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Kinshasa to host a major GSAD Africa session in August 2026

4 August 2026 Comments (0) Business, Featured

Africa’s agricultural sector is undergoing a profound transformation. Digital tools, innovative startups and new investment models are changing how farmers produce, manage and sell their crops. In this context, the Grand Salon de l’Agribusiness et du Digital en Afrique (GSAD Africa) has become a key platform bringing together the actors shaping the future of agriculture on the continent.

The next major session will take place 20–21 August 2026 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. This edition is expected to attract a wide range of participants from across Africa and beyond, including entrepreneurs, farmers, agribusiness companies, investors, policymakers, researchers and technology experts.

Kinshasa, one of Africa’s largest cities and an important economic hub in Central Africa, provides a strategic location for discussions on agricultural development and digital transformation. The event aims to highlight the opportunities offered by technology to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen food security and develop competitive agricultural value chains.

The GSAD Africa sessions are known for their strong focus on collaboration. By bringing together public institutions, private companies and startups, the event creates a space where ideas, partnerships and investment opportunities can emerge. Young innovators developing AgriTech solutions will have the opportunity to present their projects alongside established agribusiness leaders.

International organizations, development institutions and financial actors are also expected to participate, reflecting the growing global interest in African agriculture as a sector with enormous economic potential.

A dynamic program for innovation, startups and investment

Over two days, the Kinshasa edition of GSAD Africa will feature a rich and dynamic program designed to encourage dialogue and collaboration.

The event will include conferences and roundtable discussions focused on major themes shaping the future of agriculture. Topics are expected to include digital platforms for agricultural markets, the role of artificial intelligence and satellite data in crop monitoring, climate-resilient agriculture, and innovative financing models for farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs.

Another highlight of the program will be the startup and innovation sessions. These sessions will showcase young African entrepreneurs developing technological solutions for agriculture, from mobile applications providing market information to digital tools for farm management, traceability and logistics.

Pitch sessions will give startups the opportunity to present their projects to investors, accelerators and potential partners. For many early-stage companies, this type of exposure can be crucial for securing funding and building strategic collaborations.

The exhibition space will also allow companies and organizations to present new agricultural technologies, digital services and innovative equipment. Participants will be able to discover tools designed to improve productivity, reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen agricultural supply chains.

Networking will play a central role throughout the event. Informal meetings, business sessions and collaborative workshops will help participants connect, exchange ideas and explore potential partnerships.

How to participate

Participation in the GSAD Africa Kinshasa session (20–21 August 2026) is open to entrepreneurs, investors, farmers, researchers, students and professionals interested in agribusiness and digital innovation.

Registration details, partnership opportunities and program updates are available through the official GSAD Africa platform and event organizers. Early registration is recommended, as the event is expected to attract a large number of participants from across the African agribusiness ecosystem.

With its focus on innovation, entrepreneurship and investment, the Kinshasa session of GSAD Africa promises to be one of the key gatherings for anyone interested in the future of agriculture on the continent.

Photos : facebook.com/GSAD2024

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Beyond VC: Africa and MENA Startups Find New Capital

3 August 2026 Comments (0) Business, Featured

African and MENA startup funding: the 2021 peak and the 2022-2023 decline

In 2021, African tech startups raised a record volume of venture capital, propelled by a global surge in risk appetite and historically low interest rates. Partech Africa’s annual reports documented this wave in detail, tracking total funding across the continent at levels that had been difficult to imagine just a few years earlier. Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Egypt absorbed the bulk of those inflows, together accounting for the majority of deals by both count and capital. In MENA, platforms such as Magnitt documented a parallel boom, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia attracting significant capital into fintech, logistics, and health services.

The contraction that followed was equally pronounced. As global interest rates rose and investor risk sentiment shifted through 2022, venture funds tightened their criteria, extended due diligence timelines, and repriced valuations. Partech Africa’s 2023 report recorded a substantial year-on-year decline in total funding across the continent, a pattern replicated across MENA according to Magnitt’s regional data. Early-stage deals proved more resilient than later rounds, but even seed-level funding became more competitive. Some smaller ecosystem markets in West and East Africa that had attracted first-time investors during the boom saw deal flow dry up more quickly. Established hubs retained a base of activity, partly because they had built local angel networks and a generation of repeat founders capable of navigating tighter conditions.

Revenue-based financing, venture debt, and corporate investors reshape deal flow

The funding reset pushed founders to look beyond conventional term sheets. Revenue-based financing arrangements, under which companies repay capital as a percentage of monthly revenues rather than ceding equity, drew interest from founders in sectors with predictable cash flows: B2B software, logistics platforms, and subscription services. While this instrument is not new globally, its adoption in African and MENA markets accelerated as traditional venture rounds became harder to close on acceptable terms.

Venture debt also became more common, extended by specialist lenders as an adjunct to equity funding for companies that had cleared an initial round but needed non-dilutive capital to reach their next milestone. In markets with more mature financial infrastructure, such as the UAE or South Africa, certain commercial banks began offering tailored products to startups with demonstrable revenue, reducing reliance on offshore lenders.

Corporate investors became a more visible presence in regional deal tables. Telecom operators, financial institutions, and large retail conglomerates across Africa and the Middle East increased their strategic investment activity, targeting startups that could integrate into their own digital transformation programs. For founders, this brought capital alongside distribution reach and regulatory familiarity, though it also introduced questions about long-term alignment of incentives and exit options.

Development finance institutions shifted their programs in parallel. The International Finance Corporation, entities within the African Development Bank Group, and various bilateral funds expanded blended finance structures, combining grants with equity or quasi-equity to lower risk for private co-investors. Climate tech and financial inclusion startups were particular beneficiaries, given their alignment with institutional mandates. In a number of cases, these structures provided the first institutional ticket into a company, which then unlocked subsequent private capital.

Gulf capital, blended finance, and the limits of alternative funding instruments

The emergence of alternative financing instruments reflects a broader shift in how African and Middle Eastern ecosystems are developing. Founders who built companies during the boom on growth metrics and deferred profitability are now, in many cases, managing leaner operations with sharper attention to unit economics. This recalibration has produced a generation of operators with a clearer grasp of their financial fundamentals.

The cross-regional dimension adds a further layer. Gulf sovereign wealth funds, including Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Abu Dhabi-based entities, have shown growing interest in African tech through direct investments and as limited partners in Africa-focused venture funds. This creates a new axis of capital for African founders who can demonstrate regional scalability, particularly in payments, logistics, and health services that operate across Arabic and Anglophone Africa. Gulf-based startups seeking to expand into Africa, meanwhile, increasingly look for local equity partners rather than wholly-owned subsidiaries, motivated partly by regulatory requirements and partly by recognition that local knowledge is a competitive advantage.

Open questions persist. Revenue-based financing and venture debt serve revenue-generating companies reasonably well, but they do not work for pre-revenue or deep-tech startups that require patient capital over long investment horizons. Development finance addresses part of that gap, though its processes are often too slow for fast-moving sectors.

The annual funding reports due from Partech Africa, Magnitt, and Briter Bridges for the 2025 cycle will offer the clearest empirical test of whether alternative financing has genuinely compensated for the decline in venture capital, or whether a structural funding gap has taken hold. Founders, local investors, and institutional actors have reorganized around available instruments and, in doing so, appear to be building a more diversified financial architecture than the one that existed at the height of the 2021 surge.

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A New Instant Payment Corridor Links Africa and Gulf

29 July 2026 Comments (0) Business, Featured

The price of sending money home

Each month, millions of African workers across the Gulf complete a familiar ritual: queuing at exchange bureaus or tapping through remittance apps to send a portion of their wages back to families in Lagos, Nairobi, Accra or Addis Ababa. The financial cost of that ritual remains stubbornly high. According to World Bank data, the average fee for sending 200 US dollars to sub-Saharan Africa consistently exceeds 8 percent, nearly double the 3 percent target set by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Across remittance flows that exceed 50 billion US dollars annually into the sub-Saharan region, that gap translates into billions drained from household budgets every year.

The problem is structural. Africa’s payment landscape is fragmented across dozens of national currencies, incompatible settlement systems and correspondent banking chains that add cost and delay at each link. Small traders importing goods from Dubai or Jeddah face the same friction: converting currencies, navigating trade finance and absorbing fees that erode already thin margins. For many businesses, the informal dollar becomes the default, keeping large swathes of cross-border commerce invisible to regulators and inaccessible to formal credit.

PAPSS and the push for regional infrastructure

A coordinated response has been taking shape since 2022, centered on the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), an initiative backed by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and designed to support the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). PAPSS enables cross-border transactions to settle in local African currencies without routing payments through correspondent banks in New York or London, compressing settlement times from days to seconds. By 2024, the system had moved beyond its initial West African pilot, with central banks across multiple regions signing on as settlement agents, per Afreximbank’s official communications.

On the Gulf side, regulators in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain have simultaneously opened their fintech markets. Saudi Arabia’s BUNA system, operated by the Arab Monetary Fund, is specifically designed to facilitate Arab and cross-regional currency transfers, offering a potential integration point for African payment corridors. The UAE’s open banking framework and the Central Bank of the UAE’s payment infrastructure modernization program have further lowered barriers for African fintechs seeking access to one of the world’s largest concentrations of African diaspora workers. These two sets of infrastructure, advancing on parallel tracks, create the technical conditions for a durable Afro-Gulf payments corridor.

Startups building the rails

Between the regional platforms, a cohort of African fintech companies is constructing the actual commercial rails. Nigerian, Kenyan, Ghanaian and Egyptian startups have built remittance and business-to-business payment products that allow users to transact across the Red Sea corridor via mobile wallets, bank accounts or prepaid cards. Their competitive pitch rests on speed (near-instant delivery versus one to three banking days), lower fees (targeting two to four percent versus the incumbent eight-plus percent) and last-mile reach through mobile money agents in towns that bank branches do not serve.

African fintech funding stood at roughly 2 to 4 billion US dollars annually in the 2022 to 2024 period, according to data compiled by Disrupt Africa, with payments platforms consistently claiming the largest share of that capital. Gulf investors have participated in several of the larger funding rounds, drawn by both financial return potential and strategic access to fast-growing consumer markets. The African Development Bank estimates Africa’s infrastructure financing gap at around 100 billion US dollars per year across sectors; digital financial infrastructure is increasingly treated as part of that gap rather than a secondary consideration.

Regulatory coordination: the corridor’s remaining bottleneck

Despite the momentum, one structural obstacle stands out. Differing capital controls, know-your-customer requirements, anti-money-laundering standards and foreign-exchange restrictions mean that a fintech authorized in Dubai is not automatically permitted to collect or disburse funds in Lagos or Nairobi. Each corridor requires bilateral engagement between central banks, creating a negotiation overhead that larger incumbents absorb far more easily than early-stage startups.

Conversations at multilateral forums, including sessions held on the sidelines of African Development Bank annual meetings and Gulf fintech summits, have begun to address this friction, with proposals for mutual recognition agreements between central banks and regulatory sandboxes covering cross-border products. Progress is gradual. The political logic, however, is clear: African and Gulf states both gain from formalizing payment corridors that currently operate partly in the shadow economy.

From migrant remittances to trade finance

The longer-term prize extends well beyond migrant remittances. African small and medium enterprises that import from Gulf free zones or export agricultural and manufactured goods into Gulf retail markets need affordable, fast settlement and trade finance tools. If PAPSS and its Gulf-side counterparts extend their reach into trade payments, the effect on intra-South commerce could be substantial. The World Bank has estimated that reducing trade costs across Africa by even a modest margin would add tens of billions of dollars in annual trade value under AfCFTA.

The architecture for an Afro-Gulf instant payments corridor is no longer hypothetical. The infrastructure exists in outline, the regulatory conversations are underway, and private capital is flowing into the startups that will carry the traffic. Whether the corridor scales to its potential will depend on whether central banks on both sides of the Red Sea choose to prioritize interoperability, and whether African fintech founders receive the sustained backing they need to outlast the negotiations.

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Africa’s Tourism Boom: A New Era of Growth and Opportunity

23 July 2026 Comments (0) Business, Featured

Africa is increasingly becoming one of the world’s most exciting travel destinations. From breathtaking natural landscapes and vibrant cities to rich cultural heritage and unique wildlife experiences, the continent offers an incredible diversity that continues to attract visitors from around the globe.

After facing significant challenges during the pandemic years, Africa’s tourism industry has shown remarkable resilience. Today, many destinations are reporting rising visitor numbers, increased investment, and renewed confidence in the sector’s future.

Diverse Destinations Capturing Global Attention

One of Africa’s greatest strengths is its diversity. Travelers can explore the deserts of North Africa, the beaches of East Africa, the rainforests of Central Africa, the vineyards of Southern Africa, and the bustling urban centers found throughout the continent.

Countries such as Morocco, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Africa, Namibia, and Ghana continue to attract international visitors seeking authentic experiences. Meanwhile, lesser-known destinations are also gaining recognition as travelers look for unique and less crowded locations.

This growing interest is helping distribute tourism revenues across a wider range of countries and communities.

The Rise of Sustainable Tourism

Sustainability is becoming a major driver of tourism development across Africa. Governments, businesses, and local communities are increasingly working together to protect natural resources while creating economic opportunities.

Eco-lodges, community-based tourism projects, and wildlife conservation initiatives are allowing visitors to enjoy extraordinary experiences while contributing to environmental protection and local development.

This approach not only benefits travelers but also helps ensure that tourism growth remains sustainable for future generations.

Technology Is Transforming the Travel Experience

Digital innovation is making Africa more accessible than ever before. Online booking platforms, mobile payment systems, digital marketing campaigns, and social media are helping destinations reach international audiences.

Travel influencers and content creators are also showcasing African destinations to millions of potential visitors worldwide. Stunning images of safaris, beaches, cultural festivals, and adventure tourism experiences are inspiring a new generation of travelers.

As connectivity improves, more tourism businesses can compete on the global stage.

Tourism as a Driver of Economic Growth

Tourism plays a vital role in many African economies. The sector creates jobs in hospitality, transportation, food services, entertainment, and cultural industries. It also supports countless small businesses, artisans, guides, and entrepreneurs.

As visitor numbers increase, investment in hotels, airports, roads, and tourism infrastructure continues to grow. These developments generate broader economic benefits that extend well beyond the tourism sector itself.

For many communities, tourism provides valuable income and opportunities that improve living standards.

Looking Ahead

The outlook for African tourism is highly promising. Growing international interest, improved infrastructure, expanding air connectivity, and increasing investment are positioning the continent for continued success.

While challenges remain, including infrastructure gaps and environmental pressures, the sector’s momentum is undeniable. By embracing sustainability, innovation, and cultural authenticity, Africa is establishing itself as one of the world’s most attractive tourism destinations.

The continent’s tourism industry is not only reaching new heights—it is helping shape a more prosperous future for millions of people across Africa.

Photos : travelandtourworld.com

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Success Stories from the African Continental Free Trade Area

8 June 2026 Comments (0) Business, Featured

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is often described as one of the most ambitious economic projects in the world. By creating a single market that connects more than 1.4 billion people across the continent, the agreement aims to reduce trade barriers, encourage investment, and strengthen economic ties between African nations.

While the initiative is still in its early stages, several success stories are already demonstrating its potential to transform Africa’s economic landscape.

Growing Opportunities for African Businesses

One of the most visible achievements of the AfCFTA has been the increased visibility of African products in neighboring markets. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which represent the backbone of many African economies, are finding new customers beyond their national borders.

Food producers, textile manufacturers, and consumer goods companies are increasingly exploring regional export opportunities. Instead of relying solely on markets outside Africa, many businesses are discovering the benefits of trading within the continent, where demand is growing rapidly.

This shift is helping local companies scale their operations and become more competitive.

Strengthening Regional Value Chains

Another positive development is the emergence of regional value chains. Manufacturers are beginning to source raw materials, components, and services from neighboring countries rather than importing them from distant markets.

For example, agricultural products can be processed in one country, packaged in another, and distributed throughout the region. This creates jobs, encourages industrial development, and keeps more economic value within Africa.

By strengthening cooperation among countries, the AfCFTA is helping businesses build more resilient supply chains and reduce their dependence on external markets.

Encouraging Investment and Innovation

Investors are paying close attention to the opportunities created by the free trade area. A larger integrated market is attracting interest from both African and international investors who see long-term growth potential.

Technology startups are particularly well positioned to benefit. Digital payment platforms, logistics companies, and e-commerce businesses are developing solutions that make cross-border trade easier and more efficient.

As a result, innovation is becoming a key driver of economic integration across the continent.

Empowering Africa’s Entrepreneurs

Young entrepreneurs are among the biggest beneficiaries of the AfCFTA. With fewer trade barriers and access to larger markets, they can expand their businesses beyond national borders from an earlier stage.

This is especially important in a continent where a significant share of the population is under the age of 25. The free trade area offers a platform for ambitious founders to create businesses capable of serving millions of consumers across multiple countries.

Their success is helping to shape a more connected and dynamic African economy.

Looking Ahead

Challenges remain, including infrastructure gaps, customs procedures, and regulatory differences. However, the early results suggest that the AfCFTA is moving Africa in the right direction.

By promoting trade, encouraging entrepreneurship, and attracting investment, the agreement is creating new opportunities for businesses of all sizes. As implementation continues, the AfCFTA has the potential to become one of the most important drivers of economic growth and prosperity on the continent.

The success stories emerging today may be only the beginning of a much larger transformation for Africa’s future.

Photo : polity.org.za

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Natasha Akpoti: A Voice for Reform and Representation in Nigeria

17 May 2026 Comments (0) Featured, Leaders

In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed the rise of bold and unconventional political figures determined to challenge entrenched systems. Among them stands Natasha Akpoti, a lawyer, entrepreneur, and reform advocate whose journey reflects both the struggles and the possibilities of modern African democracy.

From Advocacy to National Spotlight

Born in 1979 in Kogi State, Natasha Akpoti grew up in a multicultural family, with a Nigerian father and a Ukrainian mother. This diverse background shaped her worldview early on, instilling in her a strong sense of justice and global awareness. She pursued law and later ventured into business, but it was her advocacy work that propelled her into the national spotlight.

Akpoti first gained widespread recognition through her campaign to revive Nigeria’s struggling steel sector, particularly the Ajaokuta Steel Company. She argued that restoring the plant could create thousands of jobs and significantly boost the country’s industrial capacity. Her passionate and well-researched presentations before the National Assembly earned her respect across political lines and established her as a credible voice on economic reform.

Breaking Barriers in Nigerian Politics

However, it was her entry into politics that truly captured public attention. Running for office in a political landscape traditionally dominated by powerful male figures, Akpoti faced numerous obstacles, including intimidation and legal challenges. Despite this, she remained steadfast, campaigning on transparency, economic development, and youth empowerment.

Her resilience resonated with many Nigerians, particularly young people and women who saw in her a symbol of change. Akpoti’s campaigns were marked by grassroots engagement and a strong social media presence, allowing her to connect directly with voters and bypass traditional political gatekeepers.

Beyond politics, she has become an important figure in conversations about gender equality in Africa. In a region where women remain underrepresented in leadership, Akpoti’s visibility and determination challenge stereotypes and inspire a new generation of female leaders. Her journey underscores the importance of representation and the impact it can have on policy and societal attitudes.

Akpoti’s story is also a reflection of broader shifts taking place across Africa. From Lagos to Nairobi, a new wave of leaders is emerging—individuals who combine professional expertise with civic activism and a willingness to confront systemic issues. These leaders are redefining what political participation looks like in the 21st century.

While her political journey has not been without controversy or setbacks, Natasha Akpoti continues to push forward. Her efforts highlight both the difficulties of reforming entrenched systems and the power of persistence. Whether through advocacy, public speaking, or electoral politics, she remains committed to building a more inclusive and economically vibrant Nigeria.

As Africa navigates complex challenges—from economic diversification to democratic consolidation—figures like Natasha Akpoti offer a glimpse of what the future could hold: leadership grounded in accountability, driven by ideas, and open to all.

Photos : eaglefm.ng

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Mohamed Alabbar: The Man Who Built Dubai’s Skyline

15 April 2026 Comments (0) Featured, Leaders

For more than two decades, Dubai has symbolized a certain idea of modern globalization: spectacular architecture, rapid economic growth and an ambition to build a global city in the desert. Today, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the uncertainty created by regional conflicts have revived a recurring question: is the Dubai dream slowing down?

To understand how the city reached this level of global visibility, it is difficult to ignore the role played by Mohamed Alabbar, the entrepreneur who helped shape much of Dubai’s modern skyline.

The entrepreneur who helped invent the “Dubai model”

Mohammed bin Ali Al Abbar was born in Dubai in 1956. He studied finance and business administration in the United States before returning to the United Arab Emirates at a time when Dubai was beginning to redefine its economic model. Early in his career, he worked within the government of Dubai and collaborated with Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who was then developing the strategy that would transform the emirate into a global commercial hub.

In the mid-1990s, Alabbar founded Emaar Properties, a company that would become one of the most influential property developers in the Middle East. Through Emaar, he oversaw some of the projects that defined Dubai’s global image. Among them are Burj Khalifa, the tallest tower in the world, Dubai Mall, one of the largest retail complexes globally, and the urban district of Downtown Dubai, which became the symbolic center of the city.

These developments helped turn Dubai into a global destination for tourism, investment and luxury real estate. Under Alabbar’s leadership, Emaar also expanded internationally, launching projects in Asia, Africa and other parts of the Middle East.

The strategy that drove this expansion is often described as the “Dubai model”. It relies on large infrastructure projects, global tourism, financial openness and large-scale real estate developments designed to attract international investors. Within a generation, this model transformed Dubai from a regional trading port into one of the most recognizable urban brands in the world.

Between ambition and criticism: the controversies surrounding Dubai’s growth

However, the model has not been free from criticism. Some analysts argue that Dubai’s economic structure remains strongly dependent on real estate cycles, tourism and foreign capital. During the global financial crisis of 2008, Dubai experienced a severe property market collapse, which led to a temporary slowdown in construction and investment projects. The emirate eventually recovered, but the crisis highlighted the vulnerabilities of its growth model.

Mohamed Alabbar himself has also been involved in several controversies over the years. Some critics have questioned the environmental impact and sustainability of large-scale developments in the Gulf. Others have pointed to the social issues surrounding construction projects in the region, including debates about labor conditions for migrant workers involved in building major infrastructure. In addition, certain urban projects led by Emaar in other countries have sometimes faced criticism from local communities concerned about urban displacement or large-scale privatized developments.

Despite these debates, Alabbar remains one of the most influential figures in the economic transformation of Dubai. His career illustrates how closely the development of the city has been tied to a small group of entrepreneurs working in partnership with the emirate’s leadership.

Today, as regional conflicts and geopolitical uncertainty affect investor confidence, questions about the future of the Dubai model have re-emerged. Yet Dubai has repeatedly shown an ability to adapt after economic shocks or regional crises.

In that sense, the story of Mohamed Alabbar is also the story of Dubai itself: a city built quickly, sometimes controversially, but driven by a persistent ambition to reinvent its future.

Photos : thenationalnews.com –

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From Rabat to Pretoria: How African Leaders Are Responding to the 2026 Iran War

5 March 2026 Comments (0) Featured, Politics

The recent escalation known as the 2026 Iran War, involving Iran and several countries of the Arabian Peninsula, has prompted a wide range of reactions from African leaders. Governments across the continent have responded with statements reflecting their diplomatic priorities, strategic alliances, and concerns about the broader consequences of the conflict.

Support for Gulf States

Several African governments have openly expressed solidarity with Arab countries in the Gulf following Iranian strikes targeting states in the region.

Morocco strongly condemned the attacks and reaffirmed its support for what it described as “brotherly Arab states.” King Mohammed VI reportedly communicated with leaders from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia to reiterate Morocco’s support for their sovereignty and security. Morocco’s reaction reflects its long-standing diplomatic and economic ties with Gulf monarchies.

Algeria also surprised some observers by aligning itself with the Gulf countries despite historically maintaining relatively cordial relations with Iran. Algerian authorities condemned attacks against the sovereignty of Arab states and emphasized the need to preserve regional stability.

Calls for Restraint and Mediation

Other African leaders have taken a more cautious diplomatic approach, emphasizing dialogue rather than alignment.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called for restraint and respect for international law while warning that a prolonged conflict could destabilize global supply chains and energy markets. South Africa also indicated that it could support mediation efforts if the parties involved requested it. This position is consistent with Pretoria’s broader foreign policy, which traditionally favors diplomacy and negotiated solutions.

Similarly, leaders in several African countries have encouraged all sides to avoid further escalation and to prioritize diplomatic negotiations.

The African Union’s Position

At the continental level, the African Union also reacted to the escalation. The organization condemned attacks against the sovereignty of Gulf states while simultaneously urging all parties to de-escalate tensions.

The African Union stressed the importance of dialogue and international cooperation to prevent the conflict from spreading further across the region and affecting global stability.

Economic Concerns Across the Continent

Beyond diplomatic positioning, African leaders are increasingly worried about the economic consequences of the conflict.

Many African economies depend heavily on imported energy and international shipping routes. Rising tensions in the Middle East could lead to higher oil prices and disruptions in maritime trade, particularly if key routes such as the Strait of Hormuz are affected.

South Africa has already warned that instability in the region could place additional pressure on African supply chains and increase inflation in several economies.

A Continent Navigating Complex Diplomacy

The responses from African leaders illustrate the continent’s complex diplomatic positioning in global conflicts. While some governments have clearly sided with Gulf partners, others prefer neutrality and mediation.

Despite these differences, most African leaders share a common concern: prolonged instability in the Middle East could have far-reaching geopolitical and economic consequences for Africa and the wider world.

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Kirsty Coventry Makes History as the First Woman and First African President of the IOC

12 February 2026 Comments (0) Featured, Leaders

The election of Kirsty Coventry as President of the International Olympic Committee marks a historic turning point for global sport. For the first time since the IOC’s creation in 1894, the world’s most powerful sporting institution will be led by both a woman and an African. Coventry’s election is more than symbolic: it reflects profound changes underway in international sports governance.

A former elite athlete, Kirsty Coventry is no stranger to Olympic excellence. Born in Zimbabwe, she is Africa’s most decorated Olympian, having won seven Olympic medals in swimming between 2004 and 2008. After retiring from competition, she transitioned into sports administration, serving on the IOC Athletes’ Commission and later on its Executive Board. She also became Zimbabwe’s Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, gaining political and institutional experience that would later shape her international leadership profile.

Her rise to the IOC presidency represents a clear departure from tradition. For decades, the role was dominated by European men from diplomatic or aristocratic backgrounds. Coventry embodies a new model of leadership: younger, athlete-centered, and globally representative. She has repeatedly stressed her commitment to athlete welfare, gender equality, and broader access to sport—particularly in developing countries.

Controversies and Criticism Surrounding Her Election

Despite the historic nature of her appointment, Coventry’s presidency has not been free of controversy. Critics have pointed to her role within the Zimbabwean government, which has been accused by international organizations of democratic backsliding and human rights violations. As a cabinet minister, Coventry faced criticism for not publicly opposing certain government policies, raising questions about her political independence and willingness to challenge authority.

Within the Olympic world, some observers have also expressed concerns about continuity rather than change. Coventry has long been part of the IOC’s inner circle, leading critics to argue that her leadership may preserve existing power structures rather than reform them. Issues such as transparency, governance ethics, and the IOC’s handling of political influence in sport remain sensitive topics, and skeptics question whether a leader emerging from within the system can truly transform it.

She has also been scrutinized for her positions on contentious issues such as the participation of athletes from politically sanctioned countries, the balance between inclusion and competitive fairness, and the IOC’s historical reluctance to take firm stances on human rights matters. These debates are likely to intensify during her presidency, placing her leadership style under sustained global examination.

A Presidency Under Global Scrutiny

Coventry’s African identity adds another layer of significance. Africa has long been underrepresented in international sports governance despite its athletic prominence. Her election sends a powerful signal that leadership in global sport is becoming more inclusive and reflective of the Olympic Movement’s worldwide reach.

The challenges ahead are considerable: sustainability of the Games, the rising cost of hosting, geopolitical tensions, and evolving social expectations around equality and ethics. Whether Kirsty Coventry will be remembered primarily as a symbolic trailblazer or as a transformative reformer will depend on how she addresses these controversies.

What is certain is that her presidency marks a defining moment for the IOC. As the first woman and first African to hold this position, Coventry enters office carrying both immense hope and intense scrutiny—an embodiment of a new era, but one that must still prove its promise through action.

Photos  : https://www.dailysabah.com/

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Dream of the Desert: Saudi Arabia’s Bold Bet on Luxury Rail

2 January 2026 Comments (0) Business, Featured

Saudi Arabia is betting on a slower, more exclusive way to travel. With Dream of the Desert, the Kingdom is launching its first luxury tourist train, a project that blends hospitality, mobility and nation branding into a single moving experience. Far from being a nostalgic nod to old-school rail travel, this train is a strategic business tool designed to attract high-value tourism and reinforce Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambitions.

Developed in partnership with Italian luxury brand Arsenale Group and operated on the Saudi rail network, Dream of the Desert is expected to run across the country’s northern routes, notably between Riyadh, AlUla and Qurayyat. The train will feature around 40 luxury cabins, including suites, lounges and dining cars, accommodating roughly 80 to 90 passengers per journey. This is not mass transport. It is scarcity by design.

A moving luxury asset in the middle of the desert

Dream of the Desert is conceived as a five-star hotel on rails. Interiors are inspired by Saudi architectural heritage, with contemporary design, panoramic windows and bespoke furnishings. Onboard services are expected to include fine dining, curated cultural content and guided off-train excursions, particularly in destinations like AlUla, one of Saudi Arabia’s flagship tourism projects.

From a business standpoint, the numbers are telling. Luxury train journeys elsewhere in the world often sell for between 2,000 and 5,000 dollars per person for multi-day experiences. Saudi Arabia is positioning itself in this premium bracket, targeting international travelers who are willing to pay for exclusivity, storytelling and comfort rather than speed. With limited capacity and high price points, profitability relies on margins, not volume.

The train also capitalizes on existing infrastructure. By upgrading and reimagining rail assets instead of building entirely new ones, the project limits capital expenditure while increasing the value generated per kilometer traveled. It is a classic example of asset optimization, applied to tourism.

Why this train fits Saudi Arabia’s long-term strategy

Dream of the Desert is more than a tourism product. It is a narrative device. For decades, Saudi Arabia has been associated with oil, aviation and road transport. A luxury train crossing the desert sends a different message: one of openness, refinement and experiential travel.

Tourism is expected to contribute 10 percent of Saudi Arabia’s GDP by 2030, up from around 3 percent a decade ago. The country aims to attract 150 million visitors per year by the end of the decade. While Dream of the Desert will only host a fraction of those travelers, its symbolic impact is disproportionate to its size. It helps position Saudi Arabia as a premium destination, not just a new one.

There is also a sustainability angle. Rail travel produces significantly lower CO₂ emissions per passenger than short-haul flights, especially for domestic routes. For a country under increasing pressure to demonstrate environmental responsibility, promoting luxury rail fits the growing global demand for slower, more conscious travel without sacrificing comfort.

The project has not been without controversy. Critics point to the optics of launching a luxury train in a country where questions around human rights, freedom of expression and labor conditions remain central in international debates. Others question the relevance of ultra-premium tourism in a region facing water scarcity and extreme climate constraints, arguing that luxury infrastructure in the desert risks amplifying environmental pressures rather than alleviating them.

There is also skepticism about demand sustainability: with limited global precedent for profitable luxury rail in harsh climates, some analysts wonder whether the project will attract enough repeat international travelers to justify long-term operating costs

In the end, Dream of the Desert is not about getting from point A to point B. It is about redefining what the journey itself is worth. By combining luxury hospitality, cultural storytelling and strategic restraint, Saudi Arabia is testing a simple but powerful idea: in a world obsessed with speed, slowing down can be a premium business.

Photos : cnn.com

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