MTN aims to become the leading provider of digital services in Africa to meet the growing demand. To achieve this, developing and strengthening digital infrastructure is crucial. South African telecom company MTN Group announced on Wednesday, December 18, that it has given Mazen Mroue (pictured), currently the Chief Technology and Information Officer, an additional role. Starting January 1,...

Nigeria's 2025 defense budget sees an increase over the 2024 allocation. President Tinubu says the funds will be used to boost the military's capabilities and tackle ongoing security challenges. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has proposed a defense and security budget of 4.91 trillion naira (about $3.16 billion) for 2025, marking an increase from the 3.85 trillion naira allocated in 2024....

About 60% of investment funds dedicated to Africa are registered outside the continent. This figure comes from a study commissioned by the MasterCard Foundation in partnership with Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) and conducted by a team of international experts, including Momentus Global (formerly International Financial Consulting), Samawati Capital Partners, and Stafford...

Nigerian lawmakers explained that the increase in the minimum capital for companies in the sector was driven by the depreciation of the naira, rising inflation, and the need to curb capital flight. On December 17, the Nigerian Senate passed a new bill to overhaul the country's insurance sector. The bill includes a major increase in the minimum capital requirements for insurance and reinsurance...

During the summer of 2024, Lucara Diamond, which operates the Karowe mine in Botswana, made two major diamond discoveries. The first weighs 2,488 carats and the other 1,094 carats. As usual, the Canadian company sought input from the Botswana community to name these diamonds. Lucara Diamond revealed on December 17 that the larger diamond would be called “Motswedi,” which means “water...

In September 2024, Senegal’s new leadership uncovered a troubling reality about the nation’s finances, with debt and deficits far exceeding the figures claimed by the previous administration. Now, all eyes are on the government as creditors await its next moves. Senegal is exploring several options to manage its debt but has no plans to renegotiate or restructure it, according to the...

Few tech entrepreneurs in Africa turn to therapists to address burnout, anxiety, or depression. Most rely on coping strategies of varying effectiveness, such as exercise, sleep, or healthy eating. A new report highlights the mental health struggles faced by many African startup founders. Although the majority of them are driven, creative, and ambitious, 86% admit to dealing with mental health...

Niger’s uranium industry has undergone major changes, with France's Orano and Canada's GoviEx recently losing control over their operations. Meanwhile, Niamey still supports Global Atomic, also Canadian, for its Dasa uranium mine project.  Global Atomic reiterated on November 17 its commitment to initiating uranium production in Niger, praising the government for supporting their Dasa...

In recent months, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has engaged lawyers to address Apple's use of illicit and conflict minerals. The DRC has recently filed criminal complaints against Apple in France and Belgium. Apple denied accusations from the Congolese government on December 17, asserting it no longer uses “conflict minerals” in its products. The company said it has asked its...

Given the growing insecurity and increasing socio-economic challenges, the International Crisis Group recommends that Mali's authorities adjust their sovereignist approach, focusing on reallocating public spending towards social sectors and easing tensions with financial partners. A report released on December 3 by the American think tank International Crisis Group (ICG) discusses the...