Africa’s film and audiovisual industry generates an estimated $5 billion annually and employs more than 5 million people ANALYSIS | THE INDEPENDENT | Africa’s multilateral lender, African Export-Import Bank, through its impact investment arm—the Fund for Export-Development in Africa (FEDA)—has announced a landmark $1 billion initiative to launch the Africa Film …
Read More »How mobile money is rewiring the way Africa transacts, from the informal sector out
A recent report shows Africa alone accounted for 70% of global mobile money transactions, making it the undisputed global leader in mobile-led financial inclusion. SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | Africa is shifting from cash handling in business to digital finance—an upgrade in the quest for financial inclusion, with mobile …
Read More »Could the Black Market become the only market in Zimbabwe?
The price of doing business in Zimbabwean gold — the country’s latest currency — is too steep for many retailers, who can’t compete with an informal market still churning on US dollars. Harare, Zimbabwe | Gamuchirai Masiyiwa, Global Press Journal Zimbabwe | A year ago, all 16 checkout lanes were …
Read More »Supreme Court dismisses Nzeyi’s appeal against take over of National Bank of Commerce
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Supreme Court in Kampala has dismissed businessman Humphrey Nzeyi’s appeal against the Bank of Uganda (BOU) and the government for the illegal takeover, sale, and subsequent liquidation of the National Bank of Commerce. The Supreme Court, presided over by seven justices led by …
Read More »Success story: How Mulaliira grew from local vendor to official Coca-Cola distributor
KAMPALA, UGANDA | THE INDEPENDENT | When David Mulaliira first weighed the risks of launching a softdrink distribution business, he knew he needed a partner whose reputation spoke for itself. As the owner of Vinegarden Enterprises, dealing in school supplies, construction materials, and consulting services, he had built small successes …
Read More »USAID demise threatens key health, climate gains in Africa
Clean cooking campaigns have been largely successful in Asia and Latin America, but efforts in Africa have been unable to outpace population growth ANALYSIS | LAURA MILLAN | The Trump administration’s gutting of the US Agency for International Development, with 80% of its programs now canceled, is a blow for clean …
Read More »Stanbic Bank’s Agutamba named Chairman of UBA Peer Committee on Communication
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Uganda Bankers Association (UBA) has named Kenneth Agutamba Stanbic Bank Uganda’s Country Manager for Reputation and Corporate communication as the new Chairperson of the Peer Committee on Marketing and Communication, succeeding DFCU’s Jude Kansiime. This committee plays a pivotal role in shaping collective …
Read More »Uganda’s Energy Convention 2025: A bold path forward for the sector
From promises to power, can Uganda turn dialogue into energy action? Kampala, Uganda | JULIUS BUSINGE | I had the privilege of attending the Energy Convention 2025 at Serena Hotel in Kampala, an event that wasn’t just a gathering—it was a critical conversation about Uganda’s energy future. The convention, held under …
Read More »Airtel Uganda contributes shs37.9 billion to National Connectivity Fund
KAMPALA, UGANDA | THE INDEPENDENT | Airtel Uganda has contributed UGX 37.9 billion to the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF), marking a significant boost to the country’s digital inclusion efforts. The payment—equivalent to 2% of the telecom operator’s gross revenue for the financial year ending December 31, …
Read More »MTN Uganda contributes Shs50.55 billion to the National Connectivity Fund
KAMPALA, UGANDA | THE INDEPENDENT | MTN Uganda has announced a significant contribution of approximately Shs 50.55 billion to the Uganda Communications Commission’s Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF). This marks the company’s largest annual contribution to date aimed at expanding telecommunication services and accelerating digital inclusion in underserved communities …
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