The digital transformation wave in Africa is reshaping communications, marketing and public relations, with solutions led by young people poised to drive change, according to a groundbreaking Nigerian report. By Bonface Orucho Public relations in Africa is undergoing a transformation, driven by shifting dynamics in technology, as highlighted in a groundbreaking report by BHM Research Intelligence, a Nigeria-based PR and communications firm. According to the report, digital communications have become the key channels for reaching target audiences with public relations and communications messages. Over 3000 communicators and business executives participated in the study, which used group discussions, interviews, essay contributions,…
Author: Bird Agency
South Africa’s fintech earnings are expected to lead those of Nigeria as Africa’s fintech market grow to US$65 billion by 2030, according to a report. By Seth Onyango South Africa’s financial services market will out-earn Nigeria’s over the next seven years on the back of a strong performance by Africa’s fintech sector, according to a report. ‘New Global Fintech 2023: Reimagining the Future of Finance’ by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and QED Investors predicts that Africa’s fintech market, led by South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, and Kenya, will grow to US$65 billion in 2030 – a thirteen-fold increase from today’s levels.…
A recycling organization is prioritizing the reuse, recycling, and repurposing of digital gadgets to combat Africa’s growing e-waste crisis. They also ensure the safe destruction of e-waste that cannot be reused. By Bonface Orucho In 2002, Tom Musili and his partners established Computer for Schools Kenya, a charitable organization. Its mission: equipping as many schools as possible with computers. But the success of the venture resulted in a new problem: as time passed, it became evident that there was a growing issue with the disposal of old computers. “Due to first-time use inexperience and genuine breakdowns, we were having hundreds…
A newly formed consortium of Ethiopian tech companies is tapping the global business processes outsourcing market, a sector fast becoming one of Africa’s success stories. By Bonface Orucho Almost a dozen Ethiopian tech companies have joined forces to establish the Ethiopian Outsourcing Association in what is expected to be a game-changing initiative to position the country as a dynamic outsourcing hub. Spanning freelancing, business capital solutions, ICT consulting, digital security, and logistics tech startups, the association brings together a diverse range of experts, fueling a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and growth. The association will also advocate for policy changes and…
Dream or reality? Zimbabwe’s mining industry is progressing towards achieving its ambitious goal of a US$12 billion mining industry by 2023. However, experts warn that there are significant challenges that may hinder the country’s success. Takudzwa Changadeya On July 5 2023, a Chinese mining company, officially opened a lithium processing plant worth US$300 million in Zimbabwe. The Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt plant is located in Goromonzi, about 80km southeast of Harare. Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who officiated at the commissioning, told those gathered for the event that the investment would help the country’s mining industry grow its value to US$12 billion…
The Conversation Kenya celebrates 60 years of independence this year. As a political scientist who has studiedKenya for the past 20 years, I consider a turning point from each decade that helped to shape the east African country’s post-colonial politics. I haven’t selected elections, assassinations or other moments that have enjoyed much coverage over the years. Instead, I turn to often-forgotten moments that shed light on the country’s key steps forward – and backwards – and the role of agency and institutions. 1964: The Lanet mutiny In the 1960s and 1970s, governments across Africa fell to military coups and countercoups. These nations suffered…
According to a recent digital news report, Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria continue to have high levels of trust for the news, despite younger audiences increasingly turning to Tiktok for updates. By Lucy Githugo According to the recently released Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2023, Kenya has the second-highest level of trust in the news of all countries included in the global report. At 63%, Kenyans’ trust in the news is remarkably high, surpassed only by Finland (at 69%). Kenyan commercial TV outlets are that country’s most trusted news sources, alongside the Daily Nation newspaper and its associated website, according…
Mary Karoki is making a meal of the food industry with a range of gluten and wheat-free products. By Atieno Odera I’m in the kitchen at Onja Foods, situated in the middle-class residential estate of Nairobi’s South C, and company CEO Mary Karoki is explaining to me how to make gluten-free pancakes using the company’s Uji flour. “The first step is normally sifting the flour, but first we’ll be measuring one and a half cups of the flour, then we add one spoon baking powder, mix well, then sift. Sifting helps us capture the big particles. After that, add three…
During the pandemic, Jecinta Njoki Kimani, bought some polymer clay to keep her daughter busy. Today, Kimani’s has a thriving creative business – thanks to the clay. By Velma Pamela Jecinta Njoki Kimani graduated with a biochemistry degree but you wouldn’t guess that when you walk into her office. Located in Nairobi, the first thing one notices is the massive display of big, bright “statement” earrings with unique hues and distinctive aesthetics. Some lie on the table, packed and ready to go, while others are being photographed for marketing purposes. And it is all thanks to a material she came…
The prospect of a second private telecoms licence in Ethiopia comes after a massive previous bid by regional giant MTN failed. By Seth Onyango Ethiopia’s July 1 unveiling of a tender for a second new telecommunications license opens Africa’s second-largest market to more competition and comes after its market-liberalising test run with Safaricom hit pay dirt. “There are several positive developments occurring in the Ethiopian telecommunications sector since the beginning of the liberalisation process,” the Ethiopian Communications Authority said in a request for qualifications (RFQ) notice. The tender follows regional mobile giant MTN’s unsuccessful attempt in 2021 to secure a…
