East Africa

A Somali official has been accused of smuggling multiple women into Ireland, raising concerns about the growing sophistication of international traffickers A Somali diplomat has been charged with smuggling women into Ireland, raising concerns about the growing sophistication of international smuggling networks. The official, who was based in Saudi Arabia, is accused of smuggling multiple women into the state between September and November before he was arrested. His detention at Dublin airport last November after…

Ethio-Kenya Business Conference: A New Horizon for Collaboration Imagine a partnership that unlocks the potential of an entire continent. Ethiopia, standing as a strategic entry point into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), emerges as a natural gateway for Kenya, facilitating access to the expanse of North Africa. This notion was passionately articulated today by Tobias Alando, the CEO of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), at the Ethio-Kenya Business Conference convened in Addis Ababa. In a…

Aid Reevaluation: Germany's Decisive Step on Rwanda It can be a daunting task when a nation grapples with the complexities of international aid amidst conflict. Who could have thought that Germany, a key player in global development, would find itself reassessing its relationship with Rwanda, a country in the heart of Africa? On a Tuesday that promised to deliver headlines around the world, an announcement was made by the German development ministry. They’ve taken a bold step—suspending…

Ethiopia and Djibouti, two vibrant countries in the heart of East Africa, have once again pledged to bolster their trade and economic ties. But what does this mean for the region, and how does it affect the everyday lives of their citizens? These are the questions that lie at the heart of a recent meeting between Ethiopian Ambassador to Djibouti, Berhanu Tsegaye, and Djibouti’s Minister of Budget, Isman Ibrahim Robleh. The discussions between the ambassador and the minister were characterized…

Ethiopia: A Beacon of Renewable Energy in Africa Ethiopia stands at the forefront of Africa's transition into renewable energy. What's truly remarkable is its reliance on eco-friendly energy sources, predominantly hydroelectric power. Have you ever paused to consider how a nation achieves such an environmental feat? This was effectively highlighted by Fitsum Assefa Adela. She articulated that Ethiopia harnesses almost 100% of its electricity from renewable sources through a distinct…

ONLF and the Ethiopian Government: A Strained Peace Mogadishu (AX) — In the intricate tapestry of Ethiopian politics, the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) finds itself at a pivotal juncture. With a history steeped in struggle and hope, the movement is now grappling with discord within its ranks, driven by accusations of the Ethiopian government failing to honor the 2018 Asmara Peace Agreement. Abdirahman Mahdi, a prominent voice heading a faction within ONLF, has declared an end to cooperative efforts with the…

Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring. In a world where the pulse of economies sets the pace for global progress, the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking illuminates the forefront contenders. Currently, the global economic stage is dominated by several nations renowned for their robust competitiveness. Yet, what exactly makes an economy competitive on the world stage? Is it solely about GDP numbers, or is there more beneath the surface? The most competitive economies in the world are distinguished by…

Escalation in Somalia: A Deep Dive into Shabaab's Recent Offensive Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International—Monitoring Mogadishu (AX) — Sometimes the shadows of conflict intensify, casting long and uncertain clouds over a nation striving for peace. This is the case as Somalia once again grapples with a significant and aggressive incursion by the Shabaab militants. But why, one might ask, is this offensive particularly unsettling?…

The Future of Payments and Financial Inclusion Across Africa Founder and CEO, Nkebet Mesele, discusses the launch of Intreensic, a payments education and advisory group, and its significance for payments and financial inclusion across Africa. Exploring Payment Evolution What piques your interest the most about the transformation in payments, and how do women play a role in this journey, particularly in Africa? The payment evolution is indeed fascinating. From my early days in the industry,…

Lawmaking is never a straightforward affair, and this reality couldn't be more evident than in Ghana's recent legislative tussle. The air is thick with tension as three sponsors of the controversial anti-LGBTQ+ bill reveal to Reuters that despite previous setbacks from legal challenges, the bill is making a comeback. The path of legislation resembles a winding road with unexpected turns. What sparked this renewed fervor? Escalating Measures As the law stands, those convicted of same-sex…