Africa’s GDP growth is projected to reach four per cent in 2019 and 4.1 per cent in 2020, according to the African Development Bank (AfDB)
Finance
IMF Staff completes 2019 Article IV visit to Lesotho

Reforms should empower the private sector, rather than the government, to act as the engine of growth and job creation. (Image source: Fihliwe/Flickr)
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team, led by Joseph Thornton, visited Maseru from 24 January– 5 February 2019, to conduct the 2019 Article IV Consultation discussions with the kingdom of Lesotho
Partech closes US$143mn fund for African tech startups
The Partech Africa Fund has achieved a final closing at US$142.75mn, more than double the size of its first closing a year ago at US$70mn
New deep-sea exploration to boost good ocean governance

Commonwealth governments are set to benefit from a ground-breaking scientific research expedition into the unexplored depths of the Indian Ocean. (Image source: K.B.L. Luccia/Flickr)
First Descent, a collaboration of ocean research institute Nekton, the Commonwealth and other partners will launch a multidisciplinary exploration ocean territory
TIBCO signs partnership deal with TechSoft
TIBCO Software, a global leader in integration, API management and analytics, has signed a strategic partnership agreement with TechSoft International (TechSoft), formerly TIBCO South Africa