Africa’s dilemma and the right energy pathway (3)

Olukayode OyeleyeAugust 13, 2018

The aftermath of breakdown of dams could have significant consequences for Africa, irrespective of where it occurs. Observers have expressed concerns that diverting the flow of the Congo River to create a reservoir would flood the Bundi Valley, affecting local agricultural lands and natural environments, and may cause huge methane emissions that would contribute to […]

Africa’s dilemma and the right energy pathway (2)

Olukayode OyeleyeAugust 6, 2018

As Africa warms up join the hydroelectirc dams race, some crucial issues are worthy of attention. How much of some SWOT analysis has been done before joining this rat race? What are the anticipations, the expectations and the fears, real or imagined? With what resources, and at what costs, are these grandiose projects to be […]

Africa’s dilemma and the right energy pathway (1)

Olukayode OyeleyeAugust 1, 2018

Africa stands at the crossroads between technological advancement, economic expansion, environmental stewardship and sustainable development. The continent, understandably, missed the industrial revolution of mid-eighteenth to mid-nineteenth centuries. It avoidably lagged behind the Green Revolution, or third agricultural revolution, occurring between 1950 and the late 1960s, that increased agricultural production worldwide. Now it is under pressure […]

Durable cornerstones for Africa’s Trade Area

Olukayode OyeleyeJuly 23, 2018

For Africa, the reasons for optimism know no bounds. Although, Africa’s economy is small in comparison with its sheer size and the human population that is in excess of 1 billion, the continent still remains a land of hope at the very best. But, going by the current trend of growth, Africa’s economy nominal GDP, […]

Africa, financial inclusion and small enterprise: what prospects?

Olukayode OyeleyeJuly 16, 2018

The self-reinforcing narrative about Africa’s pervasive poverty seems to have taken root for far too long. While the global economy is on the upswing due to pervasive influence of technological and scientific advancement, with the industrialised nations spawning multi-million dollar industries and vibrant small enterprises, Africa still struggles to stay afloat across all sectors. Although […]

Unlocking Africa’s boundless treasure (2)

Olukayode OyeleyeJuly 9, 2018

The idea behind saving a beleaguered Africa was commendable. Nonetheless, the interventionists had a tunnel vision: they forgot alternatives, or probably discountenanced them. Until much later, when public outcry became loud, it did not seem appropriate – at first – that Africa needed trade, not aid. Reports from assessment studies tracking the aid distribution subsequently […]

Unlocking Africa’s boundless treasure (1)

Olukayode OyeleyeJuly 2, 2018

Much has been argued about the ascendancy of Asia in the emerging global economy. Publications, commentaries, documentaries and broadcast resources abound, putting Asia’s rising profile in perspective as the next global economic hub. The nascent Asian tigers, emerging at the twilight of the last century, rode on the back of the popular press and the […]

Dealing with drought in Africa’s slowing agro-economy

Olukayode OyeleyeJune 26, 2018

Africa is in a race against time, with global climate events ahead of the race. Generic considerations of climate events tend to divert attention away from one of the major consequences, with direct, measurable and palpable effects. Although the unit of analysis of the vulnerable in this context is mostly the rural farming and sometimes […]

Between food security and Africa’s looming climate emergency

June 19, 2018

AFRICA CURRENTLY STANDS at crossroads, hedging against food insecurity. Experiences across the regions uniformly indicate grim prospects and of vulnerabilities. Something drastic needs to happen to halt the drift. Here is the big question: How would Africa feed itself amidst the combination of negative factors that make agriculture more of a nightmare than a delight? […]

Branding and marketing Africa’s agriculture: Time is now

Olukayode OyeleyeJune 11, 2018

There are many reasons to be optimistic about Africa. One of such was articulated by McKinsey, a consulting firm. In McKinsey’s reckoning: “Africa’s growth prospects are bright” even though they differ country by country and sector by sector. Focusing on sectors, McKinsey’s verdict was that “agriculture is Africa’s largest economic sector, representing 15 percent of […]