Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian TechnipFMC has been awarded a significant contract to supply the subsea production system for Shell’s $5 billion Bonga North project, located offshore Nigeria. On December 16, Shell confirmed its final investment decision for the project, marking the first deepwater development in Nigeria in over a decade. TechnipFMC, previously identified as the frontrunner, will provide…
Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian The increasing cost of diesel is a pressing concern for various industries, including transportation and agriculture, throughout Africa. Business Insider Africa, with data from GlobalPetrolPrices, has highlighted the top 10 African countries with the lowest diesel prices as of the end of 2024. Key Points to Note: Diesel is vital for industries like agriculture…
Elizabeth Antidius Shumbusho | Africa Guardian Renowned photojournalist Scott Ramsay spent years exploring Africa’s natural wonders. His latest book, Spirit of Africa, is a testament to his journey. Here’s an excerpt from his introduction, offering a glimpse into how his transformative experience began. The word “spirit” originates from the Latin spiritus, meaning breath. For me, the African wilderness is…
Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian Mike Sangster, Senior Vice President for Africa at TotalEnergies E&P, has been confirmed as a keynote speaker at the inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF), scheduled for March 25-26, 2025, in Brazzaville. Representing one of the world’s leading energy companies, Sangster will discuss TotalEnergies’ commitment to sustainable energy growth in the Republic of…
Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian The urgent need to transform education financing in Africa took center stage at a continental education conference in Nouakchott, Mauritania. Over the weekend, African ministers and international experts convened to address the critical challenge of ensuring sustainable funding for quality education, particularly for the continent’s rapidly expanding youth population. In focused sessions on education…
Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian Debbie Weinstein, a seasoned UK executive at Google, has been named the company’s president for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). With a decade at Google and a career foundation at Unilever, Weinstein brings a wealth of experience to her new role during what she describes as a “pivotal” time for the tech…
Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian Cassava Technologies, a global leader in digital infrastructure and services, has announced securing $310 million in funding, marking a transformative phase for the company. This includes a $90 million equity investment from key players such as the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), Finnish Fund for Industrial Cooperation (Finnfund), and Google LLC. In addition…
Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE), in collaboration with the University of The Gambia (UTG) and the University of Oslo (UiO), has introduced Africa’s first-ever Master’s Program in Education Management Information Systems (EMIS). The historic launch, held on Wednesday, December 11, at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center (SDKJICC) in…
Chris Brown, the Grammy-winning R&B sensation, headlined a historic concert at South Africa’s 94,000-capacity FnB Stadium in Johannesburg, the largest venue on the continent. View this post on Instagram A post shared by WeTalkSound (WTS) (@wetalksound) The American singer made headlines in October 2024 when he sold out the venue in just two hours, marking a significant milestone in…
Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian The Basketball Africa League (BAL) (www.BAL.NBA.com) and Hennessy, the world-renowned cognac brand and Official Spirit of the BAL, are set to host the second “BAL IN” event in Accra, Ghana, at the Bukom Boxing Arena on Friday, December 27. Presented by Hennessy, “BAL IN” Accra will showcase African culture and creativity, bringing together basketball,…
Elizabeth Antidius Shumbusho | Africa Guardian At the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards held in Marrakesh on Monday, Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman and Zambia’s Barbra Banda were named the African Men’s and Women’s Players of the Year, respectively. Lookman, 27, succeeded his fellow Nigerian, Victor Osimhen, who claimed the honor last year. Osimhen’s win marked the first time a…
Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian Education-focused Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) from across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region have gathered in Accra to foster collaboration, strengthen accountability, and create a unified voice for education advocacy. This three-day conference has brought together 24 participants from countries including Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, The Gambia,…
Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian On Saturday, the iconic FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, was packed with over 90,000 fans as Chris Brown made his much-anticipated return for the first of two sold-out concerts. The landmark performance marked Breezy’s comeback to the city after years away, drawing an ecstatic crowd eager to experience his electrifying show. Chris Brown…
Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian A five-year-old girl, born in a prison in Mauritius, has been officially handed over to South African government officials after spending her early years living with her imprisoned mother. The mother, who has been incarcerated for drug trafficking since her arrest in 2019, has been awaiting trial. The South African Department of Social Development,…
Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian While women across the globe continue to face systemic obstacles that hinder their ability to reach and sustain positions of power, a select group are breaking these barriers, making significant strides in business, entertainment, and politics. Forbes’ 2024 list of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women celebrates these trailblazers, with five African women securing…
Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian Dr. Akinkunmi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), has described his recent “African of the Decade” award as a powerful testament to Africa’s transformative potential. He received the prestigious honor at the 2024 Africa Investment Forum in Rabat, Morocco, marking a milestone in the All-Africa Business Leaders Awards. Speaking after receiving the…
Elizabeth Antidius Shumbusho | Africa Guardian The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) partnered with key stakeholders to explore the transformative role of higher education in fostering sustainable development at the “2024 UNESCO Forum on Higher Education in Africa: A Driver for Sustainable Development.” The event, held from December 10–12, 2024, in Nairobi, marked part of the African…
Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian Africa, often hailed as the “mobile continent,” is home to 500 million internet users, primarily accessing the web via mobile networks. With a connectivity rate of around 40%, the continent lags behind the global average of 70%. While expanding mobile coverage remains vital, fibre networks hold the key to bridging Africa’s digital divide and…
Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti has called on African governments to prohibit Kemi Badenoch, a prominent member of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party, from visiting the continent. His comments follow Badenoch’s controversial remarks about Nigeria. According to Daily Post, Badenoch, who has previously spoken about her upbringing in Nigeria, described it as marked by fear,…
Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian Officials at the African Light Source (AfLS) Foundation are targeting 2035 for the construction of Africa’s first synchrotron light source. On December 9, the foundation released its “geopolitical” conceptual design report, calling on African leaders to pledge the $2 billion needed to build and operate the facility for the first decade. Despite the existence…
Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian A new Vodacom Business Cybersecurity Report reveals that 80% of South African businesses have faced cyberattacks in the past year, yet only 32% prioritize cybersecurity training for employees. The findings, unveiled at Vodacom World in Midrand on November 27, underscore the escalating cybersecurity challenges as businesses increasingly embrace digital transformation. The report, commissioned in…
Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian South African business leaders will convene on 20 February 2025 at ITWeb’s annual GRC conference to explore strategies for integrating governance, risk mitigation, and compliance (GRC) with enterprise innovation and agility. The event, hosted at The Forum in Bryanston, will tackle pressing topics such as the impact of new legislation, data protection, privacy, and…
Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian The Managing Partner of Famsville Solicitors, Mr. Dayo Adu, has called on legal professionals to foster stronger partnerships to improve access to justice for businesses across Africa. Speaking at the African Corporate and Government Counsel Forum (ACGC) in Lagos, themed “Celebrate, Connect, Community,” Adu emphasized the critical role of a robust legal framework in…
Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian Niger’s military government has suspended BBC radio broadcasts for three months, accusing the British broadcaster of spreading “erroneous information” regarding a reported jihadist attack. The BBC is the latest Western media outlet targeted by Niger’s leadership since a coup in July 2023. The suspension, effective immediately, alleges that the BBC aired content that could…
Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian The African Development Bank (AfDB) (www.AfDB.org) proudly celebrates 60 years of advancing economic and social transformation across Africa. The Southern Africa regional celebration, held in Johannesburg, gathered leaders, stakeholders, and partners to honor the institution’s milestones and reaffirm its commitment to a prosperous future for the continent. In her keynote address, Ms. Leila Farah…
Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian Despite the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Wagner Group continues to maintain its presence and operations in the Central African Republic (CAR) and Mali, where the mercenaries remain favored by local leaders. In an effort to centralize and reorganize its operations, Moscow has sought to merge Wagner’s African interests into a new entity, the…
Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian Lewis Hamilton has long expressed his desire to race in Africa, and it seems his wish may soon be realized. South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has confirmed that plans are in motion for the country’s return to the Formula 1 calendar. In an interview with SuperSport, McKenzie shared his…
Music Business Academy for Africa and SACEM Partnership Empower Next Generation of Creators Elizabeth Antidius Shumbusho | Africa Guardian The Music Business Academy for Africa (MBAA), in collaboration with SACEM, recently hosted a groundbreaking workshop at Alliance Francaise in Ikoyi, Lagos. The event focused on the crucial role of Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) in Africa’s Francophone and Anglophone music…
Our Corespondent | Africa Guardian At the 6th Privacy Symposium Africa in Harare (November 19–21), delegates faced a poignant moment when asked to translate “artificial intelligence” into their native languages. The long silence underscored Africa’s struggle to fully harness the potential of AI. Organised by Unwanted Witness (UW), a Ugandan civic organisation, in partnership with the Media Institute of…
Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian In a recent interview with AFP, Djibouti’s Foreign Minister and African Union candidate, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, expressed concern over the worsening security situation in parts of Africa, which is undermining the continent’s progress. Youssouf emphasized that recent coups and escalating conflicts, coupled with the adverse effects of climate change, are creating significant challenges for…
Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian South Africa-born entrepreneur Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has seen his net worth soar to over $440 billion (R7.8 trillion), according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. This milestone cements Musk as the world’s richest individual and places his fortune above South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which stood at $377.78 billion in…
Elizabeth Antidius Shumbusho | Africa Guardian Bank of Africa (BOA)-Ghana, a member of the BMCE Group, has reopened its Abossey Okai branch, reaffirming its commitment to financial inclusivity and providing trusted commercial banking services. The branch aims to support the vibrant business enclave and surrounding communities, including Kaneshie, Agbogbloshie, Zongo, Korle-Gonno, Chorkor-Mamprobi, and Laterbiokorshie. Strategically located near the Laterbiokorshie…
Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian Palo Alto-based WindBorne Systems is harnessing artificial intelligence and weather balloons to tackle one of Africa’s most critical challenges: unreliable weather forecasting. With the support of the Gates Foundation, the startup is transforming agricultural decision-making, boosting food security, and addressing climate change impacts across the continent. The ChallengeAfrica’s agricultural sector, which sustains over half…
Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is set to begin a four-day tour of Africa on Wednesday, with visits to Nigeria, South Africa, and Lesotho. His journey will kick off in Abuja, where he is scheduled to meet with Omar Touray, President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), before receiving an official welcome…
Elizabeth Antidius Shumbusho | Africa Guardian An increasing number of African nations are seeking to join the BRICS group, signaling a strategic shift to bolster their global influence and unlock new economic opportunities, experts say. Ethiopia and Egypt have recently joined the group, and Kenya’s President William Ruto has also expressed interest in becoming a member. Analysts suggest that…
Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian Tayo Aina’s rise from a Lagos Uber driver to a globally recognized travel ambassador is nothing short of inspiring. Known to his growing audience as “The African Discovering the World,” Aina exemplifies the power of persistence, authenticity, and the transformative impact of digital storytelling. A Humble Beginning Aina’s story began on the bustling streets…
Roosevelt Ogbonna Named AFIS African Banker of the Year Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian Access Bank’s CEO, Roosevelt Ogbonna, emerged as the African Banker of the Year during the Africa Financial Summit (AFIS), held in Casablanca on December 9-10. This recognition highlights Ogbonna’s pivotal role in steering Access Bank towards becoming one of Africa’s top five banking giants. A…
Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian In an exclusive interview with Business Insider Africa, Satoshi Shinada, Co-founder and Director of Kepple Africa Ventures Inc., delves into Africa’s venture capital landscape, comparing it with other regions and outlining his investment philosophy for African startups. Challenges in Africa’s Venture Capital Landscape Africa’s venture capital scene has faced turbulence in recent years. In…
Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian On November 13, 2024, UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre celebrated the online launch of Phase 3 of the Mentorship Programme for African Heritage Professionals. The event, attended by over 100 participants, introduced 20 new mentees into the program, advancing its mission to cultivate a new generation of African heritage experts. Opening the EventMr. Lazare Eloundou-Assomo,…
Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian Raila Odinga is ramping up his campaign for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson position ahead of the election in February 2025, set to take place during the 38th AU Summit of Heads of State in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. His recent diplomatic efforts follow a visit to Eritrea, where he was hosted by President…
Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian Eight trailblazing female founders took center stage at the 11th annual Africa Early Stage Investor Summit (AESIS2024), captivating over 300 investors, ecosystem leaders, and delegates during the highly anticipated Deal Morning. Representing the VC4A Venture Showcase – She Wins Africa edition, these founders presented transformative solutions addressing critical challenges in agriculture, fintech, e-commerce, and…
Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian The proposed UN Tax Convention is poised to play a transformative role in Tanzania and across Africa, offering a platform for fairer tax agreements and greater accountability in industries like natural resources and extractives. This sentiment was echoed during a recent breakfast meeting in Dar es Salaam organized by the Policy Forum, the Norwegian…
Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian At the recently concluded Essence of Africa event in Nairobi, tourism industry experts called for sustainable tourism models led by Africans to drive genuine economic and environmental progress. The event, moderated by Jan Hutton, CEO of Australian Tourism Data Warehouse, provided a solutions-focused platform to address key challenges in Africa’s tourism sector. Rethinking Community…
Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian Namibia’s peculiar panhandle-shaped border, known as the Caprivi Strip, traces its origins to an unusual colonial agreement between Britain and Germany in the late 19th century. At the time, European powers carved up Africa into colonies, often creating borders with little regard for geography or practicality. Germany faced a logistical challenge connecting its colonies:…
Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian Migingo Island, a half-acre patch of land on Lake Victoria’s northeastern side, is one of the most densely populated areas in the world, with 1,000 inhabitants packed into its football-pitch-sized territory. Straddling the border between Uganda and Kenya, the island has been the subject of decades-long territorial disputes but is now co-managed by both…
Elizabeth Antidius Shumbusho | Africa Guardian Africa is emerging as a prime investment destination for the global energy transition, driven by its abundant reserves of critical minerals, according to Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group. Speaking at the Africa Investment Forum (AIF) Market Days on December 4 in Rabat, Morocco, Adesina highlighted the continent’s pivotal…
Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian President Joe Biden’s long-awaited trip to Angola, part of his final international tour as president, faced a series of challenges befitting the tumultuous backdrop of his administration. Initially postponed twice—first due to Middle East conflicts in 2023 and then catastrophic hurricanes in 2024—the visit finally materialized under stormy skies, both literal and political. A…
Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian Summary : France’s Alleged Nuclear Testing Plans in Central Africa Republic Spark Global Outrage A leaked document, purportedly from the French Ministry of Armed Forces, has triggered widespread condemnation over claims that France may use the Central African Republic (CAR) as a site for nuclear weapons testing. The document, dated November 19, 2024, allegedly…
Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has committed a historic $14.2 billion in investments across Africa in the 2024 fiscal year, marking a 23% increase from the previous year. This record investment is aimed at boosting growth in critical sectors such as clean energy, manufacturing, digital connectivity, agriculture, small businesses, and trade, with a particular…
Elizabeth Antidius Shumbusho | Africa Guardian SpaceX’s Starlink internet service is rapidly reshaping Africa’s telecommunications landscape by offering faster connectivity and reaching underserved rural areas. While it plays a positive role in providing vital services like telemedicine and digital education, its limited local involvement, regulatory hurdles, and business practices raise concerns. In less than two years, Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite…
Are Africa’s Sovereign Credit Ratings Hindering Economic Growth? Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian Sovereign credit ratings play a pivotal role in determining a country’s cost of borrowing and access to global capital markets. The “Big Three” credit rating agencies—Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, and Fitch—assign these ratings, influencing everything from government borrowing costs to economic activity across sectors. However, questions…
Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian President Joe Biden pledged an additional $600 million for the Lobito Corridor rail project on the final day of his historic visit to Angola, marking a significant milestone in U.S.-Africa relations. Speaking to African leaders, Biden emphasized the continent’s potential, declaring, “Africa is the future.” The Lobito Corridor, a multi-nation rail project, is set…
Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian Olanrewaju Babalola, a business consultant with the Nebraska Business Development Center, is championing entrepreneurial empowerment for African youth, highlighting skill development as a cornerstone for economic resilience. Speaking at the Global Finance and Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, hosted by Bold Money College in Nigeria on December 2, 2024, Babalola unveiled his vision in a presentation titled…
Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian The High Commission of India in Tanzania has highlighted the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in narrowing Africa’s digital divide and equipping diplomats with advanced tools to navigate global complexities. During a special reception and talk on AI in Diplomacy held in Dar es Salaam, Indian High Commissioner Bishwadip Dey underscored AI’s growing…
Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian The Africa Energy Bank (AEB), set to begin operations by March 2025, marks a major milestone in Africa’s journey toward energy self-sufficiency. Launched by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in partnership with the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO), the AEB is poised to empower African nations to take control of their energy future. The…
Elizabeth Antidius Shumbusho | Africa Guardian For decades, access to financial services in Africa was marked by stark disparities—between rural and urban areas, men and women, and small businesses versus larger enterprises. These gaps left millions, particularly the continent’s most vulnerable, excluded from the formal economy, stifling entrepreneurship, limiting credit access, and restricting financial mobility. However, the tides began…
Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian Nigerian music icon Davido has highlighted the pivotal role of entertainment in reshaping global perceptions of Africa. In a recent interview, the Afrobeats star reflected on his experiences growing up in an all-white community in the United States, where he encountered widespread ignorance about his African roots. “I’ve said this a hundred times: as…
Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian The African Development Bank (AfDB) has pledged significant financial support to Morocco, earmarking $1 billion to bolster its preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. This includes a recently signed agreement for a €350 million ($370 million) loan to enhance economic governance, expand water supplies, and establish an industrial zone at the Nador West…