North Africa

From the dusty roads of Niger to the sprawling urban centers of its neighbors, a silent but significant change is unfolding—a new era of digital connectivity. You might wonder how a landlocked nation bordered by Libya and Nigeria becomes a talking point in a global tech narrative? It begins with a name that's become synonymous with space-age internet solutions—Starlink. Starlink, an ambitious venture by SpaceX, renowned for its pioneering work in space exploration, is now setting foot in…

In the vibrant and often tumultuous theater of international relations, arms imports have carved a significant niche. Behind this growth lurk geopolitical frictions, modern-day defense evolution, and security jitters that nations, large and small, seek to address. But what drives a nation to become a top importer of military might? Let us explore the data supplied by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) to unravel this enigma. Global Leaders in Arms Imports: A…

Civic space in Africa has become ground zero for a poignant tussle, drawing government entities, activists, and citizens into a conflict over essential freedoms. It's a vivid spectacle, showcasing courage and resilience on one side, and a draconian clampdown on liberties on the other. It beckons us to ask, what value do we place on our freedom of expression, and how far are we willing to go to protect it? While there are still beacons of steadfastness, countries that cling stubbornly to the ideals of…

When we delve into the realm of economics, one concept stands out as particularly enlightening: Purchasing Power Parity (PPP). This crucial economic metric enables economists, policymakers, and even curious minds like ours to unearth the real value of currencies by evaluating how much a standard basket of goods would cost across different nations. Essentially, PPP adjusts currencies to help us grasp the true worth of the monetary units by factoring in living cost differentials. Imagine it as a global price leveler, a…

Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring. In a groundbreaking moment for East Africa, Djibouti City celebrates an accomplishment that reverberates beyond its borders. For the first time, an East African representative, Sulayman Hassan Waaberi, takes a seat on FIFA’s Executive Committee. Elected in the vibrant city of Cairo, Waaberi's success shines a spotlight on a region that has historically watched from the sidelines of global football. Waaberi's four-year term marks a significant stride for East Africa,…

In the labyrinthine world of commerce, decisions often lead to myriad outcomes. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited recently made a pivotal choice, halting its innovative Naira-for-crude initiative. This development bears significant impacts on local refineries, not least because this initiative enabled transactions in the country's own currency—a bold strategy designed to mitigate complexities of foreign exchange. The decision to suspend the program emerged from reports…

Imagine a vast land teeming with unparalleled opportunities and challenges—a mosaic of cultures, resources, and vibrant economies. Welcome to Africa, the continent at the heart of Russia's expanding international trade canvas. In 2024, Russia's food shipments to Africa burgeoned to an impressive $7 billion, marking a nearly 20% rise compared to the previous year. Why this surge? What does this tell us about the evolving global trade dynamics? A publication from the Russian Export Centre (REC) painted a detailed picture:…

Lagos, a city pulsating with energy and ambition, has marked a monumental milestone, now ranking as Africa's second-largest economy, trailing only behind the bustling metropolis of Cairo, Egypt. Just pause for a moment to ponder this achievement. It isn't just a tale of numbers but a testimony to the relentless spirit that courses through the veins of Lagos. Reflecting on the first half of 2024, Lagos’s economy unveiled its remarkable resilience, with a staggering growth to ₦27.38 trillion, soaring from ₦19.65…

Somalia's Call for Peace and Dialogue in South Sudan Mogadishu (AX) – With the hum of technology bridging nations, the virtual realm played host to the 43rd Extraordinary Assembly of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), convened to address a crisis that sees no borders—the ongoing security and political turmoil in South Sudan. On Wednesday, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud turned the spotlight towards peace, once more affirming Somalia's unyielding dedication to regional tranquility. In this…

By the time you hear about an internet shutdown, the damage has often already set in, like ripples spreading across a pond. According to a report from the vigilant watchdogs at Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition, Africa saw an unsettling record of 21 internet shutdowns across 15 of its nations last year—a stark increase from the previous records of 19 in both 2020 and 2021. This begs the question: what compels governments to flip the switch in times of turmoil? Among the affected…