• China Henan International Cooperation failed to to disclose the use of a commission agent while submitting a bid.
• The ban on Chinese firm reflects broader concerns about the nature of China-Africa economic relations.
• The move follows the conclusion of a negotiated settlement agreement with the Chinese company.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has suspended Chinese firm, China Henan International Cooperation Group Company Limited, from undertaking any contracts in Africa for the next one year.

The move follows the conclusion of a negotiated settlement agreement with the Chinese company putting an end to sanctions proceedings for a fraudulent practice against China Henan International Cooperation.

In the directive, pursuant to the negotiated settlement agreement, China Henan International Cooperation Group Company Limited, registered in China, will be debarred for a period of 12 months, effective 28 March 2024.

“An investigation conducted by the Office of Integrity and Anti-Corruption of the African Development Bank …

• According to an Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) report, Kenya is among the best places for doing business globally.
• Venezuela has been ranked as the worst country in which to do business.
• Qatar has implemented a $220 billion investment program over the past decade, mainly focused on infrastructure.

Kenya has been ranked among the places with a weak business environment. Still, it has the potential for improvement over the next five years. According to a report by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), it is among the best business places, a global business intelligence & market insights company.

Kenya and Angola were the only African …

• Early last year, another German shoe line announced an investment of $2.66 million to expand its presence in Kenya by 2025.
• The distribution centre is at the Freight Forwarders Solutions warehouse in Tatu City.
• In recent years, German firms have shown increasing interest and investment in East Africa.

German-based cleaning equipment manufacturer Karcher has announced an approximate $3.25 million investment in the Kenyan market. The firm is setting up a regional distribution centre in Nairobi as a business expansion strategy to evade the toughening global import supply chain due to high logistics costs resulting from pirate attacks in the Red Sea corridor.

The distribution centre is at the …

• In 2022, investments in Tanzania rose by $3.16 billion between July and November.
• Currently, Tanzania has stable economic diplomatic relations with global economic giants, China and US.
• Tanzania’s economy is expected to expand by 5.5 percent in 2024.

“Kazi Iendelee” Swahili term for “Let’s Proceed with Work” has become a national rallying call for progress in Tanzania under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who is popularly referred by Mama Samia – a Swahili term of endearment and respect.

Even from foreign capitals, President Samia’s work is catching the eye of fellow leaders. When US Vice President Kamala Harris came visiting, she …

• Kenya Airways losses for FY2023 have majorly stemmed from FX fluctuations.
• Despite the heightened operating costs, Kenya Airways achieved an operating profit of $79.4 million.
• International Air Transport Association (IATA) predicts full recovery of the aviation industry from the Covid-19 crisis in 2024.

Kenya Airways net losses for the trading period ending December 2023 have dropped to $171.6 million (KES22.7 billion) majorly attributed to the forex exchange losses suffered during the review period.

The latest result is a 41 percent reduction from the $289.6million (KES38.3 billion) reported in 2022 in what the airline attributes to continuing efforts aimed at navigating KQ’s back onto the path to profitability.

These losses stemming from fluctuations in currency exchange rates (FX Losses), impacted the airline’s financial position, posting the greatest drawback to its financials with $181.4 million loss.

Kenya Airways Chief Executive Allan Kilavuka said that in the review period the airline increased flight …

• Cross-border commerce brings forth many advantages that extend far beyond mere economic enrichment.
• These advantages encompass various facets of societal development, from economic growth to cultural exchange and regional integration.
• At its core, cross-border commerce catalyzes economic prosperity, unlocking new markets and investment opportunities.

Cross-border commerce is reshaping Pan-African trade networks, offering new avenues for economic growth and regional integration.

This article explores the evolution of these networks, the key players involved, the advantages of cross-border commerce, the challenges faced, and the opportunities for further growth.

The Evolution of Pan-African Trade

Historical Roots

Trade has been a cornerstone of African …