The off-grid solar industry has grown into a $1.75 billion annual market, providing lighting and other energy services to 420 million users and remains on a solid growth curve, a new World Bank Group and GOGLA report shows. The 2020 Off-Grid Solar Market Trends report finds that the industry has made tremendous strides in the past decade. Since 2017, revenues from the off-grid solar industry continue to rapidly grow, increasing by 30% annually. To date, more than 180 million off-grid solar units have been sold worldwide and the sector saw $1.5 billion in investments since 2012. With 840 million people still lacking…
Author: NBM CORRESPONDENT
Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) in partnership with Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) have hosted a roundtable discussion with Kenyan and U.S. business leaders and government officials to explore how the private sector can support this bilateral effort and take full advantage of investment and trade opportunities that will arise from a Kenya-U.S Free Trade Agreement. This comes as a follow up to the recent visit of President Kenyatta to the United States, where the U.S and Kenyan Governments announced the launch of talks aimed at establishing a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries. If successful, it would…
Fitness enthusiasts flooded Tatu City for the first edition of the Amref Health and Wellness Festival on February 8, an event that brought together families and wellness service providers in multiple disciplines. The event, aimed at sparking interest in wellness, started with a zumba warm-up, followed by a 25km bicycle ride that took cyclists around Tatu City’s premier residential development, Kijani Ridge. Thereafter, Lornah Kiplagat, Tatu City’s wellness ambassador, flagged off the 5km fun run. Renowned Kenyan rapper, King Kaka, capped off the day’s entertainment in a performance that kept the crowd on their feet. Leading up to King Kaka’s finale,…
Edelman, the largest independent global communications firm, is expanding its African footprint with the acquisition of Gina Din Corporate Communications and the opening of a new office based in Nairobi, Kenya. These moves further affirm Edelman’s position as a leading pan-African consultancy and support its global business focus on the continent. It also serves the firm’s ambitious plans to continue growing its presence on the continent through a progressive brand of communications that delivers real impact and value in a way that speaks to local audiences. Over the last two years alone, Edelman has worked in more than 30 countries…
Sally Peters joined Ethiopian Airlines on February 3rd 2020 further strengthening the UK marketing team at their London offices in Chiswick. Sally brings a huge amount of experience to the fast-growing African airline, having previously worked in the airline and tourism industry. “We are delighted to have Sally join our team here in the UK. She brings with her such a wealth of valuable experience and a network of industry connections. We are excited to expand our team and continue to grow passenger numbers and increase awareness of our brand,” said Michael Yohannes, UK country manager for Ethiopian Airlines. Commenting…
A few hours of uncomfortable sleep will leave you feeling jaded in the morning. This is caused by the impact the quality of sleep has on the brain. Research has confirmed that a healthy sleep is vital for the brain’s ability to adapt to input and in the future may help maintain your ability to remember. Sharad Barot, chief operations officer of Vitafoam said that, “cold, or hot are conditions which often interrupt your sleep. Accordingly temperature control is a vital aspect for a comfortable night. As such, this is one of the characteristics to look for while purchasing a mattress.”…
Every year, the prize celebrates 20 African entrepreneurs, aged 22 years and younger, each of whom have a chance to win a shared prize of US$100,000 Anzisha Prize – Africa’s premier award and fellowship for Africa’s youngest entrepreneurs has announced the opening of 2020 call for applications. Every year, the prize celebrates 20 African entrepreneurs, aged 22 years and younger, each of whom have a chance to win a shared prize of $100, 000 (Sh10m). The grand prizewinner receives $25, 000 (Sh2.5m), the first runner-up $15, 000 (Sh1.5m), and second runner-up $12, 500 (Sh1.25m). Every finalist receives $2, 500 (Sh250, 000). In…
Ascent Rift Valley Fund (ARVF), an SME Private Equity Fund investor, has increased its investment presence in Kenya through the acquisition of Metro Plastics Kenya Limited, a manufacturer of PVC and PPR water pipes, electrical conduits, waste pipes, fittings and gutters. The investment was done through an asset carve-out into a new entity called Metro Concepts East Africa Limited. The Private Equity Fund is positioning itself for increased activity in the real estate and construction sectors. These sectors are expected to pick up again, buoyed by the government’s push for affordable housing as part of its big four agenda, and…
Science and Engineering Experts have called on young female students to pursue professional carriers in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in Nigeria. The experts who were drawn from the public and private institutions in Nigeria, as well as the development sector, made this call recently at the Engineering for Girls Symposium, organized by the Center for Economic and Leadership Development, an NGO in special consultative status with the United Nations, ECOSOC. The event, which was held at the Baze University, Engineering Auditorium in Abuja, was attended by the wife of the Deputy Governor of Delta State,…
Family Bank has entered into a partnership with Simba Corporation Limited in a deal that will enable Small and Medium-Sized customers in the agribusiness, trade and logistics businesses to conveniently purchase Fuso trucks, Mitsubishi and Mahindra products at competitive interest rates. Business owners in the agribusiness sector and the education and religious institutions will be able to access 100% financing with a five-year repayment period while other business enterprises access 95% financing repayable in a period of up to 60 months. Other customers, including Public Service Vehicles, will be able to access up to 80% financing repayable in a period…
