Photo by Dan Dennis on Unsplash
Hello Venturer,
I have never been a fan of motivational quotes. Although they sound good, they often prove to be overly idealistic. Like the one that says if you do what you love, you’ll never have to work a day in your life. Here I am doing what I love. And boy, it is hard work!
There's another saying that goes, “All that glitters is not gold.” However, the African countries we highlighted this week are demonstrating that what glitters may indeed be gold. Their substantial gold reserves are providing them with stability and liquidity, acting as a buffer for their currency during challenging times. Notably, Morocco has maintained relative currency stability throughout the year.
This week, we explore the currency performance of African countries with the largest gold reserves as of June 2023.
P.S. Stay tuned for our forthcoming entertainment issue; it promises to be exceptional!
Suotunimi Orufa,
Staff Writer
What’s new?
Currency insights of Africa’s top gold-backed economies
In the case of gold, some nations possess substantial natural deposits, while others hold significant reserves. This article explores the currency performance of African countries with the largest gold reserves as of June 2023. Read more.
A slice of opportunity: Benin joins China’s fruit export market
Alongside Kenyan, South African and Tanzanian avocados, Rwandan chilis, South African citrus fruits, and Tanzanian soybeans – Beninese pineapples are joining a rapidly growing list of fresh products that are finally allowed to be exported to the Chinese market. Read more.
How Innovate Africa is strengthening a generation of African product leaders
Have you ever wondered how some tech products become so popular and successful? How do people manage to create something that customers need and love? These were some of the questions that the Inspire Africa Conference answered. Read more.
How will Niger be affected by France’s withdrawal?
On Sunday, September 24th, President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would end its military presence in Niger and recall its ambassador from the country. “France has decided to withdraw its ambassador. Read more.
Are organic skincare products good for the economy?
Over the years, the demand for organic beauty products in Africa has grown rapidly, as more consumers become aware of the benefits of using natural and organic products for their skin and hair. Read more.
My Pivot Journal: How Chiamaka Obitube went from Law to DevOps Engineering
Chiamaka Obitube’s desire to have a transferable skill that could take her anywhere in the world, without being confined to the limitations of a legal career has led to her current role as a DevOps Engineer based in Paris. Read more.
Kenyan SMEs optimistic for growth in the post-COVID era
Micro, small, and medium-sized businesses play a pivotal role in propelling Kenya’s economy forward, and Mastercard is dedicated to empowering them. Read more.
WEI: The naira plunges, Safaricom-Apple partnership, & MultiChoice’s $1.7 billion loss
Here are three big stories from Africa’s business and policy landscape you (probably) didn’t miss but should keep in mind this week. Read more.
VA LinkedIn Live Event
Nigeria's creative sectors, especially the music and Nollywood industries, are experiencing significant growth. This has led to an increasing demand for creative and entertainment lawyers who offer a wide range of services, such as guiding clients through copyright and trademark laws, crafting and negotiating contracts, and providing general legal counsel. As more individuals in the creative field sought their assistance, the question is: what’s an effective way to engage with entertainment lawyers?
Join us on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at Ventures Africa's LinkedIn Live Audio to discuss "The Business & Legal Realities of Entertainment". This event complements our upcoming entertainment issue, so be sure not to miss it!
The VA Pod
In this week’s podcast, we speak to Christian Idiodi, Rebecca King, co-founder at Innovate Africa, Kenechukwu Nwankwo, Senior Product Manager at Mono, and Olatunde Adejumo, Head of Product Management, Inclusion Business at Interswitch Group. Listen here.
Mini Issues
VivaTech 2023: Is AI truly limited?
Read the mini issue of our coverage of Viva Technology, Europe’s biggest technology conference, which was held in Paris, France, from June 14th to 17th, 2023.
Africa’s Business Heroes – Empowering Africa's next-gen entrepreneurs?
Since 2019, ABH, Jack Ma Foundation’s philanthropic program, has identified, showcased, and supported the next generation of African entrepreneurs through its inclusive and sector-agnostic prize competition.
Our weekly collectibles
Monks have some interesting rules. But not all is what it seems. Discover the Greek Orthodox Monk Who Died Without Ever Seeing a Woman.
The most social social media these days is texting. And it’s gotten overwhelming. Here's why Group-Chat Culture Is Out of Control.
Want an Instagram-ready baby? It’ll cost you. Find out how parents are shelling out on services for picture-perfect bundles of joy.
Looking for the perfect watch this weekend? Discover why everyone's talking about the Black Book.
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