Author: James Wambua

• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says chaos in Africa’s Sahel leaves the area vulnerable to terrorism.
• Von der Leyen says the situation in the Sahel directly impacts Europe’s security and prosperity.
• The Sahel region has experienced eight coups across six nations, from Guinea to Sudan, in the last three years.

The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has pointed an accusing finger at Russia for orchestrating the roiling chaos gripping Africa’s Sahel region.

In her annual speech to the European Parliament in Brussels today, she noted that military coups currently plaguing Africa’s Sahel region have been a destabilizing factor, increasing the zone’s vulnerability to terrorism.

Von der Leyen made it clear that the European Union must significantly enhance its engagement with African countries, as the situation in the Sahel directly impacts Europe’s security and prosperity.

“We need to show the same unity of purpose towards Africa …

The eastern Libyan city of Derna has gone into mourning after catastrophic flooding that left about 10,000 people missing. Rescue teams have embarked on recovery efforts for the remains of loved ones as the scale of the disaster unfolds. Media reports say authorities estimate that close to 2,000 people have lost their lives in the Derna area alone.

The Libyan Government of National Unity (GNU) has issued a heartbreaking report stating that the entire road and bridge network in Derna has collapsed. This now calls for an estimated $67 million for reconstruction.…

• AIM Congress 2024 will run under the theme “Adapting to a Shifting Investment Landscape: Harnessing New Potential for Global Economic Development.”
• The forum aims to provide an in-depth understanding of shifting investment dynamics and their global impacts.
• Global leaders, investors, and innovators will convene from 7th to 9th May 2024 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

In a dynamic world marked by shifting investment landscapes, the 13th edition of the world-renowned investment platform, now rebranded as “AIM Congress,” is set to convene global leaders, thinkers, and innovators from 7th to 9th May 2024 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

This high-level event, co-hosted by AfriCatalyst and Open Society Foundations, will explore the changes in the global investment arena. Participants will seek sustainable solutions to navigate these changes with a view to benefiting economies.

Under the theme “Adapting to a Shifting Investment Landscape: Harnessing New Potential for Global …

• The partnership will simplify and elevate the crypto purchasing experience for Nigerians by harnessing the power of local bank transfers.
• Yellow Card’s collaboration with MoonPay will enhance the accessibility and utility of cryptocurrencies in the region.
• The integration will empower Nigerians to engage in peer-to-peer crypto transactions with ease.

In a move aimed at enhancing cryptocurrency accessibility in Nigeria, Yellow Card, a pioneering African fintech company, has joined forces with MoonPay, a global leader in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

Their partnership is set to simplify and elevate the crypto purchasing experience for Nigerians by harnessing the power of local bank transfers.

The Nigerian Crypto landscape

Nigeria has emerged as a formidable force in the African cryptocurrency landscape. More and more individuals are turning to digital assets as a means of safeguarding their wealth against inflation and economic uncertainties. Estimates show that over 22 million people or 10.3 per cent of Nigerians …

Eritrea has an extensive coastline along the Red Sea but limited freshwater resources. Faced with erratic rainfall patterns that have left much of the country arid, Eritrea is rising to the challenge with determination, innovation, and a strong sense of self-reliance. Within just three years, Eritrea has harnessed its local engineering talent and rallied thousands of its citizens, including students from technical and vocational schools, to construct Msilam Dam.…

In a devastating turn of events, Morocco was struck by a rare and powerful earthquake late Friday night. The catastrophe claimed the lives of over 800 people and caused extensive damage across the region. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 6.8, is the strongest to hit Morocco in 120 years.

The impact of the quake reached from remote mountain villages in the Atlas Mountains to the historic city of Marrakech. However, the full extent of the tragedy remains unknown. Consequently, rescuers face treacherous boulder-strewn roads to reach the hardest-hit mountain communities.…

• Masdar, UAE’s flagship renewable energy firm will work with Africa50 to identify, accelerate and scale clean energy projects across the continent.
• Ahead of COP28, Masdar will seek to unlock 10GW of clean energy projects for millions of people across Africa by 2030.
• The deal was struck on the sidelines of Africa Climate Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya.

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC, known as Masdar, has joined hands with Africa50, the pan-African infrastructure investment platform, to propel the clean energy revolution across Africa, home to 1.3 billion people.

This collaboration, solidified by a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by Masdar CEO Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, and Alain Ebobissé, CEO of Africa50, is set to bridge the infrastructure funding gap and mobilize both public and private finance to fast-track and scale clean energy projects.

Africa’s journey to sustainable future

The alliance between Masdar and Africa50 brings together two powerhouses—one known …

• The funding will target young entrepreneurs and micro, small, and medium enterprises with innovative solutions to drive climate change adaptation and resilience throughout Africa.
• YouthAdapt has already disbursed over $1.5 million to 33 young entrepreneurs across 19 African nations.
• Failing to invest in the youth will hurt Africa; failure is not an option – AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) President Akinwumi Adesina has unveiled a $1 billion fund aimed at propelling climate financing for youth-led businesses across Africa. The initiative, known as YouthAdapt, is a partnership between the AfDB and the Global Centre on Adaptation.

YouthAdapt is designed to empower young entrepreneurs and micro, small, and medium enterprises with innovative solutions to drive climate change adaptation and resilience throughout Africa.

Dr Adesina made the announcement during a High-Level Dialogue titled “Africa Driving Climate Adaptation Solutions and Jobs,” held at the Wangari Maathai Institute of …

• Oil-rich UAE will provide $4.5 billion, drawing contributions from both the public and private sectors.
• In Nairobi, the US has pledged an annual commitment of $3 billion to bolster climate adaptation initiatives.
• The European Commission unveiled a €1 billion ($1.07 billion) fund designed to de-risk green bonds and attract private investments in emerging markets.

The US and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have stepped up their support for Africa’s climate action efforts with multi-billion-dollar pledges during the inaugural Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi.

The commitments come at a crucial time as Africa grapples with the severe impacts of industrial pollution, with 17 out of the 20 worst-affected countries calling the continent home.

US Unveils PREPARE: $3 Billion Annual Commitment

John Kerry, US Climate Envoy, unveiled President Joe Biden’s Emergency Plan for Adaptation and Resilience (PREPARE), signaling Washington’s strong commitment to climate adaptation across countries. Under PREPARE, the US has pledged …

• Eight out of the ten finalists in the Ashden Awards’ Global South categories hail from Africa.
• The Ashden Awards recognize innovative initiatives that contribute to a greener, more resilient planet.
• From powering smallholder farms to providing energy in camps for displaced people, these pioneers are redefining the accessibility and sustainability of energy resources.

The Africa Climate Summit kicked off today in Nairobi with a focus on harnessing innovative climate solutions to address the pressing environmental challenges facing the continent.

As the summit commences, the spotlight shines on the groundbreaking efforts of climate pioneers who are making strides toward a more inclusive and sustainable future. Leading the charge is climate charity Ashden, which has unveiled the finalists for its prestigious 2023 Ashden Awards.

Eight out of the ten finalists in the Ashden Awards‘ Global South categories hail from Africa, showcasing the remarkable breadth of climate innovation emerging from the continent. …