Author: James Wambua

The digital connectivity of a continent plays a crucial role in shaping its economic growth and development. Africa, a continent often regarded as the cradle of human civilization, is experiencing advancements in its digital infrastructure. The latest stride in this journey towards a tech-savvy Africa is a substantial commitment by the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF), a Private Infrastructure Development Group, and its fund manager, Ninety One.

In a world grappling with the urgency of climate action, the UK has long been a beacon of progress in environmental policy. However, the European country appears to be taking a perplexing step in the opposite direction.

In his maiden speech on 07 November 2023, King Charles III unveiled his intention to further dilute environmental protection regulations. This motive was initiated by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. In the plan, the moratorium on North Sea oil and gas extraction, lifted by Sunak in July, is set to be followed by a new law that mandates annual issuance of oil and gas drilling licenses in the North Sea. Sunak government’s argument revolves around protecting jobs, lowering dependence on foreign fuel, and enhancing energy security.

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has played a pivotal role in the economic relations between the US and Africa. Since its enactment by the US Congress in 2000, Agoa has offered African nations preferential access to American markets, promoting trade and economic growth. In recent years, however, AGOA has become a focal point in the intensifying competition between the US and China for influence in Africa.

TransUnion survey shows four in 10 (41%) of Kenyan consumers reported a decrease in income over the past three months. A similar number or 42% of Kenyan consumers anticipate being unable to pay their current bills and loans in full. About 55% of Kenyan consumers plan to make further cuts to their discretionary spending. What’s more, 47% expect a decrease in large purchases such as cars. A new survey by TransUnion has revealed a mixed financial outlook for Kenyan consumers in the second quarter of 2023. The research, presented at its annual Financial Services summit in Nairobi, found that while…

Global South is rapidly becoming a center of technological innovation and environmentally conscious policymaking. The area is ideally set to lead in sustainable plastic manufacture as the world reimagines plastic management. Producing plastics in novel ways is essential to the circular economy’s goal of minimising, reusing, and recycling materials. The environmental effects of plastic have dominated the conversation over this material in recent years. Latest technological developments and growing international agreements suggest that the center of plastic production may soon move to the Global South. Global initiatives to reduce plastic pollution, a booming circular economy, and expanding industrial capacities in…

South Africa-based insurer Hollard International has extended its footprint into East Africa. Hollard, a privately owned insurance, has struck a deal to acquire a stake in Apollo Investments Limited, the parent company of Kenya-headquartered APA Insurance.

This strategic investment, subject to regulatory approvals, gives Hollard International a presence in the East African market. The new acquisition supplements its existing operations in Southern and West Africa. Once approved, Hollard will become the second international investor in APA Insurance, following Swiss Re, which acquired a stake in 2014.

In the hushed corridors of history, where the whispers of the past echo through time, there comes a moment when a monarch must confront the spectres of his lineage and reckon with the shadows that dance upon the pages of his family’s legacy. As King Charles III embarked on his maiden tour to Kenya and Africa, a voyage cloaked in the promise of a brighter future, he found himself standing at the precipice of a poignant encounter.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz says German companies are looking for gas deliveries from Nigeria. At the moment, Germany imports huge volumes of crude oil from Nigeria, but no gas. Nigeria boasts the largest confirmed natural gas reserves in Africa, estimated at 202 trillion cubic feet. Europe’s economic powerhouse Germany is considering the prospect of importing natural gas from Nigeria. This plan was revealed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz during an interview with Nigerian newspaper, The Punch. Scholz is visiting Nigeria on a mission to reinforce bilateral relations with Africa’s largest economy. His visit, the third to Africa since he took power in…

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has initiated a five-year plan to stimulate growth in South Africa, the continent’s most advanced economy. Dubbed the Country Strategy Paper (CSP) 2023-2028, AfDB has outlined two main lines of action. The Bank aims to enhance governance while deploying strategies to revamp the private sector.
Concerning governance, CSP 2023-2028 will support the South African government in its efforts to address persistent structural challenges. This approach aims to promote industrialisation and establish a faster, more inclusive growth trajectory to combat poverty.

The Lobito Corridor represents a significant transport infrastructure project in Africa. The project will now become a reality with the backing of the US. Moreover, this is one of the projects through which Washington seeks to strengthen its investment ties on the continent. This project entails a transportation network that links northwest Zambia to Angola’s Benguela railway, ultimately connecting to the strategic Lobito port, the second largest seaport in oil-rich Angola.