East Africa

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…

Somalia’s Strategic Realignments: Stability or New Cold War in the Horn? Leaders of the Red SEE Alliance: Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki. From the bustling markets of Mogadishu to diplomatic hallways in Cairo and Addis Ababa—Somalia’s evolving security alignments are more than just regional posturing. According to a compelling new study, these partnerships are inadvertently fueling instability, increasing proxy tensions,…

In a recent disaster that underscores the perilous interplay between weather and life, four individuals tragically lost their lives in Rwanda. Their stories, likely filled with dreams and daily routines, were abruptly extinguished by deadly flooding and landslides that swept through the country, leaving behind a trail of devastation. As per the report released by the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management, the catastrophic event also ravaged over 70 hectares of crops, threatening the livelihoods of countless families.…

Assessing Military Strength in the Horn of Africa: Challenges and Possibilities When discussing military strength and strategic capability across the globe, Somalia offers a poignant example of complexity and vulnerability. In a region characterized by geopolitical dynamism, Somalia's heavy reliance on external support, particularly foreign-led training missions and cooperation from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), underscores inherent weaknesses. Analysts caution that this dependence reveals deep…

African Leaders Embrace Crisis as Opportunity at Marrakech Summit Amid escalating global trade tensions, African heads of state, policymakers and key stakeholders converged over the weekend in the enchanting city of Marrakech, Morocco, united in their resolve to transform prevailing challenges into pathways for growth and development. The occasion—the third annual AfriHeritage Awards and Concert—blended vibrant celebration with candid conversations on Africa's strategic response to shifting global dynamics. Could this…

U.S. Tariffs and the Unforeseen Consequences on Africa’s Most Vulnerable Economies When President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariff hikes, it wasn't only the usual global economic powerhouses that paused in their tracks. Beneath the major headlines, tucked away from mainstream international attention, were smaller developing nations—countries that, economically speaking, barely register a blip on the American trade radar. Yet these nations, many located in Africa, now face potentially devastating consequences. One…

April 12, 2025, will be remembered as a pivotal day at the NEST Congress Center in Antalya, Turkiye, when Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud took the stage at the 4th Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF2025), offering a compelling narrative of hope and resilience. Under the bright lights of the forum, President Mohamud spoke with sincerity and determination, charting Somalia’s progress in counterterrorism and acknowledging Türkiye as a staunch ally. “Türkiye and Somalia are real partners based on mutual interests,” he…

The Rise of Camel Milk: A Global Perspective How often do we pause to consider the hidden potential within ancient traditions? The 2023 FAOSTAT report presents a unique opportunity to re-evaluate camel milk, a traditional staple, through a modern economic lens. Here's a closer look at how this age-old resource is making waves in today's markets. Leading Producers of Camel Milk in 2023 FAOSTAT's latest data identifies the top 10 producers of raw camel milk, underscoring a fascinating…

Exploring the Underestimated Power of Multiple Rocket Launchers Have you ever wondered what lies behind the curtains of Africa's expanding military prowess? While drones and armored vehicles often steal the spotlight, it's the multiple rocket launchers (MRLs) that have, somewhat quietly, made their mark as formidable allies on the battleground. In the conversations around military hardware, MRLs may not be the first topic to pop up, yet the truth is, these artillery systems silently hold a pivotal place in various…