Africa plays big in a list of top global startup ‘ecosystem contenders’

By Conrad Onyango, bird story agency Africa has the potential to almost double its representation in a prestigious ranking of the world's top 100 startup hubs as cities from its unranked countries control the list of top contenders to watch out for, according to a global index. Currently, only 13 African countries feature in the Startup Blink’s Startup Ecosystem Report 2024, in a list […]

June 17, 2024 21

Africa

African airlines headed for 100 million passengers milestone

By Conrad Onyango, bird story agency African airlines are likely to cross the 100 million passengers mark for the first time in 2025, on the back of an aggressive push to open new routes and increased frequencies by local carriers. The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) projects the passenger numbers will reach 98 million by close of the year 2024 - a 15% rise compared […]

June 13, 2024 11

Business / Economics

Enhancing Digital Transformation: Innovations and Obstacles in East Africa

By Robert van Breukelen, CEO at Itemate Solutions The telco sector is poised to play a central role in Ethiopia’s economic and digital transformation, but should learn from other countries to avoid common pitfalls and accelerate development. In recent years, countries in the eastern and north-eastern African region have launched several exciting initiatives aimed at accelerating the adoption of digital technologies. Digital transformation in East Africa Powered […]

May 2, 2024 11

Africa

Africa’s megacities threatened by heat, floods and disease – urgent action is needed to start greening and adapt to climate change

By Meelan Thondoo, University of Cambridge Cities cover just 3% of the planet. But they emit 78% of all global greenhouse gas emissions, absorb 80% of final global energy (what consumers use) and consume 60% of clean drinking water. African megacities like Lagos, Nigeria (with 21 million residents) and Cairo, Egypt (with 10 million residents) are experiencing significant temperature increases due to the urban heat island effect […]

April 24, 2024 9

Africa

Ethiopia looks to the Singapore model to lure startups in sweeping new reforms

By Seth Onyango, bird story agency Ethiopia has unveiled sweeping reforms to support a burgeoning startup industry and turn the country into a leading incubator of entrepreneurs. Notable changes include slashing a 30% capital-gains tax on the transfer and issuance of shares, according to Brook Taye, Director-General of the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority. The move, combined with an allowance for startups to retain all foreign currency […]

April 16, 2024 8

Africa

Cultural wealth can drive economic growth in African cities

By Bonface Orucho, bird story agency With the right policies, African cities hold immense potential to drive significant economic growth by capitalizing on their rich cultural heritage and harnessing the creativity of their youthful populations, according to a new report. “Africa’s urban landscapes are not just repositories of heritage and tradition; they are dynamic centres of innovation, awaiting the right policies to support unlocking their full potential,” the […]

March 25, 2024 25

Africa

New date set for African leadership event

The African Leadership Organisation is rescheduling the African Persons of the Year Ceremony originally set for 22-23 February 2024 due to a scheduling conflict with the late President Hage Geingob's funeral proceedings. The event will now be held on 14-15 March 2024 at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The ceremony convenes policymakers, private sector leaders, civil society figures, and stakeholders globally.

February 21, 2024 16

Africa

Oromia makes up a third of Ethiopia’s landmass and is key to its fortunes: expert unpacks its significance

By Bizuneh Yimenu, University of Birmingham Ethiopia’s largest and most populous region, Oromia, has been in the news following reports of a rise in kidnappings for ransom. The region is no stranger to war and strife. Its people have long fought against political marginalisation. But the region is more than just the site of conflict. We asked Bizuneh Yimenu, who’s researched the region for over a decade […]

February 19, 2024 32

Addis Ababa