Central Africa

The Fragile Fabric of African Trade: AGOA at a Crossroads As the sun rises on the bustling markets of Nairobi and the vibrant streets of Johannesburg, a shadow looms over the economic prospects of sub-Saharan Africa. This unease derives not from the rhythmic dance of local entrepreneurs or the vibrant colors of fresh produce but from an evolving political landscape in Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump’s recent decisions to cut vital aid to Africa and impose new tariffs on exports have raised alarm bells, rekindling…

The Nigerian armed forces, as part of Operation Hadin Kai, recently dealt a significant blow to terrorist factions, obliterating over 35 militants in a series of precision airstrikes. This decisive action came on the heels of an attempted assault near the Nigeria-Cameroon border, where insurgents had convened in Kumshe, Borno State, ostensibly gearing up to target a Forward Operating Base manned by the elite 21 Special Armoured Brigade. According to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the militants had organized themselves into…

In Malawi, Dzaleka—the nation’s sole refugee settlement—has begun to receive financial support to alleviate the repercussions of the El Niño weather phenomenon. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of KfW Development Bank and the African Risk Capacity Group, these insurance payouts total nearly U.S.$408,000. This initiative came to fruition after the UN refugee agency in Malawi utilized the group’s innovative Replica program. Essentially, this program allows humanitarian organizations to secure insurance on behalf of…

According to reports from UN agencies, a staggering statistic reveals that one out of every four individuals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is grappling with severe hunger—a crisis that impacts approximately 25.6 million people. The ongoing turmoil in eastern DRC has thrown a wrench in crucial agricultural activities while stunting the development of necessary infrastructure. This predicament is a byproduct of evolving dynamics among various armed factions and struggles over resources, compounded by deeply…

Sudan’s football warriors have navigated the turbulent seas of civil conflict to secure their spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Despite the chaotic backdrop, they triumphed in a fiercely competitive final round of qualifiers, joining Benin in the journey to next year's illustrious tournament. Due to the unrest that began in April of the preceding year, Sudan’s domestic league has been on pause, forcing the national team to play their home games on neutral grounds, far from the cheering home crowd. With Libya and South…

World Toilet Day serves as a critical reminder of the pressing need for clean and safe toilets, particularly within Africa. The United Nations highlights a concerning reality— progress is lagging significantly behind in the race to meet the Sustainable Development Goal of providing "safe toilets for all by 2030." Currently, around 3.5 billion individuals across the globe are without access to basic sanitation. In various African nations such as Nigeria, Ethiopia, Niger, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burkina Faso, and…

Recent reports reveal that a significant number of Gabon’s 860,000 registered voters have chosen to support a new Constitution, which might mark an end to military governance, as disclosed by State Television. This important referendum has the potential to dismantle a political dynasty that the Bongo family has held onto for nearly six decades. The proposed Constitution is not just a piece of legislation; it embodies one of the key promises made by General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema following his seizure of power during…

A handful of nations have officially punched their tickets to the 35th edition of the renowned African Cup of Nations, all set to unfold in Morocco. Countries like Nigeria, Tunisia, South Africa, Uganda, and Equatorial Guinea stood tall during the intense fifth round of qualifying matches. In a dramatic turn of events, Nigeria's ace striker Victor Osimhen salvaged a point for the Super Eagles against Benin, leveling the score at 1-1 with a late equalizer. Remarkably, the three-time champions had already cemented their…

Let's dive into the latest from the Kenya Medical Research Institute, affectionately known as KEMRI, who is cooking up a storm with a fresh partnership. They're joining forces with Tonix Pharmaceuticals, an innovative biopharma outfit from across the pond in the U.S., to dish out a clinical trial for a brand-new mpox vaccine. Talk about global collaborations shaking things up! On a rather somber note, picture this: a beleaguered patient battling mpox is tended to in a hospital nestled on the periphery of Goma, North Kivu…

A collaborative effort among various firms has welcomed the arrival of the initial set of 275 container wagons, designed to boost the transport capabilities of the Lobito Corridor project. This ambitious railway initiative stretches from Angola's Lobito port, reaching into the Democratic Republic of Congo and extending to Zambia. Unveiled in 2023 as part of the G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, this corridor is backed by both the United States and the European Union. Once fully operational, it…