The selected startups will receive free hardware platforms, mentorship, business coaching, access to engineering consultations for product development, and guidance on protecting intellectual property. Aframend, Nigeria: AI-driven drug discovery with African phytochemicals AmalXR, Tunisia: AI-powered VR rehabilitation with clinical validation and progress simulations Archeos, Benin: Solar/IoT pisciculture automation for …
Read More »Ramaphosa keeps cool during Trump’s choreographed onslaught
Washington, US | BBC | Three months into Donald Trump’s second term, foreign leaders should be aware that a coveted trip to the Oval Office comes with the risk of a very public dressing down, often straying into attempts at provocation and humiliation. Wednesday’s episode with South Africa’s President Cyril …
Read More »Trump confronts South African president with conspiracy claims
SACRAMENTO, the United States | Xinhua | U.S. President Donald Trump confronted visiting South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday with conspiracy theories on “white genocide” in South Africa, which Ramaphosa firmly denied. During their meeting in the Oval Office, Trump accused South Africa of “white genocide” and unfair land …
Read More »Uganda holds annual tourism expo to boost arrivals
KAMPALA, UGANDA | Xinhua | The annual Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo, Uganda’s premium tourism show, opened here on Wednesday as the East African country strives to boost tourist arrivals. “The Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo is one of the most influential regional expos, drawing together tourism stakeholders, business leaders, …
Read More »Coffee continues to do magic for Uganda’s trade balance
Notably, coffee exports more than tripled from $64.74 million in March 2024 to $198.62 million in March this year, driven by the higher international coffee prices and increased export volumes. Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Uganda’s external trade posted a mixed picture at the end of the first quarter …
Read More »Push to digitise how Africans pay and move cash sends fintechs into merger frenzy
Africa’s fintech sector is seeing a surge in deal-making as firms race to dominate the continent’s booming cash transfer and digital payments market, projected to hit US$1.5 trillion by 2030 SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | Fierce competition in Africa’s digital and cross-border payment sector is fuelling a wave of …
Read More »Equity Group recognized as an East African superbrand
Equity’s inclusion in Superbrands East Africa Volume 9 comes at a pivotal time as the Group continues to strengthen its presence across East and Central Africa as a regional brand serving the unique needs of its customers across diverse territories. Nairobi, Kenya | THE INDEPENDENT | Equity Group Holdings Plc has …
Read More »Africa is witnessing a rise of new oil powers
A wave of new exploration and production across Africa is reshaping the continent’s energy future, as newcomers like Sierra Leone, the DRC, and Namibia unveil ambitious plans – with new operational models- to join the oil-producing ranks. SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | Africa’s emerging oil producing countries are ramping …
Read More »How mobile money is rewiring the way Africa transacts, from the informal sector out
A recent report shows Africa alone accounted for 70% of global mobile money transactions, making it the undisputed global leader in mobile-led financial inclusion. SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | Africa is shifting from cash handling in business to digital finance—an upgrade in the quest for financial inclusion, with mobile …
Read More »In Goma, medics fight for life under rebel rule
GOMA, DR Congo | Xinhua | In Goma, a city in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where war has redrawn borders and scattered families, a hospital has emerged as a beacon of resilience amid the ruins. Now under the control of the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels, …
Read More »