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‘We are committed to mutual success’ A quiet revolution is brewing in the fight against energy poverty and climate change, and its engine is an unexpected one: a microfinance loan. While major corporations pledge distant net-zero goals, one lender, Jawabu Biashara, is making a tangible impact today. By designing a specialized loan product for Biogas digestors, they are turning communities into active participants in the green economy. Business Insights Africa talked to Mr. Charles Njoroge, Managing Director, Jawabu Biashara, to understand their winning concept. How has Jawabu Biashara evolved from its early days to become a formidable player in the microfinance industry in Kenya? Seven years ago, specifically in Githurai, we stablished our first office that doubled as our head office. From that humble beginnings, today we operate in over 11 counties and we offer a buffet of financial solutions. Jawabu Biashara name defines our business mandate in Kenya, to be a solution to the very many micro-entrepreneurs who operate micro and small enterprises that dot every part of Kenya. We remain guided by our vision, to be a market leader and a partner of choice in the provision of innovative and profitable customer focused financial solutions in Kenya. This is a huge mandate, but one we are equal to the task. Our past, and indeed our future growth is anchored on charting an organization path that walks on innovation and partnerships. As an institution, we have built a team that believes in our bigger picture, if we are to deliver our brand promise of Finance, Empower and transform. This way we have been able to manage the challenges that come our way with confidence. We have also taken our business lessons along the way, and we remain hopeful the future can only be better. What are some of the proudest achievements of Jawabu Biashara over the years? Jawabu Biashara, like many other business corporates has had its good days and challenging days as well. Some of the achievements we have had, and many a times other institutions may have taken it for granted is to survive covid-19. From an institutional point of view this was the most difficult period in the life of Jawabu Biashara, yet when I look back, its the moment when resilience of the organization got tested. While some of our peers have struggled to raise themselves up, we have dusted ourselves, taken our lessons and moved on. Further, we have been able to retain staff, deliver scale, expanded to eleven counties over the period and executed more innovative solutions, giving Jawabu Biashara that inner drive to thrive despite the very many odds we find on our way. As MD, how have you worked to preserve Jawabu Biashara’s legacy while driving modernization? First, I have passion for what I do. I like what I do, and every day is an improvement of yesterday. The moment I listen to a customer say, how grateful he|she is for the funding support he received from Jawabu and shares his|her journey of success due to our intervention, that’s it for me. Further when certain facts confront me like - Over 90% of rural households in Kenya use firewood for cooking, they rely majorly on 3-stone cook stoves because they are cheap to assemble and operate, this resonates well with my past. You ask yourself, what can you do to change this? At the same time, you gather millions of Kenyans, especially women and children are exposed to harmful smoke from traditional cooking methods, then this speaks to you as well. Further, you gather that the long term health effects, which include respiratory illnesses are devastating rural families , with over 20,000 deaths attributed to indoor air pollution each year in Kenya – can something be done? This is where Jawabu Biashara comes in with its clean cooking solutions. We are able to remove households from harmful smoke and respiratory deaths through access to affordable credit for clean cooking. This brings to life why an institution like Jawabu exists. We work for a good bottom line, just like any one else, but we are proud to say we deliver impact, we deliver over 9 of the 17 UN SDGs ( sustainable development goals) and this fits well to our brand promise of Finance , Empower and Transform. Beyond this, its also very clear in the entire microfinance space, that you cannot wish away technology and digitization. The challenge though, is that it’s expensive. Finally, the question that bothers me and every other executive every minute of the day is – What can we do today to remain relevant not only today, but also tomorrow? Sustaining business relevance and understanding how to identify what matters, filtering out distractions, and connecting information or actions to objectives for better problem-solving and decision-making is the new norm in a fast paced industry like the one Jawabu Biashara is in. How do you ensure that the institution’s culture remains client-centric and innovative amid industry disruptions? Peter Drucker, an influential thinker and author on management talks of corporate culture as , "Culture eats strategy for breakfast." Every business success or failure many a time is anchored on its corporate culture. Its usually very fragile and needs to be managed with utmost attention. Corporate culture defines a company's identity and indeed shapes the work environment. The secret though is how the institution engages with itself, the level of team engagement and team work and how the institution is aligned to the strategy as it monitors the market dynamism. This is a tough one for any corporate leader, but as slippery as it is, it’s the reason why agile entities thrive. From where I sit, it’s the reason I report to work every morning. What’s going on in the microfinance sector and what makes Jawabu stand out in Kenya’s crowded microfinance space? The Microfinance industry in Kenya is very competitive, innovative and ever evolving. I would imagine its fast paced abit more than many other sectors of the economy. At the same time, its an industry with many players some very strong from a bottom line point of view, foreign owned and many locally owned as well. It’s a very dynamic industry going through a lot of disruptions including regulation coupled with funding constraints. Its an industry that depicts what survival for the fittest is all about. But again, it’s also an industry that thrives through sheer hard work, Innovation, strategy and with a huge dose of trust from staff, customers, funders and regulator. Jawabu Biashara is a proactive lender who upholds innovation and genuinely seeks to deliver impact with its financial solutions. Beyond this we also give back to the community, by supporting their communally owned entities such as schools. What lessons can Jawabu Biashara share with younger entrepreneurs and businesspeople looking to build long-term success? Success is a journey and is not an abracadabra moment. Success does not happen overnight and requires focus and patience. There is huge potential for entrepreneurship in Kenya, but a bigger portion of them face many common business challenges such as limited access to capital, inadequate business management skills, lack of mentorship and also the education system may not be preparing many of them on what is ahead of them. Many of them get to entrepreneurship for lack of an alternative, especially formal work. Mentorship is what is urgently needed as it psychologically prepares someone for the heartaches of business and confers discipline that many new entrepreneurs majorly lack. Only, when this is sorted can we talk of access to capital. Access to capital resonates well with a psychologically prepared entrepreneur. But entrepreneurship needs boldness of action, taking calculated risk and that inner faith that success will happen, what come may. Quoting Vincent Van Gogh “ Fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient to keep them ashore”. Where do you see Jawabu Biashara in the next decade, especially with increasing competition and tech disruption? Our vision defines our longevity in the Kenyan market. Every day, in Jawabu we ask ourselves what are we doing to ensure we become the partner of choice to the customers that we serve and all the other stakeholders we work with. We are privy to the fact that competition will not cease and the earlier we accept it as a way of life, the better we respond to it. Technology disruptions will be the in-thing. Bigger players will come and distort the market to their advantage, but then in our own small way we shall disrupt the market in our own way. We shall ensure we deliver need based financial solutions, we shall anchor our future on business innovation and technology and we shall serve the customer with diligence. Are there plans for regional expansion, new product lines, or digital transformation to future-proof the institution? Absolutely! Scale and digital engagement fits very well to our strategic direction to not only offer branch-less expansion, but occasionally anchor some brick and mortar expansion based on an in-house expansion criteria. What has been the most rewarding aspect of leading Jawabu Biz? The progress Jawabu Biashara has made to date is phenomenal. We offer a buffet of financial solutions that meet our agenda of delivering customers need for social and economic transformation. Our business name, Jawabu in Kiswahili translates to “solution or an answer” and that’s what we strive to offer innovatively in the Kenyan market. Over the years, we have increased our outreach to eleven counties, we work with many farmers especially in SDG#7 – Affordable and clean energy. The clean cooking space, especially the roll out of Biodigestor credit has in many ways brought healthy cooking alternative to our customers, improved on forest cover protection and ensured there is uptake of organic farming via production of Bioslurry. Jawabu also has solutions that address SDG#6 – Clean water and sanitation, whose benefit include water storage, ensuring sustainable use of rain water and ensuring consistent water supply to families. What message do you have for clients, employees, and stakeholders who have been part of Jawabu Biashara’s journey? To all our stakeholders – Please know we value the partnership and you have a solid partner in Jawabu Biashara, At Jawabu Biashara we are committed to mutual success.
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Adam Ibrahim was working with the UN humanitarian agency, OCHA, in his home country, Sudan, when conflict between rival armed forces erupted in early 2023 and he became a refugee alongside thousands of others who continue to flee the ongoing violence. Sudan is one of the world’s largest and most complex humanitarian crises, with more than 30.4 million people – over half the population – urgently needing humanitarian assistance, yet the 2025 Sudan humanitarian needs and response plan is severely underfunded, with only 13.3 per cent of the required resources received so far. Forced to flee the country with his family after the war intensified, Mr. Ibrahim returned to help people affected by the war in Darfur. Ahead of World Humanitarian Day, marked annually on 19 August, he described his journey, from aid worker to refugee and back again to Sudan. “I was at home helping my daughter revise for her grade six exams, scheduled for the next day. Then, out of nowhere, the sound of heavy gunfire shattered the silence in my hometown, Zalingei, the capital of Central Darfur state, which remains gripped by insecurity and critical shortages of basic services. At first, I thought the gunfire would pass quickly. I rushed to stock up on food supplies and water, enough for six days. But, the streets became battlegrounds. All I could do was try to keep my family safe. Despite the chaos, I continued to work. Electricity and Internet access were sporadic, but I kept my phone charged to send daily updates to the OCHA Head of Office. It gave me purpose amid the uncertainty. Eventually, it became too dangerous to stay. The journey of displacement On the 39th day, we fled. Our family of 10 began a harrowing journey with no clear destination, only the desperate need to escape. We left behind more than just walls and belongings; we left behind a life built with love and hope. Our journey took us first to Nyala in South Darfur, then to Kosti in White Nile State. From there, we crossed the border into neighbouring South Sudan and eventually reached Uganda, a country I had heard offered stability and a good education system for children. The journey by car took 23 days. My children had no passports, and there were no refugee camps for Sudanese nationals at the time. To my relief, migration authorities in both countries were kind and supportive. In Kampala, we rented a house and received asylum status within three days. The moment I held our refugee cards, I exhaled deeply and thought ‘we’ve made it.’ I enrolled my children in school and began working online, finally finding a sense of stability. Here I was, an aid worker now a refugee, needing the same support I once provided to others. Returning to Zalingei Months later, I faced a difficult decision. Do I stay with my family or return to Darfur and continue the work I had done for years? I chose to return. Leaving my family behind was incredibly hard, but their safety was paramount. I returned to Zalingei with a renewed sense of duty to serve those still trapped in the hardship I had endured. I was also the sole breadwinner for my family and needed to ensure they could survive in Uganda. My hometown changed When I arrived in Zalingei, I barely recognised it. Buildings were scarred with bullet holes. I found another family sheltering inside our house, a doctor and his family whose own home had been destroyed. I let them stay, setting aside a small section for myself and a colleague. The house had been looted. Windows were gone and our belongings had vanished. I had hoped to find my children’s school certificates, photos, any documents left behind. But, they were gone. Everyone was armed, even children as young as 15. People were tense, traumatised and always bracing for the next wave of violence. Machine guns and wreckage in West Darfur I didn’t stay long in Zalingei. Soon I was called to El Geneina in West Darfur, a town devastated by violence, and whose people desperately needed humanitarian support. El Geneina’s streets were strewn with the wreckage of burned-out military vehicles. Armed men patrolled in pickup trucks mounted with machine guns. The humanitarian needs were immense. People lacked food, shelter, household essentials, healthcare, clean water and protection, but we never had enough resources for them. Family, sacrifice and hope for Sudan It’s heartbreaking to witness the suffering caused by the recent donor funding cuts. Many organizations have been forced to scale back their operations, leaving countless people without help. Still, we did all we could. Between 2023 and 2025, we reached more than 800,000 displaced people with critical assistance, in West and Central Darfur. I also went on to work with OCHA colleagues in Chad to coordinate cross-border humanitarian convoys into Darfur. These convoys were lifelines, delivering food, medicine and supplies to communities cut off by conflict. Today, I remain in Sudan. My family is still in Uganda. I visit them once a year, but the separation is painful.”
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Humphrey Asiimwe, CEO, Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals (UCEM) will speak at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025, which returns to Cape Town from September 29 to October 3. With extensive experience in energy policy, local content development and regional cooperation, Asiimwe is set to provide key insights into Uganda’s expanding oil, gas and mineral sectors and the private sector’s role in driving sustainable industrial growth. His participate comes as Uganda’s energy and minerals sectors continue to gain momentum. In the oil and gas industry, the East African Crude Oil Pipeline has surpassed 58% overall progress, with engineering works nearly complete and over 2,400 personnel – 90% of them Ugandan – employed on the project. The 1,443-km heated pipeline – set to be the longest of its kind globally – will transport crude oil from Uganda’s Lake Albert basin to Tanzania’s Port of Tanga, positioning Uganda as a regional oil producer. AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event. Uganda’s mining industry is also undergoing a significant transformation. The country recently signed its first-ever Mineral Production Sharing Agreement for the redevelopment of the Kilembe copper-cobalt mine and launched a state-owned mining company to manage equity interests and promote domestic value addition. Uganda is seeking strategic partnerships and private investment to unlock large deposits of gold, copper, cobalt and rare earth elements, critical for clean energy technologies. Under Asiimwe’s leadership, UCEM has helped secure over $2.1 billion in local oil and gas contracts for Ugandan companies and facilitated the training of over 7,000 nationals in petroleum-related fields. He continues to champion policy harmonization across East Africa to unlock financing opportunities, enable small- and medium-sized enterprise participation and enhance regional cooperation. “Humphrey Asiimwe has played a central role in driving local participation, aligning regional policies and shaping sustainable energy growth through strategic partnerships and private sector leadership. His efforts have created real opportunities for Ugandan businesses and workers alike and he continues to be a key voice for local empowerment and long-term industrialization in East Africa,” states Tomás Gerbasio, VP of Commercial and Strategic Engagement, African Energy chamber.
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The Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) (https://AfricaBusinessHeroes.org/) Prize Competition, a philanthropic initiative of Alibaba Philanthropy, today revealed the Top 20 entrepreneurs selected to advance to the 2025 Semi-Finals, taking place in Dakar, Senegal on 10 – 11 September 2025. The selection of the Top 20 reflects a rigorous and highly competitive process. Starting from nearly 32,000 applications spanning the African continent, candidates advanced through multiple rounds, including the Top 50 Round 2 interviews and a thorough due diligence process. From this pool, 20 exceptional entrepreneurs were chosen, representing diverse sectors and embodying the spirit of African innovation and resilience. They now stand just one step away from the Grand Finale, where they will compete for a place among the Top 10 Heroes. Those who advance will not only share in grant funding ranging from $100,000 to $300,000 USD but also gain access to mentorship opportunities, international networks, and unparalleled global visibility. “Year after year, we are inspired by the caliber of entrepreneurs we see at ABH. The 2025 Top 20 span 9 countries and 10 sectors from healthtech and fintech to agritech and sustainability, reflecting Africa’s dynamic innovation landscape. We continue to see strong momentum in digital transformation, scalable B2B and subscription models, and impact-driven businesses tackling challenges from financial inclusion to food security and environmental sustainability. These trends not only highlight the resilience of African founders but also underscore the continent’s potential to deliver both profitability and social impact,” said Zahra Baitie-Boateng, Africa MD of ABH. This year’s Semi-Final marks the first time ABH is hosting in a francophone country and a first in Senegal, underscoring the country’s growing influence as a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation in Africa. Senegal’s strong 8.6% GDP growth and its upcoming role as host of th*2026 Youth Olympic Games—the first ever on African soil—further cement its position as a dynamic center for talent, business, and global events. The event will feature high-stakes pitch sessions, networking opportunities, and mentorship programs for the finalists. The Top 20 finalists will present their businesses before a distinguished panel of judges, each bringing deep expertise and perspective from across the entrepreneurial and investment ecosystem. The panel includes: Hasan Haidar, Managing Director of PlusVC and a long-standing ABH judge, recognized for his extensive experience in venture capital and commitment to supporting early-stage startups across the Middle East and Africa. Moulaye Taboure, CEO and Founder of ANKA, a pioneering e-commerce and fintech platform empowering African artisans and merchants to access global markets. A former ABH Top 10 Hero, Moulaye’s participation marks a milestone for the program as the first time an alumnus has returned to serve as a judge. Jason Pau, Vice President of Alibaba Group and Executive Director (International) of the Jack Ma Foundation, who has spearheaded global philanthropic initiatives including Africa’s Business Heroes. Together, this panel will evaluate the finalists based on innovation, impact, scalability, and leadership, ultimately determining which entrepreneurs will advance to the Top 10 stage of the competition. This landmark event is made possible through the support of Alibaba Philanthropy, together with leading Senegalese sponsors Wave, Sonatel and InTouch Group. Their partnership underscores a shared commitment to fostering innovation, empowering entrepreneurs, and positioning Senegal as a driving force in Africa’s economic transformation. “Wave is honored to partner with Africa’s Business Heroes in bringing this landmark event to Dakar. For us, this is more than sponsorship, it is a commitment to empowering entrepreneurs, accelerating innovation, and positioning Senegal as a hub of Africa’s economic transformation. Hosting the Semi-Finals here reflects our belief in the power of young African talent to shape a more inclusive and prosperous future for the continent” emphasized Coura Tine Sene, Regional Director and Head of Public Affairs at Wave, said.” Now in its 7th edition, the ABH Prize Competition continues to spotlight and support African entrepreneurs who are making a positive impact in their communities. This year’s Semi-Final is further strengthened by the collaboration of key ecosystem partners, including Ignite.E, Impact Hub Dakar, SenStartup, and African Leadership University (ALU), who are helping to expand outreach and foster deeper engagement within Senegal’s vibrant entrepreneurial landscape. Meet the 2025 Top 20 Heroes: Adriaan Kruger – nuvoteQ (South Africa) – HealthTech / Digital Solutions Baraka Chijenga – Kilimo Fresh Foods Africa Limited (Tanzania) – AgriTech / Food Security Blandine Umuziranenge – Kosmotive (Rwanda) – HealthTech / Women Empowerment Bundi Mbuthia – Uzapoint Technologies Limited (Kenya) – SME Tech / Digital Tools Diana Gerald – NovFeed (Tanzania) – AgriTech / Biotech Gohar Said– Suplyd (Egypt) – FoodTech / Supply Chain Janet Kuteli – Fortune Credit Limited (Kenya) – FinTech / Microfinance Jean Lobe Lobe – Waspito (Cameroon) – HealthTech / Telemedicine Jessica Roussos – BluLever Education Pty Ltd (South Africa) – EdTech / Skills Training Khadija Churchill – Kwanza Tukule Foods Limited (Kenya) – FoodTech / Distribution Louisa Olafuyi – Kunda Kids Ltd (Uganda) – EdTech / Children’s Media Mofehintolu Funso – CredPal (Nigeria) – FinTech / Credit Access Moka Lantum – CheckUps Medical Center (Kenya) – Healthcare / FinTech Mukashahaha Diane – DIKAM Ltd (Rwanda) – Textiles / Women & Youth Empowerment Neamat Eltazi – Poultry Sync (Egypt) – AgriTech / Sustainability Racine Sarr – SAWA by Shop Me Away (Senegal) – Logistics / Digital Platforms Samwel Ezikiel – Mwamba Mining Limited (Tanzania) – Mining / Sustainability Siny Samba – Le Lionceau (Senegal) – FoodTech / Infant Nutrition Thomas Patrick – Franc Group (South Africa) – FinTech / Wealth Management Wycliffe Onyango – BuuPass (Kenya) – Transport / Digital Ticketing For more information on the Top 20 Heroes, visit: https://AfricaBusinessHeroes.org/
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West & Central Africa Mining Summit & Expo (WaCA Mining 2025) returns next month 25-26 September 2025 at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra, Ghana, heralding a critical juncture for the region’s mining sector. Why WaCA Mining Matters This Year As global demand shifts toward sustainable practices, WaCA Mining 2025 emerges as the definitive platform for unlocking African mineral potential—convening policymakers, mining professionals, financiers, and solution innovators around strategic action and investment. The West & Central Africa mining regions are undergoing bold transformations. In Ghana, Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to ushering in sweeping reforms: “Ghana is not just a mining destination—we are proof that responsible investment and transformative development can go hand in hand.” He added: “We are currently very far advanced in renewing and reforming our mining policy... introducing cooperative mining to empower communities and ensure responsible and sustainable practices.” New Royalty models are being considered. These statements underscore Ghana’s transition toward responsible, community-driven resource governance, making WaCA Mining 2025 a timely convergence of policy, opportunity, and investment. Key highlights of WaCA Mining 2025 include:  Visionary perspectives on policy, partnerships, and investment strategies.  Spotlight on ESG compliance, local content, financing innovation, and infrastructure.  Insightful presentations on game-changing solutions for mining operations and sustainability  Exhibition Showcase: Innovative solutions powering the future of mining.  Networking Platform: Connecting stakeholders with mining projects across West & Central Africa. "Africa’s mineral wealth is at the heart of the global energy transition. WaCA Mining 2025 provides the platform for decision-makers to align strategies, mobilize capital, and unlock the full value of the region’s resources,” said Maggie Tan, CEO of Magenta Global Singapore, organisers of WaCA Mining. With West & Central Africa home to world-class gold, bauxite, manganese, iron ore, and critical minerals, the summit is set to highlight the region’s role in powering global green technologies and sustainable development.
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By Samson Oyugi Africa’s largest hydroelectric project The GERD, located on the Blue Nile in Ethiopia with a capacity of 5,150–6,450 MW and a reservoir holding up to 74 billion cubic meters of water is set for inauguration on 9th September 2025 after the completion of the construction works that began in 2011. The dam has been a source of pride for Ethiopia, funded domestically through bonds and public contributions, and is expected to double the country’s electricity output and even enabling energy exports to neighboring countries such as Sudan, Kenya, and Djibouti. The project sparked tensions with downstream nations of Egypt and Sudan, who fear it could reduce their Nile water supply. Egypt relies on the Nile for 97% of its water needs and has referred to the dam as an “existential threat” and labeled its operation without a binding agreement as a violation of international law. Sudan had also expressed concerns, though it has oscillated due to potential benefits like regulated water flows that could reduce on its perennial flooding . Despite years of negotiations, no legally binding agreement on the dam’s operation has been reached after meetings of negotiations up to the African Union level. Ethiopia through Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has described the dam as a “shared opportunity” for regional cooperation and has extended an invitation to African countries including Egypt and Sudan to it's inauguration. Through his address on the ongoing preparations read to the media in Kenya by the Ethiopian Ambassador to Kenya His excellency Demeke Atnafu Ambulo he said, "Africa should be proud of such an infrastructure that is going to benefit not only Ethiopia but the greater East Africa region and even beyond economically hence solving African problems using African solutions just as Ethiopia has shown". The GERD’s completion marks a significant milestone to Ethiopia’s energy ambitions with its population projected to grow to 240 million by the year 2030 from current 130 million with half the population connected to reliable energy. With the increase in population, their energy demand will too increase.
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