West Africa

The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria Faces Visa Service Delays: Navigating Through System Glitches In a world where global mobility hinges on efficient visa processing, any disruption can feel monumental. The recent travails of the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, grappling with a partial system outage, leave many asking, "What next?" Imagine you're a hopeful traveler, suitcase packed with dreams of America, only to hear that the system facilitating your journey has hit a snag. This reality has been the experience of numerous…

Mogadishu (AX) – The winds of change are sweeping across Somalia’s economic landscape, spearheaded by promising news from the Somali Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Dahir Shire Mohamed. With a tone that mingles optimism and realism, the Minister has announced the near completion of oil exploration activities being conducted by a Turkish enterprise. This significant development may well place Somalia on the map of the world's oil producers by late this year or perhaps the onset of 2026, showcasing a daring leap…

Consider the story of Nigeria's car import market, a tale of numbers and nuanced human behaviors. Historically, Nigerians have had a voracious appetite for used vehicles. According to estimates, a significant portion of cars arriving on Nigeria's shores are, indeed, used ones. Why, you might ask? The answer lies in a confluence of economic dynamics, policy shifts, and consumer demand that sway as unpredictably as a Lagos breeze. Nigeria’s automobile lifeline spans continents. Cars pour in from the United States, Italy,…

Mogadishu (AX) – An air of resoluteness enveloped the Somali capital this Monday as Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre articulated a bold, challenging vision for the nation. With steadfast determination, he announced an impending, extraordinary military initiative aimed squarely at dismantling the stronghold of Al-Shabaab, that roguish insurgency plaguing the heart of Somalia. What makes this operation particularly significant is its timing—it is slated to unfold during the revered month of Ramadan, adding a layer of profound…

Somalia's Telecom Success: An Unexpected Tale of Innovation and Resilience In discussions about technological advancement and innovation, there’s one narrative that continually stands out as both surprising and inspiring: Somalia's telecommunications story. After all, how does a country, which has navigated the turbulent waters of lacking a functioning central government for over three decades, manage to architect one of Africa’s most sophisticated mobile networks? It’s counterintuitive, isn't it? What’s even…

With a canvas that paints the vibrant economic landscape of Ghana in 2024, the nation has remarkably exceeded expectations. According to the latest Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) Trade Report, Ghana ended up with a trade surplus of GH₵44.7 billion, considerably overshooting the import bill of GH₵250.2 billion. This prompts the question: What's driving such growth, and more importantly, what's next for Ghana? Gold, Petroleum, and Cocoa dominate exports A deep dive into the report…

Imagine walking into a food storage facility in North Western State of Somalia, with piles of food supplies neatly stacked high, strategically organized for distribution. Yet, underneath this orderliness lies a pressing concern that authorities are actively grappling with. Recently, the government has taken a significant step—a prohibition on importing empty packaging materials—a decision rooted deeply in public health concerns. A Proactive Stance In a recent announcement, the North Western State of Somalia…

The Conversation Continues: Bilateral Talks and the Shifting Dynamics in West Africa On an overcast Saturday morning, the distinguished President of Ghana decided to embark on a mission that emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy. His destination was Mali, a nation wrapped in history and complex contemporary challenges. Meeting his Malian counterpart, President Assimi Goita, President John Mahama engaged in discussions on a spectrum of pressing issues. These dialogues, though seemingly routine, carry with them…

Somali Regional Government Faces and Rebuts Corruption Allegations In the heart of Eastern Ethiopia, the serene town of Jigjiga has recently turned the spotlight on a dispute that echoes far beyond its borders. The Somali Regional State Communication Affairs Bureau has robustly countered corruption allegations, dismissing them as nothing more than a fabricated and orchestrated smear campaign. But what fuels these claims, and what's at stake? The controversy stemmed from accusations put forth by the Somali Federalist Party…

At a recent press gathering, following a pivotal meeting, former Ghanaian President John Mahama brought to light some crucial issues surrounding regional integration. He emphasized the thoughtful deliberations focused on the African Economic Community (AEC) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). In an era where global connections are paramount, how can these regional bodies enhance their roles? "I have gained a fresh…