electronic devices. M-learning is similar to home-schooling in the sense that you can learn anywhere.
First BioNTainer for African-based mRNA manufacturing facility landed in Kigali
BioNTech SE reached the next milestone in the establishment of scalable mRNA vaccine production in Africa.
AfCFTA Secretariat and Afreximbank sign AfCFTA adjustment fund host country agreement with Rwanda
The AfCFTA Secretariat and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), have signed the Host Country Agreement for the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund with the Republic of Rwanda.
Rwanda launched Manufacture and Build to Recover Program extension to attract more private sector investments
Honourable Prime Minister, Edouard Ngirente officially launched the extension of the Manufacture and Build to Recover Program during the Invest Rwanda Forum in Kigali. The program will run until 2025.
IMPACC opens up its call for investment applications of up to $150k in social ventures in EA
Impacc gGmbH has announced a call for applications for its third venture cohort of investment in innovative entrepreneurs in Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania, who will get a smart equity investment to scale their businesses.
Smart Africa et Enabel s'associent pour stimuler l'esprit d'entreprise basé sur la technologie
Smart Africa et Enabel s'associent pour stimuler l'esprit d'entreprise axé sur la technologie grâce à un échange d'apprentissage par les pairs entre le Bénin et le Rwanda.
Green Fund Rwanda launched Intego to support the country’s Rwanda's climate action journey
Green Fund Rwanda launched Intego - Rwanda's NDC Facility that will support the country Rwanda's climate action journey by availing funding to public institutions.
[Rwanda] Government to connect 3,000 schools to the internet by 2024
Rwanda plans to connect 3,000 schools to the internet by 2024. This was revealed by Paula Ingabire, the country’s Minister for ICT and Innovation.
Rwanda and Singapore to launch Annual Global Inclusive FinTech Forum
Rwanda and Singapore launched Annual Global Inclusive FinTech Forum to advance innovation in inclusive finance.
Starlink Internet to enter in Rwanda by February 22 and piloted in schools
As announced by the Ministry of ICT, Schools are among Rwandan institutions given priority to benefit from the satellite-based internet soon to be provided by billionaire Elon Musk's high-speed satellite internet venture, Starlink.
Stanford Seed renews collaboration with AMI to support African entrepreneurs
Seed, a Stanford Graduate School of Business-led initiative, has renewed its collaboration with the African Management Institute (AMI) in its ongoing effort to partner with entrepreneurs to help them build thriving enterprises that transform lives.
Radisson Hotel Group delivers strong growth in 2022 through its 9 relevant brands
In 2022, Radisson Hotel Group continued to drive forward its ambitious expansion plan to be one of the top three hotel groups in the world with its strong portfolio of nine distinct brands and its growing resorts portfolio.
Toggle Market has expanded its B2B buy now, pay later (BNPL) solution to Rwanda
Toggle Market’s B2B ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ continues its expansion across the African continent and now launched in Rwanda in addition to other four African countries.
[Rwanda] Adam Bradford Agency launches entrepreneurs’ hub targeting youth
The centre aims to provide entrepreneurship skills training, leadership development and engaging opportunities for young aspiring entrepreneurs from rural areas
BPR Bank Rwanda PLC appointed Ms. Mutesi Patience as the new Managing Director
Patience Mutesi will be the new Managing Director of BPR Bank Rwanda, a subsidiary of KCB Group, replacing George Odhiambo, who was assigned new duties in KCB Group.
Flow Global a 2022 Inclusive Fintech 50 Winner
Flow Global a Fintech company was part of the top 50 Fintech companies identified by Inclusive Fintech 50 (IF50) as a rising and promising business that is helping to drive financial inclusion in the world.
Zipline and the Government of Rwanda partnering to serve the entire country with instant logistics
The government of Rwanda plans to make nearly 2 million instant Zipline deliveries and fly more than 200 million autonomous kilometers by 2029.
More public services to go digital after Rwanda and France sign a financing deal
Rwanda signed a 37-million-euro loan and a 1.2 million euro grant for a project that aims to improve Rwanda's public services through digitization and support innovations with high development potential.
World Bank provides $200 million to support accelerated human capital development in Rwanda
This is the final credit in a series of three World Bank development policy financing operations totaling $525 million over three years.
RSSB, Norfund and SOS Children’s Villages are investing in the Katapult Africa Accelerator Program
Rwandan pension fund RSSB, Norfund and SOS Children’s Villages are investing in the Katapult Africa Accelerator Program. Nine agriculture and technology startups will receive funding to scale up new solutions that will both create jobs and increase food security.
COLUMNS.
[Column] Ruth Njihia: Unleash your business potential with Google Cloud and Incentro Africa
In today's fast-paced world, data is the currency of success. Yet, many businesses across Africa face the daunting challenge of collecting, storing, analyzing, and visualizing their data effectively ...read full column here
[Column] Sandi de Souza: Why top-performing companies use AI to boost procurement
One Deloitte study found that high-performing procurement organisations are eighteen times more likely to have deployed AI capabilities than their lower-performing peers ...read full column here
[Column] Patrick Mweheire: Major investment drive sparks East African trade and development
East Africa is poised to unlock new pathways for trade, development and growth. This comes as businesses, regulators and banks find and drive new direct investment ...read full column here
INTERVIEWS.
[Interview] Vince Goncalves Regional Vice President Africa at ExecuJet MRO Services
ExecuJet MRO Services (ExecuJet) is a leading global multi-OEM MRO company with a strong presence around the world … read full interview here
[Interview] Caroline Mutuku, General Manager, Glovo, Kenya
n this interview, she discusses the outlook for the business environment, upcoming services, sustainability efforts, and more… read full interview here
[Interview] Renate Swanepoel, COO, INC. Networking
Renate Swanepoel is an entrepreneur, global networker and inspirational speaker that has helped thousands of people around the world to find their purpose … read full interview here