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Publications

John Okoro: Investing in Clean Energy in Africa – Challenges and Opportunities

John Okoro: Investing in Clean Energy in Africa – Challenges and Opportunities

In this interview, Initiative Africa speaks with John Okoro, an energy and infrastructure expert who has worked across more than 30 African countries, about the challenges and opportunities shaping Africa's clean energy transition. With hundreds of millions of Africans still lacking access to electricity, he discusses the barriers to financing clean energy projects, investors' perceptions of risk, and the need for business models that make electricity affordable for local communities. From Kenya and Burundi to Nigeria and Zanzibar, John Okoro explores the initiatives transforming the energy sector, including renewable energy development, battery storage, smart grids and local manufacturing. He also shares his perspective on Africa's next major investment opportunities, particularly at the intersection of energy, artificial intelligence and data centres. Journalist: Asha Sumputh

Arol and Meli: 2 years later, what’s the status of their 3D printer?

Arol and Meli: 2 years later, what’s the status of their 3D printer?

Two years after its first report on their 3D printer project in Cameroon, Business Africa reconnects with Harold and his team to explore how their innovation has progressed and the challenges that continue to hold it back. As the team develops a fourth, more precise and advanced model, securing funding remains a major obstacle, despite winning several innovation competitions. Now based in Italy, Harold reflects on the collaboration opportunities that emerged after the first report and the challenges of turning a technical innovation into a commercial business. Meanwhile, his collaborator in Cameroon continues developing the printer, with the ambition of completing the project, bringing it to market, and showcasing the potential of African technological innovation. Journalist : Asha Sumputh

Artificial intelligence in Africa: opportunities, challenges and innovations

Artificial intelligence in Africa: opportunities, challenges and innovations

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the global economy — and Africa is no exception. In Cameroon, the startup Comparo is helping small and medium-sized businesses stand out in the e-commerce space, thanks to accessible AI-driven tools that streamline web creation and customer targeting. But beyond the promise, AI raises serious concerns: data control, technological dependency, social divides… This report dives into the local innovations and global challenges shaping Africa’s digital transition.

Iliass Tanouti: Advancing Space for Africa and Sustainability

Iliass Tanouti: Advancing Space for Africa and Sustainability

Born in Morocco, Iliass Tanouti’s passion for technology started with a fascination for automotive engineering and later expanded to the limitless possibilities of space exploration. After earning his master's degree in Manchester, this visionary engineer turned his attention to how satellite technologies could address environmental challenges and revolutionize agriculture. Join us as we delve into Iliass Tanouti's inspiring journey—discovering how space can help accelerate and create sustainable solutions for Africa's future.

Mboa Digital: An innovative project at the heart of Africa’s digital transformation

Mboa Digital: An innovative project at the heart of Africa’s digital transformation

Mboa Digital, based in Yaoundé, is a community project that stands out for its innovative approach to the brain drain in Africa. Its aim is to reconcile employment and digital transition by offering young Cameroonian engineers the opportunity to participate in the digital transformation of local and international businesses. By anchoring these talents on the continent, Mboa Digital is helping to build a promising professional future for ambitious young Africans who previously saw exile as their only option for success.

Technological revolution in Rwanda: How drones are transforming health, agriculture and tourism

Technological revolution in Rwanda: How drones are transforming health, agriculture and tourism

Since 2016, Rwanda has embraced drones to revolutionise access to healthcare, enabling the rapid delivery of blood and vaccines to even the most remote areas. This innovation, led by the American company Zipline, based in Muhanga, continues beyond there. Drones are now playing a crucial role in agriculture and food distribution, transforming the daily lives of Rwandans. Inspired by this success, Kenya follows suit, using these technologies to deliver vaccines, illustrating a rapidly expanding model in East Africa.

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