West Africa

Strengthening Educational Ties: Guinea and Russia Unite for Academic Growth Kabèlè Soumah, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation of Guinea, recently shared exciting developments during a dialogue with representatives from Russia’s State Duma. What does this mean for the future of educational collaboration between these two nations? As Soumah detailed, discussions are progressing well, reflecting a solid foundation set by earlier engagements between Guinean and Russian officials.…

The Impact of Visa Restrictions on Senegal’s National Basketball Team: A Closer Look The recent visa bans introduced by the Trump administration have ignited a wave of discussions regarding immigration policy and its consequences. Most notably, Senegal’s national women’s basketball team found itself at the epicenter of this controversy when several of its members were denied entry to the United States, preventing their participation in a crucial training camp. As international borders become more tightly…

The Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, recently announced a significant spending cut at the Jubilee House. President John Dramani Mahama has decided to eliminate all paid television subscriptions, leading to an impressive monthly saving of GH₵120,000, roughly translating to $12,000. Such a move not only highlights a keen awareness of fiscal responsibility but also sets a precedent for public administration in Ghana. In an insightful interview with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC),…

In a significant ruling on Thursday, a Kenyan court delivered a stern sentence of 30 years each to two men involved in financing and enabling the harrowing attack on the DusitD2 luxury hotel complex in Nairobi back in 2019. This tragic incident, which claimed the lives of 21 individuals, serves as a painful reminder of ongoing threats in the region and the relentless struggle against terrorism. Hussein Mohamed Abdille Ali and Mohamed Abdi Ali, both citizens of Kenya, were found guilty of facilitating this brutal assault…

Ghana's Response to the Iran-Israel Conflict: A Diplomatic Journey On June 20, 2025, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa took to Facebook to inform the public about a significant evacuation effort involving Ghanaians residing in Iran. In a time of rising geopolitical tensions, his message resonated with urgency and reassurance: “So far, the first batch of Ghanaians in Iran have been evacuated to Turkey successfully. Our fellow nationals living in Israel will be evacuated shortly,” Mr. Ablakwa shared. This…

Kenya's 2025 Finance Law: A Complex Balancing Act On Thursday, Kenya's parliament took a significant step by voting in favor of this year's proposed finance law. This decision, echoing the echoes of past turmoil, reflects both cautious optimism and a commitment to safeguarding the privacy of taxpayers. The crux of the debate is not solely about numbers and fiscal policies; it's a matter of trust and transparency. Lawmakers strongly denied the Kenya Revenue Authority's (KRA) request for unrestricted access to personal…

Recent Developments at Nigeria's Visa Processing Center In an unexpected turn of events, the Nigerian Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has taken significant action against the Schengen visa processing center operated by TLScontact. This decision comes on the heels of overwhelming complaints from numerous Nigerian applicants. Many have expressed frustration, citing exorbitant fees, lengthy delays, and a glaring lack of clear communication regarding application procedures and refund…

Somalia Celebrates a Milestone in Education: The 12th Grade National Examination In a significant step forward for its education system, Somalia has successfully completed the 12th Grade National Examination for the 2024–2025 academic year. This accomplishment is a noteworthy part of the country's ongoing efforts to modernize and reform a sector that has faced numerous challenges over the years. According to the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Higher Education, a remarkable 39,382 students participated in the…

In a bold and significant move, Niger's government has announced its intention to nationalize the Somair uranium joint venture, currently under the management of the French nuclear fuel company, Orano. The announcement, made via an official statement that aired on national television, is not just a routine policy change; it's a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue—and, quite frankly, tension—between Niger and foreign stakeholders invested in its rich mineral resources. Tensions have been brewing for some time,…

The United Kingdom has renewed its commitment to the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS)—an initiative that aims to strengthen trade relationships with developing nations. This program, introduced in 2023, opens doors for Nigeria and 36 other African countries, allowing them to export over three thousand products with either no duties or significantly reduced tariffs. "Nigeria plays a pivotal role in the UK's aspirations for global trade," remarked British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery. He…