insert_link Africa Africa’s horticultural exports surge on By Bonface Orucho, bird story agency An upsurge in demand for horticultural products across global markets, particularly in Europe, spurred a significant increase in agricultural export revenues for several African countries last year. Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz), reported via his blog that South Africa's agricultural exports surged to a record US$13.2 billion in 2023, a 3% increase from […] todayMarch 12, 2024 23
insert_link Africa Locally assembled handsets begin to drive Africa’s low-end smartphone shipments By Conrad Onyango, bird story agency As Africa’s major currencies weaken against the US dollar, consumers are opting for more affordable smartphones with ‘premium features’ that are either locally assembled or made in China. According to two mobile phone tracking reports, local assembly initiatives for low-end smartphones have contributed to strong growth, particularly in Kenya. The International Data Corporation (IDC) has also listed the East African economy […] todayMarch 12, 2024 33
insert_link Africa Special Economic Zones are propelling Africa’s green hydrogen drive By Bonface Orucho, bird story agency When Egypt, a prominent player in green hydrogen development in Africa, recently announced seven new upcoming projects worth US$40 billion to be rolled out over the next decade, it noted that the projects would be positioned in one location: a special economic zone (SEZ). The new projects announced by Egypt's cabinet in February, together with ongoing developments not only in […] todayMarch 11, 2024 41
insert_link Africa Pin Africa and unpublished Africa launch Women’s history month campaign to celebrate and empower female photographers and photojournalists This Women’s History Month, Pin Africa and Unpublished Africa proudly announce the launch of the "We (Are) Invested" campaign, a dedicated initiative to celebrate the contributions and achievements of women photographers and photojournalists across Africa. Aligned with the United Nations International Women’s Day 2024 theme, "Invest in women: Accelerate progress," this campaign aims to spotlight and support the pioneering women who have overcome industry challenges to pave the way […] todayMarch 11, 2024 22
insert_link Africa Africa’s renewable energy sector is shattering gender norms By Bonface Orucho, bird story agency Africa's fast-evolving renewable energy landscape is catalysing a shift in gender dynamics, with more women seizing employment opportunities than in the traditional energy sector, according to a new report. According to the report, “more women are assuming positions as business creators, energy producers, distributors, and service providers,” challenging longstanding gender norms prevalent in the energy industry. The report, “Empowering Women in Clean […] todayMarch 8, 2024 26
Africa Nigeria is the second fastest-growing country in the world for software developers, Egypt seventh Conrad Onyango, bird story agency The latest data from GitHub, a global hub for software development, has listed the two African economies - Nigeria and Egypt - as among the world’s 10 fastest-growing countries for software development in 2023. It may come as no surprise that software development is on the rise in Africa. Vibrant startup hubs across the continent have become famous, with Silicon Cape, Silicon Savannah and Silicon […] todayMarch 8, 2024 18
insert_link Africa Women battle when trying to take climate change cases to court – South Africa and Nigeria study shows why Pedi Obani, University of Bradford Across domestic courts in Africa, climate cases have been decided in South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya, with some cases pending in Uganda. However, climate litigation is still fairly new. Climate lawsuits are an important way to access justice. This is particularly true for African women because, as research has shown, climate change affects women more than men in key areas including farming, […] todayMarch 8, 2024 14
insert_link Africa US Christian right has taken aim at LGBTIQ+ rights, sex education and abortion in Africa – new book By Haley McEwen, University of Gothenburg A new book – The US Christian Right and Pro-Family Politics in 21st Century Africa – reveals the role played by some right wing US Christian groups in trying to spread their social and moral influence in African countries. Sociologist Haley McEwen, who specialises in the subject, answers five questions about her book. What do you want readers to take […] todayMarch 7, 2024 21
insert_link Environment Environmental Investment Fund’s Libanda warns climate finance shortfall could worsen The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa has warned the continent faces a N$ 47 trillion climate finance shortfall by 2030. UNECA executive secretary, Claver Gatete, says only two percent of global clean energy investments reach Africa. Environmental Investment Fund CEO, Benedict Libanda says the shortfall will likely increase. todayMarch 6, 2024 46