Browsing: DRC

Green Giant project
  • The joint development of the Green Giant Project will expedite the construction of the first 200MW phase of the investment.
  • Mini-grids account for more than half of all new connections in DRC.
  • The agreement represents a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts between SkyPower, AFC, and the DRC.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and SkyPower Global have entered into a joint development agreement for the first phase of SkyPower’s Green Giant project in the mineral-rich country.

The move is meant to promote the use of renewable energy in the Eastern African state. This 200MW Phase one is a crucial step towards achieving the landmark 1,000MW Solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signed between SkyPower and the DRC’s state-owned utility, Société Nationale d’Electricité (SNEL).

The partnership brings together SkyPower’s extensive experience in developing large-scale solar projects and AFC’s successful track record of de-risking and funding well-structured power …

modern investors mineral wealth
  • According to authorities, tapping into DRC’s mineral wealth will yield significant returns for investors and contribute to the Congolese population’s socio-economic advancement.
  • This strategic approach resonates with President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi’s agenda to foster job creation and entrepreneurial opportunities.
  • Canadian mining giant Ivanhoe Mines is cited as an example of a “modern investor” doing business in DRC.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is embarking on a bold mission to harness its untapped mineral wealth, valued at $24 trillion, by courting “modern investors” to drive its mining-powered development plan.

At the forefront of this initiative is Mr. Miguel Kashal Katemb, the Director General of the Regulatory Authority for Subcontracting in the Private Sector (ARSP), who articulated the nation’s aspirations at the 30th annual Mining Indaba in Cape Town, South Africa.

In his address to the audience of investors, Mr Katemb underscored the DRC’s openness to all investors while emphasising the …

African football AFCON
  • Sports industry in Africa is expected to grow by 8 percent in 3 to 5 years according to advisory giant PwC
  • Currently, milions of Africans, including businesses based in the continent that have pumped millions into the tournament, are following the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2023 finals in Ivory Coast.
  • In 2021, Cameroon invested over $800 million in preparations for that year's AFCON finals.

The 2021 African football continental showpiece—Cup of Nations (AFCON)—saw Cameroon attract millions of spectators both physically and virtually, a scenario that is music to the ears of sponsors. This further fortifies the fact that sports in Africa have the potential to generate billions of dollars.

Fast forward to 2030, Morocco is poised to become the second African country to ever stage a World Cup after South Africa in 2010, marking a historic step in African football and the business value chain that comes with the sport.

In…

Burundi and Rwanda relations
  • Burundi and Rwanda relations have hit a new low, with the Burundian government suspending ties with Rwanda, closing the Rwandan border.
  • The diplomatic row between Burundi and Rwanda has a complex history, with tensions dating back to the colonial era and continuing into the post-independence period.
  • The border closure further strains relations between Burundi and Rwanda, as well as the larger East African Community (EAC).

Burundi and Rwanda relations have hit a new low, with the Burundian government suspending ties with Rwanda, closing the Rwandan border, and “chasing” out Rwandese nationals.

Burundi has accused its neighbour of supporting rebel attacks in the region. The move comes after Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye accused Rwanda of backing the Red Tabara rebel group, which orchestrated an attack near Burundi’s western border, where 20 people lost their lives, including women and children.

“We have closed our borders (with Rwanda), anyone who tries to …

DR Congo's political transition | President Tshisekedi
  • For a country so crucial to the global energy transition, the world awaits DR Congo’s political transition.
  • Congo’s political transition will be a massive factor in the significance of its massive natural resources in global energy transition needs.
  • President Felix Tshisekedi, seeking a fresh mandate from the people, refers to Congo as the ‘solution country’ for the global climate crisis.

The Democratic Republic of Congo goes to the polls today to elect a president whose role will be vital in the global fight against climate change over the next five years. The Central African nation’s minerals, forests, and rivers are crucial to the future of green transition globally. Congo’s political transition will be a massive factor in the significance of these resources in global energy needs.

President Felix Tshisekedi, seeking a fresh mandate from the people, refers to Congo as the ‘solution country’ for the global climate crisis. However, he …

Democratic Republic of Congo | DR Congo elections | DRC presidentail election | President Felix Tshekedi
  • On December 20, 2023, the eyes of Africa and the international community are keenly focused on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as it goes to its presidential and legislative elections.
  • The elections in the DRC hold significant implications for the region and the international community.
  • The recent developments in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have led to a significant diplomatic response, particularly from Kenya.

On December 20, 2023, the eyes of Africa and the international community are keenly focused on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as it goes to its presidential and legislative elections. The DRC, known for its vast mineral wealth, is at a pivotal point in its democratic journey, with the elections being a critical step towards stability and development.

The upcoming elections are taking place amid a complex backdrop of security challenges, particularly in the eastern regions where armed conflicts continue to displace millions. …

critical minerals cobalt
  • Africa holds more than half of the world’s reserves of cobalt, 46% of its manganese, and 21% of its graphite, all used in EV batteries, and about a quarter of its bauxite, which is required for solar photovoltaic technologies.
  • For decades, Africa has allowed her raw materials, including oil and natural gas, to be exported raw, without a chance to benefit from the finished product.
  • As a result, we’ve missed out on the job creation, industrialization, and economic diversification.

To meet their green agendas, the European Union, US, and China are engaged in the modern-day equivalent of a gold rush. This time, though, fortune seekers aren’t panning for shiny nuggets in Canada, America, or Australia. Instead, all eyes are on the critical minerals of Africa—cobalt, graphite, lithium, and others—raw materials essential to the production of clean technology, including electric vehicles (EV).

To say that Africa is generously endowed in this …

DRC presidential election
  • The 2023 DRC presidential election is slated for 20 December in what many view as the most consequential election in its recent history.
  • There have been reports of various logistical complications threatening to undermine the electoral process.
  • Recent developments in Nairobi have seen the emergence of a new group backed by M23 Rebels committed to the liberation of the DRC, signifying a potential shift in the regional dynamics and hinting at the high stakes involved.

On December 20, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will carry out what many view as the most consequential election in the country’s recent history. With President Félix Tshisekedi seeking a second term, nearly 40 million voters will decide whether to stay the course or set a new direction for a nation endowed with vast natural resources but plagued by longstanding challenges.

The DRC, the largest country in sub-Saharan Africa, holds nearly 70 per cent …

Democratic Republic of Congo | DR Congo elections | DRC presidentail election | President Felix Tshekedi
  • Economic considerations are why the world is watching the DR Congo elections. 
  • President Félix Tshisekedi’s approach to the Eastern Congo crisis is a matter of immediate political strategy and a defining aspect of his legacy.
  • DR Congo’s political stability is crucial for international markets.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) is at a pivotal moment with the delay of its December 20th election, attracting global attention. This postponement, amid logistical challenges and the ongoing conflict in the eastern provinces, raises concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.

The country’s history of electoral irregularities, including allegations of fraud in past elections, amplifies these worries. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, as any perceived manipulation could further destabilize the already fragile political landscape of the country and the Central African region.

Winning the Hearts of Eastern Congo: A Keystone for Tshisekedi’s Legacy

President Félix Tshisekedi’s approach to …

Bluewave insurance
  • Kenya’s Bluewave Insurance Agency has announced plans to raise $6 million to expand into five new African markets to increase insurance penetration in markets characterized by low uptake.
  • Company Founder and CEO Adelaide Odhiambo says the investment would be raised over the next three years.
  • The insurer is partnering with Mobile Network Operators and banks to distribute affordable micro-insurance products, with plans to enter Uganda, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Malawi, DRC, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Zambia.

Kenya’s Bluewave Insurance Agency has announced plans to raise $6 million as the firm seeks to expand into five new African markets, aiming to increase insurance penetration in regions characterized by low uptake. Adelaide Odhiambo, Founder and CEO of Bluewave Insurance Agency, stated that the investment would be raised over the next three years to support the expansion plans.

Bluewave Insurance Agency’s new target markets

The company has forged partnerships with large aggregators, specifically Mobile Network Operators …