Author: Njenga Hakeenah

This platform aims to harness the potential of the potato value chain in the region to enable proper production and commercialization of the food crop on the realization that it is one of the key agricultural produce traded and consumed widely.  Over 2.2 million farmers across the EAC partner states earn their living from the potato sector.  

The Jumuiya Potato Platform has now been formalized under a Public-Private Partnership structure to enable sustainable research, innovation and free trade right from the potato seed. 

The Potato Platform has been arrived at after a series of engagements between stakeholders representing national governments on the public front, farmers and traders on the private side with guidance from the EAC Secretariat and the EABC. Facilitated by GIZ, the stakeholders launched Jumuiya Potato Platform after a two-day regional meeting held in Kampala. …

The instant currency exchange service offered by Grey enables its customers to have virtual international bank accounts for free, helping small businesses, freelancers, remote workers, and content creators in Kenya to enjoy a seamless payment process.

Today, thousands of young Kenyans access work opportunities through digital platforms in a rapidly growing gig economy.

The online gig economy is fuelled by a burgeoning young workforce, internet and smartphone penetration, and mobile money proliferation. With Africa having the youngest workforce yet with high unemployment rates, online gig work provides alternative and accessible employment opportunities and a path to economic prosperity for the youthful workforce.…

According to the report, Africa’s urbanization rate will continue to grow among the fastest of the world regions in the coming years as its population grows, which is expected to double by the year 2050.

“We urge policymakers across the continent to enact policies that will encourage urban growth modelled around economic development and poverty eradication,” Dr. Gambo said.

Dr. Gambo, however, noted that funding urban growth still remains a formidable challenge for many countries, but believes it’s achievable.…

• Germany is facing a double-edged sword – a crisis of labour shortage and a demographic imbalance which threaten the country’s economic productivity
• Germany must bring in at least 400,000 skilled immigrants a year to keep up with demand because of its ageing population and low birth rate
• A declining labour population threatens Germany’s public pension system, as fewer employees are faced with the duty of funding the pensions of an increasing number of pensioners

Europe’s largest economy, Germany, is facing a double-edged sword – a crisis of labour shortage and a demographic imbalance which threaten the country’s economic productivity. 

The federal labour office estimates that Germany must bring in at least 400,000 skilled immigrants a year to keep up with demand because of its ageing population and low birth rate. In January this year, German Economy and Climate Protection Minister Robert Habeck said that if the European nation did not …

Oil fires: cover the flames with a metal lid or baking sheet and remove only when cool.  Ensure the source of the heat is off and put out with baking soda or salt if needed (not flour or sugar).

Electrical fires: cut off the electricity supply and put out with thick clothing or a heavy blanket. 

Gas fires: turn off the source of gas immediately and cover with a heavy blanket. 

Vehicle fires: turn off the car ignition, get all passengers away at a safe distance and call emergency services.  Do not use water, and never open the hood of the car if flames or smoke are coming from underneath it.  …

Dan Cates is a well-known name in the world of high-stakes poker well known as Dan “Jungleman” Cates and he is an ace in the game. 

When Dan Cates found poker in high school, he jumped right in and started playing online. Because of his success in high stakes poker, the man known as “jungleman12” dropped out of college. It’s estimated that he has earned more money in high-stakes online cash games than any other player. 

But, this is not the story. 

Dan Cates is venturing into Africa not as a tourist but as an investor in doing good through his Dan Cates Foundation which was founded in 2020 and is a registered non-profit based in Ghana. The Dan Cates Foundation’s goal is to assist construct a world where everyone’s basic needs are addressed.  …

By Shevira Bissessor

Traditionally, when we think of construction, we often think of men in yellow hard hats. 

The idea of a female electrician, plumber, supervisor or development manager on a building site is not necessarily the norm. Let’s take a look at Rosslyn Grove, in Nairobi, where the development project is being spearheaded by a strong female team, which suggests that the diversification of women in traditionally male roles leads to greater business success.  

The Construction sector has progressed in its gender diversification, but it still has a long way to go. A recent study by the US Bureau of Labour Statistics shows that women only represent 10.9% of all the people working in construction.  

This number shrinks to 1 in every 100 employees in front line positions. With the US Department of Labour estimating that women comprise 47% of the country’s workers, this means the US construction sector …

Ethiopia hosted the first of a kind annual banking forum aimed at providing a platform for the financial services industry professionals and leaders.

The event held on May 21, 2022, at the Economic Commission for Africa conference centre was organized by Kehali Strategic Advisory Services PLC following the announcement that the Ethiopian banking sector opening up to foreign banks is imminent.

In addition, the National Bank of Ethiopia has also recently mandated that all banks, insurance companies, and microfinance institutions fully digitize their operations.

Bank executives, industry experts along with other stakeholders discussed the future of the banking sector, business fundamentals, regulatory framework and competitive environment, the strategic implications/options for foreign banks seeking to enter the Ethiopian market, the partnership/competitive opportunities possible between local and foreign banks as well as the benefits to the full range of consumers of banking products/services among others.

The financial sector liberalization is expected to …

Because emigrants bring with them more than just economic needs from their home countries, migration is a trade stimulant in and of itself. With this movement, there is increased demand for housing, food, transportation and other services which are beneficial to local economies. 

In addition, migrants can serve as bridges to a wider market because they promote trade and tourism in their home countries, thereby creating demand. 

The diaspora population’s needs can be met if the African economy is stimulated by the trade-in African heritage. While there are many reasons for migration, one of the most important is joblessness, both within Africa and to other parts of the world. …

• The Google product development centre in Nairobi has been launched weeks after Visa set up its first innovation centre in Africa
• Google, Microsoft and Visa join Cisco and Philips in setting up innovation centres strengthening Kenya’s Silicon Savannah moniker
• Visa’s innovation studio is the first in Africa and the sixth globally

The Google product development centre in Nairobi, Kenya has launched just two weeks after Visa set up its first innovation centre for the co-creation of payment and commerce solutions with partners.

Google, Microsoft and Visa join Cisco and Philips in setting up innovation centres strengthening Kenya’s Silicon Savannah moniker and as a tech investment hub in East Africa.

The tech giant’s facility, the first of its kind on the continent, is to create products and services that will have a significant impact on the African continent and beyond.

Besides the research and development centre, Microsoft has also …