DAR ES SALAAM, January 25, 2025 – African heads of state, business leaders, and development partners will converge tomorrow in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, for the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit where they will commit to ambitious reforms and actions to expand access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to 300 million people in Africa by 2030.
Mission 300 is an unprecedented collaboration between the African Development Bank, the World Bank Group, and global partners to address Africa’s electricity access gap using new technology and innovative financing. Nearly 600 million Africans lack electricity, which is crucial for development and job creation.
Several heads of state and government from Africa will join more than 1,000 other participants—with strong representation from the private sector—at the January 27-28 summit. Together, they will chart Africa’s course toward universal access to energy.
This week’s summit is expected to yield two significant outcomes: the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration, outlining commitments and practical actions from African governments to reform the energy sector, and the first set of National Energy Compacts, which will serve as blueprints with country-specific targets and timelines for implementation of critical reforms.
In the first phase, 12 countries will present their energy compacts: Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia. Other African countries are expected to develop their compacts in subsequent phases.
The partnerships forged and commitments made by the continent’s leaders and changemakers gathering in Dar es Salaam this week will shape the continent’s journey toward achieving universal energy access, transforming millions of lives, and driving sustainable development and job creation.
To follow the summit live on Twitter, follow us using the hashtag #PoweringAfrica
Join us at the Mission 300 Energy Summit as we gather Africa’s leaders and partners to transform the energy sector. This summit is a call to action for all stakeholders to come together and work towards a sustainable and efficient energy future for the continent.
The Mission 300 Energy Summit will bring together government officials, industry leaders, NGOs, and other key players to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the energy sector in Africa. Through panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities, participants will have the chance to share best practices, explore innovative solutions, and forge new partnerships to drive progress in the energy sector.
By working together towards a common goal of achieving Mission 300 – providing reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy access to all Africans – we can create a brighter future for the continent. Join us at the Mission 300 Energy Summit and be a part of the transformation.
Germany’s Jewish community marks Hannukkah’s festival of lights
Chief Rabbi Dr. Warren Goldstein of South Africa has taken proactive measures to address the perceived threat of terror targeting the Jewish community in the country. This decision follows a recent bomb attack at a Jewish center in Cape Town, where an improvised explosive device was thrown but failed to detonate.
The newly formed ‘Counter-Terror Task Force’ aims to provide recommendations to enhance security at places of worship, schools, and community centers to safeguard against potential terror attacks. Rabbi Goldstein emphasized the increased risk faced by Jewish communities globally, particularly due to state-sponsored terror activities by the Iranian regime.
Highlighting the growing presence of jihadi groups in Africa, such as al-Shabab, Boko Haram, and ISIS, Rabbi Goldstein stressed the importance of addressing the rising threat indices in the region.
The task force comprises esteemed global authorities on counter-terrorism, including Admiral Mike Hewitt, Dean Haydon, Major General David Tsur, and Andre Pienaar, who will leverage their expertise and resources as needed.
Rabbi Goldstein reiterated that while the immediate focus is on securing the South African Jewish community, the broader objective is to enhance safety for all citizens, both locally and globally.
Despite concerns over the South African government’s stance on Israel, Rabbi Goldstein noted that public sentiment towards Israel remains moderate and pragmatic, with low levels of domestic antisemitism compared to Western standards.
Professor Karen Milner, representing the Jewish Board of Deputies in South Africa, highlighted a slight increase in antisemitic incidents in recent years, with verbal assaults and hate mail being the most common forms of discrimination.
However, Milner reassured that South Africa continues to be a safe space for Jews to practice their religion with relative security, despite sporadic incidents of antisemitism.
In conclusion, the establishment of the Counter-Terror Task Force underscores the commitment to protecting the Jewish community in South Africa and promoting broader safety measures for all citizens in the face of evolving terror threats.
Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism
South Africa’s Chief Rabbi has taken a bold step in the fight against anti-Semitism by establishing a Counter-Terror Task Force. This task force will work to monitor and address instances of anti-Semitic violence, hate speech, and discrimination in the country.
With a rise in anti-Semitic incidents globally, including in South Africa, it is crucial to have a dedicated team focused on combating this dangerous trend. The Chief Rabbi’s leadership in creating this task force shows his commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the Jewish community in South Africa.
The task force will work closely with law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and other relevant stakeholders to track and respond to anti-Semitic incidents. By taking a proactive approach to addressing this issue, the Chief Rabbi hopes to create a safer and more inclusive environment for all South Africans.
In a statement announcing the establishment of the task force, the Chief Rabbi emphasized the importance of standing up against hate and intolerance in all forms. He called on all South Africans to join in the fight against anti-Semitism and to work together to create a more peaceful and harmonious society.
The establishment of the Counter-Terror Task Force is a significant step forward in the battle against anti-Semitism in South Africa. With strong leadership and a united community effort, there is hope for a future free from hatred and discrimination.
BRICS continues to grow. On 17 January, it officially admitted Nigeria as a new partner country.
Nigeria has the world’s sixth-largest population, with the biggest population on the African continent.
In addition to being Africa’s second-largest economy, Nigeria is the number one oil producer on the continent.
With the addition of Nigeria, BRICS now has 10 full members and nine partners.
Together, the extended BRICS+ group represents 54.6% of the world population.
The 10 members are:
Brazil
Russia
India
China
South Africa
Egypt
Ethiopia
Indonesia
Iran
United Arab Emirates
The nine BRICS partners, which are on the path to full membership, include:
Belarus
Bolivia
Cuba
Kazakhstan
Malaysia
Nigeria
Thailand
Uganda
Uzbekistan
Brazil, which is the chair of BRICS in 2025, announced Nigeria’s admission on 17 January. Brasilia emphasized that BRICS has two main goals: “strengthening South-South cooperation” and “reforming global governance”.
Nigeria is expected to have the second-largest growth in population in the upcoming decade, after BRICS co-founder India.
Nigeria’s population is estimated to increase by 65 million from 2024 to 2037, and the country’s biggest city, Lagos, has been described as a candidate for “the world’s top megacity by the end of the century”.
The three most populous countries in Africa are now part of BRICS: Nigeria, in first, is a partner; while Ethiopia, in second, and Egypt, in third, became full members in 2024.
The extended BRICS+ family, with 19 members and partners, together comprise 54.6% of the global population.
This is according to IMF data from October 2024, which reported the total world population as 7.92 billion, and BRICS countries with a combined population of 4.32 billion. (Cuba is excluded from IMF data, so the actual figure is slightly higher.)
Africa will make up 38% of world population by 2100
Africa’s share of the global population is going to grow significantly in the 21st century. As Our World in Data reported:
In 2023, Africa is home to around 18% of the global population; by 2100 this is projected to rise to 38%. Asia will see a significant fall from almost 60% today to around 45% in 2100.
By the end of the century, more than 8 out of every 10 people in the world will live in Asia or Africa.
BRICS+ is 42.2% of global GDP (PPP)
Accompanying BRICS’ increasing population is its growing share of the global economy.
With Nigeria added, BRICS members and partners now make up 42.2% of world GDP, when measured at purchasing power parity (PPP), based on October 2024 IMF data.
Africa’s largest economies
Nigeria has the second-largest economy in Africa, after Egypt, which became a BRICS member in 2024.
The third-biggest economy on the continent is South Africa, which joined BRICS in 2010, just a year after it was initially founded as “BRIC”, by Brazil, Russia, India, and China.
Africa’s fourth-largest economy, Algeria, was invited to become a BRICS partner at the 2024 summit in Kazan, Russia.
The continent’s fifth-biggest economy, Ethiopia, also became a BRICS member in 2024.
Nigeria’s economy is larger than that of the Netherlands, when GDP is measured at purchasing power parity.
The economy of BRICS member Egypt is bigger than that of Australia.
BRICS is growing especially influential in global commodities markets.
Nigeria is the top oil producer on the African continent, and the 15th-biggest crude producer on Earth.
Five of the world’s top 10 oil-producing countries are members of BRICS. Together, they represent more than 30% of global oil production, and BRICS+ has significant overlap with OPEC+.
The BRICS group, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has now expanded to include Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country. With this addition, the BRICS nations now represent a staggering 54.6% of the world’s population.
Nigeria’s inclusion in the BRICS group is a significant milestone, as it further strengthens the economic and political influence of the emerging markets. With a population of over 200 million people, Nigeria brings a wealth of resources and expertise to the table.
The expansion of the BRICS group to include Nigeria highlights the growing importance of African nations in the global economy. As one of the fastest-growing regions in the world, Africa is becoming an increasingly important player on the world stage.
With Nigeria now part of the BRICS group, we can expect to see increased collaboration and cooperation among these powerhouse nations. This expansion opens up new opportunities for trade, investment, and development, benefiting not only the BRICS countries but the global community as a whole.
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BRICS expansion, Nigeria addition, world population growth, Africa’s population increase, BRICS member countries, global population trends.
Africa’s 2024 in review: Adoption unfazed, regulatory reckoning
Africa’s digital asset and blockchain industry has continued to grow over the years, unfazed by regulations (or a lack thereof), price volatility, or infrastructural deficiencies. In 2021, the sector made its mark; in 2022, it came of age; in 2023, it matured and moved beyond speculation; and this year, regulators have caught up, with some of the virtual asset service providers (VASPs) that have operated unchecked for years feeling the heat.
The Consensys Web3 Perception report in December identified Nigeria and South Africa as the two global leaders in digital asset adoption. The 2024 Chainalysis adoption index also found that Nigeria has the second-highest adoption rate after India.
This adoption is reflected in the rise of stablecoins as the most popular digital asset in the continent, accounting for over 40% of the activity. Africans have been using stablecoins for payments, especially in cross-border transfers, as they don’t suffer from volatility.
Social media platforms have played a central role in this rising adoption, none more so than Telegram. A report by Seychelles-based exchange Bitget found that digital asset-focused Telegram groups recorded nearly 200% growth in Africa and now boast millions of users.
This adoption is making its way into national initiatives. Earlier this year, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) published its digital payments roadmap, citing stablecoins and tokenization as some of the key priorities.
Beyond digital assets, blockchain adoption has also soared in 2024. At the national level, African leaders have been calling on their governments to adopt the technology to fight graft and improve efficiency. Earlier this year, Ghana’s Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia cited blockchain as the technology that can deliver Africa from the prevalent corruption. Nigeria’s anti-graft agency is also exploring how blockchain can stamp out corruption in the continent’s largest economy.
Nigeria has remained the regional leader in blockchain adoption. The country is now training thousands every year on blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI). Its civil aviation authority has also adopted blockchain to boost efficiency, while one local higher learning institution launched the country’s first blockchain platform to authenticate certificates.
Nigeria could also become Africa’s first country to have its own sovereign blockchain network, with plans underway to develop Nigerium.
BSV’s adoption has continued in Africa, with the BSVA’s education initiatives playing a big part. This year’s highlight was the launch of KitePesa, a new stablecoin in Uganda, backed one-to-one by the country’s shillings. KitePesa will complement the country’s mobile money systems, which serve 64% of the population, making it easier to pay, transfer and store funds. Reginald Tumusiime, whose company developed KitePesa, says the stablecoin’s advantages over mobile money include cheaper transactions, enhanced security, and micropayments.
Tumusiime is also the leader of the Blockchain Association of Uganda (BAU), and in this role, he organized the Kampala Blockchain Summit in November. BSVA was highly involved, and its Utilization Director, Thomas Giacomo, was among the speakers.
In Southern Africa, BSVA has been conducting workshops in Lesotho and South Africa, spearheaded by BSV Ambassador and VX Technologies executive Catherine Lephoto. In Western Africa, the Association has partnered with the Nigerian government and Domineum to impart blockchain skills to thousands in Nigeria.
The year of regulatory reckoning
While adoption was in high gear, regulators also stepped up their game, cracking down on dozens of VASPs that have operated unchecked for years.
The crackdown was most rampant in Nigeria. It started early this year, with the economic crime watchdog, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), setting its sights on unlicensed offshore exchanges. It accused these exchanges, led by Binance, of conducting a “sophisticated heist” on the Nigerian economy by offering backdoor access to the forex market through USD-backed stablecoins. It even led to the shutdown of Bureau de Change operations in Abuja as they protested the unlicensed exchanges.
After ordering all unlicensed offshore exchanges to shut down, the EFCC pursued those it deemed to have broken specific laws. As expected, Binance was at the top of the list. The watchdog accused the exchange of helping users launder over $35 million, a case still ongoing amid a scandal involving the arrest and eventual release of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan.
In South Africa, the regulators took a different route. The financial industry watchdog has issued dozens of licenses to VASPs this year as the country seeks to legalize digital assets to better protect investors.
Ghana’s central bank also issued draft guidelines for VASPs this year, as Kenya formed a ‘crypto’ working group as it continues to struggle with regulating the ever-growing sector. Still, the East African nation collected over $78 million in taxes from the sector.
Central banks have also been exploring central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). Eswatini, Rwanda, and Ethiopia have all published papers exploring the possible design and operation principles for their digital currencies.
What’s next for Africa
As we head into 2025, Africa’s digital asset and blockchain sector is poised for what could be its best year yet. Unlike in previous years, when VASPs operated under regulatory shadows, 2025 will bring them to the masses in a regulated and controlled manner. Nigeria has already licensed three exchanges for the first time ever, while South Africa has issued over 70 licenses. Others, like Ghana, Kenya, and Egypt, are exploring options and are expected to issue draft guidelines in the first half of 2025.
Adoption will also continue to soar. The region’s tech-savvy and young population has proven it’s ready to leverage the power of blockchain and digital assets to compete with more developed nations. Today, Africa is already producing some of the best talent in the blockchain world, and with education initiatives in Uganda, South Africa, Uganda, and elsewhere kicking up a notch, this will only improve.
Watch: Boosting financial inclusion in Africa with BSV blockchain
Africa’s adoption of emerging technologies in 2024 has been nothing short of impressive, with advancements in AI, blockchain, and fintech reshaping industries across the continent. Despite this rapid progress, the regulatory landscape has begun to catch up, leading to a reckoning on how these technologies are governed and implemented.
In the realm of blockchain, Africa has seen a surge in adoption with countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa leading the way in leveraging this technology for various applications such as supply chain management, voting systems, and cross-border payments. The potential for blockchain to revolutionize industries and improve transparency and efficiency is undeniable, and African nations are keen to capitalize on these opportunities.
Similarly, AI has been making significant strides in Africa, with advancements in machine learning and data analytics driving innovation in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and finance. From predictive healthcare diagnostics to precision agriculture solutions, AI is proving to be a game-changer for the continent, helping to address key challenges and drive economic growth.
However, as these technologies continue to evolve and proliferate, the need for robust regulatory frameworks has become increasingly apparent. Issues of data privacy, security, and ethical AI deployment have come to the forefront, prompting regulators to take a closer look at how these technologies are being used and ensuring that they are aligned with national priorities and values.
In the coming years, Africa will need to strike a balance between fostering innovation and ensuring responsible adoption of emerging technologies. Regulatory bodies will play a critical role in setting the guidelines and standards for these technologies, ensuring that they are harnessed for the greater good of society and are not used to exploit or harm individuals.
As Africa looks to the future, it is clear that the adoption of emerging technologies will continue to drive growth and development across the continent. By embracing innovation while also addressing regulatory challenges, Africa is poised to lead the way in shaping the digital future of the world.
