insert_link Business / Economics South Africa is failing people who aren’t poor, but aren’t middle class either By Tinashe Mushayanyama, University of South Africa; Adrino Mazenda, University of Pretoria; Margaret Chitiga-Mabugu, University of Pretoria, and Mary Mangai, University of Pretoria Many South African households are trapped. They are neither poor nor middle class. As a demographic they hover above the indigence threshold financially. But they are not yet securely in the middle class. This aspirant middle class – individuals whose income is above the indigent […] todayJanuary 30, 2024 6
insert_link Africa UNDP’s New $1 Billion Fund Could Boost Africa’s Tech Startups Globally At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in January, Presidents Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, left, and Paul Kagame of Rwanda helped launch the United Nations Development Program’s investment fund directed at tech startups in Africa. Called Timbuktoo, it could cushion the bearish state of venture capital globally. WEF2024 By Damilola Banjo via PassBlue Venture capital funding is shrinking globally, but experts are optimistic that a new $1 billion investment […] todayJanuary 30, 2024 19
insert_link Business / Economics As equity deals continue to decline and volumes dry up worldwide, African startups are increasingly relying on venture debt to stay afloat. By Conrad Onyango, bird story agency In 2022, when funding from venture capitalists began to dry up in Africa, Treepz, a shared mobility startup, was faced with a difficult decision... throw in the towel or grow the business without new investors. As part of their decision to keep going, they changed their core business model. “Towards the end of 2022, we knew the funding draught would happen in Africa. We […] todayJanuary 24, 2024 3
insert_link Business / Economics Namibia wins ‘Best Start-up Ecosystem in Africa’ award Namibia has been awarded the Best Start-up Ecosystem in Africa. The award, received by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, recognises the country’s dedication to fostering innovation, cross-continental collaboration, and entrepreneurship. Here is Danny Meyer, the Director of SME Compete reacting to the news. todayJanuary 11, 2024 32
insert_link Africa From nursing dreams to snail farmer: Ama Serwa Ennin cultivates success in Ghana’s booming snail ndustry By Sefakor Fekpe, via bird story agency Ama Serwaa Ennin squats in a greenhouse, proudly showing off her farming produce, her hands full. What she's holding is her source of pride and future income. But this is not grain or legumes or even beans of the sort usually proffered up in tales of African farming success. Instead, her hands are holding two snails - giant African snails, to be […] todayJanuary 9, 2024 31
insert_link Africa Harvard professors to lead 7-week online course for Africa’s aspiring entrepreneurs Today marks the exciting launch of enrollment for AfricaLive!, a ground-breaking 7-week online course meticulously designed to empower aspiring entrepreneurs with the essential skills and insights for success in the rapidly evolving African business landscape. This highly anticipated program is the product of an extraordinary collaboration, bringing together the academic expertise of Harvard Business School Professors Caroline Elkins, Tarun Khanna, and Karim Lakhani with the leadership acumen of the […] todayDecember 15, 2023 11
insert_link Uncategorized A modest popsicle-making business in Umoja, Kenya is transforming options for women working in the neighbourhood. By Stacey Kakea, via bird story agency The rains may have started but residents of Umoja in Nairobi County are still able to enjoy a frozen treat from Azin Pops - and while they're at it, also support a group of small-scale businesswomen. Azin Pops' owner Derrick Ochieng, a budding entrepreneur who puts a fresh spin on traditional Kenyan popsicles by blending them with modern-day flavouring formulations, is hoping that […] todayNovember 21, 2023 8
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.
