Editor’s Note
H
ello, and welcome to the fifth edition of Aspire Africa. It seems like just yesterday that the first edition of this publication arrived, and it is a pleasure and a privilege to continue delivering the news surrounding the newest innovations from the continent.
This edition promises to be one of our best, offering some excellent pieces that get right to the heart of Africa’s continuing growth and the steps companies and individuals are taking to provide the best quality of life for its citizens. Inside you will find more information about the question of access to electricity, both the challenges faced and the technologies being harnessed to overcome them. Our cover feature looks at the astonishing strides solar provider BBOXX is making to do just that. In addition, you will read a thought-provoking article about the issues facing African women when it comes to energy usage and availability, and the incredible efforts being made to increase female participation in the decision-making process on electrification. We look also at Africa’s relationship with The Cloud through the eyes of technology firm RedCloud, the new priorities in the coming year for the World Bank, and the tech start-up ecosystem that is exploding across the continent. This is an edition packed with information about all areas of African business, including detailed previews of some of the most important conferences and exhibitions to look forward to in the coming months. As always, the team and I hope you enjoy this edition and our continuing journey into African commerce. We will be back in the winter to keep you updated on the people and companies making a difference across the African continent. Thank you for reading.
6 Editor’s Note
Publisher Sam Khan
Media Director Tabrez Khokhar
Associate Editor Sales Director Nicholas Paul Griffin Yasser Khokhar Contributors William Brent Peyton Fleming Victoria Greene Jeff Desjardins
Publication Layout Zahir Malik Web Production Raizwan Butt
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