Proof of the Economic Benefits of More Intra-African Trade – the case of the Maputo Corridor
The macroeconomic impact of the Maputo Logistics Corridor (CLM) over the last 10 years is estimated at just over US$2bn in economic activities carried out in the SADC region. The…
Read MoreEver so Slowly – the AfCFTA Rules of Origin (RoO)
The Rules of Origin (RoO) lie at the centre of the AfCFTA’s ambitions to remove customs tariffs (duties) over the next years. If these rules are not agreed upon, ‘third…
Read MoreMobile Money in Kenya – Safaricom Agrees to Devest
Safaricom together with Vodacom launched MPesa over a decade ago and so became the most successful mobile money service globally, but for some time the authorities in Kenya have tried…
Read MoreThe Cost of Mobile Data in Africa Remains a Major Concern
A new report on the cost of mobile data in different markets across the world shows why internet users in most of Africa remain low despite increasing broadband internet coverage.…
Read MoreSAPO/ICASA Case Against Postnet Continues
Readers will recall that two years ago a court case was brought against Postnet by the SA Post Office (SAPO) represented by the Regulator, ICASA, against Postnet for ignoring the…
Read MoreThe Consumer Goods and Services Ombuds Q2 Report
Ecommerce continues to attract far too many complaints. In the 3 months of April, May, and June, 282 complaints were received regarding unacceptably slow deliveries or non-delivery of goods. There…
Read MoreNews from Africa
August is Women’s Month But More Women in Executive Roles Are Needed Last year this Newsletter bemoaned the fact that of all foreign direct investment in Africa, only 1% went…
Read MoreThe Declaration for the Future of the Internet
The USA and 60 other nations signed the Declaration for the Future of the Internet, presented by the White House, on 28 April 2022, but few African countries joined in…
Read MoreEnforcing Consumer Protection at Point of Importation
This Newsletter has frequently noted that consumer protection regulations are needed in Africa. This is both to protect consumers and to provide a level playing field for cross border ecommerce.…
Read MoreImported Unsafe Products a Threat to Consumers
In a new study, UNCTAD research shows that general safety requirements and liability regimes embedded in the laws, along with standards, are the cornerstones of consumer product safety frameworks around…
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