Tech

Rwanda sets pace for plastic cycle management. Here’s how

Published

2 years ago

March 4, 2022

Rwanda has teamed up with 13 other countries and the European Union to come up with a proposal that is calling for a full spectrum approach to plastic pollution.

The proposal, which calls for the creation of an internationally legally binding agreement covering all stages of the plastic life cycle and by adopting a circular economy approach to plastics, was presented at the United Nations (UN) Environmental Assembly meeting in Nairobi discussing the problem of plastic waste.

The proposal covers plastic use and disposal, the extraction of raw materials and plastic production.

Delegates from member countries have put forth proposals for a binding global treaty to curb plastic pollution.

Waste management has been one of core environmental challenges in the world, particularly in Africa. In Nigeria, one of Africa’s most populous countries, about some 32 million tonnes of waste are generated per year of which 2.5 million tonnes are plastic waste. Lagos, the commercial capital of Nigeria generates 9,000 tonnes of waste daily with 86 percent of it plastic.

Kenya environmentalist and activist, Wanjira Mathai, while reacting to the development, said

“We must celebrate what Rwanda is trying to do because we know that on the continent Rwanda continues to lead with respect, they were the first country to ban single use plastic. Most of us followed later, keeping our environment clean. It is a country that has got credibility with respect to this agenda. I really hope they get the support that is needed. With the information we have today, with what we know today about the impacts of plastics on our oceans, on our environment we cannot be those people. We have got to find alternatives so I hope they get the support they need,”

In February 2021, Wildlife group WWF published a report written in collaboration with Germany’s Alfred Wegener Institute.

The study compiled data from 2,590 scientific studies on the topic and found that plastic has infiltrated all parts of the ocean, and called for urgent efforts to create an international treaty on plastics.

According to the WWF report published, 88% of marine species it studied are affected by severe contamination of plastic in the ocean. The report said that many animals have ingested these plastics, including animals commonly consumed by humans.

In the Rwandan capital, Kigali, plastic waste is being recycled by a local company.

Related Topics:Featured plastic polution Rwanda

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Tech

African Development Bank partners Google to transform Africa’s digital space

Published

5 hours ago

September 23, 2023

Akanimoh Etim

The African Development Bank (ADB) has teamed up with Google with the aim of advancing digital transformation in Africa.

The two parties formalized the deal with the signing of a “Letter of Intent” on Friday during the Global Africa Business Initiative at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The agreement, according to Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, “underscores a shared commitment to harness emerging technologies, extend and improve infrastructure, and refine talent and skills in the continent.”

“Our journey from a 2% telephony penetration in 1998 to today’s era of 4G, 5G, and AI signifies immense progress. With 70% of sub-Saharan Africans under 30, our focus is on catalyzing businesses to create jobs and offer innovative solutions,” said Adesina after the signing ceremony.

He added that both ADB and Google had a long history of fostering digital evolution, enumerating that over the past decade, the Bank had invested $1.9 billion in projects emphasizing the development of broadband infrastructure, conducive policy and regulatory environments, digital skills, and innovative technology startups.

On its part, Google has become a longtime partner in Africa’s economic growth and digital transformation with huge investments in a major submarine telecommunications cable, the Seacom cable.

Dr. James Manyika, Google’s Senior Vice President of Research, Technology & Society, who also spoke at the event, said:

“With advanced technologies like AI, the most profound transformation is yet to come. Working together with African Development Bank, Google will offer technical assistance to bolster entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises in digitizing their businesses, securing financing, mastering digital marketing, and advancing private sector development.

“Collaboration will be essential if Africa is to realize this opportunity, building for everyone and ensuring no-one is left behind. We are excited to collaborate with the African Development Bank to work towards this shared commitment.”

Tech

Zambian neo-bank, Lupiya raises $8.25m to expand access to financial services

Published

1 day ago

September 22, 2023

Akanimoh Etim

Zambia’s leading neo-bank, Lupiya has announced securing $8.25 million from Alitheia IDF Fund, a private equity fund known for its gender-focused investments, in a bid to expand access to financial services for startups and small scale businesses.

The fundraising, according to Evelyn Chilomo Kaingu, co-founder and CEO of Lupiya, it would enable the outfit “bridge financial inclusion gap, as well as offer technology-driven, user-friendly financial solutions to the unbanked and underbanked populations in Zambia.”

“This Series A investment marks a significant milestone in our journey to continue serving our customers and the opportunity to further provide holistic financial solutions,” Kaingu said.

“Lupiya’s vision and dedication to financial and gender inclusion resonates deeply with our own objectives. We believe that with this funding, we will be better equipped to make financial services accessible to many more Zambians.

“The team at Lupiya has worked hard and is excited for the new phase of our growth. With the support of Alitheia IDF, INOKS Capital, Mastercard, and Kfw DEG, we are better poised to scale our operations and deepen our footprint not just in Zambia but also in the broader Southern and East African region”, Kaingu added.

According to her, the newly acquired capital will be directed towards strengthening Lupiya’s technological infrastructure, expanding its range of financial products, and extending its reach to a wider customer base.

The startup which was launched in 2016, has emerged as a leading player in Zambia’s rapidly evolving fintech landscape and boasts of an impressive roster of supporters, including industry giants like Mastercard, Google, World Bank, and the UN International Trade Centre.