East Africa

When navigating urban landscapes, it often feels as if we’re playing a complex game of chess against time—only to find ourselves frequently checkmated by relentless traffic. These cities consistently rank high on the traffic index, a measure that evaluates various factors including traffic volume, travel delays, and the inherent inefficiencies present within their road systems. Isn't it interesting to consider how something as routine as commuting can influence so many aspects of our daily lives? Traffic isn't…

Zimbabwe's Strategic Shift in Lithium Exports: A Bold Move Toward Local Processing Zambia is set to implement a significant change in its mineral export policy by banning the export of lithium concentrates starting January 2027. This decision, announced by Mines Minister Winston Chitando, is part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing local value addition within the mining sector. “With effect from January 2027, the export of lithium concentrates will no longer be allowed,” he stated during a press briefing in Harare.…

Unyielding Resolve: Kenya's Fight Against Terrorism October 2011 marked a significant chapter in Kenya's history as troops disembarked from military vehicles at the Kenya-Somalia border, embarking on a mission that tested their mettle. Fast forward to today, the stakes remain high as security officers from the anti-terror police unit demonstrated unwavering commitment during a recent operation in Mandera. On a fateful Monday, under the veil of darkness, a dedicated team from the elite Special Operations Group (SOG)…

In a tragic turn of events, the untimely death of Albert Ojwang, a Kenyan blogger, has sparked significant unrest throughout the nation. Allegations suggest he was murdered by the police, igniting protests both in the streets and on social media platforms where Kenyans voice their outrage and demand accountability from their leaders. According to a report by the BBC, an autopsy revealed that Ojwang's death was due to assault, contradicting police claims that he sustained fatal head injuries after colliding with a cell…

Recently, China has unveiled an ambitious initiative aimed at providing zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African countries that maintain diplomatic ties with it. This development represents a significant step towards deepening economic cooperation and positions China as a key player in trade and investment on the African continent. But as this partnership blossoms, it raises questions about the implications for regional relations and the global economic landscape. Notably, this offer does not extend to Eswatini,…

The U.S. and Rwanda's Ongoing Negotiations: A Push for Peace in the DRC Recent sources close to the diplomatic discussions have revealed significant U.S. pressure on Rwanda to halt its military activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This effort comes as the region continues to grapple with instability exacerbated by armed groups and foreign interventions. The stakes are high, as the lives of countless civilians hang in the balance. Isn't it unsettling to consider the…

In the ongoing tumult of international diplomacy, it's clear that the stakes are high for the Great Lakes region of Africa, particularly concerning the dynamics between the United States, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Sources close to the negotiations report that the U.S. is applying considerable pressure on Rwanda to halt its military operations in the DRC—an area historically destabilized by a patchwork of armed groups and foreign interventions. What lies at the heart of this intricate web of…

In an era where collaboration and diplomatic ties shape the geopolitical landscape, Kenya recently engaged in a strategic meeting with the government of Somalia. This dialogue unfolded during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), emphasizing the importance of fostering bilateral relationships between these two East African nations. On June 10, 2025, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, made an announcement that underscored the commitment of both nations…

Africa Soft Power Summit 2025: A Vision Unfolding The recent summit was an eye-opener, comprising two pivotal conferences: the Remarkable African Women's Leadership Conference and the Creative & Innovative Industries Conference, culminating in the prestigious Africa Soft Power Gala & Awards. Each segment offered profound insights that resonate with a diverse audience, charting a hopeful yet realistic path forward for the continent. “Africa's creative and tech sectors have already proven themselves to…

Zambia has embarked on a promising journey towards economic recovery, with projections indicating a growth rate of at least 6% this year. This significant expansion, the most robust since 2021, reflects the hopeful aspirations of many in the nation, as shared by Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane during a recent Bloomberg Africa Business Media Innovators conference. Musokotwane attributes this rebound to two pivotal factors: improved rainfall and a notable increase in copper production. Earlier in the year, he…