(Posted 04th July 2024)
CCA IN THE NEWS
AGOA and AfCFTA: Unlocking Business Potentials between United States and Africa
Opinion Nigeria
The Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) is the leading U.S. business association focused solely on connecting business interests in Africa. In 2023, CCA organized a business summit which was a tremendous success in Botswana, southern Africa. The participants – most importantly – private sector corporate executives looked at Africa and the United States engaging in strategic dialogue on the key issues and opportunities driving U.S.-Africa trade, investment, and commercial engagement…Read More>>
U.S.-AFRICA RELATIONS
“Stronger Together”: U.S. and Congolese Bands Unite for Joint Tour in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire
U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs
The United States Air Forces in Europe and Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA) Band will embark on a joint tour across the Republic of the Congo, presenting a diverse musical program that includes classical standards and popular American hits. The tour will also feature educational masterclasses in collaboration with the Congolese Defense Forces Band….Read More>>
African Chiefs of Defense Conference Concludes in Botswana
Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
Senior military representatives from 34 countries met in Gaborone, Botswana for the African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD) to discuss security and partnership on the African continent, June 24-26. The conference, co-hosted by the Botswana Defence Force and U.S. Africa Command focused on critical security challenges facing the continent, and partnership to address those challenges….Read More>>
ENERGY
From Africa to Birmingham: This company helps homeowners and businesses cut energy costs
The Birmingham Times
Looking back, maybe it was destined for Olugbenga “Olu” Ajala to become founder of an energy company that delivers power supply. “Growing up in Nigeria, seeing firsthand what it meant to have limited access to electricity, and I just wanted to be a part of that solution,” said Ajala. “For me all roads lead to how can we solve this energy problem. I wanted to grab everything I could on information about electricity.”….Read More>>
Flexibility choices could be a fatal blind spot in Africa’s renewable energy transition
Ventures Africa
Adam Cortese, CEO of forum sponsor Sun Africa, took to the stage to kick off the 2024 edition of the conference with an impassioned speech around this year’s theme: ‘Energy Systems of the Future – Balancing Africa’s Needs with Global Goals’. This subject, he began, “is not just a discussion topic, but a call to action. It challenges us to innovate, collaborate and commit to a path that ensures Africa’s energy future is secure yet sustainable.”….Read More>>
A Call to Action Issued at Africa Energy Forum
The Heritage Foundation
What’s the biggest challenge for the African National Congress and its new coalition government now that the ANC has won less than 50 percent of the vote for the first time in thirty years? Most likely it’s ensuring reliable energy supplies, which are necessary for reducing unemployment and reviving the country’s manufacturing sector….Read more>>
HEALTH
Supporting the Education and Health of Young Mothers in Africa
UNESCO
An estimated 282 million young people aged 10-24 will reside in Eastern and Southern Africa by 2050. The potential of this population could be transformational. Yet currently, only a quarter of these young people complete upper secondary school and a quarter of young women aged 20-24 give birth before their 18th birthday. There are about 21.6 million unintended pregnancies in this region every year….Read More >>
Investing in African health tech can transform health systems. Here’s how
World Economic Forum
In a remote village in Rwanda, a life-saving medicine delivery takes place. A drone, operated by Zipline, navigates the skies, carrying vital medical supplies to a health centre inaccessible by road. This scene, once a distant dream, is now a daily reality, thanks to African-led health tech innovations….Read More >>
INFRASTRUCTURE
African Development Bank Seeks Japan’s Support for Climate Action and Infrastructure Projects
African Development Bank Group
An African Development Bank delegation in Tokyo on Monday 17 June held meetings at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), with Mr. Takashi Koyari, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, as well as representatives of several Japanese ministries and corporations. The team, which is led by Vice Presidents Kevin Kariuki, Solomon Quaynor and Kevin Urama, is in Japan to strengthen partnerships with the Japanese government and corporations and drive investment into key African sectors such as infrastructure, clean energy, and start-up ecosystems….Read More>>
AGRIBUSINESS
South Africa’s new agricultural leadership should focus on getting things done, not designing new policies
The Conversation
South Africa’s primary agriculture sector accounts for nearly 3% of GDP and about 8% when considering the value of agro-processing. But it can contribute even more to economic growth that delivers benefits fairly across society and creates jobs. This can’t happen, however, if new policies and plans keep getting introduced. Fortunately, the views of the new agricultural minister, John Steenhuisen, may not be far from the existing policy path….Read More>>
EU unveils digital platform to boost investment in Nigeria’s agribusiness
News Agency of Nigeria
Myriam Ferran, deputy director-general of the Directorate of International Partnerships (INTPA), European Commission, said this at the ninth edition of the Nigeria-EU Business Forum in Abuja. Ms Ferran said the platform aimed to increase private investments in the country’s agribusiness sector. She explained that the initiative would contribute to the reduction of food insecurity and poverty as well as the attainment of sustainable economic development in Nigeria….Read More>>
ICT
Egypt Partners with Nokia to Launch IP Excellence Center, Boosting ICT Services Exports
TechAfrica
On the sidelines of the Egypt-EU Investment Conference in Cairo, Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), Telecom Egypt, and Nokia. The agreement aims to expand Nokia’s operations in Egypt and enhance its capabilities in innovation and export services….Read More>>
Huawei readies second phase of ICT talent development
IT Web
Huawei has committed to train an additional 150,000 people in Sub-Saharan Africa, through its LEAP digital skills development programme, over the next three years. This, as the company exceeded the initial targets of the ICT skills initiative, said Gao Xiang, president of Huawei Sub-Saharan Africa, announcing the programme’s extension on Friday….Read More>>
AU recognizes female innovators using technology to transform the education sector in Africa
African Union
The AU Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA) recognizes information, communication and technology (ICT) as a major tool for empowering graduates and ensuring they contribute to social economic development by ensuring they not only have universal access but also ensuring they enhance the quality of provision and delivery, of services. ICT opens up possibilities for innovation, entrepreneurship and employability; flexibility in pedagogies; beating the limitation of time and space for varied learner needs; and enhancing confidence and dignity of graduates at all levels….Read More>>
FINANCE
Milken Institute Scales Up Engagement with Africa through New Business Council
Morning Star
The Milken Institute today announced the launch of the Africa Leaders Business Council. The newly established council brings together a group of thought leaders, entrepreneurs, investors and experts across business, technology, finance and investment, sustainability, and innovation to support the Institute’s plan to deepen its network and engagements in Africa. Leaders on this council will lend their expertise and provide a high-level overview of Africa’s evolving business landscape for Milken Institute’s wide-ranging network and stakeholders who wish to amplify their engagement in the region….Read More>>
