Author: Africa Digest News

How Octavia Carbon Became the Only African Startup in the 2025 C2V Initiative Cohort

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In a selection pool of 165 applicants from 33 countries with acceptance odds thinner than 6%, Octavia Carbon rose as the sole African company admitted into the prestigious Carbon to Value (C2V) Initiative Year 5 cohort, announced on November 18, 2025. For the Nairobi-based direct air capture (DAC) startup, it wasn’t a lucky break. It…

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Science, Technology

Who Can Apply for Safaricom’s Tax-Free Green Bond and How to Get Started

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When Safaricom PLC opened subscriptions for its KSh 40 billion Domestic Medium-Term Note (MTN) Programme on November 25, 2025, Nairobi’s capital markets took notice. The programme’s debut tranche, a KSh 15 billion green bond carrying a 10.4% fixed coupon and exempt from withholding tax, quickly became the most talked-about security on Kenya’s financial timeline. With…

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Funding

How Valternative’s Battery-Swap Network Is Powering Uber’s EV Breakthrough in South Africa

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When Uber rolled out Africa’s first fully electric ride-hail fleet in Johannesburg on November 24, 2025, the headlines focused on the 70 compact Henrey Minicars hitting the streets and the 350 planned by late January 2026. But the real engine behind this launch isn’t Uber. It’s Valternative Energy, a Durban-born EV infrastructure startup whose battery-swap…

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EV

How the EIB’s €2 Billion Pledge Could Reshape Africa’s Renewable Energy Future

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When African and European leaders convened in Luanda on November 24, 2025, the European Investment Bank (EIB) placed a bold marker on the table: a €2 billion commitment to accelerate renewable energy development across Africa over the next two years. Far from cosmetic diplomacy, the pledge anchors a sweeping €15.5 billion Team Europe package designed…

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Funding

What Roam Point’s New Universal Fast Charger Means for Kenya’s EV Riders

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Roam has launched Roam Point, the country’s first universal fast-charging station for light electric vehicles (LEVs). Located along the busy Waiyaki Way corridor, the station delivers 10–20 km of range in under five minutes, supports any Type 6-compatible EV, and operates 24/7 without attendants. For riders struggling with long queues, slow charging speeds, and proprietary…

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Technology, EV

Who Benefits From AECID’s $10M Bet on Novastar’s NVIII?

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The Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) has greenlit a commitment of up to $10 million to Novastar Ventures’ Africa People + Planet Fund III (NVIII). This investment stands as Spain’s largest-ever pledge to a pan-African impact venture fund, underscoring Madrid’s deepening role in channelling climate-aligned finance to the continent. As Africa’s economies grapple…

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Funding

Opportunities for SMEs in Kenya’s Green Bond Market

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As Kenya accelerates its green economy transition, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) stand at the forefront of innovation in sustainable projects, from off-grid solar solutions to eco-friendly agriculture. Yet, financing remains a persistent hurdle for these businesses, which contribute over 80% of employment but often lack access to traditional capital. Enter green bonds: fixed-income instruments…

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Environment

How Kenyan Corporates and Counties Can Leverage Green Bonds

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As the global race toward net-zero accelerates, green bonds are emerging as one of the most effective tools for financing climate-positive projects. These instruments channel capital directly into renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, water systems, resilient infrastructure, and other climate-critical sectors. For Kenya, where droughts, flooding, and climate volatility carry heavy economic and social costs, green…

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Funding

A Complete Guide to Kenya’s Green Bond Market for New Investors

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As climate pressures intensify and capital flows increasingly favour sustainability, green bonds have evolved from limited instruments into essential tools for funding climate-resilient growth. Kenya has embraced this shift, positioning green bonds at the centre of its transition to low-carbon development. Whether you’re a first-time investor or a seasoned analyst exploring East Africa’s green finance…

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Funding

Does Kenya Really Have a Power Crisis? A Closer Look at President Ruto’s Alarming Admission

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Ronnie Paul is a seasoned writer and analyst with a prolific portfolio specialising in climate change at Africa Digest News. President William Ruto’s recent admission that Kenya is rationing electricity during peak evening hours has ignited a fierce national debate: Is Kenya facing a genuine power crisis, or is the government setting the stage for…

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Opinion Piece