ARTS & CULTURE
Renowned artist Esther Mahlangu urges Africans to hold on to their traditions
One of Africa’s best-known artists has made an impassioned appeal for governments and communities across the continent to preserve their traditions and culture in the face of globalisation. Full article
15 African Artists on the Rise
Contemporary African art has long been a topic of contention. For a time, there was even a heated debate around the very existence of contemporary art in Africa. Nevertheless, artists hailing from the continent have continued to create despite conditions of invisibility and marginalization. Full article
The Kenyan film director taking on the world – with positive stories of black life
In a 2017 TED Talk, the Kenyan film director Wanuri Kahiu shared her mission to make what she called “Afrobubblegum” art. The aim is to contribute to a world where African audiences see themselves reflected in ways that capture a full range of human experiences. To go beyond agenda-driven single stories of war, famine and HIV that have characterised much storytelling about Africa. Full article
ECONOMY
Zambia becomes Africa’s first coronavirus-era default: What happens now?
The country’s debt profile has been spiraling in recent years owing to issues predating the pandemic, leaving creditors wrangling over who should take losses on loans. On Wednesday, Fitch Ratings downgraded a key rating for Zambia from CC to Restricted Default. S&P Global Ratings had already rated Zambia at Selective Default ahead of the expiry of a 30-day grace period and a creditor meeting on Nov. 13. Full article
Africa’s economic giant Nigeria at a ‘critical juncture’
More than 200 million Nigerians will slide further into poverty as the coronavirus pandemic has sent oil prices tumbling and pushed Africa’s largest economy into recession. Full article
Gig Economy Is The Future Of Work: Let’s Embrace It
Prior to the pandemic, the single biggest change to society, both socially and economically, was coming through the advance of technology, as digitalisation provided us with greater flexibility, freedom and choice. Covid-19 has forced major changes in the way we live and has accelerated our reliance upon digital technologies. In Africa, as on other continents, these changes have been felt for some time. One of the great opportunities of the new digital landscape is the gig economy. Full article
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Industrialist offers African entrepreneurs grants
African industrialist Adam Molai has launched a $1-million fund to provide entrepreneurs with capital to kickstart or expand their enterprises, in a massive boost for start-up businesses in Africa. The JUA [sunrise in KiSwahili] Kickstarter Fund will provide successful applicants with funds – to launch or grow their businesses – as well as mentoring and guidance. Entrepreneurs from across Africa are invited to apply. Full article
WorldRemit Announces Africa-focused Entrepreneurship Program
As part of the commitment to be creating opportunities and facilitating development in Africa, WorldRemit, the global digital money transfer service, has today announced the launch of its WorldRemit Entrepreneurs Program in Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and Zimbabwe. Full article
Africa is the biggest investment opportunity the US is missing out on
Investing in Africa is lower risk than most perceive it to be and promises high returns in more ways than one. In 2018 Trump called Africa a continent of ‘s***hole countries’. I hope Biden will see Africa as the biggest investment opportunity America has been missing. China has been quietly cashing in on Africa over the last 20 years seeing it as the greatest opportunity for economic advancement. It’s time America did too because capital, not aid, is what is really needed to build a self-sufficient, stable, thriving continent. Full article
INNOVATION
UNICEF Innovation Fund seeks startups addressing digital risks to children
The UNICEF Innovation Fund is looking to invest in companies that are using machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain or extended reality to address digital risks to children, with selected companies to receive equity-free funding of up to US$100,000. Full article
Factsheet: How to think about consumer innovation in Africa
Entrepreneurs and investors are mostly skeptical about the prospects of business-to-consumer commerce in Africa. The continent has over 1.2 billion people but per capita income hovers around $1,500. How many consumer products or services can you sell 10,000 units of every week in Africa apart from food? Full article
Closer Africa-Europe collaboration needed to deliver food and nutrition security roadmap
Africa’s apex organization for coordinating and advocating for agricultural research and innovation has called on more African and European countries to prioritize investment in science, technology and innovation for agriculture on the continent. Full article
LEADERSHIP
USA – Africa: President Biden’s top three challenges
Africa, in the eyes of some political analysts, has been an after-thought for Washington these last four years. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing; it speaks to the political and economic stability that dominates most of the 54 countries on the continent. The reality of the conflict in Libya dominates US discussions and overshadows the removal of Sudan from state sponsors of terrorism and the growing strength and vitality of African-led institutions, such as the Economic Community of Western African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU), to address regional conflicts. Full article
Mike Adenuga: The journey from petty trade to Conoil and Glo
The axiom goes that “life begins at 40”, but for Mike Adenuga, the CEO of Globacom, who became a millionaire at the young age of 26, life began in his 20s. Today, he is one of Africa’s richest and holds business interests across several sectors of the economy and in various countries on the continent. Full article
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: how global and local experience would play out in WTO top job
The global economy faces profound uncertainties, particularly in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, faith in the efficacy of international bodies such as the World Trade Organisation (WTO) has been weakened by a power struggle between China and the US. As the process for appointing a new head of the organisation moves into its final phase, it’s worth considering what front runner Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala could bring to the complex role of managing an international organisation, including designing and implementing reforms. Full article
LIFESTYLE
US imposes $15,000 visa bond on 15 African countries, others
The outgoing administration of US President, Donald Trump, on Monday, November 23, 2020, issued a new temporary visa rule that requires tourist and business travelers from 15 African countries and others to pay a bond of up to $15,000 in addition to the visa fees, which ranges from $16 to $300, in order to visit the United States. Full article
Follow your bliss to this Mozambican island resort, officially Africa’s best
With its luxe villas, acclaimed spa and fine dining, Anantara Bazaruto won ‘Africa’s Leading Beach Resort’ at the 2020 World Travel Awards, and it’s got a great deal for SA residents right now. Full article
12 Rich South African Wines To Sample
A South African winemaker working in the U.S. once explained the term ‘cellar palate.’ Basically, it refers to what happens when winemakers are so used to tasting their own wines, or wines produced by neighbors, that they have difficulty appreciating or embracing a diversity of styles. The term originated during the apartheid era in South Africa, when economic restrictions reduced travel for winemakers, and diminished many visits from foreign wine producers. Full article