Impact investing refers to investments that are made to achieve positive financial returns combined with measurable, positive environmental and social impact. The impact investment sector is currently estimated to be worth US$1.164 trillion globally. Of that, Sub-Saharan Africa lays claim to a relatively small US$65 billion, with South Africa accounting for 84% of all impact investment assets in the region. It should be clear, then, that there’s substantial room for impact investment growth across the continent. But if we’re to offer any kind of roadmap for how that growth might be achieved, it’s important to understand what it means to be an impact…
Author: Khusoko
Khusoko
Khusoko provides market insights into Africa's business investment as well as global trends that impact East African businesses.
The Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Group has appointed Annastacia Kimtai as the new Managing Director of KCB Bank Kenya. Annastacia has been serving as the Retail Banking Director since 2011 with the bank, and was appointed in December 2022 as the acting Managing Director of the Kenyan Unit. “I take this opportunity to congratulate Annastacia on this appointment and request that we all accord her all the support to execute her mandate,” said KCB Group CEO, Paul Russo, in an internal memo. “The changes are aligned to the expectations of the CBK prudential guideline on corporate governance. The introduction of…
Most farms—they say up to 70%—that produce everyday food crops – cabbage, carrots, onions, tomatoes, beans, green grams, and peas are small-scale. The land holding averages 0.2–3 acres, most of which is family owned. Crops like maize and wheat may be grown on a large scale in some parts of the country. However, most of the food produced is by smallholder farmers who farm for subsistence, only selling the surplus. Some regions specialize in one crop type; for example, the cultivation of rice and other grains such as peas, green grams, beans, and chickpeas in mid- and lower-eastern Kenya. Farmers…
Kenya’s family-owned Marketways Supermarket has shut down, citing “unforeseen circumstances beyond their control,” after 56 years of operation. “Yes, we closed two weeks ago (May),” one of the staff confirmed to Khusoko without citing any reasons for the shutdown. The privately-owned enterprise operating one retail supermarket located at Valley Arcade, Gitanga Road, informed users that: “We have made the difficult decision to close down due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. We want to express our deepest gratitude to you for having supported us throughout the years.” “As we prepare to close our doors, we want to assure you that…
In an increasingly digital economy, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been greater collaboration between the private sector and African governments to further the continent’s digital and financial inclusion agenda. Financial inclusion, in particular, is both a precondition and a key enabler for meeting many of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including reducing poverty, boosting economic growth, and promoting market access. To this end, various governments, including Kenya and Tanzania, have embraced digital transformation and provided sound and enabling policy frameworks for innovative solutions that empower citizens. For instance, mobile money platforms such as M-PESA have been vital…
Online gaming and betting have taken the world by storm, and Kenya is no exception. The country has seen a surge in the number of online gaming and betting platforms that cater to all types of players. Among these websites, BangBet Kenya stands out as one of Kenya’s best online gaming and betting destinations. This website has been gaining popularity in the online gaming and betting industry, with many players considering it the ultimate gaming and betting platform in Kenya. Launched in 2019, BangBet Kenya gained a reputation for its user-friendly interface, extensive game selection, generous bonuses, and excellent customer…