Author: James Wambua

Ahead of COP28, the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is calling on leaders across the globe to shift gears and drastically and urgently scale up climate finance for small-scale farmers and small agribusinesses, who produce one-third of the world’s food and up to 70 per cent of the food in low- and middle-income countries. Many of these farmers are grappling with the negative impacts of climate change.

On the second day of the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2023 conference, a thought-provoking panel discussion engaged regional and international energy leaders, delving into the pivotal role of natural gas in a changing energy arena. The panellists delved into evolving market dynamics stemming from the global energy transition, sustainability endeavours, and technological innovations within the sector.

The Project will increase food production, income, and job creation for Kenyan smallholder farmers. Between 2024 and 2026, the project will support Apollo Agriculture Limited’s efforts to distribute fertilizers efficiently. The distribution strategy encompasses leveraging a portion of the company’s network, spanning 150 retail agro-dealers and 800 village-based agents, all under a digital platform. The Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism has taken a significant stride in bolstering agricultural sustainability and productivity in Kenya by extending financial support to Apollo Agriculture Limited. This strategic move involves a $2 million partial trade credit guarantee and a $219,000 grant funding, aiming to facilitate the…

Across Africa, Public-private partnerships (PPP) experience varies across countries due to GDP differences, capital market size and depth. The UN Economic Commission for Africa ECA has been working with African countries to enhance their PPPs for infrastructure development. ECA has been undertaking capacity building and helping economies in Africa to mobilize resources for infrastructure development. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are crucial to closing the financing gap for infrastructure development in Africa, and governments and the private sector should work together to create effective PPPs, said Dr Robert Lisinge, Acting Director of the Private Sector Development and Finance Division at the UN…

This strategic agreement aims to reduce border congestion, enhancing trade flow in a key African economic corridor. Congestion at borders, especially in the Tororo and Busia areas, has long slowed the efficient transport of commodities throughout the region. The idea calls for new border crossings to be set up at Mulwadda and Buteba to relieve traffic at Busia and Malaba. Kenya and Uganda have signed a historic deal to reduce congestion at key border crossings, significantly boosting East African trade. To facilitate trade between Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and South Sudan, the highest-ranking officials have…

Egypt’s entry is a huge step forward for Cellulant, which now offers a full suite of payment services throughout 35 African regions and integrates over 370 different payment methods. Cellulant has raised a total of US$55 million to date, making it one of the most heavily backed fintech startups in Africa and allowing it to support its ambitious expansion plans. CEO Ahmed Marwan says with over 40% the adult population in Egypt using prepaid cards and mobile wallets, the acquisition of these licences positions Cellulant to further streamline payment options for businesses. Kenyan Fintech giant Cellulant, has announced its initial…

Kalemie, on the DRC side of Lake Tanganyika, is a vital connection point, linking the DRC with regional ports such as Bujumbura, Burundi, Mpulungu, Zambia, and Kigoma, Tanzania. Tanzania’s exports to Congo were worth about $280.54M in 2022, per the United Nations’ Comtrade Database of International Trade. Lake Tanganyika, an important geographical feature that serves as a natural boundary between the two countries, plays a crucial role in this developing relationship. The trade between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Tanzania is growing rapidly. Both countries have great potential for economic growth and development. Lake Tanganyika, an important…

President Sisi says Africa’s vast natural resources and its agricultural, educational, and mineral potential should be leveraged to drive intra-African trade. We in Egypt should always build, develop, rebuild, and cooperate in these fields, and nothing less: President Sisi. At the ongoing IATF2023, in Cairo, Sisi notes that there is a need for African nations to cooperate positively towards mutual growth. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of Egypt, while participating in the third Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2023) in Cairo, called on countries across the continent to consolidate their efforts and promote intra-African trade. In an address at the Presidential Summit of…

The first round of election concluded with both candidates falling below the 50% threshold required for an outright victory. Weah secured 43.83% of the vote, narrowly edging out Boakai, who garnered 43.44%. Weah, a former soccer star, is facing the challenge of convincing voters to grant him a second term as he seeks to fulfill promises made during his first tenure. Liberians are currently participating in a crucial runoff election, deciding between President George Weah and former Vice President Joseph Boakai. The initial round of elections concluded with both candidates in a tight race, falling below the 50 per cent…

African economies are susceptible to global shocks and liquidity constraints due to overreliance on natural resources, delegates at Trade and Investment Conference of IATF2023 told. However, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has the potential to break the continent’s colonial legacy of exporting raw materials and importing finished goods. The trade plan offers huge trade opportunities in manufacturing, export development, SME promotion, and trade in services. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has the potential to break Africa’s colonial legacy of exporting raw materials and importing finished goods. This assertion is according to Jean-Louis Ekra, Deputy Chairperson of…