Author: The Exchange

• United Nations warns that the arrest of First Vice President and main opposition leader Riek Machar signals a severe unravelling of the peace process.
• UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres urges South Sudanese leaders to “put down the weapons” and “put all the people of South Sudan first.”
• Over one million people have fled across the border from Sudan since fighting broke out.

“All the dark clouds of a perfect storm have descended upon the people of the world’s newest country – and one of the poorest,” Mr. Guterres told reporters at UN Headquarters in New York.

After finally gaining independence from neighbouring Sudan in July 2011, civil war broke out in South Sudan in December 2013 between troops loyal to President Salva Kiir and opposition forces led by his rival Riek Machar, resulting in hundreds of thousands of deaths.

In 2018, a peace agreement ended the fighting and established …

• Kenya saw total electricity consumption under the electric mobility tariff category reach 1.80GWh in 2024, marking a 480.65% jump.
• During the year under review, electric vehicles hitting Kenyan roads increased by 41% to 5,294 units.
• Energy sector regulator says the halving of EV excise duty (20% to 10%), VAT exemptions for full-electric cars, and special e-mobility tariffs introduced in April 2023 are driving uptake.

East Africa’s largest economy Kenya is turning into one of the most exciting investment frontier in clean energy with latest statistics showing a steady increase in the adoption of green mobility systems.

In the latest industry statistics shared by the Energy Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), Kenya experienced 41 percent increase to 5,294 electric vehicles hitting Kenyan roads in 2024 compared to the 3,753 EVs that were reported in 2023.

This number includes two wheelers, three wheelers, cars and even buses during the period under review. As …

• UAE’s Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence has announced the 3^rd edition of the “World Governments as Incubators for Tolerance” Conference at AIM Congress 2025.
• The forum will deliberate on effective frameworks and mechanisms for embedding a culture of tolerance as a foundational element in constructing stable and sustainable societies.
• Delegates to engage on how to foster mutual understanding and respect in tackling global challenges, including inequality and social unrest, often stemming from cultural disparities and ideological divides.​

In its ongoing commitment to fostering global values of tolerance and coexistence, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence is set to organize the third edition of the “World Governments as Incubators for Tolerance” conference.

Under the theme “A Balanced Approach to Prosperity,” this event will convene during the second day of the AIM Congress 2025, scheduled from April 7 to 9 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

The …

• UN says South Sudan is experiencing mass displacement of communities, rising tensions and attacks on civilians.
• On March 4th, White Army – a youth militia – overran an army barracks of South Sudan in Nasir, within Upper Nile province.
• Since then, over 60,000 people have fled the area fearing retaliatory attacks. Armed groups are reportedly mobilizing children to wage war.

An escalating wave of mass displacement of people, rising tensions coupled with indiscriminate attacks on civilians is fast pushing South Sudan on the brink of a civil war.

In a briefing on Monday, Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for South Sudan, warned that the East African country is at a risk of an all out war if measures are not put into place to deescalate tensions.

While calling on all parties involved in the conflict to commit to peace, Haysom warned that, “A conflict would erase all …

• Kenyan avocado exporter Kakuzi PLC suffered $1M net loss in 2024 due to the Red Sea shipping crisis, a stronger Kenyan shilling and climate-related production cuts.
• While avocado exports to Europe plummeted by 72% due to shipping delays and lower yields, the company’s diversified operations—macadamia, forestry, and livestock—posted profits.
• Kakuzi is pivoting to new markets (like North America), investing in agri-tech (AI and drones), and maintaining shareholder confidence with a $0.062 dividend.

The ripple effects of Middle East conflict reached deep into Kenya’s agricultural heartland in 2024, as listed agribusiness firm Kakuzi PLC reported a $1 million (KES131 million) net loss. The avocado fruit exporter recorded $3.5 million (KES451 million) profit in the previous year.

The company’s latest financial results reveal how geopolitical tensions, currency fluctuations, and climate challenges converged to create a perfect storm for one of Kenya’s most established agricultural exporters.

At the center of Kakuzi’s troubles …

• South Africa’s ambassador Ebrahim Rasool turned a humiliating diplomatic snub into a defiant triumph, greeted by roaring crowds in Cape Town.
• Why did the U.S. declare him persona non grata? The explosive clash over Israel, Iran, and accusations of ‘race-baiting’ that shattered U.S.-South Africa relations.
• Rasool’s dramatic return exposes the deepening rift between a defiant South Africa and a confrontational Trump administration.

Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa’s former ambassador to the U.S., returned home to Cape Town on Sunday to a hero’s welcome after being expelled by the Donald Trump administration in a dramatic diplomatic row. The scene at Cape Town International Airport was one of jubilation and defiance, as crowds surrounded Rasool and his wife, Rosieda, chanting slogans of support and waving South African flags.

The couple needed a police escort to navigate through the throngs of well-wishers, a stark contrast to the cold reception he received in Washington …

• At AIM Congress 2025, PAL-V will be showcasing the PAL-V Liberty, the world’s first FlyDrive vehicle.
• This vehicle combines the convenience of traditional driving with the freedom of flying, presenting a practical vision for the future of mobility.
• “We are bringing the future of mobility to reality—creating seamless, efficient, and flexible transportation,” said Robert Dingemanse, Founder and CEO of PAL-V.

AIM Congress 2025, in its 14th edition, will highlight the latest global innovations in the mobility sector under the Future Cities Portfolio, bringing together industry leaders, investors, and policymakers to explore the future of advanced transportation.

Among this year’s most prominent participants is PAL-V, showcasing the PAL-V Liberty, the world’s first FlyDrive vehicle. This revolutionary vehicle combines the convenience of traditional driving with the freedom of flying, presenting a practical vision for the future of mobility.

As transportation systems face increasing challenges, such as traffic congestion and intercity travel …

• Julphar will be the “Lead Partner” for the Global Manufacturing Portfolio supported by the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE).
• The 14^th AIM Congress 2025 edition aims to unify global efforts, enhance strategic cooperation, and highlight the role of investment in driving innovation.
• UAE is strategically establishing itself as a global hub for trade, manufacturing, and healthcare innovations.

AIM Congress has officially announced its partnership with Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries (Julphar) as the “Lead Partner” for the Global Manufacturing Portfolio supported by the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) at the 14th Edition of AIM Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

AIM Congress, supported by over 400 local, regional, and international partners, serves as a premier platform for fostering collaboration and advancing economic development through investment.

The Congress aims to unify global efforts, enhance strategic cooperation, and highlight the pivotal role of investment in driving innovation, economic growth, and the sustainability of …

• For Uganda, upcycling waste textiles could create green jobs, with novice tailors earning US$4.6 per day and professionals making up to US$17.9 per day.
• However, to fully realize this opportunity, policy support, and investment in recycling infrastructure is vital.
• Equally, stakeholder collaboration will be crucial for transitioning Uganda towards a circular textile economy.

In the heart of Kampala, Owino Market thrives as Uganda’s largest second-hand clothing hub, welcoming thousands of traders and customers daily. While this trade powers the local economy, it also generates significant textile waste, contributing up to 48 tonnes of waste daily.

With most discarded textiles ending up in landfills, burned, or informally repurposed, a growing movement is seeking solutions—one that could turn waste into wealth. Can this initiative in Uganda be mapped onto other economies across the East African Community (EAC) where the trade in second-hand clothing is a booming business?

A recent study by WasteAid, …

• AIM Congress will conduct meetings delving into pressing economic issues, investment opportunities, and sustainable growth.
• Delegates to learn from dedicated investment forums for India, Japan, China, and Russia.
• Japan Investment Forum poised to celebrate the country’s leadership in advanced technology and sustainability.

AIM Congress 2025 is set to welcome decision-makers, investors, and industry leaders from around the world from April 7 to 9 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center.

The global investment platform will host forums and conferences that delve into pressing economic issues, explore investment opportunities, and encourage collaboration to promote sustainable growth.

The diverse lineup of events will cover a wide range of topics, including local production, trade technology, health equity, and regional investment prospects. Among the standout forums are  the TradeTech Forum with the World Economic Forum, and dedicated investment forums for India, Japan, China, and Russia.

Regional focus forums will also address opportunities across Africa, …