Author: James Wambua

Small scale firms in Africa urged to embrace technology, research, and development to power their growth at scale. African MSMEs have been challenged to tap opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement. Agriculture, manufacturing, ICT, minerals, and creative industries highlighted as sectors that have huge potential for MSMEs’ growth. The African Union (AU) has called upon startups and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across Africa to harness the power of innovation for their growth and sustainability. This appeal has been made by Albert Muchanga, the AU Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Minerals…

Kenyan aviation workers have called off their strike. The protest was ignited by concerns over the planned leasing of East Africa’ busiest airport to India’s Adani Group. Under a 30-year, $1.85 billion deal, Adani Group seeks to make extensive upgrades Kenya’s JKIA. After hours of boycotting, which left hundreds of passengers stranded and paralyzed flight operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Kenyan aviation workers have called off their strike. The protest, ignited by employment and other concerns over the planned leasing of East Africa’s busiest airport to India’s Adani Group, saw a temporary halt to the country’s major air…

This ban is poised to protect domestic farmers and help stabilise the local sugar industry, which has been wobbly due to unchecked imports and poor management of millers. Kenya projects local sugar factories could produce over 800,000 metric tonnes in 2024, an uptick from the previous year. On average, Kenya consumes about 950,000 metric tonnes of sugar annually. In a sweet deal fashioned to bolster local sugar producers, Kenya has imposed an immediate freeze on sugar imports from outside regional markets: The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the East African Community (EAC). The decision comes at…

Namibia’s 100MW Rosh Pinah Solar PV project is poised to accelerate the nation’s pace in achieving renewable energy goals. The project will be built by an alliance of China Jiangxi International Economic and Technical Cooperation Co., Ltd. and China New Energy Development (Zhejiang) Co., Ltd. Namibia’s reliance on imported electricity has been a challenge to its energy independence. The presence of Chinese contractors in Africa’s infrastructure journey continues to grow after Namibia on Monday entered into an agreement with contractors from China to develop the country’s largest solar plant. For Namibia, the 100MW Rosh Pinah Solar PV project is poised…

Since late June, heavy rains have hit parts of Sudan, including South Darfur, Red Sea, River Nile, and Northern states, affecting around 500,000 people. In Chad, at least 340 people have lost their lives, and nearly 1.5 million people have been impacted, with over 160,000 homes destroyed by floods. Nearly a third of Lesotho’s population—about 700,000 people—are at risk of food insecurity in the coming months due to historic drought gripping the country. Extreme weather patterns continue to batter Africa, plunging millions of people into a deepening humanitarian crisis. From the ongoing catastrophic floods in Sudan and Chad to the…

The bulk of the financing will go toward tackling mpox in 14 most affected African countries, and enhancing readiness efforts in 15 others. Other funds will go into operational and technical support, ensuring that the plan is executed through a network of partners. Africa CDC and WHO hope to reduce the virus’s impact and curb its spread. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have teamed up to counter the spread of Mpox across the continent in a new plan estimated at $600 million. This initiative, which is set to run between…

Ahead of COP29, Africa’s climate finance strategy is based in three core pillars: scaling up adaptation funding, boosting mitigation efforts, and improving access to carbon markets. Without financial support, Africa could experience an annual loss of 5% of its GDP by 2040 due to adverse weather. While the stakes are high, populations across the continent will be watching to see how global powers will answer Africa’s plea. As leaders from across the world ready to gather in Baku, Azerbaijan, for the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), Africa is rallying for a spirited push to secure climate finance deals…

DRC announces receipt of the first shipment of 99,100 doses of JYNNEOS mpox vaccine. Africa CDC reports that another 100,900 mpox vaccine doses will arrive in DRC this Saturday. The country says the vaccination will prioritise health workers and vulnerable groups at higher risk of contracting mpox. For millions of people in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the arrival of 99,100 doses of mpox vaccines presents hope and a lifeline as the disease threatens to damage the country’s socio-economic fabric. On Thursday, authorities in DRC announced the receipt of the first shipment of the JYNNEOS mpox vaccine. This vital…

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has pledged over $50 billion in financing for Africa over the next three years. This sets the stage for Beijing-led cooperation in the financing of infrastructure, trade, agriculture, mining, and energy projects. Beijing has also offered to create at least one million jobs in Africa. In recent years, economies across Africa and the world’s second biggest economy, China, have been enjoying strong ties, powered by Beijing’s massive financing of key projects. A the ongoing China-Africa forum, several financing, investment, and trade deals are, however, poised to further cement this relationship, raising the continent’s relevance in the…

AIM Congress 2025 will explore the latest trends and developments shaping global investment, focusing on addressing current and future challenges. Key segments of next year’s edition include FDI, Start-ups, global manufacturing, and digital transformation among others. HE Al Zeyoudi: “AIM Congress will provide a crucial platform for the international community to come together, devise innovative investment strategies, and build a framework that ensures sustainable and inclusive growth for all.” Once again, the City of Abu Dhabi in the UAE is gearing up to host the 14th edition of AIM Congress 2025, with planners of the global showpiece projecting to host…