This is the first official visit by a sitting U.S. president to Africa since Barack Obama's trip in 2015. It comes at a time when the U.S. is changing leadership. Angola is a strategic country with the largest trade surplus in U.S. dollars on the continent. Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden (pictured) will make an official visit to Angola from December 2 to December 4, 2024. This was announced...

Fitch indicates that improving the bank's rating would require lowering its exposure to sovereign bonds from the Sahel, diversifying its assets, and achieving a lasting improvement in the quality of its loan portfolio. On the other hand, deteriorating regional economic conditions could heighten its vulnerability. Fitch Ratings reaffirmed yesterday United Bank for Africa Senegal’s (UBA Senegal)...

Collaborations between telecom companies are crucial in boosting digital adoption across Africa. These partnerships are vital in overcoming the continent’s unique challenges, such as limited infrastructure, high costs, and digital divides. MTN South Africa has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with China Telecom and Huawei to collaborate on advancing 5G, cloud computing, artificial...

In 2023, Sub-Saharan Africa had one billion mobile subscriptions, but only 51% were linked to smartphones, according to the GSMA. Smartphone shipments in Africa reached 18.4 million units in Q3 2024, showing a modest 3% increase from the same period in 2023. This growth was slower compared to the 24% and 6% growth rates seen in the first and second quarters of 2024, according to data from...

This compensation is part of Zimbabwe's efforts to rebuild trust with investors and start fresh negotiations with creditors, supported by the African Development Bank and former Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano. The goal is to restructure its debt, which equals 81% of GDP, and reconnect with the global financial system. Zimbabwe has announced plans to pay $331 million to 439 white...

Social media ads, originally designed for commercial purposes, can also play a role in fighting diseases like malaria. In India, a Facebook campaign showed how an effective digital strategy can influence behavior and lower the rate of infection. A campaign in India shows how Facebook Ads can help in the fight against malaria and offers ideas for Africa, where the disease is most severe. From...

Inefficient water management is a pressing issue, particularly in resource-limited regions like Namibia. Losses from leaks, overuse, and mismanagement drain millions in potential revenue and worsen water scarcity. However, technology adoption offers a solution, addressing inefficiencies and enhancing water management.  Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) and telecommunications company MTC...

On November 8, 2024, the Malian government detained three executives from Resolute Mining, including CEO Terence Holohan, amid allegations of tax irregularities. The owner of the Syama gold mine has since agreed on a $160 million settlement to resolve the matter and secure their release. On November 21, Resolute Mining confirmed that Holohan and his colleagues had been released and were...

Digital transformation is a key priority for the Beninese government. For instance, the government plans to allocate CFA16.4 billion to digital projects in 2025. The government of Benin plans to connect 18 additional municipalities to the fiber optic network by mid-2025 as part of its goal to provide high-speed internet access to all 77 municipalities in the country. This announcement was made...

The growing reliance on digital communication comes with challenges such as poor service quality, high costs, and limited accountability. Protecting consumers is vital to maintaining trust, boosting digital adoption, and closing the digital divide. On Friday, November 22, 2024, the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) officially launched the Consumers Protection Regulations, an...