Ghanaian midfielder Enoch Morrison has been honoured for an outstanding campaign in Kenya after being named both the Kenyan Premier League's Most Valuable Player and Midfielder of the Season.

The awards cap off a remarkable season for the talented midfielder, who played a key role in Gor Mahia's successful title-winning campaign.

Morrison was one of Gor Mahia's standout performers throughout the season as the club secured the Kenyan Premier League title.

His consistent displays in midfield helped drive the team to the top of the table and played a crucial role in another successful chapter in the club's history.

The league triumph saw Gor Mahia claim their 22nd Kenyan Premier League title, further extending their record as the most successful club in Kenyan football.

Gor Mahia concluded the season at the summit of the league standings with 68 points, comfortably securing the championship and another place among the continent's elite clubs.

The club's successful campaign also brought recognition for head coach Charles Akonnor [another Ghanaian], whose leadership guided the team to domestic glory.

His achievement earned him the league's Coach of the Season award, further underlining Gor Mahia's dominance during the campaign.

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Ghana midfielder Augustine Boakye has vowed to give everything to the Black Stars at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The former WAFA SC star is part of the final 26-man squad of the Black Stars selected by Carlos Queiroz for this year’s mundial.

With just seven days to the start of the World Cup, Boakye has described the chance to represent his country as a privilege.

According to him, he will give everything to the Black Stars at the World Cup.

“Privileged to receive my first call-up to serve my country at the #FIFAWorldCup. A moment I’ve worked for my entire life. Thanks to my family, Ghana, coaches, teammates, and everyone who has supported my journey. Now it’s time to give everything for the nation,” Augustine Boakye shared in a post on X.

Privileged to receive my first call-up to serve my country ???????? at the #FIFAWorldCup. A moment I’ve worked for my entire life. Thanks to my family, Ghana ????????,coaches, teammates, and everyone who has supported my https://t.co/5S9ahXxszL it’s time to give everything for the nation?? pic.twitter.com/CDvN73nP3J

— Augustine Boakye (@20Boakye) June 4, 2026

Although among the inexperienced players in the Black Stars squad, Boakye could be an important asset for the team in the absence of star attacker Mohamed Kudus.

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Ghanaian coach Charles Akonnor has been named Kenya's Coach of the Season following an outstanding campaign with Gor Mahia.

Akonnor guided Gor Mahia to a historic 22nd Kenyan Premier League title, cementing the club's status as the most successful team in the country's football history.

The championship was sealed with two matches to play after AFC Leopards lost 2-1 to APS Bomet, leaving them four points adrift with just one game remaining.

Akonnor, who joined Gor Mahia in August 2025, has completely transformed the club's fortunes in less than a year. His technical team features assistant coach Bismark Kobi Mensah, goalkeepers' trainer Ben Owu, and video analyst Joshua Kofi Boafo.

The former Black Stars coach previously led Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak in Ghana before taking this Kenya opportunity. Ghanaian players proved instrumental to the success, with Enock Morrison, George Amonoo, Ebenezer Adukwaw, and Ebenezer Assifuah all delivering influential performances throughout the campaign.

Gor Mahia finished atop the standings with 68 points. Akonnor's title-winning achievement naturally earned him the season's top coaching honor, cementing his reputation as one of Africa's most accomplished coaches. He will now lead Gor Mahia into next season's CAF Champions League competition.

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Ghana midfielder Augustine Boakye has expressed his delight and gratitude after receiving his first call-up to the Black Stars for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Taking to social media, the former WAFA SC star described the moment as a lifelong dream come true and thanked everyone who has supported him along the way.

"Privileged to receive my first call-up to serve my country 🇬🇭 at the FIFA World Cup. A moment I've worked for my entire life. Thanks to my family, Ghana, coaches, teammates, and everyone who has supported my journey. Now it's time to give everything for the nation ❤️," Boakye wrote.

The midfielder's journey to the World Cup is a testament to the talent nurtured in the Ghana Premier League. In the 2020/21 season, Boakye registered 12 assists for WAFA SC, the highest by any player in the league, earning recognition as the best playmaker of the campaign.

Now, five years later, he is set to represent Ghana on the biggest stage of all in North America. Boakye is one of seven players in Carlos Queiroz's final 26-man squad who have Ghana Premier League roots.

Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia. The Black Stars open their campaign against Panama on June 17. For Boakye, the hard work has paid off, and now it is time to give everything for the nation.

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In a video shared by Joy Sports, Semenyo disclosed that his parents stayed neutral throughout the process, never making the conversation about England a serious one. When Ghana came calling at age 19 or 20, the choice was simple.

"My mum and dad, they never really mentioned anything about England. Obviously living in England, you get a conversation, 'Oh, you should represent England', but it was never a conversation I've ever had really. Ghana came when I was 19 or 20, so I was never going to turn it down," Semenyo said.

He described representing Ghana as a dream come true and spoke passionately about the support he has received from his family. "It means a lot, just cheering on Ghana and they're cheering me on. It's great support, and I just love every memory. It's a dream come true to be honest."

The 26-year-old also expressed confidence in the current Black Stars squad, insisting that the team has the talent to shock the world at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

"There is a lot of talent in previous Ghana sides, but I feel like now it's coming in abundance. There are so many positions that we've got covered. I feel like when we do come together, such a special group with endless talent, and I feel we can shock a lot of nations. We just need to prove to the world that we can be up there and compete with everyone else."

Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia. The Black Stars open their campaign against Panama on June 17. For Semenyo, the decision was made long ago, and now he is ready to make Ghana proud.

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Manchester City and Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo has declared that the current Black Stars squad has the quality to shock a lot of nations at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In a video shared by Joy Sports, the 26-year-old expressed confidence in the depth and talent within the team, insisting that Ghana can compete with the best if they prove themselves on the pitch.

"I feel like when we do come together, such a special group with endless talent, and I feel we can shock a lot of nations. We just need to prove to the world that we can be up there and compete with everyone else. I feel like that's the only question right now. So once we do that, that would be the story rewritten," Semenyo said.

He also reflected on his decision to represent Ghana, revealing that he never seriously considered playing for England. "Ghana came when I was 19 or 20, so I was never going to turn it down. "It's a dream come true, to be honest."

Semenyo added that the love and support from his family has been overwhelming. "My mum and dad, they never really mentioned anything about England.

"Obviously living in England, you get a conversation, 'Oh, you should represent England,' but it was never a conversation I've ever had, really. It means a lot just cheering on Ghana, and they're cheering me on. It's great support, and I just love every memory."

Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia. The Black Stars open their campaign against Panama on June 17. For Semenyo, the belief is clear: this team is capable of surprising the world.

Send your news stories to [email protected] and via WhatsApp on +233 546310076.

Manchester City and Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo believes the current Black Stars squad possesses an abundance of talent that surpasses previous generations, and he is confident the team can shock the world at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In a video shared by Joy Sports, Semenyo reflected on the depth and quality of the team, insisting that Ghana now has quality cover in almost every position.

"There is a lot of talent in the previous Ghana sides, but I feel like now it's coming in abundance. There are so many positions that we've got covered. There's so much talent on there. I feel like when we do come together, such a special group with endless talent, and I feel we can shock a lot of nations," Semenyo said.

He added that the only thing left to do is prove it on the pitch. "We just need to prove to the world that we can be up there and compete with everyone else. I feel like that's the only question right now. So once we do that, that would be the story rewritten."

Semenyo also opened up about his decision to represent Ghana, revealing that he never seriously considered playing for England. "Ghana came when I was 19 or 20, so I was never going to turn it down. "It's a dream come true, to be honest."

Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia. The Black Stars open their campaign against Panama on June 17. For Semenyo, the talent is there; now it is time to deliver.

Send your news stories to [email protected] and via WhatsApp on +233 546310076.

Manchester City and Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo has opened up about his decision to represent the Black Stars, revealing that he never had a serious conversation about playing for England despite growing up in the country.

In a video shared by Joy Sports, Semenyo disclosed that his parents never pressured him to choose England, and when Ghana came calling at age 19 or 20, there was only one answer.

"My mum and dad, they never really mentioned anything about England. Obviously living in England, you get a conversation, 'Oh, you should represent England', but it was never a conversation I've ever had, really. Ghana came when I was 19 or 20, so I was never going to turn it down," Semenyo said.

He described representing Ghana as a dream come true and spoke passionately about the support from his family. "It means a lot, just cheering on Ghana, and they're cheering me on. It's great support, and I just love every memory. "It's a dream come true, to be honest."

The 26-year-old also expressed confidence in the current Black Stars squad, believing the team has the talent to shock the world at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

"There is a lot of talent in the previous Ghana sides, but I feel like now it's coming in abundance. There are so many positions that we've got covered. There's so much talent. I feel like when we come together, we are such a special group with endless talent, and I feel we can shock a lot of nations. We just need to prove to the world that we can be up there and compete with everyone else. I feel like that's the only question right now. So once we do that, that would be the story rewritten."

Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia and open their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17. For Semenyo, the time for talk is over; now, it is time to rewrite the story.

Send your news stories to [email protected] and via WhatsApp on +233 546310076.

For many years, the average Ghanaian investor approached investing with one primary goal: SAFETY. Treasury bills, fixed deposits, savings accounts, and real estate became the preferred investment choices for many households. The objective was simple… preserve capital, earn modest returns, and avoid unnecessary risk. In many respects, this mindset was understandable.

Ghana’s economic environment has historically rewarded caution. Inflationary pressures, currency instability, financial sector reforms, and more recently, the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP), have shaped a generation of investors who associate safety with certainty and growth with danger.

However, financial markets are evolving, and so are investment opportunities. Today, preserving wealth alone is no longer enough. Rising living costs and inflation continue to reduce the value of idle money, forcing many investors to think more intentionally about growth.

The critical question is therefore no longer whether people should invest. The real question is whether investors understand the different strategies available to them and the level of financial understanding required to apply each one effectively.

Market and Sector Investing: The first and perhaps most overlooked strategy is investing broadly in markets and sectors rather than attempting to identify individual winning stocks. Globally, many successful investors have built wealth simply by participating consistently in long-term market growth. Instead of trying to predict which specific company will outperform, they gain exposure to entire sectors or markets.

The principle is simple… while individual companies may fail, productive economies and strong sectors tend to grow over time. In developed markets, investors often gain this exposure through index funds tracking markets such as the S&P 500 or Nasdaq. Although Ghana’s market is smaller, the same principle still applies. Investors can position themselves in sectors benefiting from economic growth, banking reforms, telecommunications expansion, or increasing consumer activity.

The strength of this strategy lies in its simplicity. It reduces concentration risk, encourages long-term thinking, and removes the pressure of constantly trying to predict short-term market movements. Most importantly, it teaches patience… a quality many investors underestimate but one that often determines long-term success.

Value Investing: The second strategy is value investing, famously associated with Warren Buffett and many of the world’s most respected investors. Value investing is based on a simple idea: a company’s market price is not always equal to its true value. At different points in time, fear, uncertainty, or temporary setbacks may push the prices of fundamentally strong companies below what they are actually worth. The value investor seeks to identify these opportunities.

Rather than chasing popularity, value investors study profitability, cash flow, management quality, competitive advantage, and long-term business sustainability. The objective is to buy strong companies at discounted prices and wait patiently for the market to recognize their value. This strategy requires patience because undervalued companies can remain ignored for long periods. However, history consistently shows that markets eventually return to fundamentals over time.

In Ghana’s current market environment, value investing is becoming increasingly relevant as several listed companies remain underappreciated despite improvements in earnings and operational performance. The challenge, however, is psychological. Value investing often requires buying when excitement is absent and sentiment is negative. Yet in investing, the crowd is not always correct.

Momentum Investing: If value investing focuses on fundamentals, momentum investing focuses on market psychology. Momentum investors identify stocks already experiencing strong upward price movement and position themselves to benefit from continued momentum. The belief is that rising prices often attract additional buyers, creating a cycle where optimism continues to push prices higher.

At first glance, this may appear irrational. Why buy a stock that has already risen significantly? The answer lies in understanding how markets behave during periods of optimism. Financial markets are not driven solely by logic. They are also influenced by sentiment, liquidity, institutional positioning, and human emotion.

Momentum investing therefore requires discipline, timing, and emotional control. Unlike value investing, which may take years to materialize, momentum investing often operates over shorter time periods. However, without discipline, momentum can easily become speculation. This distinction is important, particularly in an era where social media conversations increasingly influence investor behavior.

 Trading and Derivatives: The final category involves advanced trading strategies, including derivatives and options. Unlike traditional investing, which focuses on long-term ownership of assets, trading seeks to profit from shorter-term price movements. In developed financial markets, sophisticated traders can profit whether prices rise or fall through instruments such as options and futures contracts.

However, these strategies require high levels of technical skill, emotional discipline, and risk management. Without adequate understanding, they can become highly destructive. This is particularly important for younger investors entering financial markets through social media influence, where trading is often presented as an easy path to wealth. Complexity should never be confused with intelligence. Sustainable financial growth is usually built progressively through patience, structure, and accumulated experience.

The Real Investment Challenge in Ghana

Perhaps the greatest challenge facing Ghanaian investors today is not lack of opportunity. It is lack of financial understanding. Some investors avoid markets entirely because experiences such as Menzgold and DDEP continue to shape their perception of risk. Others enter markets recklessly, driven by hype, fear of missing out, or unrealistic expectations of instant wealth. Both extremes are dangerous. What Ghana requires is not simply more investors, but more informed investors… investors who understand the difference between speculation and disciplined investing.

There is no single perfect investment strategy. Different strategies work for different people depending on their goals, knowledge, risk tolerance, and time horizon. What matters most is discipline, patience, and alignment between strategy and long-term objectives.

Treasury bills may continue to play an important role in preserving capital and providing stability. However, investors seeking meaningful long-term wealth creation may eventually need to look beyond safety alone and develop a broader understanding of how financial markets work. Because in today’s economy, earning money is important but understanding how to grow it may matter even more.

Mary Henewaa Karikari, ACCA, FMVA, is a passionate wealth literacy advocate who blends finance, storytelling, and personal development to help everyday people understand investing. She leads Finance Fanatic, a platform focused on simplifying investing and financial literacy for young people.

Contact: 0596565932

Email: marykarikari8@gmail.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-henewaa-karikari-acca-fmva

The post Treasury bills may protect wealth but these four strategies can grow it appeared first on The Business & Financial Times.

By Abdul Muiz MUHAMMED

The recent judgment delivered on May 21, 2026 in favour of GN Savings and Loans may appear, at first glance, to reopen the door for the institution’s return to Ghana’s financial sector. However, the reality emerging from the Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) revised microfinance regulatory framework suggests that the path to restoration is far more complicated than a court victory alone.

The Bank of Ghana’s revised Microfinance Sector Framework, issued under Notice No. BG/GOV/SEC/2026/03, introduces sweeping reforms that fundamentally restructure Ghana’s microfinance landscape. While the reforms are intended to strengthen financial stability, governance, and consumer confidence, they simultaneously raise critical legal, financial, operational, and branding hurdles for previously revoked institutions seeking re-entry into the market.

For GN Savings and Loans, the challenge is no longer limited to restoring a licence. The greater challenge lies in restoring trust, credibility, and market relevance in a sector that has evolved significantly since the financial sector clean-up of 2019.

The New Microfinance Framework
The revised framework establishes four distinct institutional categories, each with its own capital requirements, supervisory regime, and operational scope:
• Microfinance Banks (MFBs): Scaled deposit-taking institutions serving micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Minimum capital of GH¢50 million for existing eligible institutions transitioning; GH¢100 million for new entrants.
• Community Banks (CBs): Rural and urban community-focused institutions. GH¢5m capital for rural, GH¢10 million for urban. Existing rural banks must convert by 31 March 2026.
• Credit Unions (CUs): Only those with assets of GH¢60m or above for at least one year qualify for direct BoG licensing under Act 930. All others are reclassified as Last-Mile Providers.
• Last-Mile Providers (LMPs): A catch-all category for Susu collectors, Finance NGOs, VSLAs, ROSCAs, and smaller credit unions, supervised through delegated or self-supervision under a new handbook.

Under section 3.1.4 of the revised Notice, Savings and Loans Companies are listed as eligible institutions for the new MFB licence. This is the only formal pathway available to GN Savings and Loans. There is no provision for the reinstatement of the old licence.
Any grant of a waiver or special dispensation in favour of GN would not only defeat the purpose of the Revised Framework, but actively undermine the financial prudence it is designed to entrench.
Where Does Gn Savings And Loans Fit under the New Regime?
The critical legal and regulatory question is no longer whether GN Savings and Loans can return to operation, but rather under what category and under what conditions?.
Under Section 3.1.4 of the Revised Framework, Savings and Loans Companies qualify as eligible institutions for conversion into a Microfinance Bank (MFB). This means that the GN Savings and Loans cannot simply reclaim its previous licence under the old Savings and Loans regime. Instead, it must apply afresh under the new framework; meet the requirements for a Microfinance Bank licence under Act 930; and satisfy the heightened capital, governance, and operational standards introduced by the reforms.

In practical terms, there is no automatic reinstatement of the former licence. The process is effectively a new Licensing exercise.

The Capital Requirement: The Biggest Hurdle
The most significant obstacle that may confront GN Savings and Loans is the revised capital requirement.
Under the new framework:

? Existing eligible institutions transitioning into MFBs must maintain a minimum capital of GH¢50 million by December 2026;

? New entrants must maintain GH¢100 million.

This represents a substantial increase from the previous GH¢15 million minimum capital thresholds that applied under the 2011 Operating Rules and Guidelines for Savings and Loans before the 2019 financial sector reforms.
The implication is clear and even though GN Savings and Loans may have been successful legally, failure to demonstrate unimpaired paid-up capital of GH¢50 million by 31 December 2026 would effectively prevent the granting of a Microfinance Bank licence.
For many industry observers, this requirement alone may determine whether restoration remains realistic or merely symbolic.

Governance And Regulatory Scrutiny
Even if GN Savings and Loans were to raise the GH¢50 million, capital alone cannot secure a licence. The Revised Framework imposes rigorous governance and fitness standards that carry particular weight for an institution with a history of failing to meet minimum capital requirements and revocation of license.
• Fit-and-proper assessments: BoG will scrutinise past management and shareholders involved in the 2019 revocation. Section 177 of the Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992) and the Corporate Insolvency and Restructuring Act, 2020 (Act 1015), provide the legal basis for disqualifying individuals from serving as directors or managers based on past conduct.
• Risk management compliance: Full adherence to the Risk Management Directive, 2021, is mandatory.
• Shareholding restructuring: The revised framework restricts individual shareholding at 40percent and family-related holdings at 50percent.
• Operational readiness: Board composition, management credentials, IT infrastructure, Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF), and regulatory reporting systems must all meet MFB standards from day one.

The governance failures that contributed to the 2019 revocation will be placed under the microscope. BoG is unlikely to extend any leniency on this front, nor would it be appropriate for it to do so.

The Brand Equity Problem
Beyond regulation and capital, the institution faces what may be its greatest challenge: rebuilding public trust.

Brand Equity is the currency above all other currencies. Meeting the capital requirement can restore a licence but cannot restore the bruised brand equity or a depleted market share.

GN Savings and Loans was among the most high-profile casualties of the 2019 clean-up. The events of that period remain vivid in the public consciousness. Thousands of depositors lost access to their funds, businesses were disrupted, and livelihoods were affected. The GN brand carries that memory, and memories of that kind are not easily erased by a court ruling or a regulatory approval.
Market Perception and Customer Acquisition Costs
In deposit-taking, trust is the primary product. Customers and corporate depositors assess institutions not merely by their regulatory standing but by their reputation, their track record, and the confidence they inspire. GN’s brand currently carries significant negative equity in these terms.
Re-entering the market as an MFB under the same name and the same ownership structure would impose structurally higher costs across the institution:
• Higher deposit rates would be required to attract customers unwilling to return without a premium for perceived risk.
• Elevated marketing expenditure would be needed to counter entrenched negative associations.
• Expanded agent networks would be necessary to rebuild the geographic reach lost since 2019.
• All of this compresses margins, precisely when the institution most needs to demonstrate financial soundness to its regulator.

The Competitive Landscape Has Moved On
Since 2019, the market has redistributed. Institutions such as Letshego, First Capital Plus, and a growing cohort of licensed digital lenders have absorbed significant portions of the MSME lending and retail deposit market that GN once occupied. These competitors now carry 5 to 7 years of operational continuity, regulatory compliance records, upgraded technology systems, and established customer relationships.
Under the new framework, the number of licensed MFBs will drastically diminish, but those that do qualify will be formidable. GN would be re-entering a smaller, more disciplined, and better-capitalised market in which it currently holds no ground.
Analysis And Expert Recommendation
The question before GN Savings and Loans is not simply whether restoration is legally possible. It is whether restoration as an MFB in the near term, under the current brand and ownership, is operationally viable, financially sustainable, and strategically sound.
Strictly reading of the new framework, restoration is feasible if GN can demonstrate GH¢50m in unimpaired paid-up capital, satisfy BoG’s fit-and-proper tests, and submit a credible business plan by June 30, 2026. BoG has the authority to grant the MFB licence. The existing brand recognition and knowledge of the sector work in GN’s favour.
However, the strategic case for pursuing full MFB status immediately is weak. The reasons are both financial and reputational:
• Raising GH¢50 million within the prescribed timeline is a formidable challenge for an institution with no current operating licence, a tainted brand, and a complex legacy shareholder structure.
• Even with capital in place, the brand deficit will impose a structural drag on deposit mobilisation and customer acquisition for years.
• Regulatory scrutiny post-licensing will be heavier for GN than for a clean-sheet applicant, increasing compliance costs and reducing operational flexibility.
• Former shareholders and management who were implicated in the 2019 revocation may face disqualification under fit-and-proper tests, potentially triggering a governance restructuring that itself takes time and capital.

Recommended Path:
Strategic Downscale and Deliberate Rebuild
The recommended course of action is a deliberate, phased re-entry, beginning at the Last-Mile Provider (LMP) tier under section 3.4 of the revised framework.
As an LMP, GN Savings and Loans could engage in micro-credit and savings mobilisation within clearly defined parameters, supervised by the Credit Union Association and Apex Bank rather than directly by BoG. Critically, this lower-profile entry point offers three strategic advantages that MFB entry does not:
• Brand rehabilitation: The LMP market is populated by smaller-scale operators with limited public profiles. GN can engage a new customer base, one with little or no memory of the 2019 events and begin the process of rebuilding trust organically, transaction by transaction.
• Operational proof: LMP operations allow GN to demonstrate governance discipline, financial management, and regulatory compliance before seeking a higher licence. This creates a credible track record that will materially strengthen any future MFB application.
• Capital formation: Operating as an LMP generates revenue that can be reinvested to build a more reliable liquidity pipeline, rather than attempting to raise money externally in a single compressed fundraising round.

“GN must swallow the bitter pill, temper institutional ego, and pursue a phased re-entry; the path to the bigger leagues runs through the grassroots.”
Pursuing MFB status immediately under the current brand and ownership structure risks a second regulatory setback that would make restoration permanently untenable.

Conclusion
GN Savings and Loans stands at a genuine crossroads, the May 21, 2026 court of Appeals ruling is not a restoration; it is an opening. Whether that opening leads to meaningful re-entry into Ghana’s financial sector depends on two things that no court can confer: the capital to meet the new regulatory Bar, and the brand credibility Bar to compete in a market that has long moved on. Meeting these two giant BARS is Non – negotiable for the success of GN.
In microfinance, as in so much of business, the foundations one builds in obscurity determine the heights one can sustain in prominence.

The Author is a sales, marketing and brands expert. He can be reached on: sampmuhaa@gmail.com

The post A double-edged sword dilemma appeared first on The Business & Financial Times.

The story of Africa’s development is increasingly becoming a story of partnerships. For decades, many African countries relied heavily on traditional Western donors, multilateral institutions, and international aid agencies to finance major infrastructure and development projects. Today, however, a new chapter is emerging. Gulf countries, particularly the State of Kuwait through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), have become important actors in Africa’s economic transformation.

Founded in 1961, the Kuwait Fund was the first development institution established in the Arab world with a mandate to provide concessional loans, grants, and technical assistance to developing countries. Over time, it expanded beyond the Arab region and became one of the most active development financiers in Africa. Its mission extends beyond lending money. The Fund positions itself as a long-term development partner focused on infrastructure, economic growth, social development, and international cooperation.

What makes the Kuwait Fund different is that its approach is largely development-oriented rather than purely commercial. While private investors often seek quick financial returns, development institutions like KFAED invest in projects that may take years or even decades before their full economic value becomes visible. Roads, bridges, power systems, irrigation networks, hospitals, and water infrastructure rarely generate immediate profits, yet they form the foundation upon which sustainable economies are built.

In Africa, the scale of Kuwait’s engagement has become increasingly significant. By 2025-2026, the Kuwait Fund had financed more than 540 development projects in over 50 African countries, with cumulative commitments exceeding US$11.4 billion. Remarkably, Africa accounts for approximately 57 percent of the Fund’s global operations, making the continent the largest regional beneficiary of Kuwait Fund activities worldwide.

Countries that have benefited from Kuwait Fund-supported projects include Ghana, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Togo, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Mauritania, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Sudan, among many others. These projects span transportation, energy, water supply, agriculture, health infrastructure, and development finance.

Infrastructure remains one of Africa’s greatest development challenges. Poor road networks increase transportation costs. Limited electricity constrains industrialization. Weak water systems affect public health. Inadequate logistics reduce regional trade competitiveness. The Kuwait Fund has consistently directed resources toward addressing these structural bottlenecks. Roads connect farmers to markets. Bridges improve regional integration. Energy projects support industrial growth. Water systems reduce disease burdens and improve quality of life.

The impact is not merely physical. When a rural community gains access to reliable roads, children reach schools more easily, farmers reduce post-harvest losses, businesses expand, and healthcare becomes more accessible. Development, in this sense, becomes human rather than statistical.

Human capital development represents another important dimension of Kuwait’s engagement with Africa. While infrastructure often receives the greatest attention, long-term development depends equally on people. Education, vocational training, healthcare, and institutional capacity building are increasingly recognized as critical pillars of sustainable growth. The Kuwait Fund supports technical assistance, training programs, feasibility studies, and social infrastructure that help strengthen local capacity within beneficiary countries.

This is particularly important because Africa possesses one of the youngest populations in the world. By mid-century, a significant share of the global workforce will come from Africa. Investments made today in education, skills development, digital literacy, and healthcare will largely determine whether this demographic growth becomes a dividend or a burden.

The year 2026 marks an especially important phase in Africa-Gulf cooperation. Africa faces a development financing gap estimated at more than US$400 billion annually. At the same time, traditional foreign aid flows from some Western countries have declined, creating pressure on African governments to seek alternative development partners. In response, the African Development Bank has intensified engagement with Arab development institutions, including organizations connected to Kuwait and the broader Arab Coordination Group. These partnerships are increasingly focused on long-term financing for infrastructure, industrialization, job creation, agriculture, and climate resilience.

This shift reflects a broader geopolitical reality. Africa is no longer viewed solely as a recipient of aid. It is increasingly seen as a strategic partner, an investment destination, and a critical player in future global growth. Gulf countries recognize Africa’s importance in areas such as food security, energy transition, logistics, maritime trade, and emerging digital economies.

For Kuwait, development cooperation serves both humanitarian and strategic objectives. The Kuwait Fund helps strengthen diplomatic relationships, deepen economic partnerships, and expand Kuwait’s international influence through development diplomacy. Rather than relying solely on political agreements, Kuwait builds relationships through tangible projects that directly improve people’s lives. This creates goodwill, trust, and long-term partnerships between Kuwait and African governments.

From the African perspective, these partnerships provide access to concessional financing that is often more affordable than commercial borrowing. They also diversify sources of development funding, reducing overdependence on any single external partner.

An important question is whether Kuwait’s engagement in Africa is short-term, medium-term, or long-term.

The evidence strongly suggests that it is a long-term engagement

The Kuwait Fund has maintained continuous involvement in African development for decades. Recent agreements extending cooperation through 2028 and beyond, including partnerships with institutions such as Agence Française de Développement, indicate that Kuwait is positioning itself for sustained participation in global development efforts with a strong African focus. These are not emergency interventions or temporary aid programs. They are structured development relationships designed to evolve over many years.

Moreover, many of the sectors receiving support require long investment horizons. Infrastructure projects may take several years to complete and even longer to generate their full economic benefits. Educational and institutional investments often take an entire generation before their impact becomes fully visible. Such timelines naturally align with long-term engagement strategies.

The broader impact on Africa’s global relationships is also significant.

As Gulf-Africa partnerships expand, Africa gains greater leverage within the international system. The continent benefits from a more diversified network of partners that includes Arab institutions, Asian investors, multilateral development banks, European agencies, and private capital markets. This diversification strengthens Africa’s bargaining position and reduces vulnerability to shifts in any single geopolitical relationship.

There is also an important symbolic dimension. Through cultural exchanges, diplomatic engagement, development financing, and participation in events such as Africa Day celebrations, Kuwait has consistently highlighted African heritage, diversity, and development priorities. Kuwait Fund leadership has repeatedly emphasized friendship, solidarity, and mutual prosperity as central elements of its engagement with African countries.

Ultimately, the true measure of the Kuwait Fund’s impact cannot be found only in billions of dollars invested or hundreds of projects completed. Its deeper significance lies in what those investments enable: a road that connects isolated communities, a power system that supports local industry, a water project that reduces disease, a school that prepares future leaders, or an agricultural initiative that strengthens food security.

Africa’s future will depend on infrastructure, human capital, innovation, institutional strength, and international cooperation. The Kuwait Fund has positioned itself as one of the partners contributing to that future. While development challenges remain immense, the relationship between Kuwait and African countries increasingly reflects a shift from traditional aid toward strategic partnership, shared growth, and long-term cooperation.

2026: A New Era of Africa-Gulf Cooperation

The developments described under this section are supported by a series of official declarations, African Development Bank (AfDB) announcements, reporting, and multilateral partnership frameworks established in 2026.

Infrastructure Development

Evidence for expanded infrastructure cooperation comes from the January 2026 strategic partnership launched between the African Development Bank Group and the Arab Coordination Group (ACG), which includes the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development. The partnership specifically prioritizes large-scale co-financing for infrastructure, regional integration, and economic transformation across Africa. Beneficiary countries are expected to include nations already receiving support through transport and infrastructure projects such as Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia.

Energy and Electrification Projects

The AfDB-ACG framework identifies energy access as one of the continent’s major financing priorities. The partnership seeks to mobilize large-scale capital for electrification and energy infrastructure, particularly in countries facing power deficits. Eastern and Southern African countries such as Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique remain among the countries benefiting from energy-related development financing and electrification efforts supported through Arab-African cooperation mechanisms.

Water and Sanitation Systems

Reuters and AfDB partnership reports note that Arab development institutions, including organizations associated with the Kuwait Fund, have historically financed sanitation, water supply, and rural development projects throughout Africa. Countries facing water security challenges such as Sudan, Mauritania, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Ethiopia continue to be priority areas because of growing climate pressures and infrastructure deficits. These investments directly improve public health and community resilience.

Agricultural Modernization

Food security has become a major pillar of Africa-Gulf cooperation. The 2026 partnership framework highlights agriculture and food systems as priority investment sectors due to rising climate risks, population growth, and global supply chain disruptions. Countries including Ghana, Senegal, Mali, Niger, Sudan, and Tanzania have benefited from irrigation, agricultural productivity, and rural development projects designed to strengthen food security and support farming communities.

Climate Resilience Initiatives

Climate resilience is now embedded within Africa-Gulf development cooperation. Official partnership documents from the AfDB and Arab Coordination Group identify climate adaptation, environmental sustainability, and resilience-building as key areas requiring coordinated investment. Countries particularly vulnerable to droughts and environmental stress, including Kenya, Ethiopia, Mauritania, Sudan, and Niger, stand to benefit from projects that strengthen water management systems, agricultural resilience, and environmental protection measures.

Health and Social Infrastructure

Although infrastructure often dominates headlines, social investments remain a core aspect of development finance. Kuwait-supported projects across Africa have historically included hospitals, health facilities, educational institutions, and community infrastructure. Countries such as Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, and Uganda continue to benefit from broader development programs that strengthen healthcare access, improve living conditions, and support social welfare objectives.

Key Evidence Showing This Is a Long-Term Strategic Partnership

Several developments in 2026 demonstrate that Gulf-Africa cooperation, including Kuwait’s engagement through the Kuwait Fund, is not a short-term aid relationship:

• The AfDB and Arab Coordination Group signed a formal Joint Declaration establishing a structured strategic partnership rather than isolated projects.
• The partnership focuses on long-term co-financing frameworks, regional investments, and coordinated development planning.
• Development financing priorities include industrialization, job creation, climate resilience, energy access, and regional integration, all of which require multi-year commitments.
• African development institutions estimate a financing gap of approximately US$400 billion annually, prompting Gulf institutions and African partners to develop sustained financing mechanisms rather than temporary assistance programs.

Conclusion: A Partnership Shaping Africa’s Next Chapter

The partnership between the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development and African nations demonstrates how meaningful development goes beyond financial assistance. Through investments in roads, energy, water, healthcare, education, and agriculture, the Fund has helped improve lives and create opportunities across the continent. More importantly, it has fostered relationships built on trust, cooperation, and shared progress. As Africa continues its journey toward sustainable growth and economic transformation, long-term partners like Kuwait will remain important allies. Ultimately, the true impact of this partnership is reflected not in projects alone, but in the communities empowered and futures strengthened.

Seade is the Executive Director,Africa Global Policy and Advisory Institute

ceecaesar@gmail.com

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In the 2020/21 Ghana Premier League season, a young Augustine Boakye took the league by storm, registering 12 assists for WAFA SC — the highest by any player that season.

His creativity, vision, and ability to unlock defences earned him recognition as the league's best playmaker.

Five years later, the former WAFA star is representing Ghana on the biggest stage of all: the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

The more interesting fact about Boakye's inclusion is the fact that he is the only uncapped player looking to grab the first opportunity on the pitch with both hands.

The skillful midfielder is touted to fill in the void left by Mohammed Kudus, who missed out on the final squad, having sustained an injury while on duty at Tottenham Hotspur.

Boakye's journey is a true testament to the talent nurtured in the Ghana Premier League. Despite the challenges facing domestic football, the league continues to produce players capable of competing at the highest level.

He is one of seven players in Carlos Queiroz's final 26-man squad who have Ghana Premier League roots. Others include Benjamin Asare (Hearts of Oak), Baba Rahman (Asante Kotoko), Gideon Mensah (WAFA SC), Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Dreams FC), Prince Adu Kwabena (Bechem United), and Jonas Adjetey (Berekum Chelsea).

For Boakye, the journey from WAFA to the World Cup is complete. For the Ghana Premier League, his success is proof that the domestic game remains a vital pipeline for national team talent.

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Promasidor Ghana has marked this year’s World Milk Day with a large-scale nutrition outreach programme targeting more than 10,000 schoolchildren in the Ashanti Region, reaffirming the its commitment to child nutrition, health and education.

As part of the initiative, the company, through its flagship dairy brand Cowbell, visited several schools, including T.I. Ahmadiyya Basic School, Afaus Lovely School and Best Brain International School, where pupils benefitted from nutrition education, health screening and breakfast support.

Since 1999, Promasidor’s Cowbell brand has focused on making nutritious milk products accessible through affordable pricing and convenient packaging; innovations that helped expands milk consumption across the country.

Speaking during the school outreach, Promasidor Ghana’s Marketing Manager, Michael Hagan, used the occasion of World Milk Day to thank Ghanaians for supporting the brand over the past 27 years.  He further highlighted the nutritional benefits of Cowbell.

“Treating our young ones to a quality breakfast demonstrates our commitment to the well-being of Ghanaians, especially children. Cowbell is a rich source of protein and vitamins A, B9, C, D, E and K, which support the cognitive development of children, provide energy and help boost the immune system,” he said.

Beyond the World Milk Day activities, Mr. Hagan announced plans to roll out quarterly nutrition education sessions for parents and key school stakeholders over the next six months.

“The sessions will focus on affordable nutritious breakfast options, the role of milk in children’s growth and school readiness, warning signs of poor nutrition, and practical ways families can improve children’s diets,” he added.

He stressed that the initiative is not a one-off intervention but part of a broader and sustained school nutrition support programme designed to strengthen engagement with mothers, caregivers and children.

As part of this year’s observance, medical officers conducted health screenings for selected pupils and delivered nutrition education sessions on the benefits of milk, the importance of breakfast and simple daily nourishment practices. The programme also featured interactive question-and-answer sessions and recreational activities aimed at reinforcing healthy lifestyle habits.

The company said the initiative aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Goal Two on Zero Hunger, Goal Three on Good Health and Well-being, and Goal Four on Quality Education.

A key feature of the 2026 celebration was the recognition of women and their role in child nourishment. The global theme for this year’s World Milk Day highlights women’s contributions to dairy and nutrition; a cause Promasidor said resonates strongly with Cowbell’s mission.

Customer Care and Corporate Affairs Manager at Asafo-Boakye Specialist Hospital, Jessica Adjei Aduwaa, for her part, indicated that milk plays a vital role in a child’s growth and development, particularly during the early years when the body and brain are developing rapidly.

“Regular consumption of milk strengthens bones and muscles and helps maintain healthy body functions. Today, we are partnering with Cowbell to assess the body mass index of students and provide appropriate advice where children are found to be underweight or overweight,” she said.

The heads of the various schools visited were very vocal in recognising Cowbell’s investments in the development and nutritional needs of students overtime.

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The rebrand reflects the organisation’s evolution from a skills development entity into a broader pan-African organisation driven by the mission to ‘Transforming Lives, Building Communities, Building Africa.’

Founded in 2016 as the Africa Internship Academy (AIA), the organisation initially focused on improving youth employability and access to internship opportunities in Ghana. In 2020, the organisation transitioned into Africa Skills Hub (ASH), expanding its work across enterprise development, financial inclusion, SME support, digital skills and market systems strengthening.

Over the years, the organisation has extended its reach across all 16 regions of Ghana while implementing programmes and partnerships in multiple African countries.

The transition to ASH Africa reflects the organisation’s growing continental outlook and aligns with its newly launched 2026-2030 strategic plan, which outlines a vision to support more than 500,000 youth, women, and SMEs annually by 2030.

Speaking on the transition, Executive Director Daniel Amoako Antwi said: “For ten years, we have focused on building the connective systems that link skills, capital, enterprise, and market opportunity across Africa.

“We have evolved from delivering standalone training programmes to building interconnected systems that link people to opportunity. The transition to ASH Africa reflects both the scale of the work we are already doing and the future we are committed to building.”

He stressed that the goal of reaching 500,000 youth, women and SMEs annually by 2030 is rooted in a decade of learning about what it takes to shift systems, not just programmes across Africa’s economies.

According to the organisation, the rebrand does not represent a change in mission, but rather an expansion of scope, engagement and strategic positioning.

ASH Africa will continue to focus on creating sustainable economic opportunities for youth, women, and SMEs by connecting them to skills development, enterprise support, finance, and market access.

Through its systems-driven model, the organisation aims to address what it describes as a systems challenge, the disconnect between skills acquisition, access to capital, enterprise growth, and market participation.

The new identity also reflects the organisation’s commitment to inclusive growth through partnerships, innovation, research-driven programming, and ecosystem development. Its strategic priorities include skills development, SME growth, market access, digital inclusion and data-driven advocacy.

A Decade of Impact at a Glance (2016–2026)

Skills & Human Capital Development

• 40,192 youth trained in employability, digital, and enterprise skills
• 30,519 women supported through targeted training and enterprise development programmes

Economic Transition & Employment Outcomes

• 15,753 youth transitioned into employment
• 10,939 new jobs created across supported enterprises

Enterprise Growth & Financial Inclusion

• 9,238 MSMEs supported to adopt sustainable business practices
• GHS 10,789,800 in microloans disbursed to improve access to finance and business growth

Geographic Reach & Ecosystem Expansion: Programmes implemented across all 16 regions of Ghana and multiple African countries

As part of its anniversary and rebranding activities, ASH Africa will roll out a series of engagements highlighting its decade-long journey, institutional evolution, impact stories, and future vision for Africa.

ASH Africa organisation works across interconnected areas, including skills development, enterprise growth, market access, SME finance, digital economy programming and research-driven advocacy to create sustainable pathways for inclusive economic participation across Africa.

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The initiative, developed in partnership with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Trust Hospital and pensioner groups, is designed to improve healthcare access for retirees, particularly those in remote communities and those facing mobility challenges.

Speaking at the launch, SSNIT Director-General Kwesi Afreh Biney said the service responds to growing healthcare needs among an ageing population and reflects a shift in how the institution views its mandate.

“Today we’re launching more than a service. It’s a new conversation about retirement dignity and what it brings,” he said, describing the programme as part of SSNIT’s evolution from a “transactional pension administrator” into a more holistic social-impact organisation.

Under the initiative, pensioners will be able to consult healthcare professionals from their homes through digital channels, reducing the need for long journeys and lengthy waits at healthcare facilities. The service is expected to support retirees managing chronic conditions by providing access to medical guidance, monitoring and follow-up care.

Biney said the programme emerged from consultations with pensioners and stakeholder groups, including the National Pensioners Association and Retired Senior Executives Association, which highlighted healthcare access as a major concern among retirees.

The launch comes as governments and social security tinstitutions globally explore digital health solutions to improve service delivery and address pressures associated with ageing populations. According to Biney, telehealth aligns with international trends that position digital healthcare as a tool for expanding access and improving continuity of care for vulnerable groups.

For SSNIT, the initiative represents a strategic effort to deepen engagement with beneficiaries while strengthening confidence in the institution’s relevance beyond retirement income payments. Biney said social security systems must increasingly support the overall well-being of beneficiaries rather than focus solely on income replacement.

The programme also underscores growing collaboration between public institutions and healthcare providers in delivering social services. NHIA provided policy support for the initiative, while Trust Hospital will serve as the primary clinical provider.

SSNIT expects public awareness and adoption to determine the programme’s impact. The institution believes wider uptake could improve healthcare outcomes for pensioners while contributing to a broader transformation of social protection delivery in Ghana through technology-enabled services.

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Nations FC centre-back Razak Simpson is set to join a top-flight Finnish club ahead of the 2026/27 season, with an agreement already in place for the highly rated defender to make the move to Europe.

The 27-year-old Black Stars defender, who captained Nations FC to FA Cup glory and was recently on standby for Ghana's World Cup squad, is now poised to take the next significant step in his career abroad.

Simpson has been a pillar of consistency for the Abrankese-based club since joining in 2023. His performances earned him a call-up to the Black Stars in November 2025, and he has since made six appearances for Ghana, scoring one goal in the process.

His stock has risen considerably over the past year, drawing interest from clubs in Algeria and Albania, with Nations FC previously indicating they would not stand in his way should the right offer arrive.

Simpson put the finishing touches on his time in Ghana by captaining Nations FC to a dramatic FA Cup victory over Dreams FC. The triumph secured the club a place in next season's CAF Confederation Cup despite their relegation from the Ghana Premier League.

Now, with his contract set to expire on June 30, 2026, Simpson is set to depart as a free agent. The Finnish club, which has already agreed terms with the defender, will look to complete the move when the transfer window opens.

For Simpson, the move to Finland represents an opportunity to gain European experience and continue his development on a new continent. For Nations FC, losing their captain and defensive leader is a blow, but one that was anticipated as the club prepared for life in the Division One League.

The Ghanaian defender will now prepare for the next chapter of his career, with the agreement already in place for his move to Europe.

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