Central Africa

In a striking display of camaraderie, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently remarked to President Donald Trump that he would be nominating him for a Nobel Peace Prize. This conversation unfolded during a momentous dinner in the ornate Blue Room of the White House, where the two leaders celebrated their collaborative military strikes on Iran's nuclear locations, touting the operation as a resounding success. Why is it that we often witness such bold proclamations of peace amidst the backdrop of turmoil?…

Dangote Refinery's Future: A Turning Point for Nigeria By the close of 2025, the Dangote refinery, a titan in Africa’s energy landscape, will pivot entirely to using Nigerian crude oil, as articulated by Devakumar Edwin, the Vice President of Dangote Industries. This journey toward self-sufficiency represents not merely a strategy for the refinery but a potential renaissance for Nigeria's oil sector. This ambitious refinery, boasting a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is owned…

Understanding Transfer Taxes in Africa: A Comprehensive Overview As we navigate through the evolving landscape of air travel in Africa, recent statistics from 2024 reveal a significant uptick: 42 African nations currently impose transfer taxes and fees on travelers, a notable increase from 35 in 2022. This surge occurs within the context of 52 countries examined. Why the sudden shift? What's really at stake for travelers? Transfer taxes, along with associated charges and fees, represent the costs incurred when a traveler…

The tourism sector in Africa is exhibiting remarkable recovery and potential, with a staggering 66.3 million international tourists anticipated to visit the continent in 2024. This influx is projected to generate a substantial $38 billion in total receipts, as highlighted by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). This isn't merely a statistical triumph; it represents an uplifting narrative of revived interest in the continent's vibrant cultures, stunning landscapes, and unique experiences. The…

Starlink: A Double-Edged Sword in Conflict Zones Over the past couple of years, a concerning pattern has emerged. Various photos and videos shared on social media platforms have illustrated the use of Starlink terminals by militant factions. Such revelations have understandably raised alarms among regional governments and international partners, who are now grappling with this evolving challenge. A notable instance comes from Le Monde, which reported that in June 2024, a video surfaced showing a Starlink…

A recent study entitled AFRAA Taxes and Charges Study Review 2024 has shed light on a significant issue affecting travelers in Nigeria. The report highlights that Nigerians are paying an astonishing average of $180 in taxes and charges for each international flight, a figure that stands in stark contrast to the continental average of just $68. This disparity raises an important question: what does this mean for ordinary Nigerians who wish to explore the world or conduct business abroad? The financial burden,…

Freedom and Democracy in Africa: A 2025 Perspective In recent years, we have witnessed a disheartening trend where some nations deepen their commitment to civil liberties and democratic norms, while others regress into authoritarianism. The world seems to be at a crossroads, and how we navigate this path may fundamentally shape the next generation of our global community. Have we considered what this divide means for our shared future? According to the 2025 Freedom House report, we are…

In the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the rich geology supports vast mineral wealth, a transformative energy project is unfolding. Valued at an impressive $1.5 billion, this initiative directly targets the ongoing power shortages that have long hindered the development of the Copperbelt region—a hotspot for critical mineral mines. Imagine the vibrant landscape of Angola, where abundant hydropower resources glow like gems against the backdrop of its breathtaking vistas. The linchpin of this project…

Strengthening Bonds: Somalia and South Africa's Diplomatic Dialogue Pretoria (AX) – On a notably sunny Friday afternoon, the serene atmosphere of Pretoria buzzed with enthusiasm as two prominent figures in international diplomacy came together for a pivotal meeting. Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, sat down with South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Ozzy Lamola. Their discussion was more than just another diplomatic gathering; it was…

The recent revelations regarding a mining company's alleged involvement in trafficking conflict minerals from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) illuminate a complex and troubling chapter in the region's ongoing struggles. According to a report by Reuters, this marks a significant moment as it is the first time the United Nations has explicitly named an organization purportedly complicit in such activities since the M23 rebel group seized control of vital mining territories last year. The confidential UN…