Ampersand Accelerates: $2 Million to Revolutionize Electric Mobility in Rwanda

Ampersand, a Rwandan startup specializing in electric transportation, has just reached a new milestone in its development. The company recently raised an additional $2 million, adding to the $19.5 million obtained the previous year. This new financial input comes notably from AHL Venture Partners and Everstrong Capital, two renowned investment funds, while Beyond Capital Ventures has strengthened its participation. Founded in 2016 by John Whale, Ampersand has set out to revolutionize transportation in East Africa by offering mobility solutions that are both economical and environmentally friendly. The company currently focuses…

Read More

Digital Platforms to Drive South Africa’s Economic Growth by R91.4 Billion by 2035, Naspers and MISTRA Report Shows

Groundbreaking research highlights the potential of South Africa’s digital platform economy to revolutionize economic growth and inclusion. Today, Naspers and the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA) released a pioneering research report revealing that South Africa’s digital platform economy could inject R91.4 billion into the national economy by 2035. This study, titled “Our Digital Horizon: The Economic Opportunity of Digital Platform Businesses in SA,” offers the first comprehensive model of the economic impact of digital platforms in South Africa, underscoring the sector’s transformative potential. Unleashing Economic Potential The report projects…

Read More

SUPPLY CHAIN PRACTITIONERS URGED TO ATTEND SUSTAINABILITY MASTERCLASS

A company’s supply chain is responsible for most of its environmental impact. Global supply chains account for more than 90% of the impact on air, land, water, biodiversity and geological resources, and they are responsible for more than 80% of greenhouse gas emissions. These are some of the reasons why it is imperative to build sustainable supply chains, stresses SAPICS, The Professional Body for Supply Chain Management. To equip supply chain professionals with the skills and know how to do this, the organisation has lined up a not to be missed masterclass. Facilitated by…

Read More

Morocco-Senegal: A Strengthened Partnership in the Transport Sector

Logis-T Africa – On August 29, 2024, a high-level meeting was held in Rabat, marking a new chapter in Moroccan-Senegalese relations in the field of transport and logistics. Mohammed ABDELJALIL, Moroccan Minister of Transport and Logistics, welcomed his Senegalese counterpart, Malick NDIAYE, Minister of Infrastructure and Land and Air Transport, for a working meeting at the ministry headquarters. Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation The two ministers praised the excellence of relations between Morocco and Senegal in the field of transport, emphasizing their shared desire to further strengthen bilateral cooperation ties, particularly in…

Read More

South Africa Calls on SADC Countries to Strengthen Collaboration in the Railway Sector

South African Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, on Tuesday called on the countries of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to strengthen their collaboration in the railway sector, an industry that continues to face a myriad of challenges. The connectivity between the railways of SADC countries offers numerous opportunities to provide cost-effective and seamless rail transport services to their populations. However, the region’s railway industry has been grappling for several years with challenges such as crime, theft, and vandalism, as well as the impact of climate change, said Ms. Creecy…

Read More

ABSA TO BOOST SMMES WITH EMPOWERING CONFERENCE AND EXPO

The development of small businesses can help to fight unemployment in South Africa, which has soared to a record 33.5%, according to data recently released by Statistics South Africa. Recognising this and reflecting the group’s commitment to helping SMMEs (small, medium and micro enterprises) to flourish, Absa will once again host the annual Absa Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) Expo and Absa Smart Supplier Conference in Gauteng. Taking place on 10 and 11 September 2024 in Midrand, these are South Africa’s largest and longest standing events aimed at connecting local…

Read More

Qatar Airways expands its foothold in Africa with the acquisition of 25% of Airlink

Qatar Airways has announced a new milestone in its growth strategy in Africa with the acquisition of a 25% stake in the South African regional airline Airlink. This announced strategic partnership marks a significant step for both carriers and opens new perspectives for the African aviation market. “Our investment in Airlink once again illustrates how we consider Africa as a key element of our future. This partnership not only demonstrates our confidence in Airlink, a resilient, agile, financially sound company governed by rigorous principles, but also in Africa as a…

Read More

EAC Partner States urged to fast track liberalisation of the Air Transport Market

The East African Community (EAC) Deputy Secretary General in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political Sectors, Hon. Andrea Aguer Ariik, has urged EAC Partner States to expedite the signing of the EAC Air Transport Market (Liberalisation) Regulations as part of efforts to enhance regional integration and stimulate economic growth in East Africa. Hon. Ariik’s plea comes in the wake of concluded development of the Regulations for Liberalisation of the Air Transport Market in the EAC Region. The regulations are expected to be submitted to the 19th Meeting of EAC…

Read More

Nigeria’s roadmap to digital transformation under the AfCTA

The country is investing in digital infrastructure and talent development, aiming to unlock new economic growth opportunities Nigeria is positioning itself to lead the continent in digital commerce within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework. Already, the country’s digital economy has transformed the way millions of citizens shop, bank, and communicate, reshaping the nation’s trade landscape and unlocking new pathways for economic growth. The AfCFTA aims to harmonize digital trade rules and principles, ensuring a streamlined, secure, and inclusive digital trading environment to enhance digital trade within Africa…

Read More

Comoros becomes the 165th member of the World Trade Organization (WTO)

On August 21, 2024, Comoros reached a crucial milestone in its economic development by becoming the 165th member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). This accession marks the culmination of a negotiation process that lasted 17 years, demonstrating the country’s determination to integrate into the global economy. Comoros, an archipelago located in the Indian Ocean, thus becomes the tenth least developed country (LDC) to join the WTO through negotiations. This accession is particularly significant as it opens new prospects for the country’s economic development. WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala warmly welcomed…

Read More