This article by Reeta Roy, President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation, highlights the untapped economic potential of Africa’s 45 million forcibly displaced people, including refugees. Drawing on inspiring examples such as Mesfin Getahun in Kenya’s Kakuma settlement, Roy argues that refugees are not just aid recipients, but dynamic entrepreneurs and contributors to local economies. In response, the Mastercard Foundation is committing $300 million in partnership with UNHCR to expand education, skills training, and dignified work opportunities for refugees across Africa, especially youth and women. The article calls for collaborative, long-term investment from governments, development funders, and the private sector to transform refugee settlements into engines of inclusive economic growth.
Tag: Kenya
The International Chamber of Commerce’s Court of Arbitration invites registrations to the 9th ICC Africa Conference on International Arbitration
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) International Court of Arbitration is hosting the 9th ICC Africa Conference on International Arbitration on 29–30 May 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya. The event will bring together arbitration professionals, legal experts, and business leaders to examine Africa’s evolving role in shaping global Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) practices. With keynotes from renowned speakers and discussions on ESG arbitration and AI in legal frameworks, the conference provides an exceptional platform for networking, learning, and advancing arbitration in the African context.
Kofa Closes $8.1 Million Pre-Series A Round to Expand Energy Access in Urban Africa
Kofa, an innovative technology-driven energy company, has successfully closed an $8.1 million pre-Series A funding round to expand its AI-powered battery-swapping network in urban Africa. The investment will accelerate the company’s clean energy solutions, starting in Ghana and Kenya, and help optimize the distribution of batteries for motorcycles, households, and businesses. With the backing of prominent investors like E3 Capital, Injaro Investment Advisors, and the Shell Foundation, Kofa is on track to scale its network and drive sustainable energy adoption across the continent.
2025 AFRICATECH AWARDS AT VIVATECH: NIGERIA, KENYA & TUNISIA TOP THE LIST FOR THIS 4th EDITION
The 2025 AfricaTech Awards, hosted at VivaTech in Paris, celebrates African innovation with 45 startup finalists across GreenTech, HealthTech, and E-commerce & FinTech. This 4th edition sees Nigeria, Kenya, and Tunisia leading in participation, with half of the finalists being women-led startups. Winners will be announced on June 12, 2025.
The deepfake crisis: The alarm has been sounded
Deepfakes have become a major cybersecurity threat, targeting businesses, governments, and individuals. As detection tools struggle to keep up, experts warn of the urgent need for AI-driven forensics, regulatory action, and heightened digital awareness to combat rising fraud and misinformation.
Kenya’s Payments Evolution: What banks and fintechs can learn from M-Pesa and mobile operators
The article examines Kenya’s evolving payment ecosystem, highlighting the impact of M-Pesa and mobile operators on the financial landscape. It explores how banks and fintechs can learn from M-Pesa’s success in driving innovation and customer engagement, while also addressing the rising competition and evolving digital banking trends.
TECNO Unveils Groundbreaking Innovations at MWC 2025: AI-Powered Photography, Ultra-Thin Smartphones, and Futuristic Designs Set New Industry Benchmarks
TECNO made a powerful statement at MWC 2025 by unveiling cutting-edge innovations that redefine the future of mobile technology. Highlights include AI-driven photography with the Camon 40 Series, ultra-slim smartphones like the Spark Slim, the tri-fold PHANTOM Ultimate 2, and the dazzling Starry Optical Fiber technology. TECNO’s latest innovations set new standards for design, performance, and accessibility, with an emphasis on empowering users in emerging markets.
2025 Edelman Trust Barometer Kenya Reveals Public Grievance Reshapes Trust in Government, Business, and The Rich
Trust in Government declines (38%) while Kenyans approve of hostile activism as a means to drive change (46%).
Call for Refugee-Led Clean Energy Enterprises in Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia to Apply for Inclusive Investment Grants
Ashden is offering grants of up to £10,000 for refugee-led clean energy projects in Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia. These grants aim to support innovative clean energy solutions such as solar power and clean cooking technologies in displacement settings, empowering refugee entrepreneurs and organizations with financial and technical assistance. The program is part of the Transforming Humanitarian Energy Access initiative, in partnership with the Howden Foundation and other global organizations.
Mindware Expands Its Presence in East Africa with New Office in Kenya
Mindware has opened a new office in Nairobi, Kenya, marking its strategic expansion into East Africa. The new office will serve as the East African headquarters, supporting the growing demand for IT solutions and fostering deeper channel partnerships. With a focus on digital transformation, Mindware aims to accelerate the region’s technological growth by providing localized support and leveraging its partnerships with global technology vendors.