Tuesday, March 19

Business

US-Africa green and sustainable financing
  • The upcoming US-Africa green and sustainable financing forum in Côte d’Ivoire aims to mobilize funding for infrastructure projects across Africa.
  • Set for March 19–20, the workshop will feature industry leaders, US technical experts, and key financiers.
  • The event highlights the critical need for renewable energy funding models, financing mechanisms, and regulatory and policy reforms to facilitate the growth of green and sustainable infrastructure.

To foster sustainable development in Africa, the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) is joining forces with the African Development Bank Group to host the US-Africa Green and Sustainable Financing Workshop.

Set to go down in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on March 19–20, 2024, this event is poised to bring to the forefront the pressing need for green and sustainable infrastructure projects across the continent.

The workshop, a convergence of industry leaders, explores innovative financing models that can support Africa’s journey towards a resilient and sustainable future.…

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Struggling African economies
  • The complex relationship between struggling African economies and the IMF revolves around the necessity of bailouts and structural reforms to address economic crises while balancing the need for sovereignty and social welfare.
  • Conditions imposed by the IMF aim to promote fiscal discipline, enhance economic stability, and ensure sustainable growth.
  • The ongoing engagement with the IMF highlights the broader quest for a more equitable global financial system.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and its relationship with struggling African economies has been intricate and multifaceted. Often characterized by a mixture of dependence and resistance, this partnership comes to the forefront during periods of economic distress.

African countries, facing challenges such as debt, the aftermath of COVID-19, and external pressures such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, have found themselves turning to the IMF for bailout assistance.

This dynamic has reignited discussions around the IMF’s role in fostering economic stability and growth through financial support …

Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa

Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa

  • The African Development Bank’s Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) initiative aims to close the $42 billion financing gap faced by women entrepreneurs, demonstrating that investing in women fosters gender-inclusive economic growth.
  • By securing over $1.5 billion in investments for women-led SMEs and providing gender-smart banking training, AFAWA is changing financial institutions’ perceptions and practices, demonstrating the viability and profitability of supporting women entrepreneurs.
  • AFAWA’s partnerships and educational programs build a more inclusive financial ecosystem, showcasing the initiative’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs and driving sustainable, inclusive economic development across Africa.

The African Development Bank’s Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) aims to invest in women and close the significant financing gap they face. Women entrepreneurs in Africa confront a daunting $42 billion disparity in financing compared to their male counterparts, largely due to misconceptions about their creditworthiness and a lack of collateral. Despite these challenges, …

Africa's economic growth 2024
  • Africa’s economic growth in 2024 is expected to be upward with the real GDP projected to grow by 3.2 per cent, up from 2.6 per cent in 2023.
  • East Africa, encompassing Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and the DRC, will again power the continent’s growth prospects.
  • Despite the projected continental growth, the intelligence unit faces substantial risks, including security threats, political instability, and debt repayment burdens.

Africa’s economic growth 2024

According to the international research unit, Economic Intelligence, Africa is expected to grow at the second-fastest rate among major regions globally in 2024. The unit ranks behind Asia, which China and India will propel.

Except for Sudan and Equatorial Guinea, whose economies appear destined to decline this year, most African governments are predicted to report good growth stories.

The real African GDP is expected to rise by 3.2 per cent in 2024, up from 2.6 per cent in 2023,

US-Africa trade relations
  • Continuing from the discussion of evolving US-Africa trade relations, a key aspect of this dynamic is the strategic objective of countering Chinese influence on the continent.
  • By 2024, Africa is poised to undergo a significant shift in geopolitical and economic dynamics, emerging as a crucial arena for global powers such as China and the US.
  • The evolving focus on Africa is driven by its transforming economic landscape, marked by rapid growth, a youthful population, and abundant resources, attracting attention from major players seeking strategic advantages.

By 2024, Africa will have witnessed the beginning of a new age in the geopolitical and economic dynamics of the world. In recent years, the continent has shifted its focus from humanitarian issues and developmental assistance to becoming an important strategic arena for the world’s leading powers, particularly China and the US. Several elements are coming together to highlight Africa’s growing importance internationally, driving this …

Rental income in Kneya
  • Maximizing rental income from investment properties in Kenya requires strategic planning and effective management.
  • As a real estate investor in Kenya, it is important to focus on acquiring properties and have a well-thought-out exit strategy in mind.
  • Real estate investment in Kenya can be rewarding if approached with knowledge and strategic planning.

Tips and strategies to maximise rental income in Kenya

Maximizing rental income from investment properties in Kenya requires strategic planning and effective management. By implementing the following tips and strategies, real estate investors can maximize their returns and ensure the financial success of their rental properties.

  1. Set Competitive Rental Rates

Determining the right rental rates for your properties is crucial. Conduct thorough market research to understand the rental prices in the specific location and consider factors such as property size, amenities, location, and market demand. Setting competitive and attractive rental rates will attract tenants and help maintain …

Real Estate Investment In Kenya
  • Real estate investment in Kenya requires a comprehensive understanding of the legal factors and regulations that govern the industry.
  • Conducting thorough research on real estate investment in Kenya is crucial to ensure your success.
  • Considering all the legal implications before finalizing your property investment is also crucial.

Understanding real estate investment in Kenya

When embarking on real estate investment in Kenya, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the legal factors and regulations that govern the industry. By considering these considerations, investors can protect their investments and ensure compliance with the law. Here are some key legal aspects to consider:

  1. Land Ownership and Titles

Before investing in any property, verifying the land ownership and ensuring the title is legitimate is essential. Conduct thorough research and request official documentation from the relevant authorities to confirm ownership rights.

  1. Property Documentation and Contracts

Ensure all property transactions are backed by proper …

Joseph Kony | The Exchange

The whereabouts of Joseph Kony, the infamous leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), remains one of the most enduring mysteries in international justice and African politics. Despite extensive efforts to capture him, Kony continues to evade justice, with his exact location a subject of much speculation and few definitive answers.…

AGIA
  • The landmark initial pledge will help to rapidly scale up financing for transformative climate-aligned infrastructure projects across the continent.
  • The new pledges will also advance AGIA towards its first close of $500 million of early-stage project preparation and development blended capital.
  • AGIA was launched a year ago at COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, by the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank, Africa50, and other partners.

In a powerful signal of support during COP28, African and global institutions, together with governments of Germany, France, and Japan and philanthropies, have pledged over $175 million to the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa (AGIA). The landmark initial pledge will help to rapidly scale up financing for transformative climate-aligned infrastructure projects across the continent.

The new pledges will also advance AGIA towards its first close of $500 million of early-stage project preparation and development blended capital. The Alliance is a partnership of …

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