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Africa Fintech Summit

Bird Story Agency

Ajim Capital

London is hosting a literary extravaganza, as the country's biggest festival of African literature returns to the British Library with a stellar line-up of writers, artists, and performers.

Seth Onyango, bird story agency&nbsp;
 
As the golden hues of autumn adorn the streets of London, the UK capital is gearing up for a grand literary event, as the Africa Writes Festival returns to the British Library for its landmark 10th year.
 
The festival, celebrated for its promotion of African narratives, features a pantheon of distinguished writers, artists, and performers.
 
Blitz Bazawule, the visionary behind "The Scent of Burnt Flowers" and the 2023 cinematic rendition of "The Colour Purple", &nbsp;sets the stage for the festival's commencement. A conversation with Irenosen Okojie promises a deep dive into Bazawule’s creative processes, shedding light on the range of inspirations that infuse his works.
 
The festival’s schedule boasts a cornucopia of literary delights, with revered voices like Nancy Adimora, Sulaiman Addonia, and Maaza Mengiste, while attendees are offered an event rich in dialogue, reading, and performance.
 
Kwame Dawes and Claudia Rankine among other literary giants will further elevate the event, engaging audiences in conversations that resonate with both heart and intellect.
 
"Africa Writes has long been one of the highlights of my year. As an avid fan, I’ve participated in every capacity - as an attendee, a speaker and a team member - and I’m now delighted to be supporting the festival as one of the guest curators," Nancy Adimora, the award-winning publishing consultant and founder of AFREADA literary magazine, shared.&nbsp;
 
"This year’s theme gives us room to really explore the beauty and power of our stories, and I’m looking forward to amplifying and celebrating these stories with new and familiar faces" she said.
 
Echoing her sentiments, Sulaiman Addonia, Eritrean-Ethiopian-British novelist and founder of the Asmara-Addis Literary Festival (In Exile ) said she believed this year’s event includes some of the most exciting and provocative voices in literature&nbsp;
 
"I am thrilled to be a part of the curating team," she said.
 
"We convene in the midst of a changed and changing world, and I cannot imagine a better time to consider what it means to produce art in fraught times.”
 
Attendees, both online and in person, will have the opportunity to engage with some of the most acclaimed and emerging voices from the African and global literary sphere.
 
Established by the Royal African Society in 2011, Africa Writes has welcomed thousands across the UK and globally to join the celebration of African and diaspora literature over the past decade.
 
bird story agency

Africa Writes festival returns to the British Library with 'Intangible Heritage'

Nongcebo Langa fell in love with wine after a chance encounter with a winemaker at a fair. She went on to study the craft at South Africa’s renowned Stellenbosch University and her passion and mastery of the industry’s technical processes has resulted in her creating award-winning wines, like the 2022 Delheim Gewürztraminer.

Taurai Maduna, bird story agency
 
As Nongcebo Langa walked between the barrels of a beverage enjoyed worldwide, a bubbling sound could be heard from the gas emitted during fermentation - part of the journey of every great wine. It's a sound Langa said now makes her feel at home - and stirs her imagination.
 
“We have fermentation, then you age (the wine). You can age three months, six months, nine months, 18, 24 months to five years for MCC - Méthode Cap Classique. This is the method used to make South African sparkling wines,” she explained.&nbsp;
 
Langa didn't grow up expecting to make wine. It took a careers fair and a chance encounter with a winemaker there to open her eyes to what is now her career as a South African winemaker and one of the few black women in the industry.&nbsp;
 
“It hasn't been our thing, but now it's becoming our thing,” Langa said of her community's interest in wine.&nbsp;
 
Nongcebo grew up in Pietermaritzburg’s Imbali township where family gatherings were stocked with beer and spirits. This is no longer the case; because of her knowledge of wines, she has become the unofficial ‘family sommelier’ and wine is now a popular choice at family functions.
 
“'I got this wine, how do I drink it, how do I enjoy it?' are some of the questions I get asked by those close to me who have started to enjoy drinking wine,” she explained.&nbsp;
 
KwaZulu-Natal Province where Langa comes from is known for its sugarcane production and dairy and cattle farming and the thought of studying wines never crossed her mind till she visited the careers fair and heard a winemaker there talk about their work.
 
After the fair, the idea of making wine seemed like an exciting challenge, so she decided to give it a go by enrolling at Stellenbosch University in the Western Cape Province to study Viticulture and Oenology.
 
“Viticulture is a study of grapes and the grapevine. From the soil to the insects in the ground to the weather, the climates, everything around the growth of the vine. And then Oenology is the study of wine. So wine sciences, the microbes, the machinery, the processing of the grape itself, once it gets into the cellar,” Langa explained.
 
She went further in her education and pursued a Master's program, focusing on the influence of wildfire smoke on vineyards.
 
“It's actually becoming much more relevant in the wine industry all over the world where we are seeing a lot of wildfires around winemaking regions. So my research actually focused on trying to help out once the incidence of this has occurred,” she said.&nbsp;
 
After completing her studies in 2018, Langa interned at the renowned Delheim Wines in Stellenbosch - and never left. She rose through the ranks and was appointed winemaker in May 2022.
 
That same year, she produced the 2022 Delheim Gewürztraminer - a white wine classified as off-dry - which won her the 2023 Diners Club Young Winemaker of the Year Award.
 
“The Gewürztraminer is quite a nice and unique grape in South Africa. I think there's about maybe five or so wine farms that actually make wine out of Gewürztraminer. It's exciting to work with and the flavours that come of it are very, very amazing. It's a nice combination of fruits, you've got a nice balance between the acid and the sugar on the palate”, Langa said. &nbsp;
 
Her award came with prize money and a trip to any wine region in the world. She is planning on going to Bordeaux in France in September.&nbsp;
 
“It's one of those regions that are iconic in the world. The wines that come from there are very well known. And, you know, the quality that comes from there is also well-known in the world.”
 
Langa plans to travel when it's harvest season to learn as much as she can - both inside the winery and out.
 
“Wine is a lot about culture as well as the drink and the winemaking itself,” she said, adding that she considers her profession both a science and an art.&nbsp;
 
“Everywhere you go in the world, you're going to learn the same thing about winemaking and then how you express that science, because you learn the science of it, the basics of it, but how you express that, that's up to you.”
 
Langa is certainly in the right environment to grow as a winemaker; according to Statista, South Africa ranks eighth in wine production out of the top 10 traditional wine-producing countries globally.&nbsp;
 
As a wine master, Langa’s work involves monitoring thousands of litres of wine at various stages of production in the cellars. It also involves regularly tasting wine. In the white wine barrel fermentation cellar that houses the Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc, she uses the ‘wine thief’ to get a wine sample from the barrel, so as to assess how the wine is fermenting.
 
“As you can see this is raw wine, it won’t be as clear as you will find it in a shop, so it still has to go through a lot of processes and there is high CO2 (carbon dioxide) that keeps the particles in suspension and that is why it is cloudy. But it will settle down over time.”
 
Langa works closely with Delheim cellarmaster, Roelof Lotriet, who advised management to hire her when she was an intern. Lotriet was impressed with her work ethic and her curiosity. He recalled how she responded when he asked her what she wanted out of the internship, and she jokingly replied that she wanted his winemaker job.
 
“With wine, you’ve only got one shot on a vintage. There isn't a redo or undo button. What you do is what you do. And if it doesn't work, it doesn't work. I don't think [Delheim] will be her end place, I think it'll be just the start of a fantastic career for her,” Lotriet said.&nbsp;
 
“I wanted to learn more and work under Roelof as well, it's just been quite a beautiful journey and I’ve adopted a lot of the philosophies that I have actually learned from him. And what he sort of preaches in the cellar. So that's been quite a fascinating and worthwhile journey. And then to be at Delheim so full of history, so full of traditions. It's been a learning experience,” Langa said.
 
Shame Mumba was one of the five panel of judges at the 43rd annual Diners Club Winemaker of the year awards. A certified sommelier and board member of the South African Sommelier Association board member, Mumba described Langa’s wine as having shown a lot more purity.&nbsp;
 
“The wine showed more identity, which simply means that sometimes you don't have to interfere too much in the making of the wine, but the less you make, the better the results will be like.”
 
Mumba added that winning such an award for a young winemaker was a huge confidence booster.&nbsp;
 
“It’s also a big inspiration for the young winemakers that want to become a winemaker and especially somebody of colour. That is even a massive boost for our industry as South Africa.”
 
So what makes a good wine? Langa is quick to point out that it’s a very personal choice. It’s about how one connects with the wine.
 
“I always say, I pair my wine with my mood and the company that I have. If I pick up a Rosé I know I’m going to be chilled by the pool or outside with the braai.”&nbsp;
 
She added that for a serious dinner, she would go for something like her cellar's Grand Reserve.
 
bird story agency
 
Useful links:
https://www.delheim.com/
https://dinersclub.co.za/news-events/winemaker-of-the-year/
https://www.statista.com/topics/11626/wine-industry-in-south-africa/#topicOverview
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2024/01/south-african-wine-exports-see-volumes-fall-but-value-growth-increase/
https://academieduvinlibrary.com/blogs/blog/black-women-winemakers-breaking-barriers-in-south-africa

This South African winemaker is savouring the sweet taste of success 🍷🍇 🇿🇦

TechCabal

Despite economic challenges fueled by hyperinflation and sanctions, Zimbabwean startups are resilient and forging ahead. Learn how they navigate funding constraints, access markets beyond borders, and embrace alternative financial technologies.

In Zimbabwe, serial entrepreneur Tendai Mugovi leads the charge with three startups, including Cashlinq, scaling to Zambia amidst economic turmoil. Despite limited funding options, startups leverage diaspora remittances and government initiatives like the National Venture Capital Fund for growth. B2C startups face hurdles, but B2B models thrive by accepting payments in stable currencies and catering to enterprise clients.
 
The macroeconomic landscape presents hurdles, but also opportunities for innovation and expansion beyond Zimbabwe's borders. Startups explore markets like Zambia and Botswana, while fintech solutions gain traction among citizens seeking alternative financial services. With recent sanctions easing, Zimbabwean entrepreneurs are poised for growth, armed with resilience and innovation.
 
Read more on <a href="https://techcabal.com/2024/03/15/zimbabwe-startups-hyperinflation-sanctions/">TechCabal</a>

Overcoming Adversity: How Zimbabwean Startups Thrive Amid Hyperinflation and Sanctions 🚀 🇿🇼

Chipper Cash, a prominent fintech company, announces layoffs and salary cuts after suspending its services in the US, highlighting a strategic shift towards focusing on its African markets.

Chipper Cash, backed by Bezos Expedition, faced financial challenges leading to layoffs and salary cuts, signaling a pivot away from US operations. Despite its earlier success and substantial investments, the company is now redirecting its efforts to its core markets in Africa.
 
Read more on <a href="https://techcabal.com/2024/03/15/chipper-cash-relocates-u-s-and-u-k-workforce/">TechCabal</a>

Chipper Cash Cuts US and UK Roles After Suspending US Operations 🛑 🇺🇸  🇬🇧 👉🏾🌍

Nigeria's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) proposes a substantial increase in the minimum paid-up capital for virtual asset service providers (VASPs) to ₦1 billion, aiming to reshape the crypto landscape.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Nigeria has proposed a significant hike in the minimum paid-up capital for virtual asset service providers (VASPs) from ₦500 million to ₦1 billion, indicating a shift towards a more stringent regulatory framework in the cryptocurrency sector. If implemented, this move could potentially reshape the landscape of crypto businesses in Nigeria, favoring larger, well-capitalized companies while posing challenges for smaller, local players. Additionally, the proposal includes requirements for a fidelity bond covering at least 25% of the minimum paid-up capital, along with additional documentation for registration, reflecting the SEC's aim to ensure orderly and transparent market operations in the crypto sphere. 📈💼
 
Read more on <a href="https://techcabal.com/2024/03/18/sec-capital-requirement-for-virtual-asset-companies/">TechCabal</a>

SEC Proposes ₦1 Billion Capital Requirement for Virtual Asset Companies 🇳🇬

Nigeria's Access Bank strengthens its presence in Kenya with the acquisition of the National Bank of Kenya from KCB Group, marking its second Kenyan acquisition in recent years. 🌍💼

Nigeria's Access Bank continues its expansion in the East African market with the acquisition of the National Bank of Kenya from KCB Group, following the unsuccessful attempt to acquire Sidian Bank in 2023. The deal is expected to close within 6 to 9 months, positioning Access Bank for increased scale and growth in Kenya's banking sector. 📈💰
 
Read more on <a href="https://techcabal.com/2024/03/20/access-bank-acquires-national-bank-of-kenya/">TechCabal</a>

Access Bank Expands Footprint in Kenya with National Bank Acquisition 🏦 🇳🇬 🇰🇪

Access Bank's acquisition of National Bank of Kenya (NBK) marks a significant move in its East Africa expansion strategy, valued at around $100 million, pending regulatory approval. 📈💰

Access Bank's acquisition of NBK from KCB Group for 1.25x of the bank’s book value indicates a significant step in consolidating its presence in Kenya, with plans to inject more capital into NBK for growth and sustainability. 🌍💡
 
The transaction, subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to take six to nine months to complete, further underlining Access Bank's commitment to expanding its footprint in East Africa's largest economy. 🚀🌟
 
Read more on <a href="https://techcabal.com/2024/03/21/access-bank-national-bank-kenya/">TechCabal</a>

Access Bank Acquires National Bank of Kenya for Approximately $100 Million in East Africa Expansion 🏦💼 🇰🇪

Benjamindada

Explore how Leatherback's collaboration with YES BANK is revolutionizing remittances by enabling seamless Indian Rupee transfers worldwide, fostering economic growth and cultural exchange between India and Africa.

Leatherback, a global banking service provider, has joined forces with YES BANK, a leading private bank in India, to streamline Indian Rupee (INR) remittances and payouts globally, catering to the burgeoning trade and cultural ties between Africa and India.
 
The partnership marks Leatherback as the first Africa-focused fintech company to offer INR remittance payouts, serving as a pivotal link between individuals and businesses in India and users worldwide, empowering financial accessibility and connectivity across borders. With innovative solutions like SendR, users can now effortlessly transfer funds to India, leveraging advanced technology and YES BANK's market expertise for a seamless and efficient remittance experience.
 
Read more on <a href="https://www.benjamindada.com/leatherback-and-yes-bank-partner-to-enble-indian-rupee-transfers-for-global-users/">BenjaminDada</a>

Leatherback and YES BANK Partner to Facilitate Indian Rupee Remittances Globally 🌍💸 🇮🇳

From ranking as the world’s worst-performing currencies in 2023, the Kenyan shilling and Nigerian naira have made significant progress. They are now among the best-performing currencies in the world for 2024, raising hopes for a lower cost of living in these countries.

By Conrad Onyango, bird story agency
 
Squeezed by painfully high prices for over a year, households in Kenya and Nigeria are beginning to get some relief as their national currencies strengthen against the US dollar and the cost of living starts to come down.
 
In 2023, the shilling and naira were ranked among the worst-performing currencies in the world, according to data from Bloomberg and World Currency Monitor.&nbsp;
 
The naira was the worst-performing currency in Africa in 2023, depreciating by over 40% against the US dollar while the shilling ranked 6th worst worldwide, with a slump of over 15% against the US Dollar.
 
However, consumers in both countries are in for some relief in 2024 as their currencies gain ground and the cost of living becomes more bearable, especially in Kenya which has witnessed drops in the prices of some key foods and fuel.
 
Kenya's National Bureau of Statistics shows that the country’s annual inflation eased to a two-year low thanks to a strengthening shilling, which has helped to lower import prices. Kenya is a net importer.
 
Consumer prices rose 5.7% in March in the East African country, compared with 6.3% in February and 9.2% in March 2023, &nbsp;driven by falling prices for flour, sugar and fuel, according to the Bureau of Statistics. Flour dropped by 9.2%, Sugar 5.3% and petrol by 3.5%.
 
Kenya’s inflation is now within the government’s preferred range of 2.5% and 7.5% in the medium term.
 
On the eve of Good Friday, Kenya’s commercial banks quoted the shilling at a high of 132.00 to the US dollar, compared to a high of 161.00 at the start of the year.
 
Such robust performance has earned the shilling the title of best-performing currency in 2024, according to Bloomberg research.
 
The naira is also on a winning streak, posting N1,300 against the dollar on the eve of Easter celebrations after a historic low of N1,851 per dollar In February.&nbsp;
 
The country had been grappling with dollar shortages that depressed its currency.
 
Nigeria’s central bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso has expressed hope that the naira will continue to gain strength against the dollar after clearing a foreign exchange backlog and raising interest rates by 200 basis points to 24.75% to counter inflation.
 
“The committee noted with satisfaction the level of stability achieved in the foreign exchange market in the last few weeks...This will greatly enhance investor confidence and attract foreign investments to Nigeria,” said Cardioso during its latest Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) Press Briefing.
 
“These considerations underscore the importance of CBNs commitment to the price stability mandate and the need to urgently bring inflation under control to ensure that purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians is restored in the short to medium term,” Cardioso added.
 
Nigeria's apex bank has intensified oversight of the recapitalisation of banks and other financial services firms, which it believes will strengthen the country’s financial system against external shocks. The regulator has also cracked down on unregulated cryptocurrency trading.
 
bird story agency

Cost of living relief on the cards as Kenya, Nigeria currencies gain ground 🇳🇬 🇰🇪

Mozambique doubles down on growth with Africa's first dual benchmark rate cuts in 2024 as currencies across the continent score gains against the greenback.

Seth Onyango, bird story agency
 
Mozambique’s central bank has decisively cut its benchmark lending rate to 15.75% from 16.5%, setting a precedent as the first African country to slash rates twice in 2024.&nbsp;
 
The move highlights Maputo’s aggressive push for economic growth amid a wider trend of cooling inflation and currency stability against the US dollar across Africa.&nbsp;
 
Rate cuts in the southeastern African nation, prompted by near-four-year low consumer inflation, aim to stimulate economic activity through household spending.
 
The steady Mozambican metical against the dollar since 2021 solidifies the central bank, Banco de Moçambique's move, balancing the rate cuts without igniting inflation or destabilising the currency.
 
Mozambique’s fiscal manoeuvre and stability reflect a larger pattern across the continent. Both Kenya and Nigeria are witnessing their currencies gain ground against the greenback, offering their economies some respite.&nbsp;
 
In Kenya, commercial banks have recently quoted the shilling at a high of Sh132.00 to the US dollar, a significant recovery from Sh161.00 at the year's start.&nbsp;
 
Similarly, Nigeria's naira is experiencing a resurgence, trading at N1,300 against the dollar on the eve of Easter celebrations, rebounding from a historic low of N1,851 per dollar in February.
 
In Mozambique, the burgeoning LNG sector, kick-started, adds to the country’s growth prospects. However, insurgencies pose risks to major projects.&nbsp;
 
Despite challenges, its economy grows by 5.4% in Q4 of 2023, showcasing resilience and growth beyond its LNG sector.
 
TotalEnergies aims to restart its US$20 billion Mozambique LNG project, halted due to Islamist insurgencies in Cabo Delgado province, leading to a force majeure declaration in April 2021 that still stands.
 
Banco's recent rate cut, however, aims to counteract these challenges, ensuring continued economic progress.
 
Mozambique, with its long Indian Ocean coastline, is dotted with popular beaches like Tofo, as well as offshore marine parks, also anticipates stellar earnings from tourism.
 
Efforts to stabilise the economy and ensure security are likely to enhance Mozambique's appeal as a premier tourism destination, further diversifying its income sources and strengthening its economic resilience.
 
Mozambique is also tweaking its visa process to lure in more visitors.
 
Its complex visa process once deterred tourists and business visitors, affecting its regional and global competitiveness.&nbsp;
 
However, significant improvements began in December 2022 with the launch of a streamlined e-visa platform by the Mozambican Government.&nbsp;
 
Further easing occurred in March 2023, introducing visa-free entry for citizens of 29 countries, including the US, for tourism and business. Now, travellers can use the e-visa platform before their trip and pay a small fee of MZN650 (about US$10).
 
Furthermore, the regional economic landscape is witnessing a pivotal shift, with African nations increasingly adopting innovative monetary policies and reforms to navigate the complexities of global finance and trade.
 
Mozambique is now at the forefront of Africa's money policy manoeuvre, with the continent's economic landscape witnessing a pivotal transformation.&nbsp;
 
Its collective progress towards stronger currencies and thoughtful monetary strategies provides a brighter economic outlook for Africa.
 
Central bank governors across the continent will likely study Mozambique’s approach closely, seeking to replicate its successes in their jurisdictions.&nbsp;
 
bird story agency

Twin rate cuts set Mozambique apart as African currency rally 🇲🇿

Despite a dip in overall funding levels, the continent is witnessing a marked increase in the number of ventures securing $1 million or more.

Seth Onyango, bird story agency&nbsp;
 
Start-ups in Africa are increasingly hauling in US$1 million or more in funding, even as the investment climate on the continent cools off.
 
Data from Africa: The Big Deal, shows ventures raising over US$1 million thrive due to their bankability, suggesting a selective but keen interest from investors amidst a cautious investment backdrop.
 
"While the amount raised quarterly is still at its lowest since Q4 2020, we can see that the number of ventures raising at least $1m during a quarter has started to bounce back in Q3 2023 and continued to do so consistently since," The Deal says.
 
Investors appear to be placing targeted bets on start-ups with clear scalability and impactful solutions, indicating a move towards more strategic, long-term investments rather than widespread, speculative funding.
 
Investment patterns also reveal a notable shift towards equity financing, despite a slight 9% decrease from the previous quarter.&nbsp;
 
Conversely, debt financing has taken a substantial hit, decreasing by 44%. This indicates a growing preference among investors for equity stakes in promising start-ups, in a show of confidence in their growth trajectories and the potential for long-term returns.
 
Broadly, the total funding secured by African start-ups from April 2023 to March 2024 amounted to US$2.4 billion — a 14% decrease from the preceding 12 months but still a substantial portion of the peak funding era between July 2021 and June 2022, according to The Deal.
 
Data from Africa: The Big Deal further underscores a strategic recalibration by investors in response to the evolving global economic landscape and the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the African market.
 
African start-ups, with their deep understanding of local markets and innovative approaches to solving complex problems, are increasingly becoming the season's must-have for both local and international investors.
 
Tellingly, a separate report from Africa: The Big Deal in March showed that more African investors are funnelling substantial investments into homegrown enterprises.
 
It highlighted a departure from the previous years, when North American investors, particularly from the U.S., led the charge in startup funding across the continent.
 
Africa: The Big Deal identified at least 619 unique investors who participated in deals of US$100k or more within the continent, with 35% of these being headquartered in Africa, making it the region with the most investors in African startups.
 
This shift came after a dramatic 47% year-on-year drop in the number of North American-based investors involved in the continent, according to the report.
 
“The fact that Africa was the continent where most investors in Africa were headquartered contrasts with the previous two years when the number one spot was held by North America (the U.S., really),” the analysis observed.
 
European investors remained significant, with a stable 25% representation, closely following African investors and indicating a potential rise in interest from this region as well.
 
When considering individual countries from around the world, however, the United States maintained its position as the single largest external investor in Africa.
 
South Africa stands out as the primary African country with active investors, highlighting its role as a significant hub for investment on the continent.
 
The top five countries hosting active investors have remained reasonably stable, with the United States, South Africa, Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and France (replacing Egypt) making the list.
 
Notably, France is the only country among the top 10 to see an increase in the number of investors involved in African deals from 2022 to 2023.
 
bird story agency&nbsp;

More African founders secure $1M+ Funding in new trend 💰🌍

The Next Wave

TechSafari

Big Tech This Week

As more and more services move online across Africa, giant players like Safaricom, MTN and Airtel are stepping up their efforts to provide Africa with large, green-energy data centres.

Conrad Onyango, bird story agency
 
African telcos are racing to construct green-powered data centres as the continent's appetite for digital services grows, fueled by the world's largest youth population.
 
Already the continent is a pioneer and outperformer in mobile money, headlined by Kenya’s M-Pesa and other mobile payment services, with 60% of the population accessing the internet via mobile.&nbsp;
 
By 2025, 167 million more people from Sub-Saharan Africa are projected to be subscribed to mobile services, reaching 623 million users, and smartphone connections in the region are also seen &nbsp;more than doubling.
 
According to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Africa’s Internet economy has the potential to reach 5.2% of the continent’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2025, contributing nearly US $180 billion to its economy.
 
Major telcos on the continent are responding to this demand opportunity - supported by moves to take education, health care, agriculture services and governance online - by lining up data center projects they say will be among the largest and greenest on the continent.
 
In its 2024 sustainability report, Kenya’s giant telco, Safaricom has outlined &nbsp;plans to construct three &nbsp;Tier 3+ scale data centers, as part of &nbsp;its long-term strategy to transform from a telecommunications company to Africa’s leading purpose-led technology company, by 2030.
 
The company's Limuru Data Centers Phase 1 is already operational, with Phase 2 planned to come on stream by 2025.
 
“The facility is designed for future growth, with the potential to support 1,000 high density racks and an IT load of up to 20 MW within the next decade,” said Safaricom in the report.
 
The strategic location of the data center in the cooler Limuru region, the &nbsp;telco said, will enable it to deliver a Power Utilisation Effectiveness of 1.35, making it one of the most energy-efficient facilities in Africa.&nbsp;
 
“The facility is equipped with a 200 kWp rooftop solar PV plant, with plans to scale up to 2MWp. Additionally, we are exploring partnerships with renewable energy producers to further enhance our commitment to sustainability,” according to the sustainability report.
 
In June, MTN Nigeria announced it was building a 1,500-rack, Tier 4 data centre to play a pivotal role in meeting the growing data demands and digital needs of businesses and consumers in the country.
 
In a LinkedIn post, MTN Nigeria CEO, Karl Olutokun Toriola said the facility will be the largest in West Africa upon completion and will enable the telco &nbsp;to respond swiftly to market demands and support businesses in Nigeria.
 
“Ultimately, this center will play a vital role in supporting Nigerian businesses to collaborate through cloud services, expand their capabilities, and thrive,” said Toriola.
 
”Our commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles is reflected in the data center's eco-friendly design to utilize efficient cooling systems and a combination of traditional energy sources, gas, and renewable energy,” he added.
 
After launching a multi-million data centre business, Nxtra by Airtel, in December 2023 &nbsp;the telco broke ground in March to what it termed as one of Africa’s largest data centres in Lagos, Nigeria- with plans for more across the continent.
 
“Through this business we aim to create one of the largest networks of data centres in Africa with high-capacity facilities in major cities complementing our existing sites. We’re taking great care to incorporate modern energy efficiencies into our operations,” &nbsp;said Airtel Africa’s Sustainability Report 2024.
 
Africa Data Centers Association also affirms the expansion of &nbsp;industry &nbsp;due to the increasing demand for such facilities throughout the continent-citing Kenya, Morocco and South Africa as fast-growing markets- abeit with a huge infrastructure gap to fill in.&nbsp;
 
“Africa needs up to 1000 MW and 700 facilities to meet demand and bring capacity density on a par with that of South Africa, the region’s leader,” according to Data Centers in Africa focus report 2024.
 
Africa, the report shows accounted for less than 2% of global colocation Data Centers supply, with over half that total located in South Africa.&nbsp;
 
“The development of data centres is picking up pace due to strong demand from economic operators, as well as increasing awareness that African countries must establish their digital sovereignty in an increasingly competitive and complex world,” said Ayotunde Coker, Chairman, Africa Data Centres Association.
 
Nigeria is listed in the data centers focus report as Africa’s largest digital economy with the internet contributing US$36.5 billion to its GDP, followed by South Africa(US$31.5 billion) and Egypt (US$26 billion).
 
Other large digital economies include Morocco(US$21.1 billion), Kenya(US$12.8 billion), &nbsp;and Algeria (US$11.9 billion).
 
Allied Market Research projects that the global market for DC provision will reach US$517.2 billion by 2030, up from an estimated of US$187.4 billion in 2020.&nbsp;
 
bird story agency
 
Useful links for editors:&nbsp;
https://africadca.org/en/data-centres-in-africa-focus-report-2024
https://www.ifc.org/en/insights-reports/2020/google-e-conomy
https://airtel.africa/#/pages/responsibility?tab=sustainability_frame-work
https://www.safaricom.co.ke/about/sustainability/sustainable-business-reports

African telcos in race to build green data centres

Africa's Gen Zs,  promised opportunity, innovation and new technology but faced with the very real world of a workplace in flux, constrained labour markets, high inflation and increasing criticism of their work ethic, are finding very little to cheer about. So a growing number of African universities are stepping in, hoping to bridge the gap between academic qualifications and real-world demands.

Conrad Onyango, bird story agency
 
Worldwide, Generation Z is facing tough times, with global economic shifts, environmental issues, worrying "hot" conflicts that are increasingly global in nature, and a job market that is less beneficial to generational wealth creation than any since World War 2.&nbsp;
 
At the same, time, this generation - born between 1997 and 2010 - is considered by nearly three-quarters of managers to be the most challenging workforce to work with.
 
According to a 2023 survey by Resume Builder, managers say Gen-Z workers feel entitled and demonstrate a lack of effort, motivation and productivity.
 
On the other hand, Gen Z workers blame business leaders and educators for a lack of understanding of the digital natives and their potential to re-write the rules of traditional corporate dynamics.&nbsp;
 
With this generation expected to comprise more than a quarter of the global workforce in 2025, recruiters, learning institutions and Gen Z's themselves, are having sleepless nights.
 
The fear and anxiety looms even larger in Africa, the continent with the youngest population in the world.
 
But there is a glimmer of hope.
 
Africa's institutions of higher learning are starting to introduce programs, organising networking events and forums to discuss and prepare this large pool of future workers in a quest to bridge the gap between university qualifications and the demands of the labour market.
 
The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), Johannesburg, is the latest to launch a student-driven initiative, the&nbsp;WorkReady Gen Z&nbsp;programme, a three-month online course designed to equip University students with essential work-readiness skills.
 
“WorkReady Gen Z&nbsp;was built to empower students not just for their first jobs but for long-term success in their careers. It’s designed to help them navigate the workplace and grow into future leaders and entrepreneurs,” says Lindelwe Cili, Career Services Team Leader at Wits.
 
The collaborative effort of the Wits Student Representative Council (SRC) &nbsp;with the Wits Counselling and Careers Development Unit (CCDU) offers insights on job hunting strategies, smooth transition in their first jobs and bolsters their skills building capacities using real-time case studies.
 
The program covers topics like job roles, imposter syndrome, and workplace biases to bolster the confidence of Gen Z’s &nbsp;in their first jobs. It also exposes them to interactive case studies and thought-provoking activities where students develop critical skills such as problem-solving, communication, time management, and professionalism.
 
Strathmore University Business School in Nairobi, this year themed its Annual HR Summit "Future-ready HR: Navigating Trends, Transforming Workplaces,"&nbsp;
 
Whlie representatives from academia and industry emphasized the need for further efforts to address the work readiness gap in Africa, Ceasar Mwangi, Strathmore's Executive Dean, asked attendees to think of the continent's youth challenge differently and to change the narrative when considering education.
 
“Perhaps the best way to address the needs: 'A rich continent with high levels of poverty with difficulties and challenges is addressing the issue of people development',” he explained.
 
In March, the International School of Advertising (ISA) Africa partnered with the data science firm Predictive Analytics Lab and the recruitment firm Brighter Monday to host a "Marketing in a Gen Z World" Forum at the University of Nairobi as part of its apprenticeship program tour.&nbsp;
 
"We are teaming up to guide you through the maze of career readiness. We're offering free insights on how to ride the data-driven marketing wave," said ISA in a call for registration poster.
 
McKinsey's 'The Gen Z Equation' deep dive, calls for a change of perspective when considering Gen Z workers.
 
“To attract and retain these workers, employers should understand what this generation prioritizes in the workplace,” the report reads.
 
Gen Z prioritizes career development when considering a job offer, over compensation. Work flexibility is the top reason for their staying in a job, with the purpose of work being a deciding factor in whether they will remain in a job or quit, according to McKinsey.
 
These sentiments are also shared by Delloite in its Global 2024 Gen Z and Millenial Survey, Living and working with purpose in a transforming world.
 
According to the survey, the majority of Gen Z individuals (86%) - and an even higher number of millennials (89%) - believe that having a sense of purpose is crucial for their overall job satisfaction and well-being. Additionally, three-quarters of Gen Zs and millennials (75%) consider an organization's community engagement and societal impact as important factors when evaluating a potential employer.
 
“These generations are increasingly willing to reject assignments or employers who don’t align with their values,” said Delloite. &nbsp;
 
Brighter Monday Chief Executive Officer, Christ Otundo, speaking during the Annual HR Summit 2024, explained that many companies are struggling to articulate their value propositions.
 
“Organisations are increasingly leveraging employer branding but perhaps this is not done effectively. Companies have not articulated very clearly what their value propositions are,” Otundo explained.
 
The challenges facing Gen Z are not confined to what is often referred to as "sub-Saharan Africa", either. They are just as relevant in north Africa. AT Morocco’s Al-Akhawayn University, the dean of the School of Science and Engineering, Salah Al-Majeed, argues in his write-up on The Times Higher Education platform that Gen Z are often misunderstood.&nbsp;
 
Al-Majeed challenges educators to analyse and refocus on distinct skills such as creative spirit, entrepreneurship, willingness to challenge the status quo, social consciousness, and an ability to deliver high value and insight on issues such as sustainability, diversity, and social justice that the digital natives bring to the workplace.&nbsp;
 
“Gen Z is what we have. As educators, we should be embracing and building upon their many positive attributes rather than dwelling on their perceived failings,” said Al-Majeed.&nbsp;
 
He advocates for learning institutions to work together with recruiters to bridge the gap by mapping these competencies and creating platforms for showcasing the skills and creation of safe networking spaces with Gen-Zs.
 
bird story agency.
 
Useful links for editors:&nbsp;
 
https://www.mckinsey.com/quarterly/the-five-fifty/five-fifty-the-gen-z-equation
 
https://www.resumebuilder.com/3-in-4-managers-find-it-difficult-to-work-with-genz/
 
https://www.deloitte.com/content/dam/assets-shared/docs/campaigns/2024/deloitte-2024-genz-millennial-survey.pdf?dlva=1

Getting Gen Z work-ready: African universities stepping up

African contemporary art is experiencing a transformative moment, with artists from the continent gaining significant recognition in the global art market. Estimated and selling prices at a recent Sothebys auction in London highlight the growing international interest in the continent's artists.

Bonface Orucho, bird story agency
 
When Ethiopian-born artist Julie Mehretu set a new record for an African-born artist last November with her painting, ‘Walkers with the Dawn and Morning’, the price (US$10.38 million) trumpeted a growing interest in African contemporary art.
 
Prices at a Sothebys auction in London on September 27 appear to confirm the trend, with &nbsp;notable works by African artists like Ben Enwonwu on sale and some works reaching higher than anticipated prices.
 
The auction also offered work by South African-born artist Irma Stern as well as outstanding works by a number of artists who appeared at this year’s Venice Biennale, including Elias Sime, Toyin Ojih Odutola, Tunji Adeniyi-Jones, William Kentridge, Gerard Sekoto, Esther Mahlangu, Uche Okeke and others.
 
While some pieces did not attract buyers at the auction, the following is a list of the ten most expensive contemporary African artworks featured at the Sothebys London auction, according to the auction website.
 
Lady of the Harem by Irma Stern
Irma Stern’s "Lady of the Harem," an oil on canvas from 1946, is a striking depiction of a Zanzibari woman in traditional attire, with henna patterns subtly hinted on her hands and feet. According to Sothebys.com, the painting captures the "intricate cultural rituals within harems, including adornment with gold and henna, reflective of women's limited agency and status in post-slavery Zanzibar". Strauss Art's website shows that it was acquired from Roza van Gelderen around 1950, and has remained in private hands. Stern’s work, &nbsp;conveys the layered histories of Zanzibar and its women. The artwork's target price was in the &nbsp;range of £600,000 (US$666,900) to £800,000 (US$889,200 ) but the piece fetched more than £960,000 (over US$1.2 million). This is the highest result at an African Art auction for the last three years, according to the organisers.
 
Nigerian Beauty by Ben Enwonwu
Ben Enwonwu's Nigerian Beauty (1959) is a striking oil painting that captures both the elegance and the symbolism of a nation on the verge of independence. According to Google Arts and Culture, the artwork was painted just before Nigeria gained independence in 1960, reflecting the pride, optimism, and emerging identity of the country. The anticipated price range for the artwork at the auction ranged between £100,000 and £150,000 (US$111,150 and US$166,725) with the final price reaching the upper end of the scale, at £144000 (more than US$192,000).
 
The Emir in Council by Ben Enwonwu
The Emir in Council (1945-1959) is also a recent discovery artwork and the oil work captures a pivotal moment in Nigeria's transition from colonial rule to independence. The artwork depicts the Emir of Kano presiding over his council, juxtaposed with British colonial officers, highlighting the complex power dynamics of the era, according to artnet.net. Enwonwu's masterful blend of Western techniques and African aesthetics reflects his role in shaping Nigeria's cultural identity. This piece’s value was estimated to range between £70,000 - £90,000 (US$77,805 and US$100,035). It fetched £90,000 at the auction.
 
Tightrope: Split In Half, 2017 by Elias Sime&nbsp;
Elias Sime's Tightrope: Split In Half (2017) utilizes reclaimed electronic components, showcasing the artist's innovative use of e-waste sourced from Addis Ababa's Minalesh Tera Market. According to the Wellin Museum of Art, this piece, part of the Tightrope series, reflects Sime's belief in the stories embedded in discarded materials, highlighting themes of global interdependence and the impact of technology on society. Through intricate interweaving of wires, Sime invites viewers to explore the delicate balance between technological advancement and its consequences, reinforcing his critique of our interconnected world. Its value was estimated at between £70,000 and £90,000 (US$77,805 and US$100,035) and the piece sold for £72000).
 
Tightrope: Squeezed In, 2017 by Elias Sime
Part of the Tightrope series, this work again challenges perceptions of e-waste and prompts reflection on the delicate balance between technological advancement and its societal effects, according to Sotherby’s. It’s value was also set at £70,000 - £90,000. The piece was not sold at the auction.
 
Charcoal L by Pascale Marthine Tayou
Pascale Marthine Tayou's Charcoal L (2012) exemplifies the Cameroonian artist's innovative approach to charcoal and mixed media, merging drawing and sculpture. This large-scale work transforms found materials to explore themes of identity, culture, and human connection. According to artsy.net, Tayou’s craftsmanship sparks discussions on modern experiences related to his African identity, earning him recognition in prestigious international exhibitions. The value of Charcoal L was estimated at between £50,000 and £70,000 (US$55,575 and US$77,805) but was yet to sell by close of bidding time.
 
Queens Forever by Pascale Marthine Tayou
Pascale Marthine Tayou's Queens Forever (2009) is a captivating series of six hand-blown crystal sculptures that explore diaspora, identity, and contemporary complexities. Each figure, adorned with found materials, critiques social roles and the performative nature of identity in a globalized world, according to Middleheim Museum. Sotherbys notes that Tayou’s work transcends race and nationality, presenting a universal ideal that challenges societal constructs while celebrating cultural interplay. This piece was valued at between £40,000 and £60,000 (US$44,460 and US$66,690) at the auction but did not sell at the London auction.
 
Ansaku’ by Atta Kwami (2017)
Atta Kwami's Ansaku (2017) exemplifies his fusion of African traditions and modernist abstraction. Featuring grid-like forms and rhythmic patterns, the painting draws inspiration from Kente textiles and urban life in Ghana, according to artnet.com. Sotherby’s notes that Kwami's work reflects his cultural heritage while engaging with broader artistic movements. Celebrated in both Ghana and globally, his art is housed in prestigious collections, highlighting his significant contribution to modern African art. Its price was expected to range between £30,000 and £50,000 (US$33,345 and US$55,575) but was yet to be sold by end of auction window.
 
Ancient Fog by Alexander Skunder Boghossian
Alexander Skunder Boghossian's Ancient Fog (1975) is an oil painting that merges Ethiopian culture with surrealism and spirituality, showcasing his "Afro-Metaphysics" style. Influenced by his European studies and jazz, Boghossian conveys the healing essence of ancient scrolls in a fluid composition under a hazy sun, according to Sotherbys.com. Created during a transformative political era in Africa, this work highlights Boghossian's impact on the Pan-African cultural awakening and modern art. While its price at the auction was expected to range between £30,000 - £50,000 (US$33,345 and US$55,575), the piece was yet to be sold by close of the auction.
 
Objects of Desire, Addendum 7 by Meleko Mokgosi
Meleko Mokgosi's Objects of Desire, Addendum 7 (2019) features a compelling blend of inkjet, permanent marker, oil, and photo transfer on linen and canvas. According to aertguide.com, the work merges historical painting techniques with research-based annotations, prompting a critical examination of themes like colonialism, democracy, and nationalism in Southern Africa. As an artist and associate professor at Yale, Mokgosi's large-scale pieces invite viewers to engage with the complexities of African history through a multilayered artistic approach. It was expected to fetch between £20,000 and £30,000 (US$22,230 to US$33,345). The piece sold for £24000 (more than US$34000).
 
bird story agency
 
Useful link:&nbsp;
https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/modern-contemporary-african-art-2

bird TenX: The 10 most expensive African artworks at a major international art auction

Nine African startups have been recognized for their innovative solutions on this year's prestigious Impact/100 list, showcasing their potential to drive meaningful change.

Bonface Orucho, bird story agency
 
Nine African startups offering diverse innovative solutions in different sectors have been included in the prestigious 2024 Impact/100 list, highlighting Africa’s potential to address global challenges.
 
According to the lead publisher and startup supporter, the Norrsken Foundation, the Impact/100 was developed as “a list of the world's most promising impact startups” and is "100 ways to fix the future".
 
The 100 startups were selected from over 1,200 competitors.
 
Celebrating his company's inclusion in the list, CEO of Kenyan-based electric vehicle automaker Roam, Filip Lovstrom, said the recognition was “fuel for our mission to change how Africa moves.”
 
“We’re committed to pushing boundaries, by making electric mobility a reality, and transforming everyday journeys into a statement for sustainability,” he added.
 
Roam was recognised for tackling global challenges by providing clean, affordable transport across Africa and advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
 
Other African startups included in the 2024 Impact list are:
 
Shara - FinTech
Shara is based in Kenya and focuses on unlocking financial access for Africa's unbanked population. Shara describes itself on its website as a company that uses cutting-edge technology to provide seamless financial solutions that enable individuals and small businesses to thrive by overcoming barriers to financial services.
 
Rology - &nbsp;HealthTech
Headquartered in Egypt, Rology leverages artificial intelligence and remote technology to provide accurate medical diagnostics. The company addresses the shortage of radiologists in emerging markets by connecting hospitals and doctors to remote radiology experts, enhancing healthcare outcomes.
 
Credrails - FinTech
Credrails, a Kenya-based FinTech company, powers Africa’s digital economy by providing businesses and consumers with easy access to financial data. Their open financial platform bridges the gap between financial institutions, helping businesses make informed decisions and fostering financial inclusion across the continent.
 
Kapu - FoodTech
Based in Kenya, Kapu is revolutionizing the food industry by making essential food items more affordable for low-income communities. Through innovative technology and supply chain optimization, Kapu aims to reduce the cost of food in Africa, ensuring better access to nutrition for all.
 
Bamboo - FinTech
Bamboo is a Nigeria-based FinTech startup that enables Africans to invest in U.S. stocks, making Wall Street accessible to the continent. The platform provides users with tools to invest globally with ease, democratizing access to international financial markets for African consumers.
 
Autochek - FinTech
Autochek, based in Nigeria, simplifies vehicle ownership by providing a digital platform for car sales, financing, and maintenance. Recently expanding into electric cars, Autochek is making it easier for Africans to own, finance, and maintain both traditional and electric vehicles.
 
Orca Fraud - FinTech
Orca Fraud is a South Africa-based company that uses artificial intelligence to detect and prevent fraud before it occurs. Their advanced AI tools monitor and identify potential threats, protecting businesses and consumers from financial fraud in real-time.
 
African Management Institute (AMI) (Kenya) – Education
Based in Kenya, the African Management Institute (AMI) provides practical, hands-on training for African businesses and entrepreneurs, according to its website. Through innovative learning platforms and tailored programs, AMI empowers leaders and managers across the continent to build sustainable and successful businesses, helping drive Africa’s economic growth.
 
Logos of the 100 startups are to be displayed on NASDAQ's iconic Times Square sign in New York in the USA as part of the recognition.&nbsp;
 
bird story agency
 
Useful link to editors:
https://www.norrsken.org/impact100#list

African impact startups featured on the 2024 Impact/100 list

A recent report reveals that employment in African cities is benefitting from accelerated investment in the green economy, with more job opportunities on the way. 


Bonface Orucho, bird story agency
 
African cities are among those reaping the rewards of ongoing rapid investment in climate action and related interventions. A new report shows more than 11% of all jobs on the continent are now green jobs - 7.5% direct jobs and 4.4% indirect jobs.
 
The analysis, conducted by C40, a global network of nearly 100 mayors from leading cities, examined 74 global cities across five continents.
 
“More than 168 million jobs were captured overall. Nearly 16 million of these can be classified as green jobs—about 10% of total employment. This includes almost 10 million direct green jobs and nearly 6 million indirect ones,” the researchers noted in their June report.
 
“This indicates that, in addition to creating direct green jobs, green investments are driving demand for materials and inputs, boosting employment in supplier industries,” they explain in the analysis on the C40 Cites website.
 
Notably, African cities such as Freetown, Nairobi, and Accra dominate the top five cities with more than 20% of jobs classified as green jobs. Bangkok, Thailand, and Lima, Peru are the only non-African cities to make the list.
 
The analysis, which utilized a methodology developed by Circle Economy and is based on International Labour Organization (ILO) definitions, was conducted in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
 
It revealed that most green jobs are found in sectors heavily influenced by local public policy, including transport and waste management.
 
Sectors where more than 25% of jobs are classified as green include water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities, transportation and storage, electricity generation, steam and air conditioning supply, and the construction sector.
 
However, the report notes there is potential for even more green jobs in the region, as over 50% of jobs in many African countries are in informal sectors and may not have been captured in official statistics.
 
Despite the progress, equity gaps persist when assessing who benefits from these green jobs.
 
“Women occupy less than 10% of jobs in the construction sector and around 12% in the transport and storage sectors, on average,” the report highlights.&nbsp;
 
Young workers (under 24) also account for only 12% of jobs in construction and 10% in transport and storage sectors, on average.
 
“The green transition also presents an opportunity to address existing inequalities and create more diverse and inclusive workforces,” the researchers explain.
 
The momentum behind green jobs is expected to grow, with projections from other sources such as Shortlist and FSD Africa, in a June report, suggesting that over 3 million new direct green jobs could be created on the continent by 2030.
 
Different cities are already fast embracing programs and initiatives that promise to avail more green jobs. In Accra, for instance, a green jobs program supported by the Global Cities Fund is tackling waste management while creating jobs for locals. The program has integrated 40 waste workers into cooperatives and registered over 250 people for health insurance.
 
Besides having a dedicated energy and climate change unit Cape Town is considered a pioneer in opening up more opportunities in climate-related sectors especially in energy transition.&nbsp;
 
Cocody in Ivory Coast has recently launched its Green City Plan, targeting a 70% reduction in emissions by 2030. The plan aims to slash local greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% and generate hundreds of thousands of new jobs while promoting sustainable lifestyles among residents. Similar ambitious initiatives are also underway in Dakar, Kampala, Tsévié, and Yaoundé, according to the World Economic Forum.
 
In addition, growing public discussions are shaping future goals and creating new opportunities for the green sector. Nairobi's inaugural National Green Jobs and Skills Development Workshop, held in May, brought together global partners such as the ILO, UNEP, and UNICEF. With a target of 240,000 green jobs by 2030, Nairobi is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable employment initiatives.
 
A similar workshop was hosted in Johannesburg in March dubbed the ‘Building City Resilience Through a Just and Equitable Transition.’&nbsp;
 
At the 2022 C40 World Mayors Summit, mayors pledged to create 50 million quality green jobs globally by 2030. Earlier in year, the report by FSD Africa and Shortlist projected South Africa to lead in green job growth, with 85,000 to 275,000 new opportunities. Nigeria is expected to follow with 60,000 to 240,000 jobs, while Kenya is forecasted to generate between 40,000 and 240,000 green jobs.
 
bird story agency
 
Useful links for editors:
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/04/africa-cities-renewables-ren21/
https://www.c40.org/news/cities-good-green-jobs-analysis-16-million/
https://www.c40knowledgehub.org/s/article/Achieving-the-just-transition-A-toolkit-for-city-leaders-across-the-globe?language=en_US

Green job opportunities surge in Africa - report

D’Tigress and South Sudan’s men’s basketball team have achieved historic successes in the ongoing Olympic Games in France, showcasing the depth of Africa's rich sporting talent and potential.

by Silalei Shani, bird story agency
 
When Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, pulled off a historic upset in women’s basketball with a 75-62 defeat of Australia’s Opals in their opening game, the win resounded through African basketball.&nbsp;
 
Closing out the first half with a 13-point lead and on the back of Ezinne Kalu’s 19 points, Nigeria managed to hold off the Opals until the final quarter when Australia cut down the lead to make it a one-possession game with 4 minutes left on the clock.&nbsp;
 
Amy Okwonkwo, who currently plays for French basketball club Bourges, delivered a clutch 3, allowing Nigeria to go on another run which extended to the final whistle and handed D'Tigress the game.&nbsp;
 
D’Tigress then faced France backed by an energetic home team crowd at Pierre Mauroy Stadium in their group second group B game. Though the Nigerians showed moments of brilliance, France dominated from the 1st quarter, maintaining a lead that carried to the end of the match.&nbsp;
 
Despite the loss, Nigeria again turned heads and captured the attention of the world as they returned with a vengeance in their their must-win contest with Canada on Sunday, August 4, &nbsp;defeating the north Americans 79-70 to advance to the quarterfinals.
 
Ezinne Kalu led Nigeria with 21 points, while Shay Colley paced Canada with 17 points.
 
The first half was closely contested, with Canada taking a four-point lead into halftime. However, Nigeria's relentless pressure in the second half proved too much for the Canadians to handle.
 
Nigeria outscored Canada 23-5 in the third quarter, including a 15-0 run that opened up an eight-point lead.&nbsp;
 
By the midway point of the fourth quarter, Nigeria's lead had grown to 17 points, sealing the victory and eliminating Canada from the tournament.&nbsp;
 
The continent’s sole representative in the Men’s Olympic basketball side, South Sudan, also made history with their first Olympic victory in their first group stage match up against Puerto Rico.&nbsp;
 
Exceeding expectations, South Sudan pulled off a 90-79 victory. The last time the two teams met was at the FIBA World Cup where South Sudan lost 101-96.
 
The win was a collective effort, with five South Sudanese players scoring in double digits led by Carlik Jones 19 points.&nbsp;
 
South Sudan faced the US side in their second group stage match looking to deliver a dominant performance after an earlier match up where they narrowly lost to the Americans, 101-100.&nbsp;
 
However, despite a great effort and a brief lead in the first quarter, South Sudan trailed for the rest of the game, losing 103-86. Nuni Omot led the team in scoring with 25 points, while Bul Kuol and Marial Shayok added 16 and 12 points respectively.&nbsp;
 
“I think tonight shows my ability of what I’m capable of doing,” Omot shared. “The Olympics is the 12 best teams that are competing right. Just to be able to be one of the 12 teams is an honor…People are going to know who South Sudan is.”
 
The South Sudanese came stunningly close to a monumental upset against the United States in a thrilling exhibition game in London on July 20.&nbsp;
 
Team USA, trailing by 16 points, had to rely on LeBron James' clutch basket with just eight seconds left to secure a nail-biting 101-100 victory.
 
While Serbia defeated South Sudan 96-85 in their final Group C match, pushing the Africans into third place in the group and dashing their quarter-final dreams, the perfomances of both South Sudan and Nigeria have been enough to announce clearly to the world that Africa is to be taken seriously as a basketball powerhouse.
 
bird story agency

Perfomances from Nigeria and South Sudan at the Paris Olympics mark a new chapter in African basketball 🇳🇬 🏅 🇸🇸  

The Swahili film industry is undergoing a makeover and stands to gain significantly if an Idris Elba mega studio comes to fruition. The project recently received a major boost with the allocation of an 80-hectare site in Zanzibar.

Bonface Orucho, bird story agency
 
The allocation of an 80-hectare parcel of land in Zanzibar to Hollywood star Idris Elba to build a film studio marks a new milestone in efforts to develop a regional film industry - efforts that are being supported by local government.
 
"Idris Elba will be building a modern studio similar to Hollywood, Nollywood or Bollywood… I'm not sure how we will call it in Zanzibar, whether Zallywood or Zawood, I don't know," Zanzibar’s Minister of Investment, Shariff Ali Shariff saod during the 27th anniversary celebrations of the Zanzibar International Film Festival held between August 1 and 4, according to AFP.
 
Conversations about the project have been ongoing since February 2023 when Tanzania’s Director of Presidential Communications Zuhura Yunus made the announcement after President Hassan’s trip to the 53rd World Economic Forum in Davos.
 
Elba, a renowned English actor and rapper with ties to Sierra Leone and Ghana has shown increasing interest in the African film industry, initiating partnership discussions with at least three countries: Ghana, Zanzibar and South Africa.
 
“Young Africans view me as a leader or a beacon. And I feel like I could bring something. So I’m keen to bring what I’ve learned in media and amplify it in Africa,” he told SA People, a South African outlet in 2022.
 
The film studio plans for the "Spice Island" brings renewed focus to the film potential of the island's tropical setting and history, with its world-class beaches and famous "Stone Town" offering a wide variety of settings.
 
Beyond Zanzibar, the film studio could reignite the region’s film industry especially that of mainland Tanzania where the "Bongowood" film industry is on a resurgence after a slowdown in the past decade.
 
In 2020, the government reviewed existing regulations, including slashing filming permit fees, aiming to replicate the success of regional powerhouses like Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria. These countries have seen substantial investments from major producers like Netflix and Showmax, injecting millions of dollars into their film industries.
 
Recent entries into Africa's film production scene, such as Disney Plus's collaboration with Kenyan producers on the animated series ‘Kizazi Moto’, signal a growing international interest in the region's talent and narratives, an opportunity Tanzania can tap.
 
Tanzania recently collaborated with South Korea, initiating a benchmarking exercise where actors and actresses visited major studios in Busan for a reskilling program.
 
Last month, The Space Maasai, a Tanzanian feature film by Wilson Nkya, won a major award at the 2024 Durban FilmMart (DFM). The film pays tribute to young African boys and girls, inspiring them to pursue their passions and dreams.
 
Space Maasai, currently under development, was selected from 29 entries from countries like Egypt, Morocco, and Kenya. Other Tanzanian film ideas that won awards include Children of Honey by Jigar Ganatra and The Legend of Hyena Man by Matthew Valerian. Additionally, Kelele, a documentary project, was also recognized.
 
While their achievements may not yet match those of the biggest filmmakers and directors from Africa's major film hubs, the success of filmmakers like Walter Mzengi showcases Tanzania's potential to cultivate and nurture similar talent.
 
Walter Mzengi was among the five winners of the 2022 African Folktales, Reimagined award by Netflix and UNESCO, receiving a US$25,000 personal grant and an additional US$75,000 production grant for filmmaking.
 
Another significant milestone for the Tanzanian film industry occurred in 2022 when Amil Shivji's romantic drama ‘Vuta N’kuvute’ (Tug of War), a story of a young woman whose romance blossoms on the back of a political revolt durng the British colonial war in Zanzibar, became the country's second-ever entry into the Oscars, marking a first in 21 years.
 
The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, has been screened at festivals in Germany, South Africa, the USA, Brazil and Switzerland, and won the Tanit d’Or at the Carthage Film Fest in Tunis as well as four awards at the 2022 African Movie Academy Awards in Lagos.
 
Other films from the East African country including ‘Binti’ and ‘Nyara’ are streaming on Netflix.
 
According to UNESCO, if well harnessed, Africa's film and audiovisual industries could create over 20 million jobs and contribute US$20 billion to the continent's combined GDP.
 
bird story agency

How an Idris Elba film studio in Zanzibar would be a big boost to the Swahili film industry 🎬 🇹🇿

A new report finds that Africa’s rapidly growing green economy could create over 3 million new jobs by 2030, highlighting the sector's significant potential for employment and sustainable development across the continent.

Bonface Orucho, bird story agency
 
Africa’s green economy has the potential to create up to 3.3 million new direct green jobs across the continent by 2030, according to a new report.
 
The report, ‘Forecasting Green Jobs in Africa’ &nbsp;by Shortlist and FSD Africa, with analysis from the Boston Consulting Group was unveiled on July 24 covering five focus countries: Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.
 
According to Mark Napier, CEO of FSD Africa, the report is of interetst because “there is a cross-sector effort across Africa to spur employment and sustainable development.”
 
“But stakeholders lack a shared, granular understanding of where the green jobs are going to come from. This report offers a methodology for forecasting green jobs which allows us to get practical about where we need to invest to make these jobs happen,” he explained in a press statement accompanying the report.
 
Key insights from the report indicate that job creation will focus on twelve green subsectors, primarily in renewable energy, particularly solar, e-mobility, sustainable agriculture, eco-friendly construction, and green manufacturing.
 
South Africa is projected to create the highest number of jobs, between 85000 and 275000 green jobs by 2030, mainly in energy, power generation, agriculture and nature sectors including conservation.
 
The solar industry is, however, projected to create the highest number of new employment opportunities by 2030, up to 140,000 new jobs.&nbsp;
 
South Africa's REIPPP program is one of the most ambitious solar initiatives in Africa, generating over 2,500 MW of solar and wind energy in the past decade. Africa Solar Industry Association projects that each MW of solar power generated can create up to 30 full-time jobs.
 
This is critical considering the huge unemployment rates in the country where about 10.2 million people were aged between 15 and 24 years as of Q3 of 2023 out of whom 32.7% were neither in employment nor in education or training.
 
The program is scaling rapidly, boosting both energy output and job creation. In December 2023, South Africa launched REIPPPP Bid Window 7, targeting 5 GW of renewable energy from solar, wind, green hydrogen, and hydropower.
 
Nigeria is also projected to create between 60000 and 240000 new green jobs by 2030 mainly in aquaculture and poultry subsectors both of which have the potential to generate up to 69000 new job opportunities.
 
Aquaculture is emerging as a sector of interest in Africa, with global investors increasingly directing resources towards it, signaling confidence in its growth potential.
 
After Aqua-Spark launched a $300 million African aquaculture fund in 2021, it has grown into a successful venture supporting major projects in Madagascar, Mozambique, the Lake Harvest project in Southern and East Africa, and Kenya's Aquarech.
 
Nigeria is especially grooming its aquaculture industry with projections by the World Aquaculture Society (WAS), through its African chapter, projecting the country’s aquaculture sector has the potential to generate an annual revenue of US$296 billion.&nbsp;
 
The country's Blue Economy Strategy, a 2023 blueprint, places aquaculture at the core of its plan to harness the vast potential of the blue economy.
 
Beyond aquaculture, poultry farming stands as a cornerstone of Nigeria's livestock industry, representing the most commercialized sector. According to the poultry association of Nigeria, the sector contributes over 25 percent to the Livestock Agricultural Gross Domestic Product (LAGDP).
 
“The industry has for the last five (Five) years, remained the No. 1 egg-producing nation in Africa and the No. 5 in Broiler Meat production in Africa,” Ichie Ezeobiora, the national president of the association explained in a recent press statement.
 
The authors of the report also explain that in Kenya, between 40000 and 240000 new jobs can be created by 2030. The solar sector is expected to lead this creation with an estimated 111000 jobs by the end of the decade. Ethiopia will see between 30,000 and 130,000 new green jobs while the DRC will &nbsp;put on between 15,000 to 45,000 new green jobs by 2030.
 
The quality of the projected new &nbsp;job opportunities varies from being skilled, semi-skilled to white collar. Notably, up to 60% of the new jobs will be skilled or white collar distributed as; 10% advanced jobs or highly skilled, 30% specialized jobs and 20% administrative jobs.
 
“Crucially, these job types tend to attract higher salaries and will, therefore, play a central role in spurring the growth of the middle class in countries hosting these high-growth sectors,” the authors explain.
 
Also, the stability of the unskilled jobs that is set to be created by these jobs is expected to provide significant opportunities for upward mobility. These positions will serve as stepping stones for candidates, enhancing their employability through access to training and valuable experience.
 
bird story agency
 
Useful links for editors:
https://fsdafrica.org/publication/forecasting-green-jobs-in-africa/
https://renewablesnow.com/news/s-africa-opens-reipppp-bid-window-7-targeting-5-gw-of-renewables-843213/
https://poultryassociationofnigeria.org/press-release-on-current-policy-and-fiscal-seige-on-the-poultry-industry-in-nigeria-the-industry-on-the-verge-of-total-collapse/
https://www.howwemadeitinafrica.com/from-kenya-to-nigeria-opportunities-in-africas-fish-farming-industry/169135/

Africa's green economy could create 3 million new jobs by 2030 - report

Africa's data market is experiencing a reset, with the aggressive rollout of satellite internet and intense competition promising faster and cheaper services, including markets with some of the world's most expensive data plans.

Conrad Onyango, bird story agency
 
A year after the introduction of commercial-scale satellite internet by Elon Musk’s Starlink in Africa, significant developments are beginning to reshape the continent's internet landscape, with cheaper and faster internet increasingly available in Africa as satellite infrastructure rollouts expand and competition among providers intensifies.&nbsp;
 
In May, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, a major internet player with a presence in 14 countries in Africa, partnered with OneWeb to expand internet access to remote areas promising to offer better connectivity, using both low Earth orbit and traditional satellites.
 
“This strategic move anticipates the expected surge in new LEO satellite constellations over the next three years, providing agile and cost-effective solutions for entering and expanding markets,” said &nbsp;Liquid Intelligent Technologies Chief Executive Officer, Ahmed El Beheiry, at the time.
 
Direct competition between foreign satellite internet providers, regional and domestic fiber and mobile network operators (MNO's) is shaking up of local internet service provision as well as driving strategic partnerships between satellite internet providers and MNO's for mobile satellite data provision.&nbsp;
 
Despite these intertwined competitions and collaborations, providers share a common goal: to improve internet access by offering high-speed and cheaper data to customers.
 
African countries with some of the most expensive data plans in the world are currently witnessing most of these developments as more foreign satellite internet providers gain a footing through strategic partnerships with local Internet service providers.
 
British firm, Eutelsat OneWeb, which forms part of the French Eutelsat Group and runs a network of low Earth orbit satellites has &nbsp;been making inroads into Africa by expanding satellite infrastructure and bolstering capacities of local internet service providers.
 
Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Sudan, Botswana, DR Congo, Rwanda, Mauritius are among countries that will benefit from anticipated cheaper data costs. Liquid Intelligent also has a presence in South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya.&nbsp;
 
In early July, Zimbabwe government-owned, telecom service provider, TelOne entered a strategic partnership to leverage OneWeb’s satellites through a reseller arrangement to offer high-speed internet to its customers at lower market prices.&nbsp;
 
“We will introduce flexible pricing models to remain competitive. If we need to give discounts on certain products, we will do so, so that we remain in the game,” local media outlet Newsday quoted TelOne Chief Executive Officer, Lawrence Nkala.
 
The decision came barely a month after the announcement of Starlink’s projected third-quarter 2024 launch in Zimbabwe.
 
According to UK-based price&nbsp;comparison website&nbsp;cable.co.uk, as of September 2023, Africa is home to some of the ten most expensive internet data offerings in the world.
 
Zimbabwe has been listed as the most expensive in the world with, with a price of US$43.75, for 1 GB of data, followed by Saint Helena (US$ 40.13), South Sudan (US$23.70), the Central African Republic (US$ 10.90) and Zambia (US$ 8.01).&nbsp;
 
In the region, average cost of 1GB is&nbsp;US$3.31 which is higher than global average of of US$2.59.
 
Since 2019, prices per 1GB have dropped&nbsp;significantly, however. &nbsp;Prices in Zambia dropped by 256%, in Central Africa Republic by 80.6% and in Sudan by 71.6%
 
Northern Africa is the cheapest region in the world overall, according to the report with average cost of 1GB at&nbsp;US$ 0.86. All countries in this region are cheaper than the global average.&nbsp;
 
While Elon Musk’s Starlink has been saddled by regulatory hurdles to make inroads in a number of &nbsp;African countries, it has also been shaking up markets where data prices are cheaper on the continent.
 
In Kenya, Starlink has introduced a 50GB monthly data plan priced at US$10 (Ksh 1,300) compared to Airtel Kenya’s US$23.4 (Ksh 3,000) and Safaricom’s &nbsp;US$19.5 (Ksh 2,500) for a 45GB plan.&nbsp;
 
“Affordable, high speed internet with 50GB of data included for Ksh 1,300/mo (opt in for additional data at Ksh 20/GB,” Starlink offered on its website.
 
The US$0.15 (Ksh 20/GB ) plan is lower than North Africa’s US$ 0.86 average, reflecting the positive impact of satellite internet in the Kenyan market.
 
Starlink also allows Kenyan users to pay for the data plans via mobile money services offered by Airtel and Safaricom.
 
The only competitive advantage the MNO’s have is the relatively high cost of acquiring hardware for the satellite service. While the MNOs' satellite service will ride on existing registered sim cards, one requires Ksh 45,500 to install Starlink hardware.
 
The Communications Authority of Kenya’s Sector Statistics Report Q3 FY 2023-24 show the &nbsp;number of 100Mbps to 1GBps users - the highest speed range for internet data in Kenya stood at 4,504 by March 2024 - has increased to the the highest ever since since the launch of Starlink in July 2023.
 
“The utilized satellite capacity increased remarkably following the launch of Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency satellite Internet in the country,” according to the report.
 
The regulator’s data showed that between December 2023 to March 2024, Kenya’s Satellite bandwidth grew from 0.44GBps to 48.4GBps.
 
Starlink’s significant success in Africa is in Nigeria, where the country’s communication regulator has already ranked it as the third-largest internet service provider by subscriber base.
 
As of the end of 2023, Starlink had 23,897 active customers in Nigeria, less than a year after its launch in January 2023. This number is closing in on the 27,000 active users of Nigeria’s second-largest provider, FiberOne. The country’s largest and oldest ISP, Spectranet, had 113,869 active customers.
 
While such competition is hottest in urban centers, MNO’s are collaborating with satellite internet providers to cover remote parts of the continent.
 
In December 2023, giant telco, MTN announced a multi-partnership arrangement with a number of satellite providers to &nbsp;test standard and direct-to-device satellite services.&nbsp;
 
MTN announced plans to conduct pilots with Lynk Global in Ghana and South Africa, negotiate tests with AST SpaceMobile in Nigeria and South Sudan, and conduct enterprise-focused trials with Starlink in Rwanda and Nigeria.&nbsp;
 
Similarly, Safaricom and other Africa operators from parent company, Vodacom Group are also eyeing entry into mobile data satellite services through a collaboration with AST SpaceMobile.
 
bird story agency

Cheaper data beckons in Africa as satellite internet roll-out intensifies

Prospects for high-tech manufacturing beckon for Africa as the United States moves to secure critical supply chains and cultivate a robust new frontier in the global semiconductor market.

Seth Onyango, bird story agency&nbsp;
 
Africa could finally insert itself into the chip-making value chain as the U.S. taps Kenya for a groundbreaking semiconductor manufacturing partnership.
 
In the World Economic Forum's latest analysis, this development represents a pivotal moment for Africa, offering an opportunity to transition from a raw materials supplier to an essential player in the high-tech ecosystem.
 
In May 2024 the US Trade and Development Agency teamed up with Kenya to enhance semiconductor manufacturing in the East African country, a move that would bring Africa into the fold of global semiconductor supply chains.
 
“USTDA’s assistance will unlock significant investment opportunities for Semiconductor Technologies Limited (STL) and for the Kenya semiconductor ecosystem, fostering extensive bilateral and private sector engagement among the U.S., Kenya, and the broader continent,” said STL’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Githinji at the time.
 
For years, Africa has been seen primarily as a source of raw materials, but this partnership signals a new era where the continent can become an integral part of the high-tech supply chain.&nbsp;
 
The WEF highlights that this partnership is just the beginning of a larger strategy to secure critical supply chains and foster dynamic growth in the global semiconductor landscape.
 
"This development signals a pivotal moment for Kenya and the African continent, which is beginning to position itself as a critical player in the global semiconductor ecosystem. But it’s just the first move in a much larger game," said Ayodele Okeowo Managing Director, Tusk Strategies and Nii Simmonds Nonresident, Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council in their analysis for the Forum's Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chains report.
 
This comes after authorities in Beijing announced that they would be tightening export controls for some types of graphite, a critical mineral for the production of batteries and other electronics.
 
Kenya, along with other African nations like Nigeria, Rwanda, and Ghana, boasts abundant critical minerals necessary for semiconductor production.&nbsp;
 
These countries also have a youthful population eager to embrace technology and innovation.&nbsp;
 
"These nations could become critical hubs in a global network that demands resilience and adaptability and as billions of dollars pour into national semiconductor markets, as seen in the United States, South Korea, China and the European Union (EU)," the WEF report said.&nbsp;
 
"As the United States develops its semiconductor manufacturing capacity domestically through historic direct investments in projects across the supply chain – $327 billion over the next 10 years – there has also been an emphasis on increased coordination with friendly and allied global partners."
 
Leveraging these resources, the initiative aims to create a sustainable and resilient supply chain that can withstand global market fluctuations and geopolitical tensions.
 
At a time when the global semiconductor industry is grappling with supply chain disruptions, this move is crucial.&nbsp;
 
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in the existing supply chain, leading to significant shortages and production delays.&nbsp;
Establishing a manufacturing hub in Kenya aims to mitigate these risks and ensure a steady supply of semiconductors, vital for industries such as automotive, electronics, and telecommunications.
 
The partnership includes substantial investments in infrastructure, technology transfer, and workforce training with the approach designed to build a robust semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem in Kenya, capable of meeting international standards and demands.
 
While the potential benefits are significant, the initiative also faces several challenges. Building a semiconductor manufacturing industry from scratch requires substantial investments in infrastructure, education, and technology.&nbsp;
 
Developing a regulatory framework that supports innovation while ensuring environmental sustainability is also essential.
 
However, the strong commitment from both the US and Kenyan governments indicates a determination to overcome these challenges.&nbsp;
 
By fostering public-private partnerships and leveraging international expertise, the project aims to establish a solid foundation for long-term success.
 
bird story agency&nbsp;
 
Useful links for editors:
https://www.ustda.gov/ustda-partners-with-kenya-to-boost-semiconductor-manufacturing/
 
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/07/why-africa-could-provide-the-next-semiconductor-ecosystem-for-the-chip-business/
 
https://centres.weforum.org/centre-for-advanced-manufacturing-and-supply-chains/home

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