Adichie’s latest honour, Dangote’s expanding franchise, and Press freedom in Africa.

VA: MID-WEEK UPDATE [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [LinkedIn]( [Google Plus]( mailto:your@email.com [Email](mailto:your@email.com) Business This is why Adesina believes Dangote will be the largest exporter of rice in the next 5 years. Over the weekend, the president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina said that Africa’s richest man and billionaire businessman, Aliko Dangote, might become the [largest exporter]( of rice in the world by 2021 Weekly Economic Index: Naira depreciates as inflation rate falls Here is the [Ventures Africa Weekly Economic Index]( for the week ending 14th of April 2017. This economic index gives you a glimpse into the recent activities in Nigeria’s economy as well as changes that could affect the economy. Policy Will there ever be press freedom in Africa? Since the removal of strongman President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali in 2001, Tunisia’s once-stead media have enjoyed a new lease of life but activists and politicians say the government is now [seeking to impose]( some of the same types of controls as before.& Appraising Emir of Kano’s call for an end to poverty in northern Nigeria. The north needs [more voices]( in the class of the Emir of Kano to provoke positive action in both the leaders and the led. Discontent among the people is gradually beginning to show. Life and Innovation Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has been elected into the prestigious American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Widely acclaimed Nigerian novelist, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has recently been elected into the 237th class of the prestigious American Academy of Arts and Sciences, one of the [highest honours]( for intellectuals in the United States. The author will be one of 228 new members to be inducted on the 7th of October 2017. We’d love to hear your thoughts and comments. Please drop us a note at hello@ventures-africa.com. We’re active on [Facebook]( and [Twitter]( as well throughout the day with more stories. Like us on [Facebook]( and follow us on [Twitter](. For advertising opportunities please contact: Business Unit [manager@ventures-africa.com](mailto:inyang@ventures-africa.com) Tel: +234-909-328-4213, +234-909-328-4214 [Share]( [Tweet]( [Forward]( [+1]( This email was sent to {EMAIL} [why did I get this?]( [unsubscribe from this list]( [update subscription preferences]( Ventures Africa · 18f Isaac John St. · Ikeja GRA · Lagos 100211 · Nigeria