Author: James Wambua

A key aspect of the ShafDB and CPF Group alliance is the setup of a Housing Solutions Fund for Kenya. By co-financing projects and providing capital raising and technical support, this Fund aims to catalyze the development of affordable housing across Kenya. The ShafDB and CPF Group alliance exemplifies the potential of Public Private Partnerships to drive meaningful change in the housing sector. Kenya’s housing crisis has long been a pressing issue, with millions of citizens lacking access to decent and affordable housing. However, a new development seeks to address this challenge, following a partnership between two key players in…

Suspected mpox cases across the continent have surged past 17,000—a sharp increase from 7,146 cases in 2022 and 14,957 cases in 2023. The disease has rapidly spread from the epicentre, DRC to at least 13 African countries, including nations previously unaffected such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. Already, Africa CDC has entered into an alliance to provide over 215,000 doses of the MVA-BN® vaccine—the only Mpox vaccine approved by the FDA and EMA. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has declared the ongoing Mpox outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS). This…

New report identifies 24 leading Africa-focused supply chain innovators who are at the forefront of this transformation. These innovators have partnered with over 100 manufacturers and 75 public health institutions, reaching more than 50,000 providers and directly delivering health products to approximately nine million consumers. Collectively, these supply chain leaders have generated nearly $200 million in annual revenues. A new wave of innovation is powering health product access in Africa, reshaping how medical products are accessed across the continent. Despite the formidable challenges posed by economic pressures and declining investments in technology, a select group of innovators is rising to…

Though encouraging that the number of female CEOs has risen from 230 (9.6%) in 2023 to 310 (11.1%) in 2024, these numbers show a tech segment that is still heavily dominated by men. Interestingly, smaller ecosystems such as Zambia, Rwanda, and Senegal are outperforming traditional hotspots like South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, and Kenya in terms of female leadership. Between January 2022 and June 2024, startups with female co-founders raised $747M, representing just 11.9% of the total, while those led by female CEOs secured only $289M. The African tech ecosystem, renowned for its dynamic growth and innovative potential, is transforming. Yet,…

In July, South Africa’s private sector posted the quickest fall in output and new orders since March Official statistics show that the country’s inflation was at a near four-year low. Business confidence was however at the highest levels since February 2022. As South Africa stepped into the second half of 2024, the country’s economy continued to face challenges, with the private sector contracting for the second month in a row. The latest Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) report from S&P Global paints a complex picture—while the contraction deepened in July, there are also signs of optimism that could signal a brighter…

Kenya protests led to a steep decline in business activity in July. Kenya’s private sector reported backlogs of work build-up and lengthened supplier lead times. In the month under focus, however, rates of inflation remain muted. July 2024 has proven to be a turbulent month for Kenya’s economy, as widespread protests wreaked havoc on the nation’s private sector. The resulting decline in business activity and output has raised concerns about the long-term implications of political instability on Kenya’s economic health. According to the Stanbic Bank Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) survey Kenya protests, which started in June with calls for the…

Jersey has just been recognized as a global center for responsible finance, demonstrating its commitment to combating money laundering and terrorist financing. The island’s achievement has far-reaching implications for the global financial system, including for economies in Africa struggling with money laundering. African countries can take lessons on how to establish robust legal and regulatory frameworks for AML from Jersey to help plug vulnerabilities in their financial systems. The scourge of money laundering continues to be a serious pain point for authorities across Africa, with many countries struggling to fight illicit flows albeit with persistent risks. Currently, South Africa, the…

 Until now, the top five agricultural exports from Africa to US stores are coffee, cocoa, fruits and vegetables as well as seafood. AmCham tips savvy traders in Africa to explore exporting new and unique products such as ancient grains, Specialty Meats, superfoods and natural oils. These products not only cater to the growing consumer demand for new and diverse products but also supports sustainable and ethical sourcing practices. As the contours of global trade continue to take shape, Africa, a continent bursting at the seams with unique resources is increasingly taking center stage. Africa’s array of unique products—if harnessed optimally—can…

Startups in Africa have attracted over $1.2 billion in financing this year. Experts note that debt financing for startups in Africa is increasingly taking centre stage. In July, startups d.light, Va1U, Terrapay as well as Cartona all settled on debt financing to boost operations. Startups in Africa have defied the odds in declining global capital flow, attracting a record $420 million in financing in July. This funding, which excludes exits, takes to $1.2 billion the amount of money channeled to startups in Africa this year and is the highest on record in 14 months. “The numbers were heavily skewed by…

This year, Watu is set to introduce 10,000 electric motorbikes in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Watu has committed to enhancing its electric vehicle funding portfolio to 40 percent in three years and to finance the acquisition of 500,000 electric motorbikes by 2030. The firm has entered into a partnership with Uganda-based GOGO Electric, to power the design and development of Africa’s first fit-for-purpose electric boda bike. As the global call for the protection of the environment grows louder, the need for individuals, companies, and governments to promote sustainable development such as the adoption of green mobility solutions is gathering pace.…