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An emerging technology that addresses cooling solutions for vehicles has debuted in South Africa, highlighting the skyrocketing continental demand for cold storage services. Experts say cold storage could transform Africa's food supply.

Bonface Orucho, bird story agency
 
A new, sustainable method of generating electricity to refrigerate trucks has been introduced into the African cold storage market.
 
As reported by Creamer Media’s Engineering News, Global logistics company DP World partnered with food and clothing retailer Woolworths to unveil a mobile refrigeration trailer in South Africa powered by AxlePower technology.
 
According to Engineering News, the project's AxlePower technology “transforms ordinary road transport trailers into a source of clean and efficient electricity.”
 
The news report published on January 31 further explains that a special axle is used to convert kinetic energy into electricity that is used to power the refrigeration unit. A battery-holding unit ensures a constant supply of electricity even when the truck is stationary.
 
“This innovative technology offers tractor-independent, 100% electric cooling for trailers, using free and sustainable power that results in zero trailer carbon emissions,” DP World explained in a statement.
 
The trailer, which will operate on South Africa’s long-haul N1 route between Johannesburg and Cape Town, is the latest cold storage technology to debut in a fast-growing African market.
 
The technology helps to solve the problem of high energy consumption common in cold storage infrastructure.&nbsp;
 
According to Owusu Akoto, CEO of FreezeLink, a company operating in the cold chain industry in Africa, the industry is critical to solving post-harvest losses.
 
“We can feed one billion more people globally if we can solve the problem of post-harvest losses,” he explained during the Africa Food Bank Conference 2024 in Accra. The conference was held between January 29 and February 1.
 
Food losses due to post-harvest handling and losses are estimated at 8%, according to the UN FAO. The African Post-harvest Losses Information System (APHLIS) estimates this figure to be higher, between 10 and 12%.
 
Losses are higher in other sectors, such as the horticulture industry, where, according to the World Bank, up to 40% of horticultural produce does not make it to the market due to losses.
 
According to Empower Africa, only about 5% of fresh produce goes through the cold chain, resulting in a significant 30–50% loss.
 
While in its burgeoning stages, the cold storage market is growing and holds the promise of revamping not only the continent’s agricultural efficiency but also reinforcing other sectors such as healthcare, where cold storage is of critical service.
 
AxlePower technology is coming into a space where renewables, especially solar and wind, are increasingly being used to power cold storage systems across the continent.
 
The 2023 ‘Cold Chain Storage Market Assessment’ by the Energy and Environment Partnership Trust Fund shows that the cold chain infrastructure market is developing, especially in the East and Southern African regions.
 
The report shows that 42% of the cold chain infrastructure sold in 2023 in Africa, excluding those sold in North Africa, was made in East Africa.
 
Notably, startups targeting small-scale farmers across Africa are creating and availing of off-grid cold storage solutions leveraging mainly solar energy to provide cold spaces and warehouses.
 
SokoFresh, a Kenyan-headquartered startup, is one such technology that is applying a cooling-as-a-service model to preserve the quality of fresh produce for farmers. Operating in over 40 countries, the company serves 7,000+ customers with solar-powered cold storage solutions, as stated on its website.
 
A Nigerian start-up, ColdHubs, employs a similar model in an extensive Nigerian market where it has deployed 58 hubs across 28 states.&nbsp;
 
More recent developments reaffirm a growing investor appeal in the sector.
 
InspiraFarms, for instance, a Kenya-based cooling solutions provider, has recently secured a US$1.09 million investment to bolster its off-grid energy cold storage projects in Africa. This follows a significant milestone in 2020 when a US$5.4 million Series B round enabled the piloting of 'Cooling-as-a-Service' in emerging markets such as Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Ghana.
 
Apart from fresh farm produce, some startups, such as Baridi, are looking into the meat market, supplying local butcheries who can also lease spaces on a pay-as-you-store model.
 
Briter Bridges, a research and insights company, outlines that cold storage startups are primarily centred in seven countries, including Morocco, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, and Egypt.
 
According to a 2022 forecast by Market Data Forecast, the Middle East and Africa (MEA) cold chain market is poised for significant growth. It's anticipated to reach a value of US$35.1 billion by 2028, up from US $23.8 billion in 2022.
 
Rob Nashihanya, a Rwandese agribusiness entrepreneur, explains the critical role of developing a robust cold storage system in Africa.
 
“By increasing the shelf life of agricultural products, preserving food for longer periods, and preventing food waste, Africa can not only alleviate food insecurity but also open its market for agricultural products," he explained.
 
bird story agency
 
Useful links: https://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/middle-east-and-africa-cold-chain-market

Trucking innovation highlights Africa's cold storage problem and opportunities

As East African countries grow their investment in satellite technology for communications, defence, security, research, disaster management and weather forecasting, the region is also growing as a launch and test site for the industry.

Conrad Onyango, bird story agency
 
A futuristic solar-powered plane designed to fly between 60,000 and 80,000 feet above the earth, beyond regulated airspace, is set to take off in Kenya, adding to a growing number of high-altitude and space projects in East Africa.
 
Aalto, a startup spun out by passenger aircraft giant Airbus in 2023, manufactures the solar-electric Zephyr HAPS aircraft and has indicated it will soon start experimenting these flights in Kenya.
 
The announcement followed the successful launch, test and landing of its Instrumented Zephyr Test Vehicle, IZTV – a dedicated Zephyr test aircraft – equipped with advanced flight controls in Arizona in May.
 
“This milestone marks the beginning of this year’s comprehensive flight season and the completion of successful testing. Our focus now turns to experimental flights to be launched from our AALTOPORT in Kenya over the coming months," the company said on X.
 
While the company has not announced the exact launch date, the choice of Kenya as the first permanent launch and landing site for the new-age space glider gives the East African nation hitherto unnoticed prominence attractiveness of the region’s space ports to foreign investors.
 
In June, AALTO revealed that a consortium of leading Japanese businesses, led by Japan's mobile operator&nbsp;NTT DOCOMO and Space Compass, had pledged to invest US$100 million in the company.&nbsp;
 
The investment, the company said, paves the way for the Zephyr to begin commercial service in 2026, pending certification from aviation authorities.&nbsp;
 
“This investment comes as AALTO moves into its next phase of development. This includes launching several customer missions over the coming year, establishing launch and landing sites for Zephyr, and advancing our certification process. We are excited to forge a new frontier in sustainable connectivity and earth observation from the stratosphere, while generating significant value for all our stakeholders.” said AALTO Chief Executive Officer Samer Halawi.
 
Kenya’s position on the equator, together with the favorable weather conditions required for the aircraft's ascent, makes Kenya an ideal location, the company said.
 
This development comes more than a year after Djibouti signed a billion-dollar partnership deal with Hong Kong Aerospace Technology to build the first orbital spaceport on African soil.
 
The US$1 billion spaceport project includes the construction of a port facility, a power grid and a highway to ensure the reliable transportation of aerospace materials.
 
The preliminary deal, signed in partnership with Touchroad International Holdings Group in January 2023, cleared the path for a formal contract signing and development of this mega space port over a five-year period.
 
The international spaceport is expected to have seven launch pads, with capacity to launch seven satellites simultaneously, and three testing facilities when complete.
 
Other countries in East Africa have also made strides into space or are planning to venture into the market - foreign investors being at the forefront of these initiatives.
 
In February, the Rwanda Space Agency and the Polish Space Agency signed a Memorandum of Understanding to advance partnership opportunities.&nbsp;
 
This collaboration, the two agencies said, aims to leverage the strong Polish space ecosystem and develop joint activities of mutual interest.
 
“It fosters interagency cooperation between industries and academia to advance capabilities in space technologies, facilitating knowledge transfer and promoting tailored research and development initiatives,” the two agencies said in a joint statement.
 
Uganda successfully launched its first satellite, PearlAfricaSat-1, in November 2022. The satellite was constructed by three Ugandan engineers together with the Kyushu Institute of Technology in Japan, part of the Joint Global Multi-Nation Birds Satellite Project.&nbsp;
 
Tanzania announced plans to establish a space agency in the 2024/2025 fiscal year with the goal of promoting satellite technology for communication, defence, security, research, disaster management, and weather forecasting.
 
With this venture Tanzania seeks to join other East African countries like Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda in advancing space technology.&nbsp;
 
Africa Space Industry projects 125 new satellites to be developed in 23 African countries by 2025 as part of the continent's space market activities.
 
bird story agency

East Africa grows its Space opportunity

Disrupt-Africa

Dopay, the Egyptian fintech revolutionizing payroll, has raised an additional $13.5 million in a Series A extension round. With these new funds, Dopay is set to accelerate its expansion in Egypt and beyond, launching innovative financial services to better serve unbanked workers. Discover how Dopay is transforming the financial landscape in emerging markets.

<h3>Egyptian fintech startup Dopay has secured $13.5 million in a Series A extension round, bringing its total Series A funding to $31.5 million. This latest funding round, led by Argentem Creek Partners with participation from existing investors, will enable Dopay to rapidly expand its operations in Egypt and other markets.</h3>
<h3> </h3>
Founded in 2014 by Frans van Eersel and Ahmed Nassef, Dopay offers a virtual banking platform that digitizes cash payments from employers to workers and other beneficiaries. This innovative solution aims to integrate unbanked and underbanked workers into the financial system through a payroll-centric approach.
 
The new funds will help Dopay elevate its platform and, in collaboration with partner banks, leverage deposited funds to create a self-financing lending model. This model will allow deposited amounts to fuel a lending portfolio, fostering a sustainable financial ecosystem. Dopay plans to launch new financing products embedded into its platform, enhancing the overall customer experience.
 
Maarten Terlouw, co-chief investment officer at Argentem Creek Partners, emphasized the importance of a payroll-centric approach in integrating unbanked workers into the financial system. He praised Dopay’s multi-bank, multi-country platform and expressed excitement about supporting the company in its next growth stage.
 
Key Points:
<ul>
 <li>Dopay secures $13.5 million in Series A extension round.</li>
 <li>Funds to accelerate expansion in Egypt and other markets.</li>
 <li>Dopay digitizes cash payments from employers to workers.</li>
 <li>New financing products and self-financing lending model to be introduced.</li>
 <li>Payroll-centric approach to integrate unbanked workers into the financial system.</li>
</ul>
 
🌍 Dopay is revolutionizing payroll and financial services for unbanked workers in emerging markets. Stay tuned for more updates on their exciting journey! 🚀
 
 
 
Read more on <a href="https://disruptafrica.com/2024/07/18/egyptian-fintech-startup-dopay-secures-13-5m-series-a-extension-round/">Disrupt-Africa</a>

Egyptian Fintech Startup Dopay Secures $13.5M Series A Extension to Accelerate Expansion 🇪🇬

TechCabal

In a strategic shift, Microsoft is reducing its Nigerian office space and moving key roles to Kenya. Despite these changes, the tech giant reiterates its commitment to Africa's growth, promising continued support and investment in the region.

Microsoft has announced a significant restructuring of its Nigerian operations, reducing office space at the Kings Tower building in Ikoyi from six floors to two. This comes after laying off half of its workforce in Nigeria and closing its African Development Centre (ADC) in Lagos. The company has shifted many roles to Kenya, where it plans to set up a $1 billion geothermal data center.
 
Key Points:
<ul>
 <li>Office Reduction: Microsoft will cut its Nigerian office space from six to two floors and may not renew its tenancy in 2025.</li>
 <li>Layoffs and Relocation: The engineering team in Nigeria faced significant layoffs, with remaining roles moved to Kenya.</li>
 <li>Commitment to Africa: Despite these changes, Microsoft emphasizes its ongoing commitment to Africa's growth, innovation, and digital transformation.</li>
</ul>
 
Detailed Highlights:
<ul>
 <li>The sales team will occupy the reduced office space in Nigeria.</li>
 <li>Microsoft's ADC in Nigeria closed in June 2024, leading to a significant shift of engineering roles to Kenya.</li>
 <li>Microsoft remains dedicated to supporting Nigeria's transformation objectives and fostering local talent.</li>
</ul>
 
Statement from Microsoft:“While we have made the difficult decision to close the Africa Development Centre in Nigeria, we want to emphasize that this move does not diminish our commitment to Nigeria and the region. We are determined to contribute to Africa’s progress by providing digital solutions, fostering innovation, and empowering local talent.”
 
Future Investments:Microsoft's investment focus in Kenya includes a $1 billion geothermal data center and an engineering team to oversee these investments.
 
Key Highlights:
<ul>
 <li>Office space reduced from 6 to 2 floors in Nigeria</li>
 <li>Significant layoffs and relocation of engineering roles to Kenya</li>
 <li>Ongoing commitment to Nigeria's digital transformation and innovation</li>
</ul>
 
🔗 Learn more about Microsoft's strategic shift and its impact on Nigeria and Kenya! #Microsoft #Nigeria #Kenya #TechNews #DigitalTransformation
 
 
Read more on <a href="https://techcabal.com/2024/07/19/microsoft-shrinks-nigerian-office-from-six-to-two-floors/">TechCabal</a>

Microsoft Restructures Nigerian Operations, Moves Roles to Kenya 🇳🇬  🇰🇪

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

Africa muscles in on the semiconductor value chain

TechCrunch

Pesa is breaking barriers in the remittance industry, providing fast, affordable, and secure money transfers across continents. With a multi-currency wallet, Pesa is transforming how diaspora communities send money home. 🌍💸

<h3>Pesa, a fintech startup, is revolutionizing remittance services with a multi-currency wallet. Now expanding into the US and 27 European countries, Pesa aims to make global money transfers faster, cheaper, and more accessible.</h3>
<h3> </h3>
Pesa's Global Expansion in Remittance Services
Pesa, a fintech startup founded by Nigerians Tolulope Osho, Yusuf Yakubu, and Adewale Afolabi, is revolutionizing remittance services by making them more accessible, affordable, and reliable. After launching in Canada in 2021, Pesa has rapidly expanded into 27 European countries and is now eyeing the US market. The startup’s multi-currency wallet allows users to send, receive, and hold multiple currencies, making international money transfers seamless and efficient.
 
Key Highlights:
<ul>
 <li>Pesa is finalizing licenses to launch in the US and recently expanded into 27 European countries.</li>
 <li>The platform allows users to send, receive, and hold six different currencies.</li>
 <li>Pesa aims to make global money transfers fast, secure, and affordable, reducing the need for risky informal channels.</li>
 <li>The startup has processed over a million transactions valued at $380 million and serves 60,000 users, 30% of whom are active.</li>
 <li>Expansion into new markets, including India and Sub-Saharan Africa, positions Pesa as a major player in the digital remittance space.</li>
</ul>
 
Impact and Future Goals:
<ul>
 <li>Pesa’s efforts align with the World Bank’s projections of increasing remittance flows to low-and-middle-income countries, expected to reach $129 billion in India by 2025.</li>
 <li>The startup’s expansion will intensify competition with other digital remittance platforms like Wise, Nala, and Flutterwave.</li>
 <li>Pesa plans to introduce multi-currency cards and other financial products to enhance user experience and drive further growth.</li>
</ul>
 
By leveraging technology and innovative solutions, Pesa is poised to significantly impact the global remittance industry, empowering diaspora communities and fostering financial inclusion. 🚀💼
 
 
Read more on <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2024/07/22/pesa-pursues-global-growth/">TechCrunch</a>

Pesa Unlocks New Markets to Keep Remittances Flowing to Emerging Economies

The Nigerian Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has fined WhatsApp $220 million after a three-year investigation revealed that the messaging app's 2021 privacy policy violated user rights. WhatsApp's policy changes forced users to accept new terms or face account deletion, raising significant concerns about data privacy and consumer protection.

<h3>📱 WhatsApp Fined $220 Million: The FCCPC fined WhatsApp after a detailed investigation into its 2021 privacy policy, which allegedly forced Nigerian users to accept terms or lose access, contrasting with more user-friendly policies for Europeans.</h3>
<h3> </h3>
🔍 Privacy Violations: The investigation found that WhatsApp's privacy updates in 2021 compelled users to accept data sharing with third parties without the option to opt-out, leading to potential misuse of personal data.
 
🌍 Unequal Treatment: The FCCPC highlighted that Nigerian users were subjected to a different privacy policy compared to European users, with less transparency and fewer rights concerning data usage and protection.
 
<h3>Key Points:</h3>
<ul>
 <li>Investigation Findings: The FCCPC's 116-page report details that WhatsApp's updated policy was anti-competitive and violated consumer rights by not allowing users to opt out and threatening account deletion.</li>
 <li>User Data Concerns: The 2021 policy allowed data sharing with third parties for marketing without user consent, a significant shift from previous policies.</li>
 <li>Market Dominance: WhatsApp's dominance in Nigeria, with 65% user penetration, amplified the impact of these privacy violations.</li>
 <li>Differential Treatment: Nigerian users were provided fewer rights and less information compared to European users, despite similar data protection laws.</li>
</ul>
<h3> </h3>
<h3>Conclusion:</h3>
The FCCPC's fine against WhatsApp underscores the importance of fair and transparent privacy policies that respect user rights, regardless of geographic location. This decision highlights the ongoing need for robust consumer protection in the digital age.
 
 
Read more on <a href="https://techcabal.com/2024/07/22/fccpc-probe-found-whatsapp-threatened-to-delete-user-accounts-collected-excessive-data/">TechCabal</a>

Nigerian FCCPC Fines WhatsApp $220M for Privacy Policy Violations

🎉 Tix Africa celebrated a milestone of ₦2 billion in ticket sales in 2023 and is now eyeing new horizons with expansions planned for Rwanda and the UK. Despite economic challenges, Tix continues to thrive, connecting event-goers with memorable experiences. 🚀 Discover how this innovative platform is transforming the ticketing landscape!

<h3>Tix Africa's Remarkable Growth and Future Expansion</h3>
<ul>
 <li>Record-Breaking Sales: Tix Africa recorded ₦2 billion in ticket sales in 2023, a significant increase from ₦884 million in 2022. In the first half of 2024, they've sold over 150,000 tickets, showing resilience amidst Nigeria's inflation.</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
 <li>Founders &amp; Vision: Founded in 2019 by Folayemi Agusto and Nosakhare Oyegun, Tix Africa is a ticketing platform that has become integral to Nigeria's event scene, from concerts to conferences.</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
 <li>Global Expansion Plans:</li>
</ul>
Rwanda: Eyeing the 10,000-capacity BK Arena. 
UK: Leveraging the Afrobeats craze and targeting tech events, catering to the African diaspora craving cultural experiences. 
Funding: Tix plans to raise over $150,000 for these expansions.
<ul>
 <li>Strategic Moves:</li>
</ul>
New Website &amp; App: Launching a new website and checkout experience to simplify ticket purchases. An upcoming app will help users discover nearby events. 
Partnerships: Collaborating with Audiomack to provide ticketing tools for African artists. 
Past Initiatives: Discontinued Tix Pro subscription in favor of offering full features to all users. 

<ul>
 <li>Future Vision: Aspires to own a 10,000-capacity event venue, enhancing revenue from both ticketing and events. Their annual Tixieland event serves as a testing ground for new ideas.</li>
 <li>Revenue Model: Competes with Eventbrite, Nairabox, and Ariya by charging 5% on ticket sales and a small fee per ticket.</li>
</ul>
Tix Africa continues to innovate and expand, aiming to enhance the event experience for both creators and attendees across the globe. 🌍✨
 
Read more on <a href="https://techcabal.com/2024/07/22/tix-africa-crossed-%e2%82%a62-billion-tickets/">TechCabal</a>

Tix Africa Hits ₦2 Billion in Sales and Expands to Rwanda and the UK 🎟️  🇷🇼  🇬🇧

Benjamindada

📈 Netflix has increased its subscription prices in Nigeria for the second time this year, causing concern among subscribers already grappling with economic hardships. Discover how the new rates are affecting Nigerian viewers and what it means for the future of streaming in the region. 🎥🇳🇬

<h3>Netflix's Second Price Hike in Nigeria This Year</h3>
<ul>
 <li>New Pricing Structure: Netflix has announced a price increase for its Nigerian subscribers, the second this year:Premium Plan: From ₦5,000 ($3.14) to ₦7,000 ($4.40) 
Standard Plan: From ₦4,000 ($2.51) to ₦5,500 ($3.46) 
Mobile Plan: From ₦2,200 ($1.38) 
Basic Plan: From ₦3,500 ($2.20) 
</li>
 <li>April Price Revision: Earlier in April, Netflix increased prices for the premium plan from ₦4,000 ($2.76) to ₦5,000 ($3.14), and standard plan from ₦3,600 ($2.26) to ₦4,000 ($2.51). The mobile plan rose to ₦1,600 ($1.01) from ₦1,200 ($0.75), while the basic plan remained at ₦2,900 ($1.82).</li>
 <li>Strategic Adjustments: These price hikes align with Netflix's broader strategy to periodically revise subscription rates to support revenue and content growth. Similar adjustments have been made in key markets like the US, UK, and France.</li>
 <li>Ad-Supported Tier: Netflix has introduced a "basic with ads" tier in various countries, offering a cheaper subscription option for those willing to watch ads.</li>
 <li>Economic Impact: The recent devaluation of the Naira, rising inflation, and high living costs in Nigeria are making it difficult for many subscribers to afford these increased prices. With declining spending power and a shrinking middle class, streaming services may become less of a priority.</li>
</ul>
 
Netflix's price adjustments reflect its efforts to balance competitiveness and content quality, but economic challenges may force many Nigerian subscribers to reconsider their streaming budgets. 📺📉
 
 
Read more on <a href="https://www.benjamindada.com/nigerian-subscribers-struggle-to-keep-up-as-netflix-increases-subscription-prices/">BenjaminDada</a>

Netflix Price Hike in Nigeria: Subscribers Struggle Amid Economic Challenges 📺📉 🇳🇬

📈 Airtel Africa bounces back with a $31 million profit in Q1 2024, reversing last year's losses despite ongoing economic challenges. Discover how strategic growth in data and mobile money services is driving their success across 14 countries. 🌍📊

<h3>Airtel Africa’s Resilient Q1 2024 Performance</h3>
<ul>
 <li>Profitable Quarter: Airtel Africa reported a profit of $31 million in Q1 2024, a significant turnaround from a loss of $151 million in Q1 2023. This rebound highlights the company's strategic recovery efforts despite macroeconomic challenges.</li>
 <li>Revenue Decline: Revenue decreased by 16.1% to $1.15 billion, largely due to currency devaluation and rising fuel costs in Nigeria. Airtel Africa plans to mitigate these impacts through cost reduction and energy-saving initiatives.</li>
 <li>Key Growth Metrics:Mobile Money: Customers increased by 14.9% to 39.5 million, boosting revenue to $22 million. Notable growth was seen in East Africa (31.7%) and Francophone Africa (18.4%). 
Data Services: Data revenue grew to $409 million, with a 13.4% increase in data customers to 64.4 million. 
Voice Revenue: Voice revenue rose to $476 million. 
Customer Base: Overall customer base expanded to 155.4 million, supported by the addition of over 5,600 km of fibre cables. 
</li>
 <li>Future Outlook:Enterprise and Infrastructure: CEO Sunil Taldar emphasized exploring new opportunities in enterprise, fibre, and data center businesses. In March 2024, Airtel began work on a data center expected to go live by Q1 2026. 
</li>
 <li>Market Reaction: Despite these positive results, Airtel Africa's share price fell by 10% in pre-market trading ahead of their Q1 earnings call.</li>
</ul>
Airtel Africa's strategic focus on data and mobile money services is driving growth, positioning the company to navigate and thrive amid economic challenges. 📶💼
Feel free to use this summary and SEO-friendly title for your content. If you need any further adjustments or additional details, let me know!
 
 
Read more on <a href="https://techcabal.com/2024/07/25/airtel-africa-reports-31-million-in-q1-2024/">TechCabal</a>

Airtel Africa Reports $31 Million Q1 Profit Amid Persistent Economic Challenges

🚀 Intron Health secures $1.6 million in pre-seed funding to enhance its groundbreaking speech-to-text transcription tools for healthcare. Discover how this Nigerian AI startup is transforming medical record-keeping and improving patient care. 💡🌍

<h3>Intron Health Raises $1.6M to Boost AI-Powered Healthcare Solutions</h3>
<ul>
 <li>Funding and Goals:Nigerian AI startup Intron Health raised $1.6 million in a pre-seed round. 
Funds will be used to hire more staff, deepen research, and enhance cloud and on-premises capabilities. 
</li>
 <li>Company Background:Founded in 2020 by Dr. Tobi Olatunji. 
Provides speech-to-text transcription tools for healthcare professionals. 
Aims to reduce the time doctors spend on paperwork by converting speech into text. 
</li>
 <li>Impact and Achievements:Reduced radiology report turnaround time at the University of College Hospital, Ibadan, from 48 hours to 20 minutes. 
Supports over 56,000 patients across 30+ hospitals in Nigeria and Kenya. 
Handles a variety of African accents, trained on 3.5 million audio clips across 288 accents. 
</li>
 <li>Future Developments:Developing a multilingual speech-to-text product, starting with an English to Hausa model. 
Aims to improve communication between doctors and patients who don’t speak English. 
</li>
 <li>Market Position:Competes with Helium Health (Nigeria) and Terragon Health (Kenya). 
Offers its software to other electronic medical record businesses, emphasizing partnerships over competition. 
</li>
 <li>Investor Support:Led by Microtraction, with contributions from Plug and Play Ventures, Jaza Rift Ventures, Octopus Ventures, and more. 
</li>
</ul>
Intron Health is revolutionizing medical record-keeping in Africa, improving efficiency, healthcare outcomes, and hospital finances. Their innovative technology and strategic partnerships position them as a leader in AI-powered healthcare solutions. 🏥💻
 
 
Read more on <a href="https://techcabal.com/2024/07/25/nigerian-ai-startup-intron-health-raises-1-6-million-to-improve-cloud-infrastructure/">TechCabal</a>

Nigerian AI Startup Intron Health Raises $1.6M to Revolutionize Healthcare with Advanced Speech-to-Text Technology

The Next Wave

TechSafari

Big Tech This Week

Africa receives more hours of bright sunlight than any other continent, highlighting its massive potential for solar energy solutions to bridge energy gaps. Countries are already harnessing this abundant resource to drive sustainable development, cut fossil fuel reliance, and supercharge economic growth. Here are the top ten largest operational solar energy projects across the continent.

bird story agency
 
With the shift to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources becoming increasingly urgent globally, Africa is fast embracing climate-friendly energy solutions in a bid to provide electricity to the more than 600 million Africans unconnected to electricity.&nbsp;
 
The quest to diversify electricity generation from the dominant hydroelectric power option, which has become more erratic lately with the ever-changing climate, has led to a surge in solar energy generation across the continent.&nbsp;
 
Here are the ten largest operational solar energy power plants in Africa based on their energy generation capacity.
 
1. Noor I. Ouarzazate Solar Power Station, Morocco - 580MW
The plant, one of the largest in the world, is located in the city of Ouarzazate, some 10km to the North-Easterly part of Morocco.
 
160 MW was first constructed in the first phase. Subsequent phases; phase 2, three added 200MW, 150MW and 70MW, respectively, all commissioned between 2013 and 2018.&nbsp;
 
Besides being a key pillar of Morocco’s renewable transition plan of incorporating 4560 MW of solar by 2030, the project offsets close to 800000t of CO2.
 
Ref: https://www.power-technology.com/projects/noor-ouarzazate-solar-complex/&nbsp;
 
2. Kenhardt hybrid solar and battery facility, South Africa - 540MW
Managed by the Norfund Climate Investment Fund, the facility is one of the latest additions in Africa and was developed by the Norwegian company Scatec. Active operations and linking to the Eskom grid happened in December 2023 but actual supply to the grid was announced in January 2024.
 
Besides the solar panels and power generation unit, the facility also has a 1140 MWh battery storage unit, making it one of the largest battery storage units in Africa.
The battery unit ensures a consistent supply of 150 MW of dispatchable power all year round from 05:00 am to 21:30 pm daily, addressing the intermittency challenges often associated with renewable energy.
 
Ref: https://www.norfund.no/africas-biggest-solar-and-battery-facility-now-operational/&nbsp;
 
3. Benban Solar Park, Egypt - 400MW
Extending over 37 square kilometers between Aswan and Cairo on the Nile, the park includes 41 solar power plants.
 
At full operational capacity, the solar park will pump out 1.8 GW of solar energy, making it the largest solar park on the continent and one of the largest globally. The first six plants were operationalized in 2019, supplying 400 MW of solar energy to the grid.
 
When fully operational, the Benban solar park will cut carbon emissions by an estimated two million metric tons annually.
 
Ref: https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/357970.aspx
 
4. De Aar Solar project, South Africa - 175MW
The facility comprises De Aar and De Aar 3, generating 85.26 MW and 90 MW, respectively. The two facilities utilize 500000 solar PV &nbsp;modules to generate electricity, which serves up to 75000 homes.
 
Located in the Northern Cape, South Africa, this solar project spans a 100 hectares of &nbsp;land and is part of the South African Government's Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP).
 
Ref: https://deaarsolar.co.za/about/&nbsp;
 
5. Xina Solar One, South Africa - 100MW
The 100 MW plant in the Cape Province uses parabolic trough technology to generate solar energy, powering close to 100,000 homes. A molten salt storage system attached to it enables the storage of surplus energy for up to 6 hours.
 
The complex, which spreads over 850,000m² was developed by a Spanish multinational through its South African subsidiary, Abengoa S.A. The plant, which is currently managed by ENGIE Africa, offsets more than 348,000 tons of carbon emissions annually.
 
Ref: https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/engie-completes-the-acquisition-of-xina-solar-one-a-100mw-concentrated-solar-power-plant-in-south-africa-mbx267rz
 
6. Kathu Solar Complex, South Africa - 100MW
Nestled in the Kalahari Desert in the Kathu area of the Northern Cape province, approximately 600km southwest of Pretoria, the concentrated solar power project is also&nbsp;
managed and maintained by ENGIE Africa.
 
Similarly, the project uses a molten salt storage system for power storage, allowing for up to 4.5 hours of thermal energy storage.&nbsp;
 
Ref: https://www.kathusolarpark.co.za/
 
7. KaXu Solar One, South Africa - 100MW
The plant is located in Pofadder, in the Northern Cape Province and is one of the oldest solar projects. A construction tender for the project was awarded in 2011 under bid window 1 of the REIPPP programme. &nbsp;
 
1200 parabolic trough solar collectors are concentrated in an area exceeding 1000 hectares. Being a thermal solar plant, mirrors concentrate solar energy onto a special fluid that absorbs heat. Steam generated from heating the fluid drives a &nbsp;steam turbine, generating electricity. There are more than 300,000 parabolic-shaped mirrors mounted at the facility.
 
A molten salt-based thermal storage unit allows generation even when there is little or no sunshine.
 
Ref: https://www.renewable-technology.com/projects/kaxu-solar-one-pofadder-northern-cape/&nbsp;
 
8. Ilanga 1 CSP Power Plant, South Africa - 100MW
Situated at Karoshoek in the Northern Cape, the plant comprises 266 loops, equivalent to 360,000 mirrors distributed across parabolic troughs, and covers an expansive 870,000 square meters with curved mirrors.&nbsp;
 
A molten salt storage system allows for the provision of up to 5 hours of thermal energy storage capacity.&nbsp;
 
A product of the REIPPP program having been commissioned in bid window 3 of the initiative, Ilanga 1 serves up to approximately 100,000 homes, offsetting 90,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually.&nbsp;
 
Ref: https://solarpaces.nrel.gov/project/ilanga-i
 
9. Jasper Solar Power Project, South Africa - 96MW
Operationalized in 2014, the complex located near Kimberly spreads across 180 ha. The plant supplies all its capacity to the state utility, Eskom, in accordance with a 20-year power purchase agreement signed between Eskom and the developers, a consortium of SolarReserve, the Kensani Group and Intikon Energy.&nbsp;
 
Ref: https://www.renewable-technology.com/projects/jasper-solar-power-plant-northern-cape-kimberley/
 
10. Mulilo-Sonnedix-Prieska PV Project, South Africa - 86MW
The solar farm at Siyathemba Local Municipality in the Northern Cape spans 125 ha. It is operated on IPP terms by a pan African solar business company, BTE Renewables, which recently acquired a 60% stake in the project from a Spanish global power producer, Sonnendix Power Holding.&nbsp;
 
The solar park is one of the oldest in South Africa, having begun commercial operations in 2016.
 
Ref: https://www.sonnedix.com/news/mulilo-sonnedix-prieska-pv-project-inauguration-celebrates-its-impact-in-the-northern-cape
 
bird story agency

Africa’s top 10 largest operational solar energy projects

Benin's shipment of children's garments to a French brand marks a turning point for the country's growing garment industry - and entry into an exclusive club of African exporters whose manufacturing capacity is rising fast.

Bonface Orucho, bird story agency
 
Benin recently made its debut export of 'Made in Benin' garments to Europe from the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ), shipping 80,000 children’s leggings to French brand KIABI.
 
According to the Investment and Promotion Company for Industry in the Cotonou-based GDIZ, &nbsp;Létondji Beheton, the export is a “proof of our commitment to promoting the Beninese textile industry on the international stage.”
 
“By the end of 2024, we will produce 2 million pieces of clothing for KIABI, demonstrating our ability to meet international standards while maintaining high quality,” said the Managing Director of SIPI-Bénin S.A in a statement on July 9.
 
The recipient of the consignment, KIABI, has nearly 563 clothing retail outlets across France, Spain, Italy, Africa, the Middle East, and other markets.&nbsp;
 
Recent developments in Benin highlight a growing trend in Africa's apparel and garment industry, driven in part by the United States' African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
 
African apparel exports to the US under the AGOA initiative reached nearly US$1.4 billion in 2022, nearly double the sector's value from before AGOA was established in 1999.
 
While Africa is mainly a net importer of apparel, a number of countries export more than they import, according to the World Bank. These include Madagascar, where apparel makes up 76.3% of exports, Mauritius (54.4%) and Lesotho (48.8%).
 
Agoa.info lists other leading African exporters of apparel as Kenya, Swaziland and Ethiopia.
 
Kenya saw a 7.2% rise in capital investment in the sector from 2018 to 2022, marked by 36 new firms entering its textile and apparel sector. As a result, the East African country has become the largest exporter of garments to the U.S. from Africa.
 
According to an April 2024 statement by Kenya’s President William Ruto, “29 apparel companies operating in our EPZ (Export Processing Zone) are exporting to the US and employ nearly 60,000 people.”
 
The East African country continues to attract new investors including global textile giants like Youngone Corporation from South Korea, which announced plans in May 2024 to establish Africa's first synthetic fiber manufacturing plant. The company will launch with a US$40 million initial investment.
 
Kenya aims to increase apparel exports to the US and European Union to US$1 billion (Sh152.7 billion) by 2025, up from the current US$544 million (Sh83.07 billion).
 
Also in West Africa, Ghana is seeing a resurgence in its garments and textile industry. Despite years of decline due to cheap Asian imports, the country's industry is making a notable comeback, driven in part by demand for locally-manufactured Kente cloth and local designs.
 
Companies like Tex Styles Ghana Limited and Accra’s Adjabeng Free Zone Enclave have been expanding their production since 2020, thanks to savvy marketing and the rise of talented designers.
 
African fashion designers such as South Africa’s Thebe Magugu have made global waves and are changing the continent’s narratives through fashion. Magugu was awarded the prestigious LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers in 2019.
 
Nigerian fashion designer Lisa Folawiyo is celebrated for her colourful collections that fuse traditional West African fabrics with modern trends. Other globally-acclaimed African designers include Ghana’s Aisha Ayensu Obuobi and Ivorian-American designer Loza Maléombho.
 
According to Adwoa Owusuaa Bobie, Center for Cultural and African Studies Research Fellow at Ghana's Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), African designers are also “world leaders when it comes to producing sustainable clothes.”
 
“Sustainable fashion means clothes being produced and consumed in ways that are socially responsible… West African designers offer a much wider variety of creative designs compared to the homogenised designs of fast fashion brands,” she reported, following a 2024 study she conducted in the region.
 
“Most [fashion designers] release collections only twice a year – summer and winter – instead of every two weeks like western fast fashion brands,” she explained in an article published on The Conversation.
 
The potential for growth in Africa's garment manufacturing remains immense. Located close to key European markets and with a burgeoning home market, the continent is also home to a vast abundance of raw materials. 37 out of 54 countries produce cotton, according to UNESCO.
 
bird story agency
 
Useful links:
https://gdiz-benin.com/gdiz-exports-80000-ready-to-wear-made-in-benin-garments-for-french-brand-kiabi/

Benin joins a thriving "Made-in-Africa" garment exporters club 🇧🇯

A sustainable digital economy will drive consistent growth in the digital sector, ensuring that the benefits are equitably shared across society.

Reporting by Bonface Orucho, bird story agency
 
Africa is on track to create a sustainable digital economy by harnessing its rich mineral resources, expand eco-friendly data centres, improve e-waste management, thus fostering a circular digital economy.
 
This is according to the ‘2024 Digital economy report’ by the UN Trade and Development launched on July 10, which spotlights the hefty environmental toll of the global digital sector and the uneven burden borne by developing countries.
 
According to the authors, expediting the digital economy into adopting sustainable practices is important because it “will greatly influence the future of humanity and the health of the planet.”
 
“Digital transformation is taking place in parallel with growing concerns related to the depletion of raw materials, water stress, climate change, pollution and waste generation, which are all linked to planetary boundaries,” the authors explain.
 
“We must harness the power of digitalization to advance inclusive and sustainable development, while mitigating its negative environmental impacts,” Rebeca Grynspan, UNCTAD’s Secretary-General explains in a statement accompanying the report.
 
Firstly, the authors stress the urgent need for sustainable and responsible sourcing of raw materials essential for manufacturing digital technologies like computers and mobile phones.
 
Africa boasts significant untapped mineral potential that could drive sustainable development. From copper, tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold to lithium, many of the critical minerals found in electronic devices are sourced from the continent.
 
According to the World Bank, the demand for these minerals necessary for digitalization such as graphite, lithium, and cobalt could skyrocket by 500% by 2050.
 
The report stresses the need for policies that ensure not only reduction in emissions at the mining phase and also ensure equitable distribution of benefits from these resources and the importance of moving up the value chain.
 
“A just, low-carbon and digital technology transition requires an integrated approach... This extends to the human rights context,” the authors highlight.
 
“Material resources extraction and processing affect all aspects of the triple planetary crisis. They account for 60 per cent of GHG emissions, over 90 per cent of biodiversity impact and 40 per cent of pollution-related health impacts,” they add.
 
Emerging trends such as the growing number of data centres and the increasing volumes of electronic waste can be effectively addressed to ensure a more sustainable digital economy in Africa.
 
Africa accounts for less than 1% of the world’s existing data centres, most of which are limited to mainly in South Africa. Others are spurring in Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria.&nbsp;
 
The UNCTAD report sees the booming data centre market as a golden opportunity to build a sustainable green economy. With digital transformation sweeping through developing countries, the demand for data centres is set to soar.
 
A 2021 report by the The Africa Data Centres Association projects the data centre market in Africa will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 12% between 2019 and 2025.
 
“This is happening despite challenging climate conditions, limited availability of renewable energy, water scarcity, connectivity constraints and power outages,” the report explains.
 
There is already a growing expansion of green data centres such as Google and Amazon Web Services’ green data centre in Nairobi which was launched in 2023. It was marked as the country’s first green data centre powered by geothermal energy.
 
Also, the Distributed Power Africa, a unit of the Zimbabwe telecommunications firm Econet, is overseeing the integration of alternative energy solutions into its data centres in Burundi, Kenya and South Africa.
 
“There is an opportunity for data centre operators in Africa to spearhead a global drive to include water source and use metrics in their reporting and promote the wider use of water recycling in data facilities,” the authors further add.
 
However, with rapid digitization, e-waste management is a growing threat in most countries on the continent. Ongoing e-waste management efforts and cycling efforts create the hope to accelerate sector’s sustainability.
 
The UN estimates that digital-related waste has increased by 30% from 8.1 million tons to 10.5 million tons between 2010 and 2022. The growth was highest in developing countries, 48% compared to 11% in developing countries.
 
There are however ongoing efforts to increase reuse with a large part of digitalization-related waste being handled in informal settings, particularly in developing countries. The report highlights that Africa's repair and refurbishment sector is well-organized, particularly in Ghana and Nigeria.
 
In Nairobi, the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Center (WEEE Center) is another example of facilities that are effectively promoting the reuse, recycling and safe disposal of e-waste.
 
According to Tom Musili, the facility’s co-founder, the centre with more than 100 drop-off points across the country has recycled more than 12000 tonnes of e-waste and employed over 1000 young people.
 
“The centre does safe disposal of electronic wastes, secure data destruction, comprehensive training and awareness among other relative functions,” he disclosed in a 2023 interview with bird story agency.
 
According to the report, “Such activities contribute to reducing poverty and digital divides as the latter are made more affordable.”
 
bird story agency
 
Useful link to editors:
https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/der2024_en.pdf

Africa is greening its digital economy - report

'Seismic' changes in Africa's venture capital scene propel Kenya to the top in H1 funding, as East Africa surpasses other regions, hinting at a broader shift in investor focus across the continent.


Seth Onyango, bird story agency&nbsp;
 
Kenya continued its impressive investment run for the third consecutive semester, hauling in US$244 million in startup funding in the first half of 2024.
 
In the review period, the East African nation captured almost a third (32%) of all funds raised by startups in Africa, according to the startup tracker, Africa: The Big Deal.&nbsp;
 
Kenya's share of total funding grew by 5 percentage points compared to 2023 as other 'Big Four' markets, Nigeria, South Africa and Egypt struggled.&nbsp;
 
In East Africa, Kenya accounted for 86% of the region’s total funding, down slightly from 89% in 2023 while overall, the region led the continent by attracting 37.5% ($285 million) of total venture capital.&nbsp;
 
Uganda was the only other East African nation to surpass US$10 million, raising US$19 million, while Tanzania narrowly missed this threshold with US$9 million. The remaining countries, including Sudan, Ethiopia, and Rwanda, each garnered less than US$5 million.
 
Nigeria emerged as the second most attractive market for VC funding, securing US$172 million, which equates to 23% of Africa's total.&nbsp;
 
This marks a significant rebound from its 14% share in 2023, propelling the continent"s most populous nation from fourth to second place.&nbsp;
 
Despite the recovery, Nigeria has not reclaimed the top spot it held in 2021 and 2022. S a region, West Africa closely followed East Africa with $270 million in funding, representing 35.5% of the continent’s total.&nbsp;
 
However, Nigeria's share of regional funding was lower at 64%, down from 68% in 2023. Benin attracted US$50 million through a single deal (spiro), while Ghana and Senegal raised $29 million and $11 million, respectively.
 
Historically, Nigeria has raked in the lion's share of Africa's startup funding, a testament to its large population, entrepreneurial spirit, and significant market potential. South Africa, Kenya and Egypt make up the rest of the "big four" investment destinations on the continent.
 
Kenya's and East Africa's successful fundraising trend could be signalling a shift in investor interest outside the traditional market leader.
 
Investors might be recognizing the burgeoning opportunities in East Africa, driven by robust economic policies, growing tech ecosystems, and increasing digital adoption across the region.
 
Egypt ranked third in the survey, with US$101 million in funding, though its share of the continent's total dropped significantly to 13% in H1 2024 from 22% in 2023.&nbsp;
 
Nonetheless, Egypt still attracted 87% of Northern Africa's total funding, similar to the previous year.&nbsp;
 
Morocco was the only other Northern African country to exceed $10 million in startup investments, raising $14 million. Tunisia and Algeria saw limited startup activity since 2023, a stark contrast to their stronger performances in 2021 and 2022, driven largely by Algeria’s Yassir.
 
South Africa fell to fourth spot, raising US$85 million, which accounted for 11% of Africa's total startup funding in H1 2024, down from 21% in 2023.&nbsp;
 
Despite this decline, South Africa continued to dominate its region, accounting for 98% of funding, up from 96% in the previous year. This regional total represented 11.5% of all the funding on the continent.
 
Meanwhile, the report highlights that 22 African countries recorded at least one deal exceeding US$100,000 in H1 2024.&nbsp;
 
bird story agency&nbsp;

Shift in investor focus as Kenya tops Africa in H1 venture capital 🇰🇪

Across continents and languages, African authors have penned captivating narratives that resonate with readers worldwide. bird story agency has compiled the following list of best-selling books and their authors in celebration of the rich landscape of African literature.


Esther Musembi, bird story agency
 
Over the past century, African writers have written about their lives, experiences, culture, history, and myths in a variety of forms, styles, and languages. They have been widely published across Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Asia. They've written in English, French, Portuguese, Arabic, Swahili, and several other indigenous languages.&nbsp;
 
They wrote, and write, with exceptional originality, flair, and sincerity. From Chinua Achebe, considered to be the father of modern African literature, to Trevor Noah who is part of the new-age crop of writers; African literature continues to stay relevant and as educative as it is entertaining and enlightening. Although not exhaustive, this list puts together some of Africa’s best selling books of the past century.
 
1. Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe - Nigeria
Nigerian novelist, poet, professor, and critic is best known for his seminal work, "Things Fall Apart" (1958). This novel is lauded as the most widely read book in modern African literature.&nbsp;
 
Things Fall Apart offers a powerful portrayal of the collision between traditional African cultures and the imposition of colonial rule through its central character Okonkwo. The novel also delves into the dynamics of gender roles within highly patriarchal societies. Due to its popularity, this book has been translated into over 50 languages worldwide.
 
2. Half of a Yellow Sun, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie- Nigeria
An acclaimed author of novels, short stories, and nonfiction, Adichie has been called "the most prominent" among a "procession of critically acclaimed young anglophone authors who are succeeding in attracting a new generation of readers to African literature."&nbsp;
 
Known for her character-driven stories, Half of a Yellow Sun (2006), explores the lives of three characters set against the backdrop of the Biafran War in the 1960s. The book won her the Women’s Prize for Fiction in 2007. Other notable works include Purple Hibiscus (2003) and Americanah (2013).
 
3. A Grain of Wheat, Ngugi wa Thiong’o- Kenya
Writing primarily in Gikuyu, Kenyan writer and academic Ngũgi wa Thiong’o works include novels, plays, short stories, and essays. A Grain of Wheat (1967), as most of Ngũgĩ's writing, explores themes of colonialism, and identity, reflecting his deep commitment to the cultural and political liberation of Africa.&nbsp;
 
His notable works include the novel "Petals of Blood"(1977) and the play "Ngaahika Ndeenda" (I Will Marry When I Want).
 
4. Our Sister Killjoy, Ama Ata Aidoo - Ghana
The Ghanaian author, poet, playwright, and academic, is renowned for her literary works that express strong feminist views. In her debut novel, Aidoo explores themes of identity, black diaspora and colonialism. Our Sister Killjoy (1977) bold in its writing explores themes such as same-gender relationships which were considered beyond their time.
 
She won the Commonwealth Writers' Prize in 1992 with the novel Changes.
 
5. So Long a Letter, Mariam Bâ - Senegal
So Long a Letter (1979), a semi-autobiography, is widely considered a foundational work of African feminist literature. Writing primarily in French, Bâ's works explore themes of gender, social change, and the role of women in post-colonial African societies.
 
"So Long a Letter" delves into the life of a Senegalese woman grappling with the cultural and personal ramifications of her husband's polygamy, a stark reality of the Western African woman.&nbsp;
 
This book was awarded the first Noma Prize for Publishing in Africa in 1980.
 
6. Cairo Trilogy, Naguib Mahfouz - Egypt
Mahfouz's epic trilogy set in colonial Egypt portrays the captivating tale of a Muslim family in Cairo amidst Britain's occupation of Egypt in the early 20th century.
Exploring themes of class, identity and colonialism, Cairo Trilogy (2001) is prolific in that it offers valuable historical insight amidst intense family drama.
 
This body of work earned him Egypt’s State Literary Prize for the Novel (1957) and the Nobel Prize in literature (1988).
 
7. Broken Glass, Alain Mabanckou - Congo
Known for his sharp wit and incisive social commentary, Alain Mabanckou's writing is deeply rooted in his Congolese origins and French language. In his most popular work heavily characterized with satire, "Broken Glass,"(2005) Mabanckou delves into the life of a Congolese teacher in a local bar who tries to document his society’s stories but fails miserably.
 
He won the Prix Renaudot in France for another novel, Memoirs of a Porcupine (2006).&nbsp;
 
8. Nervous Conditions, Tsitsi Dangarembga - Zimbabwe
Nervous Conditions was first published in the United Kingdom in 1988. It was the first book published by a Black woman from Zimbabwe in English. Set in Rhodesia (present-day Zimbabwe) the novel focuses on Tambu's journey as she navigates the challenges of education and identity in colonial Rhodesia. It explores themes of gender, race, and the complexities of post-colonial African society.&nbsp;
 
In This Mournable Body (2020), Dangarembga returns to the protagonist of her acclaimed first novel, Nervous Conditions, to examine the broader themes of colonialism and capitalism.
 
Nervous Conditions won Best Book of the Commonwealth Writers' Prize in 1989.
 
9. Burger’s Daughter, Nadine Gordimer - South Africa
One of apartheid era's prominent writers, Nadine delves deeply into social, moral, and racial issues within South Africa under apartheid rule. In "Burger's Daughter,"(1979) she portrays the challenges faced by anti-apartheid activists.&nbsp;
 
Despite being awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for her adept portrayal of a society rife with racial tensions, Gordimer faced controversy as her most famous works were banned within South Africa for their outspoken critique of oppressive governmental structures.&nbsp;
 
10. From a Crooked Rib, Nuruddin Farah - Somalia
Nuruddin Farah’s debut novel, "From a Crooked Rib" (1970), is titled after a Somali proverb: "God created woman from a crooked rib, and anyone who tries to straighten it breaks it." The novel uses the experience of a young woman in an unhappy marriage to analyse the suffering of women in Somali society.&nbsp;
 
Farah's subsequent works: plays, novels, and short stories, continue to deliver strong social criticism, focusing on conflict and postcolonial identity. &nbsp;His works have been translated into more than twenty languages and won numerous awards, including the Neustadt International Prize for Literature.
 
bird story agency
 
Useful links:&nbsp;
https://strawpoll.com/most-famous-african-writer
https://theculturetrip.com/africa/articles/the-top-10-contemporary-african-writers-you-should-know

Africa’s best selling books of all time 📚📖

The recent BCA African Business Book of the Year Awards honour impactful African business literature and reflect increased investor and stakeholder interest in its dynamic business environment. Can the increased attention on business literature help change the narrative on Africa by improving business understanding and focusing attention of the many success stories?


Bonface Orucho, bird story agency
 
Publications catering to demand for information about Africa's business space are picking up pace, highlighting growing global interest in the continent's economic potential and promising to fill gaps in business knowledge about the continent.&nbsp;
 
“It is important to have on record the stories of businesses and industries on the continent. We urge publishers and writers to take the plunge and I am sure we can have a larger array of books in this particular category; something we have seen in the world of fiction,” said Arnold Ekpe, chairman of the Business Council for Africa (BCA) in a statement on July 4.
 
The BCA — &nbsp;a nonprofit that connects African business to international investors — &nbsp;in July unveiled the winners of its second edition of the ‘African Business Book of the Year’ awards.
 
With the growing visibility of African fiction, the surge in business publications by both African and non-African authors promises to deepen understanding and investor engagement in Africa's rapidly evolving markets, bolstered by efforts to establish a unified market through the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement.
 
According to the award's organisers, it serves to “encourage and promote serious discussion and analysis of businesses and economies in Africa.”
 
African books in the business and economics category have historically been underrepresented. A 2022 review by Brittle Paper of 45 African books found that the majority spanned genres like women’s fiction, sci-fi, romance, and historical fiction.
 
The review showcases 15 books focused on feminine themes, 9 on absurd narratives, and another 9 on Africa's historical milestones. It also includes 6 books delving into philosophical reflections and 5 capturing African migrant and refugee experiences. However, none of the 45 books covered business, commerce, or economics.
 
The BCA Awards attracted nearly 30 submissions from authors and publishers across Africa, along with suggested books from African Business magazine's editorial team. An Awards Committee shortlisted eight books from these submissions, from which the winners were chosen.
 
David Luke, the Professor in Practice and Strategic Director at the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa at the LSE is this year’s winner for his book ‘How Africa Trades’.&nbsp;
 
“His book was recognised for its lucid storytelling, evidence-based research and its accessible writing style,” the press statement explains in part.
 
Luke is a former director of the African Trade Policy Centre at the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the book highlights his considerable understanding of the continent’s business environment.
 
Published in 2023, How Africa Trades aims to demystify African trade policy, provide accessible information on Africa’s trade data and policies, and empower stakeholders to evaluate trade agreements and policies from a pro-development perspective, according to the book’s preface.
 
Apart from Luke, other contributing authors in the book include Jonathan Bashi, an international trade lawyer from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Geoffroy Guepie, a research associate at UMR Transitions Energétiques et Environnementales, Université de Pau, France. The book also features contributions from Jamie MacLeod, Kulani McCartan-Demie, and Colette van der Ven.
 
“As Africa pushes through the African continental free trade agreement, this book is highly relevant and as one of the judges put it “is an excellent primer to understanding the often-tangled world of African commerce,” a statement from BCA explained.
 
Nigerian author Dipo Faloyin was also honored, with his ‘Africa is not a country’ emerging first runner-up. The Lagos-born author is a senior editor at VICE, where he focuses on race, culture, and identity around the world. His work was described by judges as “very well written and researched; rich in content, captivating, engaging and funny.”
 
‘Africa is Not a Country’ portrays modern Africa, challenging common stereotypes about the continent. Reviews published on Faloyin’s personal website, diplofaloyin.com, provide a glimpse into the critical and transformative narrative it offers.
 
Sally Hayden of the Irish Times, reviewed Faloyin’s book describing it as a “necessary book that deserves its place in the canon as essential reading for anyone seeking an introduction to this vast continent — as well as the rest of us, who need to be regularly challenged on what we think we know about Africa and the damage done by that.”
 
In third place was Belgian economist Jozef Mols whose copy, ‘Ethiopian Airlines: the African Aviation Powerhouse’ dives into the successful story of the continent’s biggest airline.
 
According to judges, Mols was honered for “being brave enough to tell the unique and fantastic story of Ethiopian Airlines.”
 
Since Ethiopian Airlines was established in 1945, it has grown into an aviation powerhouse, serving more than 125 destinations across the world with an efficiency evidenced by excellent ratings including a 4-star rating from Skytrax.
 
This year's winner of the BCA African Business Book of the Year Awards will receive US$10,000 in prize money, the runner up US$5,000 and the second runner up US$2,500.
 
bird story agency
 
Useful links for editors:
https://preview.mailerlite.io/emails/webview/461559/125929025931576838
https://www.dipofaloyin.com/
https://bcafrica.org/about-us/
https://eprints.lse.ac.uk/119312/1/how_africa_trades.pdf

Can Africa's growing body of business literature help change the narrative on Africa's economies

Artificial Intelligence is beginning to have a profound impact on the documentation and analysis of indigenous languages, with Google Translate taking on a diversity of African languages and dialects.


Conrad Onyango, bird story agency
 
More African languages are finding their way to Google’s online translation service, as the giant search engine integrates Artificial Intelligence to learn closely related languages.
 
During 2024, the search engine has made its largest foray into the translation of African languages - and seen the highest number of new languages added to the service - ever.&nbsp;
 
"We’re using AI to expand the variety of languages we support. Thanks to our PaLM 2 large language model, we’re rolling out 110 new languages to Google Translate, our largest expansion ever,” said Google Translate Senior Software Engineer, Isaac Caswell.
 
This development marks a pivotal moment that not only offers to popularise indigenous languages but also facilitate the development of a comprehensive local linguistic resource.
 
Nearly a quarter of &nbsp;all the recently added &nbsp;languages on the platform are African and Africa now has more than 50 languages on the translation service.
 
The new language additions include Dholuo, spoken by Kenya’s fourth largest ethnic group, the Luo, with more than 4.2 million speakers across several Nilotic ethnic groups found in Egypt, Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Northern Uganda, eastern DRC, and a part of Tanzania.&nbsp;
 
Another is Afar, a tonal language spoken by 2.3 million people in Djibouti, Eritrea, and Ethiopia. Google noted that of all the languages in this launch, Afar had the most volunteer community contributions.&nbsp;
 
Another addition is N'Ko, a standardized form of the West African Manding languages which unifies many dialects into a common language. Its unique alphabet was invented in 1949, and it has an active research community that develops resources and technology for it today.&nbsp;
 
Tamazight (Amazigh), a Berber language spoken across North Africa, is another important new additions. Although there are many dialects, the written form is generally mutually understandable. It is written using both Latin and Tifinagh script, with Google Translate supporting both.
 
“Google Translate breaks down language barriers to help people connect and better understand the world around them. We’re always applying the latest technologies so more people can access this tool," Caswell explained.
 
Other African languages added this year include, Fon, Kikongo, Ga, Swati, Venda and Wolof.
 
In 2022, Google added 24 new languages across the world using Zero-Shot Machine Translation, where a machine learning model learns to translate into another language without ever seeing an example.
 
While Google said languages have an immense amount of variation ranging from &nbsp;regional varieties, dialects, different spelling standards making it almost impossible to pick a “right” variety, Its approach prioritized the most commonly used varieties of each language.&nbsp;
 
“PaLM 2 was a key piece to the puzzle, helping Translate more efficiently learn languages that are closely related to each other. As technology advances, and as we continue to partner with expert linguists and native speakers, we’ll support even more language varieties and spelling conventions over time,” explained Caswell.
 
According to Google, these new languages represent more than 614 million speakers, opening up translations for around 8% of the world’s population. Some of these languages are major world languages with over 100 million speakers, while others are spoken by small Indigenous communities. A few of the languages have almost no native speakers but are undergoing active revitalization efforts.
 
Swahili is the most widely spoken African language with the United Nations placing the number of speakers at over 200 million. In 2021 the UN designated July 7 as World Kiswahili Language Day.&nbsp;
 
This year’s event is hosted by Kenya under the theme "Kiswahili, Multilingual Education and the Enhancement of Peace."&nbsp;
 
Organisers of the event, East Africa Community and Kenya government said the annual event offers a platform for Kiswahili stakeholders to share knowledge, research-based evidence, best practices, experiences, and worldviews on the role of Kiswahili education in promoting a culture of peace.&nbsp;
 
The East Africa Community Deputy Secretary General (DSG) in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political Sectors, &nbsp;Andrea Aguer Ariik, emphasized the significance of language diversity and unity in the EAC.
 
“Kiswahili, as widely spoken language in East Africa, not only bridges communication gaps but also represents a common identity among the member states of the EAC,” said Ariik in a statement.
 
And its not Google playing in this field alone, Young African scholars studying abroad are also rising up to the challenge with similar initiatives leveraging the power of AI.&nbsp;
 
Ife Adebara, a programmer and scholar at the University of British Columbia's linguistics department, is among those leading initiatives to deploy AI in preserving local languages, with a focus on African languages.&nbsp;
 
Her project, Afrocentric Natural Language Processing, aims to raise awareness and develop tools and programs that are accessible to speakers of African languages such as Swahili and Zulu.&nbsp;
 
The project &nbsp;has already birthed two language identification programs online. &nbsp;SERENGETI, &nbsp;Massively Multilingual Language Models for Africa and AfroLID, a neural Language ID toolkit that covers 517 African languages and varieties, utilizing a multi-domain web dataset manually curated from across 14 language families and five orthographic systems.
 
There are over 2,000 living languages in Africa. Nigeria is home to the most, with 522 languages, according to research firm, Statista.
 
The research firm places Cameroon (with 275 languages) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (with 217) as countries with the second and third most number of languages used and spoken by people on the continent.
 
bird story agency

AI is powering the preservation of African languages

Namibian para-athlete Chris Kinda, together with guide Kelvin Goagoseb, received a hero’s welcome after Kinda became the first para-athlete from Namibia to win a gold medal at the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) World Championship. Now Kinda is aiming for gold at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.

Adolf Kaure, bird story agency
 
Greeted by cheers and hugs, Namibian para-athlete, Chris Kinda together with guide Kelvin Goagoseb was given a heroic welcome at the MTC Dome Indoor Sports Centre in Swakopmund after becoming the first para-athlete from Namibia to win a gold medal when at a Paralympic World Championships. Kinda dashed to victory in the 400m T11 event at the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) World Championship held in Kobe, Japan from 17 to 25 May.&nbsp;
 
“I told myself when I was still in Japan that I will dedicate this gold medal to my late mother during that moment I had so many mixed feelings because if she was still around how happy she would have been to see my work,” he said.&nbsp;
 
Hailing from a country with a population of just three million, Kinda now aspires to achieve a historic feat: becoming the first track and field athlete to win both a Paralympic World Championship gold medal and an Olympic gold medal.
 
Kinda was born with a rare eye impairment called Glaucoma. He lost his mother at just 8 years old and currently lives with his aunt and cousins in the DRC informal settlement in Swakopmund, a coastal town situated about 380 kilometres from the capital, Windhoek.
 
“Growing up I could see some light vision, but in 2019 I lost all that light vision I could see,” explained the young athlete.
 
Soft-spoken yet charismatic, Kinda, a resident of Swakopmund’s DRC Informal Settlement narrated how he started his sports journey.
 
“I started doing athletics when I was in high school when I was 15 years old, but I was not really that interested because I didn’t know that someone who cannot see could do it. I would just run interhouse school athletics and that was the end.”
 
In 2017, Cuban coach Barbara Fernandes, came to Kinda's school and scouted him because of the potential she saw. The coach challenged him to start training.
 
“I was reluctant, but she said I should just give it a try.”
 
During October 2017, he participated in his first national championship. Despite very slow finishing times, his then coach encouraged him not to give up.
 
Between 2018 and 2019, Kinda represented Namibia in regional competitions in Southern Africa, winning two bronze medals and a gold medal. However, late in 2019, everything changed for him.
 
“In 2019, I did not go to any international competition because I lost my complete eyesight. I really wanted to leave athletics, but coach Barbara Fernandes didn’t want me to leave athletics.”
 
Kinda is currently trained by coach T’Niel Young, who met him eight months ago during a training camp in Windhoek. He has coaching sessions three times per day at the MTC Dome Indoor Sports Centre as well as the Vineta Sports Field.
 
According to Young, the next goal that she is working on is for Kinda to claim gold at the 2024 Paralympic Games, scheduled to take place in Paris, France in August.
 
“Sport is a very unpredictable thing, and we cannot determine the future but as it stands now for me personally, it is Chris’ title to lose,” said Young.
 
Young describes Kinda as a hardworking athlete who is disciplined and focused.
 
Alongside other athletes enrolled at the MTC Dome, Kinda participates in ten to fourteen training sessions per week. These sessions cover a range of activities, including track sessions, strength training, biomechanics, and pool workouts.
 
“I guide them on what they need to eat and how to eat it and when they need to eat what, and that kind of stuff. At the MTC Dome, we also provide meals as well as supplementation just so that we can ensure that their immunity is where it needs to be, and their immune systems are really boosted and looked after and that their muscles can sustain the stress that we are putting them under,” the coach explained.
 
Namibia has good athletics infrastructure, particularly in Swakopmund, where Kinda trains. The MTC Dome is a world-class facility that provides physical and mental fitness, and nutrition services. Additionally, Swakopmund boasts the Vineta Sports Field, which features a running track and frequently hosts national athletics championships.
 
In Windhoek, the Independence Stadium has consistently upheld its quality for sporting events, particularly athletics, over the decades. There are also ongoing plans to construct more sports stadiums across the country to accommodate emerging talent.&nbsp;
 
Namibia’s first Paralympic gold medal was won by Johanna Benson in the 200m T37 race at the 2012 Paralympic Games. She followed that up with a silver medal in the 100m T37 event during the same games. She achieved bronze medals at the IPC World Championships between 2013 and 2015 in the 100m and 200m T37 events.
 
More recently, Ananias Shikongo became the first Namibian male athlete to win a gold medal at the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Paralympic Games in the 200m T11 event as well as a silver medal in 400m T11 and the bronze medals in the 100m. Shikongo collected four silver medals and two bronze medals at IPC World Championships between 2011 and 2023.
 
Kinda looks up to decorated Paralympian athlete Ananias Shikongo as a role model.
 
“I also want to be like him one day to win a medal at a Paralympic Games. In everything that I do, I want to be known, I want to be known as the first person to be able to do that. So at least slowly but surely it is becoming true,” he said.
 
Kinda met his guide Kelvin Goagaseb in 2019 before the IPC World Championships, when he was getting too fast for his then guide.
 
“It felt like a dream at first. I asked my guide when we reached the finish line, how we ran and he said that he didn’t know and when I asked my fellow teammates, they told me that we won.”
 
Goagoseb noted that mutual understanding could prove to be the decisive factor that enables a pair to win a gold medal at the upcoming Paralympic Games.
 
“What makes us work together is that we have the same coach under the same club and just me guiding him. The time that we met we spent some time together and we learned a lot about each other. Working together is always an important factor. You must understand each other and each other’s bodies and that is how things work out easily and then there are always good results,” he said.
 
Kinda's relatives said they were in awe of his achievements.
 
“When we heard that he won, it was such a heartwarming moment. I felt very proud of him. I don’t even have words to express myself. Chris has a disability, but he can use his disability to do more. He can be used as a motivation for those thinking that they are disadvantaged and cannot do this or that,” the athlete's cousin, Sherdine Kinda, said.
 
Kinda now dreams of having his remarkable journey chronicled in a book, inspiring the entire nation. He is determined to one day be remembered as a Namibian legend.
 
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