Africa

  • US Congress members ask Speaker Mike Johnson to invite President Ruto to address the assembly.
  • President Ruto will be visiting the US on May 23 to mark 60 years of US-Kenya diplomatic ties.
  • If invited, President Ruto would become the first Kenyan Head of State to address a joint session of US Congress.

In a historic plan highlighting the deepening ties between the United States and Kenya, House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Michael McCaul (Republican – Texas) and Ranking Member Gregory Meeks (Democrat – New York) have jointly sent a letter to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (Republican – Los Angeles, asking him to extend a formal invitation to President William Ruto of Kenya to address a joint session of Congress during his upcoming visit to the US, slated later in May.

“This year, we are celebrating the historic 60-year anniversary of the U.S.-Kenya diplomatic relationship. Such an invitation …

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  • The IMF has identified South Sudan, Burundi, and the DRC as East African Community member states poised for significant economic growth in the 2024–2025 period.
  • GDP growth in Burundi is projected to increase from 4.3 to 5.4 percent and in the DRC from 4.7 to 5.7%.
  • Kenya leads regionally with a projected GDP of $104 billion, ranking 7th overall among the continent’s largest economies.

The economic outlook for East African Community member states South Sudan, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is poised for significant economic growth in the 2024–2025 period. This prognosis by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) comes despite these nations grappling with conflicts, marking them as among the most fragile in the region.

In its latest regional economic outlook report for Sub-Saharan Africa, the IMF forecasts a noteworthy 1.2 percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth for South Sudan, from 5.6 to 6.8 percent, despite …

  • US Senators Chris Coons and James Risch have introduced the bipartisan Agoa Renewal and Improvement Act of 2024, aiming to integrate Agoa with the AfCFTA.
  • Bill aims to refine Agoa’s eligibility criteria, increase transparency, and hold US agencies accountable for their advice to the president: Senator Risch
  • Proposed extension signals a commitment to bolstering trade relations between the US and Africa.

The US Congress has proposed extending the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) to 2041, covering all 54 African countries. Senators Chris Coons of Delaware and James Risch of Idaho introduced the bipartisan Agoa Renewal and Improvement Act of 2024, aiming to integrate Agoa with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to foster intra-African supply chains.

Originally enacted in 2000, Agoa is set to expire next year. However, the proposed extension signals a commitment to bolstering trade relations between the United States and Africa. Speaking at the fourth …

In recent times, online casinos have become a go-to for entertainment, with Spanish online casinos specifically catching the eye of many in Ghana. The question is, why are these particular casinos so appealing? Let’s delve into the key factors like game variety, gaming quality, and the trustworthiness of these sites to give us some clues.

The Rich Game Selection

What makes Spanish online casinos truly special is their broad assortment of games. Players can find everything from classic favorites like slots, baccarat, blackjack, and roulette to the latest in video slots. These games come with exciting themes and interactive features. The real deal for many are the live games that bring the thrill of a physical casino right into the comfort of your home. Beyond these popular options, these casinos also feature unique Spanish card games like Chinchón and Mus, bringing a piece of Spanish culture to the global stage.

  • The Horn of Africa has been grappling with the most severe drought in 40 years since late 2020.
  • Rain-fed agriculture in parts of Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia worst hit as harvests drop to 70 percent of normal standards.
  • A United Nations-backed conference raised $2.4 billion on May 24th to address famine in the Horn of Africa.

The worst drought in a-half-century is causing severe economic hit on economies in the Horn of Africa. This is due to the economies’ heavy reliance on agriculture, and other climate-vulnerable resources.

Drought has led to reduced rainfall and water, severely reducing agricultural production. Crops failed, and pasturelands dried up. As a result, millions of heads of livestock died due to a lack of water and fodder. Millions of farmers are experiencing significant crop losses and decreased livestock productivity. Consequently, huge populations are grappling with thinning incomes and food shortages.

Agricultural losses, food insecurity

Rain-fed …

  • As temperatures keep rising and emissions soar, the planet, too, continues to break (dangerous) new records.
  • Climate change is a shared problem that the global community must solve by working together.
  • With a strong partnership between Africa, Europe, and the rest of the international community, Kenya, can make significant contributions to the global transition to a net-zero economy.

NAIROBI – Last year in Berlin, the great Kenyan long-distance runner Eliud Kipchoge broke the world marathon record, clocking 02:01:09 and beating his previous time by 30 seconds. His success has made him a legend not only in Kenya but globally. It offers a useful lesson for everyone involved in the fight against climate change. Kipchoge’s winning strategy is rooted in the science of running (as well as 120 miles of hard work every week), and our own approach to the climate crisis must involve the same level of commitment and …

  • A total of 34 countries at risk of climate disaster across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific have mobilised over $150 million towards 2,100 adaptation projects. 
  • To date, the EU has provided over $58 million for climate adaptation initiatives. EU members Sweden has raised $52 million, while Denmark and Belgium have each raised $14 million. 
  • Climate vulnerable countries say their needs are growing exponentially and therefore need urgent support to avert disasters.

Ministers from some of the world’s most climate vulnerable countries have called on international institutions and donors to boost access to finance to aid their adaptation to the impacts of changing weather patterns using the Local Climate Adaptive Living Facility (LoCAL). 

Without funds, populations face bleak future

LoCAL, which is designed and managed by the UN Capital Development Fund, was identified as part of the climate finance “solution” at a ministerial meeting of member countries in Brussels,

  • Deal Source Africa connects African businesses online with investors, transaction advisors and Impact Funds.
  • Experienced transaction advisors will link with businesses to provide professional support along their fundraising journey.
  • During the pilot phase, the program enabled 94 businesses to connect with 18 investors in deal rooms. 

A new programme seeking to connect African businesses online with investors, transaction advisors and Impact Funds has been unveiled in Ghana at the West Africa Deal summit. The programme, Deal Source Africa, comprises a digital platform that connects investors with businesses, in-person and virtual deal rooms where businesses can meet investors.

Deal Source Africa seeks to bridge the $331 billion funding gap for African SMEs. Top on target will be SMEs with high growth potential and offering solutions that help meet their business needs.

It also includes Impact Fund showcases where investors can meet African venture funds and other local capital providers.

Deal Source

  • Key staff in Eswatini and Zimbabwe have gained critical skills on how to harness Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
  • The training will be rolled out in Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and DRC starting June, this year. It is critical for helping businesses identify and compare emerging opportunities in Africa.
  • The programme equips staff with integrated and reliable trade intelligence on international market performance and opportunities as well as market access conditions.

Staff from over 80 companies and public agencies in Eswatini and Zimbabwe have gained critical skills on how to harness opportunities under Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The training was undertaken by the African Trade Observatory, one of the five operational instruments of AfCFTA charged with driving intra regional trade of small businesses.

The online dashboard is critical for helping businesses identify and compare emerging opportunities across the continent. It provides integrated and reliable trade intelligence on international

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