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[Column] Givemore T. Chiwanza: How has the Russia-Ukraine crisis affected Africa?
This Ukraine crisis escalated on 24 February 2022 and has tremendously impacted the global socio-economic terrain. The situation has and will continue to affect the African continent's financial system and food and energy security.
[Interview] Dr. Mohamed El Sahili, CEO, Medland Hospital, Zambia
Dr. Mohamed El Sahili is the Chief Executive Officer of Medland Hospital, Zambia. As a medical doctor and entrepreneur, Dr. Sahili also serves on the board of key economic international organizations like the African Business Roundtable, the American Chamber of Commerce, Zambia, Olympic Youth Development Center and the Africa CEO Forum.
[Interview] Dr. Mohamed El Sahili, PDG, Hôpital Medland, Zambie
Le Dr Mohamed El Sahili est le directeur général de l'hôpital Medland, en Zambie. En tant que médecin et entrepreneur, le Dr Sahili siège également au conseil d'administration d'organisations économiques internationales clés, telles que l'African Business Roundtable et l'American Chamber of Commerce.
[Column] Cameron Beveridge: The new business balancing act has leaders walking a tightrope
Business leaders are engaged in a delicate balancing act as radical workforce changes, new customer demands, external pressures and the impact of the pandemic collide to create a multitude of new challenges and opportunities.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: A call for exports diversification for higher market gains
Agriculturists and entrepreneurs are working harder than ever to address food sufficiency, but energy rests firmly on the government’s shoulders.
[Column] Linda Weaver: Bias-driven travel bans are an ineffective response to variants
While most countries have lifted the restrictions, the ripple effects will continue to be felt for months to come.
[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.
South Africa’s office and work-from-home plans have changed for 2022
In June 2021, an estimated 50% of the South African workforce was working from home full-time, with the Covid-19 pandemic fundamentally changing views on where and how people work best.
[Column[Sammar Essmat: How COVID-19 is pushing MENA companies to embrace flex work
Women in the MENA region have long found it difficult to balance the demands of home, family, and work a major reason why only a quarter of Egyptian women work outside the home.
[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.
"Until Africans get the Covid vaccinations they need, the whole world will suffer", said 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?
COVID-19 ‘extremely unlikely’ to have come from a lab, experts say
The virus that causes COVID-19 probably jumped from animals to humans and is “extremely unlikely” to have come from a laboratory, the head of an international team investigating the origins of the disease said on Tuesday.
[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?
South African entrepreneurs who made the best of the COVID-19 pandemic
On the evening of 23 March, South Africans gathered around their television sets to listen to arguably the most important announcement of this year. At the time, the nation was on edge.
[Africa Business Panel] 6 percent of African Business Professionals expect their companies not to survive the Covid-19 Crisis
About 2/3 of the African companies (62%) say they are struggling but will survive. Almost a third of companies (29%) say they are doing well and the near future is looking good
[Survey] Threats and Opportunities for African Business in 2020 and beyond
As a valued member of Africa Business Communities, we invite you to participate in this a survey to better understand the impact of COVID19 on the current economy in general and within specific industries, but also look at the near future
[Column] Piergiuseppe Fortunato: How COVID-19 is changing global value chains
The COVID-19 crisis has amplified profound fault lines in the functioning of global value chains (GVCs) and exposed the fragility of a model characterized by high interdependencies between leading firms and suppliers located across several continents.
[Column] Charles Lufumpa: Rebuilding Africa and strengthening its resilience against future economic shocks
After demonstrating its resilience during the Ebola outbreak and the global financial crisis, Africa is once again facing a severe test of its strength and agility because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Protecting trade in Nigeria, how DFIs are responding to COVID-19
With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to devastate economies around the world, Africa is set to experience its first recession since the 1990s, threatening to undo two decades of growth and development.
[Column] Phyllis Wakiaga: Tailor-made solutions to ensure SMEs survival amidst COVID-19
For many small businesses who are navigating these difficult times, they will testify to the fact they keep being bombarded with the word, ‘Adaptation’.
Why South Africa’s coronavirus death rate is lower than predicted
Before the pandemic, when tourists flocked to Cape Town, they often ignored Khayelitsha township.
[Column] Siyabonga Mbanjwa: Delivering sustainable energy across Africa in a more accessible and reliable way
The global Coronavirus pandemic has disrupted the operating environment for both the public and private sectors as a result of the unprecedented lockdowns and restrictions put in place by countries to curb infections.
[Column] Caleb Onyango: Managing our wellbeing in these trying times
Psychologically, the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted our emotions, our thought processes and ultimately our behavior.
[Column] Phyllis Wakiaga: Kenya economic recovery is anchored on saving lives and securing livelihoods
The International Labour Organization (ILO) highlights that protection of workers and their families from the risk of infection should be a top priority for all economies at this time.
[Column] Sachen Gudka: Ease liquidity for Kenya businesses to attain a strong rebound
Up to 81 per cent of local manufacturers have stated that they are hopeful that they will hold steady through the pandemic and continue to play their role in creating wealth and productive jobs for all citizens.
[Column] Paulo de Matos: What manufacturers can do now to maintain continuity in the new normal
Manufacturers and distributors are operating in intensely pressured times. Stats SA reported that manufacturing output contracted for the ninth consecutive month in February of 2020.
[Interview] James Hunt, Vice President, Creative & Marketing Lead, CNN International Commercial
CNN International Commercial Vice President and Marketing Lead James Hunt discusses strategies the company has put in place while working with brands to remobilize as they adapt to the new world order.
How COVID-19 is impacting international payments
As governments across the globe impose movement restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, data from WorldRemit shows this is changing the way people send and receive money abroad.
[Column] [Column] Phyllis Wakiaga: Home-grown solutions are key for sustainable development
Necessity is the mother of all inventions. We are witnessing an increase in innovations as the world races to develop a vaccine to treat COVID-19.
[Column] Nelson Maina: Kenya should support first-line COVID 19 teams
As Kenya doubles efforts to contain the spread of Corona virus that is increasingly shutting down the world, personnel in the medical and security dockets are arguably our first lines of defence.
[Column] Victor Oladokun: Africa's lockdown nightmare
Across Africa, affordable housing is in acute short supply. It is one of the reasons why lockdowns and social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic are unimaginable and unsustainable.
Most commodity prices to drop in 2020 as COVID-19 depresses demand, disrupts supply, World Bank
The global economic shock of the COVID-19 pandemic has driven most commodity prices down and is expected to result in substantially lower prices over 2020, the World Bank said in its April Commodity Markets Outlook.
Transport sector hit hard but has key role in COVID-19 management, COMESA
Road and air transport have borne the brunt of the Coronavirus impact as countries put stringent measures to stop the spread of the pandemic.
Economic impact of COVID-19 on African cities likely to be acute through a sharp decline in productivity, jobs and revenues, ECA
As part of its analysis to inform COVID-19 policy responses, the ECA is calling for adequate consideration of the vulnerability of city economies.
[Column] Shabir Ahmed: Mining sector to fast track automation amid Covid-19
Mining companies have been affected by COVID-19 outbreaks, and global restrictions to encourage social distancing have meant that mining projects have either slowed or been put on hold until further notice.
[Corona Stats] 6 April: Positive news from almost all severely affected countries
Encouraging news regarding the corona crisis is coming from almost all of the hard-hit countries. In Italy, at the height of the crisis, 15 days ago, 6557 new corona infections were registered, which was 4316 yesterday
COVID-19 affirms urgency for trade facilitation reforms in Angola, UNCTAD
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic’s blow to global oil prices has re-emphasized the need for Angola to wean its economy off volatile fuel exports.
World Bank injects GH¢28m into Ghana's SME operations
The World Bank has injected GH¢28 million grants into the operations of 400 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to support their recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Aviation sees better performance this year than in 2020 - Air Tanzania MD
The year 2021 was more presentable to the aviation industry compared to the preceding one - thus reviving hopes for a speedier recovery.
Bank of Uganda ties country's economic performance to Covid crisis
According to the BOU Monetary Policy Report, higher global growth is good for Uganda since her export markets will demand more of her commodities and services.
L'AfDB enregistre des résultats remarquables en dépit de la pandémie de Covid-19
La Banque africaine de développement a joué un rôle essentiel dans le soutien apporté à des millions d’Africains, affectés par les conséquences de la pandémie de Covid-19 en 2020, souligne l’édition 2021 de la Revue annuelle sur l’efficacité du développement publiée ce mardi par l’institution.
Rwanda diversifies its tourism offerings as part of COVID-19 recovery strategy
Rwanda has been diversifying its tourism industry as it looks to recover economically from the losses caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Sub-Saharan Africa exits recession in 2021, recovery still vulnerable, Africa Pulse
Sub-Saharan Africa is set to emerge from the 2020 recession sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic with growth expected to expand by 3.3 percent in 2021. This is one percent higher than the April 2021 forecast according to the latest edition of Africa Pulse.
Top African brands lose $5.5 billion in brand value, report
The total value of Africa’s top 150 most valuable brands has declined by US$5.5 billion (12%) from $45.5 billion in 2020 to $40.0 billion in 2021, according to the latest Brand Finance Africa 150 2021 report.
Emirates becomes first airline to implement IATA Travel Pass across six continents
Emirates is the first airline to implement the International Air Transport Association's IATA Travel Pass solution on six continents as it rolls out this digital health pass to customers at all its destinations.
Le rétablissement de l’Afrique après la pandémie sera complexe
Control Risks, le spécialiste mondial de la gestion des risques, et Oxford Economics Africa, ont annoncé aujourd’hui le lancement de la sixième édition de leur « Africa Risk-Reward Index ».
Déclaration du Président de la FIFA
Le Président de la FIFA est reconnaissant pour le soutien et la coopération dont ont fait preuve de nombreuses parties prenantes du football pendant cette période difficile.
NAS signe un partenariat avec Abbott afin de faciliter les déplacements transfrontaliers
National Aviation Services (NAS) va assister les autorités locales pour le déploiement du dispositif de test rapide développé par Abbott ‘’Panbio ™ COVID-19 Ag’’ ainsi que son système de test de soins moléculaires ID NOW™.
[Tanzania] Serengeti Breweries unveils $100 million fund to cushion eateries and bars from COVID-19
SBL’s support comes to light as the world struggles to return to the business from the torment inflicted by the global pandemic.
[Kenya] KEBS approves standards to strengthen resilience and continuity for businesses
Business continuity has become even more important this year as organisations look for strategies to ensure a quick resumption of service in the event of a major disruption, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
[Egypt] Economy pandemic losses top $23.6b, eyeing 7% growth over next three years
Egyptian economic losses arising from the pandemic have reached 370 billion Egyptian pounds ($23.6 billion).
Ethiopian becomes the first African airline to trial IATA Travel Pass
Ethiopian Airlines Group has become the first African airline to conduct trial of IATA Travel Pass, a digital travel mobile app to enhance efficiency in testing or vaccine verifications.
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.
Crown Paints Kenya partners with Muslim radio station IQRA FM on Covid-19 relief drive
To run the initiative, Crown Paints has partnered with IQRA – a Muslim-based radio station based in Nairobi – to emphasize the Covid-19 protocols.
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.
MENA economies face rapid accumulation of public debt, strong institutions will be key to recovery, World Bank
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated long-standing development challenges in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, contributing to a rise in poverty, a deterioration of public finances, an increase in debt vulnerabilities.
Sub-Saharan Africa poised for recovery amid recession, World Bank
The economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa is estimated to have contracted by 2.0% in 2020, closer to the lower bound of the forecast in April 2020, and prospects for recovery are strengthening amid actions to contain new waves of the pandemic.
AfCFTA, UNDP announce new partnership towards inclusive growth in Africa
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) signed a strategic partnership to promote trade as a stimulus for Africa’s socioeconomic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.
Morocco suspends flights in 37 countries
The Moroccan National Airport Office (ONDA) has issued a brief statement to remind travelers of the 37 countries Morocco suspended flights with.
Africa urged to focus on green investments in energy for a green recovery from COVID-19
Accessible, reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity will underpin more inclusive, economic and sustainable industrialization across the continent.
Morocco suspends flights with Algeria, Egypt
Morocco suspended all flights to and from Algeria and Egypt as part of its efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19
Mozambique’s economy growth expected to rebound by 2022, World Bank
Mozambique’s economy is expected to gradually recover from 2021 but substantial downside risks remain due to uncertainty surrounding the path of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cameroon acquires ambulances in fight against COVID-19
Cameroon has received the first consignment of ambulances intended to strengthen the country’s health system as well as part of the response plan to the COVID-19.
Ethiopian partners with UNICEF for global vaccine distribution
Ethiopian Airlines has partnered with UNICEF to help secure the transport of vaccines and other life-saving supplies worldwide.
[Morocco] receives 500,000 doses of Sinopharm vaccine of COVID-19
A batch of 500,000 doses arrived from Beijing on Tuesday, bringing Morocco’s total number of received COVID-19 vaccines to seven million.
Zimbabwe Receives 200,000 Doses of China's Sinopharm COVID-19 Vaccine
Zimbabwe has received its first batch of 200,000 doses of Sinopharm donated by the Chinese government in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
[Rwanda] National Vaccination Program has begun vaccinating high-risk groups.
The Government of Rwanda has kicked off the national vaccination program for Covid-19, starting with health care staff as part of the high-risk groups.
COVID-19 pushes Rwanda into recession, severely impacts human capital
The Rwandan economy has fallen into its first recession due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic and could potentially compromise years of gains in poverty reduction.
Global fisheries and aquaculture hard hit by COVID-19 pandemic, FAO reports
Global fisheries and aquaculture have been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and could face further disruption in 2021 as lockdowns affect supply and demand across the sector, according to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Global economy to expand by 4% in 2021, vaccine deployment and investment key to sustaining recovery, World Bank
The global economy is expected to expand 4% in 2021, assuming an initial COVID-19 vaccine rollout becomes widespread throughout the year.
GPE approves $300m in grants for CAR, Ethiopia and Mozambique
The Global Partnership for Education (GPE) has approved $300 million in new grants to transform education systems in the Central African Republic, Ethiopia and Mozambique.
Tourism back to 1990 levels as arrivals fall by more than 70%, UNWTO
According to the latest tourism data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), destinations welcomed 900 million fewer international tourists between January and October when compared with the same period of 2019.
Mastercard Foundation, UNICEF partner for quality and equitable learning opportunities in Ghana
The Mastercard Foundation and UNICEF have joined forces to advance the efforts of the Ministry of Education and Ghana Education Service to provide quality and equitable learning opportunities for more than nine million children in Ghana.
[Column] NJ Ayuk: COVID-19 should be a wake up call for Africa’s oil and gas industry
Today, the economic winds are at our backs. There is so much we can do this year and beyond to make Africa more prosperous and hopeful.
EU provides €100m to Mozambique for education, health and social protection
The European Commission and the Government of Mozambique have signed a budget support programme worth €100 million to respond to the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19.
Top African brands could lose up to $60 billion from COVID-19, report
As the COVID-19 pandemic wreaks havoc on the global economy, Africa’s top 150 most valuable brands could lose up to 12% of brand value cumulatively according to the Brand Finance Africa 150 2020 report.
World Bank confirms economic downturn in Sub-Saharan Africa, outlines key polices needed for recovery
Driven by the economic fallout of the COVID-19 global pandemic, growth in Sub-Saharan Africa is predicted to fall to -3.3 percent in 2020, pushing the region into its first recession in 25 years, according World Bank's latest regional economic analysis.
UK donates R50m to Solidarity Fund for projects supporting and promoting women in South Africa
South Africa's Solidarity Fund received R50m grant from the government of the United Kingdom, aimed at extending ongoing efforts to counter the repercussions of COVID-19, focusing specifically on projects supporting and promoting women.
Education in Ethiopia gets boost from Global Partnership for Education with $15m grant
Ethiopia has received $14.85 million grant from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) to boost its response to disruptions in education caused by COVID-19.
South Africa's GDP will take at least five years to recover from COVID-19 impact, UNDP
South Africa’s overall GDP is expected to decline by at least 5.1 and up to 7.9 percent in 2020 and recover slowly through 2024. This will lead to major setbacks in addressing poverty, unemployment and inequality, according to a new UNDP study.
IFC issues 10-year US dollar global bond, raises $1 billion to support private sector in developing countries
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, issued a new 10-year US dollar global benchmark bond, raising $1 billion to assist emerging economies recover from the COVID-19 health and economic crisis.
[South Africa] Government’s ventilator project enters production phase, first units expected soon
In a first on the African continent, South African manufactured ventilators are in production and the first life-saving machines will be ready in a few weeks’ time.
WHO, UNICEF urge African governments to promote safe school reopening
The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF urged governments on the continent to promote a safe return to the classroom while also limiting spread of the virus.
[Kenya] Equity net profit for first half declines by 24%, customer deposits grow by 19%
Equity Group Holdings (EGH) announced its half year results, reflecting a 24% decline in profitability from Kshs.12.0 billion to Kshs.9.1 billion for the corresponding period the previous year.
Impact of COVID-19 on African aviation and economies is worsening, IATA
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released new data indicating that the impact of COVID-19 on Africa’s aviation industry and economies has worsened sharply since the previous assessment in April.
[Kenya] KEPSA, Matercard Foundation unveil fund to support MSMEs affected by COVID-19
The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and the Mastercard Foundation have launched a fund to provide loans to a maximum of 400 MSMEs whose businesses have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
IFC loans DTB Kenya $50 million to support SMEs affected by the COVID-19 crisis
IFC announced a $50 million loan to Diamond Trust Bank Kenya (DTB) to support its borrowers, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), who have been affected by the economic challenges of COVID-19.
EAC to launch Regional Electronic Cargo and Driver Tracking System
The EAC Deputy Secretary General disclosed that all is set for the launch of the EAC Regional Electronic Cargo and Driver Tracking System in collaboration with the EAC Partner States National Focal Points on Covid-19 and TMEA.
[South Africa] FirstRand receives $235m guarantee from MIGA to unlock liquidity
MIGA, a member of the World Bank Group, has issued guarantees of up to $235 million to a wholly-owned subsidiary of South Africa’s FirstRand Group, for a period of up to 15 years.
IFC, UBA to train Ugandan financial institutions and SMEs to face COVID-19 challenges
IFC and the Uganda Bankers Association announced a partnership to train financial institutions SMEs in Uganda to help them build financial strength and resiliency to better meet the challenges of the COVID-19 crisis.
Africa CDC, African Risk Capacity launch COVID-19 modelling tool for Africa
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the African Risk Capacity have launched two COVID-19 modelling tools for Africa: COVID-19 Potential Outcomes Scenarios and COVID-19 Spread Simulation Tool for Africa.
World Bank to support Sudan students, teachers amid school closures
With more than six million students out of school due to closures related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Bank Board approved a project to support continued learning at home, and safe transition back to school during recovery.
WHO ramps up COVID-19 support to hotspot countries in Africa
The first members of a surge team of health experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa to bolster the country’s response to COVID-19.
World Bank approves $250m to boost long-term growth in Niger
The World approved a total amount of $250 million in International Development Association (IDA) credit and grant to help Niger develop its human capital and to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19.
EIB, Afreximbank direct €300m of support to African COVID response
The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Afreximbank are directing €300m of financing to support the resilience and recovery of African nations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
[South Africa] Absa PMI for July signals improvement in the manufacturing sector
The Absa Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for July declined slightly compared to the previous month, but continued to signal a further month-on-month improvement for conditions in the manufacturing sector.
[Ghana] COVID-19 forced businesses reduce wages for over 770,000 workers, caused 42,000 layoffs, study
The shock caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has had considerable impacts on Ghanaian businesses, forcing many firms to cut costs by reducing staff hours, cutting wages, and in some cases laying off workers.
COVID-19 raises urgency for structural reforms in South Africa, study
South Africa responded swiftly to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the sharp drop in activity adds to long-standing challenges and raises the urgency for structural reforms, according to a new OECD report.
[South Africa] Santam commits R1 billion in relief to contingent business interruption clients
Santam will pay up to R1 billion in urgent relief to policyholders in the hospitality, leisure and non-essential retail services industries who have the Contingent Business Interruption (CBI) extension in their policy cover with the company.
OPEC Fund approves $75m funding for developing countries
The OPEC Fund approved $75 million to support socio economic development and COVID 19 recovery efforts in several developing countries.
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COLUMNS.
[Column] Louis Avenant: Trends for African telcos in 2024
Africa’s vibrant telco sector is set for a bumper year in 2024 as it expands operations and broadens service offerings ...read full column here
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[Column] Virodh Sunderlall: What to expect from South Africa’s cybersecurity landscape in 2024
As widely reported last year, South Africa received the most cybersecurity threats on the continent by far ...read full column here
[Column] Stephen Bottger: The power of data analytics to revolutionise public safety
The use of applications, technology and data analytics can play a significant role in public safety globally ...read full column here
INTERVIEWS.
[Interview] Chester Wisniewski, Director of Global Field CTO, Sophos
Chester Wisniewski, the Director of Global Field CTO at Sophos, emphasizes several key trends and predictions for the cybersecurity realm in the coming year … read full interview here
[Interview]: Daniel Otu, Koa’s Production and Operations Director & the factory project lead
Daniel Otu, Koa’s Production and Operations Director & the factory project lead, touched on the challenges faced, the importance of sustainability, the role of local culture, and the lessons that shaped Koa’s future vision … read full interview here
[Interview] Oluwole Eweje, CEO-WATT Renewables Corporation
We provide sustainability for communities, especially communities that have very few businesses … read full interview here