Author: James Ndwaru

• In a significant move by Moody’s Investors Service, Nigeria’s credit rating has been upgraded from stable to positive.
• The devaluation of the Naira and the reduction of the oil subsidy are seen as bold steps towards fiscal responsibility. 
• The recent devaluation of the Naira, a significant move by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, carries profound implications for Nigeria’s credit rating.

In a significant move by Moody’s Investors Service, Nigeria’s credit rating has been upgraded from stable to positive. This shift, while not altering the country’s credit rating, marks a potential turning point for the nation’s fiscal and economic health. The December 9th upgrade reflects the Nigerian government’s concerted efforts to stabilize its economy, spearheaded by President Bola Tinubu, amid a complex tapestry of challenges and reforms.

Credit ratings, as determined by agencies like Moody’s, are pivotal in the global economic landscape. They are a barometer for a nation’s creditworthiness, impacting …

• Global oil and gas producers have remained under immense pressure to show more goodwill in the energy transition agenda.
• As this year’s climate summit enters its homestretch, the most intriguing question is whether the final accord will pledge to reduce fossil fuels.
• The oil and gas industry’s confidence has also caused tension with renewable groups and climate activists.

The 2015 Paris Agreement establishes measures and conditions requiring all member states to mitigate climate change through emission reductions. Further, Goal 7 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development calls for concerted efforts to ensure access to modern, cleaner forms of energy, while Goal 13 calls for action to combat climate change.

Consequently, the global energy transition is on the cards. There have been calls from the global north to the south for the world to find a proper compromise on energy needs even as climate change effects put sterner demands on …

• Since ascending to office in September 2022, President Ruto has remained relentless in his bid to boost Kenya’s agricultural productivity.
• Agriculture remains the bedrock of the country’s development and the key to creating equitable and sustainable growth for its citizens.
• President Ruto has focused on implementing policies and programs to enhance productivity, improve farmers’ incomes, and ensure food security.

Agriculture as a bedrock of Kenya’s economic prosperity

Kenya has made impressive economic strides in innovation and entrepreneurship, private sector enterprise, infrastructure, and human skills development. However, agriculture remains the bedrock of the country’s development and the key to creating equitable and sustainable growth for its citizens. The importance of agriculture has been highlighted in Kenya’s Vision 2030

Moreover, research has demonstrated that agriculture remains a major driver of economic prosperity for most African countries. In addition to driving economic growth, agriculture creates jobs for most rural communities and is essential …

As COP28 unfolds with its myriad discussions and commitments, a less visible but equally critical issue looms on another continent – the pervasive problem of greenwashing in Africa. From the corridors of corporate power to the burgeoning startup ecosystem, greenwashing emerges as a misleading marketing tactic and a significant barrier to genuine environmental and social progress in Africa.

In Africa’s corporate sector, greenwashing has become a strategic tool used by both corporations and governments to cover up environmentally detrimental practices. This issue is acutely critical in a continent where environmental conservation is not just a matter of policy but survival.…

• Around 200 countries have agreed on how to run the Climate Loss and Damage Fund to help vulnerable nations address more extreme weather conditions.
• Germany and the UAE have pledged $100 million each to the climate damages initiative.
• The World Bank will host the Climate Loss and Damage Fund on a trial basis. 

Around 200 countries have agreed on how to run the Climate Loss and Damage Fund to help vulnerable nations address more extreme weather conditions. Consequently, rich nations have pledged at least $260 million to kickstart the program, making a breakthrough as global climate deliberations opened in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Delegates at the COP28 summit on Thursday adopted a framework for the World Bank to host the Loss and Damage Fund following months of negotiations. This year’s host, the UAE, indicated it would contribute $100 million, adding another $100 million from Germany. The United Kingdom …

• Mozambique’s Green Energy Transition Strategy (ETS) to drastically reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.
• As a nation with one of the world’s lowest electricity consumption rates, Mozambique is poised to leapfrog into a new era of energy sufficiency and independence.
• Mozambique’s success or failure of this venture could offer valuable lessons for other countries grappling with the complexities of sustainable development and climate-aligned economic growth.

Mozambique’s green energy move

Mozambique has embarked on an $80 billion Energy Transition Strategy (ETS) to drastically reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. This bold initiative, set to be unveiled by President Filipe Nyusi at the COP28 international climate summit in Dubai, represents a significant pivot towards sustainable development and positions Mozambique at the forefront of the global green energy transition.

At the heart of Mozambique’s strategy is integrating 2,000 megawatts of hydropower capacity by 2030, which aims to address the country’s energy poverty and …

As Angola President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço visits the White House on Thursday, November 30, the US is poised to strengthen a complex alliance developed during the past three decades of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Going beyond the usual protocol, this visit exemplifies the growing bond between two countries sharing common ideals with hope for a bright and safe future. …

• In recent years, Moscow has focused on building new Russia-Africa ties.
• Russia is interested in searching for new economic markets and geopolitical influence in Africa.
• Russia’s trade with African economies stood at only $18 billion in 2022.

In recent years, Moscow has focused on building new Russia-Africa ties. Russia is invigorating alliances developed during the Cold War when the former Soviet Union supported socialist movements across Africa.

Following the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991, Moscow largely withdrew from the continent. However, since at least 2007, Russia has refocused its involvement and influence in Africa.

Over the years, Russia has contracted with over 30 African countries to provide military equipment and armaments. Businesses, including state-backed commercial interests, have invested significantly in technology security sectors and industries that extract natural resources, including oil, gas, gold, and other minerals.

“Russia is clearly interested, in search of new economic markets and geopolitical influence in …

• Creative disruption is predominant in Africa’s orange economy.
• Emerging technologies solve several challenges, even in areas beyond the orange economy.
• Carefully mitigating risks and developing an enabling environment will be key to unlocking the potential of Web 3.0 for Africa’s orange economy.

Recent economic challenges have reminded the world and Africa of the need for economic diversification. The orange economy, otherwise known as the creative industry, is one area that has grown significantly over the last couple of years, presenting endless opportunities for Africans considering the region’s youthful population and wealth of cultural assets.

Nevertheless, comparative advantage alone might not be sufficient to capitalise on the orange economy’s emerging trends fully. It is essential to explore another emerging sector, the Web 3.0 economy, and how it can be leveraged to benefit the orange economy.

The orange economy’s susceptibility to disruptive technology

The orange economy covers various activities that can convert …

• Nairobi, Kenya, will be the site of the highly anticipated Annual Conference of the African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA) from November 22nd to 24th, 2023. 
• The African Securities Exchanges Association has played a pivotal role in moulding Africa’s financial scene.
• A partnership of financial firms, the African Securities Exchanges Association is a key player in Africa’s economic revival. Its ability to promote inclusive growth, knowledge sharing, and cooperation is crucial.

Nairobi, Kenya, will be the site of the highly anticipated Annual Conference of the African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA) from November 22nd to 24th, 2023, drawing the attention of the financial community of Africa. Positioning for Growth: Unlocking Africa’s Stock Exchange Potential for Sustained Economic Development is more than simply a debate topic; it’s a rallying cry for an economic revolution that is about to happen on the African continent.

The African Securities Exchanges Conglomerate (ASEA) has played a pivotal …