Author: James Wambua

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has thrown its weight behind a call by the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group urging African nations to stop borrowing loans primarily secured by their natural resources.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva met with Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, the President of the AfDB Group, in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire. This meeting marked the first time an IMF head visited the Bank headquarters since its establishment in 1964.

Kenya police will lead a global force to Haiti, a country where violent gangs control 80% of the capital Port-au-Prince. At the UN Security Council, the US-backed resolution got 13 votes in favour, while China and Russia opted for abstention. Critics of the Kenyan-led mission have raised concerns about the track record of police forces in Kenya. Kenya has warmly embraced the United Nations Security Council resolution designating it to lead an international contingent of armed police to combat Haitian gangs. President William Ruto, in a speech delivered shortly after the resolution’s adoption, expressed his strong support, characterizing it as…

Last week, President Salva Kiir of South Sudan stepped into Moscow to meet his Russian counterpart, President Vladimir Putin. Their talks echoed the promise of an expanding relationship. However, an air of curiosity tinged the talks as the pair discussed energy, trade, and the ever-hot subject of security. In a secluded meeting that held the weight of geopolitics, Kiir and Putin’s dialogue not only spanned the customary diplomatic matters but also ventured into the depths of political and security concerns within South Sudan.

Initially, Beem Africa was introduced as a bulk SMS services company. However, over the decade, it has silently evolved to become the driving force behind text messages from some of the most prominent brands. Companies like Toyota, Pizza Hut, Access Bank Tanzania, SPENN, CRBD Bank, among others, have harnessed the power of Beem Africa to connect with their audience in a more personal and effective way.

Chido Mpemba is the youngest senior official in the African Union and advocates for young Africans to have a prominent role on the global stage. Deniece Laurent-Mantey, a Special Advisor at the US State Department, cites African innovation, culture, talent, and creativity in addressing global challenges. Areej Noor aims to bridge the gap between African and diaspora women filmmakers and the international market. At the just-ending United Nations General Assembly, the Unstoppable Africa Summit showcased a group of exceptional young African women who are reshaping the narrative of Africa’s global influence. These three remarkable individuals represent the forefront of a…

The Nigerian government aims to eliminate routine flaring in the future. Fluenta, a pioneer in ultrasound sensing technology, has installed 18 ultrasonic flare gas meters at Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest oil refinery. Accurate flare gas measurement is essential for regulatory compliance and emissions monitoring. The Nigerian government is taking proactive steps to control and regulate the flaring of gas, with the ultimate goal of eliminating routine flaring in the coming years. Central to this ambitious effort is the need for precise and reliable measurement. Fluenta, a global leader in ultrasonic sensing technology for flare gas measurement, has successfully completed a…

The Vodafone Foundation has set aside $6 million to extend the successful m-mama maternal health initiative to Malawi over the next five years. This expansion aims to enhance maternal and newborn healthcare access in Malawi and the region. Malawi has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. Estimates show that the country currently records 5.7 maternal deaths per 1,000 live births.

The recent formalization of an agreement to advance what is being hailed as South Africa’s most substantial liquefied natural gas (LNG) endeavor in the Mpumalanga province underscores the potential of natural gas as a viable energy source for the nation. This accord, described as a “non-binding term sheet,” represents a collaboration between South Africa’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and Afro Energy. The latter is a subsidiary of the Australian gas exploration company Kinetiko Energy.

“Unstoppable Africa” is a two-day event organized by the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI). The event aims to position Africa as a hub for business, trade, and investment. Participants include Presidents, CEOs, investors, policymakers, industry experts, and UN leaders. Leaders from global business, investment, government, sports, and the arts gathered in New York on Thursday, 21st September to mark the commencement of “Unstoppable Africa”. This event, organised by the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI), aspires to amplify Africa’s significance in the worldwide economy. It seeks to position the continent as the ultimate hub for business, trade, and investment. Unstoppable Africa…

ECOWAS, AfDB Group hold consultations on West Africa Regional Integration Strategy Paper (RISP) 2020-2025. Consultations focused on current issues around West African integration, including challenges, opportunities, and prospects. Other pertinent issues such as economic affairs, human development, infrastructure, and politics were also discussed. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Development Bank Group have successfully concluded discussions regarding the mid-term evaluation of the West Africa Regional Integration Strategy Paper (RISP) for 2020-2025. This strategic plan, approved by the Bank Group in May 2020, was designed to bolster regional integration efforts in West Africa. With an initial…