• The National Bank of Rwanda has reported a surge in bank borrowers attributable to intensified awareness campaigns, and the introduction of innovative products.
• The regulator reports a 40 per cent surge in the number of depositors in commercial banks.
• However, borrowers in microfinance institutions (MFIs) and Saccos experienced a 15 per cent decline.

Rwanda’s financial services industry witnessed a remarkable uptick in the number of individuals accessing loans from commercial banks, with a 39 per cent rise recorded over 12 months ending on June 30, 2023. This surge was underpinned by proactive measures instituted by the central bank to enhance financial inclusivity in an economy historically dominated by informal and traditional savings mechanisms.

Data released by the National Bank of Rwanda (NBR) reveals a substantial growth in bank borrowers, escalating from 683,851 in June 2022 to 949,778 in June 2023. In contrast, the number of borrowers in microfinance institutions (MFIs) …

• Legal ruling favors Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), allowing clearance of Sh145 million consignment despite ownership objections.
• Dispute centered on transfer of property and risk to Dooba Enterprises Ltd, with objecting companies claiming previous ownership based on contractual agreements.
• Case highlights importance of clear contractual agreements, documentation, and effective dispute resolution mechanisms in international trade.

An array of goods valued at $1 million (KSh145 million) is set to be cleared from the Mombasa port after a legal battle between five companies and two key entities, the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). The consignment, held in four containers, faced opposition from the companies, including Ningbo Ningshing Trading Group Inc., Top Anchor Industries, Ningbo Jiaje Water-Meter Manufacture Co. Ltd Inc., Ningbo Texilong Pipe Industry Co. Ltd, and Quanzhou Datouyi Technology Co. Ltd.

However, Mombasa High Court judge Kizito Magare ruled in favor of KPA …

• Market size of Africa’s digital economy could reach $712 billion by 2050.
• In 2022 only 36 percent of the African population had access to broadband internet.
• Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are streamlining adoption of 5G services.

Africa is on the verge of an economic revolution. From the north to the southern part of the Saharan desert, nations are striving to eliminate poverty and gain a strong foothold in global markets.

In the same vein, the continent is banking on the potential held by the digital economy. Reports ping the sector to higher standards, including a report from non-profit Endeavor predicting that the market size of Africa’s digital economy could reach $712 billion by 2050.

The growth is propelled by the massive engagement of the continent’s younger population, rising smartphone adoption and increasing internet penetration.

Read also: World Bank backs Smart Africa’s Digital Academy with $20M grant

Digital economy in

• Africa private capital deals fell to to 450 deals in the past one year.
• The continent’s total private capital deal value stood at $5.9 billion, the fourth largest value on record since 2012.
• Decline in Africa private capital deals marked the continent’s steepest year-over-year decline in volume in 12 years.

Africa recorded a 28 per cent year-over-year (YoY) decline in the total private capital deal volume for the first time since 2016, falling to 450 deals. This downturn is attributed to the global economic turmoil, which led to inflation spikes and the devaluation of continental currencies.

In Kenya and Nigeria for instance, the Shilling and the Naira plunged to historic lows in 2023, while in Egypt, a shortage in foreign currency led to increased controls over its usage in the country.

According to the 2023 African Private Capital Activity Report, the depreciation of local currencies and the depletion of foreign …

• The funding is designated for the construction of a bridge spanning the River Nile in northwest Uganda and the enhancement of roads stretching over 105 kilometers.
• Uganda has encountered obstacles in accessing financial support from international institutions like the World Bank, primarily due to policy differences.
• The loan holds the potential to stimulate job creation, foster entrepreneurship, and spur innovation

Uganda has finalized an agreement with the Saudi Islamic Development Bank (IDB), securing a $295 million loan to bolster infrastructure development, particularly road construction projects across the country. This landmark agreement, signed by Uganda’s Finance Minister, Matia Kasaija, and IDB President Muhammad Al Jassar in Riyadh, underscores Uganda’s strategic shift towards diversifying its sources of external funding amidst ongoing negotiations with traditional lenders such as the World Bank.

The financing agreement, which was formalized during Minister Kasaija’s attendance at the 2024 Islamic Development Bank Group Annual Meetings in Riyadh, marks …

• The urgency to transform African food systems is not solely an agricultural or economic imperative but a moral, social, and ecological one.
• Africa is confronted with a heavy crisis of malnutrition, poverty, inequality, and unemployment. Food affordability and access are unevenly distributed, and gaps widen even further.
• Improving the performance of the food system is critical if we are to sustainably feed nearly 10 billion people by 2050 while raising farmer incomes, protecting them from climate change, and helping them to thrive.

Africa, a continent of great potential, stands at a crossroads. Africa has most of the world’s most fertile lands, immense resources, and a growing young population. However, it remains paradoxically entangled in the danger of food insecurity and malnutrition.

Challenges such as climate change, post-harvest losses, poor farming technologies, and inadequate supply chains persist. The urgency to change African food systems is not solely an agricultural or economic …

• 19 African Heads of State seek to triple IDA’s financing capacity to $279 billion by 2030.
• IDA remains [Africa’s] most dependable source of capital, with every dollar of donor financing enabling an additional $3.5 in capital market leverage to amplify development impacts: President Ruto
• We are united by a shared vision for the future of Africa—a continent rich in diversity, culture, and potential, thanks to its young people and natural resources: The World Bank Group President Ajay Banga.

In a historic gathering of 19 African Heads of State and government in Nairobi, Kenya’s President William Ruto has ramped up calls for increased concessional financing from the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA).

The rallying call, which was made during the International Development Association (IDA21) for Africa Heads of State Summit held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, reverberated with urgency and determination.

President Ruto’s plea sought …

• Starlink, has introduced a significant price reduction of 55.6% for its installation hardware kit in the Kenyan market.
• This promotional offer is valid until May 15, providing Kenyans the opportunity to purchase the hardware equipment at $292.36 (KSh39,500), a substantial discount from the usual asking price of $658.04 (KSh89,000).
• An analysis in October 2023 highlighted Kenya and Mozambique as the top markets with the highest charges for internet installation compared to other African countries where Starlink has a presence.

Billionaire Elon Musk’s satellite internet firm, Starlink, has introduced a significant price reduction of 55.6 percent for its installation hardware kit in the Kenyan market. This promotional offer is valid until May 15, providing Kenyans the opportunity to purchase the hardware equipment at $292.36 (KSh39,500), a substantial discount from the usual asking price of $658.04 (KSh89,000).

The promotional message displayed on the firm’s website states, “SpaceX’s Starlink kit has an offer …

• Data from the World Bank’s Global Findex Database 2021 indicates significant strides in female financial inclusion over the past decade.
• In the 10 years leading up to 2021, the share of women in Africa who owned a financial account doubled to more than 49 per cent.
• This surge in women’s account ownership in many developing countries is largely attributed to mobile money platforms.

Data from the World Bank’s Global Findex Database 2021 indicates significant strides in female financial inclusion over the past decade. The gender gap in ownership of formal financial accounts in developing countries has decreased from 9 to 6 per cent, signifying a move towards financial parity for women.

The increase in account ownership among women has outpaced that of men, with 68 per cent of adult women in developing nations now participating in formal financial systems. This surge in women’s account ownership in many developing countries is …

• AIM Congress promises to be a melting pot of insights, strategies, and opportunities aimed at shaping the future of global investment.
• The congress has carved a niche for itself as a premier investment platform dedicated to fostering collaboration and driving innovation.
• The Innovation and Technology Track will delve into the latest trends and innovations across various domains, including artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, smart agriculture, and bockchain technology.

The anticipation is building as the AIM Investment Summit 2024 gears up to host over 450 dialogue sessions, featuring 900 speakers and experts from around the globe. In collaboration with over 330 local, international, and global partners, this event promises to be a melting pot of insights, strategies, and opportunities aimed at shaping the future of global investment.

Twenty-four of these partners step forward as supporting sponsors of the main conference, lending their expertise to provide participants with invaluable insights, best …