East Africa

SOMALI PRIME MINISTER HAMZA ABDI BARRE (LEFT) MEETS WITH DJIBOUTIAN PRESIDENT ISMAIL OMAR GUELLEH (RIGHT) AT THE PRESIDENTIAL PALACE IN DJIBOUTI ON JUNE 2, 2025. THE LEADERS DISCUSSED REGIONAL SECURITY AND EFFORTS TO STRENGTHEN BILATERAL COOPERATION BETWEEN SOMALIA AND DJIBOUTI. Djibouti City, Djibouti (AX) — In a significant meeting held on Monday, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre engaged with Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh. The focal points of their discussion centered around enhancing bilateral…

In the heart of Addis Ababa, Ethiopian Airlines is navigating some exciting new avenues. The airline recently embarked on testing an array of aircraft models, including the Airbus A220, Embraer E-2, and the Boeing 737 MAX 7, which is still awaiting final certification. It's a classic case of readiness meeting opportunity; however, the pressing question remains: how will these choices align with the future of air travel in the region? The Boeing 737 MAX 7 stands out due to its capacity to accommodate more…

The Trump administration seems to be adding Rwanda to a growing roster of partner nations—similar to El Salvador, Mexico, and recently South Sudan—willing to accept deportees as part of its robust migration enforcement initiative. It raises the question: what motivates countries to become involved in these arrangements? In essence, the U.S. appears to be adopting a methodology reminiscent of the UK's earlier, contentious plan, which aimed to send asylum-seekers to specific countries. Yet this once-rejected…

In a world where economic conditions shift like the tides, the CEO of BruntWork, a global talent outsourcing firm, is not reveling in the misfortunes of others but rather preparing lifeboats. "When companies start slashing jobs by the thousands, they often treat the symptom rather than the disease," Ong states plainly. He likens traditional cost-cutting strategies to taking aspirin for a broken leg—providing temporary relief without addressing the underlying issues. The Great Corporate Exodus of 2025…

Madagascar stands at a crucial crossroads as it seeks to deepen its economic ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The island nation is working diligently to attract investments that aim to invigorate its tourism and energy sectors. Such a partnership has become increasingly important in light of recent trade challenges with the United States, particularly steep tariffs that threaten its economic stability. As of 2024, the United States ranks as Madagascar's third-largest trading partner, trailing only…

This compelling photograph, captured on May 29, 2025, showcases a dynamic moment within the resumed second session of the United Nations (UN) Habitat Assembly, held in the vibrant city of Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. (Xinhua/Yang Guang) As the assembly drew to a close late Friday, it marked not just the end of a significant event, but the dawn of a pivotal strategic plan aimed at addressing the pressing global housing crisis. More than 1,300 delegates converged in Nairobi, including ministers, city mayors, innovative urban…

In the face of various challenges, such as fluctuating global economic conditions, inflation, and disruptions in trade, it's inspiring to note that several African nations are poised for a remarkable upswing in their real GDP growth by 2025. This resilience speaks volumes about the inherent potential within these countries. So, what factors are contributing to this positive outlook? First and foremost, the acceleration in economic growth does more than just ripple through local markets; it builds an…

Zimbabwe finds itself at a crucial crossroads, grappling with an enormous $21 billion debt—a burden that has effectively locked the country out of global financial markets since it defaulted way back in 1999. This predicament is not just a financial quagmire; it's a pressing issue that affects the very fabric of the nation. So, what does the future hold for a country seeking assistance from ten different nations? In a recent move to ameliorate its financial strife, Zimbabwe's Finance Minister, Mthuli Ncube,…

As the rains pour down across various regions, Nairobi residents are navigating flooded streets, a stark reminder of nature's unpredictability—and perhaps, a call to action. Images of people wading through waters in the CBD and scenes from Parklands certainly evoke a blend of concern and resilience, reminding us how weather can significantly alter daily life. In this vein, the Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a warning, indicating that we should brace ourselves for continued rainfall over the coming…

A Somber Reflection: The Sentencing of Ahmed Awga and Its Implications for Press Freedom in Ethiopia In the realm of journalism, where the pursuit of truth often collides with authority, the story of Ahmed Awga emerges as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by journalists in many parts of the world. Ahmed, the founder of Ethiopia’s Jigjiga Television Network, recently found himself on the receiving end of a two-year prison sentence, a punishment that resonates deeply with the ongoing struggle for press freedom. The…