West Africa

Imagine a lively meeting hall in bustling Accra, where the air is thick with anticipation and the focus of many eyes rests on a single stage. Here, on February 20th, 2025, the nation's economic pillars convened to address a matter close to many hearts and wallets: the anointment of the National Daily Minimum Wage (NDMW) for 2025. This pivotal announcement took shape in a formal communiqué circulated by the National Tripartite Committee (NTC), a document signed by the very stakeholders who dictate the rhythm of Ghana's…

Malnutrition poses a formidable obstacle for many African countries. According to a recent UNICEF report, a staggering 64 million children across the continent—roughly one-third—are grappling with "severe food poverty." This dire situation is likely to escalate into "wasting," a perilous form of malnutrition that can have devastating consequences. How do we turn the tide on such a pervasive issue? At the forefront of this global conversation is the Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit 2025, scheduled to take place in Paris.…

In the tumultuous landscapes of northeastern Somalia lies a story unfolding across ridges and political corridors, where Northeastern State authorities have long pinpointed a perceived apathy from the federal government in the contentious war against ISIS. Within the rugged peaks of the Cal Miskaad mountains in the Bari region, these militants have found refuge, launching audacious attacks against both the valiant Northeastern State security forces and the innocent communities nestled within. Exasperation among Somali…

Inflation, a relentless specter haunting the African continent, burdens both individuals and enterprises. Though inflation is not unique to Africa, the continent's fragile economies, heavy import dependence, and capricious global influences exacerbate its impact manifold. This situation makes it exceedingly arduous for citizens to afford essentials and maintain business sustainability. But why does this happen with such intensity in Africa? Several factors contribute…

Recent findings emerging from a survey spearheaded by Afrobarometer in collaboration with local partners present compelling insights into public sentiment toward the judicial system in Liberia. The data reveals a notable rise in support for the court system, especially since the establishment of the Office for War and Economic Crimes by President Joseph Boakai. This favorable shift is particularly striking when juxtaposed with sentiments recorded in 2022. What might be driving this renewed faith in the judiciary? As we…

In an obscure corner of the world, far from the eye of most international media, the Al-Karrar office has metamorphosed into something more sinister—a financial command center crafted intricately for the Islamic State’s sprawling empire, extending its dark reach from Afghanistan to Mozambique. Picture a warren of clandestine activities where ancient hawala networks blur seamlessly with cutting-edge cryptocurrency transactions, a place surviving on the gritty art of extortion. Entire economies within these insurgent zones…

The Remarkable Gems: Ghana's Mineral Wealth Nestled in the heart of West Africa, Ghana is a symphony of cultural richness and natural resources. Yet, beneath this vibrant landscape lies something equally compelling—a treasure trove of minerals that contributes profoundly to the nation's economy. But, beyond mere numbers, what is the story told by these minerals? Let's delve into the geology of Ghana to uncover its most precious treasures. The Golden Triumph Who hasn't heard of Ghana's illustrious…

Mogadishu (AX) — It appears that the resilient and determined forces of Somalia, coupled with the valorous local militias, have once again made strides forward. On Friday, an intriguing ripple spread through the Middle Shabelle region as they reclaimed the pivotal towns of El Baraf and Miirtaqwa. These areas had fallen into the clutch of the Al-Shabaab militants, albeit fleetingly. Was this maneuver by Al-Shabaab a sign of desperation? Perhaps. The tides turned rapidly, and the towns now resound with a newfound hope,…

Mogadishu (AX) — At the crack of dawn, the stillness of El Baraf was shattered. You could feel the tension in the air, palpable and unnerving. Just days ago, the town fell into tumult when Al-Shabaab launched an overwhelming assault on the Somali National Army (SNA) and local militias. This was not just another battle. It was a turning point in a theater of conflict that many have come to accept as the norm. The Somali government, recognizing the gravity of the situation, has crafted a decisive response. Troops aren't…

The world's prosperity gap, a measure of the disparity between average incomes and a target of $25 per person per day, has stagnated ever since the pandemic began. Why, you might ask? The culprit seems to be a dual assault of dwindling economic growth and an uneven income distribution among countries. While it’s easy to blame this on external shocks, could it be a call for introspection on how intertwined our economies really are? Achievements are not made overnight. Here's a compelling statistic: between 1990…