Partnering to industrialise Africa has become a geoeconomic necessity for China
How Europe’s carbon border tax could reshape Africa’s industrial and export landscape
Q1 2026 start-up funding in Africa rose YoY, but only because debt surged while equity and deal volume kept sliding
Medium-term recovery will remain on course
Rising cases of hidden debt and use of debt derivatives to reduce borrowing costs are reactions to overpriced external debt
A viable and immediately actionable private sector-led model for African industrialisation
Current investment falls US$100bn short of annual development needs
Accra's tax overhaul part of a broader African push to benefit from soaring prices
But they may not be able add new volume to the market quickly
The failure Koko Networks highlights complexities in a sector drawing Singaporean capital
The Singapore-based firm expands as West Asia turmoil lifts fertiliser prices
The facility will substitute about 40% of imports
The publication showcased impactful business stories across Africa at the Harvard Business School Africa Business Conference
Marcus Lee Mun Seng, Ryan Ng Kai Kiat, Sin Ming Wei and Chin Joon Fai win cash and an all-expenses paid trip to Ghana
High cost means that only one in four people in Africa owns a smartphone
Nairobi adapts to a retreat in Chinese state lending
Centre Director Amit Jain makes a case for a capital market development dialogue between India and Africa
The NTU-SBF Centre for African Studies launches a book of business case studies
After years of hesitation Japanese investors are now doubling down on African startups
Zero-tariff trade with China is set to further drive agricultural exports
A brand-new desert railway that connects a remote mining site in the Sahara to the Algerian port city of Oran is fully operational
Centre Director Amit Jain lays out the digital landscape of the continent.
Elite Solar targets global exports from its new Suez Canal facility
Business welcomes the decision with cautious optimism but the short-term renewal is unlikely to stimulate new capital investment in Africa
The ending of a 16-year halt on new mining permits heralds opens the door for foreign investments in the extractive industry but also raises environmental concerns
Clean cooking, EVs and waste management among eligible ventures
Zero-commission app TADA targets squeezed gig drivers in Africa
Nigerian facility set to eclipse Reliance’s Jamnagar plant as world’s largest
Centre Director Amit Jain talks to experts at the ORF Middle East
Green tech and machinery exports contribute to record trade figures
The Supreme Court of India denies tax exemption to a Mauritius-based entity under the India-Mauritius Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA)
Decision adds momentum to the use of Chinese currency for trade in Africa
US$20m venture targets exports to Middle East
Capital flows recover after two years of decline, though imbalances remain
Recruitment firm aims to digitise recruitment for the booming hospitality industry of Egypt
The new US$12.5bn Bishoftu airport will have the capacity to handle 110m passengers per year
US moves to counter Chinese grip on African minerals
Centre Director Amit Jain shares his thoughts at the IMF-EAI Africa-China Seminar and Book Forum
The illegal trade is estimated to be worth as much as US$75m a year
ICTSI becomes the first terminal operator from SE Asia to manage a South African port
Highlights of 2025 at the NTU-SBF Centre for African Studies
Deal follows lender’s pledge to invest up to US$1.5bn in African electricity project
Brewer bets US$2.3bn on region’s expanding population and economic trajectory
Uniland becomes the first major investor from Vietnam to enter West Africa
Namibia could produce as much as 400,000 barrels per day by mid-2030s
Bolttech sees headroom for insurance industry growth in East Africa
A remarkable financial turnaround at Eskom and stable grid sparks a surge in business confidence
Chinese language daily Lianhe Zaobao carries a warning by Centre Director Amit Jain over great power competition for African resources
How the richest man in Africa is emulating the richest man in Asia
The improved assessments could reduce borrowing cost
Bilateral trade has been sliding since 2001, but can this trend be turned around?
PM Lawrence Wong seeks to strengthen ties with Addis Ababa and wider Africa
Service deepens commercial ties between the Gulf and East Africa
The iconic Irish brand reported a return to profit under its new Singapore owner
As business expands EFGH projects in Africa will soon account for most of its earnings
The US$210m project positioned to benefit from the new EU carbon import framework
Almost 30 years after work first began Simandou starts producing iron ore
The West African country spends close to US$4bn annually on food imports
Rural, business and agricultural finance gaps point to untapped growth potential
South Africa plans to add 14,000km of power lines
The project has started out with sites in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa
East African energy ventures drive record debt issuance as the continent’s investment recovery takes hold
Motorbikes form the backbone of urban transport in many African cities
Asia buys 16% of South Africa’s farm shipments, a figure likely to increase
Chinese EV giant plans to ramp up sales in a market where less than 1% of cars sold are electric
The Ghana-based TVET Institute aims to become a leading industrial training centre
What learnings can Africa take from India?
The project comes as Singapore’s involvement in African oil and gas sector grows
Banyan Group is looking to expand its presence in the continent as travel booms
After a slow start the African Continental Free Trade Area is gathering pace
Reflections of a Nigerian student who came to work and study at the NTU-SBF Centre for African Studies
Amit Jain makes a case for African tax regimes to be aligned with industrial policy
Agreements cover smart port development and vocational training
South African diamond revenues shrank by 21% last year
Deal includes backing for healthcare, infrastructure and maritime security projects
Rail and port inefficiencies cost the economy more than US$50m a day
The average Jumia shopper has just US$20–US$30 in monthly discretionary income
Over 40% of Rwandans lack nearby safe drinking water
Spaceport to be used for both rocket launches and the testing of missiles
The TICAD process
The Straits Times quotes Centre Director Amit Jain on the economic opportunity in Africa
The NTU-SBF Centre for African Studies hosts a group of over 30 students and staff from the Gordon Institute of Business Science
Centre Director Amit Jain speaks at a Nikkei Asia webinar
The four possible scenarios
Phase one of the high-speed rail network spans 1,700km and will cost US$55bn
African Business quotes Amit Jain in its special feature on Singapore
Bilateral trade has increased 50% in the past five years
India and Africa see a 'shared future' as global trade bifurcates along geopolitical lines
On the panel was the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Rwanda
Industrial developer doubles down on manufacturing in Cameroon, Tanzania, and Nigeria
Business leaders take a stab at unlocking the African consumer market with Amit Jain
Uganda aims to triple mining’s contribution to the economy by 2040
PM Ishiba announces a US$5.5bn programme to enhance private sector engagement with Africa at TICAD 9
Tsao Family Office sees potential further investments in the region
Flutterwave partners with Asian payment firms to ease cross-border trade
2024 will be a hard act to follow
Cairo eyes exporting up to 125,000 vehicles per year by 2030
The project aims to ease public access to government services but could end up getting caught in a vortex of controversy if checks and balances are not put into place
A strong performance in the first half of the year, driven by a record number of larger US$10m+ deals
Yanmar will soon begin selling its tractors and farm equipment in West Africa
Amit Jain will engage industry leaders on how to unlock the consumer potential of Africa
Lithium processing projects worth US$800m nearing completion in Nigeria
US$4.2bn Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam key to its power export ambitions
Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye championed the work of NTU-SBF Centre for African Studies and will be remembered as the diplomat who took Rwanda-Singapore ties to new heights
Valency raises US$15m in first tranche of a planned US$50m bond programme
Africa’s home appliances market forecast to grow 7.6% annually to 2030
Pharmaceutical spending in Africa six times lower than global average
Mr DIY aims to attract price-conscious shoppers
Adefunke Adeyemi is the Secretary General of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and alumnus of the Nanyang Business School (NBS)
Amunet Wind Power Plant in Egypt launched with Japanese support
Smartphone giant eyes Africa’s electric two-wheeler market
A setback for ASEAN regional air connectivity with Africa
Standard Bank and Afreximbank join the Chinese Swift alternative
Nigerian student Anang Didam is the first African student to be attached to CAS
Kenya is sub-Saharan Africa’s top importer of Malaysian palm oil
Singaporean firm to pay US$70m for PZ Cussons’ stake in palm oil business
But non-tariff barriers and limited processing capacity could blunt the impact
Weak demand hits the diamond-driven economy
New opportunities for collaboration emerge as Amit Jain attends AAM 2025 in Abuja
Amit Jain speaks at the Africa India Global Dialogue
Projects include desalination and power generation
Benny Tea Industries looks to Kenya as a source of premium orthodox tea
The annual award recognises excellence in journalism
Seatrium to covert an existing LNG carrier into a FSRU
Tanzania’s 3.2km Lake Victoria bridge expected to boost regional trade
Is it needless or necessary?
Simandou mining project to produce 120m tonnes of iron ore annually
Improved payments and over 40m internet users set stage for e-commerce growth
As Malaysia faces land and resource limits, Uganda offers room for growth
African nations emerge as key partners in Singapore’s climate strategy
Ronak Gopaldas quotes Centre Director Amit Jain in this article published by ISS African Futures
Capturing the opportunities presented by the evolution of international trade
New system would offer faster, more secure connectivity between Africa and Asia
While slightly disappointing in absolute terms, Q1 numbers are in fact in line with both African and global trends
Over 80% of Africa’s pharmaceuticals are imported due to limited local production
Centre Director Amit Jain joins NBS Dean Prof Jun Yang in hosting Kellen Eileen-Kariuki
Investment banking will help support the development of capital market
The decision to lift import tariffs for African products is a shot in the arm for AfCFTA
Chinese companies target poultry, aloe, and agrochemicals
Ethiopia now accounts for a third of Hyundai construction equipment sales in Africa
US$175m deal forms part of the Singapore-based group's business restructuring
The US$300m Casablanca shipyard is expected to service up to 500 vessels annually
Kampala signs a refinery and pipeline financing agreement with the UAE
Indian publication refers to a report published by the NTU-SBF Centre for African Studies which showed how Thailand and Vietnam stepped in to supply African demand after India banned the export of rice
African Newspage republishes an article by Centre Director Amit Jain
It could spell the end of the manufacturing dream for Africa
The coalition government looks to private sector to ease logistics crisis
AI-enabled data centres to help Africa develop domestic technologies
Gozem of Singapore and Hakki Africa of Japan secure US$30m and US$13.1m respectively to boost African operations
Proposed partnership aims to curb oversupply in global cobalt market
New factory targets both domestic and export demand
Acquisition of Indian firm proves to be shot in the arm for Kubota as African tractor demand soars
African pharma market forecast to reach US$34bn by 2027
Ethiopia eyes alternative link to Djibouti port for US$20bn in annual trade
Centre Director Amit Jain and Prof Kingsley Moghalu explore areas of cooperation
East Fruit features Michael Tanchum’s piece on regenerative agriculture
New Singapore-backed initiative to facilitate cross-border trade
Singapore Airlines, Air India, AirAsia X, and Shanghai Airlines are growing their Africa footprint
Credit risk rating agencies have heightened investor risk perception and cost Africa an estimated US$46bn in lost lending
The US$1.78bn deal will boost Saudi exposure to the African agriculture sector
As industry demand for critical minerals crosses US$36bn Seoul seeks to secure raw material supply
Tolaram of Singapore seeks to host 150 industries at LFZ by 2035
Expanding Chinese-owned budget retail chains are a bonanza for African consumers but threat for local retailers and manufacturers
The richest man in Africa set to double Ethiopian cement production
What can African governments do to protect their vital digital assets?
Centre Director Amit Jain says the blue economy could act as a force multiplier for African development and a buffer against climate change
Zero-tariff product list expands by 140 items
African start-ups raised US$2.2 bn in funding in 2024, a 25% decline compared to 2023
A US$10m education finance facility set up in Uganda
Asia-Potash hopes to extract up to 2m tonnes of phosphate in the first phase alone
Film-making hub set to elevate the US$1.2bn Nigerian movie industry
SA offers 150% tax deduction for electric and hydrogen vehicle manufacturers
Ghana and Kenya lift visa requirements for fellow Africans
Ethiopian power utility projects US$123m revenue from crypto miners this year
A report by NTU-SBF Centre for African Studies reveals Morocco’s emergence as a leading force in regenerative agriculture across Africa
Opportunity for Asian Agribusiness firms take to participate in strengthening African food security
Centre Director Amit Jain tells the widely read international weekly publication why he advises investors to “discriminate” between the different countries on the continent
Olam Agri hosts winners of the Singapore Business Case Competition African Challenge in Accra
Up to five foreign banking licences expected to be given out
The African Growth and Opportunity Act may not be renewed by President-elect Donald Trump
Amit Jain participates in four consecutive high-level engagements and visits critical port and energy infrastructure
Associate Dean of Research Prof Simba Chang and Centre Director Amit Jain explore collaboration with one of the top academic institutions in Africa
The most significant projects are in Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire
The move comes as VC investments in Africa drop by half this year compared to 2023
The largest country in Africa aims to triple the size of its railway network
Singapore trader to double cashew processing capacity
Singapore based South African firm targets the Indonesian market
Tata Advanced Systems to build combat vehicle factory near Casablanca
A technological architecture that has accelerated financial inclusion in India looks ready for adoption
The US$50.7bn funding commitment made by Beijing at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) takes everyone by surprise and set the priorities for Beijing in the continent
The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries of Uganda invited Amit Jain to the east African republic
Yuma Sasaki of Dodai secures state backing to set up 300 battery stations for e-motorbikes
This would allow its local subsidiary to cut dependence on imports
The pan-African Togolese commercial bank partners a Singapore-based fintech firm TransferTo with the aim of providing more cross-border payment solutions
Cargo carriers shift to more profitable routes
The US$500,000 investment expected to boost Imizi rum production and brand
Lekki Deep Sea Port now serving four shipping companies
Africa may help Asian firms bypass Western tariffs on green energy products
Understanding the factors fueling the backlash against the finance bill
Ugandan press reports on the workshop conducted by Centre Director Amit Jain in the northern farming town of Serere
Renewable energy sector draws interest from China, Japan, and Indonesia
Lagos reporter urges policymakers to implement the 10-year economic roadmap outlined by the NTU-SBF Centre for African Studies
A new gold rush or fool’s gold?
G20 and COP29 may provide another opportunity to advance climate finance mechanisms
With urbanisation rising, bus rapid transit offers relief for congested African cities
Amit Jain identifies five factors that are fuelling instability in the most conflict prone zones of Africa
Eligible projects include cookstoves and green mobility solutions but not forestry and agriculture
US$1bn railway to facilitate copper exports from Zambia through Tanzania
Afrieximbank and ESG join hands to provide up to S$50m in funding
Korea Electronics Association to establish manufacturing support centre in Nairobi
Q3 turns out to be the best quarter for African start-up funding since mid-2023
Abidjan seeks to boost local processing to at least 50%
Court halts a US$1.85bn airport lease deal and a US$736m power transmission line contract with Adani
Egypt ranks as the most feasible location in Africa for solar PV manufacturing
Africa looks set to shine again as Fed cuts interest and China provides stimulus
Eulogy for Ranveer Chauhan by the Centre Director Amit Jain
NTU student writes about his experience as an intern in Nigeria
African fintech market is set to grow 13 times by 2030
Robust International gets new funding to boost sesame and cashew processing capacity
The Petredec-Transnet project could carry up to 2500 tonnes of LPG when complete
Mission 300 initiative seeks to connect 300m Africans to power grids by 2030
NiveSal identifies opportunity in local content requirements.
PIL bolsters East and Southern African operations
Addis Ababa could become a renewable energy exporter but risks sparking a regional conflict
The facility aims to meet all domestic pasta demand and cut dependence on imports
Fintech startup Pyxis to simplify payments for Kenyan traders importing goods worth US$3bn from China every year
Malaysian energy giant and Shell to invest an additional US$222m
The world’s second-largest cocoa producer seeks US$1.5bn for the upcoming harvest
Amit Jain explored emerging opportunities between Indonesia and African nations
They raised just over US$300 million in Q2 2024
The Ethiopian birr falls 90% against the US dollar as liberalisation brings economic promise and inflation risks
Dar es Salaam records a 22% bump in investments as Asian money piles in
US$6bn first phase to be completed by 2029
Japan, China, and India imported US$322m worth of avocados in 2023
Tanzania relies on imports for 90% of its fertiliser requirements
Centre Director Amit Jain moderates a panel discussion at the World Opportunities Forum
Coalition government ushers in new hope, but worries remain
Pacific International Lines is enhancing its shipping network across the continent
Online retail sales in South Africa grew by 29% in 2023
A 15,600 ha project aims to attract private investment in Rwanda’s agriculture sector
Asians account for 17% of international arrivals to Kenya
Gautam Adani proposes to upgrade Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at the cost of US$1.85bn
Unpacking the outsize role of Simandou in the growth and development of a rising West African Republic
Lobito Port connects DRC’s copper and cobalt mines to export markets
A critique of Responsible Resource-Driven Development
With a US$5bn starting capital AEB could compensate for the scaling down of capital in African fossil fuel projects
How can Africa benefit from artificial intelligence
West African cotton value chain requires US$5bn in investment
The inauguration of the US$170m 45000-seat capacity Amahoro Stadium signals a remarkable turnaround of a nation that once endured the worst case of genocide in living memory.
Billions of dollars in financial aid and investment commitments made as Seoul prioritises critical minerals at the first Korea Africa Summit
A landlocked nation in search of an alternative port
Africa attracts investments in processing as cashew prices jump and traders find it difficult to procure raw kernels from traditional African suppliers
DEFST will help verify the credential of Ghanaian firms
The Indian billionaire makes a US$39.5m investment as Tanzania becomes the second largest trading partner of India in Africa
The Leopold Sedar Senghor Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) partly constructed by Keppel can process 100,000 barrels of crude oil per day
For the first time in history a Singapore-based conglomerate will bottle and sell a legendary Irish beer brand in Africa
Africa generates US$85m in revenue every year for Asian Paints
Eric Olander debunks misperception with data
Singapore firms can buy carbon credits to offset up to 5% of their taxable emissions
US dollar expected to remain dominant despite efforts to promote the new gold-backed currency in Zimbabwe
African two-wheeler market to cross US$5bn by 2027
Indian investments crossed US$175m in 2023
Amit Jain makes his first official visit to the fast-growing business friendly republic
Robust International to provide farmer training and access to better seeds
The son of the former Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad is financing a US$100m cement factory in Juba.
US$300m Chinese investment in lithium processing capacity is transforming the mining industry
The new US$8bn facility will handle 100m passengers annually
Japanese influence is proving to a catalyst for broad-based growth and development in Africa
Fish consumption in Africa expected to jump three folds by 2050
Mauritius is the second most significant source of foreign direct investment in India
The 110,000 b/d capacity pipeline will reshape Niger’s oil sector
Chocolates could become more expensive as cocoa prices soar
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has told the Tanzania Railways Corporation to commence service between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma by the end of July 2024
LetsChat has ceased operations after failing to attract a sufficient user base
While the number of US$1m+ deals continued to pick up, investments on the continent were at a 3-year low in Q1 2024
A case for shifting from exporting fertilisers produced in Asia for Africa to manufacturing in Africa for Africa
Once complete, the 37km Fourth Mainland Bridge motorable will be the second longest flyover in Africa
US$1.25bn investment to finance new production line and export terminal
Owen Nigel Tjiptarahardja, Raphael Tandiono, Mathew Marchel Lim, and Benedict Gautama Utama win cash and an all-expense paid trip to Ghana
Creaky infrastructure results in the leak of nearly half of all piped water
The iconic industrial zone run by a Singapore-based conglomerate Tolaram remains a beacon for investors in Nigeria even as manufacturing suffers
The Misurata Free Zone set to power an economy bouncing back from a civil war
A surge of defence equipment and vehicles imports from Singapore in Q4 puts the city-state in the top spot
Mizuha signs a contract with an Egyptian military-affiliated firm to produce a water cooler that turns air into water
African carbon credits have grown 36% annually in the past five years
Pertamina targets renewable energy projects with a combined capacity of 1,000MW
US$18.6m deal is expected to boost its animal feed footprint in West Africa
New US$55m facility to handle 150,000 tonnes of cargo annually
Investment will offset risk in procurement of agricultural commodities from Africa
Cryptocurrency miners drawn to cheap renewable power bringing with them investments, technology and risks
Rohan Shah makes Imizi Rum out sugarcane grown by smallholder farmers in Rwanda
Minerals to be transport over the US$2.3bn Lobito railway link connecting DRC to Angola
Commercial maritime traffic around the Cape is up 53% since October
As inflation soars food insecurity worsens
Theory and practice of free money
Africa accounts for 16% of Malaysian palm oil exports but competition is stiff
Africa has 3% share of the global air conditioner market
SMEC to help Accra utility service to implement performance-based contract procurement plan
Somaliland offers Ethiopia coastal access in hope of recognition, Somalia threatens war
Niger set to lead African growth with an annual GDP growth of 12.8%
Centre Director Amit Jain contributes an essay in Foresight Africa 2024
Three recommendations on how the continent can succeed in a new economy
Equity investments contracted by -57% YoY last year, while a rise in debt financing helped soften the blow
Beijing reduces import tariffs on the uniquely South African tea by up to 80%
Indonesia targets Algeria for energy investments
TymeBank turns profitable in under five years with unique distribution model
South African beverage consumption set to grow by 5.3% annually until 2027
As Beijing scales back on large projects its relationship with Africa changes
African psychology and cross-cultural business communications expert Dr Ebede Ndi conducts a half-day workshop at the NTU-SBF Centre for African Studies
Mauritania and Senegal draw interest from Singapore as local firms start to work on extractive as well as renewable energy projects
The US$270,000 facility set up by Gravita will export polypropylene to Asia and Europe
The US$590m battery energy storage project by Hyosung aims at tackling crippling power crisis in SA
Multinationals are reassessing their presence in Nigeria
Only 16% of Nigeria's cashew exports undergoes processing
The survey conducted by JICA also shows Ethiopian start-up founders prefer equity over debt
2023 was a high point for the NTU-SBF Centre for African Studies
The financial line of credit is aimed at boosting agricultural productivity
ESX promises new funding source for business while facilitating the privatisation of state-owned enterprises
Amit Jain says that taming inflation, eliminating trade barriers and provision of incentives for key sectors are necessary building blocks to catalyse economic growth in Nigeria
Top Indian conglomerate to invest in the Nigerian special economic zone established by Singapore-based Tolaram Group
Wicrypt enables individuals to generate income from their personal wifi networks
The North African country aims to become a nexus for electronics manufacturing
Amit Jain lays out a set of progressive reforms that, if carried out sequentially, could put Nigeria back on the path to sustained growth
The Nigeria news network interviewed Centre Director Amit Jain in Lagos on the economic revival of Nigeria
African poultry market to grow by 4.7% over the next decade
Lagos-Ibadan rail line poised to reduce congestion at Nigeria's busiest port
Security risks and forex challenges deter offshore businesspeople
African need for finance and Singapore desire to decarbonise makes for a promising partnership
A small landlocked republic taps its rich art, culture, and traditional produce to build a stronger national identity and economy
Africa becomes a battle-ground as Asian industrial powerhouses compete over critical mineral supremacy
The US$40m investment by SBI Holdings in Novastar Ventures shows increased Japanese interest in African start-ups
NTU-SBF Centre for African Studies fellow Ronak Gopaldas conducted an intensive workshop on how to evaluate risk when investing in Africa and map a robust risk-reward framework
Participants joined in for a talk by NTU-SBF Centre for African Studies fellow Ronak Gopaldas on China and Africa's trading partnership.
Renewable energy potential remains a bright spot even as foreign investments shrinks
A final year journalism student discovers how those who fled the country years ago are now returning to rebuild it
Indian policy exposes African food import dependency
The UAE-based global port operator secures 30-year contract for Dar es Salaam port
Kenyan BNPL industry is projected to reach US$1.8bn by 2028
Telecoms magnate targets vast copper-gold venture in rare African foray into Pakistan
Energy transition roadmap targets a wide range of industries
US$180m medical production facilities set up by Zhende Medical near Nairobi
After another quarter of decline, the level of funding raised by African start-ups is now at a three-year low
Rwanda seeks to position itself as a marketplace for carbon offset
Businesses and households are turning to off-grid solutions as power cuts roll on
How to protect the most vulnerable from rising fuel and food costs
Standard Bank survey says lack of foreign exchange is a key impediment to intra-Africa trade
Robust International inks agreements with Adatos and Trames
This new funding complements an earlier US$600m co-financing agreement with the African Development Bank (AfDB)
Demand for local data centres driven by surging internet use and data protection laws
As Western financiers back out China may step in with lending
Commitments span multiple sectors, including power, manufacturing and defence
The 13-km blue line connects five stations in Lagos
Managing Director Saikat Chowdhury wants to plug the information gap that inhibits domestic manufacturing from taking off
Why boosting Africa-Southeast Asian trade and investment makes sense
The acquisition of ENEO by a British energy firm investing in Mauritania is a good start
After India lands a craft on the moon could African space ambitions take flight?
Access to the US$450m citrus market is a big boost for Zimbabwe agriculture
Online retail represents under 5% of South African sales, indicating vast growth potential
Discussion shines light on the manufacturing and consumer goods sector in Africa
Processing facility offers cost-efficiencies and improved control over production
Chinese hardware to remain bedrock of African telecom infrastructure
The direct Mumbai-Nairobi connections promises to boost tourism and trade
The landmark agreement will allow the two development banks to diversify lending portfolio
Kenya holds 10,000 MW of untapped geothermal energy potential and Pertamina wants a piece of it
Chinese minerals giant secures access to material used in EVs and wind turbines
North African country seeks to divest from 32 state-owned companies
Platform Africa gives a full account of the report launch
Diplomatic Network features the Centre’s 10-year roadmap for Nigeria
The 10-year roadmap report for Nigeria published by the NTU-SBF Centre for African Studies gets a mention in the East African news Daily Monitor
First time that a Singapore-based think tank has delivered a policy recommendation report for an African state
NTU-SBF Centre for African Studies gets press coverage in this African Business article
Centre Director Amit Jain tells African Business that with the rise in mobile adoption and internet connectivity, Singaporean firms are starting to enter Africa
Winners of the Singapore Business Case Competition Africa challenge immerse themselves in the operations of Olam Agri soon after arriving
The Rwanda Imbaraga SME Ecosystem (RISE) seeks to enhance trade finance
Nairobi exported US$40.5m worth of fish and fishery products in 2022
Low-cost tech pool is a competitive advantage, but frequent internet shutdowns hobble the industry
Centre Director Amit Jain conducts a lecture prior to the trip
The NTU-SBF Centre for African Studies hosts a group of 20 students from Strathmore University
A case for sports as an engine for economic development and tool of diplomacy
ICTSI to develop Durban terminal amid rising global interest in African port infrastructure
Exit of TotalEnergies and Africa Oil prompts project reassessment
VC funding in African start-ups drops 62% this year
Phosphate, manufacturing capability, and preferential market access to Europe draw Chinese investments
GenZero to invest in a US$30m landscape restoration project
President Bola Tinubu fulfils his pledge bringing cheer to the market
Startup seeks to build trust in second-hand vehicle market
The continent is struggling to manage rapid urbanisation and population growth
Fertiliser use in Nigeria has doubled but remains far below global average
Chinese firm TeleOne setting up a factory in partnership with local telcos
The brand-new 175 room serviced apartment offers world class accommodation in the heart of Nairobi
An assessment of the most ambitious single market experiment
Rammis Bank implementing Azentio software to service the sizeable Muslim population of the country
Growing appetite for Kenyan avocados in Asia
Amit Jain makes field visit and meets private and public sector leaders during his first official visit to the two African republics
The half-day workshop focused on the potential of blue economy in Africa
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong prods Singapore firms to put Africa in their portfolio as he makes his first visit to South Africa and Kenya
Cairo displaces Rabat as the leading supplier of frozen berries to China and other markets
As global institutions back off the African Energy Bank steps in to finance oil and gas projects
After years of delays momentum seems to be building for Konza smart city
Senegal set to become one of the fastest growing economies in the world
The micro financier has provided more than US$1bn in credit to the unbanked in Africa
Qatar takes a strategic stake in the project
Heightened demand and export restrictions by Indonesia have resulted in a 51% jump in Malaysia palm oil exports
Kenyan shoppers greet the new technology with mixed reactions
Drilling for oil in Africa comes with a heavy baggage of political risk
Technical assistance is expected to provide travellers world-class experience
The US$100m facility will make Egypt an export hub for the Chinese home appliance maker
Rupee trade to reduce conversion costs and mitigate foreign exchange risk
Why Singapore could see a rise in the arrival of high-net worth individuals from the continent
The 20-year corporate bond shows that domestic institutional investors have the ability to finance critical infrastructure in Nigeria
VC funding contracts but there is no meltdown
Expanding agriculture trade between Africa and China is a welcome development for African commodity producers and Asian commodity traders based in Singapore
The MAS-backed event brings together global regulators, policymakers, decision-makers, founders and investors in Kigali
Chinese firm aims to process 4.5 million tonnes of raw lithium ore annually
High cost of logistics is making it difficult for online platforms to survive
China, India, and South Korea vie for a share of the US$40bn African defence pie
AI Capital will invest in businesses that use and integrate artificial intelligence for growth
The Hong Kong conglomerate invests US$1.5bn in Egypt as it upgrades port infrastructure
Fund to generate returns by selling carbon credits from reduced emissions and deforestation
Yinson secures eighth West African contract as Angola seeks to boost crude production
Business case competition co-sponsored by the NTU-SBF Centre for African Studies gets press coverage in Nigeria
Amit Jain makes a presentation for diplomats of small island and coastal states at the Clingendael Institute
Amit Jain lays out practical considerations for African states before issuing bonds to their expatriates
Freshmen Rui Ying, Cindrea and Megan win cash and all-expense paid trip to Nigeria
Green hydrogen could spur demand for desalination solutions in Africa
The undisclosed deal will make British firm Vivo one of the biggest petrol retailer in Southern Africa
Former NTU PhD student aims to harness the strengths of Singapore and Malawi for satellite venture
The approval of shea butter as food ingredient in India has resulted in a sharp increase in Indian import of African shea kernels
The US$19bn Dangote refinery aims to transform Nigeria from a fuel importer to an exporter
Rolling blackouts are taking a toll on the South African economy
Demonetisation causes cash shortage and disrupts everyday transactions days before Nigeria holds election
Centre Director Amit Jain draws some curious parallels between Nigeria and Pakistan as the former votes to elect a new leader
Susumu Tsubaki, CEO of the Singapore-based Japanese investment firm AAIC explains why he is betting on healthcare start-ups in Africa
Angola reliant on fuel imports despite being one of Africa's top oil producers
New railway to enhance mining trade by reducing transportation costs and time
President Sisi lays out a red carpet for green investments from India in the SCEZ
Women’s Livelihood Bond by IIX targets small mature Kenyan firms
The slowdown of the second half of the year could not wipe out gains made in the first half of the year
The US$1.5 bn port located within the Lagos Free Zone marks a milestone for the country as it strives to improve trade competitiveness
Resumption of flights could signal strengthen trade ties
The finding of oil in the unrecognised breakaway Republic sparks optimism as well as concerns
The strategic North African republic to become a launchpad for African space industry once the US$1bn commercial satellite launch site is operational
The African Exchanges Linkage Project will allow investors to trade in African stocks on a single platform and in doing so make the African capital markets vibrant as never before
Ghana struggles to compete with Asian rice
Amit Jain attends the Atlantic Dialogues and discovers how Morocco is using its unique position as a link between the rich North and the poor South
Only ten banks provide 70% of trade finance in the region
Trafigura signs financing agreement to develop the third largest cobalt mine in the world
Kubota hopes to make a breakthrough in Africa after acquiring the well-established Indian farm and commercial automaker Escorts
Twin battery storage projects to relieve pressure on the strained national electricity grid
New policy criticised for being impractical, but the government claims it is necessary to secure future loans
South African Airways is the sixth African airline to select Laminaar Aviation Resource Management System
Gravita finds niche turning scrap into cash in West Africa
Africa remains an attractive investment destination in the long run even if prospects in the short-run look dim
China has set a goal to increase agricultural imports from Africa to US$300bn in the next three years
Models of alternative development, circular economy or just transition are insufficient to address the damage caused by imperialism
Potential for Africa to unlock more value by processing cashew nuts on the continent
President William Ruto says his nation will roll out a US$40 smartphone in 2023
Investors from one African country will now be able to buy stocks of another through a single intermediary
Amit Jain reflects on his attendance of the Africa Investment Forum in Cote D’Ivoire
Plantation forestry could address the growing demand for timber while curbing deforestation
Amit Jain says there is need to demystify risks perceived to be associated with Africa
The continent has significant import substitution potential
The closure comes barely a year after the social media set up operations in Ghana
The Ghana Integrated Financial Ecosystem (GIFE) project aims to boost commerce between the two countries through financial capacity building and guarantees
South Africa’s biggest retailer embraces digitalisation as it zooms in on its home market
Masdar eyeing wind, solar, and green hydrogen opportunities in Africa
The transition to net zero will need bold steps
Gautam Adani to harness 10GW of solar and wind power in the Kingdom with the aim of producing green hydrogen
The NTU-SBF Centre for African Studies hosts a group of 32 students and staff from the Gordon Institute of Business Science
But it is unlikely the two Asian rice growers will be able to meet the demand
Global auto groups increasingly eyeing tech-enabled mobility solutions in Africa
The project comes as the government unveils a new mining policy that will ask miners to pay half the royalties in minerals
Yet African start-ups succeed in raising US$4bn in the first three quarters of 2022
The Singapore-based agribusiness giant launches a US$690,000 programme as rising cost of food import bites
The Japanese firm introduces instalment payment plans, sets up training centres as it tries to capture a growing market for its products in Africa
Stiff capital control and weak domestic currency is facilitating cryptocurrency adoption
Why Africa needs to scale-up investments in the energy sector
Malaysian import of the Kenyan 'green gold' could open a new market for African fruits in Southeast Asia
Her Excellency Sophia Nyamudeza makes a case for collaboration during an official visit
Japanese investors eye Africa as Tokyo seeks to strengthen ties
Singapore-based Trafigura identified as a potential buyer
Tyme says there are similarities between South Africa and Asian emerging markets
Enterprise Singapore backed initiative to select 10 ventures for eight-week programme
Keppel Nantong will construct the marine and civil components of a ship repair and maintenance facility at the port of Takoradi
Local manufacturers welcome the move but consumers fear further inflation
Evaluating the growth of transport, health, ICT, and housing sectors
The 10-year agreement with Serum Institute of India will allow Aspen of South Africa to manufacture four routine vaccines
African data is stored on data centres outside the continent but that may be about to change
The West African start-up makes history by offering a tech solution to an Asian tech powerhouse
Tullow Oil wants strategic partner as India eyes ownership in international oil ventures
Despite the tumult, Africa remains an attractive aviation investment destination
San Pedro multipurpose bulk terminal offers a more competitive commodities import-export gateway
The US$300m wool industry is a major foreign exchange generator for South Africa and China is the biggest buyer
Agreement with Attijariwafa bank allows for faster and cheaper cross-border transfers
Pakistan is the biggest buyer of Kenyan tea, but now wants to cut imports
The North African republic positions itself as a green energy hub in the run up to COP27
The 30-year concession will allow the commodity major to transport precious metals from mines in DRC to the port of Lobito
As health awareness grows so does the demand for fonio, teff, and other traditional grains
Access to the lucrative Chinese food import market has been difficult for Africa
The agreements could help stem illegal fishing in African waters and end the shortage of vaccines
Measure aimed at shoring up confidence in the economy and stop the hoarding of US dollar
But opposition to the military junta could derail the project
The move is part of the company's push for 5G rollout across Africa
Discovery has the potential to revolutionise the country’s resource sector
Developments position Singapore as a major investor in Cote d’Ivoire’s cashew and cocoa sectors
African start-ups have raised over US$1.3bn in Q2, taking the total raised in 2022 so far to US$3.1bn+
How Tolaram broke new ground in Nigeria
Amit Jain explains why it must become a part of the solution to the food crisis
The role of cities in mobilising capital, labour, and land for growth
The new common schedule aims to promote manufacturing and job creation in the region
The two pipelines may help European energy security but will do little to electrify Nigeria
From export bans to price controls, governments across Africa are making market interventions to avert food crisis
A new round of investment by Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt will see it emerge as the top Asian investor in the country
It now accounts for 70% of all mobile money transactions across the world
But doubts remain over its commercial viability
A case for Singapore to establish one
Comparative advantages in resources and location fuel growth
Opportunity for the likes of Singapore Airlines and Emirates to acquire strategic stakes
Highlights the growth of the fast-food market in the country and Africa more broadly
The move signals growing acceptance of cryptocurrency in Africa
The story of a Singaporean firm that integrated customs clearance processes across five countries
Connectivity and internet penetration have overlapped with changing consumer behaviour to create a boom
The Sojitz-Axxela deal could pave the way for more Asian investments in African oil and gas
Spat highlights great power rivalry in Africa’s tech sector
Garment manufacturing takes centre stage as manufacturing ambitions soar
The two solar power plants will have the capacity to produce 72MW of electricity when complete
Industry says Africa could become the next Brazil if such predictions are right
Ouadia Benabdellah makes a case for collaboration during an official visit
Making a case for the replication of the Singapore model in Africa
The move comes even as the African telecom sector continues to register strong growth each year
Their exit leaves a void in the retail market for other banks to fill
IFC support for the commodity trader Robust International could help optimise agriculture value chains
An opportunity for Singapore to step in
The Nissan facility positions the republic as an automobile hub in West Africa
The three-way deal could potentially put 100m tonnes of iron ore on the market every year
The call comes in the wake of supply disruptions caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine
African start-ups raise US$1.8bn in Q1
The Japanese funded terminal will boost Kenyan port capacity and facilitate trade
A fertile ground for Asian investments
Tunis Sport City could lift interest in a seaside luxury residence built by a Singapore-linked firm
Commodity traders look to Africa as sanctions hit Russian exports
Economic implications of the Russian invasion of Ukraine
The US$375bn Islamic finance market in Africa is primed to attract Muslim investors
The conditions present a potential business opportunity for Asian firms
This is the latest effort by the Chinese company to expand its influence in Africa
The new class of visa aims to attract skilled, high-spending workers
Hela Clothing seeks to benefit from Egypt’s structural and geographic advantages
Ukraine crisis provides windfall to African oil and gas producers
Amit Jain draws parallels between the Nigerian billionaire and his Indian counterpart Mukesh Ambani in this CNBC Africa article
The results provide a cautiously optimistic outlook for South Africa and the region
If successful, it could unlock billions of dollars in oil revenue and stabilise the country
Western response to the growing influence of China could benefit Asian firms
The US$1.2bn project signals the ambition of the UAE to become a top port operator in Africa
Dangote’s US$100m car assembly plant in Kaduna state could help reduce imports of used cars
Technology is making financial inclusion possible
How Singapore can stake a claim and take advantage of untapped opportunities
The US$200m Norrsken22 fund will look for potential unicorns in the continent
Decision comes as security improves in the insurgency-hit Cabo Delgado province
Lessons from Asia and opportunities in Africa
Making finance work for Africa
The agreement will allow Korean firms to compete against regional rival China in the strategic North African republic
Bid price jumped by US$76.2m as competitors tried to outdo each other
The long-awaited project is expected to bring US$15bn worth of investments and build private sector capacity
The US$1bn facility is expected to start processing iron ore in 2024 and create 5000 jobs
The continent outpaced global VC growth last year
How the unequal ownership of land perpetuates social stratification and threatens the future of South Africa
Improved seedlings and training are allowing cassava famers to increase yields and revenues
Africa’s second largest livestock keeper is trying to enter the Middle East market
Coal has a hold on the power sector, but for not much longer
Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda are competing against Ethiopia and Kenya in the aviation sector
MTN is the latest to join a string of telecom operators who have decided to put up their tower assets for sale
The grant funding approved by the African Export-Import Bank will see the setting up of an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) production facility
New circular economy projects promise to make agriculture more sustainable.
Renergen discover US$100bn worth of helium reserves on land for which they paid US$1 in gas rights
As the EdTech sector grows, mobile telcos are partnering with startups across Africa to deliver education on fingertips
Europe and US launch new programmes to counter China’s Belt and Road Initiative
Tunisian and Moroccan farmers are benefitting from the explosive expansion of organic farming
The continent’s leading carrier goes on an expansion spree through acquisitions and strategic partnerships
The anticipated entry of Airtel Africa and MTN in the banking sector could be a shot in the arm for financial inclusion
Time for investors to take fresh look at a market that lies at the cross-roads of international trade
The banking sector and its contribution to microeconomic stability in Kenya
International travel ban exposes Africa’s long and painful association with disease. Amit Jain explains what lessons Africa should take from this episode
A number of African technology firms have listed their shares this year
The pilot project promises to make trade efficient
Mauritania and South Africa stand to benefit from producing green hydrogen.
The pace of Chinese-funded infrastructure projects in Africa shows no sign of slowing down. However, not every project is going smoothly.
Global auto manufacturers opt mostly for assembly in Africa, but local manufacturing is starting to take off.
eNaira could save the cost of managing physical cash.
African SMEs find it difficult to get credit, but not for long.
Africa is a fraction of the global ICT market but has much more room to grow.
Despite political instability, weak governance, and poor infrastructure, trade with the DRC is growing.
KPMG study says 82% of CEOs in East Africa are positive about their region's growth prospects.
The Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) and the digitalisation of trade hold the key to the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Africa needs US$12bn in finance to adapt to climate change every year. Amit Jain explains how China, Singapore, and Japan can help.
Rwanda may benefit most as East Africa adopts a digital Know-Your-Customer (KYC) tool that promises to ease cross border trade.
DigiExt uses satellite data and drones to provide smallholder farmers multiple services.
The Chinese social media platform is giving Facebook a run for its money.
But will this move result in the development of agricultural value chain?
The Rwandan government steps in to make up for the lack of private sector investment in public housing.
Cabinet approval may reduce dependence on imports of refined fuel.
The deal is expected to give the unbanked access to insurance services.
A government loan for a tomato processing factory signals the government’s commitment to support private sector investments in agriculture value chain.
How the Farm to Market Alliance (FMA) has helped almost 90,000 smallholder farmers claw out of subsistent farming.
State subsidy scheme and social media is prompting the young to trade the office for the farm.
After decades of neglect railways is starting to get the attention it deserves.
What makes Nairobi the most vibrant capital market in East Africa and how can foreign investors participate in it?
Authorities turn to Jumia for help.
Power utility ASER finds an answer to sustainable rural electrification.
Member states lodge complaints as Nairobi imposes tariffs.
2021 is set to break the 2020 record of US$200m.
African startups are starting to get some serious investments.
Financial transactions are going digital at a rapid pace as connectivity improves.
The continent starts to tap on its cultural capital for jobs and growth.
Amit Jain explains why Africa is an attractive destination for business in this report on The Straits Times.
Zainal Arif Mantaha applauds the work of NTU-SBF Centre for African Studies during an official visit.
Amit Jain outlines the competitive advantage of Singapore companies in Africa in this report on The Daily NNA.
The TonnUp online platform has removed the need for a middleman and reduced transaction costs.
A new agriculture e-commerce strategy is set to boost the country’s agriculture exports.
African countries are not yet significant participants in the global value chain (GVC) of electric vehicles (EVs).
Despite its natural resource abundance, Africa is one of the driest continents on the planet, with nearly half its landmass considered dry and more than a third classified as hyper-arid or desert.
Africa is a large market for hand-me-down automobiles. So what does the future of auto manufacturing here look like?
Lack of hard currency, fraud and high transaction costs have impeded the continent’s international trade. But now blockchain technology is helping African business overcome those barriers.
The digital world in Africa has been growing and developing in leaps and bounds.
The circular economy is new to Africa but the continent is taking a step in the right direction.
Africa exports raw materials and imports finished goods. But that is starting to change.
Africa’s retail sector is filled with opportunity.
Africa has a massive infrastructure deficit.
The United Nations defines a ‘supercycle’ as a decades-long, above-trend movement in a wide range of base material prices generated by shifting demand.
Capital market access is key to economic and industrial growth, making countries less dependent on donor aid and loans from foreign governments to finance investment and expenditure.
Climate change, access to finance and lack of investments in the African agriculture sector has impacted food security adversely.
Many multinationals view Africa as a positive investment destination – reflected in the continuous investments on the continent that are of Western origin.
Despite lagging in its overall adoption of digital technology, and its pronounced digital divide, the digital sector on the African continent reveals many nuggets of pure gold.
China continues to expand its footprint in Africa, despite the challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Africa is rich in oil, gas and renewable sources but more than half its people still have no access to electricity. The private sector can help plug the gap.
Africa exports raw hides and imports leather products. But now its leather industry is slowly turning a corner.
The renewable energy sector in Africa is growing in leaps and bounds.
Rising sales of fossil-fuel cars add to the air and noise pollution that now approaches dangerous levels in many of Africa’s overpopulated cities.
Innovation in the financial services sector in Africa has created new opportunities.
Africa imports 80% of its pharmaceutical needs. About time it starts producing medicines locally.
Africa is beginning the see the emergence of a middle-class that wants to shop in malls. But technology and consumer behaviour are not the only factors that will change the face of retail here.
Africa is adapting to the digital age. A plethora of new apps and platforms are changing the way business is conducted across the continent.
Industrialisation has re-appeared on the African development policy agenda.
Africa is rich in minerals, metals, oil and gas. At long last it is starting to take advantage of it.
Africa grows a wide variety of crops, fruits, and vegetables and yet it imports US$35bn worth of food each year. After years of neglect agriculture is getting the attention it needs.
Africa’s financial sector is undergoing something of a makeover. The change will determine how dynamic the continent’s economy will eventually turn out to be.
Africa is rich in renewable resources. It can provide access to clean, reliable, and affordable electricity to all its people. All that is missing is investments.
Africa still has a massive backlog in infrastructure development, whether for roads, railways, ports, harbours, or housing. But how it is going to mobilise this much investment?
The global COVID pandemic shows few signs of abating.
On 1 Jan 2021, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) became operational. There are many expectations globally on this continental free trade agreement's potential success.
Improving trade is a top priority for Africa. But there is still a long way to go before cross-border trade contributes more significantly to the continent’s growth and prosperity.
The NTU-SBF Centre for African Studies invited the undergraduate business students of Singapore to participate in the 4th annual competition to develop a business model and plan for a new business in Africa.
The emerging global trend to digitise documents presents an opportunity to increase the African continent’s engagement in international trade.
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