insert_link Africa Fintech and energy illuminate DR Congo’s nascent startup ecosystem By Conrad Onyango, via bird story agency The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), one of the world’s most resource-rich countries, is carving out a new prosperity niche as it emerges on the global tech scene. Known for its green metals, cobalt and copper, and the world's second-largest rainforest, the newest member of the East African Community is having a moment in the startup ecosystem. In 2023 the country raised […] todayJanuary 23, 2024 21
insert_link Africa UNEP report highlights potential surge in electric two-wheelers for motorcycle taxis in Africa By Bonface Orucho, bird story agency Motorcycle taxis, a dominant transportation force in Africa, have substantial potential for electrification as electric two- and three-wheelers gain traction across the continent. These insights stem from a recently launched UNEP report focusing on the state of global electric two- and three-wheelers in emerging markets. At a virtual report launch on Wednesday, January 10, Tom Courtright, the Research Director at Africa e-Mobility Alliance, who […] todayJanuary 11, 2024 15
insert_link Africa DRC elections: three factors that have shaped Tshisekedi’s bumpy first term as president By Reuben Loffman, Queen Mary University of London Africa’s second-largest country by land mass, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is scheduled to go to the polls on 20 December 2023. President Felix Tshisekedi will be seeking re-election. However, his first tenure has been decidedly mixed. Tshisekedi’s first term has been defined by three major factors: questions over the legitimacy of his 2019 election victory, violence in eastern DRC and the […] todayDecember 7, 2023 8
insert_link Africa East DR Congo: president’s elusive bid for peace Felix Tshisekedi became president of the Democratic Republic of Congo in January 2019 and promised to pacify the east, the scene of decades of militia violence. Nearly five years on, peace in the turbulent region remains elusive, with the security crisis a key issue in December 20 polls in which Tshisekedi is seeking re-election. Here are the main statements and decisions on the crisis made by the president during his […] todayDecember 6, 2023 5
insert_link Africa Ghana wants to restrict imports on 22 products – an economist explains how, why and what else must be done By Adu Owusu Sarkodie, University of Ghana Ghana’s Ministry of Trade and Industry has tabled in parliament a proposed ban or restrictions on imports of certain goods, including rice, sugar, poultry, fruit juices and animal intestines (tripe). The proposed legislation empowers the trade minister to issue licences to potential importers of goods. Critics of the policy say it will give too much power to the minister and create room for […] todayDecember 1, 2023 5