Author: Evelyn Shumba

The rise of digital technology presents a myriad of new inventions and conveniences and changes how people interact, communicate, and do business.

The immense benefits of technology carry with them cybersecurity risks. Given the complex and sometimes obscure nature of cyber threats, they are usually difficult to comprehend, identify and control. 

Issues of outright theft, hacking, piracy, identity theft, and information misappropriation, among other cyber-related activities, come to the fore when it comes to cyber risks. In addition, national security risks exist in the digital space that poses a significant threat. 

According to consulting firm Ovumone, it is estimated that the end of 2022 will see over a billion people having access to the internet. The rising internet access and improved digital usage open up the continent to increased online criminal activity.  

“Cybercrime is shifting towards emerging economies. This is where the cybercriminals believe the low-hanging fruit

The agricultural sector is considered one of the most critical industries for the African continent due to its economic potential. There has been significant growth in the past two decades leading to a level of production three times higher than before, and the sector is projected to become a US$1trillion industry in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030. However, despite this increase, the African continent is still a net importer of agricultural commodities to meet its population’s basic food needs. 

Nearly 600 million hectares of uncultivated arable land is in Africa; this shows that there is a lot of untapped potential in African Agribusiness. 

Boosting Agriculture Through Technology 

The application of technological innovations in Agribusiness is vital in sustainably boosting productivity, increasing profits, and ensuring food security in the continent and beyond.

Mobile Phones

The foremost benefit of using mobile phones is as a platform for exchanging information through calls, SMS, or …

Through Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Limited (ZCCM), the Zambian government will assume ownership in Mopani Copper Mines with a 73% stake. ZCCM takes over from Switzerland based Glencore mining company. The agreement entails the Zambian government, through ZCCM, taking over $1.5 billion in debt.  

The deal further adds to an already cumbersome debt crisis. Zambia has already defaulted on debt obligations. A worsening debt crisis coupled with a pandemic has led the country to a precarious debt situation. The country became the first African nation to default on debt in the pandemic period, stoking fears that there could be a ripple effect of defaults across the continent. 

As part of the agreement, ZCCM will pay Glencore creditors from Mopani Mine’s revenue. Initially, a payout of 3% of income will be paid up to 2023. After which revenue payouts will rise to 10 -17.5%. 

The deal also stipulates a quarterly interest …

The African Union agenda 2063 is on course. After some delays due to covid, the African continental free trade area has become a reality. As part of the free trade area, the African Union passport will be availed this year. The passport launched in 2016 had been available only for diplomats and AU officials. It will now be rolled out to ordinary citizens of the African Union. 

What will an African Passport mean? 

The rationale for the passport is for African citizens to be able to cross all borders on African soil without a visa. The passport will facilitate easier movement for people to ease trade relations.

As African countries strengthen ties and seek to reap strength in numbers, the passport will spell an easier transition into seamless trade on the continent. 

Modelled along the lines of the European Union passport, the passport will be biometric to prevent fraud and …

Land degradation affected the Sahel Region of Africa significantly due to climate change and poor land management. Land degradation typically stems from human-related and natural factors such as overgrazing, climate change, and extreme weather.

The Sahel area is increasingly under threat, for example, Senegal’s rainy season is now much shorter, starting in September rather than July. Food and water shortages are common, and many people are being forced to leave their homes in search of sustainable living.

The most severe form of land degradation, desertification, poses serious threats to agricultural productivity, food security, and quality of life in sub-Saharan Africa, where an estimated 500 million people live on land undergoing desertification. It is against this background that the African-led initiative was born; united for a common cause to save the environment and improve the quality of life.

The Great Green Wall of Africa 

The very ambitious initiative brings together …

Africa’s fashion industry is a potential gold mine with the capacity to grow into a billion dollar industry. The fashion industry worldwide is estimated to be worth over $1.5 trillion. With the resources and creative minds in Africa, there is enormous capacity to take a more significant piece of this pie. Africa’s fashion scene is anchored on a vibrant culture and the mix of color, texture, and bespoke designs that make African fabric. From the traditional to the contemporary, African designers have an impeccable creative eye.  

The industry has gained recognition on the international stage. For instance, African designer Deola Sagoe has dressed famous music stars like Rihanna. This points to the significant potential that can be realized to transform the fashion industry into a lucrative economic sector.  

Young people must be groomed to realize the untapped potential that lies in the sector. It is particularly pertinent for young …

Ten African heads of state and government, as well as the president of the African Development Bank, were handed awards for their instrumental role in the realization of the African continental free trade area. 

“As Africans, we are proud of the extraordinary effort made by our leaders towards the success of the AfCFTA.” Hailemariam Boshe, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Ae Group Patron

A consortium of African stakeholders banded together to show acknowledgment for the efforts undertakes towards realizing Africa’s dream. The stakeholders included AeTrade Group in collaboration with the African Union Commission, the African Business Council, the Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and the East African Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture.

The heads of state that received recognition included:

• Felix Tshisekedi, president of the Democratic Republic of Congo 
• Egyptian President Ahmed Fattah Al-Sisi; 
• His Majesty

A few months ago, Zimbabwe lost a prominent young businessman Genius Kadungure popularly known as Ginimbi. His fame came not from his business endeavors but rather his larger than life lifestyle. In his rural home of Domboshava, he built a mansion that could easily be confused for a hotel. His fleet of cars comprised of several Rolls Royce models, a few Bentley’s, Lamborghini Aventador S Coupe a Ferrari 488 Spider, a few Mercs, and a couple of  Range Rover models. He certainly had an affinity for the finer things in life.

He was not alone. In May 2020, South African Thabiso Ndlovu caused a furor on Twitter when he posted a video of 5 luxury vehicles he purchased at one go including three porches,  a Jeep, and a Lamborghini Iris SUV. 

Kenyan Chris Kirubis is another business mogul who made the headlines on several occasions for his preference for luxury …

The power of music to unify can not be understated. South African hit song Jerusalema got the world on its feet providing much-needed relief amid a global pandemic, symbolizing hope and togetherness even amidst a crisis. 

If there is one thing common in Africa it’s music and dance. At weddings, Africans sing and dance. At funerals, there is song and dance. In fact, music and dance are the tools Africans use to express any emotion. It’s no wonder that the entertainment industry is making strides and gaining recognition on a global scale.

And it’s not just music, the African creative scene boasts of success in the film industry, visual, and performing arts among others. The power of art extends beyond entertainment and sentiment, it is also a lucrative arena with massive earning potential. In the US, the creative industry rakes in over 800 billion per year a simple testament to …

African continent is making strides towards the realization of Agenda 2063. One of the key steps, the free trade agreement, was successfully launched on the 1st of January 2021 after having been delayed by Covid-19.

The trade agreement has hit the ground running. Already recording its first trade under the terms of the free trade treaty. 

Ae Trade Group and Ethiopian airlines partnered for the transportation of momentous parcels- handmade trophies from the Kingdom of Eswatini to invoke the AfCTA trade. This trade marks the beginning of trading under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Ethiopian Airlines -DHL is a logistics operation born from a 2008 partnership between the two entities which operate across Africa. 

The first shipment of parcels was received in Ethiopia at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport on the 1st of January amid pomp and fanfare with a ceremony organized to applaud the start of the …