investments

markdown Power and Peace: The Promise of Lake Kivu In a world burgeoning with conflict and energy crises, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) stands on the edge of a transformative opportunity. The backdrop of this burgeoning initiative? The serene, yet powerful Lake Kivu. Nestled between the DRC and Rwanda, this vast body of water is set to become the frontier of a renewable energy revolution—if peace can be achieved. Symbion Power LLC, a New York-based company, has announced ambitious plans to build a 140-megawatt…

Addressing Vulnerabilities and Risks: The Somali Entrepreneur's Journey in Unstable Times Source: Equals blog The Landscape of Vulnerability In a world where stability often feels like a fleeting ideal, Somali entrepreneurs are particularly susceptible to the winds of change. As they navigate the complex tapestry of identities within their communities, they frequently find themselves under heightened scrutiny. There’s a palpable risk of being drawn into political fault lines, whereby their businesses could be unfairly…

Kenya's Bold Move Towards Financial Resilience In a significant step for its financial landscape, the Nairobi International Financial Centre Authority (NIFCA), operating under the auspices of the National Treasury, has entered into a pivotal agreement with Africa Specialty Risks (ASR). This global underwriter is renowned for its recognized access to AA-rated international reinsurance. The signing of this agreement is not merely a roadmap for growth; it's a beacon of hope for investors looking at Kenya as a…

When discussions about Africa’s development arise, the narrative often gravitates toward foreign aid or investments. But what if the keys to building Africa’s vibrant future lie right here, within our own borders? Recent insights from the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) indicate precisely that. Astonishingly, Africa is home to over $1.1 trillion in institutional capital derived from domestic sources such as pension funds, insurance companies, sovereign wealth funds, and development banks. Imagine that…

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has made a remarkable announcement: a record $11.1 billion in new investments is earmarked for 2024–2025. This pivotal information surfaced in the latest Annual Development Effectiveness Review, a detailed analysis of the Bank's footprint over the past year in fostering development throughout Africa. Such a financial commitment represents the highest in the Bank's history, further solidifying its role as a cornerstone supporter of Africa's developmental aspirations. It's a…

Nigerian fuel traders are navigating a challenging landscape filled with unmet expectations. Despite proclamations made six months ago that the state-owned Port Harcourt and Warri refineries were ready for operation, traders still find themselves struggling to secure gasoline from these facilities. It raises an important question: How long can a nation, rich in resources, rely on aging infrastructure? This situation has led traders to maintain their dependence on imports and the privately-owned $20 billion Dangote…

Forging New Paths: Ramaphosa's Visit to Washington In a significant diplomatic move, President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to visit Washington this week, largely with the aim of fostering investment opportunities for companies helmed by none other than Elon Musk. This initiative is seen as part of a broader effort to mend fences with U.S. President Donald Trump, as emphasized by Ramaphosa’s spokesperson. The upcoming meeting presents a unique platform for both nations to recalibrate their relationship, which has…

Significant Collaborations: Saudi Arabia and South Africa's Thriving Partnership Over the past year, a remarkable series of high-level discussions between Saudi Arabia and South Africa has unfolded, leading to some noteworthy agreements and deals that amount to billions of dollars. This burgeoning relationship is particularly evident in Africa's most industrialized nation, and there’s much more to come as corporate activities ramp up. The foundation of this growing partnership can be traced back to a pivotal…

"Africa is fatigued from existing in the shadows. We must illuminate the continent—no exceptions." These compelling words resonated from Akinwumi Adesina in September 2016, mere months after he took on the formidable role as President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB Group). He underscored a crucial issue: electrification on the continent is not merely a luxury; it’s an imperative. Imagine, if you will, a vast expanse of land where cities pulsate with vibrant energy while remote villages grope in darkness.…

African Oil Discoveries Set to Transform the Global Energy Landscape Imagine a continent rich in energy reserves, like a dormant giant waking to its potential. That's precisely the scene unfolding in Africa's oil sector, according to S&P Global's recent publication, "High Impact Wells 2025". It's noteworthy that Africa has suddenly surged to represent 35% of new oil discoveries in this past year alone. Compare that with a modest 7% just a year before in…