− Governments and companies have signed pledges and bans to limit plastic waste − Recycled packaging could eventually supplant virgin plastic production − Innovative waste-management systems work to transform pollution into added value − Recent studies offer sustainable alternatives to help break down existing waste As an increasing number of countries ban single-use plastics, waste…
– Textile and fashion is the world’s second-largest industrial polluter, behind oil and gas – Concerted efforts are being made to create more sustainable business models – Two solar-powered, sustainable textile plants under construction in Togo and Benin – Increased cotton processing could mean value-added textile earnings stay in West Africa With textiles and fashion expected to…
While the Kenyan authorities haveremainedin a heightened state of vigilance against Covid-19 since thefirst local case was recorded on March 13, private sector manufacturers have been adjusting operations to ensure supplies of much-needed medical equipment are available. As of April 7, Kenya had reported 172 cases and six deaths, out of a global tally of 1.43m cases…
The global economy is entering the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), or Industry 4.0, based on the application of new digital and automated technologies in production processes and service delivery. These changes are bringing emerging markets improved productivity, as well as risks – namely, reshoring and the displacement of human labour by automation. Wealthier emerging markets, such as…
Interview :Ahmed Rady How do you evaluate Kenya’s priorities when it comes to developing its manufacturing sector? AHMED RADY: The Big Four agenda is a step in the right direction for Kenya, thanks to the government’s structured approach and commitment to accelerating economic growth under the four pillars. Here, manufacturing plays a key role. A strong manufacturing base is the foundation…
The retail sector in Kenya has faced a number of challenges in recent years. The collapse of two of its main supermarket chains dealt a major blow to the sector, affecting mall footfall and supplier’s balance sheets, and taxing goodwill. However, with the economy strengthening, foreign investors entering the local retail market and the middle class continuing to grow, prospects remain positive. Conversely,…
After a challenging 2017, the industrial sector has started to show signs of recovery, suggested by improved output figures. The turnaround came about at the end of 2017, as the sector continues to focus on longer-term prospectives and transforming itself into a key driver of economic activity. A Slow Start Before Kenya gained independence in 1963, official British policy deterred the development…
Released by the Treasury in June 2018, the 2018/19 budget policy statement (BPS) outlined plans to increase state support for the manufacturing segment’s development, while also setting targets for growth and employment across a range of industrial segments. Objectives include increasing manufacturing’s contribution to GDP from 8.4% in 2017 to 15% by 2022, adding approximately $3bn to the economy…
Interview :Peter Munya How great a role will the manufacturing sector play in the future of the economy? PETER MUNYA: In recent years, a lot of emphasis has been placed on the goal of moving away from a commodity based economy to a more value-added development model. Kenya aspires to build global businesses, focusing on sub-sectors in which it has a competitive advantage and where there is…
As the largest economy in the EAC and COMESA in terms of GDP, Kenya has positioned itself as a major economic power in sub-Saharan Africa. Traditionally a largely agrarian economy, Kenya has quickly entrenched its position as a manufacturing, logistics and technology hub in the region, and this diversification forms a solid platform from which the government can generate economic growth over the c