Author: The Exchange

- We provide economic news and analysis on the investment arena in Africa, with a particular interest in doing business. Our key areas of focus include banking, capital markets, energy, mining, manufacturing and industrial development.

visa-free entry policy in Kenya
  • President William Ruto’s announcement of Kenya’s visa-free entry policy for all visitors starting January 2024 marks a paradigm shift in the region’s economic and social landscape.
  • The policy is expected to boost Kenya’s economy by attracting more tourists and business travellers, thus increasing revenue and foreign exchange.
  • Addressing the accompanying challenges will be crucial to ensuring the policy’s success and sustainable growth in the region.

Kenya, a country known for its rich wildlife, vibrant culture, and dynamic economy, is poised to make a significant leap in becoming a hub for investors and business in East Africa. President William Ruto’s announcement of Kenya’s visa-free entry policy for all visitors starting January 2024 marks a paradigm shift in the region’s economic and social landscape. As the visa-free entry date nears, it is important to explore how Kenya is set to redefine the dynamics of business and investment in East Africa.

Overview of

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Real Estate Investment In Kenya
  • Real estate investment in Kenya requires a comprehensive understanding of the legal factors and regulations that govern the industry.
  • Conducting thorough research on real estate investment in Kenya is crucial to ensure your success.
  • Considering all the legal implications before finalizing your property investment is also crucial.

Understanding real estate investment in Kenya

When embarking on real estate investment in Kenya, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the legal factors and regulations that govern the industry. By considering these considerations, investors can protect their investments and ensure compliance with the law. Here are some key legal aspects to consider:

  1. Land Ownership and Titles

Before investing in any property, verifying the land ownership and ensuring the title is legitimate is essential. Conduct thorough research and request official documentation from the relevant authorities to confirm ownership rights.

  1. Property Documentation and Contracts

Ensure all property transactions are backed by proper …

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gold-backed financing
  • Global economic trends, such as interest rate changes, inflation, and geopolitical uncertainties, significantly impact gold-backed financing products.
  • Some financial products are now linking gold investments to environmentally and socially responsible mining practices.
  • This trend reflects a broader shift towards sustainable and ethical investment practices across financial markets.

Gold has been a symbol of wealth and a form of currency for centuries, but its role in the modern financial system has evolved significantly. Today, gold-backed financing encompasses a range of innovative financial products and services, from traditional loans secured by gold to gold trading CFDs. These new trends reflect the enduring value of gold and its growing versatility in the global financial market.

The Evolution of Gold as a Financial Instrument

Historically, gold was used directly as currency or as a standard backing fiat currencies. However, with the end of the gold standard, gold’s role shifted from a direct form

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Joseph Kony | The Exchange

The whereabouts of Joseph Kony, the infamous leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), remains one of the most enduring mysteries in international justice and African politics. Despite extensive efforts to capture him, Kony continues to evade justice, with his exact location a subject of much speculation and few definitive answers.…

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COP28 Tanzania
  • President Samia Suluhu Hassan highlighted the need for international commitment to climate agreements and innovative financing, including a $700 million green bond initiative for adaptation and mitigation strategies while representing Tanzania at COP28.
  • Through the African Group of Negotiators, African nations pushed for a just energy transition and increased climate financing, advocating for the right to use fossil fuels for development before transitioning to renewable energy sources.
  • Global leaders recognized Africa’s climate adaptation needs, with significant pledges such as the UK’s GBP 1.5 billion commitment for adaptation in Africa by 2025 and the African Development Bank Group’s initiative to mobilize $14 billion for low-income African countries.

Tanzania at COP28

Tanzanian President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan played a pivotal role at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai, where she emphasized the critical need for the international community to fulfil unmet commitments related to climate change. Her speech brought to the fore …

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African startups

Africa has today emerged as a fertile ground for groundbreaking startups. As 2024 approaches, the continent’s startup scene is buzzing with activity, marked by impressive funding rounds and strategic expansions. This trend is a fleeting moment and a testament to African entrepreneurship’s resilient and dynamic spirit.

The Exchange Africa spotlights five startups thriving and redefining the business landscape in their respective sectors. From renewable energy solutions in the Democratic Republic of Congo to digital health platforms in Kenya, these companies embody the ingenuity and potential of Africa’s business ecosystem. They attract significant investment and are poised to substantially impact their communities.…

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President Samia
  • Under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania has seen significant economic transformation, culminating in attracting over $1 billion in foreign direct investment.
  • Tanzania’s consistent economic policies have played a key role in this achievement, fostering an environment conducive to growth and investment.
  • However, this impressive FDI growth is juxtaposed against a decrease in the value of invested projects and Domestic Investment.

Under the astute leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania has witnessed a significant economic transformation, culminating in attracting over $1 billion in foreign direct investment. This remarkable achievement is the result of a series of strategic policies and reforms that have shaped Tanzania’s economic trajectory.

Tanzania’s journey from a command economy to a market economy has been pivotal in shaping its current economic structure. Since 1985, the country has embraced market-oriented policies, opening up its economy to global trade and investment.

Agriculture plays a critical role in …

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Somalia Somalia's entry into EAC
  • As the eighth member of the EAC, Somalia opens a new chapter in East Africa’s collaborative growth story.
  • This move is aimed at reviving Somalia’s economy ravaged by years of conflict, promises mutual benefits for both Mogadishu and the EAC members.
  • Somalia’s extensive coastline, spanning over 3,000km, is a gateway to offshore resources like oil and gas.

The recent admission of Somalia into the East African Community (EAC) marks a significant milestone in the region’s economic landscape. As the eighth member of the EAC, joining Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda, Somalia opens a new chapter in East Africa’s collaborative growth story.

Somalia’s entry into the EAC, a region with nearly 300 million people and a unified market since 2010, is not just a mere expansion of the bloc but a strategic addition with far-reaching implications. This move, aimed at reviving Somalia’s economy …

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carbon offsets | African carbon markets

In recent years, Africa has gained increasing attention in the climate change dialogue, especially its role in the global carbon offset market. But what exactly does this mean for the continent and the world? This article delves into the concept of carbon offsets in Africa, explores the benefits, assesses Africa’s contribution to global emissions, and examines the leading countries in carbon trading.…

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