Tag: african union
Why Africa must prioritise merging currencies for free trade
Traders’ efforts are weighed down by the fact that they have to use their valuable time and capital to purchase third currencies.
Africa: New platform seen bridging the disconnect between citizens and Govts
In absence of a platform like CEP and other avenues for citizen participation, it would act as a stumbling block in the quest to achieve Africa's future, one that rest with its estimated 1.3 billion people projected to hit 2.5 billion by 2050, as envisioned in AU Agenda 2063.
Niger crisis, like previous coups, threatens gains from trade under AfCFTA
What’s happening in Niger could take a heavy toll on the little gains achieved in the quest to integrate African markets under AfCFTA, a protocol ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, and his predecessor Mahamadou Issoufou -- who is official champion of the treaty on behalf of the AU -- are key supporters.
What to expect when Rwanda's data privacy rules take effect
In one case in 2017, a local telecommunication company with footprint on the continent was handed a hefty fine ($8.5 million) by the industry regulator after it emerged that the former was hosting its IT services outside the country.
African youth demand Govts action on rising unemployment
There are at least 11 million young people coming to the labor market every year in search of work, yet only 3 million jobs are created across the continent, leaving estimated 8 million without work, according to International Labour Organization (ILO). Initiative by the AUC Chairperson Moussa Faki...
Africa: Media fraternity key asks to Govts on freedoms
Media practitioners asked UNESCO to lead efforts to create an African media fund to finance and enhance media sustainability and viability. They say the move is necessary to protect the media from political and economic pressures.
Weighing the future of Africa media: Experts' take
A binding instrument adopted in November 2019 obliges States in Africa to promote a conducive economic environment in which all media can flourish, including through the adoption of policies for the provision of financial or other public support for the sustainability of all media.
Pan-African payment system rollout reaches three more countries
PAPSS rollout is planned to reach five regions of Africa before the end of 2023, while all central banks and commercial banks are projected to be signed up by end of 2024 and 2025 respectively.
Why quick fixes won’t help end Russia war-induced food crisis in Africa
Ongoing crisis left countries with little to show for many years of pledged investment in the agriculture transformation to boost local supply of key food items and agriculture commodities.
AU condemns ‘racist’ statements by Tunisian authorities
Tunisian President Kais Saied called for urgent measures to stop influx of sub-Saharan Africa migrants whom he linked to crimes and claimed are part of a plan to alter his country’s demographic makeup.
AfCFTA story good, but hard to sell without free movement
African authorities still owe us a different, better version -- one wrapped up in the free-movement-of-people envelope with a visa-free tag visible at the back.
US-Africa summit: Washington explains exclusion of five nations
The US also did not invite leaders of Eritrea with whom it holds strained relations for decades, alongside leaders of four other African countries that "are not in good standing with the Africa Union" namely Mali, Sudan, Guinea and Burkina Faso.
US-Africa summit: Biden likely to make major policy announcement to reset ties, officials
US is expected to use the upcoming summit as a platform to explore mutually beneficial trade and investment partnerships that are going to deepen its ties with African nations. The US-Africa Leaders Summit was last held in 2014 under President Obama’s administration, while the business forum last took...
Agro-industrial hubs to cut Africa’s $45bn food import bill. We want this money back - SACKO
CAAPs has been hailed as one of the most promising means to vastly improve the competitiveness of African industries and enterprises by achieving economies of scale, promoting local processing and value addition of agricultural products, and availing employment to a larger part of the African youth...
African leaders root for AfCFTA full operationalisation
The AU leadership is banking on full operationalization of the AfCFTA to drive the much needed industrilaisation of the continent that has borne the brunt of series of global crises including the outbreak of the covid-19 pandemic and the Russian-Ukrainian crisis.
Intra-Africa trade could boost resilience to crises, unlock $22bn export potential - Experts
Officials figures estimate intra-African trade at between 15 per cent to 18 per cent annually, the lowest of any region of the world.
