E-Business

The Hanke’s Misery Index: How Africa’s Economic Challenges Are Holding Back the Continent Part 3

Published

2 years ago

July 25, 2023

Chike Onwuegbuchi

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By Evans Woherem, Ph.D

Addressing the Root Causes

The section highlights the urgent need to address the root causes of poverty and economic challenges in many African nations. It emphasizes the importance of decisive action, effective leadership, and learning from successful examples to overcome these challenges and foster sustainable development.

The section also covers various key areas, including addressing immediate challenges, implementing sustainable economic strategies, promoting infrastructure development and regional integration, and the significance of unity among African nations.

Addressing Immediate Challenges

Addressing the immediate challenges faced by African nations, as highlighted by the Hanke’s Annual Misery Index of 2022, is crucial. This section emphasizes the importance of tackling inflation, unemployment, and poverty-contributing factors to create an enabling environment for economic growth and improved well-being. To overcome these challenges, decisive action and effective leadership are required, prioritizing the well-being of citizens and implementing sustainable economic policies.

In order to accelerate development, African countries need to learn from successful examples. By studying countries that have transformed their economies and improved living standards, Africa can adapt their strategies and adopt a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach. This approach should include economic reforms, investments in education and skills, promotion of entrepreneurship, strengthening of institutions, improvement of infrastructure, and fostering regional cooperation.

By addressing the challenges highlighted by the Misery Index, African nations can create a favorable environment for economic growth and improved well-being. Effective leadership, learning from successful experiences, and implementing a comprehensive approach are essential for overcoming the present challenges and setting Africa on a sustainable path of development and prosperity.

Implementing Sustainable Economic Strategies

To foster sustainable economic growth in Africa, it is crucial to address the root causes of economic challenges with comprehensive and innovative strategies. This includes implementing prudent fiscal policies to combat inflation effectively, controlling government spending, managing public debt, promoting transparency and accountability, and tackling waste and corruption in government spending. Additionally, creating sustainable employment opportunities through investments in sectors with growth potential, promoting entrepreneurship, vocational training programs, and public-private partnerships can empower individuals and drive economic progress.

Political stability is paramount for long-term economic growth. Fostering peaceful and inclusive societies, resolving conflicts through dialogue, and strengthening democratic institutions are key aspects to focus on.

By promoting the rule of law, protecting human rights, ensuring citizen participation, and establishing transparent governance structures, African nations can create a favorable environment for investment and sustainable development, attracting investments and encouraging the establishment of transparent governance structures.

Facilitating affordable and accessible credit is vital for stimulating investment and economic growth. African governments should work towards creating an enabling environment for credit access by implementing sound financial regulations, promoting competition among financial institutions, improving financial literacy, and empowering individuals and businesses with favorable credit terms through measures like credit guarantees for small enterprises.

Promoting Infrastructure Development and Regional Integration

To achieve a sustainable future, Africa must prioritize infrastructure development and regional integration. Addressing Africa’s reliance on imported energy sources is a critical aspect of this endeavor.

By promoting decentralized renewable energy systems, such as mini-grids and community-owned projects, Africa can provide electricity access to remote areas while involving local communities in renewable energy initiatives.

These decentralized systems not only reduce dependence on imports but also yield cost savings, enhance energy security, lower emissions, and stimulate local economic growth. Successful implementation of these projects necessitates government support, financial incentives, and collaboration with the private sector.

In addition, digital connectivity and financial inclusion are instrumental in driving economic growth and development in Africa. By expanding broadband infrastructure and leveraging blockchain technology, Africa can revolutionize access to digital services, e-commerce, and education, thereby uplifting millions of lives.

This expansion of internet access extends the benefits of online banking, e-commerce platforms, and educational resources to underserved rural communities, fostering communication and collaboration between businesses and government agencies. Blockchain technology ensures secure and transparent financial transactions, effectively curbing fraud and corruption and bolstering trust in financial systems. Together, digital connectivity and financial inclusion empower Africa, promoting inclusivity and prosperity.

Furthermore, sustainable infrastructure development plays a crucial role in building a greener and more efficient future for Africa. By prioritizing green infrastructure projects, such as renewable energy-powered transportation systems and energy-efficient buildings, Africa can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and generate employment opportunities in the clean energy sector. Integrating smart city concepts further enhances efficiency by leveraging technology to optimize traffic flow and monitor energy usage, promoting sustainable urban development.

To drive economic progress, regional integration and trade promotion are vital for Africa. Strengthening regional economic communities encourages collaboration, reduces trade barriers, and harmonizes regulations, facilitating cross-border investments.

Developing robust transport and logistics networks enhances connectivity, enabling seamless movement of goods and services between businesses and markets. By promoting cross-border investments, Africa can leverage new technologies, skills, and job opportunities, fostering sustainable growth and development across the continent.

In conclusion, promoting infrastructure development and regional integration is crucial for Africa’s sustainable future. By focusing on decentralized renewable energy systems, digital connectivity, sustainable infrastructure, and regional collaboration, Africa can overcome challenges, drive economic growth, and foster prosperity.

Uniting African Nations for Economic Progress

The unity and cooperation among African nations through regional or continental integration are paramount for driving economic progress. Currently, intra-Africa trade represents just 14.4% of total African exports. However, according to forecasts from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has the potential to boost intra-Africa trade by approximately 33% and reduce the continent’s trade deficit by 51%. The relatively low levels of intra-regional trade in Africa compared to other regions like Europe (69%), Asia (59%), and North America (31%) underscore the need for enhanced collaboration within the continent.

The urgency for African countries to unite at the regional or continental levels cannot be overstated. Many African nations lack the necessary size and strength to effectively operate on their own. Encouragingly, the ongoing efforts made by East African countries towards unity serve as an inspiring example for the rest of Africa, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in addressing pressing economic challenges. Prompt adoption of the East African model by other African countries and regions is essential.

The African Union (AU) has already taken significant strides in tackling economic challenges through initiatives like the AfCFTA, African Agenda 2063, and the development of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System by the African Export-Import Bank. These commendable efforts deserve recognition and support as they hold tremendous potential to drive Africa’s development. It is crucial to effectively implement these projects within their designated timeframes.

Successful execution of these initiatives would not only enhance intra-Africa trade but also contribute to overall economic growth and prosperity in Africa. Given the urgency of the situation, it is imperative for all African countries to unite and collectively overcome the obstacles that have hindered their progress.

Investing in critical areas such as inflation management, unemployment reduction, poverty alleviation, entrepreneurship promotion, political stability, affordable credit, renewable energy, digital connectivity, sustainable infrastructure, and regional integration is vital for Africa’s development.

By adopting a comprehensive approach and drawing inspiration from successful examples, Africa can reduce poverty, improve the quality of life, and stimulate economic growth. Effective leadership, innovation, and a commitment to learning from successful experiences are essential in paving the way towards a prosperous and inclusive future for Africa. The unity of African nations is the key to unlocking the continent’s economic potential.

Conclusion

The economic challenges faced by African countries, as evidenced by the Hanke’s Annual Misery Index of 2022, highlight the urgent need for comprehensive and targeted strategies to address the root causes of these issues. Factors such as inflation, unemployment, political instability, and poor governance have a profound impact on the well-being and development of African nations. To overcome these challenges and unlock Africa’s economic potential, a multi-faceted approach is necessary.

Addressing inflation requires prudent fiscal policies, control over government spending, transparency, and accountability to combat rising prices. High unemployment rates, particularly among the youth, call for investments in education, vocational training, entrepreneurship promotion, and public-private partnerships to create sustainable job opportunities. Political stability is crucial for long-term economic growth, and it can be fostered through peaceful and inclusive societies, resolving conflicts, and strengthening democratic institutions.

To stimulate investment and economic growth, affordable and accessible credit must be facilitated through sound financial regulations, competition among financial institutions, and favorable credit terms for individuals and businesses.

The promotion of decentralized renewable energy systems can reduce Africa’s reliance on imported energy sources, improve energy security, and foster local economic development. Digital connectivity, financial inclusion, and the adoption of blockchain technology can revolutionize access to digital services, e-commerce, and education, promoting inclusivity and prosperity.

Sustainable infrastructure development, prioritizing green projects and smart city concepts, is essential for building a greener and more efficient future in Africa. Regional integration and trade promotion play a vital role in economic progress by fostering collaboration, reducing trade barriers, and enhancing connectivity. In fact, Africa needs to unite into confederated countries in order to maximize its potential and its place in the committee of nations.

By investing in these areas and adopting innovative strategies, Africa can address the root causes of economic challenges, reduce poverty, and promote sustainable economic growth. Effective leadership, learning from successful examples, and a commitment to comprehensive development are crucial in transforming the economic landscape of Africa and improving the livelihoods of its people. With the right policies and actions, Africa can pave the way for a prosperous and inclusive future.

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E-Business

GenAI Adoption Among African workers Outpace Global Peers

Published

3 days ago

December 5, 2025

Chike Onwuegbuchi

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Africa’s workforce is embracing artificial intelligence (AI) at a faster pace than global peers, but pressure is mounting for organisations to ramp up digital skills development as generative AI (GenAI) begins reshaping roles across industries.

This is according to PwC’s Global Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey 2025, which shows a continent ready for AI-enabled transformation, but facing a narrowing window to prepare, through skills development initiatives.

The survey, covering nearly 50 000 workers worldwide and 1 753 across South Africa, Algeria, Kenya, Morocco and Nigeria, finds that African employees are already integrating AI into daily operations.

Sixty-four percent of respondents in Africa used AI tools in the past year, compared to 54% globally, and the sentiment is overwhelmingly positive. While only 17% report using GenAI every day, confidence in its benefits is high: 76% believe GenAI improves work quality, and 72% expect AI-driven productivity gains within three years.

In SA, executives are even more bullish, as 91% say AI has already lifted both productivity and work quality — a signal that leadership is pushing harder toward AI-enabled ways of working, notes the survey.

However, this optimism is coupled with rising concern about future readiness. Only 35% of African workers believe their skills will still be relevant three years from now. With GenAI expected to affect nearly half of all job roles, PwC warns that the continent’s workforce risks falling behind unless organisations accelerate large-scale reskilling.

Despite the pressures, employees are not standing still. PwC notes that African workers outperform their global peers in proactive learning, recording 15% higher participation in skills-building and receiving 6% more support from managers. This indicates that both workers and immediate supervisors recognise the pace of AI adoption and are pushing to adapt.

PwC Africa people and organisation leader, Dr Dayalan Govender, says the moment calls for decisive leadership. Organisations, he argues, must integrate AI into workforce strategies, accelerate digital adoption, and expand upskilling programmes at scale.

“Africa’s workforce is optimistic and ready for change, but leaders must accelerate digital adoption and invest in future-ready skills to convert this optimism into sustainable growth,” he says.

Beyond the technology shift, the survey captures a workforce hungry for growth but constrained by financial pressure. Many employees are preparing to make career moves: 45% plan to request a raise, and another 45% aim for a promotion in the next year. Yet household financial stability remains strained, with only a third of respondents reporting any money left over for savings.

Still, Africa’s workplaces continue to show strong foundations of trust and purpose — elements PwC believes will be critical in navigating GenAI disruption. More than 55% of workers trust management, and two-thirds say their work feels meaningful, both above global averages.

With AI adoption rising and employees motivated to reinvent their careers, PwC warns that the coming years will determine whether Africa’s early optimism translates into long-term competitiveness as GenAI transforms the world of work.

The report calls for embedding AI into workforce strategies to bridge the gap between optimism and practical adoption, scaling upskilling initiatives to prepare for GenAI disruption, and fostering trust and psychological safety to retain talent and drive innovation.

“For employers, these findings are a stark reminder that they can and should do more to help workers understand, adopt, and embrace AI’s transformative power.

“Employers may need to pay special attention to entry-level workers, nearly a third of whom say they’re worried to a large or very large extent about AI’s impact on their future, even as they’re also curious (47%) and optimistic (38%) about its long-term societal effects,” notes the report.

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E-Business

Nigeria Records Highest Weekly Cyberattacks in Africa — Report

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4 days ago

December 4, 2025

Ebere Melum-Nwogbo

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Nigerian organisations are facing the highest volume of weekly cyberattacks in Africa, according to the newly released African Perspectives on Cyber Security Report 2025 by Check Point Software Technologies Ltd., a global leader in cybersecurity solutions.

Nigeria Records Highest Weekly Cyberattacks in Africa — Report

The report revealed that Nigerian firms experience an average of 4,200 attacks per week, significantly higher than the continental average of 3,153 and 60 per cent above the global average of 1,963 attacks per organisation.

The findings highlight a sharp rise in attacks across Africa, driven largely by artificial intelligence-enabled threats.

Kingsley Oseghale, country manager for West Africa at Check Point, said attackers are increasingly using AI to automate phishing, impersonation, and cloud exploitation.

“AI has become part of the attack surface,” Oseghale said. “Attackers are using it to automate phishing and identity theft at scale. The only effective response is prevention-first security that combines visibility, governance, and AI protection.”

The report noted that cybercriminals are exploiting exposed identities and misconfigured systems to target critical sectors, including finance, energy, telecoms, and government.

Identity-led intrusions, AI-generated phishing campaigns, and multi-vector ransomware are on the rise.

Across the continent, Check Point identified key trends in different markets. Nigeria is experiencing business email compromise and cloud exploitation; South Africa faces rising ransomware, smishing, and botnet infections such as Vo1d and XorDDoS; Kenya has seen ransomware targeting critical energy infrastructure; and Morocco has experienced coordinated government and education-sector disruptions via DDoS and website defacement attacks.

The report highlights five major shifts shaping Africa’s cyber risk in 2025.

Traditional ransomware has evolved into data-leak extortion, AI-generated deception is widespread, and identity has emerged as the new security perimeter.

Weak cybersecurity, the report warned, can now affect international market access under regulations such as the EU’s NIS2 Directive, making digital resilience an economic necessity.

The study urged African businesses and governments to adopt prevention-first security strategies, including continuous risk assessment, regulatory readiness, and public-private collaboration.

Oseghale emphasised that, as AI reshapes operations, cybersecurity must shift from reaction to prediction.

“The real challenge is not adopting new technology but securing the trust that underpins it,” he said.

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E-Business

Jumia’s Data Shows Nigerians Turning to Digital Retail to Navigate Inflation Pressures

Published

4 days ago

December 4, 2025

Chike Onwuegbuchi

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As Black Friday 2025 unfolds across Nigeria, new insights from Jumia’s Q3 2025 financial results reveal that more Nigerians are relying on digital retail to navigate inflation and rising living costs.

The data points to a more deliberate, value-driven shopper, one using online platforms to stretch budgets, compare options quickly, and extract more value from each purchase.

Jumia reported a 30 percent year-on-year increase in physical goods orders, while Gross Merchandise Value for physical goods rose by 43 percent.

This stronger GMV growth highlights a clear behavioural shift: consumers are assembling higher-value baskets by combining essentials with premium or long-term household items. Online retail is serving as a tool for strategic planning, not just convenience.

According to Temidayo Ojo, Chief Executive Officer of Jumia Nigeria, Black Friday now plays a more critical economic role. “Households are using digital retail to defend purchasing power. They plan their lists, compare prices instantly, and rely on the reliability and convenience that e-commerce offers,” he said.

This year’s Black Friday trends show growing demand in categories that directly support daily living. Household essentials and FMCG products are seeing significant uptake as families stock up during price drops. Home and kitchen equipment is also experiencing stronger demand as shoppers prioritise practical, durable tools. Affordable fashion and beauty products are gaining momentum as discounts make them more accessible.

Consumer behaviour in the lead-up to the sales period further reinforces this shift. Jumia recorded a notable increase in “Add to Wishlist” and “Add to Cart” activity, signalling more planning and fewer impulse purchases. The gap between GMV and order growth indicates that customers are optimising baskets using bundles, vouchers, and promo combinations, behaviours uniquely suited to digital platforms.

With inflation intensifying the need for smarter buying, trust markers on Jumia, such as verified sellers, official brand stores, ratings, and clear return policies, are becoming more central to decision-making. Authenticity and durability now outweigh the appeal of the lowest price.

Jumia’s logistics footprint is making these benefits available nationwide. Its 30,000 sqm Isolo fulfilment centre, 480 pickup stations, and 62 logistics partners ensure that customers in secondary and peri-urban cities enjoy the same deals as those in major hubs, reducing travel burdens and adding financial value.

Overall, Jumia’s Q3 data and Black Friday trends show that Nigerians are turning to digital retail as a practical, strategic response to inflation, using e-commerce to manage budgets, preserve purchasing power, and make more informed buying decisions.

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