From fintech to foodtech solutions; from beauty brands to biotech infusions, FORBES AFRICA’s inaugural list of Small Giants across Africa showcases the tenacity of homegrown businesses and their impact on the communities they serve. Their pan-African CEO-founders and leaders are making giant strides in progressing Africa’s growth narrative, prioritizing ideas and innovation.



By Chanel Retief, Nicole Pillay and Oluwatomisin Amokeoja Art Direction: Manelisi Dabata Photography: Katlego Mokubyane ; Assistant: Sbusiso Sigidi | Studio: NewKatz Studio, Johannesburg Styling: Deneal Van Wyk Hair &amp; Makeup: SnehhOnline Beauty



The mark of a good business often relies on three Ps: profit, people and planet. It’s hard to say which ‘P’ should be prioritized but as the companies on our first cohort of impactful Small Giants will attest, people, be they employees, managers or customers, can make all the difference. Second to that is the ‘proudly African’ thread that has been woven through each of these businesses. The Small Giants are the businesses that believe small is better, and purpose as important as profit, and most times, even more. They are drawn from the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector in Africa that’s a sizeable mass, incorporated in the formal and informal economies.



In the 2023 Mastercard SME Confidence Index, the World Bank notes that SMEs account for 60% of jobs in Africa. However, they operate in cash-based economies and face a $330 billion financing gap. A 2022 African Union Development Agency report supports this, indicating that SMEs account for closer to 80% of jobs in Africa. These statistics reinforce SMEs as a significant mechanism for socio-economic growth.



StatsSA reported that industries in South Africa’s formal business sector, in particular, generated ZAR10.5 trillion ($677.42 billion) in total turnover in the 2019 financial year. The report further stipulated that the breakdown of turnover by business size shows that small businesses were responsible for generating ZAR2.3 trillion ($148.39 billion) of the ZAR10.5 trillion.



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To complement our research in compiling this list, we spoke to several of these small businesses, and a significant aspect of the discussion to determine scale revolved around financial revenues, but unsurprisingly, there was a common reluctance among the majority of the firms to share this data.



Carl Wazen, co-founder and Chief Business Officer at Yoco, a growing fintech company in South Africa, reasons that this could have to do with companies “keeping their heads down and focusing, and not having a lot of time to make a noise”, whilst the other aspect is cultural.



“You have different cultural nuances [in Africa],” Wazen says, also alluding to the more mature markets such as the United States (U.S.) where this may not be so. “The U.S. is a lot more comfortable talking about money or talking about milestones, whereas, in Europe, money is maybe more taboo there than it is in the U.S.”



Andrew Amoils, Head of Research at New World Wealth, a South Africa-based global wealth intelligence firm, offers another view, indicating that most of the time, no matter where, people are not quite open about speaking about their billions or millions.



“It’s not unique to Africa,” Amoils says. “I guess some people feel like you’re kind of putting a target on [their] back and [that] can affect the way they [talk about money]&#8230; only a few countries (the U.S., United Kingdom and Australia) have pretty transparent information.”



For those looking, there are enough studies and reports indicating the actual picture of wealth on the African continent. The total investable wealth currently held in Africa amounts to $2.5 trillion and its millionaire population is set to rise by 65% over the next 10 years, ac-cording to the 2024 Africa Wealth Report, published by international wealth advisory firm, Henley &amp; Partners.



“Future growth should [be] fueled by strong growth in fast-growing sectors such as fintech, eco-tourism, business process outsourcing, software development, rare metals mining, green tech, media and entertainment, and wealth management,” Amoils adds.



There has been global advancement in fostering gender diversity within leadership roles. However, when determining and understanding the spaces taken up by the titans in small business, FORBES AFRICA’s research led to more male founders, leaders, and C-suite executives, hence the preponderance of one gender over the other in our list of Africa’s Small Giants. This shows that progress comes with caveats. LinkedIn’s 2024 data indicates that the representation of women drops to 25% in C-suite positions on average, compared to 46% in entry-level positions.



The World Economic Forum reported in 2023 that women constitute 58% of self-employment across Africa, and contribute approximately 13% of Africa’s total GDP. However, many women still find themselves working a lot harder to be heard or seen by potential investors as well as colleagues. The female powerhouses on our inaugural Small Giants list attest to this reality, hands down.



“Being a woman in business, in general, is quite difficult,” says Tasneem Karodia, the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer at Newform Foods. “I come from a career in corporate, and that has its own challenges. I started quite young working in consulting, and had to be faced with a lot of top executives from big companies.”



“I’m an entrepreneur, and I don’t really take no for an answer,” offers Delia Stirling, founder of Grove and Meadow and Commercial Director at Brown’s Food Company. “I just wouldn’t tolerate somebody not working with me because I [am] a woman. I think it’s that perseverance that you have to have&#8230; When I work with anybody, they can feel the passion and understand where I’m coming from.”



“I was very used to being the only woman at the table,” Claire Blanckenberg, founder and CEO, Reel Gardening, tells FORBES AFRICA. “And I just kind of put my head down and claimed my seat at the table without asking for permission.” What remains steadfast as a theme on this list is the priority to showcase businesses that are African, with a proudly African mindset.



From a community-focused food-processing company or a sneaker brand that is uniquely recognizable for its mesh material to a female-led enterprise known globally as a pioneer in the tea industry, these businesses are small in scale but big on ideas and impact. For these businesses, it’s not about reaching three-comma numbers when it comes to revenues or fortunes, but rather, about honoring their unflinching belief that success can have a whole different definition in creating meaningful futures, for all.



METHODOLOGY



Africa is rich with opportunities and possibilities, as evidenced by this list, which is but only a small representation or subset of the growing, thriving small business sector on the continent. From across Africa, the FORBES AFRICA editorial team looked at businesses that were at least five years old this year, were privately-held, had sound business models and were profitable. Our research led us to finding the local heroes in their communities. We called for nominations, which gave founders an opportunity to put forth the names of their enterprises. To gain deeper insight into their impact-driven models, we interviewed the founders/directors/CEOs with one key question: what makes your business homegrown and proudly African? To determine their scale of success, we looked at metrics such as self-preservation, sustainability, community engagement, innovation and value-creation. While this unranked list of 25 local businesses captures the versatility of industries on the continent, purpose remains a common priority for each of these Small Giants.



Editor’s Note: The list on these pages follows no particular order. 



Download your copy now to find out who is on our #SmallGiants List by<a href="https://shop.forbesafrica.com/product/single-digital-issue-june-july-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> clicking here</a>

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The List: Purpose-Driven And Proudly African

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FORBES AFRICA 30 UNDER 30 CLASS of 2023: TOMORROW’S TITANS

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It’s that time of the year again! FORBES AFRICA is calling on Africa’s brightest visionaries, risk-takers, change-makers and pioneers to take their place on the continent’s sought-after 30 Under 30 list.



For 2023, we are now on the quest for 30 of Africa’s most ingenious innovators under the age of 30 for the categories of Business, Technology, Creatives, Sport and Science/Health.



The <a href="https://www.forbesafrica.com/cover-story/2022/07/15/the-class-of-2022-money-and-meaning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Class of 2022 </a>proved to the world that Africa’s Under 30s care about making money as well as meaning. For these young trailblazers, it was not just about commerce and clout but about ensuring they represent well their countries and the diverse, heterogeneous Africa they want to serve.



“Every year, the list keeps getting better and 2022 was also historic in that the cover shoot for this issue was in Botswana, for the first time outside of Johannesburg; and the finalists shone in every sense,” says Renuka Methil, Editor of FORBES AFRICA.



As we prepare for the ninth installment of the 30 Under 30 list, we also announce a few changes. Our process is extremely rigorous, and as the nominees progress through the stages, it gets more intense. As in the past, we will require a police clearance certificate (PCC) or report from your country verifying that you have no criminal record, no ongoing or upcoming court cases and that you are a citizen of that country. As an extra layer of verification, the FORBES AFRICA Under 30 team of curators now also need a recommendation/reference letter from your financial institution (like your bank), ensuring that you are a legitimate business/brand employing your funds responsibly. We recommend that you contact your financial institution or advisor to prepare for this part of the process.



In the end, it will all be worth it as you join these past honorees who are now illustrious Under 30 alumni; like Elsa Majimbo, Mr. Eazi, Lasizwe, Musa Keys, Lloyd Harris, Sho Madjozi, Bruce Diale, Antonio Depina, Karabo Poppy, Thuso Mbedu, Dr. Esperance Luvindao, Nomzamo Mbatha, Kabza De Small, Burna Boy, Nthabiseng Mosia, Davido, Shamim Nabuuma Kaliisa, Sikander Kalla, Nasty C, Chad le Clos, and WizKid.



“These are the shining stars who will be leading our future and deciding what’s best. What we are looking for in 2023? Even more committed young people pivoting the continent to progress, profits, and prosperity,” adds Methil. 



<h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading" id="h-nominations-and-applications-criteria">NOMINATIONS AND APPLICATIONS CRITERIA:&nbsp;</h2>



Please read and take careful note of the following before applying. APPLICATIONS CLOSE 20 January 2023 17:00 (SAST)



Business and Technology categories&nbsp;



<ol class="wp-block-list"><li>Must be an entrepreneur/founder aged 29 or younger on 31 March 2023&nbsp;</li><li>Should have a legitimate REGISTERED business on the continent&nbsp;</li><li>Business/businesses should be two years or older (please ensure you have your audited financial documents for at least two years as well as your company&#8217;s registration documents; should you make the second stage, this will be required)&nbsp;</li><li>The more innovative the business the better (as it contributes to Africa’s growth story!)&nbsp;</li><li>Have you/your company created social impact on the African continent?&nbsp;</li><li>The company must be profit-generating&nbsp;</li><li>Must employ people in Africa&nbsp;</li><li>All applications must be in English&nbsp;</li></ol>



Sports category



<ol class="wp-block-list"><li>Must be a sports person aged 29 or younger on 31 March 2023</li><li>Must be representing an African team</li><li>Should have a proven track-record of no less than two years</li><li>Should be making significant earnings</li><li>Endorsement deals and/or awards of any kind would be a bonus</li><li>Entrepreneurship and social impact are a plus, especially if applying under the Business/Technology category. However, the business must oblige by the same rules as under Business/Technology.</li><li>All applications must be in English</li></ol>



Creatives category&nbsp;



<ol class="wp-block-list"><li>Must be a creative aged 29 or younger on 31 March 2023&nbsp;</li><li>Must be from or based in Africa&nbsp;</li><li>Should be making significant earnings&nbsp;</li><li>Should have a proven creative record of no less than two years&nbsp;</li><li>Awards of any kind would be a bonus&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Social media presence will be taken into consideration.&nbsp;</li><li>Entrepreneurship and social impact are a plus, especially if applying under the Business/Technology category. However, the business must be legitimate, registered and also two years or older.&nbsp;</li><li>All applications must be in English&nbsp;</li></ol>



Health/Science category&nbsp;



<ol class="wp-block-list"><li>Must be a creative aged 29 or younger on 31 March 2023 </li><li>Must be from or based in Africa </li><li>Should have a proven track record in the field of health and/or science for no less than two years. </li><li>Must have social influence and impact. </li><li>If the nominee is a doctor/professor, please provide us with documentation and a reference letter from the institution where the applicant received a doctorate or Ph.D.   </li><li>Entrepreneurship and social impact are a plus, especially if applying under the Business/Technology category. However, the business must be legitimate, registered, and also two years or older. </li><li>All applications must be in English</li></ol>



APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED!

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Call For Nominations To FORBES AFRICA’s 30 Under 30 Class Of 2023

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When a 16-year-old Brett Lyndall Singh from Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, was unable to perform CPR on his sick grandmother, he used this traumatic experience as his calling to become a doctor.



“It kind of cemented the idea of me making sure that I have the skills to be able to save people’s lives,” Singh tells FORBES AFRICA.



The congenial doctor has a spring in his step when we meet him, as he speaks about his journey around the world in medicine and health.



“Unfortunately, I couldn’t study in South Africa due to a lack of space [in medical school],” Singh explains. “And I took a leap of faith and applied to universities around the world and got a great offer from China. And so, I moved to China when I was 17 going [on] 18 back in 2011. I then studied at Wenzhou Medical University for my bachelor of medicine and surgery. I was then able to do some internships and electives at the Royal Melbourne Hospital in Australia.”



When Covid-19 became a vast and ugly reality across the globe, Singh spent days in Covid wards in China, and says was even invited by President Xi Jinping and the Communist party to go to Beijing to volunteer during the pandemic as one of two African doctors.



Singh is now also involved in South Africa’s national response to Covid-19 and is also currently the chairperson of the Global Value Chains working group of the Department of Trade and Industry Cooperation’s national healthcare master plan.



“My job is to unlock the strategy and investment and opportunities around ‘made in South Africa’ medical devices and healthcare products. So, as a doctor, getting involved in research and development and in the healthcare business started with my thesis in combatting sub-Saharan Africa’s malnutrition…



“I am helping to create a device that could make a doctor’s life better, and could also contribute to stimulating the economy of South Africa and Africa… And I’m trying to be the bridge to help technology transfer like what we did in our project for rapid antigen, as well as component manufacturing, so that we can stimulate the economy, do more research and development and go forward.”



When Covid-19 first broke in 2020, whilst with Plame Biotech, Singh’s company Alpha and Omega MedTech contributed to medical advancements in coronavirus diagnostics by way of the KOVIFAST Rapid Antigen Test, which compared to a PCR Test, only needing 15 minutes to identify a test, rather than six to 18 hours.



Alpha and Omega MedTech was soon approved by CDC Africa’s Africa Medical Supplies Platform as an official supplier of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Medical Devices. Singh’s company has one of the youngest founding teams to hold a South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) license. His work on diagnostics, and its pairing with digital healthcare in epidemiological tracking was presented at the First International Conference on Public Health in Africa hosted by CDC Africa.



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Words and Curation: Chanel Retief Art Director: Lucy Nkosi Additional Research &amp; Reporting: Lillian Roberts Photography: Ilan Godfrey for Forbes Videography and production: Timothy Pierson for Forbes &amp; Chad McClymonds for Forbes Video Editor: Chanel Retief Styling: Katlego Magano of Oak Ave; Assistant: Tumelo Nkwe Hair &amp; Makeup: SnehhOnline Beauty; Thapelo Letsebe Location: Image Lounge, Botswana and 2022 Forbes Under 30 Summit



<a href="https://shop.forbesafrica.com/product/single-digital-issue-june-july-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get your digital copy here</a>



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#FORBESAFRICA30UNDER30: Meet Cover Star DR BRETT LYNDALL SINGH: ‘Helping Create A Device That Could Make A Doctor’s Life Better’

Having grown up as a conservative Northern Nigerian, it was ingrained in Fatima Babakura that at a certain age, inevitably, she would have to finish school and then get married “to someone rich who can take care of you”.



But Babakura was never going to let this happen.



“Living in Lagos gave me a different perspective because I was living around people whose mindset was ‘make your own money and then go to school’ so it’s not like you are waiting for someone to come and take care of you’,” Babakura tells FORBES AFRICA. “And because I was privileged enough to experience that, I am not your average Northern Nigerian girl.”



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Babakura is the founder, chief executive officer and designer of Timabee, an accessories brand that “redefines luxury in Africa and beyond”.



Her sharp eye for design, curiosity and yen for imagining a product and bringing it to life motivated her to start Timabee.



Babakura began the brand in her first year of university in Canada.



She had designed a “simple handbag” and given it to her close family friend as a gift.



“I didn’t even think it was that great,” she laughs. But continuing on with her theme to be “curious”, she set out to find a manufacturer who would make this bag.



“Keep in mind, I was an accounting student with no business or fashion background. I did a simple Google search which led me to Alibaba where I found a company that agreed to make me a sample for $150 in December 2013.”



From the pocket money she received from her parents, 17-year-old Babakura set out to spend the $150 which she ended up losing as “I interacted with a fraudulent vendor and had no clue”.



Losing the money did not stop her.



“I was determined to find someone else to make my bag, but this time I was a lot more careful and I did my due diligence researching the company.”



One of the biggest highlights for Timabee was in 2021, when the brand was approved by award-winning American artist and businesswoman, Beyoncé.



“Last year, when Beyoncé’s team compiled a list of black-owned businesses, we were honored to make the list. It just goes to show that as a small, growing brand, the work we put in every day does not go unnoticed.”



Having taken the pro-women approach when it comes to running her business, she wants to encourage many women, including those who may look like her, to feel empowered to start enterprises.



“Starting Timabee as a young girl, there were many mistakes I made as I did not seek out mentorship earlier on due to the fear of being rejected. I learned a lot through trial and error, many of which cost the company money and could have easily been avoided had I sought mentorship,” Babakura says. “This is a major reason why I have set up Timabee global resources, a concept aimed at helping entrepreneurs in the accessory business navigate their way to global recognition and achieve success. I truly believe in paying it forward and so in the next three years, I hope to open a mentoring school specifically for high school and university students where they can have hands-on experience on the business of fashion especially as it relates to Africa.



“Many girls from Northern Nigeria aspire to marry rich as a ‘career path’, sadly. I believe that through my mentorship program, the right mindset will be the foundation for future success especially since I will be an example to them through my achievements as a Northern girl.”



Words and Curation: Chanel Retief Art Director: Lucy Nkosi Additional Research &amp; Reporting: Lillian Roberts Photography: Ilan Godfrey for Forbes Videography and production: Timothy Pierson for Forbes &amp; Chad McClymonds for Forbes Video Editor: Chanel Retief Styling: Katlego Magano of Oak Ave; Assistant: Tumelo Nkwe Hair &amp; Makeup: SnehhOnline Beauty; Thapelo Letsebe Location: Image Lounge, Botswana and 2022 Forbes Under 30 Summit



<a href="https://shop.forbesafrica.com/product/single-digital-issue-june-july-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get your digital copy here</a>



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#FORBESAFRICA30UNDER30: Meet Cover Star FATIMA BABAKURA- ‘I am not your average Northern Nigerian girl’

“RISKING YOUR JOB FOR 10 MINUTES OF SLEEP&#8230; THAT’S CALLED SACRIFICE&#8230;” says Majimbo, donning her iconic sunglasses. “If I get up on time then what is the snooze button for,” she asks, proceeding to crunch on a crisp, perfectly-rounded potato chip.



When you think of that Kenyan accent, the 90s-themed sunglasses, the potato chip, and the hallmark giggle, Majimbo immediately has you thinking “iconic”.



Just ask any one of her loyal followers on Instagram.



The Nairobi-born Majimbo, who spent her days playing chess and attending college, was not aiming to be an internet sensation with her laughter-inducing, pared-down vid- eos when the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020.



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“I made these videos to make myself laugh and then one day my friend told me that I had gone viral,” she tells FORBES AFRICA.



The videos became a sensation and Majimbo a social media star. Two years on, Majimbo sits with over 2.5 million followers on Instagram.



At this year’s Forbes Under 30 Summit Africa, she said: “Growing up, I always knew I would be iconic. I didn’t know how I would do it, but I knew it would be done.”



Once Majimbo’s videos broke the internet, she immediately informed the journalism institution she was attending and dropped out; she did not even tell her parents.



“I think it was a relief for me because I always say this, I never like[d] school,” Majimbo says.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote has-text-align-center is-style-large is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">“ONE THING PEOPLE ALWAYS GET WRONG ABOUT ME THOUGH IS THAT I AM ALWAYS HAPPY. I HAVE BAD DAYS TOO GUYS.”</blockquote>



On set at the FORBES AFRICA 30 Under 30 photo- shoot in Gaborone in April, Majimbo’s energy was infectious.



“One thing people always get wrong about me though is that I am always happy. I have bad days too guys,” she laughs.



At just 20 years old, Majimbo has already graced the covers of Teen Vogue, Verified, Harper’s Bazaar, and GQ South Africa. She has been featured in Maison Valentino campaigns and has won ‘entertainer of the year’ awards for both GQ South Africa and FORBES WOMAN AFRICA.



Currently, the young starlet is on her way “to make that Hollywood money” in her new home in Los Ange- les where Majimbo’s short documentary, Elsa, will premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in June.



“You’re going to see me on the big screen,” she promised at the summit.



When it comes to her millions of followers, she always ensures that she is authentic and inspires them to go after their dreams.



“Enjoy your life&#8230; it’s never that deep. People will try and discourage you and you can do whatever you want,” Majimbo says. “Chase that bag until it starts chasing you.&#8221; 



Words and Curation: Chanel Retief Art Director: Lucy Nkosi Additional Research &amp; Reporting: Lillian Roberts Photography: Ilan Godfrey for Forbes Videography and production: Timothy Pierson for Forbes &amp; Chad McClymonds for Forbes Video Editor: Chanel Retief Styling: Katlego Magano of Oak Ave; Assistant: Tumelo Nkwe Hair &amp; Makeup: SnehhOnline Beauty; Thapelo Letsebe Location: Image Lounge, Botswana and 2022 Forbes Under 30 Summit



<a href="https://shop.forbesafrica.com/product/single-digital-issue-june-july-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get your digital copy here</a>



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#FORBESAFRICA30Under30: Meet Cover Star ELSA MAJIMBO- ‘Chase That Bag, Until it Starts Chasing You’

Advancing Africa’s economic status is dependent on attracting investment and private capital. However, your board is likely subconsciously influenced by the perceived risks of funding infrastructure projects in Africa.   



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Luckily, according to two reports, the market perception is changing for the better. The reports, released this quarter by the African Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (AVCA), show investor confidence in Africa’s economic recovery and Africa’s Private Capital industry maturing. &nbsp;



While current and alternative funding mechanisms will be discussed by industry experts at <a href="https://www.enlit-africa.com/welcome" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Enlit Africa on 7-9 June at the CTICC in Cape Town</a>, these reports indicate that Africa is already attracting investment. &nbsp;



<a href="https://www.enlit-africa.com/the-event/Learn/programme" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">VIEW THE ENTLIT AFRICA PROGRAMME</a>&nbsp;



According to AVCA’s 2021 Annual African Private Capital Activity Report, the total value of private capital deals reported in Africa reached a record high of $7.4bn, compared to $3.4bn registered in 2020 – surpassing the annual average deal value of $4bn between 2016 and 2020 (+85%).  Overall, Financials and Utilities were the largest sectors by value, attracting 19% and 18% respectively from 2016 to 2021. &nbsp;



<a href="http://www.enlit-africa.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Enlit Africa</a> will explore not only the efforts being made by commercial and industrial entities to secure their own power supply, but the knock-on effects of such efforts, such as the development of mutually beneficial decentralised renewable energy (DRE) solutions that meet the demands of both mining operations and surrounding communities.&nbsp;



In this context, UNIDO ITPO Germany and the Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE) are highlighting the opportunity for mining companies and renewable energy providers to enter into partnerships to move towards a sustainable and inclusive mining sector.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Other sessions of interest over the three day event include:&nbsp;



Alternative financing solutions to scale access to energy&nbsp;



Conference sessions at Enlit Africa will additionally consider the role of alternative funding mechanisms, including innovative new asset leasing and construction finance tools providing catalytic capital to mini-grid developers. Inspired by similar asset based financing models used in mature industries such as construction and mining, these new finance tools have been designed to address some of the most important hurdles facing mini-grid developers.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Crowdfunding through crypto-based decentralised finance&nbsp;



Companies providing access to energy products often bundle them with financing solutions to enable customers to purchase expensive solar kits on credit. However, this business model requires high capital to scale. Crypto-based decentralised finance (DeFi), could represent a solution by connecting impact-oriented investors with unbanked rural customers.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Roundtable discussions offer the opportunity to dig a bit deeper&nbsp;



During the Navigating the changing finance landscape in Africa roundtable sessions, attendees will get to join ‘speed’ roundtable sessions and the chance to get to grips with some of the following topics:&nbsp;



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Clean energy funds for Africa&nbsp;</li><li>Commercial vs impact finance to achieve clean climate objectives&nbsp;</li><li>Microfinance / early stage investing for renewable energy&nbsp;</li><li>How can conventional power projects transform and get funding to create renewable energy?&nbsp;</li><li>Is Africa still considered a high risk investment destination?&nbsp;</li></ul>



Table hosts and speakers include Rivhatshinyi Mandavha, Investment Professional, Norfund; Farai Kanonda, Regional Manager: Energy, African Development Bank;&nbsp; Lisa Pinsley, Partner, Head of MENA: Energy, Actis; and Hlompho Vuyo Ntoi, Joint Managing Director, Africa Infrastructure Investment Managers.&nbsp;



The keynote sessions taking place on 7 and 8 June, in line with the focus of the conference theme – Collaboration to fast forward Africa’s energy transition – will focus on understanding the finance options, the priorities and the roadmap of the $8.5 billion Just Energy Transition Partnership announced at COP26.&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.enlit-africa.com/register/delegate-registration#Get%20back%20to%20business%20with%20Enlit%20Africa,%20formerly%20African%20Utility%20Week!" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">REGISTER FOR YOUR DELEGATE PASS</a>&nbsp;</h2>



This agreement between the United State, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the European Union (EU) and South Africa to support the just energy transition, is an example of the kind of collaborative efforts needed in order to ensure the transition in Africa is supported by finance of appropriate magnitude.&nbsp;



Africa’s economy continues to be fertile ground with attractive investment opportunities for investors in search of yields. This will be seen in June when Africa’s key stakeholders meet with international players to discuss this topic and more in Cape Town this coming June.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Register now to secure your seat at the strategic and knowledge hub sessions at the <a href="https://www.enlit-africa.com/the-event/attend" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Enlit Africa conference &amp; exhibition taking place on 7-9 June at the CTICC in Cape Town</a>. Enlit Africa – your guide to the energy transition.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-register-for-your-free-visitor-pass"><a href="https://www.enlit-africa.com/the-event/attend" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">REGISTER FOR YOUR FREE VISITOR PASS</a>&nbsp;</h2>



About Enlit Africa:&nbsp;



Enlit Africa (formerly African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa) is Africa’s leading exhibition and conference, gathering the power and energy industry’s most influential professionals and decision makers from across the continent for three days of relevant, accredited technical and strategic conference seminars, valuable networking opportunities and access to world-class products and solutions.&nbsp;



Enlit Africa is organised by <a href="http://www.wearevuka.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Vuka Group </a>(formerly <a href="http://www.clarioneventsafrica.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clarion Events Africa</a>), a leading Cape Town-based and multi-award-winning organiser of exhibitions, conferences and digital events across the continent in the infrastructure, energy, mining, mobility, ecommerce and CX sectors.&nbsp;&nbsp;



&nbsp; Industry support&nbsp; Eskom, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy and the City of Cape Town have been official hosting partners of the event for many years and 2022 will be no exception.&nbsp;



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Forbes article image Enlit

Collaborating To Fast Forward Africa’s Energy Transition

For the first time on the African continent, the Forbes Under 30 Summit Africa kicked off in Botswana’s capital Gaborone yesterday, April 24, with 600 entrepreneurs in attendance for the five-day event.



At the opening night in Gaborone’s historic Main Mall, an outdoor shopping and commercial hub in the heart of the city, an audience of about 2,000, including summit delegates and members of the public, cheered and swayed to live music.



The country’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi, who&nbsp;took to the podium for the welcome speech, was greeted by more applause and celebratory ululations.



“Some of the finest under-30s that the world of entrepreneurship has to offer [are here], with 200 from Botswana, 200 from the rest of Africa and another 200 from the rest of the world… We will witness for the first time how Botswana harnesses the power of the entrepreneurial spirit and promotes conversations that foster innovations and creativity… In Botswana, the youth, being change-makers and future leaders, are continuously encouraged to play a leading role through various funding mechanisms from public to private sources… we have also embarked on digitization as the epicenter of our national development agenda and young people are being empowered through several initiatives,” said Masisi.



For the many watching, this was “a people’s concert” held in a place of significance.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



“The Main Mall is the original mall built after independence. A lot of us grew up here,” remarked Pat Dambe, Head of Corporate Affairs at the De Beers Group of Companies in Botswana.



The crowds gathered outside the Cresta President Hotel, overlooking the main stage.&nbsp;



“The President Hotel is a legacy hotel. And our President wanted to bring everybody back to where we started and it really is a renaissance. It’s a rebirth. And it’s all about young people, so it’s also the future. We are so excited to see the buildings around that have been upgraded,” added Dambe.



In the crowd, Kemo Kwadiba, the Managing Director of Care Medicals Botswana and one of the 200 entrepreneurs from Botswana sponsored by De Beers and the country to experience the summit, was ecstatic as local hip hop artist ATI took to the stage for an energetic performance.



“I am very keen to meet with entrepreneurs from Africa and the world at the summit; I want to share notes with them, all the way from here to Kasane, where I will be attending the second leg of the summit,” said Kwadiba.



Yet another young businessman in the crowd, Botsile Tshepo Moreba, the owner of Sanctified Delights Bakery in Bobonong, a&nbsp;small town in the country’s Central District, drove five hours to get here.



“I am not an Under 30 lister, but I feel like one,” he said.



Lenny Motshodi, a small-scale farmer who mainly sells lettuce, said he too was looking forward to mingle with other agri-preneurs in the audience.



Similar sentiments from summit attendee, Busi Pooe, the CEO of Tshimong in South Africa and also FORBES AFRICA’s 2019 30 Under 30 lister: “Tonight was hugely inspirational. I had the opportunity to reconnect with past FORBES AFRICA Under 30s from all over the African continent who&#8217;ve been recognized for their potential, and have actually gone on to realize it. President Masisi commented that Africa&#8217;s time is now and the youth are in the driving seat. I&#8217;m excited for the next few days of networking as it will continue to build on the momentum set tonight.”&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;



Just before Ghana’s DJ Black made his way to the stage for his much-awaited show, President Masisi concluded his speech, summing up the mood of the night: “My wife and I are in our dancing shoes and we are ready to rock!”

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An African Night Celebrating Global Entrepreneurship  

Baron &amp; Cabot have now expanded in Kenya and Nigeria. Africans can now invest in property within UK.



Baron &amp; Cabot, a UK property investment company has launched their new base in Kenya and Nigeria to finally help Kenyans and Nigerians invest in property within the UK in a simple and effective way. “Baron &amp; Cabot is undoubtedly the fastest growing UK property investment company in the world,” remarks Mark Pearson, founder of Baron &amp; Cabot.



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“We aim to help Kenyans and Nigerians with the ability to provide mortgages and buying of property through thorough research for the safety of their investment in the UK.”



Investing in property in the UK is greatly considered to be one of the lowest risk investments in the world, with consistent long-term returns factored in by continuous growth within the country. Baron &amp; Cabot has built a market leading research strategy for the investor to simply just choose what would be suitable for them. The investor is also granted a step-by-step guide on sourcing the right property to purchase in the UK. This gives the investor the power and confidence to ask the right questions for profitable property investment.



“As the demand for property investment rises within African investors, our main goal is to make sure the process of property investment always remains transparent and simple.” added Mark Pearson, founder of Baron &amp; Cabot.



A great opportunity presented by the UK is that foreigners can legally buy property or have banks offer favourable mortgage terms for investment. This investment platform gives Africans an opportunity to invest in property with ease and without limitations. Thus, while seeking to invest in property, Baron &amp; Cabot stands out to be the paramount property investment organization that an investor can trust through the investment process.



“Our introduction in Kenya and Nigeria will greatly impact property investment and sourcing in the UK, thus creating more options for investors”, says James Walsh, Head of Sales at Baron &amp; Cabot Research. Baron &amp; Cabot has worked with investors across the world and impacted many from their first to fifty first properties. This expansion creates a great opportunity for African investors.



About Baron &amp; Cabot Baron &amp; Cabot is an independent international property investment and research company that aims to provide the best fully researched property investments in the UK. We provide an extensive market leading research strategy for our clients to gain full confidence in making fully informed investments. We only work with low risk off-plan or completed developments which have been fully researched within the UK. Through a due diligence process (from sourcing, due diligence, future value prediction, solicitors and mortgages), we have greatly impacted our clients to invest in their first to fifty first properties.

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More Opportunities For Africans To Invest In Property In The UK

<blockquote class="wp-block-quote has-text-align-center is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">“I’ll return a stronger man. This land is still my home.” <cite>– final tweet from Riky Rick</cite></blockquote>



Award-winning rapper, Rikhado Makhado, known professionally as Riky Rick, passed away in the early hours of Wednesday. The family released a statement confirming the untimely death of the South African songwriter, producer, fashion designer and businessman.



How do you try to objectively encapsulate the life of someone who made a big mark in music in a few sentences? That has been the biggest question on everyone’s mind who has written “Rest in Peace Riky Rick” over the last few hours remembering one of South Africa’s greatest musical sensations who at the age of 34 passed away early morning on Wednesday, February 23.



Rikhado Makhado was born in the lively township of KwaMashu in South Africa’sKwaZulu-Natal province. Though from a small town, Makhado had big dreams of breaking musical barriers both on stage and off it. The rapper&#8217;s climb to the top began in a studio session with Bongani Fassie, the son of the legendary Brenda Fassie.



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter 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">“If you know where you came from, there are no limitations to where you can go&#8230;” <a href="https://t.co/YvEUZAF9ng">pic.twitter.com/YvEUZAF9ng</a>&mdash; MR MAKHADO (@rikyrickworld) <a href="https://twitter.com/rikyrickworld/status/1455881551779086339?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2021</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Shortly thereafter, Makhado released his single Nafukwa, in 2014, which placed him on the musical map as ‘The Riky Rick’. Having made a name for himself as an artist through his platinum certified 2015 album Family Values, Makhado became instrumental in influencing the South African Hip Hop culture behind the scenes as well as in front of it.



According to Apple Music: “With honest expressions of familial love and sleek, high-end production, Riky Rick dedicates himself to authentic South African rap. He joyously waxes lyrical over kwaito house beats on &#8220;Murdah&#8221;, shifts into full swagger mode over the thundering clapback of &#8220;Boss Zonke&#8221;, and shines bright amidst a cipher full of peers on &#8220;Amantombanze (Remix)&#8221;. Whether shouting boasts or paying tribute to American rapper Tupac Shakur over the scintillating keyboards of &#8220;Makaveli&#8221;, Riky Rick delivers nothing less than full-throttle passion.”



Being part of album songs alongside some of South Africa’s biggest names in music: Major League DJz (twin brothers Bandile and Banele Mbere), Thabo Ngubane – also known as Mas Musiq, Charmaine Shamiso Mapimbiro (Shasha) – and the Scorpion Kings DJ Maphorisa (Themba Sonnyboy Sekowe ) &amp; Kabza De Small (Kabelo Motha Mahlangu), his greatest hits include Amantombazane, Boss Zonke, and Sidlukotini.



He was also known to the country as Boss Zonke, Master Makhado, Minister of Energy, and King Kotini.



Behind the scenes, Makhado was also in the business world when in 2018, he joined forces with Sony and founded his record label Cotton Club Records. On top of that success, in 2019, Makhado established the musical festival, Cotton “Fest” Festival, celebrating and merging both well-known and upcoming South African talent, which was due to make a comeback in 2022 after a break due to the pandemic.



If breaking barriers in music was not enough, the award-winning artist also made his mark in fashion. In 2018, during a TV appearance on Live Amp, the artist fearlessly wore a skirt despite being “snubbed” on social media.



A few days before his passing, Makhado also announced his partnership with African Bank Limited, a retail bank in South Africa.



“Our story of audacity began years before we opened our doors in 1975. This year, we return to this audacious story to reposition our brand. We are happy to announce that Riky Rick is the official partner in retelling this story,” the company had said in a statement on Twitter.



As a firm believer in business, music and fashion, Makhado was also a firm believer in youth empowerment.



“Please believe in young people. Give them as many opportunities as they need to prove themselves. At any cost,” he tweeted. 



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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Please believe in young people. Give them as many opportunities as they need to prove themselves. At any cost.&mdash; MR MAKHADO (@rikyrickworld) <a href="https://twitter.com/rikyrickworld/status/1493618444310306828?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2022</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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The family man is survived by his wife, Bianca Naidoo, and two children.



South Africa took to social media after the news of his passing broke, sharing their shock and sadness of the untimely passing of the young musical legend.



South African entertainment, hospitality and media house Steyn Entertainment, known for their event Rocking The Daisies, tweeted, “We at Steyn Entertainment are deeply saddened by the passing of a true pioneer of the South African hip-hop industry. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through these difficult times.



“Deepest condolences to all family, friends and fans of @rikyrickworld What a massive loss to our country. Rest in peace king,” South African rock singer, songwriter, guitarist, composer and talk show host, Karen Zoid said. 



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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">May peace be with you, Makhado. You gave a lot of yourself, to the world, until the very end💔🕊. Love, and strength, to your beautiful family. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIPRikyRick?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RIPRikyRick</a>🕊 <a href="https://t.co/ijHvVBv8Ik">pic.twitter.com/ijHvVBv8Ik</a>&mdash; Thembisa Liyema Nxumalo (@tembisanxumalo) <a href="https://twitter.com/tembisanxumalo/status/1496460056262545408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2022</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Not many words can summarise how Riky Rick’s passing makes one feel. My heart is in pieces. I wish his wife,kids and his family love and light in this devastating time. We are grateful for what he shared with us. He will forever be one of the realest <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIPRikyRick?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RIPRikyRick</a> <a href="https://t.co/fyxbbMByvv">pic.twitter.com/fyxbbMByvv</a>&mdash; MoFlava (@moflavadj) <a href="https://twitter.com/moflavadj/status/1496459189690019840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2022</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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In their <a href="https://slikouronlife.co.za/blog/21243/the-makhado-family-confirm-the-untimely-passing-of-riky-rick" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">statement</a>, the family remember him for “his love for family, friends and community&#8230; Ricky’s nurturing and developing of young musical talent is well documented and will forever be remembered”

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A Nation In Mourning: South Africa’s A-List Rapper Riky Rick Dies

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline">TOPLINE</h2>



Modern&nbsp;<a href="https://investors.modernatx.com/Statements--Perspectives/Statements--Perspectives-Details/2022/Statement-on-COVID-19-Vaccine-Clinical-Studies-in-Children--Adolescents/default.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">announced</a>&nbsp;Wednesday it aims to report data of the efficacy of its Covid-19 vaccine in children ages 2-5 by March, and hopes to evaluate its booster shot for those ages 12-17 as Covid-related hospitalizations for children have reached record levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">KEY FACTS</h2>



If data from the 2 to 5 age group trials is promising, the company says it will proceed with regulatory filings to seek approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.



The FDA has yet to approve any Covid-19 vaccine for those ages 2 to 5, with only&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/children-teens.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pfizer</a>’s vaccine authorized for those ages 5 to 11.&nbsp;



Despite not yet having its initial two-dose vaccine approved for those ages 12 to 17, Moderna said it has been evaluating a booster dose for the age group.



Pfizer’s is also the only Covid-19 vaccine approved for those ages 12 to 17 in the U.S., though Moderna’s has received authorizations in Europe, Australia and Canada.



The FDA&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/moderna-says-fda-needs-more-time-complete-review-its-covid-19-shot-adolescents-2021-10-31/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told</a>&nbsp;Moderna in October the agency needed more time to assess the company’s vaccine before approving it for the adolescent age group, with an update possibly coming later this month.&nbsp;



Moderna says it began evaluating a lower dosage for the 6-to-11 and 12-to-17 age groups in order to meet regulatory guidance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-background">KEY BACKGROUND</h2>



Pfizer has also been conducting trials on the efficacy of its Covid-19 vaccine for those ages 2 to 5, as well as babies ages 6 months to 2 years. In December, it&nbsp;<a href="http://pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizer-and-biontech-provide-update-ongoing-studies-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">announced</a>&nbsp;initial trials showed the vaccine was not providing the same level of immunity in those ages 2 to 5 as it does in older age groups, though it proved effective for the 6- to 24-month group. The company said it would evaluate the efficacy of a third dose in an attempt to reach the desired immunity in this group, as well as a third dose for children ages 5 to 12.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-number">BIG NUMBER</h2>



&nbsp;7 million. That’s how many children ages 5 to 11 have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine as of January 5,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aap.org/en/pages/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-infections/children-and-covid-19-vaccination-trends/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according</a>&nbsp;to the CDC, representing a quarter of all 5- to 11-year-olds in the U.S. Experts&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/12/health/us-coronavirus-wednesday/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fear</a>&nbsp;this figure is not nearly high enough as children return to school in the new year. Hospitals&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#new-hospital-admissions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">averaged</a>&nbsp;870 new Covid-related pediatric admissions per day last week—the highest rate since the pandemic began.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chief-critic">CHIEF CRITIC</h2>



Dr. Robert Murphy, executive director for the Institute for Global Health at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kids-low-covid-vaccine-rate-impact-a3f24f27f39ab198755eff8f8e0e5493" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told</a>&nbsp;the Associated Press Wednesday the age group’s low vaccination rates are “very disturbing.” Murphy pointed to hesitation by some parents, who believe their children are not at risk for a severe reaction to the virus, stating they are “taking an enormous risk and continuing to fuel the pandemic.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-related-articles">RELATED ARTICLES</h2>



<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamhaseltine/2022/01/12/time-to-expand-vaccination-to-infants-and-toddlers-and-boosters-for-children/?sh=577327072c7c">Time to Expand Vaccination to Infants and Toddlers and Boosters for Children (Forbes)</a>



<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/joewalsh/2022/01/11/us-covid-hospitalizations-set-new-record---especially-in-these-states/?sh=5c83f3c348c1">U.S. Covid Hospitalizations Set New Record — Especially In These States (Forbes)</a>



<a href="https://www.forbes.com/coronavirus/">Full coverage and live updates on the Coronavirus</a>



By Mason Bissada, Forbes Africa

Vaccination bus Dortmund

Moderna Expects Vaccine Data For Kids Ages 2-5 By March

Covid-19 still dominated the conversation board last year, but a number of events, protests and coups that rocked Africa also got the world talking and social media aflutter. As we now embrace 2022, let&#8217;s take a look back at some of the biggest headlines in Africa in 2021



<h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading" id="h-guinea">Guinea</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image is-style-rounded"><figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/GettyImages-1235341892.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-53817" width="454" height="303" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/GettyImages-1235341892.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/GettyImages-1235341892-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/GettyImages-1235341892-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 454px) 100vw, 454px" /><figcaption> (Photo by CELLOU BINANI/AFP via Getty Images)</figcaption></figure></div>



Forbes reported in September that the special forces unit of the Guinea Armed Forces detained the country’s long-serving President Alpha Conde “in an apparent coup”. Unrest in the world’s third-largest producer of bauxite pushed aluminum prices to the highest level in over a decade.



Prices of the metal in the London Metal Exchange climbed 1.8% to $2,775.50 per ton — the highest it has been since May 2011. In China, the aluminum futures jumped up nearly 3.5% to around $3,400 (CNY 21,970) — the highest it has been since 2006 — before leveling off at around 2.3%.



<h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">South Africa #Elections2021</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/1-November-2021-FORBES-1-of-1-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-53818" width="531" height="354" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/1-November-2021-FORBES-1-of-1-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/1-November-2021-FORBES-1-of-1-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/1-November-2021-FORBES-1-of-1-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/1-November-2021-FORBES-1-of-1-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/1-November-2021-FORBES-1-of-1-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 531px) 100vw, 531px" /><figcaption>Photo by Yeshiel Panchia</figcaption></figure></div>



At the beginning of November, millions of South Africans took to their nearest polling stations to cast their votes for the local government elections. Although 26.2 million people had registered for the polls, the elections recorded reportedly the lowest voter turnout since South Africa became a democracy. Reports are that only a little over 12 million cast their ballots.



The Independent Electoral Commission finalized the outcome of the vote on November 4, with the number of hung councils more than double the number of the 2016 local government elections. A hung council refers to when no party has won the majority of the seats, therefore, making the parties with the most votes or seats the key decision-makers also known as a coalition municipality.



<h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">Sudan’s military coup</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image is-style-rounded"><figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/GettyImages-1236139567-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-53178" width="510" height="383" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/GettyImages-1236139567-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/GettyImages-1236139567-300x225.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/GettyImages-1236139567-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/GettyImages-1236139567.jpg 1500w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px" /><figcaption> (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)</figcaption></figure></div>



At the end of October, Al Jazeera reported that security forces in Sudan have arrested Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and several other members of the country’s civilian leadership. The military coup led to thousands protesting the arrests as well as the World Bank suspending aid to the country.



The day after the coup, the military allowed Hamdok and his wife to return to their home in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum, after he was detained in a top military leader’s house, according to Forbes.



<h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">Civil unrest in Eswatini</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/GettyImages-1236006847-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-53126" width="547" height="364" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/GettyImages-1236006847-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/GettyImages-1236006847-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/GettyImages-1236006847-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/GettyImages-1236006847-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/GettyImages-1236006847-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 547px) 100vw, 547px" /><figcaption>(Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)</figcaption></figure></div>



A series of ongoing protests gripped the landlocked southern African kingdom of Eswatini in recent months. Al Jazeera reported on October 22 that authorities in Eswatini banned protests following the latest wave of pro-democracy demonstrations in the kingdom. 



The unrest also reportedly escalated as nurses refused to treat police officers. The country also suspended Facebook access and shut down schools indefinitely as months of pro-democracy protests came to a head. Deaths and injuries were also reported.



<h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">Worldwide social media outages</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/GettyImages-1232869793-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-52718" width="252" height="189" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/GettyImages-1232869793-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/GettyImages-1232869793-300x225.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/GettyImages-1232869793-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/GettyImages-1232869793-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/GettyImages-1232869793-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 252px) 100vw, 252px" /><figcaption>I(Photo by Christoph Dernbach/picture alliance via Getty Images)</figcaption></figure></div>



Millions of Facebook users worldwide experienced outages in the beginning of October, as also users of the tech giant’s other major social media platforms, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger.



<h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">#PrayForEthiopia</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image is-style-rounded"><figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/GettyImages-1234068869.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-53819" width="499" height="333" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/GettyImages-1234068869.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/GettyImages-1234068869-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/GettyImages-1234068869-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 499px) 100vw, 499px" /><figcaption> (Photo by AMANUEL SILESHI/AFP via Getty Images)</figcaption></figure></div>



BBC News reported in November that Tigray&#8217;s rebel forces now “have the upper hand in the war that erupted a year ago in northern Ethiopia”. What started the war in November 2020 was a military conflict. CNN reported the conflict broke out due to Tigray People’s Liberation Front’s unilateral decision to elect a regional administration against Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s wishes.



“Our operation aims to end the impunity that has prevailed for far too long and hold accountable individuals and groups under the laws of the land,” Abiy said on Twitter. This reportedly has resulted in heavy casualties and thousands of civilians fleeing the region.



<h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">Riots and looting scar South Africa</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/11-July-2021-Zuma-Protests-Forbes-1-of-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-51793" width="532" height="355" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/11-July-2021-Zuma-Protests-Forbes-1-of-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/11-July-2021-Zuma-Protests-Forbes-1-of-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/11-July-2021-Zuma-Protests-Forbes-1-of-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/11-July-2021-Zuma-Protests-Forbes-1-of-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/11-July-2021-Zuma-Protests-Forbes-1-of-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 532px) 100vw, 532px" /><figcaption>Picture: Yeshiel Panchia</figcaption></figure></div>



Just a day after addressing the nation about strengthened Covid-19 lockdown restrictions on July 12, South African president Cyril Ramaphosa was back on TV screens again “with a heavy heart”, this time on the government’s response to the public violence and unrest ravaging parts of the country.



The vandalism, looting, riots, “political protests” and “anarchy” over that dark period led to the army being called in to “protect property and safeguard social and economic infrastructure”, as the president stated in his address.



The protests, sparked by the arrest of South Africa’s former president Jacob Zuma for contempt of court, began in KwaZulu- Natal (KZN), Zuma’s homestead, where he was incarcerated at the Estcourt Correctional Centre. The civil unrest saw multiple businesses, buildings and properties destroyed during the week of destruction. The protests continued in Gauteng, South Africa’s economic hub, in places such as Soweto, Jeppestown and Alexandra.

Woman Lounges on Sofa With Smart Phone

What Was Trending In Africa In 2021?

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has tested positive for COVID-19 amidst a rising fourth wave of infections in the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;



South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has tested positive for COVID-19 and is receiving treatment for mild symptoms, according to a press release issued by the Presidency.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &#8220;The president is in good spirits but is being monitored by the South African Military Health Service of the South African National Defence Force&#8221;&nbsp;said Minister of the Presidency&nbsp;Mondli&nbsp;Gungubele. &nbsp; &nbsp; Ramaphosa reportedly began feeling unwell after having attended the state memorial service of former South African President FW de Klerk in Cape Town earlier in the weekend. Ramaphosa had also recently been on a tour of four West African states, where the delegation had been tested regularly, including on their return to South Africa.&nbsp; &nbsp; However, the presidency has encouraged all persons who had contact with Ramaphosa during the memorial service to watch for symptoms and get tested.&nbsp;



“Today’s proceedings in Cape Town were undertaken in compliance with health regulations pertaining to hand hygiene, the wearing of face masks and social distancing… President Ramaphosa says his own infection serves as a caution to all people in the country to be vaccinated and remain vigilant against exposure” said the presidency in a statement.    The President is now in isolation and has handed over his duties to Deputy President David Mabuza for the week – Ramaphosa’s positive results coming amidst a striking fourth wave of infections in South Africa and the recent discovery of the Omicron variant, with 18 035 new daily cases recorded as of Sunday, and an additional 19 840 retrospective cases which had not been previously counted in daily totals previously.* *An earlier version of this story erroneously reported the new daily total number of cases as 37 875, which included both the daily cases and retrospective cases together &#8211; the article has been corrected to reflect these separately.

TOPSHOT-SAFRICA-HEALTH-VACCINE-VIRUS

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa tests positive for COVID-19

Nana Akufo-Addo, Ghana’s President, has repositioned the country in the global marketplace as one reliant on its own resources and strengths. He is redefining economic development and it’s resonating across Africa. In an exclusive interview with FORBES AFRICA, he dwells on the new focus of the West African nation that has in recent years consistently been one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. 



IN 2019, WHEN GHANA’S PRESIDENT NANA AKUFO-ADDO shared his vision for the national transformation agenda through the Ghana Beyond Aid (GBA) charter, the mandate for his New Patriotic Party (NPP) government was simple – move away from the traditional view of a Ghana dependent on aid to grow the economy and focus on its core competitive advantages.



Much before that, at a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron in 2017 in Ghana’s capital Accra where a local journalist asked whether France was going to extend its support to other countries in Africa that were nonFrench colonies, the Ghanaian president, serving his first term, had interjected with: “We can no longer continue to make policy for ourselves in our continent on the basis of whatever support that the western world can give us. It will not work, it has not worked and it will not work.” A visibly uncomfortable Macron could all but muster a somewhat embarrassed smile at the audience.



But the video of this speech went viral and the remark won AkufoAddo praise on social media. The president followed by tasking his government to implement the GBA strategy document and charter for a more prosperous Ghana.



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter 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">Congratulations to President of Ghana H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo (<a href="https://twitter.com/NAkufoAddo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NAkufoAddo</a>) for the well-deserved and earned <a href="https://twitter.com/forbesafrica?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@forbesafrica</a> African of the Year 2021. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AfricanOfTheYear?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AfricanOfTheYear</a> <a href="https://t.co/H3EHwqhG9D">pic.twitter.com/H3EHwqhG9D</a>&mdash; Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (@MaEllenSirleaf) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaEllenSirleaf/status/1467812557067067398?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2021</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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After years of negative growth and economic challenges, AkufoAddo had a new vision for Ghana when he assumed office in 2017, and that was for the country to look within, to its own capabilities. Central to his thinking of growing Ghana’s economy was offering free senior high school education to children who would otherwise not receive it.



Since its implementation, a total of 1.6 million students have reportedly benefited from the program. 



“We do want, and we shall work, to take Ghana to where she deserves to be, a prosperous and dynamic member of the world community which is neither a victim nor a pawn of the world order,” Akufo-Addo said in a speech at the 75th anniversary celebrations of North Rhine-Westphalia, a top industrial region in Germany. During the visit, the president expressed his determination for Ghana to wholeheartedly participate in the global marketplace not only as a supplier of raw materials but as a leading exporter of manufactured goods.



The messages were clear and consistent. Endowed with natural resources and human capital, Ghana wanted to take accountability for its own growth and economic development without relying solely on aid from former colonial masters.



The country had not been without its share of crises and difficulties. On the economic front, its over-reliance on gold and cocoa exports meant that there was little in the way of diversification with inflation peaking at 17.46%.



After the president won the 2016 elections and came to power in 2017, new oil fields were found with production starting in 2017 and jumping to 60 million barrels which resulted in a boost in oil export revenues, pushing the country’s economic growth above 6% for each of the three years to 2019, according to Reuters.



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<h1 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading" id="h-nana-akufo-addo-has-been-adjudged-the-2021-african-of-the-year-previous-winners-of-the-coveted-award-include-rwandan-president-paul-kagame-2018-president-of-the-african-development-bank-akinwumi-adesina-2019-and-world-trade-organization-director-general-ngozi-okonjo-iweala-2020">Nana Akufo-Addo has been adjudged the ‘2021 African of the Year’. Previous winners of the coveted award include Rwandan President Paul Kagame (2018), President of the African Development Bank Akinwumi Adesina (2019) and World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (2020).</h1>



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During that period, inflation receded to less than 10% for the first time in six years in 2018, according to figures from Ghana’s ministry of finance. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected a GDP growth rate of 8.8% in 2019 for Ghana as the fastest-growing economy in subSaharan Africa (SSA). A March 2018 article in The New York Times said:“Now, as oil prices rise again and the country’s oil production rapidly expands, Ghana is on track to make a remarkable claim for a country mired in poverty not long ago: It is likely to have one of the world’s fastest-growing economies this year, according to the World Bank, the African Development Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the Brookings Institution.”



<div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="748" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/PRST-Adesina-1024x748.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-44771 size-full" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/PRST-Adesina-1024x748.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/PRST-Adesina-300x219.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/PRST-Adesina-600x438.jpg 600w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/PRST-Adesina-768x561.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/PRST-Adesina-1536x1122.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/PRST-Adesina.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">“I would like to warmly congratulate H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana, on being named Forbes Africa&#8217;s &#8216;African of the Year.&#8217; This is an excellent and very well-deserved honour and recognition. As a leader, you continue to push the boundaries of what is possible for Ghana and the people of Africa. You are an embodiment of a remarkable &#8216;can-do&#8217; African spirit&#8230; a spirit of focused determination that seeks to make a difference in the lives of your people and unleash Africa&#8217;s true potential. Once again, congratulations and warm felicitations.&#8221;<cite>Dr Akinwumi A. Adesina, President, African Development Bank Group </cite></blockquote>




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A May 2019 article in the World Economic Forum concurred: “Just three decades ago, Ghana was in crisis; impoverished and suffering famine, it was on the verge of economic collapse. Fast-forward to the present day, the West African nation has staged a remarkable comeback and is predicted to be the world’s fastest-growing economy in 2019.”



The economic growth was not just buoyed by the discovery of oil but also what many economic pundits considered to be sound fiscal policies wrapped in a peaceful democracy. The world noticed. Companies such as Google, which in its bid to position itself as an ‘AI first’ company with already established centers in strategic cities such as Tokyo, Zurich and Paris, made the decision to open its first Artificial Intelligence center in Africa in Accra in 2019.



Exxon Mobil in 2018 moved to sign a deep-water oil exploration deal with Ghana after the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea drew a new ocean boundary favoring Ghana over the Ivory Coast in 2017, according to a Reuters report.



In 2020, automobile major Volkswagen expanded its footprint in SSA with the opening of a vehicle assembly facility in Accra, making Ghana its fifth vehicle assembly location in SSA (after South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria and Rwanda). And in April 2021, social media giant Twitter sent shock waves across the bigger economic hubs in Africa when it chose Ghana as its regional headquarters.



What has also been loudly clear has been Akufo-Addo’s deliberate strategy to involve the diaspora in the country’s economic growth. In September 2018, the president launched a year-long initiative to commemorate “the 400th anniversary of the firstrecorded forced arrival of enslaved African people to the United States” and dubbed it the Year of the Return, Ghana 2019.



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter 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">Congratulations President <a href="https://twitter.com/NAkufoAddo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NAkufoAddo</a> of Ghana on being named the African of the Year 2021 by the Forbes Africa Magazine. Thank you for your great leadership and all you do in positively projecting Africa. We are very proud of you, Your Excellency. 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 <a href="https://twitter.com/forbesafrica?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@forbesafrica</a> <a href="https://t.co/TfAp8lX1Ao">https://t.co/TfAp8lX1Ao</a>&mdash; Akinwumi A. Adesina (@akin_adesina) <a href="https://twitter.com/akin_adesina/status/1467119088245870595?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2021</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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The President called for not just Ghanaians but people of African descent, including African-Americans, to return to Africa, or more specifically Ghana, in what was to be a reconnection with their roots. New visitors arriving to the shores of Ghana were welcomed to a shiny, newly-refurbished airport which was adjudged winner of best airport by passenger volume on the continent according to Airports Council International. In what is perhaps the president’s biggest PR campaign and by far the country’s loudest communication drive, it was estimated that the Year of the Return campaign resulted in an additional 237,000 visitors to Ghana accounting for a 45% increase compared to the previous year and thereby injecting $1.9 billion into the Ghanaian economy, according to figures from the Ghana Tourism Authority.



The country also made strides in the international bond market, raising $3 billion on the international debt market using a four-year zero-coupon bond tranche.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/GettyImages-1133592927.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-53595" width="647" height="472" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/GettyImages-1133592927.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/GettyImages-1133592927-300x219.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/GettyImages-1133592927-768x561.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 647px) 100vw, 647px" /><figcaption>President of Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo delivers the Keynote Address for the 2019 10th Annual Africa Development Conference at Harvard University (Photo by Paul Marotta/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure></div>



“This historic bond issuance is a strong signal that investors have confidence in our plan for debt sustainability, economic recovery and growth,” said Ghana’s finance minister Ken OforiAtta, as reported in Reuters.



And where investors have confidence, foreign direct investments (FDI) follow. According to the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), despite the pandemic, total investment inflows reached $2,796.49 million in 2020, with a total FDI value of $2,650.97 million accounting for a 139.06% increase over 2019.



This means some 279 projects were registered within the year amounting to an estimate of 27,110 jobs being generated from those projects. Another plus? The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement which came into effect from January 2021. Ghana was selected amongst its peers as the trading bloc’s Secretariat. 



The AfCFTA is estimated to create a single continental market for goods and services covering a market of 1.2 billion people and accounting for a combined GDP of $3 trillion.



“As a champion for democracy, Ghana is a supporter of free speech, online freedom, and the Open Internet, of which Twitter is also an advocate. Furthermore, Ghana’s recent appointment to host the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area aligns with our overarching goal to establish a presence in the region that speech, online freedom, and the Open Internet, of which Twitter is also an advocate. Furthermore, Ghana’s recent appointment to host the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area aligns with our overarching goal to establish a presence in the region that will support our efforts to improve and tailor our service across Africa,” says Uche Adegbite, Director, Product Management at Twitter on the company’s ‘Twitter’s presence in Africa’ blog post.



These milestones, in a historic pandemic period, could have played a part in the re-election of the 77-year-old statesman for a second term as Ghana’s president, from January 2021.



With a long lineage of political luminaries as ancestors, it was perhaps in Akufo-Addo’s destiny to lead the country.



Prior to assuming office as president, he practised as a human rights lawyer in France and England. His father, Edward Akufo-Addo, who was a lawyer, was the nation’s president in the late 1960s and one of the founding fathers of Ghana.



“Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, an indefatigable visionary, has not only inspired his country but the continent of Africa to rise up and shine. He has, through his aspirations and efforts, transformed Ghana into a modern economy. His influence has reached beyond Ghana to the continent, pleading the case of a Ghana Beyond Aid thereby infusing a great dose of confidence to transform the continent. This is positively changing the narrative and bringing real hope of a brighter future to Africa’s youth. Primus inter pares [first among equals],” says Yofi Grant, CEO of GIPC, to FORBES AFRICA.



When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, the country revised its 7% growth projections to about 1%, but it did not slip into recession.



The Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) recorded an impressive 36.13% in dollar terms for investors in the first half of 2021, with a market capitalization of GHC61.3 billion ($10 billion).



“Ghana has been consistently one of the fastest-growing economies in the world for each of the last four years, notwithstanding the decline of GDP growth to 0.9% in 2020 as a result of Covid-19,” says Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President of Ghana, to FORBES AFRICA.



Bawumia lists key indicators such as the reduction of lending rates from 32% in 2016 to 21% in 2020, increasing gross international reserves from $6.1 billion in 2016 to $8.6 billion in 2020, the upgrade of Ghana’s first credit rating in 10 years from B- in 2016 to B with a stable outlook, and the implementation of the ‘one district, one warehouse’ as well as the ‘one district, one factory’ initiatives.



Another area of focus is Ghana’s growing youth population.



There is a push to create an enabling environment for technology startups and for small and medium entrepreneurs to thrive.



According to a World Bank report, Ghana Digital Economy Diagnostic, the Ghanaian government is spearheading the adoption of digital financial services (DFS) through the National Financial Inclusion and Development Strategy 2017-2023, which makes the government accountable to measures to achieving universal access to DFS as well as creating an Africa-wide payments infrastructure by 2030.



For full Q &amp; A with Nana Akufo-Addo, <a href="https://shop.forbesafrica.com/product/single-digital-issue-african-of-the-year-dec-jan-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">click here to download your Digital Copy </a>



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