Author: James Wambua

Global tech giants are meeting in Marrakech in May for the GITEX Africa expo as they seek a slice digital economy in the continent. Investors will be keen on learning tech advances in digital health, finance, AI consumer tech, cloud and IoT, as well as cybersecurity among others. GITEX Africa is organised by KAOUN International, an affiliate of Dubai World Trade Centre, which also organises GITEX GLOBAL show in the UAE. This year, thousands of investors and entrepreneurs are converging in Marrakech, Morocco, for GITEX Africa, a signature tech and start-up expo that is poised to define the next phase…

These businesses, along with their affiliates in Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, Cyprus and UAE form the backbone of a sophisticated network that launders millions of dollars for Al-Shabaab. US says firms such as Nairobi-based Crown Bus Services and other investment projects that masquerade as legit commercial ventures, empower Al-Shabaab’s lethal agenda. Al-Shabaab is estimated to siphon over $100 million per year from the regional and global financial system. The US, through its Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), has cast a wide net across the UAE, Kenya, Uganda, and Somalia, targeting entities and individuals with wide-ranging sanctions…

Gebeya and Microsoft aim to bridge the gap between Africa’s burgeoning tech-savvy youth and the global digital economy. The pair is building a thriving digital workforce in Africa, capable of leading the next wave of global innovation. With over 10,000 developers already registered since its announcement, the initiative is rapidly gaining momentum across economies in Africa. In an initiative that is poised to redefine Africa’s digital path, Gebeya Inc., in partnership with Microsoft, has launched the Microsoft Talent Cloud ecosystem, targeting the empowerment of 300,000 African tech talents by 2027. This pioneering platform, which is powered by Gebeya’s Talent Cloud…

ZAVDOZ Group of Companies and Andar Development sign $4.9 million deal to introduce elite wooden houses fit for the hot Gulf region climate. Beyond the deals, Dubai WoodShow is serving as a platform for networking, and connecting manufacturers, suppliers, experts, and industry enthusiasts. Dubai WoodShow 2024 is not just a display of what is possible today but a glimpse into the future of woodworking, highlighting the industry’s innovation, sustainability, and efficiency initiatives. The Dubai International Wood and Woodworking Machinery Exhibition, known as the Dubai WoodShow 2024, continues to carve its niche in the global wood industry, marking another successful second…

March 3rd-7th expo underscores Dubai’s pivotal role as a global business hub. It also highlights the vibrant dynamics of the wood industry, setting the stage for future advancements and opportunities. Exhibitors are showcasing state-of-the-art products and technologies, including CNC machining centers, drilling and fitting insertion machines, panel dividing saws, and more. The Dubai International Wood and Wood Machinery Exhibition (Dubai WoodShow 2024) explores the nexus of innovation, investment, and global collaboration within the wood and woodworking machinery industries across economies. As the 20th edition of this event unfolds, it not only underscores Dubai’s pivotal role as a global business magnet…

Customers of Liquid C2 can expect heightened security measures, access to advanced cloud technologies, and a commitment to securing their digital assets. Businesses are increasingly turning to Gen AI to drive operational efficiencies, says Thomas Kurian, CEO, Google Cloud. This alliance builds on a November 2023 agreement where Liquid C2 and Google Cloud agreed to bolster cybersecurity and cloud services in Africa. In a deal that is poised to transform the digital economy of Africa, tech company Liquid C2 has struck a deal with global technology giant Google Cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) powerhouse Anthropic. This strategic partnership is set…

Acquisition at undisclosed value deepens the US firm’s HR infrastructure, and fuels direct and indirect global expansion and reach. PaySpace offers payroll engines and HR services across 44 countries in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa markets. PaySpace is serving more than 14,000 customers, including multinationals Heineken, Coca-Cola Beverages, and Puma Sports SA. American Global HR payroll engine provider Deel is acquiring African-based payroll and HR services firm, PaySpace, a move that will see the former solidify its position as one of the biggest entities in the human resource management segment internationally. This acquisition, which has been done…

African white diamonds are highly prized for their brilliance and rarity. Botswana, South Africa, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) lead in diamond production across Africa. The push for ethical diamonds is gaining momentum as watchdogs demand transparency, fair labour practices, and environmental stewardship. The allure of white diamonds has captivated humanity for centuries, symbolizing luxury, purity, and unparalleled beauty. Among the world’s most coveted treasures, African diamonds stand out, not only for their exceptional quality but also for the rich, albeit complex, history of their origin. We set out to explore the facets of white diamonds…

UNEA-6 yielded 15 resolutions, two decisions, and a ministerial declaration, underscoring the commitment of member states to collaborative action. These resolutions span a broad spectrum of environmental concerns, from the management of metals, minerals, chemicals, and waste. They also touch on environmental recovery in conflict-affected areas, water resource management, sustainable lifestyles, and the rehabilitation of degraded lands and waters. The sixth session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-6), which concluded last week in Nairobi, Kenya, marked a leap in the journey toward united global environmental governance. Under the banner of addressing the triple planetary crisis—climate change, nature loss, and pollution—UNEA-6…

Kigali-based Future Light Football Academy offers more than just a chance to excel in sports; it provides youth with a lifeline away from the dangers of life on the street and back to school and family life. To further drive their reach, impact, and sustainable growth in Rwanda, the sports academy is seeking partners from sports clubs to corporate organizations. Founded by Bram Vlaanderen, a Dutch lawyer based in Dubai with a big heart for Rwanda, and Eric Iracyadukunda, a Rwandese professional football player, the academy has the potential to turn into a center of excellence for youth development. In…