Author: Evelyn Shumba

China has a well-established presence on the African continent. On the positive side, a lot of infrastructure development taking place is a direct result of Chinese funding. In addition, several big Chinese companies have taken root in Africa becoming significant contributors to employment and GDP. Examples include Citic Constructions, Sunshine group, and FAW. Mckinsey and Company research group estimates that in 2012 there were over 10000 Chinese-owned companies operating in Africa, the number has since increased. 

However, there has long been suspicion around Chinese funding, especially through debt as most deals are shrouded in mystery and hidden behind closed doors. One example is Zambia’s current debt conundrum, in which reports indicate the country owes China large sums of money but circumstances around the debt are unclear in terms of the duration and the cost. 

Additionally, indications are that some of the debt facilities come with collateralized arrangements in which Africa …

Satellite technology is an integral part of modern communication networks. The world has evolved from the postal age and centred on a more fluid digital approach to information distribution. Organisations, governments and individuals all require and depend on consistent and timeous availability of information.

Satellite technology provides linkages in telecommunications, broadcasting and data communication. 

The telecoms industry has grown significantly, with more people accessing mobile phone services. Cellular and wireless companies such as MTN, Econet and Vodacom have expanded reach across the continent. This has dramatically improved connectivity and improved livelihoods. Cellphone penetration is on the rise, which has managed to catapult Africa into the communication age.

Broadcasting services have also improved significantly, especially in the quality of service. Radio and television services alike have improved notably. 

Access to connectivity

African countries along the coast like Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya benefit from using submarine fibres. 

In June 2017, 52.1% …

Africa is a budding continent. A resource-rich continent with a young population and one of the highest growth rates. The continent has a 1.2 billion large market and an increasing middle to upper-middle class. Conflict is not as prominent as yesteryear, and though still trudging slowly, democracy is on the rise on the continent. 

The continental focus is on strengthening trade, improving infrastructure, health, and building on the past decade’s growth towards Agenda 2063. A part of Africa’s expansion is partnering through trade initiatives to overshadow the legacy of aid.  

The United States has been a part of pushing this agenda forward. Holders of the top job in America have, in one way or the other created an Africa-specific program in infrastructure, health, and other developmental programs. Programs that extend beyond aid like AGOA and ProSper Africa proved to be a step in the right …

The Covid-19 pandemic continues to rage. African countries have so far recorded fewer cases than most other continents. However, a new, more infectious variant of the virus has surfaced in South Africa. This new strain is a significant threat to continental health. Given that the bulk of African countries’ health systems leave a lot to be desired, this is a heavy blow. 

That said, the effects of Covid-19 on African economies extend beyond the immediate impact on health. It goes to the effects of lockdown measures, interference with external trade as well as interruption of foreign inflows particularly, remittances from the diaspora, that have a considerable effect on most economies. 

Diaspora remittances to Africa

Driven by economic and other challenges, a sizeable number of Africans are living and working in different countries across the world. According to research by the Pew Research Center, over 25 million sub-Saharan Africans were living …

Africa’s private equity landscape continues to attract investment. The operating environment, albeit still turbulent, continues to improve. Granted, the pace of improvement is higher in some countries than others, but overall there is promise of a conducive climate for business. 

The enabling environment, coupled with the accelerated digital infrastructure growth, inspires momentum in the private sector contributing to the growing middle class. This will, in turn, lead to improved employment opportunities.…

The African continent is wealthy with vast mineral resources, which are 30% of the world’s total mineral reserves. Ninety percent of the world’s platinum and chromium reserves are found in Africa.

Sixty percent of the world’s arable land is located in Africa, which spells much potential for agriculture. Africa also boasts of many tourist attractions, including the majestic Victoria Falls, World Heritage Sites such as the Egyptian pyramids, as well as the numerous game reserves, to mention a few. This is in addition to the rich African culture as well as the diverse ethnic groups with over 1500 languages. It is the world’s second-largest and second most-populous continent. 

Despite lying on a rich bed of resources, both natural and human, the narrative about Africa remains that of the poorest of the poor. 

Changing the narrative

For a long time, the narrative of Africa as an impoverished continent has …