Author: Opinion

Gunster Strategies Worldwide will host the “Stars and Stripes & The Union Jack” reception at the Hay-Adams Hotel, bringing together global leaders to celebrate the U.S.-UK special relationship and reinforce its role in global advocacy. Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK and a cornerstone figure in Brexit, will serve as the evening’s guest of honor. With over three decades of experience, Gunster has built a legacy of shaping transformative campaigns across the globe. As Washington, D.C., prepares for the historic 60th Presidential Inauguration, Gunster Strategies Worldwide is set to host an exclusive reception that promises to solidify its reputation as a leading…

Africa’s exploding population presents huge growth opportunities; A world-class digital payments ecosystem will be fundamental to that. There are opportunities for anyone who can simplify, rationalise and standardise payments for the continent’s dynamic financial economy. Any platform entering this space must recognise that there isn’t one answer; there are many. Africa is an exciting, vibrant, and creative place to do business. But make no mistake, it has its challenges. Currency devaluation, political instability, and service disruptions are endemic. Africa is not for sissies, as the saying goes. In navigating those challenges, relationships matter. It’s not so much about throwing money…

Decentralized power generation—typically based on solar home systems and mini-grids—is the best bet to eradicate energy poverty among people in more isolated rural areas. By decentralizing power generation, Africa can secure a sustainable energy future and improve the lives of millions of people. Standalone power systems or localized power networks (otherwise known as “mini-grids”) have become efficient means of power that utilize solar in combination with battery storage and backup generators. Think about a time when your electricity went out. As you sat in the dark, maybe you wondered how long it would be before you could power up your…

To vastly increase the number of gazelles—and by extension, the likelihood of unicorns—stakeholders must work together to overcome existing barriers. Under ideal circumstances, gazelles—fast-growing companies essential for economic growth and employment—can mature into unicorns. To get unicorns, however, the key lies in cultivating gazelles first. Across Africa, there is a clear need to focus on the imperatives that can drive this transformation. Gazelles. Camels. Elephants. In the language of venture capital, we have a full menagerie to describe a startup’s growth progression. However, in the past decade, the ultimate aspiration remains the unicorn: privately held companies valued at over $1…

Majority of 2024’s capex was driven by established producers like Angola and Nigeria. Senegal is an example of how operator-friendly policies, political stability, and vast reserves can attract foreign investment. Africa holds nearly 18 trillion cubic meters of natural gas reserves, which will prove essential for a just energy transition. I’ve said for years that African energy is a vital investment. Backers clearly agree — to the tune of $47 billion. That’s how much capital expenditure (capex) 2024 saw in African oil and gas, showing a 23 per cent increase from last year. Better yet, we expect growth to continue…

Transition finance is funding dedicated to decarbonizing hard-to-abate and emissions-intensive sectors, such as steel and cement manufacturing. Companies in these sectors must prepare for an orderly transition, as failure to act will bring immense risk in a decarbonizing world economy. Nurturing a thriving transition finance market is critical to mitigating systemic economic and financial risks. The transition finance market provides a unique opportunity for Africa to leapfrog to low-carbon technologies and business models, which will address climate risks and enhance the continent’s global competitiveness. Though lacking a universal definition, transition finance refers to funding dedicated to decarbonizing hard-to-abate and emissions-intensive…

Existing scientific research in Africa’s renewable energy transition often overlooks certain dispatchable technologies that could enhance grid flexibility. Studies primarily focus on zero-carbon dispatchable technologies like concentrated solar power and geothermal, despite their limitations in efficiency, reliability, and cost. Balancing engine power plants, which are globally recognized for their flexibility, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, are notably absent in these analyses, despite their potential to run on clean fuels in the future. It is no longer disputed that solar and wind power will be the foundation of Africa’s future energy systems. They are perfectly suited to the continent’s unique conditions and are…

Creating a “greater purpose” is essential to Onafriq’s corporate culture, driving its growth and unifying Africa’s digital payments. Onafriq’s digital payments network connects over 1,300 cross-border payment corridors and facilitates financial access for over 500 million mobile wallets and 200 million bank accounts in 40 markets in Africa. Overall, Onafriq empowers small businesses and women entrepreneurs by providing access to digital payment options, asset-based financing services, and additional income opportunities. Being deliberate about creating a “greater purpose” is essential to building an authentic corporate culture, engaging stakeholders, and navigating the evolving landscape of corporate philanthropy. This is the philosophy behind…

The momentum of financial inclusion programmes is progressively strengthened as financial institutions, businesses and consumers embrace cashless convenience and digital payments that are secure and seamless. Currently, Rwanda is a prime market for digital payments, with a young population of which 69 per cent is below the age of 30, and the second-highest population density in Africa The momentum of financial inclusion programmes is progressively strengthened as financial institutions, businesses and consumers embrace cashless convenience and digital payments that are secure and seamless. Technology development broadens the scope of delivery of financial services, and the advantages of digital payments manifest…

Half of OPEC Member Countries are African and this includes the continent’s most populous country, Nigeria, and the largest by area, Algeria. OPEC also counts Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Libya as Member Countries. Additionally, two African countries are part of the historic ‘Declaration of Cooperation,’ between OPEC and non-OPEC producing countries, namely Sudan and South Sudan. Since assuming the office of OPEC Secretary General almost two years ago, I have had the privilege of visiting every African OPEC Member Country, as well as several other African countries. Every visit has reaffirmed my firm conviction that the future is bright…