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The digital landscape in Africa is evolving at a fascinating pace. A recent report by AppsFlyer, crafted in collaboration with Google, highlights a compelling trend: financial apps are not just making waves—they are reshaping the mobile app ecosystem across the continent. The Dominance of Financial Apps Let's take a journey through the bustling streets of technology evolution. Between 2023 and 2024, particularly in the first quarter, financial applications…

In a significant pivot, Dangote Refinery has announced a temporary halt to the sale of petroleum products in Naira. This decision appears to be a strategic move to sidestep the complexities arising from a disparity between revenues generated in Naira and the obligations tied to dollar-denominated purchases of crude oil, as reported by Premium Times. Without a doubt, this shift means that oil marketers will now be compelled to transact in dollars for crucial commodities, such as petrol and diesel. The implications are…

Understanding the Invisible Hands of Change Imagine waking up one morning—just like any other day—but with an unfamiliar sound, a kind of muted roar outside your window. As you stretch and pull back the curtains, a surreal sight unfolds before you: water, creeping ever so quietly, yet steadily, into the streets. What if I told you, for some people living in Africa's coastal cities, this is not a dream or a scene from a movie, but a real fear that could come true by the end of this century? The World Economic Forum has…

“To step into the role of president necessitates a gravitas not to be taken lightly; the aspirations of every Namibian rest upon my shoulders,” remarked Namibia's President-Elect, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, in a candid statement prior to her inauguration on March 21. Her words resonate like a clarion call, suggesting both the weight of responsibility and the promise of transformative leadership. Nandi-Ndaitwah recently addressed her staff at State House during a poignant farewell to outgoing president Nangolo Mbumba, and her…

World Cocoa Foundation (WCF), in collaboration with Palladium, recently orchestrated an inspiring gathering of industry stakeholders to pledge towards a sustainable cocoa production future. This noteworthy workshop heralded its commencement on March 12th in Akure, the capital of Ondo State. The occasion celebrated the inauguration of the Deforestation-Free Cocoa Initiative (DFCI), a significant stride toward preserving Nigeria's lush forests while revitalizing the age-old cocoa farming traditions. As…

“There are two ways Iran can be handled, militarily or you can make a deal. I would prefer to make a deal," said Donald Trump during a Fox News interview on March 6, hinting at the pressing issues surrounding US-Iran relations. The gravity of his words was palpable, “a situation with Iran that's going to happen very soon, very, very soon.” However, early indicators for any potential deal appeared somewhat inauspicious. Tensions escalated as Trump intensified the…

Refinery's Bold Move: Selling Petrol in Dollars In a world where the economic waves are as unpredictable as ocean tides, businesses must navigate carefully. Recently, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, a powerhouse in the energy sector of West Africa, unveiled a striking decision to sell petrol not in the local currency, the naira, but rather in U.S. dollars. This development has certainly sent ripples through the economic waters. Why such a bold move,…

During a recent Stanbic Economic Series webinar, cloaked under the theme of "The Economy under a New Era", Mr. Qureishi unfolded a tapestry of insightful analysis and bold predictions about Ghana’s economic landscape. The discussion was a captivating dive into key growth drivers and structural risks that hover like spectres over the country's economic future. One might wonder, amidst global uncertainties, what fuels this optimism? Strong Recovery in 2024 Sets Stage for 2025 Ghana's…

The Complex Web of US-South Africa Relations: A Global Perspective It's intriguing how international relationships weave tales of intense scrutiny, debate, and emotions, isn't it? These complexities are vividly illustrated in the current dynamics between the United States and South Africa—a narrative that's as tangled as it is consequential. At the heart of this is the contentious issue of land reform policies in South Africa, which have stirred the waters of diplomacy and drawn a torrent of responses. The land reform in…

The corridors of international diplomacy are often resonant with announcements that shift the balance of affiliations. Recently, Mali has made headlines with its decision to part ways with the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF). This departure is akin to a family member choosing a new path, separate from the traditions and shared language that once bound them together. In essence, Mali's exit is reminiscent of a younger sibling stepping away from the family dinner table to find…