Africa’s Coldest Country of Snow, Glaciers, and Subzero Temperatures Elizabeth Antidius Shumbusho | Africa Guardian When picturing Africa, snow-covered landscapes likely aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. Yet, in certain parts of the continent, snow is not just a rare occurrence—it’s a defining feature. Among these unique locations, Lesotho stands out as Africa’s coldest country, where temperatures…
Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian For the first time, Africa has taken a seat as a full member of the G20, marking a transformative step in the continent’s pursuit of global influence. The 2024 G20 Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on November 18–19, provided a platform for African leaders to push for urgent reforms in global finance…
Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian The stage is set for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with all 24 teams officially qualified for the highly anticipated tournament. Here’s everything you need to know about the qualifiers, standings, and the competition’s next chapter. Qualified Teams Hosts: MoroccoOther Qualifiers: Burkina Faso, Egypt, Algeria, Angola, DR Congo, Cameroon, Senegal, Ivory Coast,…
By Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian An investigative report by EconomyPost has revealed the operations of Alexander Rudsky, a US-based scammer running fraudulent car auction websites targeting African buyers, particularly in West Africa. Rudsky’s deceptive network includes platforms such as Old Merchant, Quality Assurance Autos (Qa Autos), Salvage King, and Monster Exports. These sites entice buyers with attractive car…
Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian At COP29, African youth emerged as key players in discussions on food systems and climate adaptation. They showcased innovative technologies and shared best practices from their farms and enterprises, highlighting their role in addressing climate shocks. Through diverse sessions attended by global stakeholders, these young climate champions underscored the critical role of youth in…
Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian Each year, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation allocates around $8.4 billion globally, with plans to increase this to $9 billion in the coming year, making it the largest private philanthropic spender. During Bill Gates’ 2022 visit to Nairobi, he pledged $7 billion to tackle poverty, hunger, and inequality across Africa. This funding supports…
By Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian For many years, the Philippines has been the go-to destination for business process outsourcing (BPO) due to its skilled, English-speaking workforce, cultural alignment with Western nations, and strong governmental support. However, as companies explore ways to diversify their outsourcing strategies, Africa is quickly emerging as an attractive alternative. Drawing from my experience as…
Africa Surpasses Asia and Europe as Preferred Trade Market By Elizabeth Antidius Shumbusho | Africa Guardian Africa’s intra-continental trade is gaining momentum, driven by easier cross-border transactions, improved quality of locally made goods, and more competitive pricing compared to markets in Asia, the US, and Europe. According to the latest Africa Trade Barometer, African businesses are increasingly opting to…
Africa: Our Distinctiveness is Our Superpower OP|ED Africa’s business landscape is far from predictable, but the opportunities for growth are vast for those who approach the challenges with creativity and resourcefulness. Beyond the continent’s hurdles lies a wealth of inspiration—an expanding consumer base, abundant resources, a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem, and an ever-evolving culture of innovation. The challenge for businesses,…
By Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian Africa stands at the intersection of a mounting climate crisis and unsustainable debt burdens, necessitating urgent global action. As world leaders convene at COP29 in Baku, discussions about climate finance must include the imperative of debt relief. Without it, even substantial new climate funding risks being undermined, akin to pedaling harder on a…
Measuring Africa’s Green Wealth: Unlocking Natural Capital for Economic Growth By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian Africa holds some of the world’s most significant natural capital reserves, including 40% of global clean energy potential, 65% of uncultivated arable land, 25% of biodiversity, and 20% of tropical rainforests. Despite this abundance, Africa’s natural wealth is undervalued in global economic metrics….
By Elizabeth Antidius Shumbusho | Africa Guardian Spanning an impressive 4,132 miles, the Nile River is the longest in the world, traversing eleven countries across the African continent. From its origins in East Africa to its mouth in Egypt, where it meets the Mediterranean Sea, the Nile has been a lifeline for civilizations for millennia, symbolizing Africa’s history, fertility,…
Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian It’s almost impossible to find a South African adult living in a city or town whose life hasn’t been deeply impacted by access to the internet, data, and digital tools. Whether through personal use or via friends and family, digital connectivity has become a cornerstone of modern life. Yet, it is surprising that one…
By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, a leading Pan-African financial institution, is set to establish its second Gulf Region subsidiary in Saudi Arabia, following its successful expansion into the United Arab Emirates in 2022. The new subsidiary, expected to launch within the next year, underscores UBA’s commitment to connecting Africa with the Middle…
Africa Tech Festival 2024: Technology as a Bridge to the Future, Says Alderman James Vos The Africa Tech Festival 2024 concluded on Thursday at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), with Alderman James Vos, the City of Cape Town’s mayoral committee member for economic growth, delivering a keynote address. As Africa’s largest tech festival, the event brought together…
By Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian Marrakech is set to host the 3rd edition of the Africa Business Forum 2024 on November 16-17, providing a platform for collaboration among Africa, Qatar, and global partners. Morocco’s Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch will preside over the event, with Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, President of Years of Culture, representing Qatar….
Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian AGRA will take center stage at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, starting this week, to advocate for climate-resilient and inclusive food systems in Africa. Central to this initiative is the leadership of seven African youth delegates, representing diverse sectors such as agriculture, environmental activism, innovation, and policy. These young advocates…
By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian A session hosted by the African Women Business Energy Network (AWBEN) during the Women in Energy Roundtable at African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2024 highlighted the critical role of mindset shifts and workplace flexibility in increasing and retaining women’s participation in Africa’s energy industry. Uche Anajemba, Senior Manager of Business…
By Elizabeth Antidius Shumbusho | Africa Guardian Casablanca has secured its position as Africa’s leading financial hub and ranks 52nd globally among the world’s top 115 financial centers for 2025, according to a recent report by CEOWORLD magazine and the Institute of Executive Policy. The rankings, drawn from the IFCI Global Financial Centers Index, highlight Casablanca’s strong financial standing…
Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian Cape Town, AfricaTech Festival – The 2024 Africa Broadband Forum (BBAF 2024) convened successfully in Cape Town under the theme “F5.5G Accelerating All-Optical Connectivity in Africa.” The forum brought together over 150 experts and industry leaders from international organizations, government bodies, and telecom operators to discuss advancing fibre broadband infrastructure and policy in Africa….
By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian The Africa Tech Festival 2024 is in full swing at Cape Town’s International Convention Centre (CTICC), showcasing a vibrant range of exhibitions that are captivating attendees. Running from November 12 to 14, the festival’s 27th edition gathers top telecom executives, innovative entrepreneurs, and key policymakers to explore how technology is reshaping industries across…
By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian Prosper Africa’s Tech for Trade Alliance (AT4T) has announced a pilot programme in Africa aimed at improving visibility across the continent’s drug supply chains via a digital platform. This new initiative, named Pulse, was introduced at the Africa Tech Festival in Cape Town by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). Pulse…
Apex Partners with Dematic to Transform Warehouse Automation in Southern Africa By Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian Apex (www.Apex-rts.co.za), a prominent Southern African provider of warehouse management and automation solutions, has formed a strategic partnership with Dematic, a global leader in automated material handling systems and software. This partnership enables Apex to represent Dematic in the region, delivering internationally…
Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian A large segment of African smartphone users continues to rely on 3G networks, limiting their ability to access the fast and reliable connectivity needed for modern, data-heavy applications. An analysis by Opensignal revealed that in 11 out of the 27 African markets surveyed, users spend more than 20% of their time on 3G, an…
By Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian Engage Now Africa (ENA), in collaboration with the Ghana Immigration Service and border control authorities in Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, and Cameroon, has successfully facilitated the safe reintegration of a 20-year-old Cameroonian woman trafficked online to Côte d’Ivoire. According to ENA, the young woman, named Angel, was initially lured to Côte d’Ivoire with…
By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian The informal sector has become a vital part of the African economy, contributing significantly to employment across the continent. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has emphasized the importance of reforming this sector to address Africa’s growing unemployment challenges. While informal jobs—such as street vendors, small-scale farmers, craftsmen, and independent tradesmen—offer flexible employment options…
Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian With Donald Trump’s recent re-election to the White House, African nations are extending congratulations, hopeful for a cooperative relationship built on mutual respect. However, concerns linger about his isolationist stance, especially if Republicans retain control of both houses of Congress. A key area of focus is the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which…
News Report | Africa Guardian According to the newly released 2024 Global Digital Fraud Index by American security firm SumSub, Moroccan hackers have been ranked as the most dangerous in North Africa, as reported by Spanish daily La Razón. Morocco leads North African countries with a rating of 3.51 points, placing it third in Africa overall, following Mauritius and…
By Elizabeth Antidius Shumbusho | Africa Guardian Fort Worth, TX – Bell Textron Inc., a subsidiary of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), has appointed Tim Evans as Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa. In his new role, Tim will drive Bell’s growth and oversee the expansion of its commercial business across these key markets. Tim brings a wealth…
By Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, announced that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision, Nigeria aims to establish at least six fully operational, FIFA-standard stadiums nationwide. Presently, the country faces challenges in maintaining even one stadium that meets FIFA standards due to poor infrastructure conditions. Dikko emphasized that the Commission’s…
Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian At a summit in Sochi, Russian President Vladimir Putin extended what he described as “total support” to Africa, offering assistance in the fight against terrorism and extremism. His message was delivered by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to African officials attending the conference. The speech comes at a time when several African nations are…
Visa Makes Strategic Investments in Four Leading African Fintech Startups By Elizabeth Antidius Shumbusho | Africa Guardian Visa, a global leader in digital payments, has announced strategic investments in four fintech startups that graduated from the inaugural Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator program. These investments reinforce Visa’s commitment to fostering digital innovation across Africa, advancing fintech growth, and enhancing financial…
Layi Wasabi, Genoveva Umeh, BNXN, and More Shine at the 18th Future Awards Africa By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian The 18th edition of The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) took center stage at the Balmoral Convention in Victoria Island, Lagos, last night, delivering an unforgettable celebration of young African achievers. TFAA honors the exceptional contributions of young Africans across…
Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian At the inaugural ministerial conference in Sochi, Russia, foreign ministers from Russia and African nations have jointly advocated for a fair and equitable cybersecurity system, focusing on the responsible use of information and communications technologies (ICTs). The ministers emphasized the importance of preventing conflicts in the digital realm, safeguarding international peace, and ensuring the…
By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian The global climate conference, COP29, opens this Monday in Baku, Azerbaijan, with African nations intensifying efforts to combat climate change. The African Development Bank (AfDB) is leading this charge by advocating for more climate financing for Africa and introducing innovative approaches to account for Africa’s “green wealth” in national economies. Following COP28’s historic…
Pawstudios Africa Unveils the 7th Annual Lagos Fringe By Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian Pawstudios Africa, a premier incubator for the continent’s creative talents, proudly announces the 7th edition of Lagos Fringe 2024. Set to run from November 19 to 24, this dynamic, multidisciplinary arts festival exemplifies Pawstudios Africa’s commitment to fostering artistic innovation across Africa and beyond. Centered…
Independent Operators Drive Efforts to Extend Lifespan of Africa’s Mature Oil Fields Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian Independent operators are leading the charge to extend production in Africa’s mature oil markets, including Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and Angola, through innovative technologies and targeted exploration. These initiatives were highlighted during the Upstream E&P Forum at African Energy Week: Invest in African…
Opinion on Why Trump Must Recognize Africa’s Growing Influence and Resources By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian As Donald J. Trump contemplates a return to the White House, many African nations are cautiously hopeful about what his next administration might bring. Historically, U.S. presidents have often placed limited emphasis on U.S.-Africa relations, focusing their efforts on regions deemed more…
“Although Tanzania has over 120 languages, they chose Swahili to unify them,” says Dr. Leonard Muaka, a professor of Swahili and Linguistics at Howard University. He is also the President of the Global Association for the Promotion of Swahili, known as CHAUKIDU. Swahili is “among the 10 most widely spoken languages in the world, with more than 200 million…
Electric Vehicles in Africa: Steps for Growing the Sector By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian Electric vehicles (EVs) hold the potential to address critical challenges in Africa, yet adoption in the region remains slow. In sub-Saharan Africa, pollution from vehicle emissions contributes to severe health issues, developmental problems, and premature deaths. Vehicle emissions also drive global warming. While EVs…
By Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian South African midfielder Bongani Zungu, 32, recently returned home as a free agent following unsuccessful contract talks with Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca under coach Rulani Mokwena. Despite Kaizer Chiefs’ need for midfield support, sources reveal the club has shown little interest in pursuing Zungu. According to FARPost journalist Mthokozisi Dube, “Zungu has been…
Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian NBA Africa (www.Africa.NBA.com) and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), France’s public development bank dedicated to enhancing lives in developing economies, have inaugurated the “Jr. NBA & AFD Basketball Experience” youth program in Guediawaye, Senegal. This initiative, first launched in 2021 in Nigeria and expanded to Kenya and Morocco, leverages basketball to drive social…
Barbara Lawrence-Strydom, a storyteller at heart, has embarked on an inspiring journey that merges her love for narrative with a mission to uplift communities across Africa. As a heritage photographer, mountaineer (having climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in 2018), and social entrepreneur, she uses storytelling and personal development to fuel change across the continent. Speaking with Saturday Star, Lawrence-Strydom shared her…
By Elizabeth Antidius Shumbusho | Africa Guardian Emirates has launched its first Emirates World store in Africa, marking a significant expansion of its reimagined retail concept in Nairobi, Kenya. This new store introduces a modern shopping experience for travelers, with more locations planned across the continent in the coming months, according to the airline’s statement. Situated in the cutting-edge…
By Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian Canada’s Liberal government is reasserting its commitment to an Africa strategy, a plan that had seemingly faded last year. This renewed focus includes opening new embassies and enhancing security cooperation across the continent. Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, accompanied by Trade Minister Mary Ng and International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen, announced Canada’s intentions…
By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian As digital technology and analytics transform global industries, many large African companies in finance, telecom, insurance, and retail are investing in digital platforms to meet the evolving needs of today’s consumers. Modern consumers expect more than just products; they seek seamless, integrated solutions. This shift is rewarding companies that excel in digital consumer…
The digital era is transforming entrepreneurship worldwide, and African youth are embracing these opportunities with ingenuity and purpose. With greater access to technology, an awareness of local market demands, and expanding support systems, young Africans are establishing innovative businesses that are both profitable and socially meaningful. Across nations like Tanzania, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, a new generation of…
Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian Over 100 businesses and investors are expected to attend the Tanzania-Saudi Arabia Business and Investment Forum, set to take place in Riyadh from December 17 to 21. The event, organized by the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC), aims to strengthen economic ties between the two countries. Gilead Teri, the TIC Executive Director, highlighted that the…
By Elizabeth Antidius Shumbusho | Africa Guardian Ethiopian Airlines has become the first airline in Africa to receive an Airbus A350-1000 equipped with Thales’s advanced AVANT Up Inflight Entertainment (IFE) system, marking a new chapter in the airline’s commitment to offering exceptional passenger experiences. This milestone highlights a longstanding partnership between Ethiopian Airlines and Thales, which spans over a…
By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has called on U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s administration to honor vaccine and funding commitments made by his predecessor. In September, President Joe Biden pledged $500 million and 1 million mpox vaccine doses as part of a response plan to tackle an ongoing mpox…
By Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian Lafarge Africa Plc, a leading provider of sustainable building solutions and member of the Holcim Group, has launched an Alternative Fuel and Raw Material (AFR) platform at its Mfamosing plant in Cross River State, Nigeria. This new facility supports Lafarge’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact, promoting local economic growth, and setting new…
By Elizabeth Antidius Shumbusho | Africa Guardian Private power and Independent Power Producer (IPP) investments are critical for Africa’s energy future, with the potential to enhance energy access and eliminate energy poverty across the continent. Countries are increasingly turning to renewable energy sources to boost supply while aligning with global transition goals. At the African Energy Week (AEW) 2024:…
By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian As Donald Trump secured a second term as U.S. president, leaders across Africa quickly sent their congratulations. Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa tweeted that the country was “ready to work” with Trump, while Nigeria’s Bola Tinubu expressed hopes for “reciprocal economic and development partnerships” between Africa and the U.S. But what does Trump’s return…
By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian Morocco was elected as Interpol’s Vice-President for Africa on Thursday, receiving widespread support for its contributions to regional and international security. The election took place during Interpol’s 92nd General Assembly in Glasgow, Scotland, with Morocco’s candidate securing backing from 96 member states, surpassing other contenders. The election recognizes Morocco’s pivotal role in promoting…
Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian The European Union (EU) continues to be Africa’s largest trading partner and primary export market, according to Norwegian Ambassador Tone Tinnes. Speaking at the 28th annual research workshop of REPOA, an economic research institution based in Dar es Salaam, Tinnes highlighted that EU imports from Africa reached €367 billion in 2023—a 27% rise since…
By Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is calling on African leaders to advocate for a fairer approach to global health security, emphasizing the need for an inclusive pandemic response agreement that benefits all countries, especially those in the Global South. This call is part of AHF’s Save Our Society (SOS) campaign ahead of the…
By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian Ayanda Carter, founder and Creative Director of Iroko Interiors and Consulting, is leading a transformative shift in Africa’s design education landscape through her innovative platform, Melanin Creatives. With over a decade of experience in the interior design industry and a host of prestigious awards under her belt, Ayanda is now focused on empowering…
By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian The Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) 2024 Summit launched today in Cape Town, featuring market insights from leading research firms Project Blue and Rystad Energy, along with the World Bank, focusing on the evolving African mineral market. Nils Backeberg, Founder and Director at Project Blue, discussed how global geopolitical shifts and the rising demand…