insert_link Local Partnering for prosperity: Nedbank Namibia’s commitment to strengthening Namibia’s agriculture sector Namibia's agricultural sector is a cornerstone of its economy, yet it faces a myriad of challenges that threaten its sustainability and growth. Agriculture contributes over 8% to Namibia’s gross domestic product (GDP), with about 70% of the population dependent on it for income and food security. Additionally, agriculture is the largest employer in the country, accounting for over a fifth of the local workforce. Despite its economic significance, the […] todayJune 10, 2024 3
insert_link Africa Female genital mutilation is on the rise in Africa: disturbing new trends are driving up the numbers By Tamsin Bradley, University of Portsmouth Thirteen-year-old Salamatu Jalloh had her whole future to look forward to. But in January 2023, her lifeless body was found wrapped in a pink and blue shroud on an earthen floor in a village in north-west Sierra Leone. Salamatu and two other girls bled to death after participating in a secret Bondo society initiation into womanhood. The ceremony, which […] todayMay 13, 2024 16
insert_link South Africa Academics with disabilities: South African universities need an overhaul to make them genuinely inclusive Academics with disabilities need support to ensure they’re fully included in university life. LumiNola By Sibonokuhle Ndlovu, University of Johannesburg Very little research has been conducted about academics with disabilities working in South African universities. This means their stories, and the challenges they face in the daily demands of their jobs, are not often told. Sibonokuhle Ndlovu, who holds a PhD in education and lectures on the […] todayApril 23, 2024 12
insert_link Africa Impact of AI, hybrid work top HR challenges in 2024 Navigating the impact of artificial intelligence and hybrid work models will be the top challenges affecting the role of HR professionals in 2024. These were the main points emerging from the HR Connect event held today, hosted by SAP at the Maslow Hotel in Johannesburg. Kholiwe Makhohliso, Managing Director for Southern Africa at SAP, says business and HR leaders are grappling with the complexities of a new […] todayApril 17, 2024 9
insert_link Environment Effective climate activism requires honest conversations about its challenges By Mike DiGirolamo Climate activist Clover Hogan says environmental activists face growing challenges not just from outside their movements, but also from within. She shares how the prevalence of unpaid labor can make young activists’ lives even more difficult in the present while they advocate for a more livable future. Add to that criticism for perceived imperfections over lifestyle choices and infighting between colleagues that can lead some to choose […] todayApril 10, 2024 14
insert_link Africa More African founders secure $1M+ Funding in new trend By Seth Onyango, bird story agency Start-ups in Africa are increasingly hauling in US$1 million or more in funding, even as the investment climate on the continent cools off. Data from Africa: The Big Deal, shows ventures raising over US$1 million thrive due to their bankability, suggesting a selective but keen interest from investors amidst a cautious investment backdrop. "While the amount raised quarterly is […] todayApril 10, 2024 2
insert_link Africa Appetite from local investors fuels surge in African startup funding By Seth Onyango, bird story agency Despite a steep downturn in startup funding in Africa since 2022, more African investors are channelling substantial investments into homegrown enterprises. This is a marked departure from the previous years, when North American investors, particularly from the U.S., led the charge in startup funding across the continent. Analysis from Africa: The Big Deal identified at least 619 unique investors who participated in […] todayMarch 14, 2024 18
insert_link Africa Ethiopia’s first stock exchange on horizon as it begins licensing investment banks By Conrad Onyango, bird story agency Ethiopia has entered the final stage of its first stock exchange launch, as the country’s Capital Market Authority begins to on-board foreign investment banks from the second week of February. The regulator announced that it will start issuing investment bank licenses from February 12th 2024- the first time in the country’s history and after six ‘rigorous’ months of developing guidelines to […] todayFebruary 14, 2024 4
insert_link Business / Economics Frustrated by tedious and unproductive meetings? These 2 proven strategies can help teams work smarter By Katharina Naswall, University of Canterbury and Sanna Malinen, University of Canterbury Most workers will be familiar with this scene: a meeting that goes round and round on a topic – one that may not be important to the priorities of the company. People leave the meeting frustrated and unheard. And the whole experience is repeated the next time everyone meets. But does this have to be […] todayFebruary 8, 2024 10
Paying it forward: Kenyan coastal doctor Bashrahil Mohammed Mafudh has made it his life’s work to care for the most vulnerable in his community, at no cost.
