East Africa

In a remarkable twist of events, one of former President Donald Trump's initial actions upon entering the White House was to freeze nearly all overseas funding for a period of 90 days. The administration argued that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was not only inefficient but also misaligned with U.S. interests. Critics within the administration referred to the agency as being "run by radical lunatics," a statement that surely left many citizens pondering the future of foreign aid. With an…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant diplomatic move, the Somali government has embarked on formal discussions with Saudi authorities seeking the release or repatriation of over 100 Somali nationals currently imprisoned in Saudi Arabia. This group includes individuals facing severe penalties, some of whom are sentenced to death for drug trafficking offenses. The situation has sparked considerable concern and discussion among Somalis both at home and abroad. The information was confirmed by Abdiweli Hirsi Abdille,…

A New Era of Gaming in Africa Historically, Africa has often been overlooked as a key player in the global gaming industry. Various challenges have plagued the continent—notably, inadequate infrastructure, limited access to essential gaming hardware, and the prohibitive costs associated with data usage. However, a heartening transformation is underway. Nations such as Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Egypt are witnessing the emergence of thriving gaming communities, buoyed by better online connectivity, the rise…

Tariffs pose a significant threat to an estimated $8 billion in African exports to the United States. This predicament jeopardizes decades of commercial relationships built on mutual trust and economic collaboration. It begs the question: how did we reach a point where the interests of emerging economies are sidelined in favor of broader economic policies? According to a recent report from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the implications of Donald Trump’s new tariff policies extend far…

In a momentous stride towards strengthening diplomatic ties, Kenyan President William Ruto is scheduled to embark on a significant state visit to China from April 22 to 26. This visit comes at the gracious invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the Chinese foreign ministry. The anticipation surrounding this trip reflects not just a meeting of two national leaders, but a convergence of rich histories and mutual aspirations. Reflecting on the long-standing connection between China and…

Zambia's Controversial Cybercrime Law: A Tipping Point for Privacy and Civil Liberties The recent advisory from the United States Embassy regarding Zambia's newly enacted cybercrime law has stirred quite a conversation, not just among diplomats, but also among everyday citizens. The law facilitates the monitoring of phone calls, emails, text messages, and even streamed content, all in the pursuit of identifying what the legislation refers to as “critical information.” But what does that really mean for the average Zambian…

The Power of Partnerships: Somali Ambassadors Call for Heightened Collaboration in the Hospitality Sector In a compelling address to the attendees of the East Africa Somali Awards, Somali Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, passionately advocated for strengthening partnerships between Kenya and Somalia. His focus on the hospitality industry illuminated the significant achievements of Somali entrepreneurs, who have firmly established their presence and reputation in this vibrant sector. “These…

The Controversial Shift in Uganda's Legal Landscape Recently, the Ugandan government announced a bold, and perhaps controversial, plan to introduce new legislation that would permit military courts to try civilians for specific offenses. This initiative comes on the heels of a Supreme Court ruling that previously outlawed such practices. The question lingers: why is the government choosing to revisit a directive that had sought to protect the rights of civilians? Are we witnessing a regression in the justice system?…

Deepening Relations: The Evolving Uganda-Russia Alliance In recent months, Uganda and Russia have made significant strides to bolster their relationship. This growing partnership isn't merely a coincidence; it reflects a thoughtful alignment of geopolitical interests and mutual benefits for both nations. Why is this shift happening now, and what does it mean for the future of international relations in this region? A notable development occurred recently when Russia extended a generous donation of $3 million worth of…

From Pandemic Crisis to Stabilization Over the past few years, Zambia has navigated a complex economic landscape, marked by profound challenges and resilient adjustments. The year 2021 was particularly striking, as the country grappled with inflation that surged to nearly 25%. This spike coincided with Zambia's status as the first African nation to default on its debts during the tumultuous COVID-19 pandemic—an event that sent shockwaves through its economy and left many citizens questioning their financial future.…