East Africa

March 2025 marked a notable shift in Zambia’s economic course that hadn’t been seen since the summer of 2023. It's during times like these that we wonder, what drives such change? How do such economic metrics speak to the lived experiences of individuals? In an unexpected twist, the annual inflation rate in Zambia slipped to 16.5% this month, moving slightly down from February's mark of 16.8%. Even a small dip can make the headlines, stirring hopes and speculation.…

The Unlikely Beacon of Democracy: North Western State of Somalia's Journey As a child, I naively thought of democracy as a Greek invention, an intricate art only suited to those ancient pillars of Western philosophy. This wasn't a surprising thought, especially growing up in Ethiopia where democracy is more a dream than reality. However, little did I realize that just across the border, a quiet revolution was taking place. In North Western State of Somalia, a place branded by some, including Google, as unstable and…

Can you imagine holding a Nigerian passport as a foreigner simply because you made a significant economic contribution? This is not a far-fetched dream but soon could be a reality thanks to Nigeria’s bold new initiative: the citizenship by investment program. But what does this move really mean for the country and investors alike? It's fascinating to observe that countries across the globe are tapping into the potential of Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs, using it as a magnet to…

Jigjiga, Ethiopia — In a time of mounting political tensions, Mustafa Muhumed Omar, the steadfast President of Ethiopia’s Somali Region, has vowed to expand government services. This declaration arrives amidst mounting pressure and critiques from the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF), who claim the administration is underperforming. "Are we, as leaders, meeting the expectations set upon us?" President Cagjar’s administration grapples with this very question.

In the heart of Mogadishu, whispers of hope intertwine with the calls of street vendors and laughter of children, creating a melody of resilience that is unmistakably Somali. This sense of tenacity, however, met an untimely stumble on the soccer field, as Somalia's cherished ambition to record a historic victory in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers faced a fresh challenge. On a somber Tuesday afternoon, under the African sky, the Ocean Stars bowed to Botswana in a 2-0 defeat—a match marked by stark defensive errors, according to…

Financing energy projects is never a straightforward art. Each endeavor is a mosaic of stakeholders with varying interests. Among the financiers of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), we find notable names such as Standard Bank, Stanbic Bank Uganda, KCB Bank Uganda, and Saudi Arabia's Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector. One can’t help but wonder, how do so many distinct entities find common ground? "The successful closing of this first tranche represents a significant…

The humanitarian challenges we face today are profoundly complex and daunting, steered by four prominent global forces: escalating conflicts, increased assaults on civilians, the worsening impacts of climate change, and the widening chasm of economic inequality. Have you ever wondered how such factors collectively intensify the need for humanitarian intervention, compelling the world to act with urgency? These elements coalesce, forming a brewing storm of humanitarian needs…

Trust in the media can often serve as a mirror reflecting wider public sentiment. At the forefront of this trust are China and Indonesia, each with a striking 75%, and India trailing not far behind at 67%. Collectively, these nations house over three billion people, a staggering figure that underscores the breadth of media influence. Their media is often perceived as reliable, and that naturally leads us to wonder—what drives this confidence? Is it the consistency in reporting, or perhaps the structure in which their media…

A Journey from Dreams to Reality: The Story of Mubashir "Muba" Nour In the vibrant arenas of professional soccer, where cheers echo, dreams collide, and history is crafted, one name is increasingly whispered with admiration – Mubashir "Muba" Nour. His journey is a testament to the belief that dreams have no limits, and goals are only as distant as the effort we put into them. Originating from the sun-baked landscapes of Ethiopia, Nour's story finds its roots in struggle, hope, and an unwavering…

Understanding the IMF's Financial Grip on Africa The economic landscape of Africa took a transformative turn during the 1980s and 1990s. These were tumultuous times marked by plunging commodity prices, soaring energy costs, and regrettably poor fiscal management. You might recall those decades—a time when many African nations found themselves tethered to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for financial resuscitation. The IMF, stepping in with what can be likened to an olive branch, introduced Structural…