ARTS & CULTURE
France votes to return colonial artefacts to Benin and Senegal
In a major win for Africa’s fight for restitution, the National Assembly in France has unanimously agreed to return artefacts to Benin and Senegal. The decision now goes to the Senate who will hopefully pass the motion and fulfill the promise Emmanuel Macron made in November 2017 to return African art. Ongolo wrote about this story in the post Is Europe refusing to return colonial artefacts?
Somalia’s first Modern Arts Institution
Somalia is on our list of countries to watch in Africa – the country is turning slowly and quietly. That’s why it’s great to see the art scene growing. The Somali Arts Foundation has given arts and photographers space to showcase the best of Somalia.
One man’s meat is another man’s poison
A Nigerian artist is turning discarded pieces of Ankara fabric into art pieces that are selling for $25,000!
ECONOMY
Siemens gets approval for projects in Nigeria
Siemens is poised to support the energy sector in Nigeria after a deal signed by Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
South Africa looks to limit foreign workers amidst economic woes
South Africa is introducing new provincial legislation to restrict employment opportunities for foreigners. Impacted sectors include: road, freight, hospitality, agriculture and security.
Africa will be the comeback kid in 2021
The World Bank is predicting a reversal of this year’s economic decline in 2021 though West and Central Africa will far than Southern and West Africa.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Evidence of start-up growth in Africa
According to The African Development Bank (AfDB), Africa established 6,500 new tech start-ups in 2020 with $2.27 billion investments, compared to 2015, which had 3,500 tech-related ventures and $1 billion in venture capital.
Rwanda is the new hub for the Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropy (AGGP)
Rwanda beat out other African countries to become AGGP’s entrepreneurial and skills development centre in Africa
INNOVATION
Kenya makes the list of top 5 start-up hubs to watch
Kenya joins Singapore, South Korea, Brazil and Israel on the list of emerging global start-up hubs though I would argue that Singapore and South Korea are established rather than emerging. Kenya is an attractive market thanks to supportive policies, reliable internet connectivity and payments infrastructure
The urgent need for EduTech in Africa
While the transition from face to face to virtual learning was seamless in the developed world, most of Africa failed to launch. As a result, about 250m primary and secondary school children lost an entire year of education. Innovation in the education sector is now of paramount importance.
South Africa’s Innovation Centre turns 75
South Africa’s Council for Scientific and Industrial Research has achieved a lot of success in its 75 years such as developing CMore, a tool used to help combat rhino poaching through the provision of intelligence to decision makers; and, lithium-ion battery research through the discovery of lithium-metal-oxide electrode materials with a spinel-type structure.
LEADERSHIP
Find out why China faces a dilemma with which WTO finalist to support
China is faced with a difficult task: back Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala who has an American passport or South Korea’s Yoo Myung-hee which may cost them one of the four Deputy DG roles. Ongolo says please back Nigeria!
Understanding the leadership style of Senegal’s President, Macky Sall
Senegal is witnessed unprecedented economic development under the leadership of President Sall. Find out how he leads
LIFESTYLE
Your next trip to Cape Town should include a visit of Vergelegen
Vergelegen is home to Africa’s only International Camellia Garden of Excellence, one of 39 such gardens in the world. It is a must see!
West African food is trending
West African food is trending! The travel has rounded up some of the most popular dishes from the sub-region.