Author: James Wambua

Addressing the pressing issues of chronic hunger FAO’s blueprint is projected to impact 600 million people by 2030. According to FAO, the roadmap envisions transforming agrifood systems from a net emitter to a carbon sink. It calls for alternative production methods, adjusted consumption patterns, refined forestry management, and innovative technologies such as carbon capture. The United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has initiated the process for the development of a groundbreaking global roadmap aimed at eliminating hunger and all forms of malnutrition without exceeding the 1.5°C threshold set by the Paris Agreement. The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization…

Eastern Africa and Western Africa account for 70 per cent of Africa’s population unable to afford a healthy diet. About 30 per cent of Africa’s children bear the indelible mark of stunted growth, a cruel consequence of malnutrition. Burkina Faso, Djibouti, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger emerged with the highest prevalence rates of child wasting above 10 per cent. Food crisis in Africa is deepening with a new report showing that an estimated one billion people in the continent are unable to afford a healthy diet. Painting a grim picture for the continent, the Africa Regional Overview of Food Security and…

This initial batch is designed to sustain the facility’s ambitious goal of processing 350,000 barrels per day during its initial operational phase. The 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Petroleum Refinery can process most African crude grades as well as Middle Eastern Arab Light and even US Light tight oil as well as crude from other countries. A major step towards boosting Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity and attaining energy security (self-sufficiency). Dangote Refinery, a 650,000 barrels per day plant has started operations by striking strategic alliances and resource acquisitions as it seeks to redefine Nigeria’s oil industry standards. One such landmark…

Africa stands to lose up to $25 billion annually due to the direct impact of the EU Carbon Border Tax Adjustment Mechanism. With Africa’s energy deficit and reliance mainly on fossil fuels, especially diesel, the implication is that Africa will be forced to export raw commodities again into Europe. New carbon tax could severely impede Africa’s progress by penalizing value-added exports in industries such as steel, cement, iron, aluminum, and fertilizers. In a stark warning, African Development Bank (AfDB) Group President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, has raised concerns about the potential ramifications of the new EU carbon border tax on Africa’s…

China’s economic slowdown will affect Africa since the Asian country is the largest single-country trading partner. As China experiences a notable economic slowdown, the IMF asserts that sub-Saharan African countries must proactively respond to the shifting geo-economic landscape. The IMF says a promising avenue lies in tapping into the robust demand for minerals crucial for renewable energy development. China—Africa’s largest single-country trading partner—is experiencing an economic slowdown. And this matters a lot for policymakers in Africa. As China grapples with a second consecutive month of contracting manufacturing activity posted in November, the implications stretch far beyond the borders of the…

They will also receive comprehensive mentorship and coaching as part of a 12-month accelerator program. This year’s focus was on female-owned enterprises pioneering Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, virtual reality, robotics, IoT among others. The winning ventures, led by women from across Africa, focus on sectors affected by climate change. African enterprises have triumphed in the 2023 YouthAdapt challenge, with eight dynamic women-led businesses securing victory. Each of these enterprises is set to receive grant funding of up to $100,000. They will also receive a comprehensive mentorship and coaching as part of a…

The landmark initial pledge will help to rapidly scale up financing for transformative climate-aligned infrastructure projects across the continent. The new pledges will also advance AGIA towards its first close of $500 million of early-stage project preparation and development blended capital. AGIA was launched a year ago at COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, by the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank, Africa50, and other partners. In a powerful signal of support during COP28, African and global institutions, together with governments of Germany, France, and Japan and philanthropies, have pledged over $175 million to the Alliance for Green Infrastructure…

Masdar, UAE’s renewable energy company, signs agreement with Angola’s Ministry of Energy and Water at COP28 to develop solar plant in southern Angola. Project will create up to 600 jobs and deliver clean energy to 90,000 homes in region with significant electricity supply challenges. The agreement signed at COP28 demonstrates Masdar’s commitment to just energy transition in Africa and around the world. Masdar, one of the world’s leading renewable energy companies, has announced plans to develop a major 150 megawatt (MW) solar PV project in Angola to deliver renewable energy to 90,000 homes while creating hundreds of jobs, spurring economic…

About 130 countries participated in IATF2023, which attracted 1,939 exhibitors and 28,282 participants who attended physically and through the IATF virtual platform. The sheer scale of IATF2023 reflects a shared commitment to fostering economic integration and development on the continent. The next edition of the IATF will be hosted in 2025 by Algeria. The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced that the third Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2023) held in Cairo from 9 to 15 November witnessed the conclusion of business deals and transactions valued at US$43.8 billion. IATF2023 brought together representatives from 130 countries, fostering collaboration and partnership in diverse…

Designed using a science-based approach and harnessing new technological innovations, the programme aims to promote long-term tree health, increase biodiversity of flora and fauna, and generate an economic boost for local communities. The reforestation project in Kenya will cover more than 3,500 hectares across six counties in the west of the country, adjacent to the Rift Valley. Aside from Kenya, AZ Forest’s global program, which aims to span 100,000 hectares worldwide targets Ghana and Rwanda. AstraZeneca is committed to planting and maintaining up to six million trees in Kenya, employing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) deep learning model to monitor tree…