insert_link Business / Economics Construction Focus – 20 February 2024 General Manager of the Construction Industries Federation of Namibia, Bärbel Kirchner, updates us on the state of the industry. https://iono.fm/e/1408224 todayFebruary 21, 2024 127
insert_link Africa Oromia makes up a third of Ethiopia’s landmass and is key to its fortunes: expert unpacks its significance By Bizuneh Yimenu, University of Birmingham Ethiopia’s largest and most populous region, Oromia, has been in the news following reports of a rise in kidnappings for ransom. The region is no stranger to war and strife. Its people have long fought against political marginalisation. But the region is more than just the site of conflict. We asked Bizuneh Yimenu, who’s researched the region for over a decade […] todayFebruary 19, 2024 42
insert_link Africa Nigeria’s street food: tasty but toxic? Expert shares advice to make it safer By Helen Onyeaka, University of Birmingham In the lively streets of Nigeria’s cities, where delicious street food is a daily delight, a wide variety of food can be bought and consumed instantly. From the sizzling suya snack in Abuja to the aromatic jollof rice in Lagos, street food has become an integral part of Nigerian life. However, beneath these enticing flavours lies a critical question of public safety […] todayFebruary 9, 2024 43
insert_link Africa The growing role of telco operators in driving financial inclusion through accessible mobile-first financial services. By Robert van Breukelen, COO at Itemate Solutions Africa remains a hotbed of mobile innovation. Telco operators across the continent are stepping in to fill gaps left by lower levels of development in key areas, including banking and financial services. A 2022 report estimated that just over half of Africa's population remained unbanked. The same report found that banks across the continent are investing in digital transformation […] todayFebruary 8, 2024 25
insert_link Africa Somaliland-Ethiopia port deal: international opposition flags complex Red Sea politics By Jutta Bakonyi, Durham University The memorandum of understanding between Ethiopia and Somaliland announced on 1 January 2024 set off diplomatic rows in the Horn of Africa – and beyond. Details of the agreement are not publicly known, but both state leaders have touched on its content. Among the main elements: Ethiopia gets a 50-year lease on a strip of land on Somaliland’s Red Sea coast for naval […] todayFebruary 8, 2024 22
insert_link Business / Economics The Alexforbes Lead Story – 6 February 2024 Stefan Terblanche, the CEO of the FP du Toit Transport Group, is clearly passionate about the country. In this interview David speaks to him about challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the freight and logistics sector in 2024. https://iono.fm/e/1403679 todayFebruary 7, 2024 15
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 34
insert_link Africa Somalia’s rekindled aviation industry By Conrad Onyango, via bird story agency The recent opening of Somalia’s first plane maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility is the latest indicator of the country’s efforts to revive a civil aviation industry that collapsed more than 30 years ago. Christened the Blue Hangar, the facility in Mogadishu is a key step towards an independent industry, according to local officials, as it offers local flight maintenance capabilities. […] todayFebruary 6, 2024 38
insert_link Africa Ghana won Afcon four times, but the last time was 40 years ago. What went wrong with its football team? By Ernest Yeboah Acheampong, University of Education, Winneba The Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) is the most important football tournament in Africa. It has been contested by the male national teams of countries on the continent since 1957. Egypt is the most successful country in the tournament’s history, with seven wins, the most recent in 2010. Previously, Ghana was the dominant force with four wins. In spite of producing […] todayJanuary 18, 2024 13