East Africa

In a curious tale of ambition and disregard for the law, Belgian nationals Lornoy David and Seppe Lodewijckx found themselves in the limelight as they appeared in the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Law Courts in Nairobi, Kenya, on April 15, 2025. Both men had pleaded guilty to the charges of illegal possession and trafficking of garden ants, a case that has captivated the attention of both local and international audiences. The incident, which involved four smugglers attempting to export thousands of live ants to meet…

PwC's Strategic Withdrawals: Navigating the Complex Landscape of African Markets In a surprising turn of events that has generated considerable buzz, PwC recently announced the cessation of operations in nine African nations. This decision was formally disclosed on the firm’s website, drawing attention to its strategic realignment. The countries affected by this move include Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Republic of Congo, Madagascar, Republic of Guinea, Senegal, and Equatorial…

The Crucial Role of Diesel Energy in Africa In numerous African countries, diesel energy plays an indispensable role in the economy. It’s the lifeblood that keeps food moving, businesses operational, and essential services running smoothly. Imagine the bustling markets of Lagos, where vibrant colors and enticing aromas beckon while transport trucks, fueled by diesel, ferry goods from farms to city dwellers. These connections are not merely logistical; they embody the rhythm of life and commerce across the continent.…

The recent deluge in Africa has unleashed chaos, affecting countless lives and landscapes. As nature unleashes its fury, the impacts are not just numbers; they resonate deeply within communities. In the heart of Tanganyika province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) reported that nearly 10,000 individuals have found their lives turned upside down due to flooding. These are not mere statistics; each number represents a family displaced, homes lost, and dreams disrupted. Imagine waking up…

The tragic loss of Sungura musician Tatenda Pinjisi has ignited a firestorm of indignation regarding Zimbabwe’s ailing healthcare system. This intense response was sparked by a heartbreaking video that captured his desperate pleas for a simple painkiller, all while medical staff resorted to using cellphone flashlights to navigate through the darkness of a power outage. Pinjisi's untimely demise at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital followed a harrowing car accident near the Norton Tollgate as he made his way to Kadoma for a…

Beledweyne (AX) — On a day that marked a significant step in regional security efforts, a fresh contingent of Djiboutian troops arrived in Beledweyne on Tuesday. This deployment is part of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and represents the ongoing evolution of the African Union’s strategy following the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). As the aircraft touched down at Ugaas Khaliif Airport, the atmosphere was a mix of anticipation and resolve. The troops were warmly…

Zimbabwe’s gold-backed currency, the ZiG, is veering toward a precipice—not due to rapid devaluation, but rather through a growing sense of irrelevance. This assertion comes from Imara Asset Management, recognized as Zimbabwe's oldest independent brokerage. The looming question is: Can a currency survive when it seems to fade into the background of economic activity? Unlike previous currency crises in the nation, which were often sparked by the destructive forces of hyperinflation, the problem with the ZiG seems to lie more…

Nigeria Fully Gazettes AfCFTA Commitments: A Pathway to Enhanced African Trade It was a seemingly understated announcement on a social platform, but behind those succinct words lay transformational implications for Africa’s largest economy. Recently, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat proudly announced via its official X (formerly Twitter) page: "Congratulations Nigeria! Thank you for bringing the AfCFTA trade agreement to life." This brief message symbolizes a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s trade…

Kenya Looks Toward Private Investors to Unlock Strategic Growth at Key Seaports In a move underscoring Kenya’s keen awareness of escalating competition along East Africa’s coastline, the government is turning decisively toward private investors. The goal? To boost the development and operation of two crucial ports—Mombasa and Lamu—positioning Kenya firmly as a maritime trade leader in a bustling, increasingly competitive region. Imagine for a moment the intricate hum of Mombasa port: containers swinging…

Somalia Takes a Historic Step Toward Democracy With First Voter Registration in Over Five Decades Tuesday marked a significant milestone for Somalia, as it commenced voter registration in the capital city, Mogadishu, for the first time in over half a century. This pivotal moment is a meaningful stride toward universal suffrage, as the nation gears up for presidential elections slated for 2026. In a country often associated with turbulent headlines, does this symbolic step represent a genuine shift toward greater…