West Africa

In the bustling economic landscape of Angola, Sonangol, the nation's state-owned oil company, is entering a pivotal phase. They're deep in negotiations with both Chinese and European banks, aiming to bridge a $4.8 billion gap crucial for the Lobito refinery project. This initiative is not just a financial maneuver; it's a transformative leap towards energy independence. Imagine a refinery equipped to process a staggering 200,000 barrels of crude each day, reshaping Angola’s energy sector. According to Reuters, this…

The Reinstatement of International Aid: Balancing Acts and Humanitarian Needs In a world where the need for international aid is as pressing as ever, the decisions made by governments can ripple far and wide. Such decisions were recently brought to light regarding the reinstatement of four awards to the International Organization for Migration in the Pacific region. This change in course sheds light on a narrative filled with challenges, missteps, and eventual corrective action. Two sources with insider…

The Strategic Corridor: Enhancing Connections Between Ethiopia and North Western State of Somalia In the heart of the Horn of Africa, a transformative project is underway, promising to strengthen economic ties and foster community integration across this vibrant region. As Jigjiga's Mayor, Engineer Shafi Ahmed Maalin, eloquently pointed out, This is a vital route for Ethiopia and North Western State of Somalia and for strengthening economic cooperation across the Horn. Such infrastructural endeavors often raise a critical…

Reshaping Trade Pathways: Ghana's Strategic Move Beyond the U.S. Imagine a nation at a crossroads, one teetering on the brink of a dynamic change in its economic strategy. Ghana finds itself in such a scenario, striving to brace its economy against the turbulent waves of global trade shifts. The crux of the matter lies in diversification—or as the economic think tank IMANI Africa earnestly puts it, an "essential cushion" against the menacing tides of external trade shocks. Picture this:…

Celebrating Artistry: Saalax Sanaag's Triumph at the Africa Arts Entertainment Awards In a vibrant fusion of culture and celebration, Saalah Abdirisaq Mohamed, more popularly hailed as Saalax Sanaag, has ascended the ranks of African music stardom. At the 2025 Africa Arts Entertainment Awards in Nairobi, Kenya, Saalax won double accolades: Best Somali Artist and Most Dedicated Performer in East Africa. Is this recognition just another token, or does it herald a rebirth for Somali music on the international stage?…

Heroic Asylum Seeker Retains Hope in Germany In an inspiring twist of fate, a Somali asylum seeker whose bravery saved lives during a tragic knife attack in Germany's Aschaffenburg has been granted a reprieve from deportation. The Bavarian authorities made this announcement on Monday, marking a significant shift from previous declarations to deport him. At the heart of this story is Ahmed Odowaa, a 30-year-old Somali national who, on January 22, 2023, intervened in a chilling attack that claimed the lives of a…

An Emerging Hope for Governance: The National ID System in Somalia Imagine a world where accessing government services is as smooth as a gentle breeze, where identity verification is but a scan away. In Somalia, this vision is rapidly becoming a reality under the determined guidance of Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre. "A platform for development—politically, economically, and in terms of governance," Barre calls it, recognizing the national ID system as the cornerstone for modernizing governance, bolstering…

OX Delivers: Flat Pack Trucks Driving African Trade Let me introduce you to OX Delivers, an ambitious and pioneering British startup that has made significant strides in the world of electric mobility. The brilliance behind their enterprise lies in their creation of the world’s first flat-pack electric truck tailored specifically for the unique challenges of the Global South. But what truly sets OX Delivers apart is their novel "transport as a service" model—an idea that feels almost…

Recent analysis paints a sobering picture for policy makers in Ghana. Projected reforms aimed at alleviating the financial stress on its populace and businesses are estimated to drain the nation's coffers, leading to a revenue loss somewhere between GH¢5.5 billion and GH¢7.1 billion. But what does this mean for the nation's economic blackboard? While many acknowledge potential advantages in the short term, such as tax reductions on pivotal goods and services for low-income households, Professor Boadi,…

The Life and Legacy of General Shegow Ahmed Ali: A Reflection By Abukar AlbadriApril 9, 2025 The untimely passing of General Shegow Ahmed Ali has left a deep void and stirred waves of suspicion across our land. Surrounded by uncertainty, the circumstances of his arrest, prolonged detention, and ultimately unjust verdict have sparked widespread concern and skepticism. Was justice truly served? Or has it become another victim of power and prejudice? Beyond his military accomplishments, General Shegow was cherished as a…