insert_link Business / Economics Investment in African women-founded and led startups remains a bright spot in a global ecosystem drained of funding. By Conrad Onyango, via bird story agency Africa’s women-led startups retained their sparkle through 2023, against the backdrop of one of the darkest periods for global startup funding, raising US$200 million, 7% growth over the previous year, according to a report from Africa: The Big Deal. In 2022, these female-founded ventures had grown by 4%. The amount remains significantly lower than the US$ 2.7 billion raised […] todayFebruary 9, 2024 5
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 22
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 28
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 12
insert_link Namibia Iipumbu commends Germany for supporting the growth of small enterprises The Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade has received equipment worth N.dollars 3.5 million from the German government through its development and cooperation agency, GIZ, aimed at supporting small business activities. These include eight vehicles and industrial machinery, including an industrial rotary cutter, dye sublimation printer, industrial iron and 3D printers. The donation also included laptops, printers, office chairs, laser printers and colour printers. Industrialisation and trade minister, Lucia Iipumbu, […] todayDecember 14, 2023 12