East Africa

The announcement that Nigeria has become a member of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) marks a pivotal moment in its economic journey. This welcome news was shared by Nigeria's Finance Minister and Economic Coordinator, Wale Edun, as he accepted the country's membership certificate from the EBRD delegation led by Heike Harmgart in Abuja. Entering this new chapter, one can't help but wonder how this might reshape Nigeria's economic landscape — can this membership stir the growth needed to…

Starlink: A Complex Interplay of Progress, Policy, and History Elon Musk is once again making waves, though this time it's not exclusively in the tech world. The billionaire's recent assertion that Starlink—the satellite internet enterprise of his company SpaceX—is being thwarted by South African law because he is "not Black," has stirred a hornet's nest. This provocative statement, delivered on Musk's social media platform X, has reignited debates about South Africa's intricate tapestry of business…

Friday, March 7, 2025 By Mohamed Rashid At the Zanzalima Camp for Internally Displaced People, volunteers toil diligently as they unload hefty 50-kilogram sacks of wheat flour, a part of an aid delivery from USAID dated December 17, 2021. This sight, while reassuring, also serves as a quiet testament to a nation grappling with its heavy reliance on foreign aid. Somalia, for decades, has found itself dependent on international assistance, primarily sourced from entities like USAID and myriad donor institutions. Although…

It's a well-worn narrative that most African economies lean heavily on farming, livestock rearing, and fishing. For many, these aren't just industries but are the heartbeats of a family's livelihood. Imagine the rhythms of life that these activities sustain across vast expanses of Africa—a continent rich in nature’s bounty and cultural vibrance. But have you ever pondered the weight these sectors bear in the larger economic context? Despite significant strides in technology and industry,…

The narrative of aid to Africa is undergoing a monumental shift. We find ourselves at a crossroads, where the often-discussed topic of aid dependence comes face-to-face with the harsh reality of aid cuts, particularly those announced by countries historically viewed as partners. Former Ghanaian President John Mahama sees this moment as Africa’s chance to pivot from reliance to resilience. A compelling notion, indeed, yet it provokes a fundamental question: Will Africa's leaders seize this moment of reckoning to shoulder more…

Understanding Global Population Trends In a world of ever-shifting paradigms, population dynamics play a crucial role in shaping the future. Various regions are experiencing contrasting population trends: while some face exponential growth, others grapple with declines that spark concerns regarding economic viability, labor market health, and the resilience of social welfare structures. Global Population Decline What underpins these demographic changes? A closer look reveals multifaceted…

Yasir Arman: A Sudanese Figure in the Eye of a Political Storm It seems that airports and border crossings have become unlikely stages for political theater in today’s world. Once again, the dissonance of international politics echoes through the hustle and bustle of an airport, this time in Nairobi. At the center of this fresh wave of diplomatic turbulence is Yasir Arman, a well-known Sudanese opposition leader firmly poised at an intersection of political intrigue. Yasir Arman, the man who heads the Sudan…

Across the vast and diverse landscapes of Africa, the specter of hunger casts a long shadow. It's a formidable challenge—one that sees millions of people grappling to secure enough food each day. Envision the plight of families who wake up each morning, unsure of their next meal. How did a continent so rich in resources find itself in such a predicament? Nations like Somalia, Chad, and Madagascar epitomize this struggle, confronting extreme levels of malnutrition and pervasive food shortages.…

Ethiopia, a large and diverse nation, is in pursuit of a goal many consider essential for its economic vision: a solid hold on maritime access. This aspiration took a noteworthy turn in 2023 when Ethiopia struck a deal with North Western State of Somalia, a self-declared republic. The deal, which found Ethiopia trading recognition of North Western State of Somalia's independence for a coveted 20-kilometer coastal stretch, soon sparked geopolitical unrest in the region. Not surprisingly, the course of this agreement has…

The Financial Pinnacle of Female Track and Field Athletes in 2025 In the swirling carousel of sports, track and field often finds itself overshadowed by the glitter of the NFL, tennis, and basketball realms. Yet, don't be fooled. Athletes in this domain are cleverly rerouting the financial flow into endorsements, sponsorships, prize money bonuses, and media appearances. This strategic maneuver turns the balance in their favor, offering them financial…