Oluwatosin Alao

329 Articles
Next reform phase targets jobs, smarter spending and stronger social impact
BusinessTechnology

Egypt, World Bank push funding, reforms to drive national growth

Egypt is seeking fresh funding and faster reforms as it works to steady its economy and restore growth, deepening ties with the World Bank at a sensitive time for Africa’s third-largest economy.  The talks in Cairo come as governments across emerging markets contend with higher borrowing costs, tighter global liquidity and pressure to protect vulnerable households. For Egypt, officials say,…

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Nossob Rest Camp revamp signals new Safari era
LuxuryTourism

Nossob Rest Camp upgrade reshapes Kalahari safaris

South Africa’s Kalahari Desert is set for a measured upgrade as South African National Parks (SANParks) prepares to renovate one of its most sought-after safari bases. Nossob Rest Camp, located inside Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, will undergo maintenance and improvement works beginning Feb. 25, 2026.  The project is expected to last about four months. While construction will take place within the…

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Zimbabwe’s park fee increase targets better visitor experience
BusinessTourism

Zimbabwe park fee hike signals tourism upgrade

Zimbabwe is raising park entry fees at some of its most visited attractions, a move that signals a strategic pivot toward high-value tourism and stronger conservation funding. The fee increases, led by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, take effect in 2026 and introduce value-added tax (VAT) across key tourism services.  The changes will be felt most sharply at…

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ERBD boosts West Africa agriculture with $153 million
BusinessTechnology

EBRD commits $153 million to West African agriculture

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is stepping up its support for agribusiness in West Africa with a $153 million financing package for operations in Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria.  The funding, split between Robust International and Valency International, targets key export commodities including cashew, sesame, cocoa and soybeans. The investment comes as global food supply chains face pressure from…

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Luxury safari at Cresta Mowana blending wildlife, comfort and riverside views.
LuxuryTourism

Botswana’s Cresta Mowana blends luxury with wilderness

Luxury safari at Cresta Mowana on the Chobe River near Chobe National Park, blending wildlife, comfort and riverside views.

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AAIB funds Upper Egypt’s first AI-powered radiotherapy system at Assiut University
BusinessTechnology

AAIB supports AI-powered cancer treatment in Upper Egypt

Arab African International Bank is expanding its support for Egypt’s healthcare system after signing on to help bring an integrated artificial intelligence-powered radiotherapy system to Upper Egypt, a move aimed at improving access to advanced cancer treatment in the region. The Cairo-based lender signed an agreement with Siemens Healthineers to supply Assiut University Hospitals with a comprehensive oncology platform that…

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Dembesh Hotel reopens in Juba, signaling private sector growth
BusinessTourism

Dembesh Hotel relaunch highlights South Sudan’s resilience

The reopening of Dembesh Hotel in Juba offers a rare piece of good news for South Sudan’s private sector. In a country still grappling with conflict, food insecurity and regulatory uncertainty, the return of one of the capital’s oldest hotels signals cautious business confidence.  For years, investors have viewed South Sudan as a high-risk frontier market with limited infrastructure and…

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Gabon blocks social media amid rising labor strikes, sparking concerns over digital rights.
BusinessTechnology

Gabon blocks social media as labor tensions escalate

Gabon has ordered an immediate and open-ended suspension of social media access, raising fresh questions about digital rights and political stability as labor unrest spreads across the country.  The directive, issued late Tuesday by the High Authority for Communication, instructs internet service providers to block major platforms, citing national security concerns and what officials describe as the circulation of false…

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Aswan named D-8 Tourist City of the Year 2026, boosting Egypt’s tourism
BusinessTourism

Egypt’s Aswan wins D-8 tourist City honor

Aswan has been named “Tourist City of the Year” for 2026 by the Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, marking the second straight year the southern Egyptian city has received the honor. The recognition followed a competitive process that included nominations from cities in Azerbaijan, Iran and Pakistan.  The award reflects close coordination between Egypt’s foreign affairs and tourism authorities, who…

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Madagascar triples 15-day e-Visa fee as tourism rebounds
BusinessTourism

Madagascar raises short-stay e-visa costs amid policy shift

Madagascar has sharply increased the cost of its 15-day electronic visa, adding a new expense for travelers planning short stays on the Indian Ocean island.  From Feb. 16, 2026, visitors applying for a 15-day e-Visa will pay $35.5, up from $11.83. The change applies only to the shortest stay option and does not affect visas issued on arrival or through…

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Kerten Hospitality opened the year signing 1,000 hotel keys after record 2025’s investor interest.
BusinessTourism

Kerten Hospitality drives growth with bold 2026 expansion plans

Kerten Hospitality is stepping into 2026 with a strong push to expand across the Middle East, Africa and Europe. The company began the year by signing deals for 1,000 new hotel keys in January, building on a record 2025 that drew rising interest from investors focused on lifestyle-led properties.  Industry observers say the group’s strategy is rooted in steady growth,…

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Egypt, Nissan discuss expanding car production and boosting exports across Africa and local supply chains
BusinessTechnology

Egypt, Nissan discuss scaling production for Africa markets

Egypt is intensifying efforts to position itself as a regional automotive manufacturing hub, holding fresh talks with Nissan Motor Corporation on expanding local production and boosting vehicle exports to Africa. The discussions reflect a wider plan to strengthen domestic industry and create more jobs.  Officials say the government is working to reduce reliance on imports while encouraging global manufacturers to…

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