Minerva SRM ltd

https://lnkd.in/greKZDzM 'There are two main factors that disadvantage al-Shabaab. The first is clan-based animosities between al-Shabaab and parts of the Somali population in Ethiopia. These stem from old conflicts over Kismayo port over 15 years ago, which alienated the Shabaab from major parts of the Ogadeen clan, the clan that make up a majority of the inhabitants of the Somali national state in Ethiopia. The second is the terror group’s poorly developed propaganda strategy. It has failed to win support in Ethiopia.'

https://lnkd.in/enWBnfPj) 'AI models can shape public opinion by influencing the news, information and entertainment that people have access to. This can influence electoral processes or turn opinion towards certain foreign powers and away from others. Ultimately, this influence could have profound impacts on the capacity of Western firms to invest in Africa. This risks creating a tipping point whereby Western companies won’t have access to the very AI sector that is keeping them locked out of investments. This could also restrict their access to critical raw materials needed for their own next-generation technologies such as batteries.'

https://lnkd.in/eNPrjP7U 'In August 2024, in consultation with outside experts and member states, the AU Commission published the African Climate Security Risk Assessment. The report describes climate-related security risks across the continent, such as droughts that destroy crops and deadly floods that displace communities. Southern Africa, the Horn of Africa and the Sahel experienced these threats in 2024.'

https://lnkd.in/e7THNMfN 'In sum, China’s smart city initiatives represent another conduit by which China is outplaying the United States by meeting African states’ multiple needs—security, economic development, and regime survival —in one fell swoop. In Washington, China’s smart city overtures in Africa should cause some amount of concern, not necessarily for what they are, but more so for what they represent: an increasingly capable China that understands African states better than the United States.'

https://lnkd.in/exgqUHWg 'To counter mercenary groups, it’s essential to understand and measure their appeal to both the elite and local populations. It’s also important to recognise that African countries are not mere pawns in a larger geopolitical game. They have agency.  A nuanced approach is essential for addressing mercenary groups in Africa. Western countries and international organisations must consider local perceptions and the mercenaries’ perceived effectiveness in specific contexts, rather than relying on broad condemnation alone.'

The financial sector in Ethiopia has made a significant step forward with the official launch of the Sustainability Guidelines for Banks. This groundbreaking work, led by the Ethiopian Bankers' Association (EBA) in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), lays the foundation for integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into the country’s banking sector. The new guideline will help shape a more sustainable and responsible financial ecosystem, aligning Ethiopia's banking practices with global ESG standards. #Sustainability #ESG #Banking #Ethiopia #SustainableFinance #FinancialSector #EBA #IFC #Milestone #sustainable #sustainablebusinesspractices

Delighted that Minerva SRM will be represented by Rob Palfrey at this event, contributing to the discussion on the S of #ESG and how #socialriskmanagement #srm delivers in this regard.

https://lnkd.in/esqwqEgD

https://lnkd.in/e94XunTs 'Wherever M23 has a foothold, it installs an elaborate taxation regime. This involves checkpoint tolls, household taxes, dues on business, harvest taxes and forced labour. In doing so, the group generates the revenues to sustain the conflict. But this also strengthens its politico-administrative hold on the population, as taxation is a symbolic interface of public authority.  Local armed groups that joined with the Congolese army to combat M23 deepen the problem. Called wazalendo (“patriots”), they are often unpaid and therefore rely on payments from the population to sustain their counter-offensive. As a result, taxation in eastern Congo has become heavily “militiarised”. Taxed by government forces, wazalendo and M23, civilians pay a heavy toll.'

https://lnkd.in/eYxrxYUd 'For Africa, the choice between China and India as global south leaders depends on the continent’s priorities and values. India’s democratic credentials, development model and trust-based partnerships are appealing, as is its growing role as a bridge-builder between north and south, especially among African countries seeking sovereignty in their partnerships. Conversely, China’s financial strength, rapid infrastructure development, and non-interference approach make it a vital partner, particularly for nations facing immediate development needs. Yet concerns about debt sustainability and China’s authoritative approach limit its appeal as a long-term leader.'