East Africa

Zambia has embarked on a promising journey towards economic recovery, with projections indicating a growth rate of at least 6% this year. This significant expansion, the most robust since 2021, reflects the hopeful aspirations of many in the nation, as shared by Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane during a recent Bloomberg Africa Business Media Innovators conference. Musokotwane attributes this rebound to two pivotal factors: improved rainfall and a notable increase in copper production. Earlier in the year, he…

On June 25, 2024, a scene of chaos unfolded within the walls of the Kenyan Parliament compound. Protesters surged forward, seeking refuge from a wave of unrest that swept across the country. This nationwide strike, driven by widespread discontent over tax hikes and the controversial Finance Bill 2024, underscores a mounting tension that has gripped the nation. The backdrop to this turmoil was the recent death of a 31-year-old man, Albert Ojwang. According to the police chief, Ojwang had been arrested for making…

Securing Peace in Mandera: A Pre-Dawn Victory Against Terrorism A collage of some of the guns and RPGs recovered by the elite SOG group from Alshabaab militants on June 10, 2025. Photo: Counter Terrorism Policing Mogadishu (AX) — On a quiet Monday morning in Mandera County, Kenya, the brave men and women of the Special Operations Group (SOG), an elite anti-terror police unit, launched a decisive operation that dramatically altered the course of potential violence. As dawn broke, two al-Shabab militants were neutralized,…

The Journey of Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG): A Hopeful Yet Shaky Future In a recent statement reflecting its ongoing commitment to the nation, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed a distinct interest in Zimbabwe's new currency, ZiG. The organization has articulated its desire to see this currency evolve into a “fully recognized national currency.” This development is part of broader considerations regarding placing Zimbabwe under a staff-monitored program. But what does this mean for the everyday…

British Soldier Accused of Rape: Ongoing Investigations in Kenya A troubling incident has emerged from Kenya, where a British soldier is facing serious allegations of rape after an incident near a controversial army camp. As investigations progress, the soldier has been repatriated to the UK, stirring up numerous discussions on military conduct and accountability. This alleged crime occurred last month in proximity to the British Army Training Unit Kenya (Batuk), which is situated about 200 kilometers, or 125 miles,…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant diplomatic engagement, Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdisalan Abdi Ali Dhaay, recently met with Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia W. Mudavadi. This meeting took place on the sidelines of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Ministers’ Summit, a platform that not only showcases the importance of Africa on the global stage but also serves as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue between…

Understanding the High Cost of Living in Africa: A Crucial Economic Challenge In recent years, the issue of rising living costs has emerged as a formidable challenge faced by many African nations. Though global inflation and shifts in the market play their part, it's important to understand that factors such as poor economic management, currency devaluation, the elimination of subsidies, and an excessive dependence on imports have significantly worsened the situation. As we explore this critical topic, we…

Kismayo (AX) — In a significant step towards regional stability, Mahmoud Sayid Aden, the First Vice President of Somalia’s Jubbaland State, convened with the Governor of Mandera County in Kenya on Monday. The primary objective of their meeting was to address pressing issues concerning cross-border security and the movement of people along their shared frontier. The leaders engaged in a constructive dialogue focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in light of the increasing challenges posed by the al-Shabab…

Unlocking Potential: Zambia's Electric Vehicle Initiative Zambia is embarking on an ambitious journey to engage with automakers, specifically aiming to attract electric vehicle (EV) component manufacturers. The idea is simple yet profound: establish production plants near the country’s rich copper mining sites. Why is this important? Copper is a critical raw material integral to electric vehicle engines, and Zambia, as Africa’s second-largest copper producer, is positioning itself as a vital player in the EV supply chain.…

The Future of the African Union Mission in Somalia: A Balance of Responsibility In an era where the intricate dynamics of international relations intertwine with pressing security challenges, the future of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) hangs delicately in the balance. As President William Ruto convened with Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri and General Michael Langley, the commander of the U.S. Africa Command, the topic of funding took center stage. On June 2, 2025, during the Africa Chiefs…