Africa Matters

Toyota’s global sales, output hit record 5.6 million vehicles

April–September sales surged 8.3% year-on-year, thanks to strong demand and improved supply chains. Toyota Motor Corp’s global sales climbed 8.3% in April to September from a year earlier to a record 5,596,183 vehicles, putting the world’s biggest carmaker on track for another year of strong gains thanks to robust demand and improving supply conditions. Global production in the fiscal…

Read More

British Airways celebrates as inaugural service from London Gatwick to Accra successfully touches down

British Airways’ first flight from London Gatwick to Accra touched down at Kotoka International Airport yesterday at 18.26 local time. By Matt Pole The inaugural service received a warm West African welcome as it taxied to stand, with dancers, drummers and a VIP delegation, including the British High Commissioner to Ghana, Harriet Thompson, greeting customers as they…

Read More

Tanzania: Dar es Salaam, Berlin to Boost Ties

By Sophia Kumkana THE future prospects of economic and trade relation between Tanzania and Germany are set to hit new heights, with the visit into the country by the latter’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier starting today. In the course, Germany’s top leaders will visit four African countries this week, including Germany Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who departed Berlin for Nigeria yesterday,…

Read More

Kenya to become visa-free to African visitors

Kenya is to end visa requirements to all African visitors by the end of the year, President William Ruto has said. “It is time we… realise that having visa restrictions amongst ourselves is working against us,” he told an international conference. Visa-free travel within the continent has been a goal of the African Union (AU) for the past decade….

Read More

Kikwete to Dr Tulia: You made us proud

DAR ES SALAAM: FORMER President Jakaya Kikwete has joined other famous figures across the world to congratulate Speaker Dr Tulia Ackson for being elected as the President of the global Inter – Parliamentary Union (IPU). Dr Tulia’s victory makes her the 31st president of the IPU and the first woman from the African continent to hold the position. With…

Read More

Germany President Steinmeier visits Dar tomorrow

TANZANIA: German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier , is expected in Tanzania on Monday, ready to begin his three-day official visit. President Steinmeier will be accompanied by a delegation of business leaders from top German companies who will participate in a Business Forum with their Tanzanian counterparts and officials in Dar es Salaam on 31st  October,2023. President Steinmeier will hold official talks…

Read More

Ruto urges African leaders to accelerate realisation of AfCFTA agreement

President William Ruto has called on African leaders to accelerate the realisation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. The President said AfCFTA will increase intra-Africa trade thereby creating jobs and wealth for the people. President Ruto noted that Visa restrictions between African countries and tariffs are unnecessary hindrances to trade. “It is time we realise the…

Read More

Kigali to Host Africa’s Business Heroes Summit and Grand Finale in November

The City of Kigali will, from November 23 to 24, witness the celebration of top entrepreneurs competing in real-time for the 2023 Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) prize competition, and their share of $1.5 million in unrestricted grant funding. The competition, now in its fifth year, is sponsored by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy to shine a spotlight…

Read More

Tanzania best investment destination in East Africa

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA is the most preferred investment destination in East Africa for investors eyeing to explore the region in the next two years, according to survey conducted by KPMG advisory firm. The survey shows 15 per cent of respondents on 150 C-suite level and senior executives in the region say they would consider investing in Tanzania behind South…

Read More

Sebenza Women Awards: Business pioneers celebrated

From championing economic growth to challenging poverty, the awards shine a light on women who redefine leadership and success The Sebenza Women Awards ceremony, held at the Durban International Convention Centre (DICC) on October 6 2023, was a swirl of black and gold decor. The ceremony was in recognition of the important role women play in society, and in…

Read More

In South Africa All parents are entitled to four months parental leave, rules High Court

Sections of the Basic Conditions of Employment and the Unemployment Insurance Fund acts declared unconstitutional Sections of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) and the Unemployment Insurance Fund Act have been declared unconstitutional because, when it comes to “maternity leave”, they unfairly discriminate against mothers and fathers, surrogate parents, and those who adopt children. Johannesburg High Court Judge…

Read More

Richard Roundtree, Black action hero who played ‘Shaft,’ dead at 81

Richard Roundtree, a trailblazing Black actor who played the private eye John Shaft in the “Shaft” films of the 1970s and also took on dramatic roles dealing with race relations in America, died on Tuesday aged 81, the Hollywood Reporter said, citing his manager. Roundtree died at his home in Los Angeles of pancreatic cancer, the Reporter said, citing…

Read More

BREAKING: Ethiopian Airlines Finally Breaks Silence on the Nigeria Air Project

The leadership of Ethiopian Airlines has opened up on the controversy over the Nigerian Air initiative of the past administration of Former President Muhammadu Buhari. POLITICS NIGERIA recalls that the former Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, had floated the airline on May 27. However, it was later discovered that an aircraft belonging to Ethiopian Airlines was used to…

Read More

Renault announces eight new models for global markets

With the new Renault Group modular platform, the carmaker aims to build cars between four and five metres in length with various powertrains. French carmaker Renault has announced that it will invest €3 billion (over Rs 26,000 crore to launch eight new models outside Europe for global markets by 2027. Out of these eight, five will be from the…

Read More

How business reforms attract more investors in Tanzania

TANZANIA’s Government is currently attracting more investors thanks to  deliberate efforts to improve business environment. According to a Dubai-based Surfaces Furnishing Group Managing Director, Mr Rashid Yousif, the move has propel the flow of foreign direct investment to Tanzania. “Tanzania has simplified its business procedures, making it easy for investors to inject their capital in key and strategic investment…

Read More

African operators call for fiscal policy reforms at MWC Kigali

The Africa-focused GSMA event MWC Kigali 2023 is well under way and is proving a useful platform for some major service providers to comment on government policy across the continent – notably on taxation. In fact six CEOs, representing some of the continent’s biggest operators, have published a communique at the show urging governments to establish new policies to…

Read More

Can Africa fund its economic development? Business Africa

Story by Nadia Colombe Gbane In this week’s episode of Business Africa, Can Africa fund its economic development? Africa stands at a pivotal crossroads, grappling with political instability, climate change, and the urgent need for economic development. With a youthful population, the continent is becoming an attractive consumer market, drawing attention from supply chains worldwide. Amid these issues, one…

Read More

Africa Roundtable Positions U.S. as a Critical Energy Ally at African Energy Week (AEW) 2023

A high-level roundtable discussion at the 2023 edition of African Energy Week (AEW) highlighted how the U.S. and African countries can continue to partner across technology, policy and investment. The session began by delving into the U.S.’ relationship with Equatorial Guinea – in which it is the largest single foreign investor  – and emphasized the need to identify bankable…

Read More

Explained: What’s At Stake For Egypt As Israel Fights Hamas

Egypt openly expresses its commitment to the Palestinian cause. This is because Palestine’s quest for self-determination is a central Arab and Islamic cause. As the Israeli-Hamas crisis continues, a great deal of focus is shifting to Egypt. Egypt shares a border with both Israel and Gaza – the narrow strip of Palestinian territory which is currently under blockade following…

Read More

BRI pioneers green infrastructure in Africa

The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative is a vast, ambitious infrastructure and economic development project spanning across continents. As for China-Africa Belt and Road cooperation, one of its most significant and promising facets is its emphasis on green infrastructure projects, renewable energy development, and ecological conservation measures. At a time when the world is grappling with environmental challenges, Sino-African…

Read More

Ethiopia prime minister: Africa is becoming economic, political and social powerhouse

Story by Reuters Africa is now realising its potential and capacity, with the formerly side-lined continent harnessing its demographic dividend and natural resources and becoming an economic, political and social powerhouse, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said on Wednesday. The African continent has particularly suffered the consequences of the climate crisis and conflict in other parts of the world,…

Read More

Harnessing Private Extension Systems: The Key to Africa’s Sustainable Food Future

Privatizing extension systems can catalyze and sustain the momentum of food system transformation in Africa. By Japhet Laizer Agriculture in Africa has the potential to satisfy not only its own domestic food but also those of the rest of the world. Agriculture remains one of the driving engine sectors for the continent, empowering most of the population and accounting…

Read More

Privatizing extension systems can  catalyze and sustain the momentum of food system transformation in Africa

By Japhet Laizer, AGRA Program officer Agriculture in Africa has the potential not only to satisfy its own domestic food needs but also those of the rest of the world. Agriculture remains one of the driving sectors for the continent, supporting the majority of the population and accounting for 14% of GDP in sub-Saharan Africa. As agriculture becomes more…

Read More

Gates Foundation Allocates $30 Million Towards Advancing AI In Africa

The investment is the foundation’s latest effort to bring the benefits of AI to low- and middle-income countries. On Tuesday, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced a $30 million investment in a new AI platform in Africa that it says will aid scientists in developing solutions for healthcare and social issues across the continent. The foundation hopes the…

Read More

Nigeria Rises to 4th in Africa’s Trade Rankings

The latest Africa Trade Barometer has revealed that Nigeria has moved up four positions from eighth to forth in the country rankings. The Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc shared some of its latest findings from the Africa Trade Barometer 2023 Issue three report. The report, which assesses key economic indicators in Africa, highlights several noteworthy developments across African countries. According…

Read More

Global Energy as a Service (EaaS) Market to Reach $72.62 Billion by 2023, Fueled by Increasing Renewable Energy Adoption

The global energy as a service (EaaS) market is poised for remarkable growth, with a projected valuation of US$72.62 billion by 2023, representing a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.95% during the forecast period. Energy as a service (EaaS) is a transformative solution that promotes the adoption of advanced, low-carbon technologies. Under this business model, customers can…

Read More

UN General Assembly elects 15 new members to Human Rights Council

The UN General Assembly on Tuesday elected 15 new countries to serve on the Human Rights Council, with Peru and Russia failing to secure a seat. After the ballots were cast and counted, Assembly President Dennis Francis announced Albania, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burundi, China, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominican Republic, France, Ghana, Indonesia, Japan, Kuwait, Malawi, and the Netherlands were elected…

Read More

Netflix Reportedly Axes Free Mobile Plan in Kenya: A Bold Move Or Risky Gamble?

by Nabaparna Bhattacharya, Benzinga Editor Netflix, Inc. NFLX+0.36%+ Free Alerts is reportedly concluding its free mobile plan in Kenya, which has authorized users to access a quarter of its shows and movies without spending over the past two years. It did not say how many subscribers it had added as a consequence of the strategy, designed to recruit new paying users,…

Read More

UN Calls Africa for Closing Internet Connectivity and Digital Governance Gap

Against a backdrop of growing geopolitical tensions, proliferating crises and widening inequalities, the challenges facing the global community in reaching the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development are vast, the UN said on Monday. With the Internet holding a critical role in navigating these complexities, the 18th annual Internet Governance Forum hosted by the Government of Japan is under the…

Read More

Tanzania President Samia becomes first woman to be conferred honorary doctorate by JNU

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan was conferred an honorary doctorate by Jawaharlal Nehru University on Tuesday, becoming the first woman to be bestowed with the honour.President Hassan arrived in India on a four-day visit on Sunday.Hassan, the first woman president of Tanzania, went down memory lane to share her journey — from being born in a humble family in…

Read More

World Mental Health Day 2023: Date, Theme, Importance, Facts, Celebration

World Mental Health Day highlights the significance of comprehensive help for people confronting both long-term physical illnesses and related mental health issues World Mental Health Day is observed yearly on October 10, to bring issues to light regarding the mental health of people globally. The day is intended to make us more aware of our psychological well-being and the…

Read More

Africa Mobile Broadband Summit 2023: Powering Digital Africa

Huawei and GSMA Intelligence held the Africa Mobile Broadband Summit 2023 in Dubai today. The event brought together African telecom regulators, industry organizations, carriers, think tanks, and industry partners to discuss a wide range of topics, including expanding mobile coverage, increasing 4G uptake, and managing the region’s evolution towards 5G. Li Peng, Huawei’s Corporate Senior Vice President and President…

Read More

IMF, World Bank hold first meetings in Africa in 50 years

The IMF and World Bank gather in Morocco Monday for their first annual meetings on African soil in 50 years, under pressure to reform to better aid poor nations blighted by debt and climate change. The International Monetary Fund and World Bank traditionally hold their annual gathering of finance ministers and central bank governors outside their Washington headquarters every…

Read More

Tanzania our closest, biggest partner in Africa: PM at MoU exchange event

Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing the Exchange programme, stressed that Tanzania is the biggest and the closest partner of India in the entire Africa, noting that today marks a historic day in India-Tanzania relations. “Today is a historic day in the relations between India and Tanzania. Today we are trying our age-old friendship into a Strategic Partnership,” he…

Read More

CareerJunction Employment Insights Report September 2023

Issued by: CareerJunction The CareerJunction Employment Insights Report provides an analysis of the supply and demand trends in the online job market, to represent online labour dynamics in South Africa. The analysis and findings serve as a foundation for potential HR solutions & strategies, enabling businesses and recruitment agencies to focus on relevant occupations when developing their talent attraction…

Read More

Gates Gives $40 mln to Boost Access to mRNA Vaccines in Africa 

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will give $40 million, including to a Belgian biotech company and two leading African vaccine manufacturers, in a bid to boost access to mRNA vaccines for protection against various diseases in Africa. Nivelles-based Quantoom Biosciences will get $20 million to advance work on its mRNA manufacturing platform, while the Institut Pasteur de Dakar…

Read More

SANGE BEACH: Tanzania’s Hidden Gem

By Anthony Muchoki Nestled between the historic town of Pangani and the biodiversity-rich Saadani National Park, Sange Beach is often referred to as ‘Tanzania’s best kept secret’. This pristine shoreline is a tale of nature’s untouched beauty, evoking feelings of discovery and serenity for every visitor. Even amidst its renowned landscapes, Sange Beach emerges as a distinct marvel. Its…

Read More

Today is World Teacher’s Day

“The theme for this year’s celebration is “The teachers we need for the education we want.” Every year on 5 October South Africa commemorates Teacher’s Day to recognise the importance of educators in society. It is a day set aside for students and communities to recognise the crucial part that teachers play in helping students become better citizens and…

Read More

Rising Demand in Cosmetics and Personal Care Industry Sparks Citrus Seeds Market Boom: Insights from FMI Report on the Natural Beauty Revolution

The citrus seeds market has experienced a remarkable surge in recent years, driven by growing demand for citrus fruits and their derivatives. These tiny powerhouses, loaded with essential nutrients and antioxidants, have gained popularity in the health and wellness industry. The market for citrus seeds worldwide was projected to reach US$ 4.32 billion in 2022. Sales are expected to reach US$ 8.9 billion…

Read More

Why parallel forex market thrives in Nigeria, by World Bank

The World Bank has blamed the re-emergence of parallel currency exchange market in Nigeria on resistance toward the increasing pressure on the naira and the limited supply of forex at the official window. The Bank, in a report released on Wednesday in Washington DC, said the premium between the parallel exchange rate and the official rate widened from March…

Read More

France starts pulling soldiers out of Niger

Emmanuel Macron’s military drawdown in Africa’s Sahel region continues. France started to pull troops from Niger on Thursday, the French armed forces ministry said in a statement. “The disengagement of military personnel and assets stationed in Niger begins this week. This maneuver should enable all military personnel to return to France before the end of the year,” the statement…

Read More

Uganda opposition leader Bobi Wine arrested upon return to country: Party

Uganda’s main opposition leader Bobi Wine has been arrested upon returning to the country from a trip abroad, according to his National Unity Platform (NUP). The singer-turned-politicians arrived at Entebbe International Airport on Thursday morning after a tour in several countries, including South Africa. “Our President (Bobi Wine) picked up by regime operatives as soon as he landed at…

Read More

Kenyan opposition lawmakers say the Haiti peacekeeping mission must be approved by parliament

NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenyan lawmakers said Wednesday that parliamentary approval is required before the deployment of police to the Kenya-led peacekeeping mission in Haiti to combat gang violence that was approved by the U.N. Security Council this week. Opposition lawmaker Anthony Oluoch told a session of Parliament’s lower house that the conditions for foreign deployment hadn’t been met under…

Read More

FIFA Will Host 2030 World Cup on Three Continents

Soccer’s biggest championship will celebrate its centenary by placing games in South America, Europe and Africa, with most of the games in Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Soccer’s World Cup will be staged in six countries on three continents in its centenary edition in 2030, an unexpected and complex alteration to its traditional format that was approved on Wednesday in…

Read More