Latest news with #TheEastAfrican
Zawya
2 days ago
- General
- Zawya
The scourge of plastic pollution in Africa
As the world celebrates Environment Day, the United Nations estimates that there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050. The associate director of advocacy and strategic communications at The Nature Conservancy Africa, Victor Nyambok, talks to The EastAfrican's Fred Oluoch about plastic pollution in Africa. What is the extent of plastic pollution in East Africa?East Africa is confronting a rapidly escalating plastic pollution crisis. The volume of plastic waste entering the region's aquatic ecosystems is expected to nearly triple, rising from approximately 11 million tonnes in 2016 to around 29 million tonnes by 2040. This pollution contaminates soils, streams, drinking water sources, and wildlife habitats. A significant and growing proportion of plastic waste ultimately ends up in the ocean, accumulating at an alarming pace. Plastic pollution poses serious risks not only to the environment but also to the health and well-being of communities, particularly the most vulnerable groups. What are the effects of plastic pollution on humans?Plastic pollution is so widespread that microplastics that cannot be seen by the naked eye contaminate our food, drinking water and even our bodies. Plastic pollution is a threat to the health of nature such as wetlands and forests, and the health of our communities, especially the most vulnerable populations, such as the poor. The effects of microplastics on environmental and human health are a cause for concern. Kenya banned single-use plastics in 2017. What is your assessment of the impact, eight years down the line?While there is no direct assessment from the Nature Conservancy Africa, existing evidence indicates that Kenya's ban on single-use plastics, especially in protected areas, has led to notable reductions in visible plastic pollution and increased public awareness. Following a presidential directive issued on World Environment Day 2020, the ban took effect immediately in national parks, beaches, forests, and other conservation areas. Visitors are no longer permitted to bring plastic water bottles, cups, disposable plates, cutlery, or straws into these protected zones. This initiative builds on Kenya's pioneering nationwide ban on single-use plastic bags implemented in 2017. However, challenges remain. Enforcement is inconsistent outside protected areas, and alternatives to single-use plastics are not always readily available. There is also an ongoing need for greater public participation and a shift in mindset to fully eliminate the use of single-use plastics across the country. The UN estimates that there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050. Is this a reality or a scare tactic?This projection should be seen as a wake-up call. There is a need for urgent collective action on plastic waste, as the damage to marine ecosystems and human health is already significant and growing. Every year, plastics entering our oceans weigh more than three times the planet's entire blue whale population. If we act now to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastics, and protect at least 30 percent of the planet's oceans and lands by 2030, we can avert the worst outcomes. The theme of this year's World Environment Day is 'Ending Plastic Pollution in the Entire World.' Is this possible in Africa?To effectively tackle plastic pollution, we must set ambitious and realistic targets that drive meaningful action. Ending plastic pollution will require authentic partnerships that bring together leadership, communities, governments, and the private sector in Africa. Ending plastic pollution is not going to be easy, but this is a challenge we can solve together. Recycling of plastic waste is an economic activity as well as a contributor to a safe environment in Africa. What role has your organisation played in this regard?While marine litter and plastic pollution pose significant economic, environmental, and health challenges globally, The Nature Conservancy has been actively engaged in addressing these issues through innovative approaches to ocean and coastal management. Though our work is not directly related to plastic recycling operations, we enable governments and communities to manage marine resources sustainably, indirectly reducing plastic waste leakage into marine environments. Since 2006, TNC has led efforts in marine spatial planning, collaborating with governments and stakeholders worldwide to develop sustainable ocean management plans that integrate environmental protection with economic development. © Copyright 2022 Nation Media Group. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Business Mayor
23-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
Protecting your online presence as a startup founder
In today's digital landscape, ensuring the security of your online presence is crucial for startup founders. Not only does it protect your brand, but it also builds trust with your audience. Implementing robust domain security measures is essential for long-term success. As a startup founder, establishing a secure online presence is vital. Cyber threats are prevalent, and protecting your domain can prevent unauthorized access and data breaches. Acquiring domains from trusted providers enhances brand credibility. By prioritizing domain protection, you safeguard your business and foster trust among clients and stakeholders. One effective way to enhance your brand's credibility is to URL kaufen from reputable sources. Tips for choosing the right domain name Selecting the right domain name is foundational for your online identity. It should be memorable, easy to spell, and reflective of your brand. Consider using keywords related to your industry to improve search engine optimization (SEO) and make it easier for potential customers to find you online. Ensure that your domain name is short and simple, avoiding complex words or phrases that could confuse users. It's also crucial to check the availability of your desired domain name across different extensions. This not only secures your brand identity but also prevents others from leveraging similar names. Investing in a unique and strategic domain name can significantly enhance your brand's visibility and credibility. Seo optimization with the right domain name Your domain name plays a pivotal role in your SEO strategy. Including relevant keywords in your domain can improve your site's ranking on search engines, making it more accessible to your target audience. This approach helps in attracting organic traffic, which is essential for growing your online presence. Read More Pain of Trump's tariffs on African economies - The EastAfrican Additionally, securing an SSL certificate for your domain is crucial for SEO. Search engines favor secure websites, and having an SSL certificate can boost your site's ranking. This not only increases your visibility but also enhances user trust by providing a secure browsing experience. Regularly updating your website and monitoring its performance are essential practices to maintain and improve your SEO efforts. Choosing the right hosting solution is vital for your website's performance and security. Reliable hosting services provide robust security features, including automated backups and malware protection, which are essential for safeguarding your online assets. Consider hosting providers that offer scalable solutions to accommodate your business growth. Compare different hosting plans based on your specific needs, such as bandwidth, storage, and support services. A good hosting provider should offer 24/7 customer support to assist you in resolving any technical issues promptly. By selecting the right hosting solution, you ensure that your website remains accessible and secure, providing a seamless experience for your users. Investing in a professional online presence through secure domain registration and reliable hosting solutions is crucial for startup founders. By implementing these strategies, you not only protect your business but also build a trustworthy brand that resonates with your audience. Picture Source: Bazoom AI Author: Bazoom Statements of the author and the interviewee do not necessarily represent the editors and the publisher opinion again.
Bloomberg
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Bloomberg
South Sudan May Dismiss Vice President, East African Reports
South Sudan's government plans to dismiss First Vice President Riek Machar and haul him before a court if an ongoing investigation finds him complicit in renewed violence in the country, The East African reported, citing Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth. A panel is determining whether there's sufficient evidence to bring Machar to trial, the Nairobi-based newspaper reported on Monday. The case will be dropped if the committee clears him of any wrongdoing, it said.
Zawya
17-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Trump's victory drew millions of East Africans to crypto, now they're regretting it
This year is turning out to be different from what many crypto investors in the region, mostly drawn in by US President Donald Trump's victory last November, had imagined. Trump is himself a holder of crypto assets and his administration was expected to be crypto-friendly, driving up the prices of the unconventional digital assets and booking holders millions in gains. But, the series of crypto-friendly policies implemented by the Trump administration so far have failed to lift prices back to the record highs witnessed last November, when millions flocked to the space in the wake of his electoral victory. As of Tuesday, the total value of crypto assets stood at $2.69 trillion, representing a 28 percent loss for investors from an all-time high of $3.72 trillion in November 2024, while Bitcoin, the most popular cryptocurrency, has plummeted by over $23,000, or 21 percent, over the five-month period.'This year is turning out completely different than what we thought it would,' said James Mumo, a content creator and crypto investor. 'A lot of us expected the Trump's victory to be a game changer for the industry.'Across East Africa, the hype around crypto assets drew many into the market. Exchanges recorded a steep growth in users over the period, bringing them a boon in transaction fees from the new crypto investors. Rachel Conlan, chief marketing officer at Binance, one of the largest crypto exchanges globally, told The EastAfrican that the company had recorded exponential growth in usage in Kenya since the beginning of last year, especially towards the end.'Kenyan usage (on Binance) has seen almost 1,000 percent growth in the past year and a half, and mostly towards the end of last year,' Ms Conlan told The EastAfrican, but declined to reveal the exact number of users the platform has from the region. It is not the only one that saw a surge in usage in the wake of Trump's victory. BitGet, another crypto exchange, also reported that its user base in Africa tripled in the last quarter of 2024 and grew by over 1,600 percent in the last half of the year. ByBit, Luno, Yellow Card, NoOnes and Coinbase, which operate in Africa, also reported increased activity from the region. But as millions flock to the trade, the anticipated gains many of the new entrants were expecting did not materialise, and experts warn that they may not come soon enough. Trump's dalliance with Elon Musk, the world's richest man and a well-known crypto investor, and later attending of a rally of crypto enthusiasts last year more than doubled the price of the digital assets in under six months, drawing millions into the trade. But since then, values have only fallen. Last week, President Trump signed into law a bill that rescinded a rule by the American taxman that sought to crack down on crypto users who don't pay taxes. Prior to that, the Trump administration shut down a unit at the Department of Justice dedicated to crimes in the crypto industry. However, the Trump administration's sweeping deregulation of the crypto industry has only marginally increased their value, meaning that investors drawn to the industry in the November-December quarter are still at a loss. The series of tariffs Trump imposed on several countries across the globe have also had a negative impact on the crypto industry, as it did on several stock markets around the globe. For veteran crypto investors, however, the market slump was not unexpected.'If you follow the news, it was expected that the market was going to crash. Trump specifically campaigned saying he was going to put US first, and that was bound to impact the market,' said a local representative of a crypto exchange, who requested anonymity. © Copyright 2022 Nation Media Group. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
16-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Minerals and sanctions: Trump's terms, conditions to aid Congo peace process
The US peace bid in the Democratic Republic of Congo will involve cash for investments into the mineral sector, just as much as a whip of sanctions to those who cross the line. It is a dual-track initiative to end armed conflict in the country, but it could also retest old tools used in this war before. This week, Massad Boulos, the new Senior Adviser for Africa for President Donald Trump, completed his tour of the Great Lakes region, having visited Kinshasa, Nairobi, Kampala and Kigali, seeking to discuss a peace bid that will involve the US tapping minerals in the east of the DRC, for peace. In Kigali, Boulos said Washington's proposal will benefit both DRC and Rwanda and will be 'rooted in regional stability and peace as well as economic development.''During our discussions, President Kagame committed to pursuing this vision of peace. I can confirm that the United States also remains committed to this effort and is ready to facilitate an end to this conflict, obviously a peaceful end to this conflict,' he told the media on Tuesday evening at the US Embassy in Kigali. But there was a subtle threat: Those who won't toe the line will face consequences. Washington is especially keen on ensuring Rwanda ceases backing rebels across the border in the Congo and pulls back any military support it had deployed. According to diplomatic sources familiar with the discussions, this will ensure each country can carry its can on internal security challenges. Boulos said the US wants an end 'that allows countries to secure their borders and lays the foundation for a thriving regional economy. This relationship has great potential, and we appreciate the opportunity to discuss the way forward with our counterparts here in Kigali. The deal is to benefit American access to minerals in the Congo, such as cobalt, lithium, uranium, gold and coltan. And while Washington demanded that Rwanda tone down rebel backing, it also wants Kinshasa to provide state authority in eastern DRC, whose absence has previously fuelled armed conflict. Kinshasa will also be required to tame corruption in its agencies, end the activities of the FDLR, a rebel group hiding in DRC and which Kigali blames for insecurity in Rwandan territory, and provide easier entry for American investments, including mining companies. A State Department spokesperson told The EastAfrican the US would support peace initiatives based on each country's responsibilities, and added that there will be 'consequences for those who undermine our shared desire for peace.' The official said the US is first insisting on a ceasefire, requiring both Rwanda and the DRC to commit to ending hostilities. According to a diplomatic source, Washington knows Rwanda has political leverage on the M23, while Kinshasa has leverage of possessing minerals but is weakened by its inability to provide proper governance in eastern DRC. Cutting dealsThe US is leveraging Trump's history of ending wars by cutting deals with protagonists.'We absolutely would like to see lasting peace in the region, President Trump is a president of peace, he supports peace, he is the only president in the recent US history to have not started any new wars. In his first term, he ended many wars,' Boulos said.'President Trump wants this conflict to end and quickly. He strongly believes that the people have suffered immensely. This particular conflict has gone on for close to three decades, it's about time to see a peaceful end to it.'Read: US open to minerals partnerships with DR CongoUganda and Kenya won't be playing direct roles in the deal, but the diplomatic source said bringing them on board would somewhat localise the solution and help monitor violations. The two countries are also important for other conflicts in the region such as South Sudan and Sudan. In Kinshasa, Boulos, did not name the value of investments the US wants to put into the Congo, but he did admit security will be a factor when he met with President Félix Tshisekedi on April 3.'Of course, we need an environment that is as conducive to business as possible to achieve this objective. Rest assured that American companies are operating transparently and will stimulate local economies.'We're talking about multibillion-dollar investments. We're talking about jobs, knowledge transfers and investment in infrastructure. There can be no economic prosperity without security.'The presidency said the meeting 'focused primarily on the security situation in eastern DR Congo and the economic prospects between the USA and the DRC, two countries that enjoy strategic cooperation.'Boulos was accompanied by Corina Sanders, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, and Dan Dunham, Director of the National Security Council for Africa.'You have heard about an agreement on minerals. We have heard about the DRC's proposal, and I am pleased to say that the President and I have agreed on a path forward for its development,' said Boulos.'I look forward to working with President Félix Tshisekedi and his team to build a deeper relationship that benefits the Congolese people and the American people, and to stimulate US private sector investment in the DRC, particularly in the mining sector, with the shared goal of contributing to the prosperity of our two countries.'The Congolese president has pursued his argument that all Rwandan mineral exports be labelled 'blood minerals' so that buyers across the world are barred from purchasing them. He has argued that the conflict in eastern DRC continues because Rwanda is arming rebels to extract them. Boulos said American interests in the Congo will be transparent.'We want a lasting peace that affirms the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the DRC, and lays the foundation for a thriving regional economy. This relationship has great potential, and we welcome the opportunity to discuss the way forward with our counterparts here in Kinshasa,' he concluded. Mines for securityThe authorities in Kinshasa are banking heavily on a mines-for-security-assistance deal to help the DRC defeat the armed groups in eastern DRC, principally the M23. For the DRC, the partnership with the United States of America represents an important lever for silencing the weapons in the east of the DRC. But diplomatic efforts are not preventing fighting from continuing in certain localities in North and South Kivu, in the east of the DRC. A source on the M23 side said that the rebels were due to launch an assault on the town of Kisangani, even though they, on Friday, pulled out of a major town ahead of planned direct talks in Qatar. But some officials were also aware that the US is focused now mainly on M23 and FDLR groups, something that could allow other armed groups to perpetrate conflict. In eastern DRC, a UN Panel of Experts has said there are at least 120 armed groups, all fighting over one grievance or another, or just enticed by the free flow of illegal mineral revenues. To end all that, the US will help build infrastructure, help support Congolese security agencies and provide technological support. But Washington also demanded a robust obligation on the side of Kinshasa: establish services and a stronger state authority and tame corruption as well as work on establishing a professional army, a source explained. As it is, the war in the DRC is currently in a fight-and-talk mode. The combatants have engaged in deadly clashes, even as they also concede that dialogue is key. Military expert Kibel Bel Oka said the success of the peace talks between the M23 and the Congolese army depends essentially on how the warring parties behave on the ground. 'Violent fighting could jeopardise the Doha meeting on April 9,' he said. On March 18 this year, the M23 cancelled its participation in the peace-seeking meeting in Luanda, claiming to have done so in protest at the European Union's sanctions against M23/AFC leaders and other Rwandan dignitaries. Meanwhile, the five facilitators appointed by the joint EAC-SADC summit met with President William Ruto, chair of the EAC, this week to prepare for work on mediation. Their immediate task will be to extract ceasefire pledges from the warring sides, as well as between Rwanda and DRC. They are former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo (Nigeria), Uhuru Kenyatta (Kenya), Catherine Samba-Panza (CAR), Kgalema Motlanthe (South Africa) and Sahle-Work Zewde (Ethiopia). © Copyright 2022 Nation Media Group. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
