North Africa

Mogadishu (AX) – On a significant Thursday, the Somali government took a bold step forward by repatriating 14 Somali youth who had found themselves in distressing circumstances while detained in Algeria. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation made this heartfelt announcement, reminding us of the complex realities facing those who seek a better life. This group consists of 11 young men and three young women, all of whom were apprehended while navigating one of the most treacherous and heavily…

When you think of iconic national airlines, names like Emirates and Qantas likely spring to mind. Emirates, with its glitzy branding and luxurious services, instantly conjures images of the United Arab Emirates, while Qantas proudly represents the spirit and ambition of Australia. These airlines are more than just airlines; they are symbols of national pride and identity. Yet, in stark contrast to these emblematic carriers, some African countries find themselves without a functional national airline. How does this absence…

Recent analysis reveals a troubling truth: African health systems are significantly reliant on U.S. aid. This dependency raises pressing concerns about the repercussions of sudden funding cuts on public health across the continent. With millions of lives at stake, the potential fallout from these financial shifts deserves our utmost attention. According to the Center for Global Development, the United States has played a pivotal role in maintaining global health supply chains, particularly through initiatives like the…

Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam: A Mixed Blessing The announcement came like a thunderclap in a quiet afternoon, as Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed revealed that the much-debated Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is now fully completed. According to Prime Minister Ahmed, a formal inauguration is set for September, a moment that many hope will mark a pivotal shift in Ethiopia's energy landscape. In a recent parliamentary address, Ahmed asserted confidently, “The project is now complete, and we are…

Embracing the Future: Africa's First AI Factory In an exciting development, the collaborative efforts of two visionaries, Zimbabwean entrepreneur Strive Masiyiwa and Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang, are paving the way for Africa's first AI factory. This landmark initiative, facilitated through Masiyiwa's Cassava Technologies and Huang's Nvidia, a powerhouse in the tech industry, is a significant stride toward revolutionizing the digital landscape of the continent. The heartbeat of this initiative is pulsating in…

In the recent survey conducted by Kearney, South Africa and Egypt emerged as the sole contenders from Africa in the rankings of emerging markets poised for foreign direct investment (FDI) confidence in 2025. This recognition not only highlights their potential but also places them on a global stage where investor interest is increasingly crucial. Notably, South Africa made remarkable strides by rising from 11th to 7th place in the global rankings, achieving an FDI confidence score of 1.48. This improvement…

Kenya's Cross-Border Cash Movement: Insights and Implications The latest Survey on Cross-Border Movement of Cash has shed light on a significant trend in Kenya's financial landscape. The report indicates that 15 commercial banks, representing an impressive 39.4% of all licensed banks in the country, are actively engaged in facilitating cash shipments across borders. It's fascinating to consider how interconnected our global economy truly is. Have you ever pondered where the physical cash you come into contact with…

Libya's Energy Sector Seeks Rebirth: A New Dawn on Exploration In a pivotal moment for Libya, a consortium of 37 international energy giants, including heavy-hitters like Chevron Corp. and TotalEnergies SE, is competing for exploration rights in what marks Libya's first energy tender since the tumultuous aftermath of the 2011 conflict. With aspirations to rejuvenate its oil sector, Libya is actively seeking foreign investments—and the stakes couldn't be higher. "It feels like a turning…

In a significant development for the global energy landscape, Chevron Corp. and TotalEnergies SE are among 37 international firms competing for exploration rights in Libya's inaugural energy tender since the upheaval in 2011. This tender represents an essential step for the North African nation as it endeavors to rejuvenate its faltering oil sector and attract valuable foreign investments. Other prominent players, including Eni SpA and ExxonMobil, have also shown interest, according to Massoud Seliman, the…

The waves of change in international relations often ebb and flow unpredictably. Just recently, Kenya and the United Kingdom took a significant leap forward in their partnership by introducing six additional flights each week between Nairobi and London. This initiative, championed by President William Ruto, aims to address ongoing challenges in both cargo transportation and passenger travel—challenges that have at times felt like insurmountable hurdles in the rapidly evolving landscape of global commerce. This agreement…