Rampant demand for the beasts of burden in China, where their skins are believed to have medicinal properties, has caused prices to soar — creating a dilemma for Ya’u and his fellow excavators in Kano, northern Nigeria.
Economy
Politics and Society Zimbabwe’s entrepreneurs turn to livestock as collateral for loans
Zimbabwe’s microfinance banks have begun accepting cattle and other livestock as collateral to enable entrepreneurs in rural areas to obtain startup finance for their projects.
Politics and Society Mbeki and Dangote launch AfroChampions Initiative on regional growth
The Africa rising narrative is hinged on Africa being economically integrated. The AfroChampions Initiative is set to mobilise African multinationals to accelerate the economic integration of the continent. The president of the AfroChampions Club is Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote and former leader of South Africa Thabo Mbeki is the president of the AfricaChampions Initiative, setup to mobilise African multinationals to drive economic integration.
Politics and Society Ethiopian Airlines to welcome Africa’s first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in October
Ethiopian Airlines has maintained its position as Africa’s leading airline. After recently acquiring the Airbus A-350 XWB, Ethiopian Airlines will in October receive Africa’s first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The airline is targeting $10bn in revenue by 2025.
Politics and Society Rwanda’s newly re-elected president Paul Kagame launches $818 million airport
Rwanda’s re-elected president Paul Kagame has continued showing commitment towards economic development. This week, the Kagame launched construction of a $818 million Bugesera international Airport that should be completed in December 2018.
Politics and Society Tanzania on its way to economic independence
Africa as a continent can only move forward when its leaders consciously decide to implement policies that benefit their individual countries as a whole. The Karanga shoe factory in Tanzania is under refurbishment, and it will create much needed jobs.
Politics and Society The question of population increase and economic growth in Africa: World Population Day
The question of population control in relation to economic growth in Africa continues to be a subject of interesting conversations. Some people have argued that birth control methods have taken away Africa’s capability to develop its economies. The question though is which comes first, a population boom or economic growth which enables a population increase?
African identities Rwanda will proceed with the ban on used clothes despite threats by the United States
Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has insisted that Rwanda will proceed with its plan to phase-out importation of second-hand clothes despite threats from the US that the move could lead to a review of his country’s eligibility for duty-free access to the American market.
Politics and Society Zimbabwe: Pres Mugabe hands a $1 million cheque to the AU after Zim’s cattle sale
Zimbabwe’s president, Robert Mugabe, has donated 300 cows to raise money for the Africa Union (AU) Foundation to help stop dependance on foreign aid funding. President Mugabe handed a $1 million cheque to the AU after the cattle were sold in Zimbabwe. The cheque was handed to the AU at its leaders’ summit in Ethiopia, and Pres Mugabe said his friends helped contribute to the noble cause to help end AU’s aid dependancy. However, President Mugabe’s donation has been met with strong criticism considering that the gift comes amid a severe cash crisis in Zimbabwe.