Håvar Bauck

The Trans-African Highway network, a bold blueprint conceived to foster economic integration on the African continent, has been a captivating vision since its inception in 1971. Initiated by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the project aims to integrate the continent through an expansive road network.

Despite political obstacles and inconsistent collaboration between countries, renewed momentum from the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) is… Show more

The Trans-African Highway network, a bold blueprint conceived to foster economic integration on the African continent, has been a captivating vision since its inception in 1971. Initiated by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the project aims to integrate the continent through an expansive road network.

Despite political obstacles and inconsistent collaboration between countries, renewed momentum from the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) is rejuvenating this grand vision. In recent years, the UNECA, the African Union (AU), and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have worked jointly to promote this ambition that could set Africa on an unprecedented economic trajectory. Show less

Tourism in Africa has a promising future, and 2023 looks set to become a year of solid recovery. A recent report from the African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA) shows high levels of optimism among respondents, with 82 per cent positive about the short-term outlook and 90 per cent in the long term. With tourism rebounding sharply after Covid-19 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) expected to boost business travel within the continent, the optimism might be well founded.

Recently, a business contact of mine was planning a three-day stopover in Nairobi on his way to Tanzania.

Unfortunately, because of delays in the visa process, he ended up cancelling the Nairobi visit and instead extended his stay in Tanzania. Those three days could easily have brought Kenya US$1,000 in foreign currency spent on hotels, restaurants, taxis, tourist attractions, and shopping. Instead, that revenue went to Tanzania.

While this example is not unique, the underlying… Show more

Recently, a business contact of mine was planning a three-day stopover in Nairobi on his way to Tanzania.

Unfortunately, because of delays in the visa process, he ended up cancelling the Nairobi visit and instead extended his stay in Tanzania. Those three days could easily have brought Kenya US$1,000 in foreign currency spent on hotels, restaurants, taxis, tourist attractions, and shopping. Instead, that revenue went to Tanzania.

While this example is not unique, the underlying problem can easily be addressed. This represents one of the simplest opportunities for the new Ruto administration to boost tourism. Show less

Digital Nomads are now changing the way of doing business in Africa given the upsurge and availability of internet connectivity.
In 2020, remote working finally became normal everywhere. Analysts and thought leaders had predicted that this would happen “soon” for the past 25 years, but it took a global crisis for it to materialize.

Kenya, the tourism giant of East Africa, is reopening for passenger flights from June 8th, with national carrier Kenya Airways as the first mover. It is unsure which other airlines, if any, will resume flights immediately, and to which destinations. Most other African countries are in no hurry to follow suit.