Shooting stars!🛰️🌍
149: Africa has a growing interest in space technologies
Hello Venturers,
As a child, I used to admire the night sky illuminated by the moon, believing the tiny dots of light I saw were nothing but stars. However, as I grew older, I realized that not only were the stars larger than they appeared but some of the lights were from satellites orbiting the Earth.
Still, I thought just one country - America - owned these satellites. Later, I discovered that several countries, and even private entities, own them.
Technology has advanced globally over the years. As a result, many African countries have also launched earth observation satellites to provide valuable real-time data on natural disasters and offer insight for several industries showcasing the potential and opportunities of the space industry.
Last week, Kenya launched its Taifa-1 satellite into orbit, marking a moment of national pride. With this launch, Kenya joins 14 other African countries that have launched a total of 52 satellites as of the end of 2022.
Africa has ambitious plans to triple the number of satellites launched into Earth's orbit in the coming years, demonstrating the continent's growing interest in space. One of our articles explores how Kenya's satellite launch reflects this trend.
Adekunle Agbetiloye
Staff Writer
What’s new?
Interest in tech spikes in the face of a bear market.
On a macro scale, we all remember 2022 for different events, depending on which impacted us the most. Geopolitics enthusiasts won’t forget the Russia-Ukraine war, and football lovers won’t forget the world cup. It’s the same way in tech: everyone remembers 2022 as tech winter when capital markets became more cautious with funding. Read more.
Kenya's satellite launch reflects Africa's growing interest in space technologies.
Many have described having Kenya’s Taifa-1 enter orbit as a moment of national pride, and by all means, it is. As Kenya is now in the same league with 14 other African countries that had launched a total of 52 satellites as of the end of 2022, according to consulting firm Space Hubs Africa. Read more.
Why is Kenya owing its ministers’ salaries?
It’s been a long 220 days since Kenya inaugurated a new president. Although we predicted William Ruto would face a tough job, the burden seems even heavier. The administration has been under immense pressure for several matters, with finance taking the front seat. Read more.
Mitigating the impact of fuel subsidy removal: Lessons from African countries and past administrations.
As before, fuel subsidy has stirred up reactions from Nigerians recently, following the government’s announcement of an $800 million loan from the World Bank to scale up its national social program ahead of the extravagant fuel subsidy removal. Read more.
MPJ: Ibi Fiberesima is finding her 'ikigai' through community management
Most people build careers on at least one of four pillars: what they love, what they are good at, what the world needs, and what they can be paid for. But a few others, like Ibi Fiberesima (Fibi), find their ikigai — the intersection of all four. Today, she's a web3 Community Manager, but that's just one side of her persona. Here is Ibi Fiberesima's pivot journal.
What will Nigeria’s fuel subsidy palliative do for its multidimensionally poor population?
As Nigerians recover from the recent naira and fuel scarcities, they are bracing for yet another disruption: the removal of fuel subsidies. While some argue that it is necessary to keep fuel prices low for the average citizen, others contend that it is a wasteful expenditure that only benefits the rich. Read more.
Nigeria is missing out on an excellent opportunity to harness its gas flare
Over the years, the amount of gas flaring has reduced commendably, but the country remains very vulnerable to the adverse effect of gas flaring. As Nigeria continues to miss gas flaring deadlines, huge revenue is lost. Read more.
Fresh political unrest in Sudan could stall investment and international finance.
The chronic instability and political deadlock since the coup in 2019 have had serious economic consequences. In 2022, Sudan had record gold production, but 50% of its gold is reportedly smuggled out of the country. As such, the rise in the gold sector isn’t translating into economic growth and better livelihood for Sudanese. Read more.
How the naira scarcity drew attention to struggling Nigeria’s cinema culture.
Cinema sales in Nigeria are struggling to bring home the bacon. According to reports, Nigerian cinemas recorded N441 million in ticket sales in March. The total admission of viewers into cinemas across the federation, for the period under review was 174,07. Read more.
African countries with the highest and lowest cost of living in 2023.
African countries have unique challenges when it comes to the cost of living. But at the end of the day, it all boils down to factors like economic policies, inflation, and the cost of essential goods and services. These are the main culprits that determine how much it costs to live in an African country. Read more.
Weekly Economic Index: Fresh conflict shuts down Sudan, Kenya now in Space, New malaria vaccine for Ghana.
On Saturday, April 15th, a clash broke out in Khartoum between Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the army in an alleged power tussle. According to Reuters, the Sudanese Doctors’ Union declared at least 25 people dead and 183 people wounded, as of Saturday. Read more.
Africa’s Business Heroes 2023
Africa's Business Heroes (ABH), an initiative of the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy, is calling for Africa's entrepreneurs to compete in its annual business challenge. The initiative seeks to identify, support, and inspire entrepreneurs who are making a positive impact in Africa while building a sustainable economy. Ten finalists will compete for a share of $1.5 million in grant money. Register here!
Holiday Jollof
Read our special holiday issue on the events, businesses, people, and policies that impacted Africa in 2022. Click to read.
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