The article discusses the rapid growth of Africa's fintech sector despite various challenges on the continent. It references a report by McKinsey which indicates a three-fold increase in tech startups in Africa, with fintechs making up nearly half. The sector's revenue was estimated at US$4-6 billion in 2020, with a potential to grow to US$230 billion by 2025. The report is optimistic about investment opportunities and the potential for job creation in African economies. It notes that while South Africa holds a significant portion of the market value, countries like Ghana and Francophone West Africa are expected to see the fastest growth. The article also mentions that fintechs received the majority of venture capital investment in 2021, with healthtech, biotech, logistics, education, and cleantech following. It suggests that building talent, training, and partnerships with regulators could support further growth in the fintech sector.

The article discusses the role of incubation and acceleration in the growth of Nigeria's tech start-up ecosystem, drawing parallels with similar models in the USA and South America. It explains the functions of incubators and accelerators in providing support to startups through funding, mentorship, and training. The article highlights the significant number of tech startups in Nigeria, particularly in the fintech sector, and the substantial funding they have received. It also points out the potential for growth in the African fintech industry, given the large unbanked population. The piece concludes by emphasizing the importance of developing startup ecosystems at both the continental and national levels in Africa, citing the success of Silicon Valley and recent investment trends in Latin America.

The article discusses the significant growth of Africa's venture ecosystem, which saw a 133% increase in the first half of 2022 compared to the same period in 2021, defying the global downward trend in venture capital funding. A report by the African Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (AVCA) highlighted that Africa had a total deal volume of 338 deals with a value of US$4.7 billion in the first half of 2022. The financial sector, particularly FinTech companies, attracted the most funding. West Africa led in deal volume, with East Africa, particularly Kenya, showing strong growth. The report predicts that the total value of VC deals in Africa could reach US$7 billion by the end of 2022, a 35% year-on-year increase from 2021. The article also compares the decline in funding in other regions such as Latin America, North America, and Asia, with specific contractions in the United States, Germany, France, and China.

The World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC) anticipates a platinum market deficit in 2023 due to a projected increase in demand outpacing supply. The WPIC report forecasts a deficit of 303,000 ounces, with demand expected to rise by 19% to 7,770koz against a supply increase of just 2% to 7,466koz. Despite economic challenges, the platinum market is expected to face a deficit after two years of surpluses. The 2022 surplus forecast has been revised down by 17% due to supply constraints and increased bar and coin demand. South Africa, which supplies over 70% of mined platinum, faced production declines due to maintenance and power supply issues. Automotive demand for platinum surged in Q3 2022, driven by higher vehicle production and stricter emissions legislation. Industrial demand is also expected to rise, particularly from the glass industry. Zimbabwe's platinum revenues are below the 2023 target, with production relatively unchanged and prices firming. The country's output may be affected by power cuts, but it could benefit from strong commodity prices.

The article discusses the bankruptcy of FTX, the fourth largest crypto exchange, and its sister firm Alameda Research, highlighting the impact on the crypto markets with investors losing billions. It details the background of FTX, valued at $32 billion a few months ago, and its role in providing liquidity during the crypto market's earlier crisis in 2022. The article also mentions the red flags ignored by the media and authorities regarding FTX's stability. It touches upon the need for stricter global crypto regulations and the steps being taken by central banks to investigate and potentially regulate cryptocurrencies, including the creation of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). The author, Mabunda, is an analyst and TV anchor at Equity Axis, a financial research firm in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe is currently facing the highest food inflation in the world, with a rate of 353%, according to the World Bank. This situation is attributed to both internal and external factors, including the impact of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict on global food prices and local issues such as an unstable currency and increased government spending. The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe reports a significant increase in reserve money, contributing to the inflationary environment. The article suggests that Zimbabwe needs to shift from command economics to free market economics, particularly in the farming sector, to address inefficiencies and improve food security. It highlights the failure of government-led initiatives like 'Command Agriculture' and 'Pfumvudza' to revitalize agriculture despite significant investment. The author proposes granting farmers land tenure security to encourage private sector-led agricultural reforms, which could lead to a reduction in the import bill and improved food security.

The article by Eben Mabunda discusses the concerning rise in carbon emissions and the resolutions of COP26 to achieve net zero emissions by mid-century. It highlights the transport sector's significant contribution to global emissions, particularly road transport. The article delves into the automotive industry's response, which includes increased demand for catalytic converters and electric vehicles (EVs). It explains the role of precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium in catalytic converters and notes the shift from palladium to platinum due to cost and supply concerns. The article also touches on the mining of platinum group metals, with South Africa being the dominant supplier. Current market prices and trends for palladium and platinum are provided, showing a decrease in palladium prices and a slight decline in platinum prices over the past year.

Eben Mabunda discusses the potential introduction of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) in Zimbabwe, following the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe's (RBZ) investigation into its feasibility. He highlights the country's existing use of digital currency through the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system amidst cash shortages. The article explores the global context of CBDCs, including Nigeria's launch of the e-Naira and the challenges of interoperability and cross-border payments. Mabunda questions the viability of a Zimbabwean CBDC, given the low confidence in the central bank due to economic instability, and considers how it might coexist with the successful mobile money systems established by companies like Econet. He suggests that the pursuit of a CBDC might be more appropriate in the medium term once the country's currency issues are resolved.

The article by Eben Mabunda discusses the potential of Zimbabwe's tourism industry, highlighting Hwange National Park and Victoria Falls as key attractions. It outlines the historical contribution of tourism to Zimbabwe's GDP and employment, noting a decline in tourist arrivals and revenue due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The article mentions projections for recovery in the sector, including increased local travel due to the upcoming elections. It also references the National Development Strategy, which aims to boost tourism's GDP contribution by 2025 through diversified tourism products and infrastructure investments. The piece concludes with insights from the World Tourism Organisation and comments from the CEO of Rainbow Tourism Group, Tendayi Madziwanyika, on the future direction of the company.

The article discusses the impact of economic sanctions on Zimbabwe's financial services and overall economy. It highlights the challenges faced by businesses and individuals in conducting international trade due to the scrutiny from international watchdogs and monetary authorities. The author references several cases where banks such as Barclays Bank Plc, CBZ Bank, and Standard Chartered Bank Zimbabwe were fined for violating sanctions regulations. The article also mentions the recognition of FlexFintx by the World Economic Forum and the difficulties faced by the mining and horticultural sectors due to sanctions. The author acknowledges governance issues within Zimbabwe but argues that the country's economy should be allowed to rebuild without the burden of sanctions, contrasting Zimbabwe's situation with other African countries facing human rights abuses but without similar sanctions.