Kenyatta named in ‘Pandora Papers’ finance investigation

Kenyatta named in ‘Pandora Papers’ finance investigation

President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya is among world leaders whose financial dealings are detailed in the new “Pandora Papers” investigative report released Sunday. The report, billed as the largest investigation in journalism history, involves more than 600 journalists from 150 news outlets around the world, according to the International Consortium…

Seychelles named to EU’s tax-haven ‘blacklist’

Seychelles named to EU’s tax-haven ‘blacklist’

The European Union has placed the Indian Ocean island nation of Seychelles on its “taxation blacklist,” which it says is meant to encourage good governance and help countries reform their tax-haven policies. The EU list of “non-cooperative jurisdictions” now includes 12 nations listed because of concern that their policy environments…

New China-Africa paper calls on West to tone down the BRI drama

New China-Africa paper calls on West to tone down the BRI drama

As the Chinese celebrate the government’s 70th anniversary, a new paper on Beijing’s relationships with African nations explores how Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects are actually being implemented – and it offers a few surprising conclusions. The paper from the Brookings Institution in the United States is part of…

Laureen is the editor of Africa Times

Report finds African energy investment is financing fossil fuels

The African continent is attracting some USD$20 billion in energy investment from government-backed development institutions across the world each year – but far too much of it promotes fossil fuels rather than the shift to renewable energy. That’s according to a new analysis from Oil Change International, an advocacy organization based in…

UK announces USD$100 million in Zimbabwe development loans

The UK’s development finance institution, CDC, and Standard Chartered Bank today announced an up to USD$100 million in investment funding to grow businesses in Zimbabwe – a move that heralds a new start for the country as the UK has long withheld support while awaiting economic and social reforms. The…

Focus on Africa in Guterres’ remarks to G7 leadership

United Nations Secretary General António Guterres, speaking at a session on Africa and the G7 during the weekend summit in Italy, emphasized six strategies for advancing growth across the continent while reducing the risks that unemployment and economic frustration create for peace and security. Guterres noted the challenges facing fragile…

#Zumamustfall – 3 finance ministers in the past week

#Zumamustfall is the hashtag thousands of South Africans are using for the nationwide protest which is calling for the ousting of President Jacob Zuma. Zuma has faced a massive backlash for dismissing South Africa’s Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene and replacing him with ANC MP Des van Rooyen. The news was…