Author: James Ndwaru

• An ongoing diplomatic row in Addis Ababa has prompted the AfDB to withdraw its international expatriates from Ethiopia.
• At the same time, fears of a possible shift of the African Union’s (AU) headquarters from Addis Ababa to Nairobi have been voiced in response to the worsening political situation and growing violence in Ethiopia.
• The current scenario in Ethiopia presents significant obstacles for international organizations that operate within the country. 

Circumstances surrounding the AfDB’s withdrawal from Ethiopia

A roiling diplomatic crisis pitting the African Development Bank (AfDB) against authorities in Addis Ababa—the seat of the African Union—has prompted the pan-African lender to relocate its international personnel from Ethiopia in a huff. This hasty decision announced on Wednesday comes months after Ethiopian security forces reportedly mistreated two AfDB staff members in Addis Ababa on October 31, 2023.

Under the direction of a newly designated Officer-in-Charge, the Bank’s Ethiopian office will continue to …

• For a country so crucial to the global energy transition, the world awaits DR Congo’s political transition.
• Congo’s political transition will be a massive factor in the significance of its massive natural resources in global energy transition needs.
• President Felix Tshisekedi, seeking a fresh mandate from the people, refers to Congo as the ‘solution country’ for the global climate crisis.

The Democratic Republic of Congo goes to the polls today to elect a president whose role will be vital in the global fight against climate change over the next five years. The Central African nation’s minerals, forests, and rivers are crucial to the future of green transition globally. Congo’s political transition will be a massive factor in the significance of these resources in global energy needs.

President Felix Tshisekedi, seeking a fresh mandate from the people, refers to Congo as the ‘solution country’ for the global climate crisis. However, he …

• On December 20, 2023, the eyes of Africa and the international community are keenly focused on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as it goes to its presidential and legislative elections.
• The elections in the DRC hold significant implications for the region and the international community.
• The recent developments in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have led to a significant diplomatic response, particularly from Kenya.

On December 20, 2023, the eyes of Africa and the international community are keenly focused on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as it goes to its presidential and legislative elections. The DRC, known for its vast mineral wealth, is at a pivotal point in its democratic journey, with the elections being a critical step towards stability and development.

The upcoming elections are taking place amid a complex backdrop of security challenges, particularly in the eastern regions where armed conflicts continue to displace millions. …

• Egypt’s President El-Sisi was reelected to a third, six-year term in last week’s presidential elections.
• Under President El-Sisi, Egypt’s foreign-currency debts have surged to around $163 billion, one of the highest levels in emerging markets.
• El-Sisis must immediately look to balance the concerns of a citizenry paying ever more for food, power, and transport following the currency devaluation since the beginning of 2022.

Egypt’s president, Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, has been re-elected by a landslide, extending his leadership over the North African nation to 2030. Egypt is struggling with the worst economic plight in decades amid the prospects of another currency devaluation.

El-Sisi secured 89.6 per cent of the votes in the 10 to 12 December election, as announced by the National Elections Authority on 18 December. A record 66.8 per cent of Egypt’s 67.3 million registered voters participated in the election.

El-Sisi’s win in Egypt’s presidential election was no surprise, …

• The mining sector, a vital generator of economic growth, will benefit significantly from Australia-Africa relations. 
• Australia’s presence in Africa’s mining sector is both extensive and growing.
• As part of Australia’s expanding economic footprint in Africa, several Australian mining companies have established notable operations across the continent, tapping into its abundant natural resources.

The mining sector, a vital generator of economic growth, has witnessed Australia making considerable inroads into Africa. The continent, rich in natural resources, has attracted a flurry of investments from Australian mining companies, recognizing Africa’s untapped potential and vital role in the global mining scene.

The scale of Australian investment in Africa’s mining sector

Australia’s presence in Africa’s mining sector is both extensive and growing. With over 145 ASX-listed mining companies operating just under 500 mines in various development phases across 34 countries, the Australian mining influence is expansive.

In a more comprehensive sense, at least 170 Australian …

• The 2023 DRC presidential election is slated for 20 December in what many view as the most consequential election in its recent history.
• There have been reports of various logistical complications threatening to undermine the electoral process.
• Recent developments in Nairobi have seen the emergence of a new group backed by M23 Rebels committed to the liberation of the DRC, signifying a potential shift in the regional dynamics and hinting at the high stakes involved.

On December 20, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will carry out what many view as the most consequential election in the country’s recent history. With President Félix Tshisekedi seeking a second term, nearly 40 million voters will decide whether to stay the course or set a new direction for a nation endowed with vast natural resources but plagued by longstanding challenges.

The DRC, the largest country in sub-Saharan Africa, holds nearly 70 per cent …

• Maximizing rental income from investment properties in Kenya requires strategic planning and effective management.
• As a real estate investor in Kenya, it is important to focus on acquiring properties and have a well-thought-out exit strategy in mind.
• Real estate investment in Kenya can be rewarding if approached with knowledge and strategic planning.

Tips and strategies to maximise rental income in Kenya

Maximizing rental income from investment properties in Kenya requires strategic planning and effective management. By implementing the following tips and strategies, real estate investors can maximize their returns and ensure the financial success of their rental properties.

1. Set Competitive Rental Rates

Determining the right rental rates for your properties is crucial. Conduct thorough market research to understand the rental prices in the specific location and consider factors such as property size, amenities, location, and market demand. Setting competitive and attractive rental rates will attract tenants and help maintain …

• Nigeria’s inflation rate has remained high for the past 9 years, way before COVID-19 and the disruptions it imposed.
• Experts have argued that Nigeria’s inflation results from excess money supply in the economic system chasing too few goods.
• Nigeria’s inflation climbed to a new 18-year high in November, matching a record level last seen in 2005.

In 2021, the global economy experienced an inflation surge. This was the first time in many decades that inflation hit double digits in most developed and emerging economies. In the United States, inflation peaked at 9.1 per cent in July 2022, the highest in 40 years.

Such high levels of inflation were unusual and uncomfortable, and the Central Banks in the affected countries tackled it ruthlessly. The applied policy actions paid off and inflation has been moderating fast.

However, what obtains in Nigeria paints a starkly different image from what the rest of the …

• For the first time in climate summits, diplomats from nearly 200 countries at COP28 have agreed on a new global climate pact.
• While past United Nations climate deals called for countries to reduce emissions, they shied away from overtly using the words “fossil fuels.”
• Africa should be allowed to exploit its significant oil and gas reserves to develop its economies before transitioning to cleaner energy forms.

For the first time in climate summits, diplomats from nearly 200 countries at COP28 have agreed on a new global climate pact that clearly outlines the need to “transition away from fossil fuels,” including oil, gas, and coal that have been hazardously heating the planet.

The agreement was reached on the final day of the COP28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, following two weeks of intense negotiations in a year regarded as the hottest. European leaders and most nations most exposed to climate-fuelled …

• Economic considerations are why the world is watching the DR Congo elections. 
• President Félix Tshisekedi’s approach to the Eastern Congo crisis is a matter of immediate political strategy and a defining aspect of his legacy.
• DR Congo’s political stability is crucial for international markets.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) is at a pivotal moment with the delay of its December 20th election, attracting global attention. This postponement, amid logistical challenges and the ongoing conflict in the eastern provinces, raises concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.

The country’s history of electoral irregularities, including allegations of fraud in past elections, amplifies these worries. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, as any perceived manipulation could further destabilize the already fragile political landscape of the country and the Central African region.

Winning the Hearts of Eastern Congo: A Keystone for Tshisekedi’s Legacy

President Félix Tshisekedi’s approach to …