Tag: agriculture

Zambia Must Fix Its Skills Gap Before It Is Too Late

Zambia’s youthful population could become one of its greatest economic strengths—but only if the country addresses its growing skills gap. This analysis explores how education reform, digital skills, technical and vocational training, stronger public-private partnerships, and business-friendly policies can prepare Zambia’s workforce for the digital economy. Drawing on data from the World Bank, IFC, TEVETA, UNESCO and other sources, the article outlines practical policy recommendations to reduce youth unemployment and build a future-ready labour market.

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.

Three Lessons from NAMPO About the Business of Farming in Africa

NAMPO Harvest Day highlighted three major trends shaping African agriculture: rising competition among suppliers, growing cross-border integration, and the impact of foreign currency challenges on farming businesses. Ray Van Rooyen of Absa Africa Regions explores how technology, finance, trade, and efficiency will define the future of farming across the continent.

The Cosmic Ascent of a Continent: Why Uganda and Africa Must Ascend as Sovereign Titans in Space Science and Astronomy!

In “The Cosmic Ascent of a Continent,” Eng. Asiimwe Jonard argues that Uganda and Africa must become active global players in space science, astronomy, artificial intelligence, and advanced technology. The article explores Africa’s historic relationship with astronomy, the rapid growth of the global space economy, and the strategic importance of satellite systems, AI, aerospace engineering, and scientific sovereignty. Highlighting Uganda’s equatorial advantage and Africa’s vast scientific potential, the piece calls for sustained investment in STEM education, space infrastructure, innovation ecosystems, and continental cooperation to position Africa as a leading force in the future of space exploration and technological development.

Investment in African fintech is key to the continent’s growth

African fintech is emerging as a high-impact investment opportunity, fueling economic growth across healthcare, education, agriculture, and climate resilience. Between 2015 and 2022, African tech firms receiving funding grew sevenfold, with fintech leading the way and producing eight of the continent’s nine unicorns. By enabling access to mobile finance, microloans, and innovative payment solutions, fintech creates ripple effects that strengthen infrastructure, support smallholder farmers, expand low-cost healthcare, and transform education. Investing in African fintech is not only a smart financial decision but also a catalyst for long-term socio-economic development and climate resilience.

AI and the Reinvention of African Agriculture: A New Growth Frontier for Emerging Economies

As climate risk, food insecurity, and supply-chain disruptions reshape global investment priorities, artificial intelligence is emerging as a catalyst for the reinvention of African agriculture. This article explores how AI-driven precision farming, climate forecasting, supply-chain optimisation, and alternative data models are transforming Sub-Saharan Africa’s agricultural sector into a more predictable, investable growth industry. By reducing volatility, improving productivity, and unlocking access to finance, AI is repositioning agriculture as a strategic pillar for food security, rural income growth, and long-term economic development across emerging African economies.

South Africa’s grasslands set a global first for community-led carbon markets

South Africa’s grasslands have set a global benchmark for high-integrity, community-led carbon markets with the issuance of the world’s first CCB-labelled carbon credits under Verra’s VM0042 methodology. Developed by TASC, the Grassland Restoration and Stewardship in South Africa (GRASS) project has issued 266,255 verified carbon units from over 95,000 hectares in its first monitoring period, engaging thousands of communal farmers while restoring degraded rangelands. By combining regenerative grazing, biodiversity protection, and inclusive rural livelihoods, GRASS demonstrates how large-scale grassland restoration can deliver measurable climate mitigation, social impact, and long-term economic resilience.