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 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 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…
By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian Rabat is home to Africa’s largest theater, a remarkable structure that cost nearly €200 million, but despite being completed three years ago, it remains closed, leaving local officials confused and frustrated. The building, with its futuristic, white, and rounded design, has become an architectural landmark in Morocco’s capital. Designed by the renowned Zaha…
By Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian Africa’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry is set for remarkable growth, with the continent’s expansion rate projected to surpass that of regions like the Americas, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific. However, substantial efforts are still needed to fully realize this potential, according to the South African Convention Bureau, a business unit of…
By Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian There’s a $1 trillion-a-year economic sector in Africa where most workers remain invisible. African Development Bank Group President Akinwumi A. Adesina says, “Farmers are the folks you don’t see—banks, buyers, traders, and insurance companies don’t see them.” These smallholder farmers often live in remote areas, with limited access to markets and unreliable connectivity,…
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,…
By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian Africa has increasingly become a prime target for cybercriminals. Recent data from Check Point revealed that in the second quarter of 2024, Africa experienced the highest average number of cyberattacks per organization globally, with an alarming average of 2,960 attacks per week. This marks a 37% increase compared to the same period in…
Edited by Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian Africa’s push for increased representation on the United Nations (UN) Security Council is driven by three key motivations: rectifying historical injustices, recognizing the continent’s role in shaping the modern world, and reinforcing the legitimacy of the UN amidst evolving global threats. Historical Context and Injustice The call for Africa to secure two…
Zimbabwean immigrants in South Africa are increasingly turning to human rights organizations for assistance as they face intensified harassment from South African authorities and citizens. The situation has worsened following a series of raids by South African police, supported by local residents, in the wake of the formation of a government of national unity (GNU) between the African National…
By Xinhua News, Agency 2024 FOCAC Summit The 2024 summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) will be held in the Chinese capital city of Beijing from Sept. 4 to 6. The summit is expected to include the participation of African heads of state, as well as representatives from regional and international African organizations involved in summit-related activities….
By Richard Ogunsile It is no longer news that the continent of Africa boasts of rich tapestry of cultures, vast natural resources, and a vibrant, youthful population. Yet, despite its immense potential, Africa continues to face significant challenges in its development. It is no longer news that the continent of Africa boasts of rich tapestry of cultures, vast natural…
The African Energy Chamber (AEC) is protesting what it sees as discrimination by Western lenders in supporting the continent’s oil and gas projects, with owners and investors forced to suspend development plans, or into alternative local sourcing. Nj Ayuk, the chamber’s executive chairman, told The EastAfrican that by refusing to bankroll Africa’s oil and gas projects, with a direct…
The Government of Tanzania has launched the construction of a new capital city, with a price tag of $5 billion. The city, named Magufuli, would be a new administrative capital for the East African country, located 17 kilometers from the current capital, Dodoma. It would house mainly government buildings and services, and cover over 617 hectares of land. Named…
The lack of financing options, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), stifles innovation and hinders business growth. Africa is rapidly positioning itself as a key player in the global manufacturing landscape, offering unprecedented opportunities for growth and investment. With manufacturing contributing over 10.5 percent to the continent’s GDP, Africa is on the cusp of a manufacturing revolution, driven…
Demographic trends define Africa as the world’s fastest-growing region, with its population potentially doubling by 2050. As the continent achieves significant progress in the control of infectious diseases, the rise of non-communicable conditions, in parallel with the possibility of emerging pandemic pathogens, is adding more pressure to already strained healthcare systems and posing challenges to continental development ambitions. According…
The current global financial architecture faces significant challenges in addressing the financial needs for climate action, sustainable development, and debt management. The calls for reform are growing louder, seeking to create a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable financial system. Increasing the representation of developing countries, particularly African nations, in global economic decision-making processes is crucial for the continent’s development…
Protteja Seguros will also sponsor a Financial/Insurance panel discussion at the AOG 2024 conference, which takes place in Luanda from October 2-3 LUANDA, Angola, April 29, 2024/ — Insurance company Protteja Seguros has joined the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2024 conference as a silver sponsor. Reflecting its commitment to supporting growth of the Angolan oil and gas market,…
A strategic campaign to drive the payments discussion forward in Africa LONDON, United Kingdom, April 28, 2024/APO Group/ — Crown Agents Bank (www.CrownAgentsBank.com), the specialist provider of foreign exchange (FX) and cross-border payments for hard-to-reach markets, and Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com), a leading platform for business and investment opportunities in Africa, today announces a new collaboration, ‘The Payments Exchange’. The campaign will…
The “Africa Road Builders” prize was created in honour of Babacar Ndiaye, who was President of the African Development Bank Group from 1985 to 1995 PRESS RELEASE ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, April 30, 2024/ — The “Africa Road Builders” Selection Committee met in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates on 18 April 2024 where it awarded the Babacar Ndiaye Prize…
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, April 30, 2024 — The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has marked a significant step forward in global economic integration through a series of strategic partnerships and agreements at the 49th Annual Meetings of the IsDB Group. During the third day of the event, ITFC engaged…
Avian Flu Virus in Cattle Highlights Urgent Need for Ramped Up Efforts to Prevent Spillover of Viruses from Animals to People Avian flu virus in cattle highlights the urgent need for ramped-up efforts to prevent spillover of viruses from animals to people Statement by experts from Preventing Pandemics at the Source on global implications of bird flu’s spread Following…
Juma Msafiri Kenya, since gaining independence in 1963, has undergone significant transformations in its diplomatic approach under different leaderships. Each regime, from Jomo Kenyatta to William Ruto, has uniquely shaped the country’s foreign policy, reflecting changing national priorities, regional dynamics, and global trends. Jomo Kenyatta Era (1963-1978)Jomo Kenyatta, as the founding father of independent Kenya, set the foundational tone…
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in a critical phone discussion, centering on the intensifying circumstances in the Gaza Strip and the Palestinian Territories. This dialogue is set against a backdrop of ongoing regional tensions and the complex history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. President El-Sisi, underlining Egypt’s pivotal role in Middle Eastern politics, stressed…
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…
Where is Africa? Africa is the world’s second largest continent and contains over 50 countries. Africa is in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. It is spread across three of the major lines of latitude: the Tropic of Cancer, the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn. The north of Africa shares a boundary with Asia. Africa is surrounded by the…
*AGRA’s Vision to Transform Africa’s Food Systems” By Anthony Muchoki In a passionate and urgent address at the United Nations Headquarters on September 17, 2023, Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of AGRA, shed light on the pressing need for a radical transformation of Africa’s agri-food systems. Dr. Kalibata eloquently articulated the challenges facing the African continent and outlined AGRA’s innovative…
An anonymous group has made a raft of serious allegations against Dr. Jean Kaseya, the recently appointed head of Africa CDC, including the “abuse and threatening of staff” — charges senior management adamantly denies. ___