Author: James Wambua

Food security, livelihoods, and economies are threatened as extreme weather conditions hit Africa hard. Citizens are now calling for bold action from their governments and the global community to combat this worsening crisis. Over 82% of Africans advocate for measures to protect communities against extreme floods, droughts, and environmental degradation.  As climate change tightens its grip, the African continent is bearing the brunt of extreme weather conditions that have profoundly impacted food security, livelihoods, and economies. A recent Afrobarometer survey paints a stark picture of the hard reality for millions of Africans: worsening droughts and crop failures are threatening their…

An INTERPOL cybersecurity operation that has arrested 1,006 suspects and the busting of 134,089 cybercrime networks in Africa underscores the urgent need for banks to fortify their cybersecurity defenses. The probe identified 35,000 victims, with cases linked to nearly $193 million in financial losses. This exposure invites the question: Are banks in Africa prepared to counter the threat of cybercrime? The fintech revolution sweeping across Africa’s economy is reshaping banking systems, offering millions of people unprecedented convenience and access to financial services. However, as banks and other financial services institutions embrace innovation, they must contend with a new and evolving…

Fintech Raenest will be the key sponsor of the seventh edition of Africa Tech Summit Nairobi in February 2025. The a B2B Summit, expo, and awards forum projects to attract over 2,000 industry leaders, corporates, investors, and global delegates. Conference will feature four key track themes: Africa Money & DeFi, Africa Climate Tech & Investment, Africa Startup, and the Africa Mobile & App segments. For the second year in a row, Nigerian fintech heavyweight Raenest is set to headline the Africa Tech Summit 2025 edition, reaffirming the company’s commitment to fostering growth, and collaboration in Africa. According to the organizers,…

Organic farming offers an alternative that leverages locally available farm inputs to drive crop yields.  By using compost, mulching, and integrated pest control, smallholders in Zimbabwe are cutting costs and overreliance on external inputs. Smallholder farmers are gaining valuable skills in organic practices through partnerships with entities such as the Fambidzanai Permaculture Centre. In recent years, Zimbabwe has experienced a steady rise in organic agriculture as a sustainable alternative to conventional farming. Facing food security challenges exacerbated by climate change, erratic weather patterns, and limited access to fertilizers, Zimbabwean farmers have turned to organic methods as a solution. Organic agriculture,…

Green building in Uganda is gaining traction with several standout projects showcasing sustainable design and construction. Uganda’s green building strategies are rooted in a few key principles, key among them, energy efficiency, biodiversity preservation and use of sustainable materials. Projections by the IFC show that investment in green buildings in emerging market cities will hit $24 trillion over the next 10 years. Uganda is making a stab at establishing itself as a leader in green urbanization in East Africa, leveraging policies such as the Uganda Green Growth Development Strategy (UGGDS). This development blueprint aims to integrate key aspects of sustainability…

A new survey shows that trash disposal, including plastic waste, is the top concern for urban communities. Nearly half (46 per cent) of Africans believe citizens have a big role in addressing pollution. An estimated 78 per cent of Africans want their governments to do more to limit environmental pollution. Across Africa, environmental pollution has become increasingly urgent, with two-thirds of citizens describing it as a severe community issue. From urban centers choked by trash to rural areas grappling with deforestation, the environmental challenges are as diverse as the continent. The Afrobarometer survey reveals that trash disposal, including plastic waste,…

Lekki Deep Sea Port can now accommodate vessels with up to 7,000 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units). Port’s ability to handle larger cargo volumes makes Nigeria a key gateway for goods entering and leaving West Africa. Lekki Port taps into global best practices in maritime logistics and safety standards. Nigeria’s maritime industry has received a timely boost with the launch of the COSCO, Singapore headquarted ONE (Ocean Network Express), and ZIM alliance services at Nigeria’s Lekki Deep Sea Port last week. This initiative not only enhances Africa’s biggest economy’s connectivity to global trade routes but also promises to stimulate economic growth…

Zambia’s economic growth projections have dropped to 1.2 per cent, down from an earlier estimate of 2.3 per cent. Key sector agriculture has shrunk by over 20% YoY even as energy output dropped by nearly 10%, affecting electricity supply. Compounding the challenge, inflation in Zambia rose sharply, reaching 15.7% in October 2024. Zambia’s economic outlook for 2024 has suffered a downturn, with the main sectors facing substantial contractions that could weigh on the South African country’s overall recovery. According to the latest review by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Zambia’s economic growth projections have dropped to 1.2 per cent, down…

With its vast rivers and elevated terrains, Ethiopia is one of Africa’s most hydropower-rich nations. According to the International Hydropower Association, Ethiopia’s untapped rivers could generate up to 45,000 MW of electricity. However, While Ethiopia could evolve into a regional ticket to energy independence, some nations like Egypt and Sudan have expressed concerns over water access and environmental impact. Ethiopia has long harboured dreams of becoming a renewable energy powerhouse. With its vast rivers and elevated terrains, it is one of Africa’s most hydropower-rich nations. And as global pressure mounts to curb fossil fuel dependency, the country’s hydropower ambitions offer…

In Africa, climate resilience is limited due to socio-economic vulnerabilities and limited adaptive capacity. The UNEP report calls for an accelerated increase in adaptation efforts and finance to address the mounting risks, particularly in developing nations. In 2022, adaptation finance for developing countries rose to $28 billion, a far cry from the $187-$359 billion per year required to bridge the gap by 2030. As the global climate crisis intensifies, the impacts are hitting vulnerable regions hardest, with Africa bearing the brunt of devastating consequences. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Adaptation Gap Report 2024, average global temperatures will…