Browsing: Africa

Mozambique's green energy
  • Mozambique’s Green Energy Transition Strategy (ETS) to drastically reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.
  • As a nation with one of the world’s lowest electricity consumption rates, Mozambique is poised to leapfrog into a new era of energy sufficiency and independence.
  • Mozambique’s success or failure of this venture could offer valuable lessons for other countries grappling with the complexities of sustainable development and climate-aligned economic growth.

Mozambique’s green energy move

Mozambique has embarked on an $80 billion Energy Transition Strategy (ETS) to drastically reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. This bold initiative, set to be unveiled by President Filipe Nyusi at the COP28 international climate summit in Dubai, represents a significant pivot towards sustainable development and positions Mozambique at the forefront of the global green energy transition.

At the heart of Mozambique’s strategy is integrating 2,000 megawatts of hydropower capacity by 2030, which aims to address the country’s energy poverty and …

US-Angola diplomatic relations

As Angola President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço visits the White House on Thursday, November 30, the US is poised to strengthen a complex alliance developed during the past three decades of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Going beyond the usual protocol, this visit exemplifies the growing bond between two countries sharing common ideals with hope for a bright and safe future. …

Russia-Africa ties
  • In recent years, Moscow has focused on building new Russia-Africa ties.
  • Russia is interested in searching for new economic markets and geopolitical influence in Africa.
  • Russia’s trade with African economies stood at only $18 billion in 2022.

In recent years, Moscow has focused on building new Russia-Africa ties. Russia is invigorating alliances developed during the Cold War when the former Soviet Union supported socialist movements across Africa.

Following the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991, Moscow largely withdrew from the continent. However, since at least 2007, Russia has refocused its involvement and influence in Africa.

Over the years, Russia has contracted with over 30 African countries to provide military equipment and armaments. Businesses, including state-backed commercial interests, have invested significantly in technology security sectors and industries that extract natural resources, including oil, gas, gold, and other minerals.

“Russia is clearly interested, in search of new economic markets and geopolitical influence in …

carbon offsets | African carbon markets

In recent years, Africa has gained increasing attention in the climate change dialogue, especially its role in the global carbon offset market. But what exactly does this mean for the continent and the world? This article delves into the concept of carbon offsets in Africa, explores the benefits, assesses Africa’s contribution to global emissions, and examines the leading countries in carbon trading.…

climate financing | COP28 | climate change conference

The Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) represents an important international forum for countries to discuss and address global climate change issues. However, these conferences have tended to be high-level and process-based, and COP 27 was no exception. – negotiations took place, and some of the highlights included the historic establishment of the loss and damage fund, which was seen as setting a precedent for climate justice.

However, agreements on other matters, such as phasing out fossil fuels and setting emission peak periods, were not achieved. For African countries, COP 28 marks an important pivot point around funding, just transition, and the Nairobi Declaration. There will be a push for realisations on commitments made and innovative funding mechanisms to drive accelerated climate action now and beyond.…

African Securities Exchanges Association
  • Nairobi, Kenya, will be the site of the highly anticipated Annual Conference of the African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA) from November 22nd to 24th, 2023. 
  • The African Securities Exchanges Association has played a pivotal role in moulding Africa’s financial scene.
  • A partnership of financial firms, the African Securities Exchanges Association is a key player in Africa’s economic revival. Its ability to promote inclusive growth, knowledge sharing, and cooperation is crucial.

Nairobi, Kenya, will be the site of the highly anticipated Annual Conference of the African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA) from November 22nd to 24th, 2023, drawing the attention of the financial community of Africa. Positioning for Growth: Unlocking Africa’s Stock Exchange Potential for Sustained Economic Development is more than simply a debate topic; it’s a rallying cry for an economic revolution that is about to happen on the African continent.

The African Securities Exchanges Conglomerate (ASEA) has played a pivotal

family businesses
  • Most East African family businesses believe that it is essential to be trusted by customers, employees and family members. 
  • Among those who consider trust among each group important: 56% are fully trusted by customers, 47% are fully trusted by employees and 77% are fully trusted by family members.
  • East Africa’s level of trust is slightly higher than global survey on family businesses.

Family businesses in East Africa demonstrated robust performance over the past financial year, with 64 percent experiencing growth, compared to 46 percent in 2021, as indicated by a survey conducted by the advisory firm PwC. The PwC’s East Africa Family Business Survey 2023 affirms the resilience of family businesses, consistently overcoming geopolitical challenges.

Despite their success, experts emphasize that these businesses must adopt new priorities to ensure the longevity of their legacies. The landscape of building trust in business is undergoing a fundamental and rapid transformation. Environmental, Social,

Nigeria | Saudi Arabia | Nigeria-Saudi Arabia Business Council
  • The Nigeria-Saudi Business Council could see the Middle Eastern country fund several sectors of the West African economy.
  • Through the council, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia plans to replicate various investments made in Pakistan, Indonesia, and India in Nigeria.
  • Africa has increasingly become the subject of high competition between global economic powers.

Nigeria anticipates multi-billion-dollar “immediate” investment flows from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This follows the signing of an agreement between the countries to establish a business council. The Nigeria-Saudi Business Council could see the Middle Eastern country fund several sectors of the West African economy. These include technological advancements, telecommunications, energy, oil and gas, and agriculture.

The two countries resolved to restore the Nigeria-Saudi Business Council. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Abdulaziz proposed the Business Council in 2019. However, the former president of Nigeria, Mahammadu Buhari, resisted the council.

“We expect to see significant investment flow immediately,” Abubakar …

Artificial intelligence (AI) in Africa
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers new job opportunities for tech-savvy African graduates.
  • African policymakers must, however, protect current employees from job losses in the new AI era.
  • Gen AI has the potential to offer solutions for Africa’s medical, nutrition, and financial difficulties.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the new frontier, offering numerous possibilities for efficient productivity. However, what does it mean for Africa’s job sector?

AI means new job opportunities for tech experts. Yet, it also means lost jobs for less tech-savvy staff. For example, Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) can generate text, images, or other media using generative models. This implies that graphic designers, copywriters, artists, personal assistants, and others are no longer needed.

“Gen AI is being embedded in everyday tools like email, word processing applications, and meeting software, which means the technology is already positioned to radically transform how people work,” writes Sandra Durth, a researcher with consulting firm, …