Author: Ableditor

Ghana’s economy expanded by 6 per cent in the second quarter of 2026, supported by strong performance in communications and information technology as the country continues its recovery from a prolonged economic crisis. Official figures released on Wednesday show that growth remained robust, although it was slower than the 6.6 per cent recorded during the same period last year. The information, communication and technology sector was among the strongest performers, expanding by 30.9 per cent. The sector alone accounted for 41.5 per cent of overall economic growth during the quarter. Government Statistician Alhassan Iddrisu said the performance reflected the increasingly…

Kenya’s electric mobility market is attracting a growing number of manufacturers as companies position themselves to tap into demand for cleaner and potentially cheaper transport. More than 10 electric motorcycle and three-wheeler manufacturers are expected to enter or expand their presence in the Kenyan market, according to industry developments. The growth comes alongside increased investment in battery-swapping infrastructure, which is intended to reduce one of the major challenges facing electric motorcycle users — charging time. Instead of waiting for a battery to recharge, riders can exchange a depleted unit for a charged one at designated stations. The model could be…

Ugandan businesses are set to have another option for high-speed internet following partnerships aimed at expanding Starlink connectivity in the country’s enterprise market. Roke Telkom and Paratus Uganda are among the companies working to make satellite-based connectivity available to businesses, widening access beyond conventional fixed-line networks. Starlink uses a constellation of low-Earth-orbit satellites to provide internet connectivity. The technology has attracted growing interest in Africa, particularly in areas where laying fibre can be expensive or geographically challenging. For Uganda, the service could provide an alternative for companies operating outside areas with reliable terrestrial broadband. The move comes as businesses increasingly…

A new fibre-optic connection linking parts of East and Central Africa to the Indian Ocean is expected to strengthen regional internet connectivity and provide businesses with additional options for accessing international networks. The 2,000-kilometre Goma-Mombasa route runs through Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya before terminating at the coastal city of Mombasa, where it connects with subsea cable infrastructure. The development is part of a wider push by telecommunications companies to expand digital infrastructure across the region as demand for reliable and high-speed internet continues to grow. For businesses, improved fibre connectivity could mean greater network resilience and reduced dependence on individual…

Rwanda and Japan are exploring deeper cooperation in artificial intelligence and digital transformation as Kigali seeks to strengthen its position as a technology hub. Discussions involving Rwanda and the Japan International Cooperation Agency have focused on opportunities to develop digital capabilities and support the country’s technology ecosystem. Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming a priority for African governments as businesses and public institutions explore its potential in areas ranging from healthcare and education to finance and government services. For Rwanda, the push forms part of a broader strategy to use technology to support economic development and improve public service delivery. The…

Rwanda is moving to deepen integration in its digital payments sector as financial institutions and mobile-money operators are brought onto the country’s national interoperable payment infrastructure. The country’s central bank has directed banks, microfinance institutions and mobile-money providers to process interoperable transactions through eKash. The move is intended to make it easier for customers using different financial platforms to send and receive money without being restricted by the network or institution they use. Digital payments have become an important part of everyday economic activity across East Africa, with mobile money playing a particularly significant role. However, fragmented systems can make…

Mental health care is often associated with therapy and medication. While these remain important for people who need professional treatment, everyday habits can also play a meaningful role in supporting mental wellbeing. A recent Standard feature highlights what mental health professionals describe as therapeutic lifestyle changes — practical habits involving exercise, nutrition, sleep, relationships, recreation, stress management, spirituality and helping others. For a person spending most of the day behind a computer, the first intervention may be surprisingly simple: move. Walking, cycling, dancing, gardening or other forms of physical activity can help introduce movement into a sedentary routine. Spending time…

Kenya’s food culture is changing rapidly. Traditional meals built around ugali, vegetables, beans, omena and other locally available foods are increasingly competing with chips, burgers, sausages, sugary drinks and other convenient options. For busy urban households, the attraction is obvious. Long working hours, traffic and limited time for cooking make fast food an easy solution. But convenience can come with a health cost. The Kenya Times feature points to two changes occurring at the same time: diets are becoming more energy-dense while daily physical activity is declining. Urban workers can spend much of the day behind desks, in traffic or…

Silence is often associated with peace. But in a growing Kenyan town or city, noise can also tell a story about the people who live there. Music from a restaurant, children playing outside, a wedding celebration, a religious gathering or a busy street can all become part of a community’s soundscape. The challenge begins when everyday activity crosses into excessive noise. Health experts have long raised concerns about prolonged exposure to loud noise, linking it to disturbed sleep, stress and other health problems. That makes reasonable noise control an important part of healthy urban living. But there is a growing…

n. Black tax leaves young Kenyans balancing family duty and personal dreams For many young Kenyans entering employment, the first salary does not necessarily represent financial freedom. It can mark the beginning of a new responsibility — supporting the family that helped them get there. This pressure, popularly known as “black tax”, has become a familiar feature of life for many young professionals. The expectation can begin with small contributions: paying a sibling’s school expenses, sending money for food or helping parents meet household bills. Over time, those contributions can become a significant portion of an individual’s income. There is…