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Cassava Technologies Appoints Marco Gagiano as Global Head: Connectivity

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The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) on Thursday launched its electronic certificate of origin system in Kenya, aiming to digitize trade procedures and ease intra-regional trade by cutting costs and delays linked to manual certification. Christopher Onyango, director of trade and customs at COMESA, told journalists in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, that the new digital system is expected to streamline customs procedures, reduce red tape, and boost intra-regional trade by allowing exporters and customs authorities to process certificates of origin electronically. “The electronic certificate of origin will replace manual certificates and reduce clearance times at border crossings,” Onyango said, adding that goods originating from COMESA member states qualify for preferential tariff treatment. Josephine Makokha, rules of origin manager at the Kenya Revenue Authority, said Kenya joins Eswatini, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe in rolling out the system. She noted that the platform simplifies the application, issuance, exchange, and verification of certificates. Makokha added that the online certificates will be transmitted in real time among COMESA member states, enabling customs authorities to reduce the bureaucracy involved in cross-border trade. Visited 115 times, 7 visit(s) today
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COMESA unveils e-certificate of origin system to spur intra-regional trade

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Kenya Power net profit drops by Sh5.6bn to Sh24.5bn
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Kenya Power net profit drops by Ksh5.6bn to Ksh24.5bn

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The signing ceremony took place in Kisumu, with Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o representing the county government and UN-Habitat Executive Director in Kenya, Anaclaudia Rossbach, signing on behalf of the UN agency. Under the agreement, both parties commit to jointly implementing the housing upgrade project, which Governor Nyong’o said will primarily target vulnerable groups. “The PINUA programme [is] designed to benefit the most vulnerable members of the community,” Nyong’o said, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to fostering sustainable neighborhoods equipped with essential services. Beginning November 1, 2025, the county government, working with UN-Habitat, will launch pilot projects in Kibuye Estate and Muhoroni Sub-County, based on designs and models developed through extensive public participation. The programme will focus on upgrading informal settlements by providing essential social infrastructure such as schools, sanitation facilities, affordable rental housing, early childhood development centres, and public open spaces. It also supports incremental housing models, allowing families to progressively build and eventually own decent homes. Rossbach emphasized UN-Habitat’s global commitment to driving transformative change in urban areas: “This partnership is crucial in advancing our new strategy, which focuses on improving housing access and digitally transforming informal settlements for everyone.” According to UN-Habitat housing architect Fred Omenya, the pilot phase will begin in January 2026 with the construction of two blocks of 24 housing units in Kibuye Estate.
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Kisumu, UN-Habitat sign Ksh2.7bn deal for social housing upgrade

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The government of Kenya is seeking into intra-Africa tourism opportunities within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to unlock the sector's projected Ksh 1 trillion contributions to the economy by end of 2027. Speaking during the opening ceremony of the 15th edition of the Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) at Uhuru Gardens. Deputy President of Kenya, Kithure Kindiki noted that while Kenya leads its East Africa counterparts on visitor arrivals, the country must leverage continental integration to achieve double-digit growth seen in Asian and European markets. "Tourism is a critical anchor of Kenya's economy and a pillar of our Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). With Africa emerging as one of the strongest-performing regions in global tourism recovery, we must capitalize on AfCFTA opportunities. The tourism sector must become a critical interlocutor in transport, logistics, trade, investments and MSME sectors, driving synergized policy outcomes." Kindiki stated. According to the World Tourism and Travel Council (WTTC). Kenya's tourism sector is set to contribute a record Ksh 1.2 trillion to the economy, equivalent to more than 7% of national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The sector is also expected to support 1.7 million jobs in 2025, maintaining over 8% of total national employment. The DP outlined government's infrastructure investments to support the growth of the sector, including the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway, Lamu Port development. SGR expansion and new direct flights from global hubs. He stressed the need to diversify beyond traditional offerings, citing emerging products like astro-tourism, desert safaris in Chalbi, and tech-tourism leveraging Kenya's "silicon savannah" reputation. "We must market the complete Kenya story-from our technological innovation to our athletic excellence, from the Cradle of Humankind to our forty vibrant communities," he added. Equally, Kindiki also stressed the importance of sustainability, linking the government's tree planting initiative to eco-tourism enhancement, while ensuring tourism benefits reach grassroots communities. The expo has drawn over 6,500 delegates from 40 countries, including 400 exhibitors and 200 international buyers with the opportunity to explore how strategic investments and collaborative frameworks can contribute to the African tourism ecosystem which presents unprecedented growth potential. Tourism and Wildlife CS Rebecca Miano hailed the expo's evolution into a continental platform noting its critical role in accelerating investment flows for infrastructure development which directly supports Kenya's tourism target of 5.5 million visitors by 2027. "Infrastructure development through public-private partnerships remains our cornerstone strategy. By leveraging private sector expertise and government support, we are building world-class facilities that enhance visitor experiences while creating sustainable employment for our communities across the tourism value chain." Miano emphasized. On her part, Director of Trade in Services, Investment and Digital Trade AfCFTA Secretariat, Emily Mburu, highlighted the strategic importance of strategic tourism partnerships, particularly for advancing continental market integration. "Tourism shows how AfCFTA works in practice, public-private frameworks attract Foreign Direct Invest (FDI), build world-class infrastructure and create employment across borders. When tourists move seamlessly across Africa, they activate supply chains, stimulate trade and prove that integration delivers immediate, tangible benefits to African economies," he noted. The expo's focus on intra-African partnerships comes at an opportune time, given Africa's growing contribution to Kenya's tourism earnings. Africa was the leading source of tourist arrivals in 2024, accounting for 40.8% of international visitors. This year's Magical Kenya Travel Expo will incorporate digital matchmaking technology which facilitates pre-scheduled B2B meetings between buyers and sellers, maximizing business outcomes. It will also feature five-day familiarization trips, integrated marketing campaigns and dedicated sessions on creative economy integration within tourism.
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KENYA TO TAP INTO INTRA-AFRICA TOURISM OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN AfCFTA

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Milestone for Mbagathi Hospital as it offers dialysis for infants in need

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Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Seeks Investors to Unlock 90% of...

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Bantu Gazette (www.BantuGazette.com), a new quarterly publication committed to advancing African perspectives on politics, culture, and economic transformation, has officially launched (https://apo-opa.co/4nStYEk). The magazine introduces a platform that presents Africa’s stories through the voices of those who live them. Grounded in the belief that narrative power must be anchored on African soil, Bantu Gazette explores how the continent defines its own direction through stories told by Africans themselves. It blends traditional storytelling with modern policy insight, offering thoughtful engagement with the forces shaping African societies. From Lagos to Johannesburg, Marrakech to Lilongwe, Addis Ababa to Dakar, and Douala to Gaborone, the magazine reflects a wide regional lens. “Who tells Africa’s story?” asks Editorial Director Felix Tih in the inaugural issue. He highlights a quote from Nigerian novelist Chinua Achebe that says, “If you don’t like someone’s story, write your own.” “This wisdom guides everything we do,” Tih explains. “As Africans, we shape our future by documenting our challenges, celebrating our breakthroughs, and creating space for honest self-reflection.” The first issue presents perspectives on energy innovation, cross-border trade, education reform, and the growing influence of African youth on the global stage. Highlights include a feature on digital sovereignty, profiles of women driving progress in the energy sector, and a deep look into Ethiopia’s evolving political landscape. Readers will also find stories of young leaders redefining business, technology, and policy across the continent. Bantu Gazette is the editorial wing of Bantu Agency, a communications firm that partners with institutions and changemakers across Africa to shape compelling narratives. In collaboration with journalists, researchers, and creatives from more than 12 countries, the magazine creates space for thoughtful reflection and strategic storytelling. Published in both print and digital formats, future editions will include multilingual content in English and French. Thematic issues will spotlight diaspora networks, infrastructure, urban innovation, intracontinental trade, artificial intelligence and climate resilience. Distribution through cultural centers, academic institutions, and professional networks will help expand access to readers throughout the continent and beyond. Youth leadership is central to the magazine’s voice. Each issue combines longform journalism with strategic insight, creative work, and contributions from rising thinkers across sectors. “We are building a publication that reflects the complexity of African societies and the brilliance of African ideas,” said Tih. “Bantu Gazette is a space for those who shape, question, and reimagine the future, guided by experience, grounded in truth, and driven by vision.” Bantu Gazette is available at https://apo-opa.co/4nStYEk. The publication welcomes contributions from writers, researchers, and creatives committed to advancing Africa’s voice in global dialogue.
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Bantu Gazette Launches Flagship Magazine Focused on African Perspective, Progress and...

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Africa is seeking to move beyond being a raw material supplier and establish itself as a critical energy player, government leaders said at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies, highlighting investment opportunities, energy transition based on domestic resources, and the need for predictable policies for investors. Anatole Collinet Makosso, Prime Minister of the Republic of Congo, said the continent must leverage its vast oil and gas resources – as well as solar, geothermal and wind potential – to drive development. “Without energy justice, energy transition is an illusion,” he said. “To offer clean, affordable and reliable energy is not an option – it’s an imperative. Our need for development cannot be sacrificed. We need to support energy transition fully, but it must be based on our gas and petroleum resources.” Makosso highlighted key projects including Eni’s Congo LNG initiative, the recently licensed deepwater Nzombo block, the Banga Kayo gas monetization project and Perenco’s ongoing modernization and drilling works to extend field lifespans. “These initiatives are part of the national and continental strategy. Africa must no longer be considered as a provider of raw materials – it must be considered as a critical energy player,” he said. He called the continent “the investment opportunity of the century,” stressing that the goal is not merely to attract capital but to build a competitive, sovereign Africa. Nigeria’s Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), outlined measures the country has taken to boost investor confidence and expand production, including an Executive Order signed earlier this year to reduce production costs. The sector overhaul has already spurred significant activity, including $5 billion in new Shell investment in Bonga North, planned investments in Bonga Southwest and other deepwater projects, and the restructuring of state-owned NNPC into a commercially viable company. “Investors want predictability, efficiency and incentives, as well as alignment between stakeholders and industry,” he said. Lokpobiri also pointed to successes from asset divestments as evidence of Nigeria’s growing strategic role. “The companies that acquired IOC assets – Renaissance acquiring Shell’s onshore and shallow-water assets, Seplat acquiring ExxonMobil’s, Oando acquiring Eni’s – between the time the divestments were enabled and today, we have increased production by at least 200,000 barrels per day. That shows that divestment was the right decision,” he said. Looking ahead, Lokpobiri urged Africa to capture more of global oil and gas capital expenditure, and to “transition from being net importer to strategic value creator.” He also emphasized the need for partnerships rather than energy abandonment: “No continent or country is slowing down. What is needed is to reduce emissions, not abandon any form of energy, and what we need from the West is partnership.”
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Africa Stakes Its Claim as Global Energy Player at African Energy...

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African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies announced the winners of the AEW 2025 awards during a ceremony held on Tuesday. Celebrating trailblazers shaping the future of the African energy sector, the awards recognized excellence across the African energy sector. Mohammed S. Barkindo Lifetime Achievement Award: François Perrodo François Perrodo was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication to positioning Perenco into one of Africa’s most influential energy companies. Under his leadership, Perenco has become synonymous with frontier exploration, responsible production and gas-led development across Central and West Africa. Mohammed S. Barkindo Lifetime Achievement Award: Adriano Mongini Adriano Mongini was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for leading Azule Energy through a series of impactful oil and gas projects. From day one, he focused on building Azule not just as Angola’s largest independent oil and gas producer, but as a company that invests in training, local content and national development. Lifetime Achievement Award: Katrina Fisher Katrina Fisher was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions towards Africa’s energy sector. She has led ExxonMobil Angola through an ambitious exploration and production drive, while her dedication to STEM has created significant opportunities for youth and women in energy. Lifetime Achievement Award: Sebastião Gaspar Martins Sebastião Gaspar Martins secured the Lifetime Achievement Award for his commitment to transforming Angola’s national oil company Sonangol into a competitive operator. His leadership has not only seen the company transition into a major player but has helped shape Angola into one of the continent’s biggest producers. Lifetime Achievement Award: Haitham Al Ghais Haitham Al Ghais won the Lifetime Achievement Award for his commitment to Africa. Al Ghais has consistently put Africa at the forefront of global discussions on finance, just transition and sustainable development. Lifetime Achievement Award: Jubril Adewale Tinubu Jubril Adewale “Wale” Tinubu was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication to building Oando into one of Africa’s leading energy companies. He has carried the company through periods of uncertainty and transformation, growing it into a multinational enterprise that represents African resilience and ambition. ESG Leader of the Year: ExxonMobil Recognized for STEM Africa, equipping 3,000+ students and educators with industry-ready skills, aligning social impact with long-term workforce development across Nigeria, Namibia, Angola and Mozambique. Service Provider of the Year: Technip Energies Awarded for engineering excellence delivering complex LNG, hydrogen and decarbonization projects - from GTA to Rovuma - while maximizing safety, quality and local value creation. Local Content Champion of the Year: Levene Energies Awarded for scaling African-led projects anchored in local suppliers, talent pipelines and mentorship, building durable industrial capacity across West Africa. International Local Content Champion of the Year: Woodside Energy Awarded for its commitment to capacity building, skills transfer and local empowerment across the countries it operates. Reformer of the Year: Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nigeria Awarded for operationalizing the Petroleum Industry Act, modernizing licensing and flexible PSCs - unlocking billions in FIDs, infrastructure progress and transparent, investor-friendly processes. Exploration & Production Leader of the Year: Azule Energy Recognized for Agogo FPSO start-up and Angola’s first dedicated gas discovery, boosting production and de-risking Lower Congo Basin potential. Deal of the Year: Vitol Celebrated for strategic stakes in Baleine and Congo LNG, enhancing low-carbon upstream exposure and strengthening West and Central African gas positions. CSR Project of the Year: ConocoPhillips Honored for two decades of Bioko Island Malaria Elimination Project support - dramatically reducing malaria, strengthening health systems and delivering evidence-based community impact in Equatorial Guinea. Gas Monetization Strategy: Greater Tortue Ameyim Development Celebrated for first gas and reaching its commercial operation date for the FLNG vessel in 2025, inaugurating MSGBC LNG exports and a scalable cross-border monetization framework.
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Business Opportunities: African Energy Week (AEW) Announces 2025 Award Winners, Celebrating...

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