WeeTracker

Uber says it empowers its Kenyan drivers and delivery partners to earn an additional USD 17 M annually. Yet, behind these promising figures, tension simmers as many drivers have long argued they still struggle to make ends meet amid rising costs and low fares.

African Development Bank Approves USD 80.93 M Loan for Senegal-Guinea Road Project The African Development Bank Group has approved a USD 80.93 M loan to Senegal and Guinea for the construction of a new interstate road. The road will link Labé and Mali in Guinea with Kédougou and Fongolembi in Senegal. The project allocates USD 41.47 M to Senegal and USD 39.46 M to Guinea. This critical infrastructure aims to strengthen regional integration, enhance trade between the two countries, and improve the livelihoods of local populations. Spanning 240.71 km, the road will include climate-resilient asphalt construction and integrate rural roads to support the delivery of forestry, agro-pastoral, and mining products to markets while giving hauliers in Mali better access to the port of Conakry via the southern Dakar-Bamako corridor. It is co-financed by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the West African Development Bank (BOAD), and the governments of Guinea and Senegal. This initiative is poised to directly impact over 1.37 million people across the region, fostering economic connectivity and trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). #InfrastructureDevelopment #AfDB #Senegal #Guinea #RegionalIntegration #AfricaTrade

Access Bank Expands African Footprint with Acquisition of Standard Chartered Bank in Angola and Sierra Leone Access Bank Plc, Nigeria’s largest bank by assets, has completed the acquisition of Standard Chartered Bank's operations in Angola and Sierra Leone. These acquisitions are part of a broader strategy to expand its presence in 26 countries within the next five years. By integrating Standard Chartered’s established operations, Access Bank aims to address gaps in banking access, enhance cross-border trade, and support regional economic growth. Angola and Sierra Leone offer significant growth opportunities. With Angola’s economic diversification and Sierra Leone’s demand for modern banking services, the expansion positions Access Bank to deliver tailored financial solutions, particularly for SMEs and corporate clients. This move complements Access Bank’s other acquisitions, including AfrAsia Bank in Mauritius and African Banking Corporation of Tanzania, further positioning it as a leading facilitator of Africa’s economic transformation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). With operations in 23 countries and a growing customer base of over 60 million, Access Bank is reshaping Africa’s financial landscape to promote connectivity, trade, and innovation. #AccessBank #AfricanEconomy #Banking #FinancialInclusion #TradeIntegration

Nigeria and Brazil Partner to Transform Agriculture Across Nigeria's 774 LGAs The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed an MoU with Brazil’s Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV Brazil) to enhance agribusiness development in all 774 local government areas. The agreement was finalized during the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The partnership is part of the USD 1.2 B Green Imperative Project, which aims to modernize Nigeria’s agricultural sector through Brazilian expertise in tropical agriculture. Key focus areas include fertilizer production, hybrid seed technology, and agricultural finance. This initiative is expected to empower agribusinesses in all 774 LGA with technical and financial support while attracting USD 4.3 B in private investments. Over 10 years, the project will drive sustainable agriculture and increase food security. This initiative is expected to deliver advanced agricultural technologies and financial support while fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable development. With Brazilian expertise and a clear roadmap, Nigeria is looking to revolutionize its agribusiness sector and strengthen food systems nationwide. #Agriculture #GreenImperative #Nigeria #Brazil #FoodSecurity #SustainableFarming

MTN South Africa Partners with China Telecom and Huawei to Advance Africa’s Digital Infrastructure MTN South Africa has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Telecom Global and Huawei to strengthen digital infrastructure across the African continent. This partnership combines China Telecom’s expertise in network solutions, MTN’s expansive regional footprint, and Huawei’s cutting-edge technology to accelerate digital transformation and innovation. The collaboration will focus on key technology areas, including 5G, cloud, artificial intelligence (AI), and Internet of Things (IoT), to drive smart industrial applications, enhanced connectivity, and innovative business solutions. With Africa’s digital economy projected to add USD 180 B to regional GDP by 2025, robust infrastructure is critical to unlocking new growth opportunities. This initiative aims to foster technological advancements and create a digitally inclusive future for Africa. Together with its partners, MTN is looking to lead the charge in positioning the continent as a hub of digital innovation and economic growth. #MTN #DigitalTransformation #5G #Cloud #InnovationInAfrica

UNICEF Opens Application for its Remote Internship Program – USD 1,700 Monthly Salary Applications are now open for the UNICEF Internship Programme. The internship offers students and recent graduates the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the humanitarian sector while contributing to global change. This fully remote program provides a monthly stipend of USD 1,700, with the potential for travel and visa support. Open to individuals aged 18 or older, the program welcomes those currently enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, or PhD programs, or those who have graduated within the last two years. Proficiency in English, French, or Spanish, along with strong academic performance and motivation, are key requirements. Spanning 6 to 26 weeks, this internship offers a chance to grow professionally and personally by engaging directly with UNICEF’s mission to improve the lives of children worldwide. Participants will work alongside professionals dedicated to making a difference while gaining meaningful insights into UNICEF’s operations. Applications close on December 15, 2024. Ensure that your application aligns with the internship requirements. 👉 Apply now at; https://ow.ly/uO6B50Uhn1X #UNICEFInternship #HumanitarianImpact #CareerGrowth #GlobalOpportunity

OPay Partners with AfriGO to Launch the OPay/AfriGO Card to Advance Financial Inclusion in Nigeria OPay, a leading fintech in Nigeria, has announced a strategic partnership with AFRIGO Card, Nigeria’s National Domestic Card Scheme powered by Afrigopay Financial Services Limited, a subsidiary of NIBSS. This collaboration is set to redefine digital payments in Nigeria by providing a secure, local alternative to international payment cards and expanding access to underserved communities. The OPay/AfriGO Card will enhance the affordability and accessibility of payment solutions while reducing reliance on foreign exchange for transactions. With instant settlement capabilities, merchants and agents across Nigeria are expected to benefit from improved cash flow and greater efficiency. As OPay continues to expand its services, this partnership represents a significant step toward shaping a more inclusive and efficient digital payment landscape in Nigeria. #FinancialInclusion #DigitalPayments #Fintech #OPay #AfriGO #Nigeria

Airtel Nigeria Appoints Dinesh Balsingh as CEO and MD Airtel Nigeria has named Dinesh Balsingh as its Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, effective November 1, 2024. He succeeds Carl Cruz, who stepped down in October after 17 months in the role. A familiar face in Nigerian telecoms, Balsingh brings over 24 years of experience in telecommunications, having previously served at Airtel Nigeria in 2013 as Marketing Director. By 2018, he had advanced to the position of Airtel Nigeria’s Chief Commercial Officer. This was followed by his appointment as Managing Director and CEO of Airtel Tanzania in 2022. Balsingh’s career in the telecommunications sector began in 2000 with Hutchison Essar, followed by key leadership roles at Airtel India and Tata Docomo in 2006 and 2011 respectively. His deep knowledge of the local and international market positions him well to drive growth and enhance Airtel’s presence in the country. Under his leadership, Airtel Nigeria aims to strengthen its position as the second-largest telecom operator, serving over 53.7 million active subscriptions and 44.7 million internet customers as of September 2024. #AirtelNigeria #Telecommunications #Leadership #TelecomIndustry

Nigeria Signs USD 500 M MoU with World Bank for Power and Irrigation Project The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a USD 500 M MoU with The World Bank to implement the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project across 25 states. The project, jointly managed by the Federal Ministries of Water Resources & Sanitation and Power, aims to enhance dam safety, improve water resource management, and expand hydropower and irrigation systems nationwide. The partners described the SPIN project as critical for boosting food production, creating jobs, and strengthening the economy. The MOU also aims to harness untapped potential in hydropower, with only 2% of Nigeria’s 14GW capacity currently utilized in line with the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan. SPIN builds on the success of the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project, set to conclude in January 2025. The initiative will target states such as Benue, Katsina, Niger, and Cross River, addressing irrigation needs for agriculture and improving water resource management. #SPINProject #RenewableEnergy #Hydropower #NigeriaDevelopment #Irrigation #EnergyTransition #WorldBank

Temu, the Chinese-born e-commerce juggernaut, has entered Nigeria amid a marketing blitz. The company's spokesperson told WT that Temu began serving customers in Nigeria in November having spotted a growing consumer demand for quality, affordable products.