In November last year, Yemi Alade earned her first Grammy nomination in the 2025 Best African Music Performance category. That moment is already a major milestone for her.



“If you had asked me this six [or] seven years ago, I would say that success for me, personally, is when I win the Grammy. Late last year, I got nominated for a Grammy, and that honestly was a chip on my shoulder. It was a sign to continue to be myself, my original self, irrespective of what the world might think. [I need to] continue to shine in my culture, continue to shine in my personality,” she says.



Although 2024 was a memorable year for Alade, she says her journey in the industry has not always been easy. When she compares the experiences at the beginning of her career to now, Alade says the biggest challenge she has had is with herself.



“Challenges will always come up. It doesn’t matter what stage of life you are in. However, the one challenge that has stayed in my face is being consistent. That is waking up every morning and choosing to do this thing called music. It’s a challenge because nothing good comes easy,” she explains.



“In the beginning, when I had nothing but this talent to offer, it seemed to people like I was crazy, because I was waking up in the morning to go out and sing, and in an African community that makes no sense. And now where I am, at this point, comfort also becomes a huge distraction. The minute I succumb to comfort, I would not be waking up in the morning to choose music. I feel like that’s a personal challenge.”



Well-known for her feature on global icon, Beyonce’s song, The Power, Alade was the first African female Afropop artist to hit over 100 million views on YouTube and VEVO with her hit single, Johnny. It is also among Afrobeats’ biggest songs of all time. Alade released her anticipated sixth studio album, and tenth project overall, Rebel Queen, which features five-time Grammy award-winning artist Angélique Kidjo, in July.



Alade told FORBES AFRICA in an interview in 2024 that the album was a homage to her journey so far, which is why a lot of the music on the album is reminiscent of the core of Afrobeats, as she remembers it. Alade says: “I feel like history is actually in the making, and I am one of the few people holding the pen and writing history in my own time. I feel honored and privileged to experience this. To be one of the many who continue to fly the flag of African music and our culture. It’s a good time to be alive.”

Yemi

Over 30 Under 50: “History Is In The Making, And I Am One Of The Few Holding The Pen.” – Nigerian Singer Yemi Alade

With a career that began at a young age and as a woman who is no stranger to being in the limelight, Minnie Dlamini tells FORBES AFRICA that she believes in turning her challenges into opportunities. It’s a lesson that she only truly learned, now, in her 30s.



“I don’t think I would have been able to handle everything that I’ve handled – good and bad – all the opportunities, the resources that have been afforded to me, the resources that I’ve gone out and gotten myself, had I been younger,” Dlamini says.



“[I] needed to go through life, to be older, and to be this 34-year-old woman so that I can fully embrace everything that’s coming my way.” Having hosted a multitude of events and award shows such as the South African Music Awards (SAMAs); the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs); Miss World South Africa and the Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards (AMVCAs), and presented at the cov- eted BET Awards in Los Angeles in the U.S., Dlamini burst onto the scene in 2010 while covering the Youth Day and World Cup celebration shows.



It was not long after that she found herself immersed in the world of sports broadcasting.



“One of the things I wanted to do was to create an environment where watching sports with your male counterparts, be it with your father or significant other, was normal and just redefining how people consume sports in a mainstream entertainment way,” she says.



Her success in the entertainment industry motivated her to start her own production company, Beautiful Day Productions, which pro- duced a pilot series called Becoming Mrs. Jones, a competition reality show called Spirit Of Mzansi, two Showmax movies; Goodbye Gogo and No Love Lost, as well as a viewer-generated content show for Channel O called Own The O.



However, as a woman, being in the public eye has not always been smooth sailing. She notes the comments made about her when she an- nounced her divorce from her husband in 2022.



“The world is not kind to a woman who’s getting divorced, which I think is an incredibly painful narrative. I thought [that] was something completely outdated, but I had no idea that, in this day and age, I’d be ostracized for getting divorced, and that was incredibly painful,” she says.



Dlamini did not let it stop her, as she again turned her lemons into lemonade by taking part in Roast of Minnie Dlamini on Showmax.



“I used that opportunity and we had the Roast; got paid lots of money,” she explains with a smile.



“…but more than anything, I got to use it as an opportunity to laugh at myself, and as a great brand exercise. If we take the finances away, it was an incredible brand exercise for me; it was an incredible career move that was risky, but the risk definitely paid off.”

Minnie

Over 30 Under 50: ‘I Don’t Think I Could Have Handled Everything I’ve Faced – Good And Bad – Had I Been Younger.’/ South African Actor Minnie Dlamini

In 2022, Sheila Atim made her way to South Africa to film a movie that, to this day, has had a profound impact on her.



It would explore themes like racism, gender-based violence, and female oppression, to name a few, and most of which still plague Africa today. It’s a story that Atim believes stands the test of time.



Alongside award-winning actors, Viola Davis and Thuso Mbedu, the film is about a fierce, all-female warrior regiment that protects the African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s.



“There are many other [defining] moments in my career. I don’t just only value the things that get lots of public traction. Things that feel like they’ve genuinely touched people mean a lot [to me]. I know it sounds like a sort of obvious thing to say, but it is the truth.”



Atim was born in Uganda and moved to the United Kingdom with her mother when she was five months old. Growing up in Essex, she was always a creative child, and her mother embraced that about her. “I give a lot of credit to my mum because she was progressive in her thinking at that moment [when I decided I wanted to be in the entertainment industry]. A big part of it [was] about allowing her to understand and experience what I was doing, for herself,” Atim says after recalling the time her mother watched her star in Jesus Christ Superstar at school.



This was after her mother had told her that, as a final-year student, if she was planning on doing her A-levels in drama, she could not do the show.



“I lied, and auditioned for the school show anyway, and I didn’t tell her that that’s what I’ve been doing after school. They were selling tickets to the parents, and I just gave her a letter… I was playing Mary Magdalene so I was very visible,” she recalls with a laugh.



“I remember in the car afterwards, my mom was really proud and really happy. She has always been very supportive of my artistic side.”



Soon after, Atim thought she would be going to medical school to become a doctor. But following a rejection and the subsequent disappointment, she went on to study biomedical science, earning her degree at King’s College London. She continued to pursue music during the time.



“At first I thought I was just going to be a singer and songwriter, and then that ended up expanding into so much more because of the different artistic avenues I was going down while I was studying in London.”



Atim looks back at these moments, excited to be at the forefront of storytelling, especially as an African actor. She also continues to intentionally choose projects that consist of upliftment, growth and truth. Atim sees it as her duty to play a wide array of roles, but to also bring a level of authenticity to every one of those characters.



“Storytelling, whether it’s through song, dance, literal storytelling or the written word, is such a huge and intrinsic part of most African cultures, if not all. And for us to be able to transmute that now into broader avenues of expression, and avenues of expression that have a place on the global stage, is really important. And I feel like it’s something we’re owed.



“Africans, African culture, and the diaspora have been contributing to mainstream culture forever – that’s not a new thing. But to be able to lead the charge on our work and be credited for it directly and reap direct benefits from it as well is a wonderful development.” And on the multifarious opportunities there are, she says: “I think greeting each with curiosity and the attitude that there’s always something new to learn, and what a wonderful thing to be able to apply to your craft in multiple different ways. I think that’s really exciting.”

Sheila

Over 30 Under 50: ‘Africans Have Been Contributing To Mainstream Culture Forever… To Be Credited For It Directly Is A Wonderful Development.’/Ugandan-British actor Sheila Atim

Mitchells Plain, about a 20km-drive from Cape Town’s city center, is a small, densely populated area with its own array of social ills and issues. But for Kiara Scott, it is the place where she first fell in love with the idea of becoming a winemaker.



“I grew up surrounded by – I am trying to find a diplomatic way of saying this – partying and people enjoying beer and hard liquor and all of those things,” Scott laughs, speaking to FORBES AFRICA.



“And I was really interested, I think, in more of the chemistry of wine… that can sometimes have different effects on people… My family was also quite conservative. We were always told to stay away from any alcoholic beverage or drugs&#8230; So, it got me curious.”



Surprisingly, Scott received no pushback from her family when she spoke of her career ambitions – in fact, both her mother and grandmother encouraged her to pursue her passion.



Having graduated from the Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute, in Viticulture and Oenology, in wine town Stellenbosch and with years in the vineyards, the now 32-year-old recently took home the Diner’s Club Winemaker of the Year Award, making her just one of two women in 44 years to win the title. She was South Africa’s youngest female winemaker, when she was appointed by Brookdale Estate in 2019, and is now the head winemaker at Hazendal Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. &nbsp;



The South African wine industry continues to boom. The Western Cape province’s diverse climate and soil types create the ideal condition for winemakers to grow a variety of grapes. According to a report by Wines of South Africa, there are currently 87,848&nbsp;hectares of vines producing wine grapes under cultivation in South Africa over an area of some 800km in length. The report further states that the industry employed 270,363&nbsp;people in 2019, which included farm laborers, those involved in packaging, retailing and wine tourism.



And although this industry is considered male-dominated, according to London-based wine consumer research and insights specialist Wine Intelligence, “the narrative has been shifting, and today, women are not just participating but leading and shaping the future of winemaking”.



“In the earliest records of winemaking history, women&#8217;s roles were often limited to supporting tasks, despite their significant contributions,” the report in Wine Intelligence states. “Today, the landscape looks dramatically different. Women are winemakers, sommeliers, wine business CEOs, and hold numerous other critical positions within the industry. They bring diverse perspectives and innovations to winemaking, from sustainable practices to experimental techniques.”



Scott, one of only a few young colored women in South Africa and globally who is a winemaker, reiterates that is positive news for the industry.



“There are definitely more women today in the wine industry than when I started. At that time, there were probably only two female winemakers that I was aware of.”



Harking back to challenges of climbing up the ladder, Scott can’t help but smile and say, “I try to have a very the-glass-is-half-full approach and stay optimistic and positive. I think in any industry, in any career, there are definitely challenges, particularly with being a woman, [you will find] gender stereotypes. And then on top of that, also being a colored person, or a person of color, I&#8217;ve definitely had some experiences where that has been negative, but I will say, for the most part, it&#8217;s actually been quite positive.”



Her philosophy of minimal intervention and terroir-driven expression aligns with her interest in creating wines that are as technically exacting as they are bold.



“I have a simple and minimal intervention approach to winemaking. I believe that great wines are made in the vineyard. Year on year, I am aiming to better understand our vineyards and soils to make the work in the cellar easier,” Scott adds. “There have been challenges but nothing is not fixable and for me there is nothing else I would rather be doing than this.”

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Change In The Cellar: South African Winemaker On Breaking Barriers In A Male-Dominated Industry

It was the biggest night for music, especially for artists like Kendrick Lamar and Beyonce, who took home multiple Recording Academy Awards at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles last night. However the spotlight was once again on Best African Music Performance, which was presented for the first time last year, as the continent’s biggest stars were nominated.



From contenders Yemi Alade (Tomorrow) to Asake and&nbsp; Wizkid (MMS), from Chris Brown Featuring Davido and Lojay (Sensational), and Burna Boy (Higher), it was 29-year-old Temilade Openiyi, known professionally as Tems, who took home the category award, making this her second Grammy. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/67th_Annual_Grammy_Awards"></a>



“My heart is beating so fast. I&#8217;m so sorry – I do work out, but it&#8217;s not showing up right now,” Openiyi, said in her acceptance speech.



Openiyi won for her Afrobeats single Love Me JeJe, which is her remake of the 1997 Nigerian classic by Seyi Sodimu. She performed the song for the first time during her Coachella set in April last year which generated a lot of popularity, ahead of the release of her debut album&nbsp;Born in the Wild&nbsp;in May.



The Nigerian singer first rose to fame after gaining worldwide recognition for her hit singles&nbsp;Mr. Rebel&nbsp;and&nbsp;Try Me, Essence’s success. In 2023, she took home her first Grammy award for Best Melodic Rap PerformanceforWAIT FOR U.



“I had no idea my life was about to change when I did that song,” Openiyi said in an exclusive interview with FORBES AFRICA in 2022 after her feature on Balogun’s 2020 single&nbsp;Essence.&nbsp;“Every day since then is like a dream and I am super thankful for the opportunity I have for people to hear my work on a global scale.”



Last night, the songtress honored her mother for her win, “This is her first Grammy and I just want to thank you mom because she is really done a lot for me and my brother. Happy Birthday mom.”

67th GRAMMY Awards – Premiere Ceremony

Nigerian Singer Tems Takes Home Her Second Grammy

According to a recent report, the creative economy in Africa is thriving; this while the continent’s creatives contribute to growing the industry and bringing the spotlight back home.



The past five years have proven to be very successful for Africa’s entertainment sector for both music and movies – 22-year-old South African, Tyla Laura Seethal took home a Grammy last year and&nbsp; Nigeria’s Temilade Openiyi (Tems) took hers home a year before that.



In addition, Nigerian-British actor, Cynthia Erivo was nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role at this year’s Academy Awards for her role as Elphaba in the cinematic version of the Broadway classic, Wicked; and South African short film, The Last Ranger was short-listed in the 97th Academy Awards in the Best Live Action Short Film category.



If Erivo wins the Oscar in March, the Daytime Emmy, Grammy and Tony Award-winning actress will then receive the coveted EGOT status.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



The newly-released PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Africa Entertainment and Media Outlook for 2024-2028, labeled Resilience and Reinvention, states that the key strongest markets (South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria) saw revenue growth in media and entertainment, ahead of the global average of 5% in 2023.



Growth was the strongest in the West African nation with an average of 15%. South Africa saw growth of 11.7% and Kenya saw an increase of 5.8%. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for Nigeria continues to boast one of the fastest growing E&amp;M industries in the world with an 8.6% CAGR.



South Africa is the most established market in Africa, with projected CAGR of 4.2% through 2028. Most of the country’s future growth is spread across various segments, excluding print media (newspapers, consumer magazines and books). However, PwC also reports that the segment to watch across media and entertainment is video games and esports.



“South Africa’s resilient E&amp;M market will see significant growth in OTT and internet advertising, driven by stable connectivity and 5G adoption, but must adapt to business model reinvention amidst digital ecosystem shifts and Al disruptions,” Alinah Motaung-Tshabalala, PwC Africa Entertainment and Media Leader, adds in the report.



Kenya’s biggest growth point will come from internet advertising; this is primarily due to the growth in mobile services. Nigeria’s growth through to 2028 will be largely due to internet advertising, video games, music and podcasts, to name a few.



“With a youthful population eager to embrace innovation, Nigeria’s entertainment and media industry can harness the power of genAl to capitalize on this disruptive force, unlocking new opportunities for growth and development,”Udochi Muogilim, Technology, Media and Telecommunications Leader at PwC Nigeria, said.



The report also showed that South Africa recorded the largest annual jump in box office revenue of the three countries during 2023 at 33.6%. According to PwC, international blockbusters will help drive the cinema industry in South Africa, which “has been experiencing a challenging few years and is starting to show steady recovery to pre-pandemic revenues by 2027”.



Over the next five years, E&amp;M in these three countries is expected to rise ahead of the global average of 3.9% CAGR. In South Africa, the increase will go from $16.1 billion to $19.8 billion, while revenue is set to reach $4.8 billion in Kenya; this from $3.8 billion in 2023. Nigeria’s growth will go from $9 billion to $13.6 billion in 2028.

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Entertainment Continues To Boom On The Continent; South Africa The Most Well Established Market

People need to be more vigilant than ever before while interacting and transacting online.



As the uptake of the digital sphere continues, so too do the risks, and no one is safe. Namibia’s former First Lady, Monica Geingos says that she has noticed an increase in scammers pretending to be her.



The latest, according to Geingos, includes AI manipulated videos of her asking members of the public to invest in fraudulent schemes.



“Something that has surprised [me] of late is how ubiquitous it’s become across social media platforms,” the former first lady said in a video released on social media last week.



“Recently, somebody received a video call purportedly of me convincing them to invest in some kind of weird Forex schemes. I am not a Forex person. I am not on any social media platform asking for any money or giving any loans out, or whatever you’re being told. So take it from me, it’s not true.”



Deepfakes, an emergent type of threat falling under the greater and more pervasive umbrella of synthetic media, utilize a form of artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) to create believable, realistic videos, pictures, audio, and text of events which never happened, and it has become alarmingly high.



According to a study done by the United States’ Homeland Security, tilted ‘Increasing Threat of DeepFake Identities’ &nbsp;deepfakes and the misuse of synthetic content pose a clear, present, and evolving threat to the public across national security, law enforcement, financial, and societal domains.



“To adequately characterize the current threat landscape posed by deepfakes, we must consider the context of the varied threats, malign actors, victims, and technology,” the study reads.



“Experts across industry, academia, and government have a diverse perspective on the threat of synthetic media. Some assert that it is overblown, overstated, and technically infeasible to create a convincing deepfake, or it will simply be ineffective against a skeptical public.”



However, it asserts that the threat is “very real and harmful” as noted by the victims of this type of material.



A 2024 Regula report, ‘Deepfake Trends 2024’, states that 57% of Crypto companies have reported audio deepfake incidents, compared to just 45% who were facing fake or modified document fraud.



Regula, an identity verification solutions provider, also says that 53% of Crypto firms have encountered video deepfake fraud, cementing deepfakes as a top concern.



Further to this, in 2023, research company, Sumsub, stated that South Africa had an “astounding rise” of 1200% in deepfake frauds. With AI-driven fraud remaining the most prominent challenge across various industries, crypto is the main target sector (representing 88% of all deepfake cases detected in 2023), followed by fintech (8%).



“South Africa faces a perfect storm of fraud challenges that impact the entire breadth of the economy,” Sameer Kumandan, Managing Director of SearchWorks, a data platform, said in a statement last year.



“From digital identity scams that affect consumers to complex procurement fraud that places organizations at risk, businesses need to adopt proactive strategies to mitigate financial and reputational damage as a matter of urgency.”



Geingos appealed to the public, stating, “Please don’t communicate with these fake accounts. Please report them… keep your money safe. Don’t give it to these crooks; the only intention is to rob you”.

2023 Concordia Annual Summit – September 19

Scammers Use Former Namibian First Lady’s Face To Con People As Deepfakes Continue To Rise

South African film The Last Ranger had made it to the shortlist of the 97th Academy Awards announced yesterday. Directed by Cindy Lee, it has earned a nomination in the Best Live Action Short Film category.



The 28-minute IsiXhosa film is about rhino poaching in a game reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province. Inspired by true events, The Last Ranger tells the story of a teenager named Litha (played by Liyabona Mroqoza) and the last remaining ranger, Khuselwa (played Avumile Qongqo). The story looks at Thandi, a rhino that miraculously survived a poaching attack at the game reserve, and the “courageous woman who fought to protect these iconic animals against all odds”.



“To have an IsiXhosa film about rhino poaching in the running for an Oscar makes me so proud. This film is unique and deserves to go all the way,” Lee said in a statement, according to News24.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Litha-mourns-Thandi-colour-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-64431" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Litha-mourns-Thandi-colour-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Litha-mourns-Thandi-colour-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Litha-mourns-Thandi-colour-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Litha-mourns-Thandi-colour-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Litha-mourns-Thandi-colour-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Litha mourns Thandi (colour)</figcaption></figure></div>


“The Last Ranger is a profoundly moving cinematic experience that stands out as a masterpiece in short film storytelling… This is a piece of art that commands attention,&#8221; Jillian Corsie, Programmer, Salute Your Shorts Film Festival, said last year.



The movie has been praised for bringing attention to the ongoing issue of rhino poaching in South Africa. According to the International Rhino Foundation, rhino poaching is a major concern in South Africa, with hundreds of rhinos killed each year. In 2023, 499 rhinos were poached in the country, a concerning 10% increase compared to 2022.



South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) reported that Kruger National Park – once the hotspot for rhino poaching – saw another decrease, with 78 rhinos poached in 2023.



“I am pleased that we have managed to narrate and spark quite a critical and urgent conversation concerning the plight of rhinos and their immediate caretakers, the rangers,” Qongqo said. “We were also intentional on shining the light on the bravery of female rangers who are on the frontlines fiercely conserving and protecting our wildlife. We salute them resoundingly with this film.”



South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie, released a statement today celebrating the Oscar nomination noting that The Last Ranger is a powerful tribute to the resilience of our wildlife and the unwavering dedication of conservationists who work tirelessly to safeguard our natural heritage.



“The film’s ongoing success, having already won Best Short Narrative at the 2024 Pan African Film Festival (PAFF), is a clear indication of its impact and brilliance,” McKenzie said in his statement. “We are confident that it will continue to make an impact on the global stage, and we eagerly await the Oscar ceremony on 2 March 2025, hopeful for yet another triumph.”



Yesterday was also a big day for Nigerian-British actor, Cynthia Erivo, who received a nomination as Best Actress in a Leading Role at this year’s Academy Awards for her role as Elphaba in the cinematic version of the Broadway classic, Wicked. If Erivo wins the Oscar in March, the Daytime Emmy, Grammy and Tony Award-winning actress will then receive the coveted EGOT status.



“&#8217;Moments like this don’t come along very often, and when they do, it is sacrilege to let them pass by without a moment of gratitude,” Erivo wrote on Instagram after the announcement. “&#8217;I often get asked what I would say to my younger self. Well, today there’s nothing to be said. She is smiling, beaming, glowing from ear to ear. That speaks volumes.”



Additionally, Wicked picked up another nine nominations including Best Supporting Actress for Ariana Grande and Best Picture along with several technical categories.



Winners of the of the 97th Academy Awards will be announced on March 2 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles.

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South African Film On The Plight Of Rhinos Nominated For 2025 Best Live Action Short Film At Oscars

Following the presidential inauguration of newly-elected Donald Trump in the United States yesterday, SARB Governor Lesetja Kganyago told media in Davos today that the measures that Trump plans to take could lead to the “fragmentation of the global economy”.



“[This] could spur other countries to think that they can justify taking protectionist measures and these measures are negative for global trade. Global trade is the lifeblood of the global economy,” Kganyago told Bloomberg.



Kganyago’s observations comes on the heels of a statement by Trump, before being sworn into office, that he would enact threatened tariffs of as much as 25% on Mexico and Canada by February.



Mexico and Canada are two of America’s top three trade partners, with the U.S. reportedly importing $475 billion worth of goods from Mexico and $418 billion from Canada in 2024.



According to Reuters, when asked by reporters at the White House whether he would impose a universal tariff on all imports into the U.S., Trump reportedly said: &#8220;We may. But we&#8217;re not ready for that yet.&#8221;



The rand in South Africa gained early on Monday as markets awaited Trump&#8217;s inauguration and policy announcements ahead of a week packed with domestic data releases.



Kganyago said that if the measures taken are inflationary, it could slow down the disinflation process that the central banks had so steadfastly worked on since the great inflation of 2022.



“And the risk is then that the accommodation, or should I say, the reduction in the restrictiveness of monetary policy that we had seen over the past year, could then be brought to an abrupt halt,” he added.

Opening Day Of World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025

South African Reserve Bank Governor Warns In Davos That Trump’s Policies May Fragment Global Economy

Cyber security is what nations and organizations need to be very wary of in 2025.



According to the recent World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Cybersecurity Outlook, the intricacies of cyberspace are complex and challenging, owing to rapid technological advancements, the growing sophistication of cybercriminals and deeply-interconnected supply chains.



“Collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders is paramount to secure the benefits of digitalization for all,” Jeremy Jurgens, Managing Director, WEF, said in a statement.



According to the report, 54% of large organizations identify supply chain interdependencies as the greatest barrier to achieving cyber resilience. Furthermore, the “prevailing turmoil” has affected the perception of risks. One in three CEOs cited in the report cyber espionage and loss of sensitive information and intellectual property theft as their main concerns.



“45% of cyber leaders are concerned about disruption of operations and business processes,” the report reads.



As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to be at the forefront of innovation, the report revealed that to ensure cyber resilience, there needs to be rapid implementation of the necessary security safeguards.



“While 66% of organizations expect AI to have a major impact on cybersecurity in 2025, only 37% report having processes in place to assess the security of AI tools before deployment.”



Skills development needs to be at the forefront of organizations, according to the report, as the cyber skills gap in 2024 was only at 8%. According to WEF, two in three organizations lack the essential talent and skills to meet their security requirements; only 14% of organizations are confident that they have the people and skills they need today.



Paolo Dal Cin, Global Lead, Accenture Security, said in the statement that cybersecurity threats are more complex and unpredictable than ever and can directly impact an organization’s financial stability.



“The disruptive force of AI, coupled with supply chain vulnerabilities and geopolitical tensions, calls for a more proactive and collaborative approach to ensure a strong cyber resilient posture across all industries. C-suite leaders must adopt a security-first mindset from the outset to confidently navigate these challenges with cybersecurity as an enabler that keeps our businesses and organizations resilient,” Dal Cin said.

Businesspeople in futuristic virtual reality environment

New Report Reveals The Landscape Of Cybersecurity In 2025

How a women’s initiative is collectively uplifting lives through art and community-based tourism.



From the street art to its bustling markets, the Nyamirambo Women’s Centre in the lively and vibrant neighborhood of Nyamirambo in Kigali, is a tourism drawcard.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Mary-Nyangoma-at-Nyamirambo-Womans-Centre-Photo-byChanel-Retief-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-64311" style="width:738px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Mary-Nyangoma-at-Nyamirambo-Womans-Centre-Photo-byChanel-Retief-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Mary-Nyangoma-at-Nyamirambo-Womans-Centre-Photo-byChanel-Retief-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Mary-Nyangoma-at-Nyamirambo-Womans-Centre-Photo-byChanel-Retief-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Mary-Nyangoma-at-Nyamirambo-Womans-Centre-Photo-byChanel-Retief-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Mary-Nyangoma-at-Nyamirambo-Womans-Centre-Photo-byChanel-Retief-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mary Nyangoma at Nyamirambo Woman’s Centre (Photo byChanel Retief)</figcaption></figure></div>


In one of the busy shops owned by the center selling clothes and bric-a-brac, you find the center’s project coordinator, Mary Nyangoma, who tells us how it all came to be.



The center was established in 2007 with 18 members – “women and girls” – with the aim of “empowering ourselves”.



“…because we all came from different backgrounds and, of course, from different parts of the country. But we happened to settle around this neighborhood, and then we decided to start a group,” says Nyangoma.



Some of the members at the time had not had the fortune of receiving a formal education.



“We started teaching them how to read and write, in our homes,” says Nyangoma.



It wasn’t until two women from Slovenia came to the country to report on women’s issues that they received their first donation to get the center up and running.



But they had to find other ways to make money before the funds dried up. Sharing their ideas, the founding members at the center considered acquiring other vocational skills to help generate income. “That’s when we got a chance [to] buy four sewing machines,” Nyangoma says. “We had somebody teaching us to use them, but we also started involving other women from the neighborhood… We started working with local authorities. They started recruiting women to join us for the courses, learning how to read and write and, after that, they could join the sewing course.”


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="alignleft size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Nyamirambo-Womans-Centre-Photo-by-Chanel-Retief-1-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-64310" style="width:543px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Nyamirambo-Womans-Centre-Photo-by-Chanel-Retief-1-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Nyamirambo-Womans-Centre-Photo-by-Chanel-Retief-1-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Nyamirambo-Womans-Centre-Photo-by-Chanel-Retief-1-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Nyamirambo-Womans-Centre-Photo-by-Chanel-Retief-1-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Nyamirambo-Womans-Centre-Photo-by-Chanel-Retief-1-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Nyamirambo-Womans-Centre-Photo-by-Chanel-Retief-1-scaled.jpg 1707w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nyamirambo Woman’s Centre (Photo by Chanel Retief)</figcaption></figure></div>


Over 6,000 women have trained at the center so far, with about 80% now self-employed. On the cards is an incubation training center.



The women’s center has managed to sustain its revenue, generated by the increasingly-popular tourism offerings at Nyamirambo. Using kitenge fabric, the women, who are trained and then work at the center, craft products ranging from children’s clothes to women’s accessories and home décor.



“Apart from that cooperative, the women’s center started thinking, ‘how can we make an income and keep the center open?’” Nyangoma explains as she takes FORBES AFRICA on a tour of the three sections at the center. In one, women are creating art and handicrafts; in another, there are girls (and some boys) learning different skills; and the final one houses the center’s library.



“This is where we started [and] are offering different activities in community-based tourism. [We] offer the walking tours – seeing the day-life [of ] people living in this neighborhood; we do a cooking experience – how we do it locally in our homes; basket weaving – how to make the baskets [and] sewing experiences and other stuff as well.



“The message is about working together and supporting each other, but also building a strong ecosystem.”



Gender equality and women’s empowerment are central to Rwanda’s vision for growth and progress.



In the e-mobility sector, for example, it is not uncommon to see female riders dominating the streets of Kigali, as opposed to other regions on the continent where there are more male drivers in the public transport system.



“We’re deeply committed to empowering women in the EV sector,” says Kaushik Burman, co-CEO of EV company, Spiro.



Right now, we’re seeing more and more female riders joining our network, which is something I’m incredibly proud of. We’ve set up initiatives like Spiro Academy that provide women with training and mentorship to break into technical and operational roles – areas that traditionally haven’t seen much female participation. It’s all about giving women the tools they need to build careers and independence while contributing to sustainable transportation across Africa.”



“A challenge I sometimes have [as] a female rider is when passengers question [my potential as] a rider,” Spiro rider, Blanche Dusengimana, laments to FORBES AFRICA.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Nyamirambo-Womans-Centre-Photo-by-Chanel-Retief-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-64309" style="width:614px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Nyamirambo-Womans-Centre-Photo-by-Chanel-Retief-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Nyamirambo-Womans-Centre-Photo-by-Chanel-Retief-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Nyamirambo-Womans-Centre-Photo-by-Chanel-Retief-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Nyamirambo-Womans-Centre-Photo-by-Chanel-Retief-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Nyamirambo-Womans-Centre-Photo-by-Chanel-Retief-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nyamirambo Woman’s Centre (Photo by Chanel Retief)</figcaption></figure></div>


“I just respond by telling them that this is something I am passionate about. I show them what I have achieved as a business; how I have developed myself and how I provide for my family.”



The country has consistently been celebrated as a role model in gender equality. The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023 has ranked Rwanda 12th out of 146 countries.



According to a report by USAID, women make up more than 60% of the Rwandan Parliament, and more than 50% of the President’s cabinet.



“I meet different kinds of people every day as a rider but when I mostly meet women… these are either women who want to be riders or don’t have anything to do with their day,” Dusengimana says. “The first thing I tell them or encourage them to do is not to look to someone else for money. I also help women get out of their comfort zone and become riders.”



At the Nyamirambo Women’s Centre, Nyangoma concurs: “Once the women and girls finish our programs, they can start their own businesses. “When I see women working together and supporting each other, I feel so strong, and I feel so happy that we are also growing up and bringing up our kids this way, so that tomorrow, they can stand here and do the same for others.”

Nyamirambo Woman’s Centre (Photo by Chanel Retief)-2-2

Leading Women Through Art And Tourism In Rwanda

South African Kwaito musician, Victor Bogopane, popularly known as Doc Shebeleza, passed away on Thursday morning. According to reports, the S&#8217;kumfete artist died at home.



<a href="https://twitter.com/tsheko2020/status/1877302658731577383">https://twitter.com/tsheko2020/status/1877302658731577383</a>



There is no confirmation as to the cause of the death but family spokesperson Shakes Mavundla told News24 that Bogopane, 51, had been undergoing medical treatment.



“He was going back on Monday in preparation for his second operation. He is survived by his mother, brother, sister and nine children,&#8221; added Mavundla.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Heartbreaking news: South African music legend Doc Shebeleza has sadly passed away after battling illness. His impact on the music industry and our hearts will never be forgotten. Deepest condolences to her family and fans!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIPDocShebeleza?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RIPDocShebeleza</a> <a href="https://t.co/7j5rc7BpwN">pic.twitter.com/7j5rc7BpwN</a>&mdash; TK_Nala (@NalaThokozane) <a href="https://twitter.com/NalaThokozane/status/1877342976600420491?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Considered a Kwaito music veteran and icon in the country, many took to social media to express how the artist contributed to the music industry. From the vibrant township of Soweto and growing up in a family that valued cultural expression, Bogopane’s music career began very early and he was able to introduce styles ranging from Kwaito to traditional South African music.



His songs such as S’kumfete, Ingagara, Ebumnandini, and Ghets Ghetsa are fan favorites in South Africa.



South African political party, African National Congress (ANC), said in a statement on Thursday that Bogopane’s loss is marked as a profound loss to the music industry and the nation as a whole.



“His contributions significantly shaped South Africa’s cultural landscape, providing a soundtrack to the lives of many during a transformative era in our country’s history,” ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said in the statement.

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Legendary South African Kwaito Artist Dies At 51

A recent global report by Inrix, which specializes in transportation analytics, highlighted that in 2024, residents of Cape Town in South Africa spent the most time on congested roads, with an average of 94 hours lost in traffic. The city ranked ninth in the world.



Istanbul in Turkey was the worst, as per the study, with an average of 105 hours lost in traffic last year.



According to the report, traffic congestion occurs when demand for road travel exceeds the supply of roadways. “As vehicular traffic builds, drivers, freight movers and bus riders lose time and spend fuel unproductively.”



In Africa, the majority of cities with the worst record is from South Africa, with commuters and motorists in Johannesburg losing 55 hours and Pretoria trailing with 45 hours.



This time lost due to congestion also leads to a disruption of the economy, with rising fuel costs adding to commuter woes.



South African roads are also seeing a rise in the number of accidents. The Road Traffic Management Corporation said in its State of Road Safety Report that a total of 2,818 fatalities were recorded between January and March 2024, compared to the 2,498 for the same period in 2023.



According to Budget Insurance and its vehicle accident claims data, between 2021 to 2023, drivers in Cape Town had the most car accidents of any city in South Africa. Reports indicate that the number of claims submitted to Budget Insurance increased by 36%.



“In addition to lost time, negative externalities like freight delay, inflationary pressure and environmental impact are generally exacerbated due to traffic congestion,” Inrix said in the recent report. “While not measured in this report, these externalities decrease our quality of life.”

Cape Town, South Africa, Heavy commuter traffic heading out of Cape Town along the N2 highway towards the airport.

The Mother City Ranked The Worst In Africa For Hours Lost In Traffic

Electric vehicles in Rwanda pave the way for rider-entrepreneurs and sustainable transport.



Motos – local lingo for motorbike taxis – are ubiquitous and a common sight in Rwanda, as they are in the rest of East Africa. A crucial lifeline of the economy, they mostly transport commuters and informal workers to and from work.



Blanche Dusengimana is also a contributor to this elaborate network of bikers, ferrying passengers, but on a Spiro, or an electric bike – another sign of the country’s march to embrace innovation in every way.



“I have always been passionate about motorbikes,” says Dusengimana, to FORBES AFRICA. For a year now, she has been a familiar sight on Kigali’s roads during rush hour. Her days start bright and early, as she sets out of her home with her keys, two helmets and signature Spiro rider bib. It’s 8PM by the time she is home again, when she would have served atleast 20 passengers on her daily drill. But this is what she has always wanted to do.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Dvsengmkna-Blanche-Photo-byChanel-Retief-2-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-64171" style="width:752px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Dvsengmkna-Blanche-Photo-byChanel-Retief-2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Dvsengmkna-Blanche-Photo-byChanel-Retief-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Dvsengmkna-Blanche-Photo-byChanel-Retief-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Dvsengmkna-Blanche-Photo-byChanel-Retief-2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Dvsengmkna-Blanche-Photo-byChanel-Retief-2-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Spiro rider, Dvsengmkna Blanche (Photo by Chanel Retief)</figcaption></figure></div>


On the other side of town, a 20-minute drive away, 34-year-old rider Sekanabo Ignace, who is up from 5AM every day, puts the pedal to the metal to take a majority of his passengers to the markets to buy fresh produce.



Ignace tells FORBES AFRICA that the 15 years that he has been commuting people, he has always taken to the transport business like an entrepreneur – he gets to control his hours, knows which routes work best and, like Dusengimana, is deeply empowered and passionate about what he does.



Both riders own Spiro electric bikes, transporting about 2025 passengers every day and reaching around 200km, on average.



Part of the country’s Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy (GGCRS), Rwanda has invested in building efficient and resilient transport systems in the last decade. The conversion from fuel motors to electric vehicles is a key part of driving down emissions.



Spiro and Ampersand, both electric vehicle (EV) and transport companies in Africa, have fleets across Rwanda to not only assist the government with its sustainability mission but also empower riders in the country.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BasiGo-driver-Rachidi-Rutayisire-Photo-by-Chanel-Retief-2-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-64170" style="width:714px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BasiGo-driver-Rachidi-Rutayisire-Photo-by-Chanel-Retief-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BasiGo-driver-Rachidi-Rutayisire-Photo-by-Chanel-Retief-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BasiGo-driver-Rachidi-Rutayisire-Photo-by-Chanel-Retief-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BasiGo-driver-Rachidi-Rutayisire-Photo-by-Chanel-Retief-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BasiGo-driver-Rachidi-Rutayisire-Photo-by-Chanel-Retief-2-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">BasiGo driver Rachidi Rutayisire (Photo by Chanel Retief)</figcaption></figure></div>


“Electric motorcycle drivers earn 45% more than with petrol bikes due to fuel and maintenance savings,” Ampersand states on its website. “They save 40% a year on fuel. The income they generate typically supports 4.6 people on average in Rwanda.”



Kaushik Burman, co-CEO of Spiro, says to FORBES AFRICA: “We’re focused on reducing emissions and supporting clean energy initiatives, aligning with Rwanda’s green growth strategy.”



“[But also] we don’t just hand over the keys and wave riders off. We are committed to supporting our riders with training that covers safety, vehicle maintenance, and smart battery use… It’s about setting our riders up for long-term success and helping them grow their careers. We’re here to make sure they feel supported, safe, and capable, no matter where their journey takes them. It’s a partnership that’s about more than just business — it’s about being a part of the country’s sustainable future.”



With a ‘time is money’ mentality, EV companies are also addressing financial inclusion in addition to digital transformation.



The EV bikes use batteries that take up to four hours to be charged. Instead of waiting for a battery to charge, at the battery-swapping stations that have been deployed, riders can use their MTN Mobile Money (MoMo) virtual card tap-and-go system, swap or exchange their empty batteries for a fully-charged one, and be back on the road in seconds.



“This saves so much time and money for the riders,” Burman adds. “One of the things I love about our tap-and-go payment system



is how it brings more people into the financial ecosystem. Accessibility and affordability are both an essential part of our plans for growth and development. For riders, especially women and those who might not have easy access to traditional banking, this technology is a game changer.”



To this end, and to ensure that riders can become part of the business, asset fintech company Watu assists potential drivers with the down payment of the bikes if they wish to become riders.



“These investments allow us to support the development of EV infrastructure and innovation while staying closely connected to the unique needs of the communities we serve,” Andris Kaneps, CEO at Watu Credit, tells FORBES AFRICA.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Sekanabo-Ignace-Photo-byChanel-Retief-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-64172" style="width:726px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Sekanabo-Ignace-Photo-byChanel-Retief-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Sekanabo-Ignace-Photo-byChanel-Retief-300x225.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Sekanabo-Ignace-Photo-byChanel-Retief-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Sekanabo-Ignace-Photo-byChanel-Retief-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Sekanabo-Ignace-Photo-byChanel-Retief-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sekanabo Ignace at Spiro charging hub (Photo by Chanel Retief)</figcaption></figure></div>


“For instance, in Rwanda, we decided to finance electric motor- bikes exclusively, anticipating government policies favoring sustainable transportation.”



In Kigali, the uptake of EVs is not only massive but is also thriving. From the moment you leave the international airport precincts into the city, the roads are bombarded by swarms of motorbikes and ebikes with riders and pillion-riders.



Buses are also making the move from fuel to electric. In Kigali, leading the charge is bus company, BasiGo.



Responding to Rwanda’s urgent need to rev up public transport, BasiGo recognized that the surging cost of diesel was making it challenging for operators to expand their fleets.



BasiGo introduced bus operators and passengers to the R10 Rumuri in December 2023. It’s reportedly Kigali’s first 100% electric bus.



In a bustling and buzzing part of Kigali, Nyabugogo’s main bus park is home to hundreds of these buses. FORBES AFRICA meets up with BasiGo driver, Rachidi Rutayisire, who has been driving buses for about 15 years, but since the launch of BasiGo, has only driven electric buses and says it has been life-changing.



“I can never go back to petrol,” he laughs from behind his steering wheel. It is 3PM and he is preparing to drive his passengers home, but he is also saving time as he does not need to wait long hours to fuel up. “Do you know how much lighter and easier it is to ride this bus? I also now don’t have to go to the petrol stations. If any of my two batteries go flat, I just go to the battery-swapping stations,” he gushes. Come evening, it’s all in a day’s work as the people head home, the bikes and buses wind down and the city rumbles to a stop – until the next morning, when the engines of the economy will roar again.

Busiest Bus Park in Kigali (Photo by Muhire Adolphe)

Forward Momentum: This African Country Is Streets Ahead For Rider Innovation

We check out what&#8217;s brewing in one of Kigali&#8217;s hottest coffee spots. Also, about 80% of their farm workforce is women. 



As you step into Kivu Noir, in downtown Kigali, you’re instantly enveloped by the rich aroma of freshly- ground coffee that the lively baristas rustle up behind the counter.



One of Rwanda’s biggest success stories is agriculture. According to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the sector employs about 64.5% of the total population, contributing around 25% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Kivu-Nior-Photo-byChanel-Retief-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-64138" style="width:610px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Kivu-Nior-Photo-byChanel-Retief-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Kivu-Nior-Photo-byChanel-Retief-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Kivu-Nior-Photo-byChanel-Retief-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Kivu-Nior-Photo-byChanel-Retief-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Kivu-Nior-Photo-byChanel-Retief-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">(Photo by Chanel Retief)</figcaption></figure></div>


And a major driving force in this sector is coffee.



“We don’t even serve food inside. If customers order food, they have to be seated outside because we do not want it to interfere with the smell of the coffee,” beams one of the baristas at Kivu Noir.



The coffee aroma lingers, even on the terrace of the restaurant, where a business meeting is in progress. At the other end of the balcony, people sit in rows hunched over their laptops, working, and sipping unique blends of African espresso and latte.



The café is built on the premise of a farm-to-table experience as all the coffee served is made from beans that come directly from a farmer near one of the African Great Lakes (around the Great Rift Valley in East and Central Africa). “Our coffee is grown and harvested from the volcanic shores of Lake Kivu at a small village called Nkora (the estate). The ripe cherries are wet-washed at Nkora, the oldest and largest washing station in Rwanda,” Kivu Noir Coffee’s Co-Founder, Kevin Mbundu, tells FORBES AFRICA.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Kivu-Nior-Photo-by-Muhire-Adolphe-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-64139" style="width:572px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Kivu-Nior-Photo-by-Muhire-Adolphe-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Kivu-Nior-Photo-by-Muhire-Adolphe-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Kivu-Nior-Photo-by-Muhire-Adolphe-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Kivu-Nior-Photo-by-Muhire-Adolphe-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Kivu-Nior-Photo-by-Muhire-Adolphe-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">(Photo by Muhire Adolphe)</figcaption></figure></div>


“Our coffee benefits from an ideal growing environment, with lush green landscapes, abundant rainfall, and volcanic soils — conditions that are exceptionally suited to Arabica coffee production.”



This has allowed for a unique combination which, Mbundu says, enhances the coffee’s flavor profile, producing “a rich, full-bodied taste”.



But producing such coffee comes with its own challenges.



“[It’s] having to ensure that farmers consistently apply best practices for high-quality yields and manage the impact of prolonged dry seasons, which can reduce crop productivity,” Mbundu adds.



So how does Kivu Noir maintain quality control from farm to cup, given the diverse climates and terrains of African coffee regions?


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="alignleft size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Kivu-Nior-Photo-byChanel-Retief-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-64140" style="width:393px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Kivu-Nior-Photo-byChanel-Retief-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Kivu-Nior-Photo-byChanel-Retief-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Kivu-Nior-Photo-byChanel-Retief-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Kivu-Nior-Photo-byChanel-Retief-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Kivu-Nior-Photo-byChanel-Retief-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">(Photo by Chanel Retief)</figcaption></figure></div>


According to him, with Rwanda’s four-month Arabica coffee harvest cycle, they have to closely monitor and adjust production each year to ensure a fresh and reliable coffee supply across all their locations.



Visit Rwanda reports that about 95% of beans in the country are the high-quality Arabica varietal Bourbon, with a silky creamy body and hints of lemon and orange blossom, and a caramel aftertaste.



It adds that 450,000 small growers produce coffee across Rwanda, but that visits by tourists are primarily around Gisenyi, near the shores of Lake Kivu.



“Some farmers’ cooperatives and washing stations offer tours explaining the coffee process through the year,” Visit Rwanda reports. Coffee is an important source of income for small farmers in Rwanda. Also, most farms are at high altitudes of 1,700m to 2,000m. The coffee industry is also a great supporter of women’s empowerment. Mbundu says that about 80% of their farm workforce is women.



“This is a unique approach in an industry where much of coffee production has been industrialized, as seen in countries like Brazil and Indonesia,” he adds. The RDB states that the annual quantity of coffee produced in Rwanda ranges from 20,000 metric tons to 22,000 metric tons, further highlighting an increase in fully-washed and ordinary coffee export volumes and revenues every year. The major markets for Rwandan coffee, according to the RDB, are the United States, Europe (Switzerland, United Kingdom, Belgium, among others) and Asia (Singapore). It’s an industry that’s full of beans.

Chanel Retief

FORBES AFRICA SOCIAL MEDIA