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.
Tag: infrastructure
Africa’s cement industry and the push for energy security
Africa’s cement industry is expanding rapidly as urbanisation, infrastructure projects and housing demand accelerate across the continent. However, unreliable electricity supply and rising energy costs continue to challenge cement manufacturers. In this op-ed, Krzysztof Lokaj, Africa Development Manager at Wärtsilä Energy
, explains why flexible engine-based power plants are emerging as a practical solution for cement producers seeking energy security, operational reliability and long-term efficiency. The article explores the advantages of reciprocating gas engines over gas turbines and coal-fired plants, particularly in supporting hybrid renewable energy systems across Africa.
West Africa Infrastructure Expo and HVACR Nigeria draw over 2,800 industry professionals at inaugural editions in Lagos
West Africa Infrastructure Expo and HVACR Nigeria successfully concluded their inaugural editions in Lagos, attracting more than 2,800 industry professionals from across Nigeria’s infrastructure, construction, engineering and HVACR sectors. The events featured high-level discussions on infrastructure financing, smart project delivery, BIM and GIS integration, sustainability, and logistics development, while connecting global suppliers with key decision-makers. Organizers confirmed both events will return in April 2027 alongside the launch of the new West Africa Warehousing & Logistics Expo.
Cybersecurity is no longer an IT problem; it’s an exercise in risk tolerance
Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT responsibility—it is a core business risk that directly impacts financial performance and operational resilience. This article explores how organisations must shift from a technical, siloed approach to a boardroom-driven strategy based on risk tolerance, balancing security, accessibility, and commercial outcomes.
Economic Intelligence: Africa’s Missing Policy Infrastructure
This article explores how economic intelligence is becoming a critical but underdeveloped policy tool for African economies. It examines Africa’s structural position in the global economy, including its low share of global trade and manufacturing, persistent dependence on commodity exports, and high import vulnerability. The analysis highlights how demographic growth, industrialisation gaps, and limited strategic data capacity constrain long-term economic transformation. Drawing on comparative examples from France, China, and Singapore, the article argues that economic intelligence—defined as the ability to anticipate, protect, and strategically position economic assets—has become essential for competitiveness in a data-driven global economy. It concludes that building institutional capacity for economic intelligence is key to improving Africa’s industrial strategy, regional integration, and economic resilience.
South Africa’s AI moment will be shaped by the strength of its networks
South Africa’s AI transformation depends on modern, AI-ready network infrastructure. As organisations accelerate AI adoption, outdated networks risk slowing performance, increasing costs, and limiting scalability. This article explains why AI-native networking, modular design, and secure, low-latency systems are critical to unlocking sustainable AI growth, improving productivity, and supporting real-time data-driven innovation across South African industries.
Madica Expands Portfolio With $600K Investment in Three Startups
Madica has announced a $600,000 investment in three African tech startups—Kilimo Fresh, Hakimu, and Biovana—each receiving up to $200,000 in pre-seed funding. The startups will join Madica’s 18-month support program, which provides mentorship, training, and access to global investors. Alongside these investments, Madica has launched a comprehensive fundraising guidebook designed to help first-time African founders successfully raise pre-seed capital and navigate the venture ecosystem.
Kulipa Raises $6.2M to Scale Stablecoin Payments and Card Issuing Infrastructure for Global Fintech Platforms
Kulipa raises $6.2M in seed funding to scale its stablecoin-native card issuing infrastructure, enabling fintech platforms to offer globally accepted payments directly from stablecoin balances across Europe, Latin America, and Africa.
The year AI became infrastructure, and other predictions
Artificial intelligence has rapidly evolved from experimental tools into core business infrastructure, transforming how companies operate, compete, and innovate. As AI becomes embedded in platforms, workflows, and decision-making systems, key trends such as the rise of AI ecosystems, empowered hybrid workforces, and the growing importance of trust and verification are reshaping enterprise strategy. Looking ahead, convergence, governance, and security will define the next phase of AI adoption.
Mobile Gaming as a Cornerstone of Africa’s Digital Economy
Mobile gaming is emerging as a cornerstone of Africa’s digital economy, driving rapid growth, digital inclusion, and new revenue streams across the continent. With Africa’s video game market reaching $1.8 billion in 2024—90% of it from mobile—smartphone accessibility and a युवा, connected population are fueling expansion that outpaces global averages. As mobile broadband improves and cloud gaming gains traction, the sector is unlocking new opportunities despite monetization challenges linked to limited payment infrastructure. From Nigeria to South Africa, thriving local ecosystems highlight gaming’s growing role in job creation, innovation, and economic transformation, positioning mobile gaming as a key pillar of Africa’s digital future.