NextBillion - A WDI Publication

World Bank’s IFC to Invest $160 Million in Safaricom Ethiopia

The World Bank is investing US$160 million into the Safaricom project to build a new network in Ethiopia.

Source

Capacity (link opens in a new window)

Categories

Investing, Technology

Region

Sub-Saharan Africa

Press Release: Empower New Energy and Multiconsult Partner to Scale Up Distributed Solar in Africa

Empower New Energy and Multiconsult have entered a partnership aiming to accelerate renewable energy projects through a multitude of actions.

Source

PV Magazine (link opens in a new window)

Region

Sub-Saharan Africa

Tags

energy access, financial inclusion, global development, partnerships, scale, solar

Bboxx and Unilever Partner to Connect Over 1 Million People to Clean Energy Products in Kenya

This partnership complements Bboxx’s existing services and footprint in Kenya, with Sunlight’s heritage and distribution capacity set to create new channels to reach consumers in Kenya.

Source

Renewable Energy Magazine (link opens in a new window)

Categories

Energy

Region

Sub-Saharan Africa

Tags

energy access, partnerships, renewable energy

Pan-African ‘Gender Equal Investor’ Janngo Capital Hits First Close of €60 Million Fund

Janngo Capital is looking to “invest 50% of its proceeds in companies founded, co-founded, or benefiting women.

Source

TechCrunch (link opens in a new window)

Categories

Investing

Region

Sub-Saharan Africa

Tags

gender lens, global development, impact investing, women entrepreneurs

Kippa Reveals $8.4 Million in Funding for Merchants’ Financial Management Platform

Kippa, the financial management and payments platform for Nigerian small businesses, has announced that it has raised $8.4 million in a new financing round.

Source

The Guardian (link opens in a new window)

Categories

Investing

Region

Sub-Saharan Africa

Tags

financial inclusion, fintech, impact investing

Analysis: Africa Must Remove Barriers to Cross-Border Trade to Target Food Insecurity, Warns IFPRI

Experts warned that pursuing continental self-sufficiency may not be an appropriate remedy for Africa's weak position in agricultural supply chains.

Source

African Business (link opens in a new window)

Categories

Agriculture

Region

Sub-Saharan Africa

Tags

food security, international trade

AGRA Sets Out $550 Million to Tackle Food Insecurity and Climate Change in Africa

The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has recently committed to the fight against food insecurity and climate change, pledging a $550 million fund for the next five years.

Source

Business Insider Africa (link opens in a new window)

Categories

Agriculture

Region

Sub-Saharan Africa

Tags

climate change, food security, global development, supply chains

Carnegie Mellon University and Mastercard Foundation Partner To Drive Youth-led Digital Transformation in Africa

The $275.7 million partnership with the Mastercard Foundation will significantly expand advanced engineering and technology education at Carnegie Mellon University in Africa.

Source

Carnegie Mellon University (link opens in a new window)

Region

Sub-Saharan Africa

Tags

global development, innovation, partnerships