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…
Author: Bird Agency
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…
Digital skills are empowering young Africans, bridging the skills gap, and shaping the future of work. “Digital learning has given me everything I ever wanted in life… I am a graphic designer, a web developer, and a programming expert,” proudly declares Elvis Warutumu, a Nairobi-based digital creator. Warutumu, in his mid-20s, not only tutors digitally but also mentors over 5000 digital learners directly enrolled in his courses. “With my procurement degree, it would have been almost impossible to secure solid employment in Kenya… But hours of learning on different platforms have given me more than just a job,” Warutumu explains.…
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…
Growth in freedoms that enable citizens to abide by laws, elect and hold leaders to account and allow them to trade freely within and outside borders are all contributing to prosperity in Africa, according to a report. African countries that suffered some of the worst and longest civil wars are recording the biggest moves in a freedom index, with the continent logging the biggest growth in a key prosperity score in close to 30 years. The American think tank, Atlantic Council, shows Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and Ethiopia registered the biggest score changes in a global ranking of free and prosperous…
5G subscription in Africa is forecast to jump at least 50-fold in the next five years, thanks to the rapid deployment of fast cellular network systems and the growth of e-commerce offerings. By Seth Onyango Growing adoption of 5G technology across Africa is set to drive a staggering 47-fold increase in subscriptions in the next five years, not counting North Africa, according to a recent report. According to the latest Ericsson Mobility Report 2023, 5G subscriptions will grow from a relatively modest base of 3 million last December to a forecasted 140 million by 2028. However, the figures mask the…