The last two decades have been tumultuous for African banking, with big international banks moving out of the continent and a bevvy of more nimble local banks stepping in to mop up opportunities in a fast-growing region. A technological revolution in the form of digital banking helped smaller banks spread …
Read More »African attitudes towards Gender-Based Violence are evolving
A recent Afrobarometer survey shows shifting attitudes among Africans regarding gender-based violence. Experts suggest a more comprehensive approach could help shift the dial further. SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | Public perceptions towards gender-based violence are shifting in Africa, according to a survey by Afrobarometer, a pan-African attitudes research company. …
Read More »This modern popsicles business offers women in the hood a lifeline
A modest popsicle-making business in Umoja, Kenya is transforming options for women working in the neighbourhood. SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | The rains may have started but residents of Umoja in Nairobi County are still able to enjoy a frozen treat from Azin Pops – and while they’re at …
Read More »An assertive Africa pushes for climate finance at COP28
As the globe gathers for COP28’s first-ever Global Stocktake, Africa demands that the world’s biggest polluters to fund the fallout of their actions. SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | African nations are intensifying their push for substantial climate finance from the world’s biggest polluters as the 28th edition of the …
Read More »Africa bags early spoils at Dubai climate talks
A multi-billion capital infusion revitalises Africa’s landmark “Loss and Damage” climate deal SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | After securing the landmark climate damage compensation deal at COP27, Africa’s push for the Loss and Damage Fund gets a major shot in the arm at this year’s climate summit, after states …
Read More »Electricity access in Africa higher than previous estimates
Recent surges in home solar energy installations across Africa indicate that more people on the continent may have access to electricity than previously thought. SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | Emerging data is shedding new light on the electricity landscape in Africa, indicating the oft-cited statistics of those without power …
Read More »Kagera Sugar’s acquisition of Tongaat Hulett, a landmark African business collaboration
A Tanzanian sugar company is vying to acquire one of South Africa’s largest sugar companies, a development that highlights the potential for collaboration among African businesses. SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | An African sugar multinational is one of a number of companies vying to take over operations of South …
Read More »African banks take over after international lenders exit
Local financial companies are capitalising on the opportunities left by international banks exiting Africa yet continue to struggle with the gap between perceived and actual risks in the market. SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | In early 2022, UK-headquartered Standard Chartered Bank announced it was exiting five African countries and …
Read More »A year on, Malawi’s first female police officer living with albinism speaks out
When Brenda Comfort Mhlanga’s face was plastered across the media when she was hired as a police officer in 2022, her appointment was met with accusations of preferential treatment. Just a year on the job and this woman living with albinism dreams of one day becoming the Inspector of …
Read More »Flutterwave surmounts legal obstruction to boost its offering in Kenya
The removal of legal challenges leaves the continent’s most valuable fintech startup free to pursue growth in East Africa’s top digital money market – – and take on regional giant, M-Pesa. SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | Fintech giant, Flutterwave has overcome legal challenges that threatened to cripple an ambitious …
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