tagresults
GE Vernova commits to support sustainable energy transition in Nigeria
Nigeria, one of Africa's economic powerhouses, faces a dynamic energy landscape characterized by a growing population, industrialization, and a rising demand for electricity.
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
Toyota to open a vehicle manufacturing plant in Kenya
The agreement will see Toyota set up a vehicle manufacturing plant in the country. The company has committed an initial investment of Kshs 800 million in the Kenya Thika vehicle manufacturers.
[Kenya] KAM, Unilever launch Business Growth Programme to empower SMEs in manufacturing
The programme, which KAM kicked off in 2016, aims to provide manufacturing SMEs with the necessary tools, resources, and guidance to enhance their competitiveness, expand their market reach, and drive sustainable growth.
Aramco expands global venture capital programme with $4 billion funds injection
It will take Aramco's overall venture capital allocation to $7.5bn, which also includes the $500 million venture capital fund Wa'ed Ventures that focuses on the start-up ecosystem in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Arab Coordination Group allocates $10 billion to support energy transition
This funding is meant to drive a comprehensive and affordable transition to renewable energy in developing countries.
[South Africa] Western Cape Government and JSE collaborate to fund SME’s for growth
The high-growth, ready to scale SMEs have the opportunity to meet with some of South Africa’s leading funders in speed pitching sessions, offering an overview of their business growth prospects.
Arab Coordination Group pledges $50 billion for African development
The Arab Coordination Group (ACG) has announced that it aims to allocate up to US$50 billion to help build resilient infrastructure and inclusive societies in the African continent.
[Kenya] Mombasa Plastics Prize unveils the start of incubator to support growth of sustainable businesses
Building on the success of the initial phase, the incubator aims to support teams from the initial phase of the project to create sustainable businesses that significantly impact the mitigation of marine plastic waste pollution in Mombasa County's informal settlements.
80 per cent of SMEs in South Africa project similar or increased revenue in 2023, Mastercard SME Confidence Index
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. These are the findings of the second edition of the Mastercard Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (EEMEA) SME Confidence Index.
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.
[Interview] Yvonne Nelson, Actress and Entrepreneur, Ghana
Yvonne Nelson is a renowned Ghanaian actress and producer who has led a life filled with significant moments that illuminate her remarkable characteristics as a human being. Africa Business Communities interviews with her.
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.
IFC invests $11.5 billion for Africa’s green transition and job creation
IFC made $11.5 billion in investments between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, across 40 countries, the largest ever annual commitment for the continent.
ACWA Power signs deal with NREA for 10 gigawatts wind project in Egypt
ACWA Power, a Saudi-listed company and the world's largest private water desalination company, the first mover into green hydrogen, and a player in energy transition, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the New and Renewable Energy Authority (NREA) to allocate land for a 10 GW wind project in Egypt.
[Chronique]Frida Frans: L'impact des coups d'État sur les accords de commerce et la stabilité économique en Afrique de l'Ouest
La récente série de coups d'État en Afrique de l'Ouest a entraîné des bouleversements politiques dans la région. Ces coups d'État survenus au Mali, en Guinée, au Burkina Faso et au Niger se caractérisent par des changements soudains et souvent violents à la tête du pays.
[Column] Wayne Glossop: Gas power solutions for South Africa
While to date our society has been heavily reliant on coal, it's not able to keep pace with the energy and environmental aspirations of the nation currently.
ITC, African Union Commission partner to empower small businesses unlock intra-African trade
Together, the organizations will foster inclusive trade in Africa by incorporating small enterprises into the regional economy, and promote the sharing of trade information and market intelligence across Africa through the African Trade Observatory (ATO).
Growth and stability are key priorities for small businesses in Kenya, study
Financial Sector Deepening (FSD) Kenya and the Financial Access Initiative (FAI) research center of New York University, today presented the results of the Kenya Small Firm Diaries (SFD) study in Nairobi.
Volvo delivers the first heavy electric truck to Africa
Deployment of heavy electric trucks is now spreading across the world. With Europe and the US among the leaders, the shift to more sustainable transport is kicking off also in other parts of the world. In Africa, the first heavy electric truck is now being delivered in the city of Rabat in Morocco.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Investors bet on fintechs, startups
The past couple of weeks have seen a flurry of activities in several sectors of the Nigerian economy. Startups are receiving increasing financial backing from VCs for the growith of SMEs.
[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.
Enquête de la BEI sur le climat en Côte d’Ivoire
91 % de la population ivoirienne interrogée estiment que les changements climatiques ont déjà des répercussions sur leur quotidien.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Investments take priority over all
With global inflation spiraling out of control, every country is working harder than ever to welcome new enterprise and business. Nigeria made great progress in this in recent months.
[Column] Patrick Utomi: For AfCFTA to deliver on its promise, we must address concerns of entrepreneurs
We must recognise the preponderance of micro-small and medium sized enterprise in the continent’s commercial landscape.
[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.
[Column] NJ Ayuk: How Africa can capitalize on its mineral wealth to develop an electric vehicle value chain
As the entire global transportation marketplace marches toward an increasingly electrified and battery-powered future, many countries across the African continent stand at the threshold of profound economic opportunity.
[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.
African Business Roundtable, Afreximbank organize free webinar masterclass, September 28
In continuation of the series of webinars that has been ongoing throughout the year, the African Business Roundtable and the African Import Export Bank (Afreximbank) are set to hold yet another webinar on capacity building and investor preparation.
L'African Business Roundtable et Afreximbank organisent un séminaire en ligne gratuit le 28 septembre
Dans la continuité de la série de webinaires qui s'est déroulée tout au long de l'année, l'African Business Roundtable et la Banque Africaine d'Import-Export (Afreximbank) vont organiser un autre webinaire sur le renforcement des capacités et la préparation des investisseurs.
[Interview] Dr. Mima Nedelcovych, Chairman, AfricaGlobal Schaffer
Dr. Mima Nedelcovych is the Founder and Chairman of AfricaGlobal Schaffer, a strategic consulting firm focused on project development, project finance, trade facilitation, and public-private partnerships in developing countries, with a particular focus on Africa.
[Interview] Dr. Mima Nedelcovych, Président, AfricaGlobal Schaffer
Mima Nedelcovych est fondateur et président d'AfricaGlobal Schaffer, une société de conseil stratégique spécialisée dans le développement de projets, le financement de projets, la facilitation du commerce et les partenariats public-privé dans les pays en développement, et plus particulièrement en Afrique.
[Column] Bob Koigi: Kenya business community’s expectations of the new government
Kenya’s incoming government following the just concluded elections takes office amid ballooning public debt, chronic drought, COVID-19 effects, inflation, unemployment and the impacts of global shocks that have buffeted the nation.
[Interview] Mahad Ahmed, Fondateur, AME Trade, Royaume-Uni
Mahad Ahmed est fondateur et PDG d'Ame Trade Limited. Il est également membre de l'African Business Roundtable et un expert reconnu dans les secteurs du conseil et des services événementiels.
[Interview] Mahad Ahmed, Founder, AME Trade, United Kingdom
Mahad Ahmed is Founder and CEO of Ame Trade Limited. He is also a member of the African Business Roundtable and an an established expert in the Consulting and Events Services industries.
[Column] Tobias Alando: Securing our future: the path to net-zero
Accelerating the transition to energy efficiency and conservation is one of the surest ways of securing the future of our planet for generations to come. This is because, energy is at the heart of climate change.
The African Business Roundtable Project Preparation Masterclass Free Webinar, July 27
After discussions with a variety of advisory and investment institutions, and to further attract investment to projects, the African Business Roundtable Secretariat in association with Afreximbank has designed the “Project Preparation Masterclass”.
[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.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Gas price triggers ripple effect across industries
Nigeria’s inflation as of the month of May stood at 17.71%, but economists are now predicting just a month later a new figure we can expect at the end of this year.
The African Business Roundtable stays firm as Africa's private sector conduit to the world
The African Business Roundtable came into being in an era when Africa was hit by a horrendous economic climate. Between the fight for independence in many countries and the end of apartheid in South Africa, Africa’s private sector barely had any structure in the 1960s.
L'African Business Roundtable reste ferme en tant que conduit du secteur privé Africain vers le monde
L'African Business Roundtable a vu le jour à une époque où l'Afrique était frappée par un climat économique épouvantable. Entre la lutte pour l'indépendance de nombreux pays et la fin de l'apartheid en Afrique du Sud, le secteur privé Africain n'était guère structuré dans les années 1960.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Nigeria scores big in budget transparency
The infrastructure of Nigeria is such that for meaningful progress to be made, there must be give-and-take on the parts of the government and the people.
[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.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Banks move into East Africa, telecom pushes NSE profit
The telecom industry this week recorded a peculiar development – the massive registration of Nigerian SIM card holders.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Banks rally behind women-led SMEs
The NNPC has an approximated value of 50 trillion naira. With oil and gas infrastructure in Nigeria constantly plagued by mischief and vandalism, an ECOWAS expert has profferred a very interesting solution to this persisting problem
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Telecoms slide into banking, Central Bank ups interest rates
The last few days have shown us developments and setbacks, statistics that show growth on the one hand and room for improvement on the other.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Clean energy gets funding amid inflation and trade deficits
Oil and Gas has been a pillar supporting the Nigerian economy for a very long time. Rich in this natural resource, Nigeria may be guilty of neglecting other promising sectors, like Agriculture and even Insurance.
[Interview] Siviwe Ngcingwana, Founder, Signet Seal Group, South Africa
Siviwe Ngcingwana is the founder and CEO of Signet Seal Group, a diversified Pan-African company with growing interest across various sectors among them agriculture, renewable energy, mining, trading and deal brokering.
[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.
[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: What EU’s lifting of financial sanctions on Burundi means for EAC
The EU made the decision in the wake of deteriorating political situation occasioned by a disputed presidential election in 2015.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Government, Central Bank turn focus to the startup movement
There’s an ongoing comparison in Nigeria's status quo that is causing some rift – the national statistics and reports are showing a promising and stable economy, but the situation on-ground reflects a different reality.
[Interview] BIBOUM Kléber, Founder and CEO, GO AFRICA Business Sarl, Cameroon
BIBOUM Kléber is the current CEO and founder of GO AFRICA Business Sarl created in 2020, with a specialization in the development of the tourism industry in Cameroon.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: The 'ember' months performance review
The end of year (fondly referred to as ‘ember months’) tends to bring about anxieties of different sorts among Nigerians.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Industries unanimously look toward renewable, sustainable practices
The Covid-19 crisis has been cause for numerous economic slumps round the world; companies were shut down, production halted, industries crippled and prices skyrocketed the world over.
[Column] Titilayo Adewumi: West Africa’s circular economy efforts at the forefront of fostering a more sustainable future
The vast majority of population growth across the continent will be concentrated in urban areas. WEF data indicates that more than 80% of Africa's population growth between now and 2030 will be in cities, with Lagos growing at a pace of 77 people every hour.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: National GDP for Q3 sees increase, amid growing economic concerns
The Nigerian Minister for labour recently has affirmed that more needed to be done in order for the employment crisis to be mitigated. He did allow that much has been done, but a lot of action still was required if the problem was to be tackled from the roots.
[Startup Interview] Adedokun Muhammed-Ali Adedeji, Founder, Brightcloud Automobile, Nigeria
Adedokun Muhammed-Ali Adedeji is a Nigerian innovator, entrepreneur and logistics manager. A green mobility advocate, Adedokun is the founder of Brightcloud Automotive.
[Column] Phyllis Wakiaga: Why Kenya should implement local content policies to steer growth
Businesses continue to be exposed to a constant creation and review of policies, which is tedious and costly. One of the reasons for this is poor structures and reception by institutions that have been put in place to ensure that these policies are of benefit to the people of Kenya.
[Column] Cathy Smith: Sustainability or extinction: what African enterprises need to know about the next ten years
Businesses and countries across the continent are attempting to rebuild following the devastating economic impact of the pandemic.
[Column] Phyllis Wakiaga: Ease regulatory burden for SMEs
They contribute to communities’ unique identities and are the lifeline of any country’s economy, through job creation and as a stepping stone to achieving shared prosperity.
[Column] Phyllis Wakiaga: Government policies must support a flourishing local industry
There is a sense of pride, for a country and its citizens, in attaining self-sustenance and economic independence. Central to this is a competitive local industry, producing goods for its domestic and export markets.
[Column] Mathew Hall: Why off-grid solutions are starting to make more sense to South Africans
With load shedding back and disrupting day to day life, compounded by consumers feeling the 15% increase on their electricity bill, alternative sources of energy are starting to look more attractive to South Africans.
Eastern and Southern Africa's vast renewables potential offers route to sustainable growth, IRENA
Eastern and Southern Africa are vast, geographically diverse regions with rapidly growing populations and rising demands for energy. According to master plans for the two regional power pools, electricity demand is set to grow.
[Interview] Stephan Eyeson, fondateur et PDG, Survey54
L'entrepreneur Britanique-Ghanéen, Stephan Eyeson, est actuellement PDG et fondateur de la société panafricaine de collecte de renseignements sur les consommateurs, Survey54.
[Interview] Essi Farida Geraldo, CEO, Architecte urbaniste, Togo
Passionate about art and creation and ended up in immersing in the field of architecture and design, Essi Farida Geraldo is the CEO of Architecte urbaniste an architectural and sustainable development firm which offer classic eco-architecture and urban planning services in Togo.
[Column] Andres Vega: Powerships: A solution for Africa’s energy short-term supply?
Energy poverty represents one of the most critical challenges for development in Africa. According to the International Energy Agency, in 2019, the continent had more than 580 million people without electricity access.
[Interview] Stephan Eyeson, Founder & CEO, Survey54
British-Ghanaian entrepreneur, Stephan Eyeson, is current CEO and Founder of pan-African consumer intelligence gathering firm, Survey54.
[Column] Titilayo Adewumi: Building greater sustainability, climate resilience in West Africa
Across Africa, urban centres are rapidly expanding as the continent’s large – and growing – youth population seek better fortunes in the city.
[Column] Charné Hundermark: South Sudan pursues a power sector revival
South Sudan is re-directing its focus on power sector development in a bid to dramatically transform its electricity market, which faces a deficit of approximately 170 MW and has led to one of the lowest electricity access rates globally.
[Column] Gaopalelwe Santswere: What the future hold for South Africa’s energy mix
South Africa relies on coal-fired power stations to produce approximately 90% of its electricity. Moving forward, the country's aim should be to reduce this percentage.
[Startup Interview] Tony Botha, Managing Director, carbonTRACK Africa, South Africa
carbonTRACK Africa is a South Africa technology startup that seeks to create a world where energy is consumed sustainably, shared fairly and empowers all people.
Rystad Energy analysis shows Africa’s renewable energy capacity is set for consecutive years of growth
Africa’s installed capacity of renewable energy, which stood at 12.6 gigawatt (GW) in 2019, is set for consecutive years of growth, a Rystad Energy analysis shows.
[Column] Emma Colenbrander: Is an Amazon for Africa’s “energy poor” in the making?
A majority of consumers in Africa still live off the grid, in what are commonly called "last-mile" communities.
New economic analysis for Malawi calls for efficient public investment management to improve service delivery in water and energy
Malawi faces an infrastructure investment gap in the energy and water and sanitation sectors of approximately $332 million per year due to limited fiscal space combined with weak public investment management and inefficient State Owned Enterprises.
[Column] Phyllis Wakiaga: Promoting sustainability through energy efficiency and conservation
Energy Efficiency might sound like ‘ Board Room speak’ to many, but what is it really?
New analysis shows onshore wind potential across Africa enough to power the entire continent many times over
Developing Africa’s huge onshore wind energy potential can boost its transition to affordable and reliable clean energy. For the first time ever, wind and solar made up the majority of the world’s new power generation in 2019.
Finance for renewables in developing countries on the rise, IRENA highlights
Global finance to developing countries in support of clean and renewable energy reached $21.3 billion in 2017, which almost doubles the level from 2010 when international financial flows were at $10 billion.
[Column] Toufik Khitous: How Egypt bets on renewables to meet expected energy demand surge
To meet its soaring demand for energy, Egypt is turning to renewable sources. Its targets, if accomplished, will see it become a pioneer in the African energy landscape. But are the plans realistic?
[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] Dr. Kevin Kariuki: The journey to electrifying Africa
Five years into the African Development Bank’s ambitious New Deal on Energy for Africa, the Bank’s investments are set to provide electricity access to around 13 million people.
[Column] Verner Ayukegba: Africa’s energy transition must be African at heart and in practice
Africa is at an energy cross-road. On one hand, the most talented, better educated, most entrepreneurial and competitive generation the continent has ever had is rising.
The investment case for energy transition in Africa
Falling technology costs have made renewable energy a cost-effective way to generate power in countries all over the world, which would drive further development and improved economy.
[Column] Olagoke Aluko: Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) regulations lead the way in reshaping consumer behaviour and industry in Kenya
Kenya has paid a heavy price in lives lost for its slow uptake of LPG as a cooking fuel.
[Column] John Defterios: The global energy challenge and the answers that lie in renewable power
It is big, fast growing, with a young population and a middle class that is nearly as big as the entire U.S. population.
[Startup Interview] Wilhelmina Diop, Marketing Director, HelloSolar, Ethiopia
Wilhelmina Diop is investing her skills in Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development into providing rural communities in Ethiopia with affordable access to power, through the startup company, HelloSolar.
Ten developments that will shape Africa’s energy sector in 2019
After a year of rebound and recovery, Africa’s old and new hydrocarbons markets have an opportunity to further entrench the continent’s position as the world’s hottest oil and gas frontier in 2019.
[Kenya Business Week] US key investment target in Africa
US has reiterating its commitment to strong partnerships with key countries in Africa, specifically naming Kenya as a target for future US aid and investment.
[Column] Armando Da Silva: Why solar power is the obvious solution for South Africa
As South Africa kicks off the New Year with a lower petrol price and hopes for a constructive 2019, there are some looming problems that hinder the great spirit of the country.
[Kenya Business Week] Manufacturing, automation and job creation nexus
Even with mounting fears that rapid automation could reduce the number of jobs in the Kenya’s manufacturing sector, a new report posits that digital technologies can, in fact, boost job creation.
[Kenya Business Week] Flying into new opportunities
African countries have been pushing for an open skies agreement to make intra Africa trade and movement cheaper and faster.
[Column] Bob Koigi: Renewable energy lights the way for Africa
The growing appetite for energy in Africa despite unreliable hydro power has birthed renewable energy renaissance.
[Nigeria Business Week] Towards sensible investments, capital pours in from the outside
For a country as populous as Nigeria, the wheels can and should not stop rotating. Supply rarely ever exceeds demand, investors are always welcome and jobs are never surplus.
[Interview] Irfan Mirza, CEO, Trend Solar, Tanzania
Irfan Mirza is an IT consultant, project manager and strategist who co-founded Trend Solar, a power solution for rural communities in Africa.
[Kenya Business Week] Breathing new life into SMEs
Small and medium sized businesses in Kenya represents 75 per cent of the country's workforce, constitute 98 percent of all businesses in Kenya and contribute 3 percent to the national purse.
[Kenya Business Week] The economic cost of trade misinvoicing
Even as Kenya continues to seal loopholes of money laundering and illicit flows, details are emerging that the country is experiencing sophisticated forms of tax evasion.
Share this article
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
.png)
[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