tagresults
EAC Monetary Affairs Committee addresses regional economic challenges and progress towards the Monetary Union
Reflecting on the economic performance of the EAC region in 2023, the Committee acknowledged a range of growth rates ranging from 2.8 percent to 8.1 percent.
Zambia develops and validates blue economy strategy
The strategy will guide the nation in advancing knowledge on biotechnology, environmental sustainability and ecosystem services.
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.
Nakonde Border Post upgrade boosts trade between Zambia and Tanzania
Funded by the UK government, the ZMK 197 million (£7.1 million) project will improve the flow of goods and people along the Dar es Salaam Corridor, promising to streamline operations and reduce cargo clearance times by more than 100% on both sides of the border.
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.
[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.
Zambia validates blue economy strategy
The strategy will guide the nation in advancing knowledge on biotechnology, environmental sustainability and ecosystem services.
IBM commits $45 million towards resilient cities
IBM also announced that it would increase investment in the pro-bono social impact program by 50%.
DFC reaffirms commitment to scaling investment in African infrastructure and critical minerals
Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) Nisha Biswal traveled to South Africa and Zambia as part of the largest U.S. government delegation to Mining Indaba and the first Lobito Corridor Investors Forum and to deepen DFC’s investments on the continent.
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
UK and Egypt sign sustainable cities and infrastructure pact
The new partnership between the UK and the Government of Egypt will boost cooperation in the development of sustainable cities and infrastructure in Egypt by establishing a joint working group that will meet twice a year in London and Cairo.
COMESA and the Indian Ocean Commission renew cooperation
The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Secretariat and the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) have reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration as they both implement regional integration programmes.
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.
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.
Ukraine opens embassy in Ghana; Rwanda, Mozambique, Botswana to follow
Ukraine has opened a diplomatic mission in Accra, the capital of Ghana, and plans to open embassies in Rwanda, Mozambique, and Botswana, the Foreign Ministry announced on Dec. 27.
Kenya and the European Union sign economic partnership agreement to bolster trade
The EU and Kenya have signed an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) to boost bilateral trade in goods, increase investment flows, and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
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.
Philippines, Rwanda sign agreement to bolster bilateral cooperation
Under the MOU, the Philippines and Rwanda will collaborate in the fields of human resources development, scientific and technological exchanges, education, health, agriculture, gender, youth, environmental issues, and security.
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.
Radisson Hotel Group partners with Edo State Government to expand its portfolio in Nigeria
The hotel’s array of Scandinavian inspired accommodation will range from contemporary standard rooms to expansive executive suites, including a presidential suite.
[Column] Hassan Egeh: What does it mean for Somalia to join East Africa Communities (EAC)?
Somalia was admitted into the East African Community (EAC) on Friday Novermber24, 2023 the eighth member of the bloc as it seeks to expand free trade across the region.
Somalia joins East African Community
It joins Kenya, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda and Tanzania in the bloc.
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.
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.
[Column] Bill Blackie: Exploring synergies between AGOA and AfCFTA: The case for African exports
Africa is often characterised as a continent poised for economic growth and development. Often, prosperity and development in Africa can be linked back to exports and the benefits that they generate.
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
Antwerp and Botswana to gather diamond industry in Gaborone for FACETS 2023
The two-day Conference was officially opened by the President of the Republic of Botswana, His Excellency Dr. Mokgweetsi Keabetswe Masisi.
[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.
[South Africa] Western Cape launches Export Certificate Office System
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s Veterinary Services recently launched its innovative Export Certificate Office System (ECOS)
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%).
Africa calls for global action to combat climate change
African leaders challenged the global community to honor its commitments citing the Paris Summit for a New Global Financing Pact.
Africa Climate Summit 2023 concluded with Nairobi Declaration
At the closing of Africa Climate Summit 2023, African leaders announced $23 billion Nairobi declaration target for green growth in Africa.
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.
[Column] Rajan Shah: Strengthening local value chains key to Kenya’s transformation
The government, through the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), has committed to drive economic and inclusive growth through agricultural value chain approach.
[Column] Rajan Shah: Rethinking Kenya’s export strategy key for economic prosperity
Historically, the transformative growth of industrialized nations has been propelled by exports.
[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.
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] Chika Idoko: Bridging the divide: Confronting Socioeconomic inequality In Sub-Saharan Africa
As leaders who support mainstreaming equality, diversity, and inclusion, we aim to ensure that every individual, regardless of their background, enjoys the same rights, opportunities, and dignity.
[Column] Frida Frans: The impact of Coup d’état on trade agreements and economic stability in West Africa
The recent series of coup d'état incidents in West Africa has resulted in significant political upheaval across the region. These prominent coups occurrences in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Niger are characterized by sudden and often forceful changes in leadership.
[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.
COMESA receives $2 million from Saudi Arabian government for construction of its new headquarters
Amb. Alkahtani, said the motivation to support the construction of the COMESA headquarters stems from the strong relations that exist between the Kingdom and the COMESA bloc based on mutual respect and joint action.
[Column] NJ Ayuk: Nigeria must fully implement the petroleum industry Act
Nearly two years from its passage into law, implementation of the PIA and its initiatives has been slow for numerous reasons, but not without progress, and signals from Nigeria’s new administration indicate that these conditions will not remain the status quo.
Eliminate non-tariff barriers to boost intra-African food trade, EAC urges
AU Member States were further urged to invest in irrigation agriculture by moving away from the reliance on rain-fed agriculture. African countries were called upon to adopt policies that motivate the youth to take part in agriculture to ensure increased production and reduce food insecurity.
Ethiopia applies to join the BRICS bloc of emerging economies
Ethiopia, one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, has asked to join the BRICS bloc of emerging markets, the foreign ministry said on Thursday.
[Uganda] New law increases share capital for foreign exchange business
Investors in the foreign exchange business will now be required to have a minimum paid up share capital of Shs200 million to carry out the business of dealing in money transfers.
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.
Volkswagen signs deal with Government of Rwanda to establish a modern farm with electric tractors
As part of the MoU, the Government of Rwanda has agreed to provide land in Gashora (Bugesera District) for the project, as well as to assist with permitting and licensing requirements of the project.
UK and Ghana launch new investor group to scout for top investment opportunities
The UK and Ghana have launched a new investor group to help identify mutually beneficial investment opportunities for both countries in a boost to the existing economic partnership.
Ghana’s tax on sugar-sweetened beverages a win for health sector, experts
Actioned by the Ghanaian Government as part of measures to reduce impacts of SSBs on public health, the country is now one of hundreds that have implemented World Health Organization-recommended interventions to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Africa to become the second-fastest growing region after Asia AfDB report
But the projected growth will depend on global conditions and the continent’s ability to bolster its economic resilience, the African Development Bank’s 2023 African Economic Outlook report has found.
France commits to fostering economic, investment ties with Nigeria
In a bid to promote trade between France and Nigeria, the French Government has said it will continue fostering economic and investment ties with Nigeria.
The East African Competition Authority and the Competition Authority of Kenya sign bilateral agreement
The MoU lays out modalities through which the agencies will mitigate competition infringements with cross-border effects, as well as foster transparency and predictability with regard to multijurisdictional merger notifications in order to reduce transaction costs for businesses.
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.
EABC underscores the role of business associations in the implementation of the AFCFTA
The East African Business Council (EABC) emphasizes the vital role of business associations in the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
[Column] Pankaj Bedi: High production costs hurting Kenya’s apparel exports
A Cabinet communique dated 6th December 2022 highlighted government’s plan to drive Kenya’s export-led growth.
[Column] NJ Ayuk: The outlook for African oil in 2023 is promising
Several years ago, the African energy industry was in survival mode. The COVID-19 pandemic had practically eliminated demand for crude oil, and African exports dropped sharply.
Ghana, Austria sign key strategic partnership agreements
The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Austria, Karl Nehammer have agreed on key areas of cooperation primary on strengthening existing bilateral ties between the two countries.
Naspers, Takealot and Media24 join the South African Plastics Pact to reduce plastic waste across value chain
Naspers, and its subsidiary businesses, Takealot and Media24, have joined the South African Plastics Pact by creating a circular economy for plastics.
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.
Ethiopia moves towards liberalization of trade in services
Trade in Services plays a key role in the economic growth and development of a country. Services directly support production but also value chains and create jobs and other economic and non-economic opportunities.
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.
Technical review of NIST’s inclusive language
NIST stands for National Institute of Standards and Technology. It is an organization within the United States Government.
Kenya and Rwanda sign agreement on 10 areas of cooperation
Kenya and Rwanda Tuesday signed an agreement in 10 areas of cooperation to enhance relations. The Memorandum of Understanding will establish mechanisms for effective cooperation in Education, ICT, Gender and Child Development, Youth and Capacity Development for the Public Service.
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.
[Africa Business Communities Forum] How are the 2023 elections affecting businesses in Nigeria?
With the end of the first quarter here, Africa Business Communities talks with business owners and CEOs in Nigeria on the effect this year's elections is having on the economy at large.
[Column] NJ Ayuk: Time to break the deadlock on TotalEnergies’ offshore gas deal
There’s another complication at hand, in that South Africa’s government has pledged to reduce the power sector’s carbon emissions intensity.
Germany to support Kenyan businesses access European markets
Germany will support Kenya in its attempt to better penetrate the European Union market.
Visit Rwanda signed a new deal
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB), through the Visit Rwanda campaign signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Veteran Clubs World Championship where Rwanda will host the next three editions of the football tournament.
Ghana and Maldives sign two agreements to enhance bilateral cooperation
The Government of Maldives and the Government of Ghana have signed two key Agreements today that will further deepen the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
[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.
[Column] Anthony Mwangi: Why Kenya needs a stable and predictable tax regime
The importance of predictable and stable policies in driving the realization of a country’s socio-economic goals cannot be over emphasized.
[Column] Sithembile Ntombela: South Africa economy could benefit from BRICS enlargement
One of the least known information about the BRICS countries is that the chairmanship of the group is rotated annually amongst its members in accordance with the acronym of B-R-I-C-S.
[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.
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