Author: Victor Olayiwola

The 9th Africa Women Conference (AWC), held in Accra, Ghana, concluded with the adoption of a series of bold, continent-shaping resolutions designed to strengthen women’s leadership, expand economic independence, deepen digital participation, and accelerate long-term cultural transformation across Africa. Organised by the Helpline Social Support Initiative, the conference brought together a highly diverse group of participants—ranging from government officials and entrepreneurs to development experts, artists, technology innovators and youth representatives. This year’s theme, “Legacy Meets Innovation: Women Forging New Pathways for Africa’s Sustainable Development,” set the tone for a forward-looking dialogue exploring how African women can shape a more equitable…

Walmart has officially launched its first retail store in South Africa, marking the multinational’s long-anticipated entry into the African market and signaling a major shift in the region’s competitive retail landscape. The grand opening took place in Roodepoort, west of Johannesburg, where excitement built long before the doors opened. Hundreds of shoppers queued for hours, eager to explore the new outlet and secure early access to Walmart’s famed “Everyday Low Prices” and a range of international products rarely seen on South African shelves. Many customers arrived with very specific items in mind. One such shopper, Refilwe Mabale, told Reuters she…

The final week of November is shaping up to be historic for Africa’s tourism, cultural, and creative sectors, as two major West African cities prepare to welcome visitors from across the continent and around the globe. Accra, Ghana, and Freetown, Sierra Leone, are set to host two groundbreaking festivals that highlight the continent’s artistic vibrancy, cultural richness, and growing influence in global creative industries. Accra will take centre stage first as it launches the maiden edition of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Forum and Festival on Tourism, Creatives & Cultural Industries. Branded “Creatives Connect Afrika,” the festival will…

African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Youssouf has called on G20 member countries to significantly increase their backing for initiatives designed to strengthen intra-African trade and investment. Speaking during the G20 Compact with Africa gathering, Youssouf emphasized that the long-term success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will depend heavily on meaningful support from major global economies. Youssouf highlighted that although Africa is making progress toward building a unified and competitive internal market, it still requires stronger partnerships, especially with advanced economies, to unlock new opportunities for inclusive economic growth, industrialization, and sustainable development. He stressed that the AfCFTA…

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer arrived in Johannesburg this morning ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, set to announce a series of major initiatives designed to stimulate job creation, unlock private investment, and reinforce economic collaboration between the United Kingdom and South Africa. The UK continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting South Africa’s efforts to reduce inequality, drive economic growth, and create sustainable employment opportunities. Working closely with South African businesses to promote mutually beneficial projects remains central to this strategy. In collaboration with Anglo American, the UK is launching a dedicated programme to support small and medium-sized…

Distinguished guests, esteemed colleagues, ministers, and members of the media, good morning. I would like to begin by acknowledging Program Director Nandi Madida for her creative response on Instagram to the recent racist remarks by Mr. Musk senior. Uyibokodo—Africans should never allow racism to resurface in our societies. Since time immemorial, African communities have fed themselves. Yet, the migrant labour system disrupted our traditional ways of life, creating a system of cheap labour that exploited Black people. Even today, we are still pursuing economic justice to address the deep inequalities left behind by the destructive legacy of apartheid. As we…

Mobile money remains one of Africa’s most celebrated home-grown technological achievements, transforming financial behaviour, broadening inclusion, and creating new business models. In several African nations, mobile money has become so entrenched that it rivals cash as a primary means of transaction. At the Bloomberg Africa Business Summit 2025 in Johannesburg, journalist Yinka Ibukun recalled attempting to book a flight from Accra to Lagos and being presented with only two payment options: cash or mobile money. Few technologies have achieved such widespread adoption across the continent. As digital adoption accelerates and consumer expectations continue to evolve, policymakers, investors, and businesses are…

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has called on the business communities of Việt Nam and South Africa to strengthen investment, cooperation, and mutual support to achieve shared successes, sustainable development, and enhanced prosperity. He made this appeal during the Việt Nam–South Africa Business Forum in Johannesburg on Friday, which was attended by Deputy President Paul Mashatile. The forum coincided with PM Chính’s trip for the G20 Summit and associated bilateral activities in South Africa. The Prime Minister highlighted the solid political relationship between the two nations, built through their historic struggles for national liberation and the pursuit of freedom, noting…

In 2025, the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) continued a strong focus on regulatory enforcement and market quality, resulting in eight companies being delisted. These removals came through a combination of voluntary withdrawals, non-compliance sanctions, and the closure of an entire market segment, reflecting the Exchange’s determination to maintain high standards in financial reporting, corporate governance, and operational transparency. This trend is not unique to Nigeria. A similar wave of delistings was observed in Mauritius, where the Stock Exchange of Mauritius (SEM) removed eight companies, demonstrating a wider pattern across African exchanges of market consolidation. The underlying message is clear: only companies…

British International Investment (BII), the United Kingdom’s development finance institution and impact investor, and the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), one of Africa’s most influential asset managers, have taken a major step forward in their new strategic collaboration aimed at boosting investment across the continent. Earlier in the year, both institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly explore high-impact investment opportunities capable of strengthening Africa’s economic resilience and promoting sustainable development. That agreement has now produced its first concrete outcome. BII and PIC have officially announced their inaugural joint investment, with PIC joining BII to support the Enko Impact…