Morocco’s marine sector has received a welcome boost, as Russia and the European Union (EU) have reaffirmed cooperation initiatives. Early in December, the Moroccan government approved a maritime-fisheries cooperation agreement with Russia, focusing on the principles of cooperation in the preservation and exploitation of fishery resources of the Moroccan Exclusive Economic Zone. This additionally outlines the conditions for the operation of Russian fishing vessels in the areas off the Atlantic coast, as well as shapes the cooperation between the two relating to scientific fisheries research. The agreement serves as a driving force to develop new fishing techniques, technologies and aquaculture, and further bolster bilateral relations. In similar fashion, Morocco and the EU have agreed to cooperate in marine research and innovation. Morocco has geostrategic importance as it borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, and cooperation with the EU will develop understanding of marine ecosystems and promote scientific marine research within the country.

Rwanda placed sustainable projects high on the agenda over the month of December, aiming to reduce current and prepare for future carbon emissions. The country is a leader on the continent in bicycle innovations, which has led the government to support sustainable mobility initiatives. Cycling is not only environmentally friendly but also boosts the local tourism sector. In 2020, the Rwandan Cycling Federation launched a cycling tourism initiative to increase tourism revenue to a projected US$800 million by 2024. In parallel, Rwanda has launched the African Centre of Excellence of Sustainable Cooling and Cold Chain (ACES). The aim is to develop ways of delivering affordable, low-carbon, cooling and cold chain systems. ACES will assist in moving farmers’ produce to market efficiently, while reducing food waste as well as improving cold chains for vaccines and health. In addition to these projects, Rwanda has also launched the National Adaptation Planning Process Project, a US$6 million initiative, which is set to develop the country’s capacity to implement climate change adaptation initiatives.

Zimbabwe has revealed that export earnings from cannabis have exceeded tobacco by almost three-fold in the last year – the country legalised the cultivation of the plant for medicinal use in 2019. Since September 2020, the government has issued 44 licences for cultivation, with sales forecasted to reach US$1.25 billion in 2021. Tobacco, on the other hand, has long been the biggest agricultural export and earned Zimbabwe US$444 million during the 2020 marketing season. However, the rise in cannabis production could be a driving force to develop the country’s stagnant economy due to its high potential to generate export receipts and tax revenues. In line with this, the government is also set to introduce a “cannabis levy” tax of 20%, which will be applied to oils, bulk extracts and dried cannabis flowers, providing a further boost to revenue generation.

Sokowatch, an innovative East African startup that has disrupted the informal market in Uganda, announced in December that it will be adding eco-friendly battery powered tuk-tuks to its delivery fleet. The chief engineer for the company has confirmed that this move is in line with its strategy to build more sustainable environments in those markets where it operates. The company brought digitisation to Africa’s informal retail space for the first time after its launch in 2016, offering real time financing for growth along with data and analytics services. Beyond this functionality was the ability to order produce and supplies for stalls. The tuk-tuks are also helping to improve local air quality, which ranks quite poorly compared to other African cities, and will also provide expanded logistic capacity to carry 500kg in goods for retailers two hours after the placement of orders.