Business and Finance

In a fervent appeal to his fellow leaders across the African continent, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda has spotlighted the imperative of incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into Africa’s roadmap for the future. He emphasized that the stakes for Africa are monumental, warning that if strategic measures are not implemented, the continent risks falling further behind in an era defined by technological advancement. Kagame articulated a compelling vision during a recent summit, asserting that Africa "urgently" requires…

In recent developments, Ghana is embarking on an ambitious journey toward an energy transformation. In a nation where renewable energy currently comprises a mere 1% of the overall energy mix, authorities have set a target to elevate this figure to 10% by 2030. A striking step in this direction is the installation of a pioneering floating solar project on the expansive Volta River, a symbolic endeavor that showcases the ingenuity of Ghanaian engineers. Minister of Energy and Green Transition John Jinapor proudly declared…

In a decisive move, President Bola Tinubu has announced the dissolution of the board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC). This sweeping change includes the removal of Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari and board chairperson Pius Akinyelure, signaling a significant shift in Nigeria's approach to its vital petroleum sector. According to presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s actions affect all board members appointed alongside Akinyelure and Kyari back in November 2023. This board overhaul can be…

The recent unearthing of a Bronze Age settlement, dating back approximately 4,000 years, at Kach Kouch in Morocco has sent ripples through the archaeological community. This discovery prompts a critical re-evaluation of long-held beliefs about the ancient Maghreb region, particularly the notion that it remained largely unpopulated prior to the advent of the Phoenicians around 800 BCE. How often do we allow assumptions to cloud our understanding of history? Excavations at this site have unveiled a tapestry of life that…

On the horizon, South Africans face yet another financial challenge. With already precarious economic conditions, the impending electricity price increase of 12.7% slated for April 1, 2025—dubbed "Fossil Fools' Day" by the environmental group Earthlife Africa—has sent shockwaves through households already struggling to make ends meet. When combined with the anticipated 0.5% hike in VAT, families will be forced to grapple with excruciating choices: Should they pay for electricity or for essentials like food and medicine?…

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…

A revealing study published in The Lancet has illuminated a staggering surge in type 2 diabetes rates across sub-Saharan Africa, far beyond what was earlier anticipated. This research is not merely a collection of statistics; it highlights a troubling trend that poses significant health risks for millions. What drives this epidemic? The answer lies in a confluence of poor dietary choices, inadequate access to health care, rising obesity rates, and increasingly sedentary lifestyles. Tracking over 10,000 participants from…

The South African Parliament recently witnessed the unveiling of the 2025 Budget by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana. This moment was particularly significant, especially after an intensive round of deliberations among Cabinet ministers. In a surprising twist, the ministers decided to convene once more to evaluate a reworked budget, ultimately rejecting it due to its contentious proposal for a 2% increase in Value-Added Tax (VAT). The discussions were fraught, bringing to mind the age-old adage: "two heads are better than…

The Nigerian political landscape is at a pivotal juncture as President Bola Tinubu reaches out to the country's youth, emphasizing their crucial role in shaping the future. During the recent inauguration of the National Youth Congress Planning Committee in Abuja, he extended an open invitation for genuine interaction and feedback, underscoring his belief that young voices should be heard and incorporated into the nation's governance. “Your ideas matter,” Tinubu asserted, a sentiment that clearly resonated with the vibrant…

The Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) has made a momentous announcement: the 17th U.S.-Africa Business Summit will take place in 2025 in the vibrant city of Luanda, Angola. This summit promises to be an extraordinary gathering, welcoming over 1,500 delegates, which will include heads of state from across Africa, government leaders, senior officials from the U.S. government, and executives from both U.S. and African enterprises. What lies ahead is a platform rich with potential, where discussions will explore a myriad of…