Fintech and energy illuminate DR Congo’s nascent startup ecosystem

Fintech and energy illuminate DR Congo’s nascent startup ecosystem

By Conrad Onyango, via bird story agency The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), one of the world’s most resource-rich countries, is carving out a new prosperity niche as it emerges on the global tech scene. Known for its green metals, cobalt and copper, and the world's second-largest rainforest, the newest member of the East African Community is having a moment in the startup ecosystem. In 2023 the country raised […]

January 23, 2024 21

Sport

Brilliant Embiid scores 70 as Sixers down Spurs

Joel Embiid became only the ninth player in NBA history to score 70 points or more in a single game as the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the San Antonio Spurs 133-123 on Monday. A sensational individual performance from the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player led the way to victory for the Sixers and upstaged an impressive 33-point showing from Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama. Embiid finished with 70 points, 18 rebounds and […]

January 23, 2024 1

Environment

‘Hold Developed States to Account for Climate Justice’, Secretary-General Urges in Remarks to Group of 77 Plus China Summit

Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the Third South Summit of the Group of 77 and China, in Kampala: It is a pleasure to join you for this very important summit. I thank the Government of Uganda for its hospitality and congratulate it on the leadership of the Group of 77 (G77) plus China. Sixty years ago, recognizing the need for unity and solidarity in the face of […]

January 23, 2024 17

Opinion Pieces

Syria’s Enduring Turmoil Heads Into 2024

Escalating violence in northwest Syria left 66 people dead in attacks by the government and Russia, according to the White Helmets/Syrian Civil Defense, above, in October 2023. The war, nearing its 13th year, has created the largest displacement crisis globally. Peacemaking efforts by the United Nations go on, but Russia’s crucial cooperation is growing more remote. By Jusaima Moaid-azm Peregrina via PassBlue The Syrian conflict, now nearing its 13th year, […]

January 23, 2024 24

Environment

Conservationists aim to save South America’s super tiny wild cat, the guina

Image courtesy of Jerry Laker/Fauna Australis. By Petro Kotzé via MongaBay For more than 200 million years, the ancient Valdivian Temperate Forest in southwestern Chile has been a refuge for plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth. This global biodiversity hotspot is home to monkey puzzle trees (Araucaria araucana), the endangered chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera), threatened southern pudu (Pudu puda) — the world’s smallest deer — and two critically endangered species: the […]

January 23, 2024 41

South Africa

South African Independent Electoral Commission has confirmed the registration of Umkhonto weSizwe

The South African Independent Electoral Commission has confirmed the registration of Umkhonto weSizwe to participate in this year’s general elections. However, IEC chairperson Mosotho Moepya told Newzroom Afrika two court matters are yet to be ruled on, which will decide the party’s eligibility to contest. He says despite the pending legal challenges, the party expresses confidence and remains undeterred in its commitment to participate in the elections.

January 23, 2024 9

World

UN launches 7.9 billion dollar migration appeal

The United Nations has launched a $7.9 billion dollar funding appeal to help people that have been forced from their homes. A new UN International Organization for Migration report estimates that 117 million people were forced to migrate by the end of 2022often making perilous journeys in search of a better life. William Denselow reports from UN headquarters in New York.

January 23, 2024 6

APO International

Tough economic headwinds provide exciting opportunities for agile, customer-centric fintechs (By Andy Jury)

By Andy Jury, CEO at Mukuru (www.Mukuru.com) Taking stock of fintech in the broader African context while looking forward to opportunities in the year ahead. At this time of the year there is usually a flurry of articles attempting to lay out trends to look out for in various industries over the coming months. This is a good exercise as it gets one thinking about industries broadly and technology specifically. […]

January 23, 2024 5

Namibia

Vibrant December 2023 in Namibia’s Hospitality Sector

December 2023 saw considerable activity in the hospitality sector, with 69 participants across different regions. The month, marked by festivities, offered a total of 51,192 rooms, of which 19,942 were occupied, resulting in a nationwide occupancy rate of 38.96%. Coastal areas led in terms of room occupancy during this period, followed by the Southern and Central regions. This trend can be linked to the leisure activities commonly sought during the […]

January 23, 2024 6