Author: Giza Mdoe

The Africa Energy Summit, which is set for Jan 27-28, is part of the World Bank’s mission to light up the homes of 300 million people. Estimated 1,500 policymakers and leaders from around the world will converge to reshape the trajectory of Africa’s energy industry. The summit will examine and approve the Dar es Salaam Declaration, a statement embodying Africa’s collective vision for sustainable energy. In a bold step toward transforming energy access across the continent, Tanzania will host the Africa Energy Summit on January 27–28 in Dar es Salaam. This industry event forms part of the World Bank’s Mission…

Digital solutions offer sustainable food security options for Africa. African governments must invest in agri-tech to boost productivity. Kenya’s Shamba Shape Up cited as a viable agri-tech solution.  Agriculture digital solutions have the power to transform agri-food systems in emerging markets by bringing efficiency across all value chains. “Technology, when applied to agriculture, results in higher income for farmers, increased output, and improved food security…these are among the benefits of utilizing digital tools in an agricultural setting,” said Prof. Mark Natoloi, in a recent research report that reviewed digital solutions for African farmers. Governments could assist farmers and other agriculture…

A new luxury hotel brand has been unveiled in Bawe Island.  President Mwinyi warns possible revocation of licenses for delayed projects. Zanzibar has leased out 15 islets for luxury hotel projects, more than 30 others available.  Zanzibar Bawe Island Resort has been inaugurated, making it the first of more than 15 small islets that have been leased for investment in the tourism and hospitality sector. This first small island, known as Bawe, has been developed into a $42 million luxurious tourist destination, an investment by Cocoon Collection Company. Zanzibar Bawe Island Resort was launched as part of celebrations to commemorate the…

Africa stands at crossroads, balancing harnessing of its vast fossil fuel resources against a global call to embrace renewable energy. Across the continent, the deployment of renewable technologies is not happening as fast as needed to reach 2030 targets. Innovation and policy resets to drive renewable energy transition in Africa are needed in the face of new oil finds. The drive to embrace green energy in African economies poses a challenging dilemma: invest in emerging technologies or stick with the tried-and-tested approach of tapping into lucrative oil and gas reserves. Consider Tanzania, for example. Late last year, the country reaffirmed…

Expert tips tourism and hospitality sector investors to ‘go digital’ in an increasingly competitive industry. Survey shows hotels are getting better rates by partnering with experienced complementary service providers. What’s more, allowing customers to tailor their own holiday packages rakes in more revenue. The tourism and hospitality industry in Africa has evolved over the past decade to match with changes in the business. Increasingly, hotels are now looking to reclaim their relationship with guests, and new ways of accommodation such as home sharing are becoming more and more popular. “Another trend on the horizon is direct booking instead of using…

Somalia has signed multiple socio-economic, and security pacts with Tanzania. In the agreements, Somalia asserts commitment to regional development, security Somalia looking to rebuild image, enhance regional cooperation and trade with its East African trading partners. Somalia is steadily carving out a key role within the East African Community bloc under the leadership of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Despite being a latecomer to the bloc, the nation is making decisive strides toward regional diplomatic leadership. In the latest development, Somalia has deepened its regional ties by signing five key economic agreements with Tanzania, marking a new chapter in the two…

Rwanda signs investment pact with US comedian Steve Harvey joining a list of countries in Africa tapping Hollywood stars to promote tourism. New deal will establish an academic institution in Kigali. Steve Harvey to invest in education, health and film in Rwanda. Tourism in Rwanda is growing and to help speed up the process, the country has signed a deal with a renowned famous American entertainer, Steve Harvey. The move is part of strategies being deployed by African couintries to uniquely market their tourism offering to the world. Kigali’s move follows similar steps taken by Tanzania, which signed a pact…

Activists and critics are intensifying their opposition to the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), citing concerns over its potential environmental and socio-economic impacts. Recent protests erupted in Uganda and Tanzania in response to the announcement that Chinese state-owned entities would fund the controversial pipeline project. Delays in financing have caused jitters among investors, leading EACOP shareholders to increase their equity stake from 40% to 52% as the project continues to face scrutiny. The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) is once again at the center of controversy, as activists and critics intensify their opposition to the energy project. Detractors…

Wildlife corridors serve to protect Tanzania’s megadiversity. Tanzania has over 340 large mammals species that migrate annually. Tourism contributes 17% of Tanzania’s GDP and more than 25% of foreign revenue. Tanzania’s wildlife corridors are lifelines for the nation’s iconic biodiversity, ensuring the survival of some of the planet’s most magnificent species. Nestled in the tropics near the equator, Tanzania is a global biodiversity hotspot, boasting an extraordinary array of habitats, ecosystems, and climatic zones that support an unparalleled variety of life. Home to over 340 species of large mammals, Tanzania’s landscapes teem with everything from forest dwellers to plains herbivores…

The trials for the East Africa Electric Highway power supply project are underway. This initiative on power sharing is forecast to earn Ethiopia $200 million annually.  Currently, Ethiopia produces all power for its national grid from renewable sources. The East Africa Electric Highway project is lighting up a new era of regional integration, with power supply trials now linking Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania. This ambitious initiative, poised to transform energy trade in the region, is expected to generate an impressive US$200 million annually for Ethiopia in its initial phase. Following the successful completion of an advanced power connection between Ethiopia…