DD
MM
YYYY

PAGES

DD
MM
YYYY

spot_img

PAGES

Home Blog Page 1096

AfDB Capital Grows 241.9% Ahead of Leadership Transition as Africa Eyes Economic Reset

0

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has recorded a remarkable 241.9% increase in capital over the past decade, ballooning from $93 billion in 2015 to $318 billion in 2025.

This unprecedented expansion, the largest in the Bank’s history, comes as the institution prepares for a major leadership transition at its Annual Meetings in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

During a press briefing with journalists on Monday, AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina reflected on his ten-year tenure, describing it as a mission rather than a job. He spoke of his sacrifices and the dedication required to lead a pan-African institution at such a scale.

“This is not a job. If anyone is looking for a job, please don’t take it. This is not a job. This is a mission,” Adesina said. “As my wife Grace and staff would tell you, for ten years I have had no life. Completely zero. I worked every single day. Every single step.”

Under Adesina’s leadership, the Bank secured $8.9 billion in the latest replenishment of the African Development Fund (ADF), the concessional financing arm that serves Africa’s low-income countries, and says it has delivered development outcomes that have positively impacted over 500 million people. The AfDB also maintained its triple-A credit ratings throughout his presidency, allowing it to leverage global capital markets to finance major infrastructure and social projects across the continent.

He emphasized that despite the leadership change set for later this year, the institution’s direction remains steadfast.

“Leadership may change, but the mission remains. The Bank’s direction is clear, its resolve strong, and its commitment to Africa’s development unshakable,” Adesina told reporters.

This year’s Annual Meetings, scheduled from May 26 to 30, are expected to be the largest in the Bank’s history, drawing over 6,000 participants from 91 countries — including finance ministers, central bank governors, private sector players, civil society groups, academics, and development partners. The gathering will serve as a platform for high-level dialogue on Africa’s economic future under the theme: “Africa’s Transformation, the African Development Bank Group, and Reform of the Global Financial Architecture.”

The event also marks the end of Adesina’s presidency and the selection of his successor. The Board of Governors will decide on May 29 who will take over as the Bank’s new president.

The five candidates are Swazi Tshabalala of South Africa, currently the AfDB’s Senior Vice President; Hott Amadou of Senegal, a former Minister of Economy and Bank alumnus; Samuel Munzele Maimbo from Zambia, a senior financial inclusion expert at the World Bank; Sidi Tah Ould from Mauritania, a veteran in Islamic finance; and Abbas Mahamat Tolli of Chad, the current head of the Bank of Central African States.

The new leader will inherit a financially stronger institution but also a continent grappling with complex challenges: widening infrastructure gaps, surging debt burdens, limited access to energy, and worsening climate vulnerabilities. The AfDB has positioned itself as a key player in tackling these challenges through initiatives such as Light Up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa. These programs, launched during Adesina’s tenure, have helped refocus development priorities around inclusive growth and sustainable investment.

The upcoming leadership will also have a central role in supporting the rollout of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) — a flagship African Union initiative aimed at creating a single market of 1.4 billion people with a combined GDP of over $3.4 trillion. AfDB has been one of the key institutions supporting the AfCFTA, providing financing and technical support to enhance regional infrastructure, improve trade facilitation, and build capacity among small businesses to tap into cross-border markets.

AfCFTA is considered Africa’s most ambitious economic integration initiative since independence, and the Bank has stressed that its success will depend on unlocking investment, harmonizing regulations, and lowering logistics costs across borders. Adesina has previously stated that The AfCFTA is not just a trade agreement; it is a development instrument.

The AfDB sees itself as a central enabler in this agenda. Its efforts to connect landlocked economies to seaports, expand digital infrastructure, and support cross-border power and transport projects are aligned with the broader goal of boosting intra-African trade, which currently accounts for less than 15% of total trade on the continent. If fully implemented, AfCFTA could lift an estimated 30 million people out of extreme poverty and increase Africa’s income by $450 billion by 2035, according to the World Bank.

As the Bank prepares to usher in new leadership, the emphasis remains on continuity of purpose. However, the expanded capital base, institutional resilience, and sharpened continental priorities leave the incoming president with the tools needed to steer Africa’s premier development finance institution into its next phase.

Planes Losing to Trains: China’s High-Speed Rail Leaves Airlines in the Dust

0

In today’s China, a telling shift is quietly taking place between Beijing and Shanghai—two of Asia’s most powerful economic engines. The change isn’t in their GDP rankings or political clout, but on the rails connecting them.

Every day, more Chinese travelers are ditching airplanes for bullet trains, opting for the comfort and reliability of high-speed rail. What was once a luxury has become routine—evidence, many believe, of a kind of transport efficiency that only China seems capable of delivering at such scale.

The numbers tell their own story. In 2023, over 52 million people took the high-speed train between Beijing and Shanghai. Flights on the same route? Just 8.6 million. The difference is so stark that it’s forced airlines into a defensive crouch. Cheaper fares, chauffeur services, flexible ticketing—air carriers are throwing every trick in the book at travelers who seem increasingly unwilling to return to airport hassles, turbulence delays, or the dreaded in-flight radio silence.

For business travelers, the shift is more than just a preference; it’s a strategy. China Railway now runs the distance—about 1,300 kilometers—in just over four hours, offering a seamless journey from city center to city center.

With trains departing more than 100 times a day in both directions, and services rarely skipping a beat regardless of weather, high-speed rail has carved out a dominance that’s almost impossible for airlines to match. The aircraft may fly faster, but the train arrives sooner when you factor in check-in, boarding, and the slow crawl from faraway airports.

“Going offline on a flight is a deal-breaker,” said Tong Lijun, deputy chief of Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, in an interview with Jiefang Daily. “Business travelers want to make the most of their time, and rail lets them do that—onboard internet, stable power, spacious seats. They can keep working the whole way.”

There’s something larger at play here than just a mode of transport. The rise of the bullet train as China’s preferred travel option speaks to something deeper—a showcase of infrastructure unmatched anywhere else in the world. While other countries argue over rail budgets, China has delivered a nationwide high-speed network that actually works. Trains reach speeds up to 350km/h, run with near-perfect punctuality, and are packed with thoughtful design: business cabins that rival airlines’ premium classes, quiet cars for undisturbed work, and boarding procedures that feel frictionless.

China’s airlines are fully aware of the threat. In an April report, the China Air Transport Association openly acknowledged that high-speed rail is “eroding” their customer base, especially among high-end travelers.

“With its continuous increase in speed, high-speed rail has a strong appeal in terms of total door-to-door commuting time and regularity,” it said.

The lure isn’t just about speed anymore—it’s about predictability, comfort, and connection. Flying, by contrast, increasingly feels like a gamble.

However, the aviation sector is not giving up. Both China Eastern Airlines and Air China have rolled out loyalty perks in recent months, including limousine pickups and flexible transfers between flights. Fares are being slashed too. On some days, flying between Beijing and Shanghai can cost less than a second-class train ticket. But price isn’t everything. When passengers know they’ll be on time, seated comfortably, and fully connected for the duration of the trip, the extra few yuan often seem like a price worth paying.

Meanwhile, the rail line’s financials are equally telling. Despite a rocky start riddled with delays and criticism, the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway has become one of the most profitable transport operations in the world. In 2024, it pulled in 42 billion yuan (about $5.8 billion) in revenue, with profits jumping over 10 percent to hit 12.8 billion yuan.

That level of success stands in contrast to many of China’s other rail lines, especially in the sparsely populated West, where the high-speed dream is often weighed down by heavy losses. But in the country’s eastern corridor, the trains don’t just run—they thrive.

The transformation between Beijing and Shanghai is fast becoming a case study of what state-led infrastructure can achieve when done with scale, speed, and commitment. It’s a point not lost on transport experts watching from abroad, where such comprehensive, high-speed connectivity remains a political talking point rather than a functional reality.

In Japan, the famed Tokaido Shinkansen runs nearly 150 trains daily in each direction between Tokyo and Osaka. Experts in China say matching or exceeding that frequency is no longer out of reach, and calls are growing to add even more service along the Beijing-Shanghai route. With the two cities generating a combined 10 trillion yuan in economic output last year, the corridor is only getting busier.

But perhaps the most striking takeaway is how normal it has all become. In China today, riding a bullet train at 217 miles per hour is no longer a novelty—it’s just how people get from A to B. For many watching from outside, that level of integration still feels decades away. Inside China, it’s already yesterday’s news.

And for the aviation industry trying to play catch-up, that’s the real turbulence.

How Custom Indicators on Metatrader Enhance Investment Analysis

0

Despite what you might have heard from online trading “gurus”, making millions in a trading day (or even a week) is not as straightforward as just clicking a few buy and sell buttons, especially if you’re new to the whole trading space. And no, you won’t find a ready-made strategy in some textbook. The best ones are built over time, shaped by real trades, real losses, and hard-earned insight. One of those insights you tend to pick up is the use of custom indicators on trading platforms like MetaTrader 4.

So if you’re looking to step up your trading strategy, this post is for you. We’re diving into how custom indicators on MetaTrader can sharpen your analysis, improve decision-making, and bring automation into parts of your strategy that need it most.

Understanding Custom Indicators on MetaTrader

Indicators are a must-have when it comes to trading and investment analysis. They help you make sense of price action, spot opportunities, and make informed decisions instead of emotional ones. Indicators are the backbone of any technical strategy. They help you time your investment entries, manage risk, or try to stay ahead of market shifts. Custom indicators take that to the next level. Basically, these are tools that traders and investors use to display specific, personalized data directly on their charts. This can be used to boost trading strategies, either by spotting a certain trend, highlighting price zones, or triggering custom alerts. Unlike standard indicators like RSI or MACD, these aren’t pre-packaged, but are built to reflect a personalized trading strategy.

Many tools used to place trades will provide custom indicators. However, some of them can be a hassle to figure out and use, and only a few actually provide user-friendly options. An example of the latter is the MT4 trading platform, where custom indicators are easy to access, create, plug in and run. They operate like built-in indicators, but are configured to show you exactly what you care about.

Most of these indicators are created using scripts written in MQL4 (or MQL5 for MT5), MetaTrader’s native programming language, but you don’t need to be a coder to use them. So, if you’re looking at automating part of your trading processes or just making your charts more intuitive, custom indicators give you that edge.

How To Use or Install Custom Indicators (Step-by-Step)

When it comes to custom indicators in MT4, you can either download existing indicators that align with your goals or build one of your own. Both options are easy and straightforward — although if you’re not familiar with coding, you may want to go with the first. Let’s look at the quick steps to get them done.

1.   Installing a Custom Indicator

  • Download the .mq4 or .ex4 file.
  • In MetaTrader, go to File ? Open Data Folder.
  • Navigate to the MQL4 ? Indicators folder.
  • Paste the file in there, then restart MetaTrader.
  • Open the Navigator panel, find your custom indicator, and drag it onto your chart.

That’s it — you’re up and running. You can also find files on the MetaTrader Marketplace, but take note that some are free while others are paid.

2.   Building Your Own (Basic Overview)

If you want to create your own custom indicator, you’ll need to be at least a little technical. MetaTrader uses MQL4 (or MQL5 for MT5), so some programming knowledge is required. Here are the steps:

  • Open MetaEditor from within MetaTrader.
  • Click “New” ? Custom Indicator, give it a name, and define your inputs.
  • Add your logic in the OnCalculate() function. For example, a basic moving average crossover is a solid starting point.
  • Compile your code, and always test it on a demo account before going live.

Quick tip: If you want to learn how to create your own indicator, you can start by tweaking existing indicators instead of coding from scratch. Open a simple one, adjust the logic, and see what happens; it’s one of the fastest ways to learn.

How Custom Indicators on MetaTrader Enhance Investment Analysis

The whole point of using custom indicators is to give you a way to shape your analysis around how you trade. So, whether you’re in forex, crypto, or indices, the biggest edge custom indicators offer you is the ability to build tools around your strategy, not someone else’s default settings. For example, you can design moving averages that react faster to price swings, filters that highlight trends in shorter time frames, or volatility tools that match your risk appetite.

These tools also let you improve signal quality. Instead of relying on a single metric like RSI, custom indicators let you merge logic (like combining RSI and MACD) into one tool. That kind of hybrid signal can help filter out the noise and avoid the false triggers that standard indicators often throw up.

Then there’s the automation angle. Many custom indicators are built to highlight trade setups or send alerts in real time, cutting down your screen time and helping you stay objective. And if you’re thinking about going deeper into automation, you can integrate your indicators into Expert Advisors (EAs) for semi- or fully-automated trading systems.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While custom indicators can give you a serious edge as an analytical tool, they’re not without risk. The biggest trap and most common error is overfitting, which occurs when an indicator is so tightly tuned to historical data that it looks perfect in backtests but falls apart in real-world conditions. A lot of new market investors fall prey to this, forgetting that markets evolve, and that overly complex logic can fail to adapt when volatility spikes or trends shift.

There’s also the issue of code reliability. If you’re using third-party scripts, you’re trusting that the developer wrote clean, secure code. But bugs happen. Worse, poorly written or malicious scripts can lag your platform, give false signals, or in extreme cases, compromise your system.

Lastly, it’s easy to get distracted by every shiny new custom tool out there. Too many indicators on a chart can lead to analysis paralysis, where you’re overwhelmed with conflicting signals and end up taking no action at all.

Taking Control of Your Strategy with Custom Indicators

Custom indicators won’t turn you into a profitable trader overnight, but they can help you trade smarter. They let you build a system to analyze better using a personalized strategy instead of someone else’s rules. But always remember that: strategy comes first; tools only amplify what you’re already doing right.

Detailed Overview of 1Win App for Punters from Kenya

0

The 1Win app has emerged as a prominent platform for betting enthusiasts in Kenya, offering a seamless blend of sports betting and online casino services. Launched in 2018, the app has become a trusted name among its users, owing to its user-friendly interface, efficient operations, and extensive market offerings. The app covers an impressive range of sports, including football, cricket, tennis, basketball, and more, catering specifically to the preferences of Kenyan users.

This platform also boasts a well-equipped online casino with a vast library of games such as slots, roulette, blackjack, and poker. Its adaptability to both Android and iOS ensures accessibility for users on various devices. The app supports transactions in Kenyan Shillings (KES), allowing users to deposit and withdraw funds easily using local payment methods such as M-Pesa and Airtel Money. The combination of comprehensive features, reliable customer support, and bonuses has positioned the 1Win bet app as a leading choice for Kenyan punters, offering both recreational and rewarding experiences.

Popular Bonuses Available on 1Win App

The 1Win app is renowned for its generous bonuses, which play a significant role in its popularity among Kenyan users. One of the standout offers is the welcome bonus, where new users can receive up to 500% on their first deposit. This bonus is matched across the first four deposits, allowing users to claim up to KES 100,000 cumulatively. To qualify for the bonus, a minimum deposit of KES 100 is required, making it accessible to a majority of bettors.

Apart from the welcome bonus, the app frequently rolls out cashback offers for sports bets, providing users with a percentage of their losses back. This ranges from 5% to 15%, depending on the amount wagered. Another popular promotion is the free bet offer, allowing users to place risk-free stakes on selected matches or events. These bonuses are subject to specific terms and conditions, such as wagering requirements, which users must fulfill prior to withdrawals. These lucrative bonuses encourage continuous engagement and provide punters with enhanced chances of success.

Exploring Sports Betting on the 1Win App for Kenya Users

The 1Win app provides an extensive and tailored sports betting platform for users in Kenya, offering a wide range of betting options that cater to both novice and experienced punters. With an intuitive user interface and diverse promotions, the app makes sports betting accessible and engaging. Kenyan users can enjoy betting on popular sports such as football, cricket, basketball, and tennis, with a variety of betting formats available, including live betting for up-to-the-minute action. The platform prioritises convenience, allowing easy deposits and withdrawals alongside competitive odds that enhance profitability for users.

Betting Markets

Betting markets refer to the different types of wagers available within sports events, giving users a plethora of ways to stake their bets. On the 1Win app, Kenyan punters can explore an extensive selection of betting markets, including match results, over/under bets, first goalscorer, total goals, and handicaps, among many others. Live betting markets allow users to place bets as games unfold, adding an extra layer of excitement and engagement. Each market is accompanied by distinct sets of odds, which reflect possible outcomes and probabilities, making it easier for users to calculate potential returns. This diversity ensures that the platform caters to the preferences of every sports enthusiast, delivering a thrilling and tailored betting experience.

Good Odds

One of the standout features of the 1Win app is its competitive odds, an essential factor for any sports betting platform. Odds play a significant role in determining the potential payout for a wager, and at 1Win, users are offered attractive margins that increase their chances of earning significant returns. The app ensures that the odds are consistently updated based on real-time developments in various sports events. Whether betting on pre-match markets or exploring live betting opportunities, Kenyan users are guaranteed value in their stakes. The combination of good odds and a wide variety of betting markets makes the 1Win platform a favourite among local punters seeking exciting and lucrative options.

Discovering the Variety of the Casino Tab on the 1Win App for Kenya Users

The casino tab on the 1Win app offers an impressive variety of options for Kenyan users looking for immersive entertainment. Whether one enjoys the simplicity of spinning the reels or the challenge of strategic gameplay, the casino section provides an exhaustive range of activities to suit every preference. The platform features state-of-the-art graphics and seamless functionality, enhancing the user’s gaming experience. Additionally, the availability of multiple game categories means there’s always something new to explore, ensuring long-lasting engagement for casino enthusiasts.

Slots

Slots are among the most popular features in the casino tab of the 1Win app, offering Kenyan players an accessible and thrilling experience. The app hosts an extensive collection of slot games, ranging from classic three-reel options to modern video slots with advanced mechanics and themes. These games are developed by leading software providers, ensuring quality graphics, immersive audio, and varied gameplay styles. Players can enjoy themed slots with progressive jackpots, which create opportunities for life-changing winnings. Thanks to the easy gameplay and the variety of choices available, slot games on 1Win are a perfect option for both casual gamers and high-rollers alike.

Table Games

For players who enjoy traditional casino games, the table games section on 1Win provides an exceptional experience. Kenyan users can access popular games such as roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and poker, each offering unique strategies and gameplay dynamics. These games allow players to test their skills and knowledge, making them equally entertaining and rewarding. The platform features multiple variations of these classics, ensuring that there’s something for everyone, whether one prefers European roulette or Texas Hold’em poker. The crisp user interface and realistic graphics create an authentic casino atmosphere, bringing the thrill of traditional gaming to the convenience of users’ mobile devices.

Live Games

The 1Win app also includes a Live Games section, offering an interactive gaming experience that mimics the excitement of a real-life casino. Kenyan users can participate in live dealer games such as live blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, or enjoy unique TV-show-style games like Dream Catcher and Monopoly Live. These games are hosted by professional dealers and streamed in high-definition, providing an engaging and immersive environment. Live chat features allow players to interact with both the dealers and other participants, adding a social aspect to the experience. The Live Games section is an excellent choice for players looking for dynamic and interactive entertainment.

How to Register on the 1Win App in Kenya

Signing up for the 1Win app is a straightforward process designed to get users started quickly. Follow the steps below to create your account and access the platform’s wide range of features.

  1. Download the App.  Go to the official 1Win website and locate the “Download” button. Click this button to download the 1Win app for Android or iOS, depending on your device. Once downloaded, install the app by following the on-screen instructions.
  2. Open the App. Launch the 1Win app on your mobile device. On the home screen, locate the “Register” button in the top right corner and tap it.
  3. Fill in Your Details. Complete the registration form by entering your phone number, full name, and email address. Create a secure password, then confirm your details to proceed.
  4. Select Your Currency. Choose “KES” (Kenyan Shillings) as your preferred currency to ensure seamless transactions.
  5. Submit Your Registration. Once all the details are filled out, click the “Register” button at the bottom of the form. Your account will be successfully created, and you can proceed to log in and explore.

How to Download and Install the 1Win App for Kenya Users

The process of downloading and installing 1Win app is fairly standard and easy to complete. If you are new to mobile gambling, however, it might seem a bit confusing. To avoid wasting time, refer to the guides below.

If you have an Android device, you will need to:

  1. Visit the official 1Win website. Open your preferred mobile browser and go to the official site of the caisno. On the homepage, locate the green button labelled ‘Download APK’ positioned at the centre of the screen. Tap this button to begin downloading the 1Win APK file.
  2. Enable installation from unknown sources. Once the APK file has been downloaded, you may see an “installation blocked” notification. This is because the app is not sourced from the Google Play Store. To proceed, go to your device’s Settings, then select Security or Privacy, and enable the option ‘Allow installation from unknown sources.’
  3. Install the 1Win app. After enabling installation from unknown sources, navigate to your device’s file manager or downloads folder to find the APK file. Tap on the APK file to start the installation process. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation. You might be prompted with a security warning; confirm your trust in the source by selecting ‘Install Anyway.’ Once completed, the app icon will appear on your home screen or app drawer.

If you have an iPhone or iPad, the process is equally simple and looks like this:

  1. Visit the official 1Win website. Using your iPhone or iPad, open a mobile browser and access the official 1Win website. Look for the blue button labelled ‘Download on the App Store’ located in the top right corner of the homepage. Tap this button to proceed.
  2. Open the App Store page. After tapping the blue button, you will be redirected to the App Store. Ensure you are logged into your Apple ID and verify that the page displayed is for the 1Win app.
  3. Download and install the app. Tap the ‘Get’ button on the App Store page, followed by ‘Install.’ The app will automatically begin downloading and will appear on your home screen once the process is complete.