The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) and the technological competition between the United States and China is increasingly shaping the geopolitical chessboard of the 21^st century. For countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, AI diplomacy is emerging as a cornerstone of their foreign policy, enabling them to transition from oil-dependent economies to diversified, technology-driven global players. Yet, this shared ambition is also sparking regional competition between the two Gulf nations, as each seeks to establish itself as the dominant AI hub in the Middle East. Trump’s victory in the recent U.S. presidential elections portends a more protectionist foreign policy, which could further complicate this regional rivalry by prompting both nations to recalibrate their AI strategies in the face of intensified U.S.-China tech competition.

Green hydrogen, often called the fuel of the future, offers a zero-emission solution for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors and is becoming a cornerstone of global energy strategy. As the clean energy transition accelerates, regions rich in renewables—particularly the Gulf, Europe, and Africa—are competing to lead in green hydrogen production. This race underscores its transformative potential to diversify energy portfolios and cut emissions. However, turning this promise into reality requires overcoming challenges in cost, infrastructure, and market demand.

Botho, in partnership with African Business magazine, the AfCFTA Secretariat, Afreximbank, AUDA-NEPAD, the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation, and the International Trade Centre, is pleased to announce the launch of the fourth edition of the annual PAFTRAC Africa CEO Trade Survey Report for 2024.

This year's report, based on insights from business leaders across the continent, reflects growing optimism about Africa's trade growth prospects despite global economic challenges. It highlights the transformative potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to unlock Africa's trade opportunities while identifying critical areas for support, including access to information, financing, and infrastructure development. The report also underscores the importance of enhanced collaboration between the private sector, trade finance institutions, and policymakers to address these challenges and fully realize the benefits of the AfCFTA.

To drive true multipolarity, BRICS+ must reconcile its diversity and unite around a cohesive agenda. Without this, it risks falling short of its transformative potential.

Africa's projected 25% increase in LNG production by 2026 presents promising economic opportunities, yet demands a balanced approach between export ambitions and regional energy security. While export infrastructure drives economic growth, it must integrate domestic and regional needs to ensure sustainable development.

African nations face a paradox: while they strive to add value through local processing, their reliance on foreign technology and expertise continues to undermine their bid for self-sufficiency.

Africa's fragmented payment systems present significant barriers to cross-border trade, causing delays and inflated costs. How can we transform these challenges into opportunities to unlock the continent's economic potential?

The concept of leapfrogging, which promotes bypassing traditional economic development stages through technology, often neglects the importance of job creation and industrial growth. This piece critiques the myth of leapfrogging as a shortcut to prosperity, emphasizing the need for diversified economic bases, employment elasticity, and sustainable development strategies that prioritize inclusive growth over digital illusions. India's jobless growth and Nigeria's low-quality employment issues exemplify the risks of relying solely on technology without addressing structural economic foundations. For true progress, investment in infrastructure, education, and productive capacity is crucial, not just technological innovation.

The Gulf is known for its generous philanthropic traditions, yet corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the region often falls short of its potential due to a lack of strategic frameworks. While regulatory compliance drives CSR initiatives, many are reactive and narrow in scope, limiting their long-term impact. This article explores how businesses can move beyond ad-hoc efforts and government-backed initiatives to adopt a strategic approach to CSR. By aligning CSR with business objectives, as seen in Careem’s model, companies can create both social and commercial value. Discover the barriers and opportunities for CSR in the Middle East and how firms can harness it as a tool for growth and innovation.

Africa's growing digital divide with the West is rooted in imbalanced data infrastructure and outdated communication systems. With 50% of data centers in the US and less than 2% in Africa, Western tech giants exploit African user data. To bridge the gap, Africa needs robust data protection and investment in local digital infrastructure.

Across Africa, a concerning financial trend is unfolding that threatens long-term economic development. Government bonds offering remarkably high yields have become the dominant investment choice, drawing capital away from other critical sectors of the economy. This piece explores the “gilded cage”phenomenon of exorbitant government debt appetite stifling economic diversification and growth. 

Nigeria, Africa's largest economy, is set to become the world's fourth-most populous country by 2050. However, it is currently facing significant economic challenges, including rampant inflation and a weakening currency due to President Tinubu's recent reforms. These issues have led to an exodus of Western multinationals, highlighting the tough economic environment. Citing the lessons from those riding the tide, Martin Nkonge, Botho's Analyst, argues that businesses must localize production, add value, and strategize to adapt to Nigeria's unique market conditions for long-term resilience amid ongoing volatility.

Kenya's education curriculum has been criticized for not aligning with market demands, favoring theoretical over practical and vocational education. This results in a mismatch between taught skills and job opportunities. Independent Education Consultant, Margaret Muhoro, and Botho's Analyst, Gerald Kilimo, argue that robust private sector engagement can bridge this gap, allowing companies to meet their talent needs locally while ensuring students gain employable skills.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the current hot topic driving conversations about the future of employment, innovation, and human potential. In Africa, this discourse is marked by both curiosity of its potential and caution over its responsible use. 

In this latest Brief, Botho Emerging Markets Group explores both the opportunities and obstacles that lie ahead with the development, deployment and use of AI in Africa. We discuss the current state of AI readiness across Africa, highlighting pioneering efforts that showcase the continent's potential to develop local solutions. 

Djibouti stands at a critical juncture in its economic development, aiming to become a key player in Africa's financial landscape. Djibouti can diversify its financial markets by leveraging its strategic location, embracing green financing, and strategically utilizing its sovereign wealth fund to advance its capital markets.

Pakistan is home to 3% of the world's population and 8.2% of the world's unbanked adults. A blend of microfinance and digital banking can enhance financial inclusion, alleviate poverty and inequality, and ensure inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Pakistan.

DP World and Abu Dhabi Ports Group, two of the leading logistic behemoths from the UAE, act as conduits for the UAE's broader investment efforts in Africa. However, the port companies have various convergences and divergences in their engagement strategy.

Since the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS)’s inception In April 2022, ATMIS has focused on protecting key government installations, reducing Al Shabaab's influence, reclaiming occupied territories, and improving humanitarian aid to Somalis. Two years later, as ATMIS withdraws from Somalia, Somalia’s stability is in question.

The world has shifted markedly over the last few years, making the business environment fast-evolving and unpredictable. Whether it’s political instability, technological innovation, or lingering effects of the pandemic, change is happening at a breakneck pace. To capitalize on this change, Botho’s Gulf Lead Naam Chakravarty and Konsalidon’s Chethan Reddy, argue that consultants must act as the bridge and connect the dots between seemingly disparate issues and leverage their cross-industry insights to scale their impact beyond siloed problem sets as well as adopt a risk “embracement” mindset.

This report presents the results of a study investigating the current pathways to employment and entrepreneurship for refugees in Kenya, and the actual and potential role of the private sector in creating economic opportunities in Kenya’s refugee-hosting areas.