Why Africa’s GDP growth doesn’t translate into jobs
Across Africa, a confusing economic reality is unfolding. Many countries are recording positive GDP growth, attracting foreign investment, expanding digital economies, and launching ambitious industrial policies. Yet for millions of Africans entering the workforce every year, the economic progress visible in national statistics does not always translate into stable jobs,
Customer service for small businesses in Africa
A customer sends a message asking when an order will arrive. Nobody responds for six hours. When the business finally replies, the answer is vague, the customer has repeated the question three times, and trust has already disappeared. This may look like a small communication problem, but it is often
Why “Made in Aba” is still limited globally and what must change
Aba does not have a production problem. The southeastern Nigerian city has spent decades manufacturing shoes, garments, bags, belts and other consumer goods at a scale that has earned it comparisons with some of Asia’s busiest industrial clusters. What Aba has is a conversion problem. It has struggled to convert
Inside NALA’s Journey: From a Tanzanian mobile-money application to a cross-border remittance company
What started as a small Tanzanian startup trying to simplify mobile payments has grown into one of Africa’s most closely watched fintech companies, building a bridge between millions of people, financial institutions, and global payment networks. Behind the company’s rise is a story of experimentation, setbacks, reinvention, and a relentless
Payaza expands into Australia and New Zealand to strengthen cross-border payments
Nigerian fintech company Payaza has expanded its operations into Australia and New Zealand to strengthen its global cross-border payment network and support trade between emerging markets and international businesses. The expansion follows four months of regulatory work, with the company securing approvals required to provide payment services in both markets.
How African festivals are turning culture into economic power
The arrivals hall fills with travelers pulling oversized suitcases, garment bags, and camera equipment. Some are returning home from London, Toronto, New York, and Atlanta. Others are arriving for the first time, drawn by a calendar of concerts, street parties, art shows, food experiences and diaspora gatherings. Outside the airport,
Today Africa Weekly | July 6th – July 12th, 2026
Last week offered another reminder that Africa’s digital future will not be built only around consumer apps, flashy launches, or short-term growth stories. The strongest signals came from companies building deeper foundations: financial infrastructure, employment platforms, climate solutions, artificial intelligence, healthcare access, and connectivity. The investors paying attention are looking
Why Africa’s economy is growing but still struggling
Africa’s economy is expanding again. The numbers are strong enough to attract global attention, restore investor interest, and strengthen the argument that the continent will become one of the most important growth markets of the next decade. Yet the economic experience on the ground tells a more complicated story. The
The real impact of AfCFTA on small businesses
Africa’s free trade dream is entering a more serious phase. For years, the African Continental Free Trade Area was discussed as a grand political promise: one market, lower tariffs, freer movement of goods, and a bigger continental economy. But the real test is now moving from speeches to systems. The
African startups need data about African markets
For years, Africa’s startup story was built around one powerful idea: the continent’s problems represented some of the world’s biggest business opportunities. Investors saw a young population, rising smartphone adoption, expanding digital payments, and millions of underserved consumers. Entrepreneurs responded by building solutions in fintech, agriculture, healthcare, logistics, energy, and
