tagresults
Private sector development in Southern Africa region gets boost with approval of $30 million loan from AfDB
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group approved a $30 million loan to Norsad Capital Limited financing for businesses and to promote private sector development in the Southern Africa Development Community region.
KOICA, ITC sign $5m grant to support farmers and agribusinesses in Uganda
KOICA and ITC signed a grant arrangement to enhance natural disaster resilience and competitiveness of farming households and agribusinesses in Uganda, particularly affecting women farmers in Northern and North-eastern Uganda.
Uganda contributes $10m to South-South Cooperation project with FAO and China
Uganda is contributing nearly $10 million to the latest phase of a South-South Cooperation project focused on crop and animal production with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Chinese government.
Visa and CIB launch global 'She's Next' initiative in Egypt
Visa, the world's leader in digital payments, announced the launch of its global She's Next initiative in Egypt to economically empower local women entrepreneurs and SMB owners.
[Africa Tech Review] Nixon Kanali: African startups are still getting the attention of VCs
This has been another interesting week for tech in Africa with a number of African tech startups across different industries raising funding to scale.
[South Africa] The time to unlock the skills development potential of 4IR is now, says PBT Group
Mobile technologies and services have already generated 1.7 million direct jobs. Digitisation is resulting in increased efficiencies bringing with it fresh opportunities for economic growth and job creation
United Nations landmark project addresses migration-related vulnerabilities in Gambia
A new UN inter-agency project supports border communities along the Trans-Gambia-Corridor to mitigate migration challenges and create working opportunities for youth and women
[Column] Nitesh Singh: Communications Service Providers have critical role to play in the race to net-zero
As concerns over climate change's lasting impact intensify, CSPs (Communication Service Providers) need to tackle an urgent double-edged dilemma.
[Uganda] 1,000 young entrepreneurs to receive start-up boost
ITC and KOSME launch Youth Start-up Academy to improve start-up ecosystem in Uganda, increasing employment and business creation.
Southern Africa mango farmers grow yields with integrated pest management practices
To counter the devastating effects of fruit flies, the Alien Invasive Fruit Flies project in Southern Africa, has come up with five technologies as part of an integrated pest management (IPM) package.
Proparco partners with the EU to support financial inclusion development in Madagascar
Proparco and the European Union (EU) are continuing their partnership with the granting of a line of credit equivalent to €5 million in ariary to the Malagasy microfinance bank, AccèsBanque Madagascar (ABM).
BII partners with Symbiotics to launch Green Basket Bond across Africa, South and Southeast Asia
The British International Investment (BII), announced it has subscribed to a $75 million Green Basket Bond arranged by Symbiotics, to direct much-needed financing to small-scale green projects across Africa, South and Southeast Asia.
[Kenya] KCB Group approves KShs. 9.64b in dividend payout
KCB Group shareholders approved a KShs. 9.64 billion total dividends pay-out for the 2021 financial year, signifying a sustained return to shareholders amid a tough operating environment occasioned by the adverse impact of the pandemic.
NSE, Risk Insights collaborate to use ESG GPS rating platform to drive sustainability in East Africa
The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) and Risk Insights have agreed to cooperate and use Risk Insights’ AI-powered ESG GPS™ rating platform and suite of products, to drive sustainability in East Africa.
Le fonds norvégien destiné au secteur privé démarre ses activités en Côte d’Ivoire
Norfund, le Fonds d’Investissement norvégien dédié au financement du secteur privé dans les pays en développement et déjà actif en Afrique subsaharienne depuis 25 ans, a lancé ses activités en Côte d’Ivoire
Global Center on Adaptation to increase share of adaptation and resilience investments in Côte d’Ivoire
GCA signed a MoU with the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire to enhance and increase the share of adaptation and resilience investments financed by the country’s forthcoming EUR 2 billion Sustainable Bond Program.
[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.
WhatsApp launches campaign to profle SMEs from across Africa
WhatsApp has announced the launch of the WhatsAppreneurs campaign, profiling small entrepreneurs from Africa who are using the WhatsApp Business app to grow their business and reach more customers.
Standard Chartered partners with UNECA and FSD Africa to accelerate sustainability commitment in Africa
The Alliance, in partnership with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), will act as an African-led collaborative forum for mobilizing the financial community’s response to nature-related risks and opportunities across the continent.
Aqua for All partners with Oikocredit to invest in community water and sanitation across Africa and Asia
Not-for-profit organisation Aqua for All and social impact investor and worldwide cooperative Oikocredit, have joined forces to support water and sanitation financing and provision by partner organisations in Africa and Asia.
IFC et Avacare s'associent pour améliorer l'accès aux médicaments et aux produits médicaux en Afrique
IFC a annoncé un partenariat avec Avacare Global visant à aider l'entreprise à accroître sa production et sa distribution de produits pharmaceutiques et médicaux, y compris de médicaments génériques, sur le continent.
[South Africa] JSE unveils guidance framework to aid progress in disclosure and governance
The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), released its Sustainability and Climate Disclosure Guidance that aims to promote transparency and good governance, and guide listed companies on best practice in ESG disclosure.
Orange Digital Center pour la création de l'emploie au jeune Tunisien
Orange Digital Center, la GIZ et Manpower organisent Orange Job Dating, salon spécialisé dans le recrutement IT.
EBRD boosts SME access to finance in Egypt
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is stepping up its support for small and medium-sized enterprises in Egypt with a financing package worth US$ 25 million for the Export Development Bank of Egypt.
[Column] Hedwig Siewertsen: Digitally enabled farm mechanization aligns incentives to revolutionize smallholder livelihoods
As other farm mechanization innovators continue to explore strategies for enhancing smallholder mechanization, AGRA plans to keep advancing the state of the practice through strategic investments in promising models and the exchange of lessons learned.
Africa Investment Forum an antidote to ‘suffocating’ gender financing gap in Africa
Former Liberian president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has commended the Africa Investment Forum for its role in helping overcome Africa’s $42 billion gender gap in access to finance.
La BDEAC approuve de nouveaux engagements à hauteur de 161 milliards de FCFA
La BDEAC approuve de nouveaux engagements pour un montant de plus de FCFA 161 milliards et démarre ses premiers investissements hors de la zone CEMAC.
Dow intensifie ses efforts de recyclage des emballages souples en Afrique
Au côté de partenaires locaux, l'initiative vise à développer le recyclage des emballages souples en Afrique pour établir un marché destiné aux contenus recyclés
Dow expands flexible packaging recycling effort across Africa
The initiative aims to increase flexible packaging recycling in Africa to establish a market for recycled contents to help address the waste issue.
Leading financial institutions in Africa, UNECA and FSD Africa to form the African Natural Capital Alliance
New alliance aims to coordinate policies and practices at financial institutions, companies, regulators and policymakers towards the growth and protection of Africa’s natural resources
Des institutions financières de l'Afrique, CEA et FSD Africa pour Former le Capital Naturel
La nouvelle alliance vise à coordonner les politiques et les pratiques des institutions financières, des entreprises, des régulateurs et des décideurs politiques en vue de la croissance et de la protection des ressources naturelles de l'Afrique
Samsung Electronics expands paper-free system to 11,000 services centers globally
The system aims to transition from the paper documentation previously provided to customers regarding their product repair, such as service records and receipts, to electronic documentation sent via message or email.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Catalyzing private investments in agriculture
The recent decision by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to open an office serving the East and Southern African regions is a pointer to the crucial role farmers play in the region play in the East African, continental and global food systems.
Vodacom achieves Level 1 B-BBEE status for the fourth year
The achievement is the result of Vodacom’s unwavering commitment to the ideals of B-BBEE, aimed at attaining economic transformation for historically disadvantaged people.
[Kenya] Airtel in new initiative to promote e-waste recycling
Airtel Kenya, a subsidiary of Airtel Africa, has reiterated its commitment to promoting the recycling of electronic waste across the firm by building awareness among staff and partners, as well as providing safe disposal mechanisms.
DCO, Smart Africa sign MoU to enhance the growth of digital economy in Africa
Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) and the Smart Africa Alliance (SA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to advance the digital transformation of the continent.
Del Monte Kenya targets to plant 2.5 million trees by 2025 to curb climate change
In commemoration of this day, Del Monte Kenya partnered with Murang’á County Government to plant 1,000 trees at Maragua Primary school as part of its commitment to plant 2.5 million trees by 2025 to tackle climate change.
Africa’s technology ecosystem poised for exponential growth, Endeavor Nigeria report
Africa’s technology ecosystem is set for a period of exponential growth, accelerated by strong market fundamentals and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is according to a new report from Endeavor Nigeria
African financial institutions, UNECA and FSD Africa form African Natural Capital Alliance
The ultimate aim of ANCA is to help grow and protect Africa’s natural capital by shifting financial flows from destructive activities for short-term gain to long-term stewardship of nature for sustainable economic growth.
McCain announces new Farm of the Future in South Africa to tackle the impacts of climate change
McCain Foods has unveiled plans for a second Farms of the Future in South Africa, as part of its drive to cut carbon emissions and tackle the impacts of climate change.
[Column] Andy Tomkins: Remanufacturing, the missing link in recycling
Many businesses and individuals are making an active effort to reduce environmental impact, especially by aligning with the concept of the circular economy.
Isuzu Motors South Africa appoints Chule Qalase as Senior Manager CSR and Sustainability
He is highly regarded within the profession, holds numerous accolades of achievement and has a wealth of expertise straddling both the Public and Private sectors.
[Kenya] E-health startup Maisha Meds hits 1000 active facilities, expands to Nigeria
Kenyan digital pharmacy network Maisha Meds has reached 1,000 active facilities, making it one of the largest digital pharmacy networks in sub-Saharan Africa.
SAP closes gap between sustainability and profitability with solutions for Africa
According to SAP Africa Chief Operating Officer Tracy Bolton, companies can choose to focus on sustainability as a key strategy - creating additional business value, transforming their business by creating new products, services and solutions that reach additional customers, markets and segments.
Sendy partners with Google to empower MSMEs in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa
Sendy has entered into a new partnership with Google to empower small and medium businesses in Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria through the Google Hustle Academy Bootcamp program.
EFG Hermes successfully concludes advisory to EFG Hermes Corp-Solutions
EFG Hermes announced that its Investment Banking division successfully closed an EGP 500 million bond issuance for EFG Hermes Holding subsidiary EFG Hermes Corp-Solutions.
African Development Bank launches new initiative to build financial acumen of African cities
The African Development Bank and United Cities and Local Governments have announced the launch of a new program to build the capacity of municipal chief financial officers across the continent.
Nigeria, South Africa, 12 others begin cross-border securities trading
Nigeria and 13 Africa’s largest economies and capital markets have created a unified platform for trading of securities. The breakthrough promises to enhance free flow of investments across the continent without hitches.
AGRA and Microsoft extend partnership to support digital agricultural transformation
The new phase of the relationship will promote digital innovation and technology as an enabler to connect the agriculture ecosystems, sustainably integrating stakeholders in the service of strategic value chains.
Bridgestone MEA sheds light on sustainable future of mobility
Bridgestone Middle East, India, and Africa (EMEIA) put green mobility in the spotlight anew during its participation at the premier Automechanika on Sustainability.
[Column] Ashley Olson Onyango: GSMA improves Women’s Digital Safety with Mobile Tokenisation
One of the primary ways that women can feel unsafe when using mobile technology is through mobile-related harassment, including unsolicited phones calls and text message.
[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.
[Egypt] Tatweer Misr signs agreement with Schneider electric to build and manage smart cities
Schneider Electric signs a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Tatweer Misr to integrate technological innovation, starting from the design till the smart management phase of the project.
IFC, U.N. to support stock exchanges in advancing SDGs and climate efforts
IFC and the United Nations Sustainable Stock Exchanges (UN SSE), announced an expanded partnership to support stock exchanges and companies in emerging markets in addressing sustainability-related issues.
IFC, Acelera Angola partner to boost startup ecosystem in Angola
To support the growth of Angola's entrepreneurial ecosystem, IFC partnered with Acelera Angola to help the company expand, support innovative tech startups, and drive inclusive economic growth in the country.
Africa is organizing itself from the local level
For the very first time, a matchmaking permanent platform between African local authorities and investors interested in local Africa was launched.
AGRA President, Dr. Agnes Kalibata, appointed to high-profile Climate Overshoot Commission
The President of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, AGRA, Dr. Agnes Kalibata, has been selected as one of 16 eminent members of the Climate Overshoot Commission.
Women recognized for role in economic development in Africa at Africities summit
Women were on the spotlight during The Women’s Day at the Africities 9. Improving women’s rights till the continent achieves gender equality is achieved, is one of the main ambitions of UCLG Africa.
[Kenya] Innovate Now accelerator announces its fifth cohort of Assistive Technology innovators
Innovate Now, Africa first Assistive Technology (AT) Accelerator has announced its fifth cohort of innovators, ventures providing digital AT or using digital to increase access to AT products or services.
African intermediary cities absorb most of the urban population growth, AfDB report
Intermediary cities are home to about 15% of Africa's population. But their growth is accelerating.
[Madagascar] BAD approuve une nouvelle stratégie d’intervention pour la période 2022-2026
Le Conseil d’administration du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement a approuvé le Document de stratégie-pays pour la période 2022-2026 pour Madagascar, son nouveau cadre d'intervention pour la Grande île.
British International Investment partners with Citi to unlock supply chain finance for African businesses
The British International Investment (BII), signed a $100 million risk-sharing facility for supply chain finance with Citi, to provide systemic liquidity and help Citi grow its supply chain finance product across Africa.
[Kenya] Habitat for Humanity launches new ShelterTech accelerator, seeking affordable housing innovations in SSA
Global nonprofit organization Habitat for Humanity has opened applications for the ShelterTech sub-Saharan Africa accelerator program.
Social Enterprise Ghana with Moringa School and Brighter Investment to promote digital skills for jobs
Ghana’s network of high-impact social entrepreneurs and hubs, Social Enterprise Ghana, has signed an Agreement with Moringa School and Brighter Investment to promote training in digital skills amongst the youth that leads to impactful job creation.
[Colonne] Alex Pierre-Arnaud Assanvo: La Cacaoculture durable, une Solution
Grâce au DRD, 516 milliards de FCFA ont été payés aux planteurs ivoiriens au titre de la campagne 2020-2021 pour une production de 2,225 millions de tonnes de cacao
EBRD, ANP partner to promote climate resilience of Moroccan port sector
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is enhancing the climate resilience of ports along Morocco’s Atlantic coastline by providing a €40 million loan to Agence Nationale des Ports (ANP).
EBRD, BOA join forces to develop green sustainable finance framework in Morocco
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Bank of Africa (BOA) signed a technical cooperation agreement to develop a green sustainable finance framework to support Morocco’s financial system.
[Kenya] CCI Global to create 4,000 contact centre jobs Tatu City
Contact centre operator CCI Global has announced that it is opening a new purpose-built, state-of-the-art office at Tatu City that will create more than 4,000 employment opportunities for Kenyans.
MTN Group links remuneration of senior executives to ESG goals
The variable elements of executive compensation – both short-term incentives (STIs) and long-term incentives (LTIs) – now depend on progress on three ESG goals: reaching Net Zero; enhancing diversity and inclusion; and extending rural broadband.
CE-Creates merges with hatch & boost in MENA's first venture-builder merger for startups
CE-Creates, the business incubation platform of Crescent Enterprises, has completed the merger of its portfolio of startups with hatch & boost, an Abu Dhabi-based venture-builder dedicated to ‘hatching’ startup ideas.
IFC, Equity Group expand partnership to support small business lending, climate-smart projects across Eastern and Central Africa
IFC and Equity Group are expanding their partnership to support the sustainable development of Africa by increasing access to financial services for small businesses and funding for green projects in six countries across Eastern and Central Africa.
Africa50 appoints Jon-Pierre Fourie as Senior Director, Strategy and Investors Relations
Africa50, the pan-African infrastructure investment platform, has appointed Jon-Pierre Fourie as Senior Director, Strategy and Investors Relations, effective 9 May 2022.
[Mauritius] AfrAsia Bank appoints Inderjit Bedi as new Chairman
AfrAsia Bank announced the appointment of Inderjit Bedi as its new Chairman. Mr Bedi was selected for this position unanimously with an earlier recommendation by the Corporate Governance Committee.
AFD mobilizes €1 billion for MSMEs in Africa
To support African micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), the AFD Group is scaling up the presidential Choose Africa initiative by mobilizing an additional €1 billion.
Fidelity Bank Ghana opens new branch in Sampa
Fidelity Bank Ghana has opened a new full-service branch in Sampa in the Bono Region to provide comprehensive financial services to residents in Sampa and its environs.
World Bank approves $400m program to support Morocco’s social protection response and reform
The World Bank approved a $400 million program to support Morocco’ social protection system, as part of the kingdom’s sweeping reforms to strengthen its social safety nets.
African Development Fund approves $71.5m loan for road upgrading in Uganda
The African Development Fund (ADF) approved a loan of $71.5 million to pave sections of two roads in southwestern Uganda, a project expected to boost livelihoods, school attendance and rural connectivity.
CISI launches new Kenya National Advisory Council
The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) announced the launch of its Kenya National Advisory Council (NAC).
[Nigeria] NSE migrates four companies from ASeM to Growth Board
The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) announced the migration of Chellarams , Living Trust Mortgage , McNichols , and The Initiates from the Alternative Securities Market (ASeM) to the Growth Board.
IFC loans $10m to I&M Bank Rwanda to support SMEs, economic activity and Jobs
IFC announced a loan to I&M Bank Rwanda, to help the bank increase lending to potentially thousands of Small and Medium Sized enterprises in Rwanda, many of which are facing COVID-19-related liquidity challenges.
Jubilee Insurance partners with Allianz to expand insurance markets across East Africa
East Africa’s Jubilee Insurance and world's insurer and asset manager Allianz have signed an agreement to establish a strategic partnership in the five African countries where Jubilee Insurance currently operates.
SouthBridge Group announces major transactions in Togo
SouthBridge Group, an innovative, pan-African financial advisory and investment firm, working with corporates, sovereigns and multinationals across the Continent, concluded two significant transactions in the Republic of Togo.
[South Africa] LyondellBasell, Sasol complete Louisiana Joint Venture transaction
LyondellBasell, one of the largest plastics, chemicals and refining companies in the world, and Sasol, a global integrated chemicals and energy company, announced the closing of their Louisiana-based Integrated Polyethylene JV transaction.
Afreximbank launches MANSA, Africa’s digital due diligence repository
Afreximbank officially launched the operations of ‘MANSA’, a pan-African customer due diligence repository for financial institutions, corporate entities and SMEs, developed to address the perceived risk of doing business in Africa and with Africans.
African Union to launch Multi-Donor Action against Illicit financial flows in Africa
To enhance efforts to combat the scourge of Illicit Financial Flows on the African Continent, the African Union through the Department of Economic Affairs, will launch a Multi-Donor Action to add to the existing mechanisms to stem the illicit outflows.
Sarwa Capital closes its inaugural Sukuk issuance of $159.8m in Egypt
Sarwa Capital, Egypt’s consumer and structured financial services provider, has successfully closed its inaugural Sukuk issuance by Sarwa Sukuk Company; a subsidiary of Sarwa Capital, of $159.8 million.
African Development Bank achieves satisfactory results in Madagascar
The African Development Bank is achieving satisfactory results in Madagascar, according to the mid-term report of the Country Strategy Paper (CSP) for the period 2017-2021 and the performance review of the 2019 country portfolio.
African Development Bank invests in SPARK+ Africa Fund to deliver clean cooking solution
The African Development Bank approved $5 million investment in the SPARK+ Africa Fund to deliver clean cooking solutions to over two million households across Africa.
Huawei, Sunline jointly launch contactless Digital Loan One Box Solution
Sunline and Huawei have jointly released the Digital Loan One Box Solution, a global contactless solution for financial services.
World Bank debars Techno Brain Kenya, Techno Brain UAE for 28 and 10 months respectively
The World Bank announced a twenty-eight month debarment of Techno Brain Kenya, an IT-services company, and a ten-month debarment of its parent company, Techno Brain UAE, in connection with collusive and fraudulent practices.
African Development Bank approves $120m loan to build Malagarasi hydropower project in Tanzania
The African Development Bank approved a $120 million loan to fund the construction of a 50 MW hydropower plant in Western Tanzania.
Consortium of global multilateral development banks calls for measures to support trade continuity in Sub-Saharan Africa
The Pulse check report issued by a consortium of multilateral development banks and trade research institutions, recounts the views of sub-Saharan banks on multi-lateral development banks’ responses to uphold a well-functioning trade finance market.
IFC invests in Egyptian private equity fund to support business growth
IFC announced an investment in an Egyptian private equity fund to help improve access to capital for small- and medium-sized companies in the country, supporting their resilience, growth, and ability to create jobs.
[Kenya] Rispah Simiyu appointed new KRA Domestic Tax Commissioner
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has appointed Rispah Simiyu as the new Commissioner for Domestic Taxes, effective 22nd October 2020.
Afreximbank, Rwanda sign agreement for establishment of Fund for Export-Development in Africa
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the Republic of Rwanda signed key documents related to the establishment of the Fund for Export-Development in Africa (FEDA), a development-oriented subsidiary of Afreximbank.
AfricInvest acquires minority stake in Fidelity Bank Ghana
AfricInvest, Pan-African mid-cap-focused private equity firm, announced the acquisition of a minority stake in Fidelity Bank Ghana.
[Nigeria] NCC counts gains of MTN listing on NSE
The regulatory action taken by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to facilitate the listing of MTN Nigeria on the country’s stock exchange market has continued to bring economic gains to Nigeria.
Bamboo Capital, Government of Madagascar, World Bank launch $40m energy access fund for Madagascar
Bamboo Capital Partners has been appointed by the Government of Madagascar and the World Bank as the international fund manager for the Off-Grid Market Development Fund, a $40 million renewable energy access fund.
KBA, KCIC collaborate on advancing green financing in Kenya
The Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) and the Kenya Climate Innovation Centre (KCIC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at advancing the green finance agenda in Kenya.
[Nigeria] NSE enhances fixed income securities market segment, revises trading fee
In line with its ambition to support Nigeria’s economic growth by providing a liquid, efficient, and multi-asset securities exchange hub, NSE enhanced its Fixed Income Securities market segment as well as the associated benefits to trade execution.