West Africa

What’s Driving This At present, Dangote’s refinery operates at an impressive capacity of about 85 percent, translating to 550,000 barrels per day from a potential 650,000. This makes it stand out as one of the largest single-train refineries in the world—a title that carries considerable weight in the industry. Why does size matter? A larger operation reduces the cost per barrel, and that’s just the beginning of the benefits. Pair this with the strategic introduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks, which…

In an age where geopolitics are increasingly interconnected, the situation unfolding in Ukraine reflects a remarkable evolution in foreign policy, especially as Kyiv seeks to extend its influence into African geopolitics. The ongoing war with Russia is not merely a regional conflict; it's taking on global implications, reshaping alliances, and sparking new initiatives across continents. Recently, speaking to Reuters, Maksym Subkh, Ukraine’s Special Representative for the Middle East and Africa, articulated a…

Opposition, Dissent, and the Tension in Somali Politics Mogadishu (AX) — In the bustling heart of Somalia's capital, a profound conflict is thrilling the political landscape. Dr. Mohamed Aden Koofi, the Secretary General of the Somali Salvation Forum, has made some striking accusations aimed directly at the federal government. In a time when unity is vital, how precarious is the balance between power and opposition? On Monday, in a press conference brimming with urgency, Koofi recounted an unsettling incident from his…

Mogadishu (AX) — On a notable Wednesday, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud convened a significant meeting at Villa Somalia, inviting esteemed figures from Somalia's political landscape, including former presidents, prime ministers, and parliamentary speakers. This gathering was not merely a formality; it represented a pivotal moment in defining Somalia’s political future. This assembly was part of the ongoing National Consultation Forum, an initiative designed to foster dialogue and build consensus on fundamental national…

Mogadishu (AX) — On a significant Tuesday, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud welcomed a delegation from the European External Action Service (EEAS), a meeting that took place within the historic walls of the Villa Somalia Presidential Palace in Mogadishu. Leading this delegation was Jonas Jonsson, the Director for Africa, whose experience and insights pave the way for constructive dialogue between Somalia and the European Union. The essence of this encounter centered around fortifying the multifaceted partnership shared…

Sierra Leone's President, Julius Maada Bio, recently ascended to the position of chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). With this new role, he sets his sights on reinstating constitutional order and fostering a more robust democratic framework across the region. Taking over from Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, who faced significant tribulations during his two terms, Bio steps into a complex landscape. Tinubu’s leadership was not without its hurdles. His tenure endured the strain of…

As we move deeper into 2025, an increasing number of African nations find themselves grappling with the weight of their financial commitments to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The road toward fiscal stability seems to be riddled with challenges that threaten both economic and social progress. In countries such as Ghana and Malawi, the solutions offered through IMF-supported programs have often manifested in painful austerity measures. These measures, while intended to stabilize economies in the long run, tend to…

Image source Somalia has reached a remarkable epoch in its economic narrative. On December 13, 2023, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank confirmed that Somalia had reached the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) completion point. This milestone facilitated a dramatic reduction of external debt, from a staggering 64 percent of GDP in 2018 to below 6 percent by the end of 2023—an accomplishment that translates to an impressive $4.5 billion in debt relief. The momentum didn't stop there. In early 2024,…

Africa's Defense Spending: A Strategic Imperative The necessity of enhancing defense budgets in African nations is becoming increasingly evident. Such investments will empower countries to bolster their military capabilities, safeguard national sovereignty, protect vital infrastructure, and uphold internal stability. In a continent grappling with numerous threats, both external and internal, the conversation around defense spending is not merely a fiscal one; it’s fundamentally tied to survival and resilience.…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a pivotal meeting on Tuesday, the Somali Minister of Defense, Ahmed Macalin Fiqi, engaged with the Chinese Ambassador to Somalia, Wang Yu, in the bustling capital city of Mogadishu. The primary focus of their discussion was a reinforced partnership in defense, particularly emphasizing collaborative efforts to counter the persistent threat posed by al-Shabab, a militant group with ties to al-Qaida. During the meeting, the dialogue flowed with an unmistakable urgency. Both leaders recognized the pressing…