What to Know About Africa’s new online foreign exchange system

AFRICA INC. – Rising economies, start-ups, and Black wealth, etc. The high cost of making cross border payments on the African continent has driven governments on the continent to seek options of settling trade and other transactions in local currencies. This has given birth to the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System which is scheduled to go live in 2024 under Kenya’s leadership. Development economist Christopher Adam, who has studied the exchange rate policies of African countries, answers some key questions. Why are African countries exposed in the international currency market? Three main reasons. First, African economies are small and as such are highly dependent on trade with the rest of the world. Their exports are dominated by primary commodities including oil and gas, minerals and cash crop agriculture.

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Top 10 African Countries to Invest in 2024

AFRICA INC. – Rising economies, start-ups, and Black wealth, etc. As the sun rises on a new year, Africa’s economic landscape gleams with promise. Gone are the days of being overlooked; the continent is now a vibrant tapestry of opportunity, pulsating with resilient young populations, resource-rich lands, and burgeoning innovation. For discerning investors, this translates to a treasure trove of potential – but navigating the diverse terrain requires a discerning eye. So, where should you set your sights in 2024? Let’s delve into the top 10 African countries poised to ignite your investment spark: 1. Rwanda:  This tiny nation punches above its weight, consistently praised for its transparent governance, efficient business climate, and unwavering commitment to digital transformation. Kigali, the “Singapore of Africa,” is a tech hub buzzing with fintech startups and attracting global giants

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2024 List: Top 10 Airlines That Serve Africa

TRAVEL & TOURISM – Enjoy the beauty of Africa, Caribbean and other exotic Black destinations. Africa, a land of breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultures, and boundless opportunities, beckoned travelers and investors alike. But navigating its vast expanse demands wings, and choosing the right airline becomes an essential part of the adventure. Worry not, for we’ve curated a list of the top 10 airlines ready to whisk you across the continent in style and comfort. 1. Emirates:  For sheer luxury and global reach, Emirates reigns supreme. From the iconic A380s to award-winning in-flight service, every journey feels like a first-class experience. Their extensive network covers West and East Africa, seamlessly connecting you to the entire continent. 2. Qatar Airways: Another titan of the skies, Qatar Airways pampers passengers

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The ‘Zombie’ Drug Epidemic Sweeping West Africa

AFRICA THOUGHT – News features, commentaries, analyses, interviews & Op-ed. Kush first emerged in Sierra Leone half a dozen or so years ago…The composition of the drug varies from place to place. Fentanyl and tramadol are said to be ingredients, as is formalin, a disinfectant…The drug has become commonplace across Sierra Leone, with whole neighbourhoods and communities addicted to the narcotic. But putting a precise figure on usage rates is difficult… The [Sierra Leone Psychiatric] Teaching Hospital provides isolation treatment, which lasts between three to six weeks, and antipsychotic drugs to help wean patients off their addiction. But it is the only facility of its kind offering active care to kush patients in Sierra Leone. Indeed, there are just five

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Are Africans in China Black Ghosts? A New Book Reveals

ARTS, STYLE & ENTERTAINMENT This is YOUR lifestyle gallery – of what is new and what is happening in the U.S. And the Black World, not excluding Africa. For this section if you have any news we should know about – let us know at: lifestyle@theafricantimes.com Noo Saro-Wiwa is a celebrated Nigerian-born travel writer. Her latest book is Black Ghosts. It explores, with candor and compassion, the lives of several African economic migrants living in China, a group of people who are key to trade between the continents. As a scholar of African travel writing and mobility, among other fields, I read the book with keen interest and then asked Saro-Wiwa more about it. Janet Remmington: Let us start with the title: Black Ghosts. And

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How a Colonial Art Form Was reinvented in Cape Town as African

ARTS, STYLE & ENTERTAINMENT This is YOUR lifestyle gallery – of what is new and what is happening in the U.S. And the Black World, not excluding Africa. For this section if you have any news we should know about – let us know at: lifestyle@theafricantimes.com Cape Town Opera stages The Mandela Trilogy in Wales. John Snelling/Getty Images Many people thought that classical opera in South Africa – regarded as a western, colonial art form that was the preserve of white people during apartheid – would die with democracy in 1994. Instead, the opposite happened. Black singers emerged as the new stars and the format of opera began to be Africanized for new audiences. Critics mapped this transformation as Cape Town established

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