Retail chain Carrefour has opened a new store in Mombasa providing added convenience and accessibility for customers in the coastal region.

The store located at the Promenade Mall in Nyali spans over 1,500 square metres, and aims to cater to the diverse needs of shoppers, offering an extensive array of product categories, from groceries to everyday essentials.

Commenting on the opening, Christophe Orcet, Regional Director East Africa, Majid Al Futtaim, which owns the exclusive rights to operate Carrefour in Kenya, stated: “The launch of our Promenade Mall store underlines our dedication to delivering quality, variety, and convenience to our customers. Additionally, at Majid Al Futtaim, we are and will remain committed to supporting the communities we serve. With that, we are thrilled to welcome 50 new colleagues to the store.”

This marks the retailer’s third establishment in the coastal region, following the Centre Point Mall in Diani and City Mall Nyali stores.

He added: “This expansion aligns with our broader plans for growth within the country, emphasising our commitment to investing in the local economy.”

The store will remain open to customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The official opening was presided over by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir.

Nassir called on Investors to consider investing in the county saying the county is open for investors.

"The opening of this facility signals the rapid growth of Mombasa as a business hub due to the conducive environment we provide as a county government." said Nassir.

Adding " I promised the people of Mombasa that we would restore our city to glory and national prominence. Invest in Mombasa; we are open for business."

Mombasa youth across the county have been urged to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and skills.

According to Kenyatta Kenyatta International Convention Centre board Director Mboto Hassan this will help reduce the rate of unemployment among the youth among other issues.

Speaking in Mombasa during a cake baking festival hostel by renowned Mombasa baker Minat Ahmed. Mboto emphasized the need for the youth to change their mindset towards entrepreneurship.

"We all have different potentials and skills as young people. We need to work on our skills and dreams, let no one try to kill your dream or tell you that you cannot achieve your dream" said Mboto.

Adding " There are alot of opportunities out there, let us take advantage of them."

Mboto cautioned the youths against being discouraged by the challenges that can with entrepreneurship calling on them to practice patience during the journey.

Mboto charged "Entrepreneurship is not a straight journey, there are alot of challenges, you will meet alot of hurdles along the way but I urge don't consider giving up as an option. Just take a look at Minat, she is a young lady from here Mombasa but has achieved alot when it comes to baking"

On her part Minat, shared her journey with the participants emphasizing on the need to be courageous and not giving up.

"Let me share a story with you. I did not get here easily, it is not easy to be successful. You need to be focused, hardworking and disciplined." said Minat.

Adding " If you really want to be an entrepreneur and you leave this place without any single number or connection then you are not on the right path. You need to connect with people  and get the right contacts whenever you go. this is how I have been successful, I always make sure that I ask for a chance to introduce myself in every function that I attend, I introduce myself with what I do and that is how people also get to know me. Do not be in your comfort zone, be passionate about what you do. I have travelled all the way to Tanzania just to get the right connection, my mother did not want me to go there but I had to go just for my dream."

The cake festival dubbed “Minat Cake Festival”  provided a unique opportunity for attendees to connect and network with fellow baking enthusiasts, industry professionals, and like-minded individuals.

 40 students who had undergone a baking course at Minat school of baking also graduated during the event.

The attendees got the opportunity to sample  over 50 types of cakes.

By Carol Koech, Country President Schneider Electric, East Africa

 A recent report published by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) states that the Kenyan economy is facing multiple near-term financial challenges, including limited fiscal and external buffers, an elevated cost of living, exchange rate pressures, and tight financial conditions.

To address these challenges, the country is taking proactive steps to capitalise on its abundance of renewable energy resources. At the first Africa Climate Summit, recently held in Nairobi, Kenya outlined its ambition to achieve 100 percent renewable power by 2030 and to fuel the green industries of the future by 2040.

Why renewable energy makes economic sense

One of the most compelling reasons to meet the renewable energy goals mentioned above is cost savings. Renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are becoming increasingly cost-competitive, making the switch to a greener energy posture more viable and leading to long-term savings on energy costs.

Importantly, Kenya's abundance of renewable resources extends beyond its borders, enabling it to scale up its renewable energy production and potentially meet a significant portion of the world's energy demand.

Looking at the industry sector, by generating their own clean on-site energy, Kenyan companies can reduce their dependence on external energy suppliers. This independence will help mitigate the risks associated with supply disruptions, ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply. Furthermore, due to the decentralised distribution of renewable energy, industries are protected against power outages during grid failures.

Transitioning to renewable energy sources also stimulates innovation and drives job creation in the renewable energy sector. This has a ripple effect on the local economy, creating opportunities for skilled workers and contributing to economic growth.

Collaborating with capable partners extends these opportunities in the region, creating a win-win scenario for businesses and the community alike.

Brand health and collaboration

Kenya, like many other countries across the globe, has introduced regulations and incentives to promote the adoption of renewable energy. Transitioning to renewables allows industries not only to comply with these regulations but also to take advantage of financial incentives, grants, and tax benefits offered by the government.

That’s not all, such sustainable practices also enhance brand reputation, attracting environmentally conscious customers, investors, and partners. This can lead to increased market share and long-term growth.

By collaborating with experienced partners like Schneider Electric, Kenyan businesses can transition to cleaner and smarter energy solutions. By proactively implementing renewable energy, the Kenyan economy is making important strides to stabilise its financial future while contributing to a cleaner, greener world.

By Mervyn Naidoo, Group Chief Executive Officer at ACTOM and Chairman of the Manufacturing Circle

In most African countries, local manufacturers tend to look towards imported equipment when choosing an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), often selecting imports from the Far East due to the lower costs associated with these products.

This is mainly because many African countries lack the capabilities and manufacturing capacity to locally produce equipment across various industry segments, which often makes the procurement of equipment in-country difficult and expensive.

This means that, by default, many African manufacturers companies turn to the West, Europe or most commonly the East – particularly China – to source equipment. However, the benefits of lower upfront costs are generally negated by the lifecycle costs of the imported products.

On the other hand, equipment manufactured by local OEMs has the benefit of being backed up by local competence and intellectual property, providing equipment owners with support and maintenance throughout the product's lifecycle. As is often the case, imported equipment can fast become useless and obsolete due to a lack of spare parts and expertise to maintain it.

Economic stimulus

Additionally, developing a local vertical supply chain that can support equipment from cradle to grave brings wider economic benefits to a country, including an economic stimulus that ultimately leads to the expansion of industry, job creation and increased gross domestic product. Typically, manufacturing multiplies employment – for every job created, many more are created in the vertical supply chain.

As many African countries grapple with high unemployment rates, developing and growing local and regional OEM capabilities would see more people become economically active, which would drive greater demand for resources such as electricity, water, data and service. An economically active population also creates demand for infrastructure growth and services, in turn boosting demand for locally manufactured equipment.

Hence, the reasons for African countries to actively look at using the existing demand for equipment manufacturing to stimulate regional economies and create jobs, as opposed to importing goods and benefiting other economies are compelling.

While the generally lower cost positioning of equipment imported from the East does make it tough for African manufacturers to compete, it is not impossible. African manufacturers need to look aggressively at how to position themselves to be competitive against foreign OEMs, and the key to this will be to leverage the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

Incentivise trade

The reduction in tariffs under AfCFTA will automatically contribute to promoting the use of locally manufactured goods on the continent, as it will introduce an element of increased competitiveness and opens borders to facilitate trade between countries. At the same time, governments will have to play their part to incentivise trade between African countries, which will ultimately stimulate regional economies across the continent.

One of the key outcomes that must flow from AfCFTA is that African countries must effectively meet the demands of manufacturers on the continent by effectually exploiting the readily available raw materials needed for equipment manufacturing. Many of the resources required to produce these products are found on the continent and these should be beneficiated locally to add value.

The establishment of local manufacturing plants and factories will in turn stimulate economic growth and ensure sustainability in terms of cradle-to-grave lifecycle support for locally manufactured equipment. This will unlock economic growth in Africa. If done wisely, AfCFTA can help to boost African economies and change the plight of many countries on the continent.

Acclaimed musician and songwriter Femi One is set to enchant audiences worldwide with her latest musical masterpiece, Mtungi. 

Renowned for her distinctive sound and evocative lyrics, Femi One is poised to redefine boundaries and continue to set new standards in the music industry.

Mtungi represents a culmination of Femi One's artistic evolution, offering a glimpse into her musical prowess and creative ingenuity. With a fusion of genres that defy conventional classification, Femi One delivers a captivating auditory experience that transcends traditional boundaries.

"I want my music to reflect the realities of the world we live in while inspiring others to embrace their truth and stand tall," expressed Femi One.

Femi One has received widespread acclaim for her previous releases, earning accolades for her songwriting prowess and captivating stage presence.

After a streak of chart-topping singles, the sensational voice in Afro-pop, Teni, is back with her highly anticipated album, "TEARS OF THE SUN."

Released on November 17th through Platoon, the 16-track LP promises to captivate Kenyan audiences with its diverse and celebratory sound.

The album opens with the autobiographical track, "YBGFA (Young Black Girl From Africa)," a moving tale of Teni's roots featuring delicate piano and sublime vocal melodies.

The feel-good anthem "LANKE," produced by the award-winning Blaisebeatz, sets the celebratory tone, while the megahit "NO DAYS OFF" approaches four million streams and has been recognized by Rolling Stone as one of the Best Songs of 2023 So Far.

"TEARS OF THE SUN" is a sonic journey that showcases Teni's stunning vocal talents, complemented by sunny funk guitars and blissed-out synth arrangements.

From sultry numbers like "DEVIL DANCE" to uptempo dance tunes like "CONTROL" and the recent single "MALAIKA," the album promises a blend of styles that will resonate with Kenyan music enthusiasts.

With production credits from industry giants such as Blaisebeats, Rymez, Debonair Dessy, Kukbeat, Yung Willis, Extremebetz, and more, "TEARS OF THE SUN" is a sprawling masterpiece of uplifting Afropop.

Reflecting on the album, Teni shares, "Life is a beautiful journey of ups, downs, highs, and lows. 'TEARS OF THE SUN' has taught me about life and brought many blessings. I'm grateful to be a vessel in this world. People come and go, but remember your time around the sun will surely come, and mine is here and here to stay."

This release follows the success of Teni's collaboration on 'MAITAMA (Going)' last year and a recent rework of Bob Marley & The Wailers' classic 'Three Little Birds' with Oxlade. Teni's debut on COLORS, featuring on Stormzy's latest album 'This Is What I Mean,' and previous collaborations with Wizkid and Davido have solidified her reputation as a standout artist in the Afro-pop scene.

The album, "TEARS OF THE SUN," expands Teni's sonic vision in blissed-out style, adding to her quickly growing discography of crowd-pleasing hits. Kenyan fans are invited to immerse themselves in the captivating sounds of this sophomore masterpiece.

By Faith Waithaka, Cloud and Service Provider Segment Sales Lead: Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric

In today's business landscape, organisations often face challenges in transitioning to greener and cleaner practices due to concerns about the associated costs of materials, resources, and technology.

However, the cost of not prioritising sustainability far outweighs the initial investment required to adopt environmentally conscious business practices. It is crucial to consider that global warming could exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels by the early 2030s.

While enterprises today grapple with the complexities of sustainability, it is important to recognise that sustainability is an essential driver of growth. Sustainability plans are often criticised for being perceived as "too expensive," when in reality, financial performance and sustainability are intertwined and mutually beneficial. According to a 2022 Sustainable Value study conducted by EY, about 69 percent of respondents reported that their climate initiatives exceed their initial financial expectations, generating greater value than anticipated.

The challenge arises when organisations seek to align their mission critical initiatives with sustainability goals. It can be complex to find the right balance between operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental stewardship.

However, organisations must recognise that sustainability is not just a moral imperative, but also a strategic business imperative. Failing to address sustainability issues can lead to reputational damage, regulatory non-compliance, operational inefficiencies, and missed opportunities for innovation and cost savings.

How business leaders can shape company’s sustainability DNA

The cornerstone of a sustainable transformation lies in examining the core values that underpin an organisation's operations. It is the duty of business leaders to take charge and implement the appropriate solutions that can reinforce the company's sustainability DNA.

Leaders have the power to shape the culture, policies, and practices that define how the company operates. By embracing sustainability as a guiding principle, leaders can pave the way for a transformation that aligns business objectives with environmental and social responsibility.

Here’s how leaders can strengthen sustainability when the stakes are high:

Enhancing resource management centred on circularity

Businesses have a tremendous opportunity to enhance their long-term value by embracing sustainability at both the strategic and operational levels. Taking proactive measures to minimise environmental harm and ensure long-term resilience is crucial, and one way to achieve this is through the adoption of circular economy practices.

Ambitious scenarios indicate that a system-level shift to a circular economy could potentially reduce approximately 80% of plastic pollution in both aquatic and terrestrial systems. Estimates from McKinsey suggest that building out an efficient waste management infrastructure could cost between $560 billion to $680 billion over a ten-year period. We can realise tremendous value through the circular economy model.

The circular economy approach aims to maximise the usability and value of products, components, and materials while minimising waste generation. It involves designing products with durability and recyclability in mind, optimising resource use throughout the entire lifecycle, and actively seeking opportunities for reusing materials and extending product lifetimes.

As part of our sustainability commitment, Schneider Electric continues developing innovative approaches that reimagine product design, business models, and services with circularity in mind. For example, EcoFit™, an approach used by Schneider Electric to modernise the electrical, critical power, cooling, and automation systems that sustains customer’s business operations, all while enhancing their environmental credentials. This involves outfitting businesses with advanced, digitally driven electrical solutions and active engagement in sustainable, circular practices.

Customers are increasingly seeking sustainable solutions and are more likely to choose businesses that align with their values. By offering products and services with a clear commitment to circularity, we can build trust and strengthen relationships with our customers, fostering long-term loyalty and competitive advantage.

Increasing efficiencies through digitisation

Embracing digital technologies with the potential to decarbonise industries is a key driver for businesses to achieve their Net Zero goals more expeditiously. Recent analysis indicates that if these digital use cases are scaled up, they could potentially reduce emissions by 20% by 2050.

Technology has evolved to enable Electricity 4.0, facilitating the decarbonisation and decentralisation of industries, while creating a more electric, digital, and sustainable world. It offers enhanced control, optimisation, and analytics, revolutionising our approach to energy efficiency.

In the Oil and Gas industry, for instance, Edge computing plays a significant role in improving sustainability, resilience, and cost savings. Edge bolsters the reliability of smart grids by swiftly identifying alternative power sources in the network during outages, ensuring uninterrupted power supply to customers until the main delivery system is repaired and operational.

Addressing climate change requires more than a quick fix. Leaders play a big role in ethically fusing sustainability and technology. They can spearhead initiatives to evaluate and monitor the environmental impact of their operations, promoting sustainability throughout the organisation. In doing so, they also enhance their ESG performance and effectively deliver on sustainability goals that is demanded by customers.

Award-winning global artist King Kanja has released a brand new single “Washa Kitu” featuring K.O. Kenya and Maxudi – new Afro/R&B record produced by Kay S Beats. The single follows the success of King Kanja’s mega collaboration “E.A Party” with Boutross. The newly-released track is an anthem for immersing oneself in the joy of socializing and captures the reluctance for the delightful moments to come to an end.

Kanja says, “I feel privileged to release my single Washa Kitu through a new label, Happy Jack Records, which prioritizes the well-being and mental health of artists above all else.” As the first artist signed to Happy Jack Records, King Kanja is now dedicated to promoting positive mental health advocacy, especially to the youth in Kenya and within Africa. 

Happy Jack Records was founded by Sam Koch (DJ & Producer) and David Nathan (former SVP of Promotion & Artist Development, Republic Records (UMG) and was the powerhouse behind artists such as Nicki Minaj, Amy Winehouse, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd just to name a few.

Speaking to Billboard.com, Nathan says “We are not interested in signing artists that don’t want to use it as a platform. Whatever their issue is, or their experience has been, we want them to share it. And we want them to educate with it.” The label is on a mission to sign emerging artists from various genres, with a specific emphasis on those who have faced challenges related to mental health. 

King Kanja is generating anticipation and offering a glimpse of his upcoming addition to his discography.

He hints, “We've dedicated months of hard work in New York to my seventh studio project, SOVEREIGN, which explores a diverse range of music genres, including Afrobeats, Amapiano, House, Hip-hop, R&B and Reggae. I'm eager for the world to experience my most outstanding album to date, one that is poised to make history by transcending all boundaries and influencing the global music scene.”