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    Cooperative Bank of South Sudan has tapped the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in what experts are calling one of the most ambitious attempts yet to bring modern finance into the country’s rural economy. The deal, part of the multi-donor Rural Enterprise and Agricultural Development project, aims to pull thousands of small farmers, women entrepreneurs and youth-run agribusinesses into the formal financial system—many of them for the first time. At the signing ceremony in Juba, Caroline Mwongera, the country director for the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), termed the deal a turning point. “This agreement represents a transformational step in strengthening South Sudan’s rural financial systems,” she said, adding that the project will use credit, cooperative development and financial literacy as tools for long-term rural transformation. Backed by a $20 million (Sh2.6 trillion) IFAD grant and additional contributions from the South Sudanese government, UNDP, Cooperative Bank and local communities, this brings the total funding to more than $25 million (Sh3.3 trillion). The initiative aims to reach 162,000 people across seven counties, with half expected to be women and 70 percent youth. Officials say the structure of the project reflects the realities of South Sudan’s farm economy, where many farmers still rely on informal savings groups, handwritten lending records and unstructured markets.
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    Cooperative Bank, UNDP sign deal to boost rural finance

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    Cooperative Bank of South Sudan has tapped the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in what experts are calling one of the most ambitious...
    Meet the Top 10 Heroes: Africa’s Business Heroes Gears for the 7th ABH Summit and Grand Finale in Kigali
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    Meet the Top 10 Heroes: Africa’s Business Heroes Gears for the...

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    The Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) (https://AfricaBusinessHeroes.org/) Prize Competition, a flagship philanthropic initiative of Alibaba Philanthropy, will host the 7th ABH Summit and...
    The annual exclusive conference marked the celebration of 10 years of Canon Central and North Africa’s growth, expansion, and partner success across the continent. Canon showcased its new “Canon’s World Unseen: 2.0 – Coral” brand campaign and highlighted the coral-restoration partnership in Seychelles with Nature Seychelles and Coral Spawning Lab. Canon Central & North Africa (CCNA) (www.Canon-CNA.com), successfully concluded its Executive Circle Partner gathering, hosted on 3–4 November 2025 in Seychelles. Marking a decade since CCNA’s establishment, this milestone edition brought together strategic partners, executives, and industry leaders to reflect on achievements and align on future growth opportunities across the African continent. Established in 2016, Canon Central & North Africa was created to expand Canon’s presence across the African continent, forge deeper collaboration with partners, and accelerate regional growth. Over the past 10 transformative years, CCNA has strengthened Canon’s footprint across the African continent by expanding its operations and establishing a local presence in key markets. During this time, the organization has built a strong ecosystem of distributors, resellers, and channel partners, enhancing customer access to innovative imaging and print technologies. Additionally, CCNA has consistently delivered industry-leading service support and training programs, ensuring that partners and customers are equipped with the expertise and resources needed to succeed. Through strategic partnerships and localized market initiatives, CCNA has consistently driven business value and fostered meaningful relationships, ensuring that Canon’s portfolio, solutions, and expertise truly serve the needs of Africa. ICE: Canon’s Strategic Pillar – Innovation, Customer & Employee Experience This year, the Executive Circle continued to reinforce ICE—Innovation, Customer, and Employee Experience, as the strategic pillar guiding Canon’s regional direction. The focus is on driving innovation through new markets and product categories, enhancing customer engagement across every touchpoint, and empowering employees through ongoing development to better support partners and customers. “Our commitment to Africa goes beyond business, it is about collaboration, innovation, and shared growth,” said Somesh Adukia, Managing Director, Canon Central & North Africa. “As we celebrate 10 incredible years, we remain focused on enabling our partners, investing in our customers, and empowering our people. Together, we are shaping the future of imaging in Africa.” Canon Launches Global Brand Campaign: ‘Canon’s World Unseen 2.0 – Coral Campaign’ Unveiled during the conference, the new brand campaign - “Canon’s World Unseen: 2.0, showcases Canon’s commitment to storytelling and sustainability. The campaign reveals the breathtaking beauty of coral reefs, much of which remains unseen to the world, and uses photography and imaging technology to raise awareness about the urgent need to protect marine ecosystems. Hosting the Executive Circle in Seychelles, one of the world’s most pristine island nations, reflects Canon’s belief in the power of imagery to inspire change, creativity, and environmental stewardship. Earlier this year, Canon EMEA announced the pioneering sustainability initiative in partnership with Nature Seychelles, a leading environmental non-profit in the region, and Coral Spawning International (CSI), recognized pioneers in land-based coral reproduction and restoration. This collaboration underscores Canon’s commitment to sustainability and marine ecosystem preservation in Seychelles and beyond. As part of the event, we also took our partners to witness these efforts firsthand and gave them a guided tour of the project site, allowing them to see the tangible impact of this collaboration in action. This collaboration supports a first-of-its-kind coral restoration project in the Western Indian Ocean using an innovative coral regeneration method that strengthens reefs against climate change. The project leverages CSL’s groundbreaking expertise in coral spawning and Nature Seychelles’ deep environmental stewardship to protect and restore coral ecosystems at scale. Regional Growth, Collaboration and Recognition The Executive Circle aims to elevate partner collaboration and align strategic priorities across Africa. Through immersive discussions, knowledge-sharing, and business planning sessions, partners engaged directly with Canon’s leadership to accelerate collective growth and innovation in the region. To commemorate the conclusion of the conference, Canon hosted a gala dinner and awards ceremony, recognizing top-performing partners across B2B and B2C segments for their exceptional contribution to the business over the past year. The evening also featured the special 10th Anniversary Awards, honoring our partners who have been with us on this incredible journey for the past 10 years.
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    Canon Central & North Africa Celebrates 10 Years of Growth and...

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    The annual exclusive conference marked the celebration of 10 years of Canon Central and North Africa’s growth, expansion, and partner success...
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    Pictorial: Zetech University Holds 9th Graduation Ceremony in Pomp and Color

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    The launch of the Kitui branch aligns with DTB’s ongoing expansion strategy aimed at bringing financial services closer to customers while enhancing access to its diverse product portfolio. The bank says the move underscores its commitment to empowering communities through convenient, reliable, and customer-focused banking. Located at the Chief Kitonga Building in Kitui Town, the new branch will serve a broad customer base — including local businesses, SMEs, traders, farmers, and individual clients — reflecting the region’s growing economic activity and entrepreneurial potential.
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    DTB opens new brank in Kitui raising nationwide footprint to 92

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    Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) has opened a new branch in Kitui County, marking its 92nd outlet in Kenya and the 161st across...
    The value represents a 470 per cent surge from the Sh614 million disbursed in the previous year, underscoring the utility’s expanded focus on affirmative action through the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) framework. The tenders covered the supply of goods, provision of services, and construction works. Youth-owned businesses secured the bulk of the awards at Sh2.2 billion, followed by women-owned enterprises at Sh1.25 billion, while PWD-owned firms received Sh66.7 million.
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    Youth, Women and PWDs get Kes3.5bn in Kenya Power tenders

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    Kenya Power has awarded Kes3.5 billion in tenders to youth, women, and PWD-owned enterprises for FY 2024/25, a 470pc increase driven by...
    MyCredit, Enkisoma Africa ink Sh1.2bn private schools financing deal
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    MyCredit, Enkisoma Africa ink Kes1.2bn private schools financing deal

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    MyCredit Limited has signed a KES 1.2 billion Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Enkisoma Africa Limited to finance and accelerate digital transformation...
    Founded in 1964, TBC has grown from a single Kijabe Street outlet into a nationwide chain offering books, stationery, art supplies and technology products. The Eldoret branch becomes its first outlet in Uasin Gishu and adds to existing locations in Nairobi, Kisumu and Ruiru, alongside its e-commerce platform. Speaking during the launch, TBC CEO Sachin Varma said the new branch reinforces the company’s push to make learning and creative resources more accessible across Kenya. “The opening of our Rupa Mall branch marks an exciting new chapter for Text Book Centre as we continue expanding across Kenya. Eldoret is a fast-growing hub of education and enterprise, and we’re proud to bring our trusted range of books, stationery, and creative tools closer to the people who power this region’s progress. Our goal remains the same — to make learning, creativity, and knowledge more accessible to every Kenyan, wherever they are.”
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    Text Book Centre opens Eldoret branch

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    Text Book Centre (TBC) has opened its 15th branch at Rupa Mall in Eldoret, marking the retailer’s latest move to strengthen its...
    The lender, in its unaudited group results for the nine months to September, said the performance was driven by strong cost control and growth in non-interest income. “We remained focused on executing our strategy, making strong progress across our priority areas and delivering shared value to our stakeholders,” the board said in a statement.
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    Absa Bank posts 15pc profit growth to Kes16.9bn 

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    Absa Bank Kenya has reported a 15 percent rise in profit after tax (PAT) to Sh16.9 billion for the period ended September...
    The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) (www.AWIEForum.org) hosted a spectacular celebration of African women’s excellence at the2025 AWIEF Awards, held on Friday evening at the Cape Town South Africa. The glittering gala honoured women entrepreneurs and leaders driving innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth across the continent. Eight exceptional winners were announced, each representing the transformative power of women-led initiatives in Africa. Since its inception in 2016, the AWIEF Awards have been a beacon of recognition and inspiration for women in business and leadership. Beyond celebrating success, the Awards aim to empower the next generation of innovators and changemakers, fostering a vibrant pan-African community of collaboration and impact. This year’s winners and finalists came from across Africa, showcasing diverse industries including technology, agriculture, energy, creative arts, and social entrepreneurship — united by a shared vision of advancing Africa’s growth through innovation. The Awards followed the two-day AWIEF2025 Conference, which attracted over 500 delegates from 50+ countries for engaging discussions, exhibition, masterclasses, and networking sessions. The event concluded with the highly anticipated awards gala dinner, marking a fitting finale to two days of knowledge sharing and inspiration. 2025 AWIEF Awards Winners Young Entrepreneur Award Norah Kimathi – Zerobionic, Kenya Empowerment Award Mampho Sotshongaye – Golden Rewards 1981, South Africa Energy Entrepreneur Award Nidal Tafah – MIRRIAH, Morocco Creative Industry Award Soraya da Piedade – Soraya da Piedade LDA, Angola Social Entrepreneur Award Farana Boodhram – MiDesk Global, South Africa Agri Entrepreneur Award (Sponsored by OCP Africa) Linda Davis – Giraffe Bioenergy, Kenya Tech Entrepreneur Award Maryanne Gichanga – AgriTech Analytics, Kenya Lifetime Achievement Award Audrey Joe-Ezigbo – CEO, Falcon Corporation, Nigeria Voices of the Winners For Soraya da Piedade, founder of Soraya da Piedade LDA and winner of the Creative Industry Award, the recognition marks a defining moment in her journey as a designer and entrepreneur. “I’m deeply honoured and grateful to AWIEF for creating platforms like this, where we celebrate women’s creativity and leadership,” said Soraya. “This award reminds me that when we create from a place of passion and purpose, we not only build brands but also inspire others to dream bigger.” From Kenya, Linda Davis, founder and CEO of Giraffe Bioenergy and winner of the Agri Entrepreneur Award, described the moment as “surreal.” “It’s my first time winning an award like this, and I am beyond excited,” said Davis. “AWIEF has given women like me a powerful space to share our work, connect with others, and be recognized for driving change in our communities. This win belongs to every woman farmer and entrepreneur working to build a sustainable Africa.” About the 2025 AWIEF Awards Finalists This year’s finalists included inspiring women from across Africa — from tech innovators in Botswana and Uganda to social impact leaders in Somalia, Kenya, and Zimbabwe — highlighting the depth and diversity of women’s entrepreneurial excellence on the continent.
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    Winners of 2025 Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Awards...

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    The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) (www.AWIEForum.org) hosted a spectacular celebration of African women’s excellence at the2025 AWIEF Awards, held...
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