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Safaricom and Mastercard partner to expand payment acceptance to over 636,000 merchants in Kenya
Kenya’s payment acceptance market continues to grow, with mobile wallet payments driven by M-PESA showing a 12.7% CAGR between 2020 and 2024.
[Open Webinar, Sept 26, 2024] Driving Success: Enterprise Strategy and Financial Leadership for Growth
UK-based global financial technology firm, VertoFX, and American consumer credit reporting agency, TransUnion, are together organizing a fascinating free-to-join webinar themed 'Driving Success: Enterprise Strategy and Financial Leadership for Growth'.
AfriSummit [November 3-6, 2024, Cairo]: Uniting for a Healthier Africa
AfriSummit 2024, an initiative by PRA Consultancy, organized by Hubplus Events in collaboration with Pioneers, will take place from November 3-6, 2024, at the Grand Nile Tower in Cairo, Egypt.
[Column] Tobias Alando: Why price controls are detrimental to economic growth
There is a renewed interest in the country in an idea that many economists and investors thought Kenya had left behind a long time ago: price controls.
[Kenya] Kim-Fay partners with Norfund and I&M Bank on construction of new facility at Tatu City
The Norfund and I&M Bank financing will support Kim-Fay's business expansion, focusing on providing affordable tissue paper to lower-income market segments.
ShafDB signs MOU with CPF Group to scale up development of affordable housing in Kenya
The agreement seeks to provide a platform for intervention across the affordable housing value chain by creating a partnership in affordable housing delivery through co-financing.
[Column] Vera Ng’oma: Stepping up youth employability for jobs and better life chances
Each year, at least 10 million youth enter Africa’s labour market, but only 3.1 million new formal wage jobs are created.
The Kenya Association of Manufacturers appoints Jane Karuku as Chairperson
Ms. Karuku, who has served as Vice Chairperson since July 2022, will lead the Association’s Board of Directors for a two-year term, succeeding Mr. Rajan Shah, whose term has come to an end.
Kenya Airways announces network adjustments for the peak season
Kenya Airways, has announced network adjustments for the peak season in response to market demand.
Google and DHL collaborate on sustainable worldwide shipping
DHL and Google, one of the largest technology companies in the world, have announced a partnership to utilize the DHL Express GoGreen Plus service with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
[Egypt] Informa opens IMEA regional hub in Cairo
Informa plc, an international events, digital services and academic research, has announced the opening of its new regional hub office at CFC Business Park in Cairo.
USAID and KEPSA announce partnership to boost Kenyan SMEs competitiveness within the AfCFTA
This collaboration will facilitate 160 Kenyan Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), particularly those owned by women and youth, to leverage opportunities in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by linking buyers and sellers across the continent.
Kenya Airways relaunches platform offering personalized hotel, tour booking services
The relaunch is encapsulated in the campaign slogan, "My Kind of Holiday - A Click Away." This theme underscores the platform’s commitment to delivering personalized and easy-to-use travel planning services.
NETA Auto launches first African flagship showroom in Kenya
NETA Auto, a Chinese electric car brand of Hozon Auto, has opened its first African flagship store in Kenya.
Africa Business Communities seeks columnists in Egypt and Dubai
We are keen on contributors with originality, creativity, versatility and an eye for interesting trends across the sectors that we cover including banking and finance, tech, energy, agribusiness and trade.
[Kenya] CMA approves registration of Arvocap Asset Managers Unit Trust Scheme
The collective investment scheme comprises 10 sub-funds.
Kenya breaks ground for world’s first green garment factory made from upcycled containers
With its innovative construction, and use of solar energy and rainwater harvesting, the new garment and textile center is expected to save an estimated 18 tons of CO2 annually.
Coca-Cola system announces plans to grow its investment in Kenya to $175 million over the next five years
The Coca-Cola system has a rich legacy of refreshing Africa and making a difference in the East Africa region, where it is a major employer, directly employing 10,000 people.
Kenya’s Vivo Fashion Group launches its first American-based store in Atlanta
Vivo’s goal is to support, inspire and drive positive change within the African fashion ecosystem, and to share African talent, creativity, and products across the continent, as well with the rest of the world.
Africa Business Communities launches operations in the Middle East
The company supports doing business in Africa through marketing and communication services, custom media productions and market research and has the largest LinkedIn community in Africa with over 1.2 million followers.
Kotler Impact presents the Essentials of Modern Marketing, Nigeria Edition 2024
This is the world's first marketing book around market-specific stories from Nigeria, to be published in November 2024 on Amazon and launched in Lagos.
Kenya to host flower buyers from 75 countries for the 11th edition of International Flower Trade Exhibition
Nairobi is set to host the global flower trade fraternity for the 11th edition of the International Flower Trade Exhibition (IFTEX) from June 4-6 2024, as Kenya stamps its growing dominance in the sector.
The Kenya Revenue Authority and the UK partner to streamline customs valuation process
The Kenya Revenue Authority and the United Kingdom (UK) have partnered to streamline the Customs valuation process to make it more efficient, transparent, consistent, and predictable.
Nexgen Packaging opens African headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya
Nexgen Packaging, a global provider of apparel brand identification and packaging products, has announced the grand opening of its African headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.
MTN selects M&C Saatchi Abel as its global marketing partner
M&C Saatchi Abel was selected following a meticulous process for their expertise in fostering growth and enhancing brand value for multinational corporations.
Kenya Airways launches direct flights to Maputo, Mozambique
The expansion takes flight from 14th June 2024, further solidifying KQ's commitment to strengthening its network and offering seamless travel experiences across the continent.
[Kenya] Mombasa green entrepreneurs launch Zero Waste Festival
Zero Waste Fest culminated a week-long digital campaign dubbed #BeatPlasticPollution aimed at addressing the plastic pollution menace in Mombasa.
Mastercard and Women Choice expand partnership to invest in women entrepreneurs
Women Choice - an international organization dedicated to advancing women's personal and professional development - launched the pilot cohort in 2023.The next cohorts will be participating in the new programs this year and will aim to impact 50,000 women.
JW Marriott unveils second property in Kenya
Standing as the tallest hotel in the country with 35 stories in the Westlands commercial district, JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi captures the essence of Kenya’s natural beauty and heritage.
German manufacturer Karcher invests €3 million in the Kenyan market
This investment was made to operationalize the business into a full subsidiary, which includes a regional distribution center at the Freight Forwarders Solutions warehouse, Tatu City, the 5,000-acre mixed-use Special Economic Zone (SEZ) on Nairobi's doorstep, positioning Kenya as a hub for East Africa.
Kenya Airways and Virgin Atlantic announce new codeshare agreement
The first phase of the agreement will allow customers booking through Virgin Atlantic to directly purchase flights on Kenya Airways’ Heathrow to Nairobi service.
[Column] Anthony Mwangi: Road towards gainful employment in Kenya: The Dual TVET approach
The evolving employment landscape demands a fresh perspective, one that champions the pragmatic alternative of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
[Webinar] Complimentary expert session for Telecom leaders and Startups in Africa, March 21
Designed for telecom leaders and startups, thia event offers invaluable strategies for expanding services, managing FX risks, enhancing cross-border payments, and establishing credibility in the international arena.
Xsolla unveils new payment methods for gamers in Africa
This move addresses the unique financial landscape of Africa, where a significant portion of the population, particularly in regions like Ghana and Uganda, remains unbanked.
Kenya Airways Cargo launches direct flights from Sharjah to Nairobi
To commemorate Kenya Airways Cargo's (KQ Cargo) recent route expansion to include direct cargo flights from Sharjah in the UAE.
IBM commits $45 million towards resilient cities
IBM also announced that it would increase investment in the pro-bono social impact program by 50%.
Nile river communities preserve cultural heritage along its banks
For millennia, the Nile has been celebrated in the myths and rituals of diverse cultures.
Kenya Airways boosts its network with increased frequencies and additional destinations
Kenya Airways (KQ) has announced plans to boost its growing network with increased frequencies to five destinations and the addition of Eldoret and Maputo to its network.
[FINTECH EVENT] Verto Atlas Product Launch, Lagos Continental Hotel, 29 February
Verto extends this invite to an exclusive, fireside gathering at the prestigious Intercontinental Hotel Lagos, as it unveils Verto Atlas, the financial powerhouse for large corporations and enterprises in Nigeria.
GA Telesis delivers two Boeing 737-800SF freighters to Kenya Airways
The aircraft is part of the GA Telesis owned fleet and was delivered to Kenya Airways as part of a two aircraft transaction.
2024 Dubai WoodShow to feature seven country pavilions
Dubai International Wood and Woodworking Machinery Exhibition (Dubai WoodShow), is poised for its landmark 20th edition, scheduled from March 5 to 7, 2024, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Kenya Airways and Vietnam Airlines renew codeshare agreement
The codeshare partnership will allow customers to enjoy flexibility and choice with smooth connections via Bangkok and Nairobi to points such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, Dar es Salaam, Kisumu, Entebbe, Kigali, and Mombasa, among others.
Canon and MindMe International partner to empower Kenyan youth through creative storytelling
This collaboration aims to empower marginalized communities through sustainable development, with a focus on fostering positive change in young individuals' lives.
Digital commerce in Africa to expand 25% per year by 2026, report
Africa has emerged as a frontier for the new online consumer class, representing an estimated 10 million new consumers in 2024 and trailing only Asia as a region. This is according to the new annual Beyond Borders digital payments and commerce report by EBANX
[Column] Frida Frans: The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) - A Beacon of Unity Amidst African Challenges
Hats off to the Elephants of Cote d'Ivoire for securing the trophy of the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations. What a host! It was a fascinating month as Africans united on the field of play.
Vodacom, Safaricom hit 200 million subscribers
Vodacom Group’s subscriber base including Safaricom has now surpassed 200 million for the first time, having previously achieved 100 million customers in 2018.
15% of companies in the Middle East, Turkiye, Africa region do not train employees on IT
According to Kaspersky’s Business Digitization survey, only 29% of companies surveyed in the Middle East, Turkiye, and Africa (META) region organised training on cybersecurity for their employees.
[Open Webinar, Feb 1 2024] Cross-Border Finances: Enhancing Commodity Trade Across Africa
Tailored for CFOs, this event provides strategic knowledge to navigate international markets and enhance financial outcomes in the dynamic commodities sector. Don't miss this unique opportunity for CFOs to stay ahead in global commodity trading.
Global access solutions provider ASSA ABLOY acquires South African security communication equipment maker Amecor
ASSA ABLOY has signed an agreement to acquire Amecor (Pty) Ltd, a South African manufacturer of security communication equipment in the South African security market.
Critical infrastructure sees most cyber incidents due to lack of budget, report
18% of companies in the Middle East, Turkiye and Africa (META) region have experienced cyber incidents due to insufficient cybersecurity investment in the last two years, according to a recent study by Kaspersky.
Mastercard partners with CarbonSifr to advance climate action in MENA region
The innovation-driven partnership aims to equip small businesses in the region with innovative tools to measure, reduce and compensate for their carbon footprint.
[South Africa] Ninety percent of CEOs are waiting for GenAI to move past the hype, report
Seventy-one percent of global executives surveyed say they plan to increase tech investments in 2024—an 11-point jump from 2023—and even more (85%) plan to increase their spending on AI and GenAI.
23% of companies in the META region suffered from malicious actions by staff, report
A Kaspersky study found that in the past two years, 78% of companies surveyed in the META region have faced cyber incidents in different forms, 23% of which were caused by deliberate malicious behaviour by employees
CAF concludes extensive global TV-Broadcast agreements
CAF concludes extensive global TV-Broadcast agreements ahead of the kick-off of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023.
[Free Webinar] Accelerating FX Success: Expansion Strategies for Marketing Agencies in Eastern, Western Africa
This event is tailored for marketing executives and CFOs looking to gain actionable insights into international expansion, building a global clientele and establishing strong online presence.
[Free Webinar] Accelerating FX Success: Expansion Strategies for Marketing Agencies in Eastern, Western Africa
This event is tailored for marketing executives and CFOs looking to gain actionable insights into international expansion, building a global clientele and establishing strong online presence.
Tomorrow.io and MTN partner to deliver weather early warnings
Through this partnership, MTN’s vast customer base will be able to receive early warning notifications about severe weather events, generated through Tomorrow.io’s weather intelligence and Microsoft Azure.
47% of companies in the Middle East, Turkiye, Africa region plan to outsource cybersecurity, report
Company bosses are boosting their cybersecurity following an alarming increase in cyberattacks, a new study commissioned by Kaspersky has found.
UNIDO and Orange partner to transform Egypt's mobile and network through circular solutions
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Orange have joined forces to support over the next two years the establishment of a viable business model for high-quality standard secondary market of mobile devices and networks/IT equipment in Egypt.
[EVENT] Verto FX partners with UBA Kenya to launch Verto Atlas
Join us for an exclusive event launch, as we unveil Verto Atlas, the financial powerhouse for large corporations and enterprises in Kenya, hosted by Verto on Thursday 23rd November.
Generative AI skills gap slowing down AI adoption EMEA region, report
Organisations in the EMEA region plan to embrace AI solutions but are slowed by a generative AI skills gap. This is according to a new report released by hybrid multi-cloud computing provider Nutanix.
Retailers are struggling to deal with ransomware attacks, Sophos report
After surveying 3,000 IT/cybersecurity leaders in organizations with between 100 and 5,000 employees (including 355 from the retail sector), across 14 countries in the Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacific Sophos found that only 26% of retail organizations this past year were able to disrupt a ransomware attack.
Western Australia to host 24th WTTC Global Summit after Kigali
During the closing session of the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Global Summit in Kigali, Western Australia was announced as the host for 2024, marking the first time the event will visit Oceania.
75% of healthcare organisations lose data to ransomware attacks, Sophos report
Cybercriminals successfully encrypted data in nearly 75% of ransomware attacks on healthcare organisations. This is according to the The State of Ransomware in Healthcare 2023 report released by cybersecurity firm Sophos.
Kenya among top countries receiving most DDOS attacks amid ongoing geopolitical unrest
Kenya has been listed among the top five countries hit by distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks in the first half of 2023. Other countries include France, Germany, Italy, and Saudi Arabia
[South Africa] Companies acknowledge inadequate budgets to address the root cause of breaches, J2 Software survey
A recent survey revealed that 58% of organisations believe their budgets allocated to manage insider risks are insufficient to effectively mitigate the increasing costs and frequency of security incidents instigated by individuals within the organisation.
Global ad company Entravision enters into a global partnership with Pinterest
Entravision, a global advertising solutions, media and technology company serving clients across more than 40 countries, has entered into an international sales partnership with Pinterest, the visual inspiration platform.
Most consumers in Kenya likely to miss common fraud warning signs, Visa study
Despite being scam-savvy, a new study by Visa has revealed that most consumers in Kenya are likely to be at risk of becoming victims of fraud.
[Column] Anthony Mwangi: Functioning ORGWARE a panacea for Kenya economic transformation
The term describes the framework conditions for Information Technology (IT) projects that are neither part of the hardware nor software but are necessary to achieve the project goals.
80% of SMEs in South Africa project similar or increased revenue in 2023, Mastercard report
From surviving to thriving in the post-COVID world, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa are projecting similar or increased revenues in 2023.
[Column] Moses Anibaba: Building connections and opportunities for young Africans
The next generation is essential to the continent’s development and to global shared interests in creating a safer, healthier, and more prosperous future for us all.
Mobile threats in the Middle East, Turkiye, Africa region rise in Q2 2023
The number of mobile threat detections particularly in the Middle East, Turkiye, and Africa region increased by 5% in Q2 2023 compared to Q2 2022.
Mastercard partners with Alerzo to digitize SMEs in the Nigerian FMCG space
This partnership aims to empower businesses by offering digital payment solutions, financial training, and access to credit, ultimately leading to increased sustainability and success in the market.
43% of employees in META region afraid of losing job due to lack of digital skills, report
Among those who think they are most likely to lose their job because of the lack of digital skills within the next 5 years are department heads (29%) and top managers (15%).
Modern trends in investment platforms: How technology is shaping our investment world
Let the power of AI drive your financial success and watch your dreams take flight.
[Networking Event] One Africa | Leadership Development Program
One Africa Co-Founder Jan van Betten will be in Nairobi on Wednesday 30 August to discuss the One Africa Leadership Program with CEOs. You are invited to join!
How hydropower projects are affecting the Nile River and downstream countries
One such project that epitomizes these complexities is the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Nile River, which has sparked significant controversy and raised concerns among downstream nations.
Tagger Media expands into South Africa via partnership with Tribeez
Tagger Media, the global technology player making influencer marketing more intelligent, has announced its expansion into South Africa through an exclusive partnership with Tribeez, an influencer marketing and social intelligence agency based in Cape Town.
[Column] Dickson Naftali: Harnessing Africa’s youth population for inclusive growth
By empowering Africa’s youth and creating an enabling environment, we can transform the continent’s food systems and unlock its economic potential.
[South Africa] Financial Sector surpasses the National Average as Data Breach Costs Reach R73.1 Million
The average data breach cost for South African organizations reached R49.45 million in 2023 – an all-time high according to the IBM Security annual Cost of a Data Breach Report.
Nigeria trails South Africa and Kenya in Africa’s B2B payment revolution
Nigeria trails South Africa and Kenya in the development of key B2B payment processes across Africa, including the adoption of electronic bank transfers, speed of processing invoices and payment automation.
Kenya experiences 82% increase in cyber-attacks, Liquid C2 Cybersecurity Report
Cyber-attacks on Kenyan businesses increased by 82 percent according to a cybersecurity report released by Liquid C2, a business unit of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.
[Interview] Renate Swanepoel, COO, INC. Networking
Renate Swanepoel is an entrepreneur, global networker and inspirational speaker that gained significant networking and communication skills through her extensive travels and appearances at international conferences and trade shows.
INC. Networking Event | Johannesburg South Africa | 13 June 2023
INC. Networking offers an exclusive networking event for entrepreneurs and business people who are serious about building profitable, engaged and sustainable business relationships across the globe
Safaricom profits decline to Ksh.52.48 billion
Kenya’s leading telco Safaricom profits stood at Ksh.52.48 billion in the full year ended March 2023, down from Ksh.67.49 billion recorded in the previous period.
Africa had more than 270 million mobile apps users as of December 2022, report
As of December 2022, the total number of monthly active users of mobile apps in Africa exceeded 270 million, a 14% increase compared to the beginning of the year.
The driving forces: Major industries impacting the African economy
Despite the challenges it's facing, Africa is home to some of the world’s fastest economies. With a fast-growing population and a wealth of natural resources, it has become an attractive destination for investors to capitalize on its untapped potential.
Boomplay announces new ad options across African markets
Africa-facing music streaming and download platform, Boomplay has officially announced the roll-out of its partnership product offerings, allowing artists, brands and potential advertisers to optimize towards more precise exposure and visibility.
Kenya lost Ksh 3.6 billion to cyber criminals in 2022, report
Kenya’s losses to cyber criminals reached Ksh 3.6 billion (USD 36 million) in 2022, compared to Nigeria and South Africa where they are nearly tenfold at Ksh 50 billion (USD 500 million) and Ksh 57 billion (USD 570 million) respectively.
TerraPay raises $100 million in series B funding to expand global payments infrastructure
TerraPay, a global payments infrastructure company, has successfully closed its Series B equity financing round, raising in excess of $100 million in equity and debt financing.
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.
[ChatGPT Biography] Tayo Oviosu, founder of Paga
Artificial Intelligence is taking the world by storm. As an experiment, Africa Business Communities is publishing a series of 100 biographies of the most successful entrepreneurs in Africa. We only ask the questions and let ChatGPT write.
[ChatGPT Biography] Jason Njoku, Founder iROKOtv
Artificial Intelligence is taking the world by storm. As an experiment, Africa Business Communities is publishing a series of 100 biographies of the most successful entrepreneurs in Africa. We only ask the questions and let ChatGPT write.
[ChatGPT Biography] Mo Ibrahim, Founder of Celtel International
Artificial Intelligence is taking the world by storm. As an experiment, Africa Business Communities is publishing a series of 100 biographies of the most successful entrepreneurs in Africa. We only ask the questions and let ChatGPT write.
[ChatGPT Biography] Ashish Thakkar, Founder Mara Group
Artificial Intelligence is taking the world by storm. As an experiment, Africa Business Communities is publishing a series of 100 biographies of the most successful entrepreneurs in Africa. We only ask the questions and let ChatGPT write.
[ChatGPT Biography] Strive Masiyiwa: Founder of Econet Wireless
Artificial Intelligence is taking the world by storm. As an experiment, Africa Business Communities is publishing a series of 100 biographies of the most successful entrepreneurs in Africa. We only ask the questions and let ChatGPT write.
[ChatGPT Biography] Mike Adenuga, Founder of Globacom
Artificial Intelligence is taking the world by storm. As an experiment, Africa Business Communities is publishing a series of 100 biographies of the most successful entrepreneurs in Africa. We only ask the questions and let ChatGPT write.
[Interview] Fedir Ted Martynov, CEO, CARMACHAIN, Nigeria
Ted Martynov leads CARMACHAIN, a fintech outfit operating in Nigeria that enables credit data for lenders in markets underserved by credit bureaus.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Digitization on all fronts, tech takes the lead
There is an obvious, increasing amount of technology awareness, and appeals for more extensive technology trainings in Nigeria.
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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