By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian American singer and rapper 6lack is making his way back to South Africa after a six-year hiatus, announcing his return in a playful social media video where he spins a globe and lands on South Africa. 6lack has been added to the lineup for the Rocking The Daisies festival in Cape Town, marking…
By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian The Free Market Foundation (FMF) argues that South Africa has little in common with its BRICS partners, deeming discussions of a unified currency impractical. The idea of a “BRICS currency” has gained traction in recent years amid broader efforts to promote “de-dollarisation” and reduce dependence on the U.S. dollar. This push has been…
By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian The 13th edition of the Durban Fashion Fair (DFF), themed “Coming of Age,” is currently captivating audiences at The Station Urban Event Space in Durban. Running from Wednesday to Friday, the event celebrates Africa’s finest fashion talent. As part of eThekwini Municipality’s Fashion Development Programme, the DFF provides a platform for local designers…
Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian While seven in ten Africans express concerns about the influence of foreign powers, China and the U.S. stand out as the most impactful. Interestingly, much of this influence is viewed favorably. In countries like Rwanda and Chad, nearly all youth—96% in both cases—hold positive views of China’s influence, followed closely by Kenya at 95%…
By Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian As COP29 approaches, the recently released State of the Climate in Africa report offers crucial insights into the climate challenges facing the continent. The report, compiled by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and launched in September 2023, provides an in-depth overview of the ongoing climate crisis in Africa. It is expected to play…
By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian Renowned actress Lupita Nyong’o is embarking on a new venture: a podcast that brings to light the richness and diversity of African life. Throughout her illustrious career, Nyong’o has vividly portrayed African characters, both real and fictional, earning her critical acclaim and a place in Hollywood history as the first Black African actress…
The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) (www.AWIEForum.org/) is delighted to announce the finalists for the prestigious 2024 AWIEF Awards, set to recognize and celebrate the achievements of Africa’s women entrepreneurs and business leaders. The awards, held annually as part of the AWIEF conference, honor the impact of women entrepreneurs in driving innovation, promoting gender equality, and contributing…
By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian Whitney Houston’s legendary 1994 performance in South Africa, held shortly after Nelson Mandela’s historic election, is set to grace theater screens this fall. The concert, now fully remastered, will be showcased in a theatrical release titled “The Concert for a New South Africa (Durban),” as announced by Houston’s estate, Sony Music Entertainment, and…
The Basketball Africa League (BAL) (www.BAL.NBA.com) will launch the second edition of the “BAL Future Pros”- a program launched last year to support early-career professionals across Africa to build their careers within the sports ecosystem, develop their skills, network and experience by integrating into different BAL departments. 22 BAL Future Pros were hired in 2024 from February to May…
Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian FIFA has released its updated national team rankings, bringing several notable changes within the African top 20. Tunisia made a significant leap, moving up to 5th place in Africa after an impressive performance in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. This advancement saw Tunisia gaining five places globally, while Nigeria stagnated and dropped to 6th in…
By Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian Carmart Africa has once again solidified its position as a leader in the Nigerian car market with the launch of its Free Car Price Checker and Car Valuation Tool (available here). This innovative tool is set to revolutionize the car-buying experience by addressing one of the market’s biggest challenges: the inflated and often…
By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian South Africa and Nigeria are in contention to host the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), following an invitation from the African Union. As Africa’s largest and longest-running music awards platform, AFRIMA enjoys massive global appeal, attracting a diverse audience from across the continent and beyond. AFRIMA’s main events are broadcast live to over…
The Africa Aerospace and Defense (AAD) 2024 kicked off Wednesday in Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa, showcasing the latest advances in technology, goods and services from the international defense industry. Running until Sunday, the 12th edition of the AAD features cutting-edge innovations in aviation, aerospace, and defense. Segomotso Tire, chairperson of the AAD Executive Committee, emphasized that…
It’s been a decade since Wizkid’s groundbreaking hit “Ojuelegba” first hit the airwaves, and it remains a strong anthem that captivated listeners worldwide. Released in 2014 as part of his second album “Ayo,” the track tells the story of Wizkid’s struggles as an emerging artist, hustling through the streets of Ojuelegba, Lagos, to finance his recording dreams. In this…
The Africa Food Systems Forum 2024, the largest agricultural forum on the continent, has urged the mobilization of Africa’s youth and women to utilize their creativity as a catalyst for economic growth. This Focus On highlights the vital outcomes required to reform Africa’s food systems and emphasizes the importance of financial inclusion as a means to enhance rural development….
By Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian Allison, a prominent communications consultancy, and BHM, Africa’s leading public relations firm, are teaming up to host an exclusive breakfast event during the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York City. The event, named ‘Africa Breakfast Convos,’ will take place on September 27 at the World Trade Center. It will bring together…
Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in partnership with TradeMark Africa (TMA) and the East African Business Council (EABC), has introduced a $508,000 grant fund aimed at enhancing capital and credit access for over 220 small enterprises in East Africa. David Rogers, USAID’s Deputy Director for the East African region, highlighted that…
By Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian Aliko Dangote, the founder of Dangote Group, has urged African business leaders to take the helm in driving the continent’s transformation. Speaking at the African Renaissance Retreat in Kigali, Rwanda, Dangote highlighted that despite Africa’s numerous challenges, its youthful population and vast natural resources—including about 30% of the world’s mineral reserves and the…
By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian Rwandan President Paul Kagame has praised the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) for ensuring that Africa has a clear voice in the future of its food systems. Speaking at the recently concluded Africa Food Systems Forum 2024, Kagame highlighted the critical role of food production in Africa’s economy, noting that…
By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian Governments, industries, and key stakeholders now have access to a new, action-oriented toolkit aimed at ensuring the global energy transition is equitable, just, and sustainable. This toolkit comes as demand for minerals critical to renewable energy is expected to nearly triple by 2030, according to a report released on Wednesday by an expert…
By Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian During his keynote speech at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in Beijing on September 5, President Xi Jinping unveiled a new blueprint for China-Africa collaboration over the next three years, emphasizing a joint effort to advance modernization. President Xi’s speech presented several distinctive elements, beginning with a “new” positioning of…
By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian AfriSummit 2024, an initiative by PRA Consultancy and organized by Hubplus Events in collaboration with Pioneers, is set to take place from November 3-6, 2024, at the Grand Nile Tower in Cairo, Egypt. This landmark event will bring together key players from the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors, regulatory authorities, and leading solution…
By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian As businesses across Africa grapple with high employee turnover and a workforce increasingly driven by purpose and career development, experts emphasize the importance of meaningful work for talent retention. At the Regional HR Summit held in Nairobi, HR leaders, industry experts, and policymakers gathered to address the need for a shift in talent…
By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian South African star Tyla won her first MTV Video Music Award (VMA) this year, using her acceptance speech to spotlight the rich and diverse nature of African music. The 2024 MTV Video Music Awards took place yesterday at the UBS Arena in Queens, New York, with Megan Thee Stallion as the host. Tyla…
Africa is home to some of the most impressive stadiums in the world, showcasing not only architectural grandeur but also the rich sporting culture across the continent. These massive arenas have played host to iconic football matches, athletic events, and concerts, attracting millions of fans from far and wide. From the bustling cities of South Africa to Egypt and…
Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian We are excited to announce that Mr. Antony Phillipson, the British High Commissioner to South Africa, will be a keynote speaker at the DEVAC HYDROGEN-H INDABA, taking place from September 18-19, 2024, at the NH Sandton (formerly Hilton Sandton) in Johannesburg, South Africa. The conference aims to bolster global and local collaboration under the…
By Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian The United States has proposed adding two permanent seats for African countries on the UN Security Council, marking a significant step in its efforts to strengthen ties with Africa and Pacific Island nations, which are increasingly important in global geopolitics. US Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, is expected to officially announce…
By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian The Airtel Africa Foundation has launched the ‘Airtel Africa Fellowship Program’ for undergraduate students at IIT Madras Zanzibar, the first foreign campus established by an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). The Fellowship is aimed at supporting talented students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds who are enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Data Science…
By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian Elon Musk has revealed that SpaceX’s satellite internet service, Starlink, is currently awaiting regulatory approval in South Africa. This update comes after a South African user expressed frustration on Twitter/X about the slow internet service available on his farm. The user, who posted a photo of a fixed wireless-access antenna on his farm,…
Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian The Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) has highlighted the crucial role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and inclusive trade in unlocking Africa’s vast economic potential. GABI emphasizes that these strategies are essential for spurring economic growth, reducing poverty, and creating jobs across the continent. Ahead of its 2024 flagship event, “Unstoppable…
By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote has once again claimed the title of Africa’s richest person, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Dangote, the 66-year-old founder and CEO of the Dangote Group—a conglomerate involved in cement, sugar, and oil—has surpassed South African billionaire Johann Rupert, who briefly held the top spot in late August. As…
By Elizabeth Antidius Shumbusho | Africa Guardian Investing in female teachers and principals is one of the most effective ways to enhance educational opportunities for African girls, according to a joint report by the African Union and UNESCO, titled Educating Girls and Ending Child Marriage in Africa. The report, released during the first Pan-African Conference on Girls’ and Women’s…
By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian The recently concluded 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, chaired by African Heads of State and delegations from across the continent, was hailed as a success. Chinese President Xi Jinping called it a “stellar example,” highlighting the progress made during the summit. President Xi committed to implementing ten…
By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has released its 2024 Africa Agriculture Status Report, titled “Harnessing the Private Sector for Food Systems Transformation in Africa.” The report examines the crucial role that micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) play in reshaping food systems across the continent. Created in partnership with…
By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian Engie, a French utility company, anticipates increased mergers and acquisitions in Africa’s renewable energy sector, including in South Africa. Following its $1-billion acquisition of renewable assets from Actis last year, Engie is focused on integrating these assets rather than seeking further acquisitions. However, the company is also working on developing a pipeline of…
Kigali, Rwanda 9th September 2024 – The young people at the Africa food Systems on 6th September 2024committed to being accountable for the Africa food systems, a commitment set to be presented at COP29. The Kigali youth Declaration calls on various stakeholders to amplify the voice of the young people, address the pressing issues of climate change and youth…
By Dr. Agnes Kalibata, AGRA President The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat; it’s an immediate and pressing reality. The world is on a trajectory that suggests we will exceed the critical 1.5°C warming limit set by the Paris Agreement. This “climate overshoot” is poised to wreak havoc on global health, food security, and water access, disproportionately…
By Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), has lauded Saudi Arabia for its remarkable “support, dedication, and friendliness” towards Africa. His remarks came during the Saudi Fund for Development’s 50th anniversary celebration in Riyadh. Celebrating 50 Years of Impact In his address, Adesina highlighted the profound impact of the…
By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) has granted CRDB Bank Plc a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to expand its operations outside Africa, marking a historic first for the Central Bank. This milestone acknowledges CRDB’s financial stability and strong performance, setting a new precedent in the region’s banking sector. A Pioneering Move BoT Governor Dr….
By Elizabeth Antidius Shumbusho | Africa Guardian Infinity Developments, a subsidiary of Dubai-based Infinity Group, is preparing to launch Africa’s most luxurious resort — the Anantara Zanzibar Resort. Scheduled for completion in 2027, this $230 million project will transform the pristine shores of Nungwi, offering unparalleled luxury and elegance. A New Standard in Luxury Construction for the Anantara Zanzibar…
By Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged nearly $51 billion in financial support for Africa over the next three years, with plans to fund infrastructure projects and create at least one million jobs. Speaking at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, Xi outlined China’s readiness to enhance cooperation with Africa across various sectors,…
By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian At the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) this week, China strengthened its diplomatic and economic ties with North Africa, announcing a strategic partnership with Libya and a $14 million investment in Egypt. The summit, attended by leaders from over 50 African nations, focused on issues such as climate…
This year’s WAYA awards finalists were selected from a record-breaking 1,535applications spanning 44 African nations, a significant increase from the 1,430applicants and 42 participating nations in 2023. This highlights the growing influence and importance of women in Africa’s agribusiness sector. The finalists represented diverse countries, including Benin, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, South…
By Elizabeth Antidius Shumbusho | Africa Guardian At the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema signed a significant memorandum of understanding (MoU) to revitalize the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA). The agreement was formalized on September 4, marking the beginning of the summit,…
By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group, has announced that the Dangote refinery is poised to meet the petrol demands of not only Nigeria but also the entire sub-Saharan region. The refinery, with a production capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, has commenced petrol production. Speaking to the press during a recent inspection of…
By Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian At the Indonesia-Africa 2024 Forum, Tanzania has reaffirmed its dedication to advancing Africa’s economic transformation under the African Agenda 2063. On the second day of the forum, Zanzibar President Dr. Hussein Mwinyi emphasized the critical role of Africa’s economic development in fostering growth, political stability, and global cooperation. Dr. Mwinyi highlighted that Africa’s…
Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian China, Tanzania, and Zambia have signed a memorandum of understanding to revitalize the 1,860-kilometer railway connecting Tanzania and Zambia, according to Xinhua news agency. This $1 billion initiative, proposed by Beijing in February, aims to enhance Zambia’s access to global markets. The railway stretches from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s port capital, to Kapiri Mposhi…
By Elizabeth Antidius Shumbusho | Africa Guardian This week, African leaders are gathering in China for a pivotal meeting with President Xi Jinping, marking a significant moment in Beijing’s efforts to enhance its influence on the continent amid subtle competition with Western nations. The China-Africa Summit, running from September 4 to 6, will provide a platform for discussions on…
By Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian The ongoing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, from Wednesday to Friday, offers China and Africa another opportunity to enhance strategic communication and deepen practical cooperation. Since its inception in 2000, FOCAC has been widely embraced by African nations for its tangible outcomes and meaningful projects that have significantly…
By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian In a bid to build healthier, more inclusive, sustainable, resilient, and equitable food systems in Africa, AGRA, in collaboration with The Africa Food Systems Forum, has launched the 2024 Africa Agriculture Status Report titled “Harnessing the Private Sector for Food Systems Transformation in Africa” in Kigali, Rwanda. This launch comes amidst concerns that…
By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian On the sidelines of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Chinese leaders are engaging in extensive meetings and negotiations with various African leaders. The focus is on expanding cooperation in key sectors such as the digital economy, blue economy (centered on oceanic resources), and green development. Liu Yuxi, the…
Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian Many large South African corporations have implemented Enterprise Development Programmes (EDPs) and Supplier Development Programmes (SDPs) to support and uplift small, medium, and micro-enterprises (SMMEs), especially those owned by individuals from previously disadvantaged groups. These programmes play a crucial role in fostering business growth and enhancing economic inclusion. Understanding EDPs and SDPs EDPs are…
By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian Chidimma Adetshina has been named Miss Universe Nigeria, overcoming recent challenges following a controversial attempt to compete in Miss South Africa. The 23-year-old, who was born to a Nigerian father and South African mother in South Africa, faced backlash from some South Africans, including a government minister, due to her dual heritage. This…
By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian President Hussein Ali Mwinyi departed on Saturday for Indonesia to represent President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the second Indonesia Africa Forum (IAF), which will be held from today until September 3, 2024. Themed “Bandung Spirit for Africa’s Agenda 2063,” the forum is hosted in Bali and will feature African leaders from Zimbabwe, Rwanda,…
African leaders have gathered in Beijing this week, aiming to secure significant loans and investments for critical infrastructure projects amid intensifying global competition over resources and influence on the continent. Over the past decade, China has significantly deepened its ties with African nations, providing billions in loans to fund infrastructure projects. While these investments have helped build vital infrastructure,…
Urgent Need for Cross-Border Legal Frameworks to Combat Financial Crime African nations are increasingly recognizing money laundering as a pervasive issue that necessitates cross-border solutions. This call for coordinated legal frameworks comes amid growing concerns over how money laundering fuels various forms of organized crime, including terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and poaching. The 48th Eastern and Southern Africa…
OP|ED Harnessing Philanthropic Power to Transform Health Outcomes As a professional in the philanthropy sector, I am heartened by two significant trends that are shaping the future of health innovations in Africa. Firstly, there is a noticeable shift in international health assistance towards directly supporting African scientists and institutions. In 2023, over 55% of major donations from non-African funders…
By Elizabeth Antidius Shumbusho | Africa Guardian Parliamentary Leaders from 22 Nations Meet to Forge Stronger Global Alliances The Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Forum (IAPF) 2024 began on Sunday in Bali, bringing together parliamentary leaders and representatives from 22 countries. The event, hosted in Nusa Dua, Bali, was launched by Puan Maharani, Speaker of Indonesia’s House of Representatives (DPR), who called…
By Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian As the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) approaches, Beijing prepares to host a crucial gathering from September 4 to 6 that could mark a new chapter in Sino-African relations. This summit is not just another diplomatic meeting; it represents China’s commitment to fostering long-term partnerships with Africa aimed at…
By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian The China-Africa Summit, a three-day event in Beijing, aims to foster joint development between China and Africa under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). A key focus of the summit will be aligning development strategies for African countries and enhancing connectivity to promote modernization and build a future-oriented society. China’s interest in Africa…