Observations By Ceaser Siwale The USAID pullback is not just a funding issue – it also signals a shift in geopolitical relationships. U.S.-Africa relations are poised to change. For decades, foreign aid was a pillar of American “soft power” in Africa, a way to project influence and goodwill. Now that pillar is crumbling. African governments and […]
Humanitarian and Economic Fallout of USAID Cuts
Observations By Ceaser Siwale, Executive USAID’s abrupt funding halt has delivered a shock to health and welfare programs across Africa. In early 2025, the U.S. government terminated roughly 90% of its foreign aid contracts, effectively ending some 10,000 USAID-supported projects worldwide. Termination letters went out to organizations fighting hunger and disease, informing them their life-saving programs […]
The Paradox of People Management in High Finance: Balancing Autonomy, Efficiency, and Institutionalization
Thoughts & Insights from Ceaser Siwale Having spent the past 27 years in financial markets—24 of them in investment banking—I have witnessed firsthand the paradox that exists within our industry. While we excel at navigating mergers, deciphering complex financial models, and trying to anticipate market trends, many of us struggle when it comes to managing […]
Mastering Executive Presence: 6 Key Traits for Leadership Excellence and Corporate Success
Mutisunge Zulu Director & Chief Risk Officer | Qualified Risk Expert | Harvard & Manchester University Alumnus | Board Director | In this article, I aim to share my reflections, informed by diverse influences such as my faith, academic programs at Alliance Manchester Business School Harvard Business School Executive Education and importantly, both formal and […]
Insights From Knowing 0.5% of the Global Billionaires
Henri Pierre-Jacques Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Harlem Capital 🧵There are ~3,000 Billionaires globally and I’ve gotten to know 16 of them 8 of them are investors in Harlem Capital and 8 of them I know personally. Here’s what I’ve learned from knowing 0.5% of the Billionaires 1) They rarely ever stop working Every single one—ranging in […]
The Ruin Of A Nation Begins In The Home Of Its People
BY DEAN N ONYAMBU Beneath the vast skies of Africa lies a land rich with promise. Its soil holds the potential for abundance, but its fate rests in the hands of those who nurture or neglect it. Progress does not arrive by chance; it emerges from within, shaped by its people’s choices, values, and actions. While […]
Beyond “Unleashing Capitalism”: What The Economist Gets Wrong About Africa’s Green Future
By Savior Mwambwa, A recent article by the Economist entitled The capitalist revolution Africa needs made for an interesting reading. The Economist’s analysis of “The Africa Gap” correctly identifies critical challenges facing the continent but prescribes solutions that risk repeating past policy mistakes. While market dynamism is crucial, evidence from successful development experiences shows that transformative growth requires […]
EV Tax Break May Lure China to $27 Billion South Africa Industry.
Thoughts By Tshepo Magagane I wrote this a year back about SA’s Northern Cape: remember the existing car industry in Pretoria and Gqeberha – I criticise SA a lot but they get things such as localisation, industrialisation right (think Mintek, CSIR, IDC). NB: 2/3 of light vehicle production are exported from the country (EU top […]
Global Aid Is Complicated. The Solution Doesn’t Have To Be
Opinion Authored By: Samuel Maimbo // Dr. Samuel Maimbo is the vice president for budget, performance review, and strategic planning at the World Bank, and a leading development finance expert. He is a candidate for the presidency of the African Development Bank. Why is the development model set in the wake of World War II not working in […]
The World Bank’s Vision for Zambia’s Private Sector: A Critical Review
By Savior Mwambwa Thanks to the Christmas holidays, I’ve finished reading the World Bank’s latest Country Private Sector Diagnostic for Zambia in-depth, and I have some thoughts to share. While the report offers valuable insights into Zambia’s investment landscape, its fundamental approach concerns me. Let me explain why. What the World Bank Gets Right First, […]