Will Kenya’s strategic mining reforms catalyse a sector renaissance?

Will Kenya’s strategic mining reforms catalyse a sector renaissance?

By Bonface Orucho, via bird story agency Kenya's mining and extractives sector is flourishing, reaping the rewards of recent reforms that promise to increase sector revenues as the country positions itself for economic gains from the burgeoning industry. From legal and legislative reforms to seamless mapping and surveying of available resources, the East African country is showing increased interest in tapping into new revenue-generating opportunities in the sector. […]

January 30, 2024 8

Africa

UNDP’s New $1 Billion Fund Could Boost Africa’s Tech Startups Globally

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in January, Presidents Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, left, and Paul Kagame of Rwanda helped launch the United Nations Development Program’s investment fund directed at tech startups in Africa. Called Timbuktoo, it could cushion the bearish state of venture capital globally. WEF2024 By Damilola Banjo via PassBlue Venture capital funding is shrinking globally, but experts are optimistic that a new $1 billion investment […]

January 30, 2024 29

Africa

West African Military-Led States Exit ECOWAS Amid Democratic Rule Pressure

Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, all under military leadership, have simultaneously announced their immediate departure from the Economic Community of West African States. Local Political Analyst Rakkel Andreas weighs in on the significance of this decision. Salomei Hei the Managing Director at High Economic Intelligence explains the Economic implications this might have.

January 30, 2024 22

Africa

Kenya oil facilities face huge losses

A new report says Kenya has lost $200 million worth of oil exports to Uganda. The country has been Uganda's largest regional market since last year. Daniel Kijo reports.

January 29, 2024 34

Africa

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger announce withdrawal from ECOWAS

Military leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have withdrawn from ECOWAS, with immediate effect. According to the AFP news agency, all three countries were suspended from ECOWAS with Niger and Mali facing heavy sanctions. They have hardened their positions in recent months and joined forces in an "Alliance of Sahel States". A French military withdrawal from the Sahel -- the region along the Sahara desert across Africa -- has […]

January 29, 2024 1

Africa

The African Union is working on peace in Sudan: expert explains why it’s in everyone’s interests

By John Mukum Mbaku, Weber State University The African Union has recently named a team to work on a peaceful end to Sudan’s civil war. The team will engage Sudan’s feuding military factions alongside civil society and international players to resolve the conflict that has been raging since 15 April 2023. The opponents in the conflict are the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. The AU’s […]

January 26, 2024 15

Africa

Afcon’s decision to allow 24 countries to play is paying off – and having dramatic repercussions

By Chuka Onwumechili, Howard University By the end of the group stage, the 34th Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) was one of the most exciting and memorable Afcon tournaments in recent memory. This was particularly true of the performances of the continent’s best players on the field. As a scholar of sports communication with a focus on African football, I’ve followed developments with interest, notably the 2021 decision to […]

January 26, 2024 2

Africa

26 January 2024 Business Highlights – The World’s Latest Economic Developments

By Leonard Witbeen Namibia Airports Company Engages Local Leaders for Airport ExpansionThe Namibia Airports Company (NAC) is in talks with traditional authorities and local leadership in the Zambezi and Kavango East regions to secure additional land for the development of modern airports. Bisey Uirab, NAC's CEO, highlighted that the current airports in the Zambezi and Kavango East regions are situated on land owned by the Ministry of Defence and Veterans […]

January 26, 2024 5

Africa

Lagos styrofoam, plastics ban brings applause and concern

From trash-strewn pavements to street vendors packing meals in polystyrene containers, plastic waste is a constant menace in the urban landscape of Lagos, Nigeria's economic capital and the continent's most populous city. That image could soon change if the local Lagos State government manages to implement its recent ambitious ban on the use of polystyrene and single-use plastics. Sunday's announcement of the ban on styrofoam boxes and single-use plastics, "with […]

January 25, 2024 24