Author: Broader
Africa is facing a stark reversal in foreign direct investment (FDI) fortunes. According to UNCTAD, the continent saw FDI inflows decline by 42% in the first half of 2025, tumbling to just $28 billion, a sharp contraction that dwarfs the modest 3% global decline during the same period. This drop is not merely a statistical anomaly; it signals a growing challenge for African policymakers and business leaders alike, as the continent navigates an increasingly uncertain global investment climate. North Africa bore the brunt of the pullback, with inflows falling by nearly 59%, from $27 billion in early 2024 to $11…
Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace, is grappling with a major operational and financial disruption after its lessor, SmartLynx Airlines, abruptly withdrew several aircraft, triggering nationwide flight delays and cancellations. The airline estimates the loss at approximately $15 million, highlighting vulnerabilities in aircraft leasing arrangements that could ripple across the country’s aviation sector. The dispute centers on four aircraft Air Peace had wet-leased from SmartLynx. According to the airline, SmartLynx collected over $5 million, including a security deposit, but failed to honour contractual obligations, allegedly leaving Air Peace without the planes while the actual owners were in default. Three aircraft have…
Lagos, Nigeria — Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has reaffirmed plans to expand his flagship refinery in Lagos from 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 1.4 million bpd, a move that would make it one of the largest single-site refineries in the world. Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Dangote described the expansion as a strategic step to boost Nigeria’s energy independence and strengthen the country’s industrial base. The project aligns with Nigeria’s broader economic goals of reducing fuel imports and fostering local manufacturing. The expansion is expected to cost approximately $5 billion, with Dangote outlining plans to list…
Nairobi, November 2025 Safaricom says it has reduced cyber incidents among its enterprise customers by nearly 90 percent, a milestone the Kenyan telco attributes to a more proactive and sophisticated security strategy. The announcement came during Safaricom’s Cybersecurity Summit 2025, an event that brought together government officials, industry leaders, and regulatory bodies to discuss the rapidly intensifying threat landscape in the country. The reduction comes against a backdrop of increasing cyber threats in Kenya. Data from the Communications Authority of Kenya shows that in the second quarter of 2025 alone, the country faced 4.6 billion cyber threat events ranging from…
Spotify has introduced a lossless audio tier in South Africa, marking a significant change in the company’s local subscription offerings. The new Premium Platinum plan costs R179.99 per month and includes features such as lossless audio streaming, AI-assisted playlist creation, and multi-user access for up to three people living in the same household. The update comes alongside a broader restructuring of Spotify’s plans: Spotify has discontinued its Duo plan, previously offering discounted access for two users. The timing of the changes has drawn attention, as this marks the second price increase in four months. Critics note that the new pricing…
When Sundar Pichai announced Google’s latest partnership with Cassava Technologies, the focus wasn’t just on deploying AI, it was on unlocking opportunity. Africa, with the youngest population in the world, is a continent of creators, students, and entrepreneurs, yet the cost of data and access to advanced tools has long stood as a barrier. Google’s move signals a bet on Africa’s next generation of innovators. Through this collaboration, millions of users can now access Google’s Gemini AI without using their mobile data, a critical step for regions where connectivity costs can rival the monthly income of a student or young…
Photo Credit – Innovation Village
Ezra Olubi, a central figure in Paystack’s rise, was placed on leave following serious allegations of sexual misconduct involving a subordinate. The company confirmed publicly that it had initiated a formal investigation, describing the matter as “extremely serious. What reignited scrutiny, however, were years-old social media posts from Olubi, dating between 2009 and 2013, that resurfaced online. These tweets long before Paystack was founded contained disturbing references: explicit comments about co-workers, mentions of minors, and jokes about inappropriate behaviour. In response, Paystack’s board moved swiftly. An independent, third-party investigator is being appointed to lead a “fair, transparent, and structured” review…
In a landmark shift that could reshape the future for African entrepreneurs in the UK, international students will now be able to switch to the Innovator Founder visa without leaving the country. The update, confirmed by the UK Home Office, takes effect on 25 November 2025, allowing students who have completed their studies to apply in‑country to launch scalable, high-growth businesses. This change dismantles a major barrier: previously, students even with a validated business idea were required to return to their home countries to apply for the visa. The reform replaces the discontinued Start‑up visa route and signals a broader…
In the vibrant and rapidly evolving landscape of African venture capital, Nneka Eze stands as a formidable figure, seamlessly blending sharp business acumen with an unwavering commitment to societal impact. As the Managing Partner at VestedWorld, an Africa-focused venture capital firm, Eze is not just investing in companies; she’s investing in the future of a continent she deeply believes in. For Eze, the stakes are far greater than quarterly returns or portfolio performance metrics. Her vision stretches to the long-term transformation of African economies, unlocking potential in sectors often overlooked by traditional investors, fostering local innovation, and supporting entrepreneurs with…