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Remembering South African singer, actress and human rights activist Miriam Makeba.

Preserving every ounce of one’s African-ness is a duty several expats have taken on. For many, wearing “African” wax print is a means to not only affirm but also reinstate their identity in foreign lands. For others belonging to the Old African diaspora, flaunting a Kente head wrap or strutting a fabulous ankara (commonly called in Nigeria) maxi skirt becomes a means of identifying with Africa. However, the authenticity of our beloved “African” fabric comes into scrutiny when discussing the historical origins and commercialization of these products. During the 1800s Indonesians used a wax resisting dyeing technique for pattern making known as Batik. As a result of colonization Batik was introduced and quickly gained popularity throughout Europe. Roller print machines...

Founder and CEO of Afroteez, Mr Belvin Tawuya has been nominated for the Male Entrepreneur of the Year 2016 award by the prestigious Zimbabwe Achievers Awards (ZAA).  Z.A.A. was founded in 2010 by Conrad Mwanza. It is the pinnacle of celebration of talent, art, business, expression and achievement in the Zimbabwean community throughout a very broad spectrum of genre, born out of a simple vision. The Z.A.A is a distinctly special awards ceremony seeking to recognise Zimbabweans who have pushed the limits against all odds to raise the Zimbabwean flag high and do both themselves and their fellow countrymen proud.  Voting/nominations is in progress so please take a moment to support Afroteez at the Z.A.A. website  

The Southern African nation of Botswana is facing one of the most testing economic times in its history. The country, globally known for its prudent fiscal and resource management over the last 49 years of democracy, today is looking at an uncertain future as its core earner – diamonds – struggles to sell on the global market. Botswana’s diamond industry currently contributes 35% to fiscal revenue and the industry contributes around 20% to GDP. This makes the diamond industry – mining, cutting and polishing, and sales – the most important economic activity for the country. It is for this reason that the whole nation is worried about the present challenges that beset the industry. The Botswana government is a joint...

These days, no news is definitely good news. At the moment, Africa is off the global media radar, with cameras focussed on Europe and the Middle East. But out of the media focus, some really good news has been gradually developing. Quietly, slowly, but surely, a digital Africa is emerging. When it comes to mobile payments, Africa is already the world leader, with more than 200 million accounts. On the African continent, mobile penetration reached 70% in mid-2015. In less than five years, new submarine cables increased Africa's international bandwidth by 24 times. Back in 2005, Internet penetration was 20 times lower than in Europe. Today, it is just four times lower. The numbers are impressive in many respects. But...