East Africa

Djibouti (AX) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has arrived in the vibrant city of Djibouti for an official visit, a gesture rich in significance and warmth. This trip is not merely a diplomatic formality; it represents an earnest commitment to enhancing the relationship between Somalia and the neighboring Republic of Djibouti. In an era where regional cooperation is crucial, such visits can sow the seeds for a future marked by peace and collaboration. In the coming days, President Mohamud is set to engage in…

Mogadishu (AX) - In the heart of Somalia's complex political landscape, tensions have flared anew. The Himilo Qaran political party, under the seasoned leadership of former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, has vocally condemned the recent clashes between federal government forces and Jubbaland state troops in Beled Hawo, Gedo region. This event highlights not just the ongoing instability in Somalia but also the dire need for a thoughtful dialogue to resolve underlying issues. On Saturday, in a robust statement that…

Africa’s Demographic Shift: A Deep Dive into the Future of Children At the forefront of global demographic shifts is the Central African Republic (CAR), where an astonishing 56.2% of the population is under the age of 18. This statistic not only highlights the youthfulness of the nation but also poses significant questions about its future. Alongside CAR, we find Niger (53.3%), Somalia (53.0%), and Mali (52.9%) sharing this youthful demographic structure. Why do these percentages matter? The implications for education,…

Stray Bullets and Border Conflicts: A Call for Resilience In a troubling turn of events, a faction of Jubbaland Special Forces has surrendered to the Somalia National Army in the Belet Hawa District. This confrontation, however, bore unintended consequences that have rippled across the border into Kenya. In Mandera, four individuals have sustained serious injuries due to stray bullets—a grim reminder of the ongoing volatility in the region. “An unfortunate turn of events unfolded as civilians found…

African Copper Exports: Unpacking Potential and Opportunities In examining the landscape of Africa's copper exports, a rather startling statistic emerges: just 42 countries together account for a mere 2% of Africa’s copper export value. This underscores a significant disparity in how the continent's rich mineral wealth is distributed. Despite vast resources, many nations seem to lack full access to the economic benefits derived from copper and other metals. Thus, one can't help but ask: how can Africa leverage its…

In the second quarter of 2025, Zimbabwe's stock market witnessed a remarkable surge in foreign participation, signaling a renewed wave of investor interest. As economic fundamentals strengthen and the country stabilizes its new gold-backed currency, many are beginning to observe the potential that Zimbabwe holds. But what does this really mean for the economy and those involved? According to the latest quarterly newsletter from the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE), foreign investor activity climbed to an impressive…

In a dramatic turn of events last Friday, the Somali National Army (SNA) and the Ugandan People's Defense Force (UPDF) successfully thwarted an attack by al-Shabaab militants on a military base in the Lower Shabelle region. This incident resulted in the deaths of 18 militants, illustrating both the resilience of national forces and the ongoing threat posed by the insurgents. The assault, which targeted key positions in the Sabiib and Anole areas, was a coordinated effort by al-Shabaab.…

Aliko Dangote, recognized as Africa’s wealthiest individual, has stepped down from his role as Chairman of the Board of Directors at Dangote Cement Plc. This transition symbolizes not just a shift in leadership, but the close of an illustrious chapter for one of the continent’s most significant cement manufacturers. Succession planning is critical in any corporate environment. In a recent announcement from Premium Times, we learned that Emmanuel Ikazoboh, the newly appointed chairman, will now steer the…

The Luxury Revolution in Africa: A New Era of Exclusive Getaways Imagine a sun-drenched private island off the coast of Tanzania, where the azure waters meet pristine beaches, and your every whim is indulgently catered to for a staggering nightly rate of around $50,000. Guests enjoy exclusive access to luxurious villas, a private catamaran, and helicopter transfers—all nestled within a protected marine reserve. This spectacular destination is not merely a utopian fantasy; it is a tangible embodiment of Africa's rapidly…

Senegal Joins NASA Artemis Accords: A New Dawn in Space Diplomacy On July 24, 2025, amidst the bustling energy of Washington, D.C., a remarkable event unfolded at NASA Headquarters. This signing ceremony was not merely formal—it represented a pivotal moment for Senegal as it firmly entrenched its commitment to science, technology, and space diplomacy. It felt like a dream to many—a dream that spoke to the potential of a nation ready to reach beyond its borders and explore the cosmos.…