Author: Johnson Akinyi

Lafarge Africa Plc, a leading innovative and sustainable building solutions company renowned for high-quality cement, aggregates, ready-mix concrete, and other related products, has announced the launch of ECOPlanet Unicem, Nigeria’s 1st low-carbon multipurpose cement. This innovative cement, designed with over 30% reduction in CO2 emissions, signifies a major step in Lafarge Africa’s ongoing commitment to sustainable building solutions. Produced from its Mfamosing plant in Cross River State, ECOPlanet will be unveiled nationwide by the end of the year, as Lafarge Africa aims to double its market presence and enable low-carbon construction at scale. Speaking at the launch event held at…

In SummaryForty-eight boys in Zambia were rescued from an unauthorized male circumcision camp after parents complained of abductions.Some boys suffered medical complications, including one with bilharzia, and a boy on HIV medication missed his anti-retroviral drugs for two weeks.Authorities took action against the camp organizers, who set up the site without permission and demanded money from parents.Traditional male circumcision camps, known as “mukanda,” are controversial for their secrecy and harsh conditions.Lusaka, Zambia- Forty-eight boys in Zambia have been rescued from a male circumcision camp, after desperate complaints by some parents that their children had been abducted.One of the boys was…

In SummarySouth Sudan peace talks faced a stumbling block as opposition groups demanded the removal of a newly passed bill allowing detention without an arrest warrant.Kenya has been hosting high-level meetings since May between government representatives and rebel opposition groups excluded from the 2018 agreement. The opposition argues that the bill violates fundamental rights and freedoms, and its enactment would make signing any agreement meaningless.JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN- South Sudan peace talks that almost reached completion faced a stumbling block with opposition groups demanding a newly passed bill allowing the detention of people without an arrest warrant scratched out in order…

Nigeria’s food delivery start-ups are attracting attention from international investors optimistic about the growing demand in Africa’s most populous nation for restaurant fare at home even as soaring food inflation bites.Homegrown industry leaders Chowdeck, FoodCourt and Heyfood, each backed by start-up incubator Y Combinator, as well as Spain’s Glovo, are jostling to grab market share and cater to a population whose average family spends about 60 per cent of their income on food. The market in Nigeria is expected to more than double to $2.4bn over the next eight years, with a compound annual growth rate of nearly 11 per cent,…

As an influential leader, Ethel presents a visionary philosophy that can inspire the next generation. Her transformative approach sets a new standard for leadership, which is crucial for nurturing future leaders. Her consulting firm, Advisory Kulture, offers successful leadership training that has been effective across various sectors. What type of business do you run? I run a consulting firm named Advisory Kulture. We specialise in providing strategic advice and tailored solutions to help businesses navigate complex challenges and achieve their goals. How long has your business been running for? Advisory Kulture has been operating successfully for 10 years, during which…

The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States, Samuela Isopi, has said the EU remains Nigeria’s biggest foreign investor with a stock estimated at €26bn. Isopi said the stock represented one-third of Nigeria’s Foreign Direct Investment stock. He added that the EU is Nigeria’s largest trading partner with a total trade of almost €35bn in 2023, accounting for about one-third of Nigeria’s foreign trade and a balance – at over €10bn euros – in favour of Nigeria. The ambassador revealed the latest figures during her opening remarks at the ninth edition of Nigeria-EU Business…

Markets have reacted with nervousness to the violence and political instability in Kenya.Kenya has become embroiled in nationwide riots that have reportedly left at least twenty people dead amid public anger over a proposed Finance Bill that set out significant tax hikes on essential goods and services.Jason Tuvey, deputy chief emerging markets economist at Capital Economics in London, tells African Business that “the escalating protests in Kenya will add to the near-term headwinds facing economic activity as well as raise further question marks over the government’s ability to push through fiscal consolidation measures.”“That could ultimately cause fears of a sovereign…

Privacy, data and safety concerns explained As the debate around TikTok continues to unfold, social media users are grappling with the layers of issues surrounding the potential ban of the popular social media app in the United States and other countries. “From national security concerns to data privacy and children’s safety, the implications of greater scrutiny of TikTok, and other social media companies, are just as important in South Africa,” says Carey van Vlaanderen, CEO of ESET Southern Africa. The primary reason behind the U.S. government’s interest in banning TikTok revolves around national security. Lawmakers worry that the Chinese-owned app, developed by ByteDance,…

The Ethiopian government has announced plans to allow foreign banks to set up local subsidiaries and foreigners to acquire shares in domestic lenders, as Addis Ababa continues to pursue its agenda of financial liberalisation.The bill, approved by the Ethiopian cabinet but which still needs to be approved by the country’s parliament, says that “a foreign bank which is well established, reputable, and financially sound may be allowed to establish a partially or fully owned foreign bank subsidiary, or open a foreign bank branch, or a representative office, or acquire shares of a bank.”The bill notes, however, that the board of…

“After the dam, nothing is good”: How Ethiopia’s mega project devastated centuries of survival strategies | African Arguments By continuing to browse this site, you agree to our use of cookies. I Understand Translate »