insert_link 2 Opinion Pieces Namibia Economic Performance under H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Josef Kefas Sheehama As an independent economic and business researcher and board member of the African Council on Foreign Relations, I would like to celebrate Namibian history by extending my heartfelt congratulations to H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Namibia's first female president-in-waiting and therefore first female president of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). One must be familiar with Iceland's first female president, Vigdís Finnbogadottir, who was elected in 1980. […] todayDecember 11, 2024 6 2
insert_link Local YANGO, takes part in West African Internet Governance Forum (WAIGF) to promote dynamic development of the digital sector in Senegal and West Africa International ride-hailing service Yango, part of the global tech company Yango Group, actively participated in the West African Internet Governance Forum, which took place from July 10th to 12th, 2024 in Dakar Senegal. This event, under the theme “Disruptive Technologies: How Far Thus Far,” was a key regional platform for dialogue on Internet Governance, supported by the United Nations, the ECOWAS Commission convened and hosted by the Senegalese Government under […] todayJuly 16, 2024 20
insert_link Africa Kenya’s digital divide: pastoralists are key to the country’s economy, but they’re being left behind By Job Mwaura, University of the Witwatersrand Information and communication technologies (ICTs) hold great potential to expand African economies. They include mobile banking platforms, internet-enabled communication devices and e-government services. All of these can enhance financial inclusion and improve services for citizens. Kenya’s mobile money transfer platform, M-Pesa, for instance, has given millions of people access to banking services. And Rwanda’s e-government platform has […] todayJuly 16, 2024 27
insert_link Business / Economics Global e-commerce skyrockets to $27 trillion Did you know that the energy required for Bitcoin data mining reached 121 terra watts last year? That’s more than the amount consumed by most small countries. Daniel Johnson from UN news has more. Meanwhile, new data from 43 countries, representing about three-quarters of global GDP, show business e-commerce sales grew nearly 60% from 2016 to 2022, to reach $27 trillion. todayJuly 11, 2024 28
insert_link Africa Nigerian E-payments eclipse South Africa’s 2022 GDP, in latest surge When the Nigerian Central Bank introduced newly designed currency notes in November 2022 and a month later put a cap on the maximum amount of hard cash that individuals and corporations could withdraw, the idea was to tame money laundering in the country. During that year’s Christmas festive season and in the run-up to the 2023 Nigerian presidential election in February 2023 –– two high spending seasons –– the country […] todayFebruary 15, 2024 14
insert_link Science & Technology South Africa’s internet space is getting hotter By Bonface Orucho, bird story agency A surge in internet connectivity and speeds will amplify opportunities within South Africa's already flourishing digital economy, executives in the sector believe. Africa-focused news platform Innovation Village reported the 2Africa subsea cable project is expected to be operational in the Rainbow Nation in 2024. “We expect 2Africa West and 2Africa East to be live by the end of the year,” David […] todayFebruary 6, 2024 33
insert_link Opinion Pieces Harnessing 5G for Entrepreneurs The arrival of Fifth Generation (5G) technology signals a new era of connectivity set to empower entrepreneurs and businesses across Namibia. As the world transitions into greater digitalisation, 5G stands poised to radically transform how enterprises operate, innovate, and thrive. The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) recognises the immense potential of 5G to activate entrepreneurship and cultivate startups within the nation.1 With unmatched speeds, ultra-low latency, and expanded bandwidth, […] todayFebruary 1, 2024 25
insert_link Africa A tech hub for young women in Mombasa offers entry into the world of IT to girls and young women from all walks of life, whatever their background. It's quiet at Pwani Teknowgalz, a tech training centre located in the Kenyan coastal city of Mombasa. A handful of young women are engrossed in activities on their laptops. By rights, Latifa Noor, 25-year-old software developer, should not be here. ”My journey before all this before becoming a software developer, started way back in highschool. A group of women came to our school with a project called STEM (Science, […] todayJanuary 16, 2024 20
insert_link Africa Unlocking Prosperity: The 2024 RegTech Africa Conference set to redefine data governance for growth The anticipation builds as the third annual RegTech Africa Conference is set to once again bring together industry leaders, regulators, policymakers, and key stakeholders in the 2024 edition scheduled for the 23rd and 24th of May in Lagos - Nigeria. With a focus on "Harnessing Partnerships for Africa's Prosperity – Bridging the Data Trust Gap," this hybrid event transcends the traditional conference experience, promising a profound exploration of the role […] todayDecember 12, 2023 9