Author: WAJ Editor

Kenya has opened tenders for two large-scale solar projects in its southern region, each with a capacity of 40 MW. The Isinya and Makueni solar farms, planned to be developed in Kajiado and Makueni counties, are seeking an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor. The search is being led by Kenya-based consultancy firm Apex. According to a social media announcement, the tender covers the design, procurement, construction, commissioning and maintenance of the solar farms. Interested companies must demonstrate experience in developing solar projects of at least 40 MW, preferably in Africa or similar markets. According to the International Renewable Energy…

As Nigeria positions itself as a key player in the global mineral value chain, concerns are growing over the exploitation of children in mining communities. The country, already a major exporter of oil and gas, is now emerging as a crucial supplier of lithium—an essential component for electric vehicle batteries. With global lithium demand projected to surge, Nigeria has the opportunity to play a vital role in the energy transition. However, the rise of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) presents significant challenges. While ASM provides livelihoods for millions, it also leads to environmental degradation, health risks, and the exploitation of…

South African power utility Eskom has made significant strides in tackling crime through its collaboration with the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) Energy Security and Safety Priority Committee. This partnership has led to multiple arrests, with the financial impact of these crimes estimated at R1.09 million. Of this, R873,000 has already been recovered. In a recent case, an Eskom supplier and his brother were arrested on February 20 for stealing 16 dome valves worth R173,000 from Tutuka power station. The stolen items were identified when the supplier attempted to return them after securing a contract. On January 31,…

Nigeria has officially joined the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) as its 77th shareholder, marking a major step in the country’s economic engagement with global financial institutions. The country submitted its application in April 2024, which was approved by the EBRD’s Board of Governors in May. This follows a decision made at the bank’s 2023 Annual Meeting in Samarkand, where an amendment was passed to allow the gradual expansion of EBRD’s operations into sub-Saharan Africa and Iraq, pending formal ratification by its shareholders. Once the amendment takes effect, Nigeria could transition to recipient country status, granting it access…

Botswana has officially lifted its ban on vegetable imports from South Africa, allowing products that are not available locally to return to supermarket shelves. The ban, which was imposed in 2022, was aimed at reviving Botswana’s agricultural sector and reducing reliance on imported goods. However, the government launched a two-stage process to reverse the policy in December 2024, with the second stage scheduled to come into effect in April. The decision has been welcomed by trade advocates as a positive step towards strengthening economic ties within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and…

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has announced the cancellation of more than 170 advertised job vacancies due to economic constraints. In a public notice issued on Tuesday, March 4, the JSC, chaired by Chief Justice Martha Koome, cited fiscal challenges as the primary reason for the decision. The affected positions, which had been advertised in March and November 2024, included legal researchers, diploma and graduate internships in various fields such as architecture, electrical and mechanical engineering, and ICT application development. JSC Secretary Winfridah Mokaya expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to applicants and the public. This cancellation follows a similar…

Uganda has signed its first-ever mining production sharing agreement (PSA) to restart operations at the Kilembe copper and cobalt mine in the country’s western region, near the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) border. The deal, announced on Monday, marks a major step in revitalizing the long-dormant mine. Energy and Mineral Development Minister Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu revealed that Ugandan firms Sarrai Group Limited and Nile Fibreboard Limited will jointly oversee the redevelopment. While she did not disclose the investment amount, she emphasized the project’s significance in advancing Uganda’s industrial sector and supporting the global transition to clean energy. Government geologists estimate…

Rwanda plans to set aside 8,000 hectares of land for sugarcane cultivation as part of efforts to increase local sugar production and reduce import dependency. The government aims to attract at least $50 million in private investment to increase processing capacity and strengthen the sector. Minister of Trade and Industry Prudence Sebahizi acknowledged that Rwanda’s land constraints make it difficult to achieve full self-sufficiency in sugar production. However, the government is focusing on increasing productivity through high-yielding sugarcane varieties, efficient irrigation and better farm management. To balance affordability with local industry protection, Rwanda is implementing the East African Community (EAC)…

Libya has announced its first bidding round for oil exploration in over 17 years, marking a significant step in revitalizing its energy sector. Masoud Suleman, the acting Chairman of the National Oil Corporation (NOC), made the announcement in a televised address on Monday. As Africa’s second-largest oil producer and a member of OPEC, Libya has struggled with political instability since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Ongoing conflicts between rival factions have frequently disrupted oil production, deterring foreign investment. In August 2024, Libya’s oil output was cut by more than half—around 700,000 barrels per day—due to political tensions surrounding…

Ghana’s newly appointed central bank governor Johnson Asiama has suspended the country’s gold-for-oil program amid the cedi’s increasing stability and commitment to sound monetary policies. In an interview, Asiama expressed confidence in Ghana’s economic trajectory under President John Mahama. He stressed that maintaining appropriate monetary policy and fiscal discipline would help maintain stability in the foreign exchange market. Ghana’s interest rate currently stands at 27%, with inflation down to 23.5% as of January. Asiama believes that better coordination between monetary and fiscal policies could further reduce inflationary pressures and enable the country to avoid a 2022 debt default. Ghana, Africa’s…

A new analysis provides a comparative perspective on the economic performance of Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia with the European Union (EU), highlighting key trade dynamics between the regions. According to the report, Morocco and Egypt’s GDP growth rates have slowed from 2023 levels, remaining at 2.8% and 2.7% respectively. In contrast, Tunisia and the EU saw slight improvements in their economic growth, reaching 1.6% and 1.1%, but both remain below the 2% threshold. Egypt has faced significant economic challenges over the past two years, with inflation expected to rise to 33.3% in 2024 and its currency experiencing volatility. Despite this,…

Amid a global coffee crisis fueled by climate change, South Sudan is turning to a hardy coffee variety discovered in the region more than a century ago, Excelsa. The hardy variety is gaining traction as coffee-producing countries face dwindling yields due to unpredictable weather and rising prices. Experts say major coffee producers such as Brazil, the world’s largest coffee producer, are expected to see a 12% drop in their harvest this year due to ongoing droughts. Aaron Davis, head of coffee research at the Royal Botanic Gardens in London, said many coffee farmers are facing challenges directly linked to climate…

Titi Ogufere, founder of Design Week Lagos Exhibition, stressed that Nigeria’s creative and manufacturing industries have significant potential to attract investment and reshape the country’s economic future. Speaking at the exhibition in Lagos, themed “Building a Made in Nigeria Brand”, Ogufere highlighted the vast talent in sectors such as furniture design, product design, toy design and doll making, demonstrating the untapped potential of local creative skills. “Our country is brimming with creative talent and through this exhibition, we want to showcase innovative work being done in these sectors that often go unnoticed,” she said. Ogufere drew comparisons between Nigerian industries…

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address at the Microsoft South Africa investment announcement to be held in Johannesburg on March 6. According to the Presidency, the investment is expected to strengthen South Africa’s position as a leading hub for artificial intelligence (AI) on the African continent. The announcement comes in preparation for the South Africa Investment Conference scheduled for later this month. South Africa has secured R1.14 trillion in investment commitments across sectors including mining, manufacturing, agriculture, energy and the digital economy since the conference began in 2018. Microsoft’s investment aligns with the government’s broader goals…

One of The Gambia’s most valuable nature reserves, Bijilo Forest Park is a vital sanctuary for a variety of wildlife and a major ecotourism destination. Covering an area of ​​51 hectares (126 acres), the park is known for its thriving monkey population, including green monkeys, patas monkeys and the rare red colobus monkey. It also provides a habitat for over 100 species of birds, a variety of reptiles and a wide variety of butterflies, contributing to its rich biodiversity. Visitors to Bijilo Forest Park can explore its dense forests and open savannas via well-maintained hiking trails that provide close encounters…

Kenya has taken a significant step in restoring the country’s wildlife heritage by successfully repatriating 17 critically endangered mountain bongos from the United States. The striped antelope, native to Kenya’s mountain forests, has seen its population dwindle to less than 100 individuals due to habitat destruction, poaching and disease. The bongos were part of a conservation breeding program in Florida, where their ancestors were taken during the 1960s when African wildlife was being widely cleared. Experts say their return is both a conservation victory and a correction of past exploitation. Kenyan authorities, including the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Ministry…