Latest news with #Sub-SaharanAfrican
Economic Times
27-05-2025
- Science
- Economic Times
World's oldest crocodile is said to be 124 years old, with over 10,000 babies. Here's all about Henry, the man-eater
Henry, a Nile crocodile residing at South Africa's Crocworld Conservation Centre, has reached an astounding 124 years old, potentially making him the world's oldest living crocodile. Henry is said to be the oldest crocodile Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Henry, a colossal Nile crocodile at South Africa's Crocworld Conservation Centre, has achieved a remarkable milestone by reaching 124 years of age. This extraordinary reptile, potentially the oldest living crocodile globally, has garnered significant interest from both the public and scientific his precise date of birth remains unknown, Henry's birthday celebrations occur annually on December 16. His life began in Botswana's Okavango Delta circa 1900, evolving into a remarkable tale of Crocworld Conservation Centre, where he has resided since 1985, Henry recently commemorated his 124th year. Live Science reports that his birth around 1900 establishes him as one of history's longest-living documented crocodiles."He's clearly old," said Steven Austad, a biologist at the University of Alabama who studies animal ageing, in a statement to Live Science. "Whether he's 100 or 130, we don't know. An age of 124 is not inconceivable for a crocodile," he early life in the Okavango Delta was notable, as he developed a formidable presence. Local folklore suggests he caused considerable distress to a riverside tribe, with reports of attacks on community Henry, an elephant hunter, subsequently captured the large reptile, leading to tribal authorities imposing lifelong 700 kilograms and 16.4 feet in length, Henry has produced over 10,000 offspring. Scientists attribute his longevity to the protective environment and care at Crocworld."Animals that, for whatever reason, happen to live in a safe environment tend to live longer," Austad research suggests that Nile crocodiles possess blood with antibacterial proteins, potentially preventing infections. Their robust gut microbiome might also enhance their immune capabilities."(Crocodiles) live longer than the careers of the scientists studying them," Austad joked, reflecting the enduring nature of these prehistoric prehistoric creatures inhabit 26 Sub-Saharan African nations and are associated with numerous human casualties annually.
Business Insider
25-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Top 7 fastest-growing tech cities in Sub-Saharan Africa, 2025
This shift is driven by regional demand for digital solutions, the rise of tech hubs and incubators in African tech cities, investment in digital infrastructure, and innovative entrepreneurship The 2025 Global Tech Ecosystem Index by spotlights 7 Sub-Saharan African cities as "Rising Stars" among the world's fastest-growing tech ecosystems. These cities stand out for their innovative prowess and digital advancements, tailored to meet local and regional demands in their various host nations. Emerging from a vast region of 48 countries, their success demonstrates global recognition and stakeholder trust in their business and entrepreneurial environment. Based on key metrics like venture capital inflows, startup ecosystem value, unicorn creation, and research-university partnerships, the rankings position these 7 cities as leading innovation hubs for startups and business ventures, highlighting the region's robust growth prospects and dynamic business practices across various sectors. Notable cities driving this transformation include Lagos, Nigeria, recognized as the world's fastest-growing tech ecosystem, with a thriving startup scene and significant investment inflows. dealb Nairobi, Kenya, is another innovation and entrepreneurship hub, with a strong focus on fintech, healthtech, and e-commerce. Cape Town, South Africa, also boasts a thriving tech ecosystem, emphasizing fintech, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Additionally, Johannesburg, South Africa, is a major tech hub, with a diverse range of startups and innovation centers. Kampala, Uganda, is also emerging as a key player, with a growing startup scene and increasing investment in digital innovation, cementing these cities' roles as key players in Africa's rapidly evolving technological landscape. Top 7 fastest-growing tech cities in SSA Here's a spotlight on Sub-Saharan Africa's top 7 fastest-growing tech cities in 2025 and the companies driving their growth: Rank Country Tech Companies Sector 1 Lagos, Nigeria Flutterwave , Jumia, OPay, Moniepoint, Paystack, Andela, Paga, Konga, TeamApt, Interswitch, Paymob and Okra. Fintech and E-commerce 2 Johannesburg, South Africa TymeBank, VALR, Ozow (formerly i-Pay), Pineapple, Enko Education,HyperionDev, Showmax, Liquid Telecom Fintech, Entertainment and Telecoms 3 Kampala, Uganda Ensibuuko Technologies, Billbrain Technologies, Jentroy Uganda, KaCyber Technologies, RideOk and SafeBod Fintech, IT services & Consulting, 4 Dakar, Senegal Wave, InTouch, Yobante Express, Sen'Espaces and ICT4D Fintech, Logistics and Delivery 5 Accra, Ghana Nsano, mPharma, ExpressPay, Hubtel and Youper Fintech and E-commerce 6 Nairobi, Kenya Safaricom, M-Pesa, Ushahidi, Kilimall, BitPesa, Spiro and Twiga cHives Fintech, Telecoms and E-commerce 7 Cape Town, South Africa Yoco, Aerobotics, Global Kinetic, Rock8, Luno and OobaPay Fintech and Robotics The 2025 Global Tech Ecosystem Index reflects Africa's accelerating momentum in the global innovation space. From Lagos to Cape Town, it's clear that countries within the sub-saharan are forging their own path, driven by digital ingenuity, entrepreneurial grit, and the energy of a young, determined population. Lagos, ranked as the fastest-growing tech ecosystem globally, exemplifies this shift. Despite economic challenges, Nigeria's tech sector thrives, producing industry leaders like Flutterwave, Interswitch, Jumia, Moniepoint, and OPay, valued at over $1 billion each. Other African cities are also making significant strides. Nairobi excels in fintech and clean energy, Cape Town leads in AI, biotech, and health tech, and Kigali, Kampala, and Dakar are gaining recognition for their inclusive digital ecosystems. These hubs are becoming convergence points for investors, developers, academia, and policymakers, fostering sustainable tech innovation.
African Manager
23-05-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Tunisia: 1st edition of 'Africa Business Partnership Days' June 23-25 in Tunis
The Export Promotion Center (CEPEX) is organizing the first edition of Africa Business Partnership Days (ABPD 2025) from June 23 to 25, 2025, in Tunis, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Tunisians Abroad. Aligned with Tunisia's national strategy to boost trade with Sub-Saharan African countries, ABPD 2025 targets business leaders in key sectors, including agri-food industries, construction & building materials, services, healthcare (medical & paramedical products, medical supplies, etc.) and ICT. The program of the days, organized with the support of the 'Arab Africa Trade Bridges' program (funded by the ITFC) and the 'Qawafel' program (funded by the AFD), includes the organization of 1,000 business meetings for 100 Tunisian companies with over 25 buyers, importers and distributors. Institutional bodies (TPOs and CCI) from sub-Saharan African countries, including Uganda, the Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Gabon, Guinea and Burkina Faso, are expected to attend the event. Tunisian companies interested in participating in ABPD 2025 are invited to register via the following link by 2 June 2025: httpss://
Daily Maverick
23-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Standard Bank Wins Africa's Best Islamic Bank – Two Years in a Row
Standard Bank's Shari'ah Banking has been crowned Africa's Best Islamic Bank for the second consecutive year at the 2025 Euromoney Islamic Finance Awards. The bank also received the award for South Africa's Best Islamic Bank. In 2024, Standard Bank Shari'ah Banking became the first Sub-Saharan African bank to win the title of Africa's Best Islamic Bank. This continued recognition highlights the market's appreciation of Standard Bank's innovative solutions tailored to meet the continent's growing demand for Islamic finance. 'We're honoured to receive this prestigious recognition for the second year running. Being named Africa's Best Islamic Bank reaffirms our commitment to innovation and to delivering principled, Shari'ah-compliant solutions tailored to our clients' unique needs,' says Ameen Hassen, Head of Shari'ah Banking at Standard Bank. He adds that the award reflects the exceptional teamwork driving the bank's efforts to advance Islamic finance across the continent. The Euromoney Islamic Finance Awards honour institutions that have made a significant impact by driving innovation and growth in Islamic banking and finance. Standard Bank Shari'ah Banking has led several industry firsts, including the world's first Shari'ah-compliant Diners Club card, South Africa's first fintech enabled unsecured Shari'ah compliant working capital solution through the Merchant Capital Shari'ah Advance and the first Shari'ah Compliant term facility in South Africa offered by a commercial bank. Over the past five years, its assets have grown by 82%, outpacing the 79% growth in liabilities over the same period. 'We see Islamic finance as a powerful enabler of economic growth in Africa, especially in Sub-Saharan regions, which are home to 18% of the global Muslim population,' adds Hassen.
The Citizen
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Reports claim Rosslyn to be one of Nissan's plants facing closure
Earlier this month, the struggling brand said it would cut its global workforce by 15% and close seven of its current 17 factories. Nissan will close seven of its current 17 factories by 2027, one reportedly being the Rosslyn Plant outside Pretoria. Photo by MATTHIAS BALK / DPA / dpa Picture-Alliance via AFP Nissan's global restructuring plan, Re:Nissan, will reportedly lead to the closure of its Rosslyn Plant outside Pretoria as part of its factory consolidation from 17 to 10. No chance but to reduce This comes after the Japanese brand announced last week that it would reduce its global workforce by a further 20 000 jobs on top of 9 000 last year, and shut seven factories after posting a record R82.2-billion revenue loss for the 2024 financial year. ALSO READ: Nissan's bleak outlook: revenue down, looming 20 000 job cuts 'The reality is clear. We have a very high cost structure. To complicate matters further, the global market environment is volatile and unpredictable, making planning and investment increasingly challenging,' CEO Ivan Espinosa was quoted by AFP as saying. Under the Re:Nissan plan, the brand will not only reduce its workforce and close plants by 2027, but revise its research and development programmes while also cutting parts complexity as well as vehicle platforms from the current 13 to seven. In the firing line According to the latest report from Reuters, the factories reported for closure consists of the Oppama and Shonan plants in Japan, one of its three facilities in Mexico and the Chennai and Santa Isabel Plants in India and Argentina co-operated by alliance partner, Renault. Nissan's Rosslyn Plant outside Pretoria has been online since 1966. Image: Nissan Global While the latter pair will likely involve Nissan selling its stake as opposed to Renault also withdrawing entirely, seemingly more clear-cut, as per is the closure Rosslyn that currently only produces the Navara for the local and Sub-Saharan African markets. Still committed Despite admittance from Nissan as recent as September last year that is looking into producing a second model as replacement for the NP200, this no longer seems to be the case. '[Rosslyn is what we call] a frame plant and we are looking into a second model because we need a second model to sustain the operation in South Africa. All-new Nissan Patrol will debut locally in 2026. Image: Nissan 'What I can say is that we are looking at [a second model],'Chairperson for the Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania regions, Guillaume Cartier, said at a roundtable discussion after the unveiling of the all-new Patrol in Abu Dhabi last year. Subsequently, Nissan Managing Director for South Africa and Independent African Markets, Maciej Klenkiewicz, told the media at the launch of the facelift Magnite in November that the unnamed second model is being studied while alluding to brand as having no plans on leaving the South African market. Teaser image of one of the two new SUVs Nissan will bring to market in 2026. Image: Nissan In March, Nissan announced not only the arrival of the Patrol by 2026, but two new SUVs spun-off existing Renault products to be made in Chennai. More later While no word has so far been made by Nissan South Africa, the supposed closing of Rosslyn, which has been in operation since 1966, will have a direct impact on its workforce after the initial work cut of 400 in 2023 as a result of the NP200's departure. In its statement, Nissan said will adopt a 'market specific approach' with Japan, Europe, the Middle East, China, the United States and Mexico being identified as key markets. As mentioned, expect clearer details about Nissan South Africa and indeed the future of Rosslyn to possibly emerge over the coming weeks and months. NOW READ: Nissan preparing mass product roll-out in renewed market pledge
