Southern Africa

How Purchasing Power Shapes Lives in African Cities The quality of life experienced by individuals and families significantly improves when they have access to essential services such as housing, healthcare, education, reliable transportation, and leisure activities. Yet, what does it take to create and sustain such a quality of life? This question is especially relevant in the context of African cities, where economic conditions are evolving rapidly. In cities across Africa, families that manage to attain a higher…

In recent years, Kenya has steadily positioned itself as a pivotal transit hub for gold trafficking, particularly from African nations grappling with instability and governance challenges. According to a comprehensive report released by SwissAid, a non-governmental organization dedicated to resource justice and development, the intricacies of this illicit trade reveal a pressing need for deeper scrutiny and understanding. A significant portion of Kenya's gold production originates from artisanal and small-scale…

Astronomers utilizing South Africa’s Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope are sounding the alarm regarding potential disruptions to their critical astronomical studies. With the advent of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet project, these scientists are pressing for the government to incorporate stringent protections within any licensing agreements to ensure that their sensitive observations remain undisturbed. The implications of such a deal extend beyond mere technological advancement; they intertwine with the…

Across the vibrant and diverse landscape of Africa, a quiet transformation is taking place that is reshaping the continent’s digital future. Governments are exploring innovative Information and Communication Technology (ICT) policies that not only recognize the importance of technology but also champion data protection laws, broadband access strategies, and regulations aimed at fostering growth. Enter the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and its forward-thinking ICT Regulatory Tracker. This vital tool offers a…

Starlink's Service Interruptions: Understanding the Impact and Challenges in South Africa Recently, a wave of unsettling emails swept through the inboxes of customers subscribed to Starlink’s Roam Unlimited and Global Roaming packages. The messages delivered unwelcome news: accounts had been terminated due to utilization in an “unauthorized territory.” One particularly alarming excerpt read: “You are currently using Starlink in an unauthorized territory. As a result, your service will be suspended…

The Rising Tide of African Billionaires: A Mixed Bag of Fortunes Wealth can be a fickle mistress, offering some a gilded life while leaving others in the shadows. Recently, we’ve witnessed an intriguing shift among Africa's billionaires—a tale of contrasts where some fortunes surge while others dwindle. When contemplating the complexities of wealth, it’s worth asking ourselves: what drives these changes? For instance, Aliko Dangote, often hailed as Nigeria's industrial titan, has recently seen a remarkable…

African Cities Leading in Quality of Life in 2025 As we find ourselves in mid-2025, it's striking to observe the remarkable achievements of several cities across Africa. These urban centers shine as examples of cleanliness, security, modern infrastructure, effective governance, and a burgeoning middle class. They are earning their place among the most livable cities on the continent, showcasing what is possible when communities thrive. Take Kigali, for instance—the capital of Rwanda. This city has become a…

Madagascar stands at a crucial crossroads as it seeks to deepen its economic ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The island nation is working diligently to attract investments that aim to invigorate its tourism and energy sectors. Such a partnership has become increasingly important in light of recent trade challenges with the United States, particularly steep tariffs that threaten its economic stability. As of 2024, the United States ranks as Madagascar's third-largest trading partner, trailing only…

Zimbabwe finds itself at a crucial crossroads, grappling with an enormous $21 billion debt—a burden that has effectively locked the country out of global financial markets since it defaulted way back in 1999. This predicament is not just a financial quagmire; it's a pressing issue that affects the very fabric of the nation. So, what does the future hold for a country seeking assistance from ten different nations? In a recent move to ameliorate its financial strife, Zimbabwe's Finance Minister, Mthuli Ncube,…

The Growing Challenge of Business Closures in South Africa As we step into 2024, South Africa finds itself grappling with a troubling trend: the continued rise in business closures. In April alone, over 100 companies faced liquidation, marking a 13.2% increase compared to the same time last year. This statistic isn't just a number; it reveals the deep-rooted challenges that continue to plague the South African business environment. Digging deeper into the data, we see a notable increase in voluntary…