West Africa

MTN Group Addresses Recent Cybersecurity Incident In an era where digital security is paramount, MTN Group, a leading telecommunications giant, has recently found itself at the center of a significant cybersecurity event. The company's spokesperson emphasized that “our core network infrastructure, billing systems, and financial services platforms are safe and fully functional.” However, they did not disclose specifics regarding the number of countries affected or the scope of the incident,…

A Call to Action for Somalia’s Future Mogadishu (AX) — In a stirring address delivered recently, the African Union Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, made an impassioned plea to member states and international partners to reaffirm their commitment to Somalia. With the nation teetering on the brink of a critical juncture, he cautioned that the hard-won victories against Al-Shabaab are at significant risk of reversal without continued support from the global community. Speaking at a high-level summit of Troop Contributing…

The landscape of cryptocurrency is rapidly evolving, and Nigeria stands at the forefront of this digital revolution, as highlighted by the 2024 Global Crypto Adoption Index published by Chainalysis. Securing a notable position just behind India, Nigeria has adopted cryptocurrency fervently for various purposes, including transactions, investments, and remittances. But with this remarkable leap in adoption comes a complex web of challenges and risks, casting a shadow over its promising future. With decentralized…

Turkey's Ambitious Initiative to Enhance Energy Independence In a move that promises to reshape the energy landscape of the region, Turkey is gearing up to initiate a robust series of oil and natural gas exploration projects in Libya, Iraq, Somalia, and Azerbaijan. This strategic initiative, heralded by Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, aims to significantly diminish Turkey's reliance on imported energy sources. Announced during a recent event in Istanbul, this plan reflects Turkey’s commitment to…

In an exciting development for global economic collaboration, the President and CEO of Dangote Group, alongside several distinguished industry leaders, has been appointed to the World Bank's Private Sector Investment Lab. This initiative represents a significant effort to foster sustainable economic growth and job creation in emerging markets. In his response to the appointment, Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote expressed his profound respect for this new role. He regards it as an esteemed opportunity to…

The Ongoing Struggle in Southern Somalia: Al-Shabab's Recent Gains In the ever-evolving landscape of conflict in Southern Somalia, the town of Wargaadhi has recently emerged as a focal point of contention. Amid escalating tension, Al-Shabab, the militant group with ties to Al-Qaeda, has claimed the seizure of Wargaadhi town and its military base. However, this declaration has been met with a resolute denial from the Somali government, igniting widespread speculation about the true state of control in the region. The reality…

In an encouraging turn of events, Nigeria has witnessed a remarkable 15.6 percent increase in its gas output month-on-month (MoM), reaching a substantial 227,931.65 million standard cubic feet (mscf) in March 2025. This surge not only highlights the nation's potential in natural gas production but also reflects the continued efforts towards enhancing the country's energy sector. When we step back to examine the year-on-year (YoY) data, the figures reveal a modest growth from the previous year, rising from 198,353.62 mscf in…

In recent developments from central Somalia, it has become glaringly evident that Al Shabaab, the extremist group that has long plagued the region, has made significant territorial gains. Their coordinated offensive has allowed them to reassert their influence across vital areas in Galgudud, Hiraan, and Mudug. This resurgence occurs amidst notable shifts in international security support for Somalia, with Turkey expanding its military commitments while U.S. involvement appears to be waning. A recent map released…

An Exciting Leap for Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector The recent commissioning of the Monarch Alloys Limited facility, which boasts cutting-edge 3LPE (three-layer polyethylene) and concrete weight coating capabilities, has captured the attention of industry leaders and stakeholders alike. Mr. Felix Ogbe, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), was quick to commend the leadership of Monarch Alloys Ltd for this significant achievement. It marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s…

In a surprising development that raises questions about governance and international relationships, Northeastern State's President Said Abdullahi Deni has seemingly transferred control of Bosaso Airport to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) without securing the necessary parliamentary approval. This move, shrouded in secrecy, has ignited a heated debate regarding Northeastern State's autonomy and its delicate ties with the federal Somali government. On March 5, satellite imagery uncovered a significant development: an…