Author: Khusoko

Khusoko provides market insights into Africa's business investment as well as global trends that impact East African businesses.

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Felix Tshisekedi was sworn in for a second five-year term on Saturday after winning 73% of the vote in December’s election. In his inauguration speech, Tshisekedi acknowledged the country’s expectations and mentioned unemployment, youth, women, and national cohesion. “I am taking back the baton of command that you entrusted to me. We want a more united, stronger, and prosperous Congo,” Tshisekedi (60) said during the inauguration ceremony on Saturday. “I am aware of your expectations,” he said. “A goal of this new five-year term is to create more jobs.” He expressed his desire to…

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Stumble upon Colors, a YouTube channel where music comes alive in a simple, stunning way. Forget fancy sets; their colourful studio welcomes artists from around the globe to perform raw, uninterrupted sets. It’s all about the music, folks, showcasing diverse talent and becoming your secret gateway to incredible tunes. The Colors Story Born in 2016 by Philipp Starcke and Felix Glasmeyer, ColorsXSTUDIOS quickly rose to fame with its unique concept: artists bathed in vibrant hues, stripping down their music to its essence. This stripped-back approach resonated with music lovers worldwide, celebrating genres and voices from every corner of the planet.…

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Professor Patrick Verkooijen becomes the first Chancellor of the University of Nairobi from overseas, marking a significant moment in the institution’s history. Verkooijen is a global leader in climate adaptation, having spearheaded initiatives like the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program and the Global Commission on Adaptation. According to a Gazette notice shared on Friday, the Dutch professor will serve as the institution’s Chancellor for five years, effective January 12, 2024. He will formally take up the role on February 1, 2024. H.E President William Ruto has appointed Prof. Dr. Patrick Verkooijen as the New Chancellor for a five-year term. Prof. Dr.…

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January is back-to-school month for many school-going kids and students across the country. The December holiday provided a wonderful chance for students to unwind, switch off, and engage in multiple social activities. While students drown in the excitement and prospect of meeting their peers and their favourite teachers, it’s a wholly different story for parents and guardians. Parents and guardians have to worry about acquiring all the essentials, including shopping, and making sure all payments are settled before their kids can commence their learning. It is against this backdrop that Equity Bank has devised innovative solutions to help parents and…

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Kenya’s economic foundation unquestionably rests upon its Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). As indicated in Sessional Paper Number 5 of 2020 on Kenya Micro and Small Enterprises Policy, these enterprises contribute to 24 per cent of Kenya’s GDP, encompass over 90 per cent of private sector enterprises, and engage 93 per cent of the total labour force in the economy. The MSMEs policy identifies access to formal financial services, financial education, and credit sharing as crucial factors for the growth of the country’s MSME sector. According to a recent MSME Survey conducted by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics…

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The fintech sector has been one of Africa’s biggest technology success stories. According to one report, the continent’s 678 fintech startups raised more than US$2.7 billion between 2021 and August 2023. Additionally, almost all of the continent’s unicorns (startups valued at more than US$1 billion) are in the fintech sector. The majority of that success has, however, come from the continent’s three biggest startup markets: South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria. 68% of African fintech startups come from these “big three” markets. But things are steadily changing. More and more countries are realising the benefits that come with an active fintech ecosystem, with a…

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