West Africa

The Economic Impacts of Weak Currencies in Africa A weak currency can be likened to a house of cards—it may appear stable until the slightest disturbance brings it crashing down. For nations, the ramifications stretch beyond fluctuating exchange rates. A weak currency can undermine economic stability, erode investor confidence, and adversely affect the well-being of a nation's citizens. Have you ever wondered how essential currency stability is for a thriving economy? Take Zimbabwe, for instance. In April…

The Africa Carbon Support Facility: A Step Towards Sustainable Growth In a world increasingly aware of its environmental footprint, the Africa Carbon Support Facility (ACSF) emerges as a beacon of hope for African nations. Currently in its design phase, this initiative boasts two pivotal components aimed at reshaping the landscape of carbon trading on the continent. How can a simple concept like carbon credits catalyze monumental change? Let's dive deep into this transformative endeavor. The first component of ACSF is…

Exploring the World of Cybersecurity: Insights from Chigozie Ejeofobiri Q: Given your position at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation, what motivated your interest in tech and security? A: My fascination with technology has deep roots that trace back to my childhood in Nigeria. As a young boy, I was the kind of kid who couldn't resist taking apart radios, often ending up with a pile of parts and an even greater curiosity about how things functioned. I vividly remember attempting to build television…

TotalEnergies Divests Non-Operating Stake in Bonga Oil Field In a strategic move that reverberates through the oil industry, French energy powerhouse TotalEnergies formally announced on Thursday its decision to sell its 12.5% non-operating stake in Nigeria's renowned Bonga oil field. The deal, valued at $510 million, sees this asset transition to a Shell subsidiary—illustrating yet another significant chapter in the evolving story of energy production in Nigeria. This divestment, executed through TotalEnergies…

In the ever-evolving landscape of international relations, the significance of diplomacy cannot be overstated. Recently, North Western State of Somalia President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro made a noteworthy visit to Nairobi, Kenya, where he engaged with Kenyan President William Ruto. This meeting represents a crucial effort to fortify the ties between North Western State of Somalia and Kenya, echoing the sentiment of collaboration in an increasingly interconnected world. During his time in Nairobi, President Irro…

Today's announcement of the third cohort for the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship by CcHUB is nothing short of inspiring. It showcases a significant step toward inclusive innovation in education, with an impressive equal representation of male and female founders. This balance highlights the pivotal role women are playing in revolutionizing learning in Nigeria and throughout Africa. The inventive solutions put forth by these startups aim to bridge the critical gaps in education, empowering a brighter future for…

The State of Democracy in Somalia: A Tenuous Balance Recent conversations within Somalia's political landscape have ignited a sense of urgency among opposition leaders. They express concern that the Federal Government may be overstepping its bounds, a move that, if unchecked, could jeopardize the public's trust in the very foundation of democracy. Are we witnessing executive overreach that may blur the lines of accountability? During a recent summit, former Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Rooble…

Bribery in Ghana: Insights from the Governance Series Wave 1 Report In a sobering revelation from Ghana's recently released Governance Series Wave 1 Report, nearly one in five individuals, specifically 18.4%, who interacted with public officials over the past year admitted to offering bribes, predominantly in cash. This statistic not only sheds light on a pervasive issue but also challenges us to consider the broader implications of such behavior on society. This report is part of Ghana’s ambitious effort to assess its…

Somalia’s Electoral Commission Addresses Allegations of Coercion in Student Registration Mogadishu (AX) — In an unexpected turn of events, Somalia’s National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC) found itself dismissing accusations that it pressured university students to register for the Banadir Regional Council elections. The claims originated from opposition leaders, notably Abdirahman Abdishakur of the Wadajir Party and the former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed of Hizbul Islam. They…

A New Era for AfDB: Sidi Ould Tah Steps Up In a significant development for African finance, Sidi Ould Tah from Mauritania has been elected as the new President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group. This decision was made during the Bank’s Annual Meetings in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. As an observer of this pivotal moment, one might ask: what does this mean for the future of development in Africa? Stepping into this crucial role, Tah will inherit the leadership from outgoing…