East Africa

USAID's Role in Africa and the Recent Policy Impacts USAID, an abbreviation that might not ring a bell for everyone, stands for the United States Agency for International Development. Over the years, it has essentially woven itself into the developmental tapestry of Africa. From health to education, and from economic growth to humanitarian aid, USAID has been like a helping hand that you didn't even realize kept so many things from slipping. But here’s a twist in the tale: recent shifts in U.S. policy have made this hand…

Imagine yourself at the bustling Kenya-Somalia border, a place where the lives of countless travelers and locals interweave against a backdrop of uncertainty and resilience. The border, which stretches from one point to the customs area in Mandera County, plays a significant role in the lives of those who inhabit this region. Recently, news from this area has been disconcerting. Armed militants, reportedly linked to the infamous Al Shabaab terror group, have abducted five chiefs from Mandera. Their ominous demand? A…

Mogadishu (AX) — The path to Mogadishu is fraught with challenges. Once-thriving towns now lay shattered, with makeshift outposts marking territories—changing hands one too many times, too quickly to remember. A new report from the insightful Soufan Center has painted a stark picture: Al-Shabaab's newest offensive in central Somalia threatens to destabilize Mogadishu. The capital stands vulnerable as Somalia’s forces—spread far too thin—grapple with an alarming surge in militant activities. Since February 2025, a chilling…

At the heart of Majengo, a bustling informal settlement in Nanyuki, Kenya, sits Rose Wanyua Wanjiku. On this particular Thursday, November 4, 2021, she clutches photographs of her beloved younger sister, Agnes Wanjiru. Agnes, just 20 years old at the time, disappeared under circumstances that remain as troubling today as they were then. Flashback to 2012, a fraught year for Agnes’s family. She was seen alive for the last time in the company of British soldiers visiting Kenya for training operations. A young mother then,…

Unveiling Africa's Top 8 Gambling Markets The internet's sweeping reach across the African continent has ushered in a new era for gambling, setting the stage for substantial industry growth. Let's delve into the top eight gambling hotspots across Africa, exploring the array of gambling formats they offer and the fascinating dance between online casinos and regulatory bodies. 1. South Africa South Africa leads the African gambling scene, overseen diligently by the National Gambling Board (NGB). Here, the aromatic blend of…

There's an exciting development brewing on the African continent that's capturing the attention of both technology experts and curious onlookers. Cassava Technologies is contemplating a significant investment of up to $720 million. Why? They're planning to partner with Nvidia Corp to develop Africa's very first artificial intelligence (AI) factory, a decision covered in depth by Bloomberg. Strive Masiyiwa is the mastermind behind Cassava Technologies. This Zimbabwean…

Chiefs Set for Homecoming As Negotiations Yield Release "They will be arriving home any time soon," announced Murkomen to the gathered members of the press. A wave of relief swept through the statement hall as this development came after intense collaboration between national authorities, the Mandera county administration, and respected local community elders. Queries surrounding the identity of the captors remain unanswered, as Murkomen declined to specify if al-Shabaab, the notorious Somalia-based militant…

The U.S. Rekindles Its Commitment to Africa: The Tale of the Lobito Corridor It’s fascinating how different threads of global politics weave through Africa. One of the prominent examples of this dynamic is the Lobito Corridor rail project, a grand endeavor stretching across the heart of the continent. It’s not just a rail line connecting countries; it’s a symbol of renewed commitments, strategic collaborations, and a stark reminder of the geopolitical undercurrents shaping our world today. Consider the…

Zimbabwe's Bold Trade Strategy: A Look into Tariff Dynamics In the complex world of global trade, decisions often ripple across continents, affecting economies in profound ways. One such decision has recently emerged from Zimbabwe, a nation that now finds itself at the intersection of necessity and adaptability. It has suspended tariffs on American imports, a move that many see as a response not just to a simple policy change, but as a strategic adaptation in light of broader international trade shifts.…

Support Builds for Somalia's Unified Strategy Mogadishu (AX) — A significant coalition of international allies has stepped forward to endorse Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's recent initiative for a comprehensive political dialogue. This comes at a crucial time as the nation seeks to unify its efforts against the persistent threat of Al-Shabaab and to bolster the federal governance structure. Isn't it intriguing how global interests converge, even from diverse corners of our planet? On Monday, a joint…