East Africa

The Lobito Corridor Impact Development Platform: Fostering U.S.-Africa Cooperation The Lobito Corridor Impact Development Platform (LCID) is set to revolutionize cooperative efforts between the United States and Africa. By strategically investing in key sectors—agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, light industry, education, and digital inclusion—the initiative aspires to ignite economic growth and regional integration across Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Zambia. It’s not merely about numbers;…

The Human Cost of Climate Change: A Call to Action Amid the chaos of a flooded neighborhood in Wadajir district of Mogadishu, Somalia, a family navigates the turbulent waters that have engulfed their home. This heartbreaking scene symbolizes a much larger crisis—a crisis that has resulted in severe consequences for some of the world’s most vulnerable populations. Recent findings from The Independent reveal that extreme weather, driven by the climate crisis, has cost impoverished nations an alarming $156 billion (£116…

Ethiopia has recently reported its first confirmed cases of mpox, affecting a 21-day-old infant and the child's mother in the southern border town of Moyale. This alarming news was shared by health authorities on a Sunday that many will likely remember not just for its tranquil pace but for this significant health alert. The Ethiopian Ministry of Health, along with the Ethiopian Public Health Institute, has indicated that the virus was probably introduced from neighboring nations. It appears that the infant’s father, who…

Intensifying Brand Competition in Africa In the ever-changing landscape of mobile telecommunications, TRANSSION has maintained its dominance in Africa, boasting a 47% market share. However, it’s worth noting that this figure has dipped by 5% compared to the previous year. As veteran vendors steady their ships, new competitors are rising to the occasion, armed with innovations and savvy marketing strategies. Samsung captured 21% of the market, primarily thanks to its popular A-series phones, which continue to resonate…

Nairobi (AX) – On a bright Monday morning, North Western State of Somalia’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro embarked on a significant multi-day working visit to Nairobi. This trip, laden with promises of collaboration, aims to strengthen the bond between North Western State of Somalia and Kenya, while also engaging global stakeholders who hold a key interest in the region. Accompanying him is a distinguished delegation, a collective of leaders that includes the Minister of the Presidency, the Minister of…

Data-Driven Strategies at Absa: A Conversation with Hartnell Ndungi Managing data across diverse countries and markets can feel like trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle. It’s no small task. It takes not just vision but strong leadership to navigate these complexities effectively. This was a prominent theme during our conversation with Hartnell Ndungi, the Chief Data Officer at Absa—one of Africa’s largest banking institutions. In an era where data shapes industries, Absa is taking significant strides…

The latest Economic Survey, released by the Kenyan Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), has unveiled a modest yet significant growth of 2.4% in formal sector employment for the year 2024. This statistic reflects not just numbers, but the real lives of millions striving for stability and recognition in an ever-evolving job market. Intriguingly, the informal sector dominated this landscape, accounting for a staggering 83.6% of total employment, which translates to roughly 17.4 million individuals operating in various…

Ethiopia Shines Bright in FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Qualifiers In a remarkable display of skill and determination, the Ethiopian U-20 women’s football team has advanced to the second round of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. Their victory against Rwanda, marked by a resounding 4-0 scoreline, was nothing short of spectacular. The match unfolded at the Bahir Dar Stadium this afternoon, a venue that has become a fortress for the Ethiopian squad. Mesay Temesgen and Tourist Lemma opened the scoring, both…

The World Food Programme (WFP) has issued an urgent warning regarding the escalating food insecurity in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and its neighboring countries. As 2024 unfolds, the consequences of heightened violence are becoming increasingly dire. The long-standing conflict has dramatically intensified this year, with M23 rebels capturing key cities such as Goma in North Kivu and Bukavu in South Kivu. These developments have not only exacerbated the humanitarian crisis but have also…

Shifting Dynamics: UPDF Suspends Cooperation with Germany On May 25, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) made a significant announcement that sent ripples through diplomatic circles: they have suspended all defence and military cooperation with the Federal Republic of Germany. The catalyst? Allegations surrounding Germany's Ambassador to Uganda, Mathias Schauer. UPDF spokesperson Chris Magezi indicated that credible intelligence had surfaced, suggesting Ambassador Schauer's…