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Investing
- Ethiopia is set to construct Africa’s largest airport at a projected cost of $7.8 billion.
- Set for completion in 2040, the airport will have the capacity to handle 110 million passengers a year and provide aprons for 270 aircraft.
- While AfDB has pledged ‘full commitment’ to fund the project, Ethiopian Airlines Group is engaging other financiers, including the EXIM Bank of China.
Ethiopia, home to Africa’s largest airline, has announced plans to build the continent’s biggest airport, set to rival global aviation hubs such as Dubai International and London’s Heathrow. Designed as a state-of-the-art airport city, the facility will have the capacity to handle over 100 million passengers annually, positioning Ethiopia as a key player in global air travel.
Already holding the title of Africa’s leading airline in passenger numbers, destinations, fleet size, and revenue, Ethiopian Airlines is now aiming for another milestone—constructing the continent’s largest airport. Additionally, Ethiopian Airlines …
- Did you know that the push to decarbonize the world requires immense volumes of copper?
- Statistics show that the annual demand of copper could reach 50 million metric tonnes by 2050.
- However, large scale extraction of this vital mineral carries enormous cost to the environment.
Copper remains a vital mineral powering modern development, but its extraction comes at a significant cost to both the environment and economies.
According to the Vice Provost for Research and Enterprise and the Armourers and Brasiers’ Chair in Materials Science at Imperial College London, Prof. Mary Ryan, “Copper brought us out of the stone age, as an alloy, copper makes bronze and the latter is responsible for most all modern development.”
The scientist, in a report titled Mine copper without destroying the planet? she adds, “today, copper is the indispensable metal needed for almost all electrical wiring, plumbing, and industrial machinery… we owe a lot …
- Saudi Arabia’s Neom futuristic city estimated to costs in excess of $8.8 trillion.
- Neom features a floating industrial complex, global trade hub, tourist resorts.
- The city, which is powered by 100% renewable energy, is plagued by delays and cost overruns.
Neom, an ambitious fusion of architecture and ecology, is a futuristic city under construction in Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk Province. Touted as an unprecedented mega-investment, it serves as a case study for policymakers in Africa, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges of large-scale urban development.
According to a recent statement from Neom’s management, the project is set for completion by 2039. The name “Neom” blends the Ancient Greek prefix neo- (meaning “new”) with Mostaqbal, the Arabic word for “future.”
With an estimated cost exceeding $8.8 trillion—over 25 times Saudi Arabia’s annual budget—the new city is among the world’s most ambitious urban projects. Launched in 2017, it spans 26,500 km² and features …
- Mission 300 aims to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030, addressing the continent’s significant energy deficit and driving transformative development.
- The initiative banks on partnerships, innovative financing, and renewable energy projects like mini-grids and solar plants to overcome infrastructure and policy challenges.
- Success hinges on bold reforms, private sector investment, and collaborative action to reshape Africa’s energy future.
Africa’s energy landscape has long been a tale of untapped potential, innovation, and persistent challenges. With over 600 million people lacking access to electricity—representing 83 per cent of the world’s energy-deprived population—the continent’s policymakers face a monumental task in lighting up its future.
Enter Mission 300, an ambitious initiative spearheaded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the World Bank Group, and a coalition of global partners. Mission 300 aims to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030. But can this initiative finally brighten Africa’s energy horizon? Let’s explore.
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- Wärtsilä Corporation, a global leader in energy and marine technologies, has been a key player in Tanzania’s energy sector for over 40 years.
- The Finnish multinational will showcase its innovative strategies for sustainable energy at the East Africa Energy Cooperation Summit in Arusha, Tanzania.
- CEO Thomas Bourlier reaffirms Wärtsilä’s commitment to driving East Africa’s energy growth and regional collaboration.
For over four decades, Wärtsilä Corporation has played a pivotal role in shaping Tanzania’s energy landscape, solidifying its reputation as a global leader in innovative energy solutions.
This Finnish multinational, renowned for its expertise in energy and marine technologies, is set to make its mark at the upcoming East Africa Energy Cooperation Summit in Arusha, Tanzania.
Represented by CEO and Senior Manager Thomas Bourlier, Wärtsilä aims to spotlight its legacy and future-focused strategies for driving sustainable energy development across Africa and beyond. With operations spanning diverse global markets, the company’s participation …
- Abu Dhabi is gearing up to invest in Kenya’s critical sectors including ports, logistics, agriculture and energy.
- President William Ruto says the landmark deal will more than triple Kenya’s exports of meat products, fruits, vegetables, cut flowers, tea and coffee to the UAE.
- Agreement also targets the services sector with Kenyan providers in education, transport, construction, and engineering now poised to have a better access to opportunities in the UAE.
Kenya-UAE economic relations are set to enter a new phase following the signing of a deal by authorities in the United Arab Emirates to invest heavily in the East African country’s critical industries including ports, logistics, agriculture and energy.
The agreement, dubbed Kenya-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), is set to redefine trade, investment, and economic partnerships between the two countries. CEPA is part of the Gulf nation’s initiative to step up its foreign investment portfolio, a program that saw …
- The UAE will host the third World Local Production Forum from April 7–9, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, focusing on advancing health equity, global health security, and sustainable development.
- The event, organized in partnership with the WHO, will gather over 4,000 participants to discuss innovation, technology transfer, and strategies for resilient healthcare systems.
- Forum highlights the UAE’s leadership in healthcare innovation and its commitment to fostering sustainable health solutions.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to host the third edition of the World Local Production Forum (WLPF) from April 7 to 9, 2025, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
Under the theme “Advancing Local Production for Health Equity, Global Health Security, and Sustainable Development,” the forum aims to bring together global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to develop practical strategies for enhancing local production capacities in healthcare.
Hosting the WLPF underscores the UAE’s strategic role as a global …
- Gunster Strategies Worldwide will host the “Stars and Stripes & The Union Jack” reception at the Hay-Adams Hotel, bringing together global leaders to celebrate the U.S.-UK special relationship and reinforce its role in global advocacy.
- Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK and a cornerstone figure in Brexit, will serve as the evening’s guest of honor.
- With over three decades of experience, Gunster has built a legacy of shaping transformative campaigns across the globe.
As Washington, D.C., prepares for the historic 60th Presidential Inauguration, Gunster Strategies Worldwide is set to host an exclusive reception that promises to solidify its reputation as a leading force in global advocacy and strategic influence. The “Stars and Stripes & The Union Jack” event, to be held at the renowned Hay-Adams Hotel, will convene a remarkable roster of global leaders, policymakers, and industry titans to celebrate the enduring U.S.-UK “special relationship.” This occasion underscores Gunster Strategies’ …
- Africa’s startup funding ecosystem experienced a decline in 2024, with total investments dropping by 25% to $2.2 billion amidst a global economic slowdown.
- However, a strong rebound in the second half, driven by two unicorn deals, highlighted the sector’s resilience and potential.
- Regional leaders Kenya, Nigeria, and Egypt continued to dominate, signaling sustained investor interest despite the challenges.
Africa’s startup funding ecosystem experienced a notable decline in 2024, reflecting the broader global funding drought that defined the year. Startups on the continent collectively raised $2.2 billion in equity, debt, and grants (excluding exits), a substantial amount but a sharp 25 per cent drop compared to the $2.9 billion secured in 2023.
Despite the downturn, the year was marked by pockets of resilience, strategic wins, and a glimpse of recovery in the latter half, an annual analysis by Africa: The Big Deal shows.
Startup funding in Africa
In 2024, an estimated …
