School farms boost food security in Kenya’s drylands

School farms are improving food security, nutrition and education in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands by combining climate-smart agriculture with school feeding programmes. A pilot initiative led by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) and partners is increasing school enrolment, diversifying children’s diets and creating new income opportunities for women farmers. The project demonstrates how regenerative agriculture and community partnerships can strengthen resilience to climate change while supporting sustainable food systems across Kenya’s drylands.

Why African Investors Should Look Beyond the Ceasefire

The Middle East ceasefire has eased market tensions, but African investors should remain cautious. Cliff Bakashaba, Head of Investments at Jubilee Asset Management Limited, explains how geopolitical shocks continue to affect inflation, currencies, interest rates and investment performance across Africa. The article explores why long-term investors, insurers and asset managers must look beyond short-term market relief and focus on resilience, risk management and country-specific investment strategies.

Kaspersky Warns of Rising AI Cyber Threats in Kenya and East Africa

Kaspersky has warned that the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence across Kenya and Sub-Saharan Africa is driving a new wave of cyber threats, including deepfake fraud, AI-powered social engineering, spyware, ransomware and “Shadow AI” risks within organisations. Speaking at AI Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya, the cybersecurity company highlighted sharp increases in password stealer and spyware attacks in 2025, while urging businesses to strengthen cybersecurity controls, implement AI governance policies and prioritise employee training to safely manage emerging AI-driven risks.

China’s zero-tariff offer is a test of Africa’s export readiness

China’s new zero-tariff policy for imports from 53 African countries could reshape Africa-China trade, but tariff-free access alone will not guarantee export success. The article examines whether African economies are prepared to meet China’s market demands through stronger logistics, standards compliance, value addition, and regional supply chains under AfCFTA. It argues that Africa’s long-term gains will depend on moving beyond raw commodity exports toward competitive, value-added production that can strengthen industrial growth, jobs, and trade resilience.

Africa’s Capital Markets Are Moving Again. Here’s How.

Africa’s capital markets are showing renewed activity as liquidity returns and borrowing costs ease, opening new opportunities for corporate financing. The recent oversubscribed KES 16.7 billion bond by East African Breweries highlights growing investor appetite and the potential for creative funding structures across the continent. While Africa’s corporate bond market remains underdeveloped—accounting for just 0.1% of global corporate bonds—syndicated loans, blended finance, and structured solutions are on the rise. Regulatory frameworks are supportive, but scale, market understanding, and flexibility determine access and outcomes. Innovation, new financial products, and demonstrated transaction execution will be key to unlocking Africa’s capital markets and channeling domestic savings into long-term investments beyond South Africa.

Kenya’s Research-to-Commercialization Programme helps universities mobilize $4.68M and create over 400 Jobs

Kenya’s Research-to-Commercialization (R2C) Programme has mobilized $4.68 million in investment, strengthened innovation systems across 25 universities, and supported more than 400 jobs—76% held by women—demonstrating how institutional reform, leadership alignment, and stronger technology transfer offices can transform research into market-ready ventures. Implemented by Viktoria Ventures under the UK-funded RISA initiative and led by the Kenya National Innovation Agency, the programme offers a scalable model for innovation-driven economic growth in Kenya and across Africa.

A New Standard in Luxury Living: The Caspian by Wavemark Properties Takes the Spotlight

Read the article about how Wavemark Properties is redefining coastal luxury with The Caspian, recently awarded Best Luxury Residential Development by Luxury Lifestyle Awards. Located in Nyali, Kenya, this project blends modern design, coastal charm, and sustainable innovation. With over 70% construction complete, it offers one to four-bedroom units, premium Turkish finishes, and amenities like an infinity pool, sky-view gym, and rooftop terrace. Eco-friendly features such as water purification systems and lush landscaping enhance long-term value. The Caspian stands as a new benchmark in smart, durable, and lifestyle-focused living.

Strauss & Co collaboration with strong results for rare and important art from across East Africa

Strauss & Co’s inaugural collaboration with Nairobi’s Circle Art Agency delivered outstanding results, marking a milestone for East African modern and contemporary art. Rare works by Tanzanian modernists Sam Ntiro and K.F. Msangi led the auction, with Msangi’s Baobab Under the Red Moon (1968) achieving a remarkable KES 3,522,000 (US$27,271). The sale totalled KES 29,666,980 (US$229,727) from 52 lots, boasting an 80% sell-through rate and over 70% of lots exceeding high estimates. With strong participation from 19 countries and nearly half of bidders new to Art Auction East Africa | Strauss & Co, the event highlights the rising global demand for East African art and reinforces the region’s growing secondary market.

Strauss & Co partners with Art Auction East Africa to bolster secondary market for East African art

Strauss & Co, Africa’s leading art auction house, has partnered with Art Auction East Africa to strengthen the secondary market for East African art. The collaboration features a two-part auction — a live-virtual sale and a timed-online works-on-paper event — showcasing rare pieces by Geoffrey Mukasa, K. F. Msangi, and Sam Ntiro. Building on Circle Art Agency’s pioneering platform, the initiative deepens regional and international engagement with East Africa’s modern and contemporary art scene.

Malengo Secures $12.9 Million from The Shapiro Foundation to Expand International Education Pathways & Financial Security

Malengo, a non-profit organization empowering young people in East Africa through international education, has secured $12.9 million in impact funding from The Shapiro Foundation to expand vocational training and university programs for low-income students and refugees in Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Founded by Cornell University Professor Johannes Haushofer, Malengo enables educational migration to Germany, helping students move from living on $1.40 a day to earning over $40,000 annually. The investment will scale Malengo’s income share agreement (ISA) model, creating sustainable education and financial pathways that reduce poverty and boost community development.