insert_link 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 […] today30 January, 2024
insert_link 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. today30 January, 2024
insert_link 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. today29 January, 2024
insert_link 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Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger announce withdrawal from ECOWAS Military leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have withdrawn from ECOWAS, with immediate effect.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 […] today29 January, 2024
insert_link 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 […] today26 January, 2024
insert_link 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 […] today26 January, 2024
insert_link 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 […] today26 January, 2024
insert_link 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 […] today25 January, 2024
insert_link Africa African MMA fighters are not just flourishing on the global stage, they’re igniting a wildfire of growth back home. By Bonface Orucho, via bird story agency The triumphs of African fighters in global mixed martial arts (MMA) tournaments are not just fueling a new generation of competitors entering the rigorous sport; they are establishing a distinct presence for MMA on the continent. Dricus Du Plessis, the 30-year-old South African professional mixed martial artist who kicked and punched his way into carrying the UFC middleweight championship belt on Saturday, […] today25 January, 2024