West Africa

In the vibrant and often tumultuous landscape of Nigerian politics, lawmakers have raised the bar on accountability and transparency, particularly concerning over a dozen non-profit organizations funded by foreign contributors, including USAID. These organizations are at the heart of a parliamentary inquiry aimed at dissecting their operations, the way they manage finances, and the tangible impact their initiatives have on the ground in Nigeria. As reported by Reuters, a decade's worth of tax…

The State of Ghanaian Consumers: A Call for Empowerment and Awareness In today's bustling marketplace, armed with technology and information transmitted at lightning speed, one presumes the modern consumer should be more informed than ever. Yet, a comprehensive report titled "The State of Ghanaian Consumers" reveals a disheartening reality. Conducted across the ten regions of Ghana, this survey engaged 1,795 individuals, uncovering shocking levels of consumer unawareness and a pervasive mistrust in systems…

UN and OIC Leaders Strongly Condemn Attack on Somali Presidential Convoy Mogadishu, known for both its beauty and complexity, became the stage of yet another tragic episode. On Tuesday, the calm was shattered by an attack on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's convoy. The assault in the heart of the city has drawn intense international attention and sparked statements of condemnation from global leaders. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, upon hearing of the harrowing events, expressed deep…

The digital landscape in Africa is evolving at a fascinating pace. A recent report by AppsFlyer, crafted in collaboration with Google, highlights a compelling trend: financial apps are not just making waves—they are reshaping the mobile app ecosystem across the continent. The Dominance of Financial Apps Let's take a journey through the bustling streets of technology evolution. Between 2023 and 2024, particularly in the first quarter, financial applications…

In a significant pivot, Dangote Refinery has announced a temporary halt to the sale of petroleum products in Naira. This decision appears to be a strategic move to sidestep the complexities arising from a disparity between revenues generated in Naira and the obligations tied to dollar-denominated purchases of crude oil, as reported by Premium Times. Without a doubt, this shift means that oil marketers will now be compelled to transact in dollars for crucial commodities, such as petrol and diesel. The implications are…

Mogadishu (AX) — On a balmy Thursday, the rhythmic hum of Mogadishu's vibrancy served as the backdrop for a crucial diplomatic assembly. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud welcomed a delegation from the United Arab Emirates, notably led by Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, the esteemed UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. This was not merely a meeting cloaked in the formal attire of diplomacy; it was an exchange enriched by deep-rooted history and shared visions.  In the fabled halls where Somalian leaders…

Understanding the Invisible Hands of Change Imagine waking up one morning—just like any other day—but with an unfamiliar sound, a kind of muted roar outside your window. As you stretch and pull back the curtains, a surreal sight unfolds before you: water, creeping ever so quietly, yet steadily, into the streets. What if I told you, for some people living in Africa's coastal cities, this is not a dream or a scene from a movie, but a real fear that could come true by the end of this century? The World Economic Forum has…

Mogadishu (AX) – Imagine the tension that permeates the air when a nation decides it's time to reclaim its peace. That's exactly the atmosphere that enveloped the Middle Shabelle region on Wednesday night. Tasked with a monumental endeavor, the brave warriors of the Somali National Army (SNA), with steadfast support from local allies, embarked on an ambitious ground and air offensive targeting the notorious Al-Shabaab militants. Their mission was clear and resolute: to seek out and dismantle militant hideouts, returning a…

World Cocoa Foundation (WCF), in collaboration with Palladium, recently orchestrated an inspiring gathering of industry stakeholders to pledge towards a sustainable cocoa production future. This noteworthy workshop heralded its commencement on March 12th in Akure, the capital of Ondo State. The occasion celebrated the inauguration of the Deforestation-Free Cocoa Initiative (DFCI), a significant stride toward preserving Nigeria's lush forests while revitalizing the age-old cocoa farming traditions. As…

Al-Shabaab Attacks in Lower Shabelle: An Unwavering Struggle In the early hours of Thursday, as dawn was just beginning to break over the horizon in Somalia, a significant incident unfolded. Al-Shabaab militants, known for their tenacity and ruthlessness, orchestrated a coordinated attack on Somali military bases located in the Sabiib and Anole areas near Afgoye, which lies in the volatile Lower Shabelle region. Eyewitness accounts and local sources…