Mwalimu for Hire: The Rise of Private Tutoring in East Africa
Education in East Africa remains a global concern, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic which exacerbated existing challenges, as evidenced by World Bank Group projections that about 66 million children, adolescents, and youth in Sub-Saharan Africa will be out of school by 2030. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for comprehensive educational reforms across the region.
Reactive Power Compensation in East African Power Systems: Technical Innovations and Grid Stability Solutions
East Africa’s power sector is rapidly expanding, with increasing reliance on renewable energy sources and growing regional electricity trade. The region’s transmission infrastructure is expanding to allow for robust power trade and eventually, to achieve the Africa Single Electricity Market (AfSEM), so managing reactive power becomes crucial.
The End of the Beginning: Kenya’s M-PESA Revolution Enters a New Phase
Starting as a simple tool to transfer money and buy airtime via text messages, Safaricom’s M-PESA ushered in a financial revolution that took all of East Africa by storm. The service has transformed into Kenya’s financial backbone with 59% of the country’s GDP flowing through it, unlocking financial services for millions along the way.
Small Data, Big Decisions: How SMEs Can Turn Local Data into Business Insight
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are vital contributors to East Africa’s economy. In countries like Uganda and Kenya, they employ up to 90% of the population and account for about 40% of the GDP. Despite many challenges like power shortage and limited funding which put a ceiling on their chances of long-term survival, the digitization of SMEs has the potential to counter their effects by eliminating operational inefficiencies and using predictive capabilities to add value to an enterprise.
When Lifelines Become Nooses: East Africa’s Battle Against Predatory Digital Lending
Throughout East Africa, a financial revolution is unfolding, one that promises liberation but too often delivers bondage. East Africa's dramatic surge in digital lending has transformed the financial landscape with remarkable speed, creating a paradoxical reality where access to capital coexists with meticulous exploitation.
The Business of Healing: East Africa’s Untapped Strengths in the Global Medical Market
East African countries face significant challenges in meeting the essential healthcare needs of their growing populations. Traditionally positioned as recipients of healthcare solutions, it is time to shift the narrative toward how the region can actively contribute to the development and expansion of the global healthcare industry.
Carbonds: Demystifying Carbon Credit Markets
A decade ago, anthropogenic climate change was a highly controversial topic, with many governments and corporations – particularly in the oil and gas sector – actively denying its existence or downplaying its significance. As scientific consensus solidified, and extreme weather events intensified, outright denial declined, and global initiatives became increasingly focused on climate solutions.
Unlocking Excellence: The Progress and Future of Customer Service in Uganda
In the Pearl of Africa, a silent revolution brews – not of politics, but of expectations. A growing middle class, one of the world’s youngest populations and an increasingly connected society; have fuelled expectations for fast, reliable and consistent service. However, while the country has made significant economic strides in recent years, the quality of customer service remains inconsistent.
From Fields to Skies: How Drones are Transforming Agriculture in East Africa
East Africa’s agricultural sector has long relied on traditional farming practices, with smallholder farmers using age-old techniques to cultivate the land. However, climate change, population growth, and food security concerns are driving the need for innovation. Drones, once a futuristic concept, are now emerging as a transformative tool for East African agriculture.
