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

5 March 2026 Comments (0) 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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Doing Business in Africa: Myths, Realities, and Market Insights

25 August 2025 Comments (0) Business

Africa is often portrayed in extremes—either as a continent full of untapped riches or as a place plagued by instability. Both images are misleading. The truth lies somewhere in between, and understanding the real landscape of doing business in Africa requires separating myths from facts and paying close attention to the specific context of each market.

Africa Is Not One Market, But Fifty-Four

One of the most common misconceptions is that Africa is a single, unified market. In reality, the continent consists of 54 countries, each with its own languages, legal systems, currencies, and consumer preferences. Business conditions in Senegal are very different from those in Ethiopia or South Africa. Companies that succeed on the continent are those that take a country-by-country approach, working closely with local partners and adapting their strategy to each environment.

Is Africa Too Risky for Investment? Think Again

Another frequent myth is that Africa is too risky for investment. While political and economic risks exist in some regions, this perception overlooks the progress and stability found in many others. Countries such as Rwanda, Ghana, Morocco, and Mauritius have made significant improvements in governance, infrastructure, and the business environment. Additionally, Africa has a young, growing population, increasing internet penetration, and a rapidly expanding middle class—factors that create strong foundations for long-term growth, particularly in sectors such as technology, agriculture, healthcare, and clean energy.

Infrastructure Gaps: A Challenge or a Business Opportunity?

Infrastructure gaps are often seen as barriers, but they can also present valuable opportunities. In the absence of traditional systems, new models are emerging. For example, solar power companies are bringing electricity to off-grid communities, and mobile money platforms like M-Pesa in Kenya have revolutionized access to banking services. Rather than waiting for infrastructure to catch up, many entrepreneurs are developing innovative solutions to fill these gaps directly.

Local Innovation Is Leading the Way

Africa’s innovation landscape is vibrant and locally driven. Cities like Lagos, Nairobi, Accra, Cape Town, and Cairo have become regional tech hubs. Startups are emerging that address real challenges, from logistics and agriculture to finance and education. These companies aren’t simply replicating Western ideas; they are building unique models that reflect the needs and constraints of their communities.

The Future Lies in Africa’s Cities and Consumers

Consumer demand is another key driver of opportunity. With Africa’s population projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, and a significant share of that growth taking place in cities, there is rising demand for housing, education, healthcare, consumer goods, and digital services. Businesses that can deliver products and services that are both affordable and adapted to local contexts stand to benefit.

What It Takes to Succeed in African Markets

For companies looking to enter African markets, success often comes down to a few guiding principles. First, localization is crucial—products must meet the specific needs of local consumers. Second, forming partnerships with local entrepreneurs or organizations can provide valuable insights and networks. Third, patience and long-term commitment are essential, as building trust and navigating regulatory landscapes can take time.

A Continent of Challenges—and Opportunities

Doing business in Africa is not without challenges, but it is far from impossible. For those willing to invest the time to understand the markets, collaborate with local actors, and innovate with purpose, Africa represents one of the most promising regions for business growth in the 21st century.

Photos : newswirengr.com – licdn.com

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The Elite of Mboa” offers a witty political simulation rooted in African realities

19 April 2025 Comments (0) Featured, Politics

In the heart of Yaoundé, Cameroon, a video game studio is gaining international recognition for its bold and original storytelling. Kiro’o Games, founded in 2012 by Olivier Madiba, has made it its mission to place African stories at the center of the gaming world. With its latest release, “The Elite of Mboa” (also known as Le Responsable), the studio delivers a humorous, strategic take on political life in a fictional African country—blending gameplay with social critique.

Kiro’o Games, short for Kiroho Maono (meaning “spiritual vision” in Swahili), is the first video game studio in Central Africa. Since its creation, the studio has trained and employed a team of young developers and artists, most of them local. It operates with a clear goal: to break away from Western-dominated narratives and build a game universe that reflects the realities and imagination of the African continent.

In 2015, Kiro’o Games launched its first title, “Aurion: Legacy of the Kori-Odan,” an action RPG inspired by African mythology. The game received international praise for its originality and world-building. To fund its development, the studio raised over 300,000 dollars through a mix of crowdfunding and international angel investors—an unprecedented achievement for a startup in the region.

“The Elite of Mboa”: A Game of Choices, Corruption, and Comedy

“The Elite of Mboa,” released in 2020, is a satirical simulation game set in the fictional republic of Mboa. Players take on the role of a young graduate who lands a job in the Ministry of Paperwork and must navigate the complexities of public service, family obligations, and career ambitions. The game offers multiple storylines depending on the player’s choices, including whether to act with integrity or fall into corruption.

Players manage a character’s resources, organize public events, dodge internal audits, and interact with a colorful cast of coworkers and politicians. The design of the game draws heavily on the social and political culture of Central Africa, using local humor, real-world inspired scenarios, and expressive dialogue. It is available in both English and French and is compatible with PC and Android platforms.

As of 2024, “The Elite of Mboa” has been downloaded more than 60,000 times and is receiving increasing attention from educators and NGOs who see it as a tool for sparking conversations about governance, ethics, and civic responsibility in Africa. The game is also being adapted for mobile and console, and Kiro’o Games is actively working on expanding its reach.

Alongside game development, the studio has launched Kiro’o Rebuntu, a mentorship and funding platform designed to support young African entrepreneurs in the digital and creative industries.

By mixing satire with thoughtful gameplay, Kiro’o Games continues to prove that Africa not only has unique stories to tell but also the creative power and technical skill to share them with the world.

Photos : premortem.games –

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Harnessing the Power of African Influencers for Development (AI4Dev)

25 May 2024 Comments (0) Leaders

In the dynamic landscape of global development, Africa stands at the crossroads of innovation and progress. Amidst its diverse tapestry of cultures, languages, and landscapes lies a burgeoning force driving change: African Influencers for Development, or AI4Dev. This collective of individuals represents a new wave of advocacy, harnessing the power of digital platforms to propel social and economic advancement across the continent.

At its core, AI4Dev embodies the spirit of grassroots mobilization, leveraging technology to amplify voices and catalyze action. From entrepreneurs pioneering sustainable solutions to activists championing social justice, these influencers wield influence not merely for personal gain, but for the collective upliftment of communities.

One of the defining features of AI4Dev is its decentralization. Unlike traditional top-down approaches to development, these influencers operate from within their communities, intimately understanding local needs and realities. Whether through YouTube channels, Instagram stories, or Twitter threads, they bridge the gap between policymakers and the populace, advocating for inclusive policies and holding leaders accountable.

To Drive Sustainable Development From Within

Moreover, AI4Dev embodies diversity in its truest sense. From the bustling streets of Lagos to the remote villages of Malawi, influencers from all walks of life are united by a common goal: to drive sustainable development from within. This diversity not only enriches the discourse but also ensures that solutions are contextually relevant and inclusive.

Education lies at the heart of AI4Dev’s mission. Recognizing that knowledge is the cornerstone of progress, influencers utilize their platforms to disseminate information and foster dialogue. Whether it’s tutorials on agricultural techniques or discussions on climate change adaptation, they empower individuals to take ownership of their futures, equipping them with the tools to thrive in an ever-changing world.

AI4Dev is not merely a digital movement; it’s a catalyst for tangible change on the ground. By leveraging their networks, influencers mobilize resources and galvanize support for community-led initiatives. Whether it’s crowdfunding for a local school or organizing clean-up drives, they exemplify the power of collective action in driving sustainable development.

Access to Technology, Censorship, Digital Divides… A Lot of Obstacles

In a continent where women often face systemic barriers to participation, AI4Dev stands as a beacon of gender equality. Female influencers play a pivotal role in shaping narratives and driving change, challenging stereotypes and breaking down barriers. From advocating for girls’ education to championing reproductive rights, they are at the forefront of the fight for gender equality and empowerment.

However, AI4Dev is not without its challenges. Limited access to technology, censorship, and digital divides pose significant obstacles to its reach and impact. Moreover, navigating the ethical complexities of influence and representation requires a delicate balance between authenticity and responsibility.

Despite these challenges, the potential of AI4Dev to drive transformative change is undeniable. As Africa continues to navigate the complexities of development in the 21st century, the collective power of its influencers serves as a potent force for progress. By harnessing the power of digital platforms, fostering inclusive dialogue, and driving community-led initiatives, AI4Dev is reshaping the narrative of development from within, one post, one tweet, one action at a time.

Photos : undp.org and twimg.com

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Progreen : Turning Waste Matter Into Energy

22 February 2024 Comments (0) Business

Progreen Innovations stands at the forefront of environmental and energy solutions in Kenya, championing a revolutionary approach to waste management through its innovative waste-to-fuel technology. This pioneering company, based in Kenya, is reshaping the narrative around waste, transforming it from an environmental burden into a valuable resource for producing alternative fuels.

Founded with the vision of addressing two critical challenges—waste management and the energy crisis—Progreen Innovations embarked on its mission to develop sustainable and eco-friendly solutions. The company recognized the untapped potential of municipal and industrial waste, which traditionally ends up in landfills, contributing to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. By converting this waste into fuel, Progreen Innovation not only aims to reduce the environmental footprint of waste but also to provide a renewable energy source that can mitigate reliance on fossil fuels.

The Waste-to-Fuel Process

The core of Progreen Innovations’s technology lies in its sophisticated waste-to-fuel conversion process. This process involves several stages, starting with the collection and sorting of waste materials. The waste is then subjected to a series of treatments, including drying, pyrolysis, and condensation, to break down the organic material into smaller molecules. The end products are fuels like biodiesel, ethanol, and other biofuels, which can be used in existing engines and infrastructure with minimal modifications.

One of the distinguishing aspects of Progreen’s technology is its efficiency and environmental friendliness. The process is designed to minimize emissions and energy consumption, making it a cleaner alternative to traditional fuel production methods. Moreover, it provides a solution to the problem of plastic waste by converting it into valuable fuel, thus addressing two environmental issues simultaneously.

To Diversify the Energy Mix in Kenya

The impact of Progreen’s work is multifaceted. Environmentally, it offers a sustainable way to manage waste, reducing landfill use and cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions. Economically, it contributes to the local economy by creating jobs in waste collection, processing, and fuel distribution. Furthermore, by producing alternative fuels, Progreen helps to diversify the energy mix in Kenya, enhancing energy security and reducing dependence on imported fuels.

Progreen has garnered recognition both locally and internationally for its innovative approach to waste management and energy production. Its achievements include partnerships with municipal governments for waste collection and processing, as well as collaborations with industries seeking sustainable energy solutions.

Future Prospects

Looking forward, Progreen is set to play a pivotal role in Kenya’s environmental and energy landscape. As the world increasingly focuses on sustainability and renewable energy, the demand for alternative fuels is expected to rise. Progreen is well-positioned to expand its operations and scale up its technology to meet this growing demand.

Moreover, the company is exploring new technologies and processes to enhance the efficiency and range of fuels produced from waste. By continuously innovating, Progreen aims to contribute to a circular economy, where waste is not seen as an end product but as a resource that can be continuously reused and recycled.

Progreen embodies the transformative potential of waste-to-fuel technology. Through its pioneering work, it is not only tackling environmental and energy challenges in Kenya but also setting a precedent for sustainable waste management practices worldwide. As Progreen Innovations continues to evolve and expand, its journey offers a hopeful vision of a world where waste is no longer a problem but part of the solution to our energy needs.

Photo : rfi.fr

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Agricultural data is becoming big business in Africa

30 July 2023 Comments (0) Business, Non classé

Africa can often be a continent of major contradictions, but perhaps especially when it comes to agriculture. The African Development Bank (ADB) released a recent report which stated that the continent contained an astounding 65% of the world’s uncultivated but arable land. Many areas also have an abundance of fresh water. The soil is extremely fertile, and the continent has around 300 days of sunshine every year. And when you look at the working population, in excess of 60% of people work in the agricultural sector in some capacity. 

Yet despite that potential, the continent as a whole continues to import much of its food ($64.5 billion in 2017) and many regions continue to suffer annual famines with around five million Africans dying every year from hunger and over a quarter of the population classified as “severely food insecure in 2016”.

To increase efficiency and productivity – and thus hopefully reduce hunger and reliance on imports – many African countries are now looking to data collection and analysis for solutions and creating a new demand and market by doing so. 

A lot of Challenges to Face

There are a number of challenges that Africa’s agricultural sector faces. As far as development of uncultivated land is concerned, many areas have poor or no transport links. There may be little in the way of communications, little credit to buy the machinery and seed stock needed to cultivate the land, issues with property rights, endemic corruption at local and national levels, a lack of access to technology, and various other issues. 

Many now see the use of data identifying the areas offering the most lucrative prospects as the way to move forward. Coupled with simpler smart phones to be used in situ, data scientists can analyse data from satellite imagery and records of climate and weather patterns to help focus on those initially promising areas. 

Another major problem that faces the sector, and also another that technology may offer a solution to, is that many African agricultural products are subject to the overuse of pesticides (or the use of banned pesticides). This means that they do not pass the stringent standards of target markets such as the European Union. 

Using Technology

Companies such as Acquahmeyer in Ghana are now using drones to monitor the health of crops so as to allow farmers to reduce their reliance on these pesticides. At $5 to 10 per acre, this is a growing data market across the continent. 

The ADB are also investing in data and data collection. As of 2018, they had launched a drone programme partnering with the Tunisian government and the city of Busan in South Korea. The programme will include training 32 young Tunisians on how to pilot drones and collect agricultural data. 

South African startup, Zindi, is another African company looking to harness data to improve agricultural yields. They use their platform to host competitions that brings together over 9,000 African data scientists to crunch numbers and data from satellite imagery and other sources to provide real solutions on – and in – the ground. 

But it is also about different data sets being harnessed to improve agriculture. In Nigeria, the government are undertaking a major registration programme to include its farmers on an electronic wallet system. This will allow the government to make grants and subsidy payments, share information on better farming practices, and help improve the continental supply chain. 

Monsanto Has Established Data Sharing Agreements: Good News for Africa?

Multinational conglomerate, Monsanto, has already established data sharing agreements with the American agricultural machinery producer, Agco. They also launched Climate FieldView in 2018, a tool specifically designed to collect and exploit agricultural data from across Africa. Given Monsanto’s track history, there are justifiable worries that while African NGOs seek to reduce hunger and poverty by increasing crop yields. 

Hopefully, the Pan-African efforts by various parties will continue to yield promising results.

Photos : blogs.worldbank.org / idss.mit.edu / agroinformatics.org

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Winners of the African Youth Adaptation Solutions Challenge

12 December 2022 Comments (0) Featured, Leaders

The YouthADAPT competition, an annual competition and awards program for youth-led enterprises jointly organized by the Global Center on Adaptation, the African Development Bank, and Climate Investment Funds (CIF) has announced the 2022 winners list.

The YouthADAPT Competition expands in its second year

The goal of the YouthADAPT competition is to boost sustainable job creation through entrepreneurship and innovation in climate change adaptation and resilience across Africa. The competition invites young African entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35 from micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises to submit ideas that can deliver innovative solutions to adapt to and build resilience against climate change. The twenty winning entries, half of which are women-led, won grant funding of up to $100,000 each, as well as a 12-month accelerator program to help them grow their businesses, deepen their impact, and create jobs on the continent.

Launched in 2021, this year’s competition received over 3,000 applicants. Despite its short history it is already delivering results. One of last year’s winners, Juveline Ngum Ngwa from Bamenda in Cameroon has been able to scale up her business, Bleglee Waste Management, as a result of the grant. This has meant a second waste sorting center and the development of software for drones which identify garbage blocking drainage systems.

Competition winners from all across Africa

Winners of the 2022 African Youth Adaptation Solutions Challenge come from across the continent:

Namibia

  • Kaveto Tjatjara, of Flushh, produces waterless toilets for schools in underserved communities. 

Malawi

  •  Joyce Sikwese, of Green Impact Technologies, accelerates the productive use of climate-smart agriculture technologies and organic fertilizers among smallholder farmers.
  • Ulaya Mwale Mpatsa, of Engineering Company Limited, offers a solution for the recovery and treatment of rainwater, desalination of seawater, and groundwater extraction. 

Kenya

  • Maryanne Gichanga, of AgriTech Analytics, uses satellite data analytics and Internet of Things (IoT) sensors to halt and reverse soil degradation, crop pests, and diseases. 
  • Esther Kimani, of Farmer Lifeline Technologies, reduces greenhouse gas emissions from synthetic fertilizers and farm chemicals and creates more environmentally friendly versions.
  • Robin Ndungu Kisumeo, from Organics Limited, empowers smallholder farmers to create sustainable and climate-resilient aquatic food systems by leveraging artificial intelligence.

Egypt

  • Reham Yehia, of Baramoda, reduces CO2 emissions by decreasing the use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture, helping soil that has been affected by climate change to recover. 
  • Moataz Yousry Voltx, from Engineering & Industries, produces a smart irrigation system that saves up to 40% of the water used to irrigate agricultural crops. 

Cameroon

  • Pelkins Ajanoh, from Cassavita, provides improved cassava seedlings that are resistant to climate change effects. 
  • Anna Ngwenyi Mafor, of Multi-Tech Sustainable Solutions (MTTS), uses smart technology for the early detection of crop diseases caused by climate change.

Nigeria

  • Rita Idehai, at Ecobarter, improves adaptive capacity to flash flooding by keeping drainage and streets free of waste. 
  • Rebecca Andeshi, from Grocircular Agro Services, produces organic fertilizer generated from poultry waste, food waste, rice husks, and wood chips. 
  • Olowoseunre Oluwadamilola, of Pazelgreen Technologies, provides sustainable and cost-effective industrial cooling processes to address the problem of post-harvest loss of fruits and vegetables caused by climate change. 

Rwanda

  • Yvette Ishimwe, of IRIBA Water Group Ltd, offers an adaptation solution for floods by collecting rainwater from the roofs of houses, purifying it, and then distributing it to young women. 

Botswana

  • Mmakwena Moesi, from Viva Organica, improves soil moisture and health of plants affected by climate change.

Ghana

  • Rose Noah, of West African Feeds, leverages tropical insect farming techniques to convert food waste into climate-resistant food alternatives for Africa’s livestock feed industry. 

Senegal

  • Moussa Diouf, from Agroexpert farming, tackles the effects of drought on agriculture, especially at small scale through the use of drip-drop irrigation. 

Algeria

  • Nassim Ilmane Eurl Algerienne, of Des Industries Technologiques, created a mobile app that helps small and mid-sized farmers receive recommendations and disease alerts to optimize fertilizers and pesticide usage while improving their yield.

Côte d’Ivoire

  • Noël N’guessan, from Lono, improved fertilizers to address climate change effects on soils, especially those suffering from severe degradation. 

Uganda

  • Frank Mugisha, Akatale On Cloud, created an original technology using flies to decompose organic waste into livestock feed, addressing the fodder deficit that can be caused by climate change. 

The list has doubled since 2021, where only ten winners were selected, with awards totaling $1 million. For 2022, this was increased to twenty winners with the awards pool doubling to $2 million. Next year, it is hoped that the total of the awards will reach $4 million.

The awards ceremony was held at the African Pavilion of the COP27 Climate Change Conference. African Development Bank Group president Dr. Akinwumi Adesina said, “Africa’s needs cannot be ignored…Our young people must be part of the solution. They are creative, dynamic, and engaging. They are futuristic and must be part of the solution for climate adaptation in Africa.”

Photos : un.org – LinkedIn

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Germany looks to Africa as energy crisis looms in Europe

20 November 2022 Comments (0) Featured, Politics

With a sixth round of EU sanctions against Russian oil, Europe is looking to leave Russian gas behind for good. Germany is already looking at alternatives in Africa but ramping up production will not be a small task, with infrastructure challenges and increasing preference towards renewable energy over fossil fuels.

Europe looks to Africa as an alternative to Russia

With Russia ostracized in the wake of its invasion of Ukraine, and a sixth round of EU sanctions targeting Russian oil recently implemented, many countries in Europe are looking to leave Russian gas, oil, and coal behind for good. But cutting the use of Russian gas by 60% before the end of 2022 may come with a nasty side-effect – a lack of energy – especially over the winter where demand in Europe increases. Germany is already looking for alternatives in Africa, with the continent’s oil and gas reserves being an important topic at the June 2022 German-Africa Energy Forum in Hamburg. In 2020, African oil made up nearly 9% of global exports, with over 327 million metric tonnes produced on the continent. But ramping up production and getting it to Europe will not be an easy task, with infrastructure challenges and the zeitgeist in Europe moving towards renewable energy over fossil fuels.

Lack of investment at home raises questions for export

The first major barrier for gas exports to Germany is the lack of infrastructure. Energy development projects are capital-intensive and generally require private-public partnerships. Sultan Wali, Ethiopia’s energy minister said that “African governments cannot carry out these projects alone.” Ndiarka Mbodji, the French-Senegalese founder of Berlin-based Kowry Energy echoed this, saying, “They need financial support from Germany and other rich western countries. Africa holds the key to resolving Europe’s energy crisis. And if we look at Africa’s resources, for example gas, you cannot underestimate its importance.”

Despite such a positive outlook for Africa to fulfill Germany’s gas demands, half of the continent’s population lacks access to clean energy, with many households dependent on burning biomass for energy. Moreover, some 900 million Africans lack access to clean cooking solutions, and on top of this, South Africa is in the midst of its own energy crisis. Load shedding is now a daily occurrence, and the situation is predicted to worsen despite the country holding significant natural gas potential. There will no doubt be those who question whether the continent can afford to export gas when it could be put to good use domestically.

Africa must act quickly to profit

Many German companies are keen to help finance African initiatives that produce hydrogen and natural gas for export to Europe, and African nations are keen to power up using gas. Because natural gas, which is mainly produced in Algeria, Nigeria, and Egypt, creates fewer carbon emissions than other fossil fuels like oil and coal it is seen as a ‘transitional fuel.’ Mbodji says that gas should not be overlooked, stating, “you can see at the moment, with the Ukraine war that we are going through, that there is a need to diversify the source of energy. And if we look at the resource that Africa has in terms of, for example, gas, which is a source of transition, we can see its importance in Africa.” 

The International Energy Agency (IEA) produced its Africa Energy Outlook for 2022, published on 20th June, where it said that Africa could be in a position to export some 30 billion cubic meters (bcm) to Europe by the end of the decade. If all of Africa’s natural gas discoveries are turned into production, Executive Director Fatih Birol has stated that it could make an additional 90 bcm per year by 2030, with around two-thirds of this going towards domestic needs and the rest for export.

But the IEA has said that Africa must act quickly if it is to profit from these vast reserves of natural gas. Europe will only want Africa’s gas until it can shift towards lower carbon technology, something that is being increasingly championed with ever more lofty net-zero promises being made by politicians.

Renewable energy also ramps up exports

There is another energy source that could be exported – solar. Taking advantage of the huge potential for solar energy near the Sahara Desert, a massive undersea power cable is coming to Europe from Egypt. The GREGY intersection, going from Northern Egypt and into Attica, Greece, brings 3,000 megawatts of clean solar power to Europe. At the same time, the Xlinks Morocco-UK power project will connect Alverdiscott, Devon, with a solar site in Morocco, providing enough power to supply seven million homes by 2030.

There isn’t enough African gas available right now to save Germany from an energy shortage this winter, and with Europe pushing for cleaner energy, by the time production has increased to a suitable level it may already be too late to capitalize on Africa’s reserves.

 

Photos : dw.com – logupdateafrica.com – foreignpolicy.com

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