Southern Africa

In a poignant address that resonates deeply with the realities facing many Nigerians, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), recently sounded the alarm over Nigeria’s worsening economic landscape. His words serve not just as a critique but as a wake-up call: the average Nigerian is now grappling with an economic state that is, alarmingly, worse than it was at independence in 1960. Dr. Adesina's remarks were made during a keynote address at the 20th anniversary dinner of the…

The U.S. Department of Government Efficiency's Recent Decisions and Their Impact In a decisive step to optimize federal spending, the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has intensified its efforts to eliminate contracts deemed unnecessary or ineffective. Recently, it announced the termination of 401 contracts valued at a staggering $2.1 billion. These measures particularly affect various projects in African nations, illuminating a broader trend in U.S. foreign aid policy. In a recent statement…

In a recent interview with the American talk show host Sherri Shepherd, Senegalese-American singer Akon ignited a firestorm of debate when he asserted his instrumental role in the evolution of Afrobeats—a genre that has captivated audiences worldwide since its emergence in West Africa. Akon, known for his catchy hits and distinctive style, claimed that his early collaborations with Nigerian artists, including legends like Wizkid, PSquare, and D'banj, during the late 2000s helped pave the way for the vibrant sounds that now…

The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has taken a significant step by formally requesting the Senate to revoke the immunity of former president Joseph Kabila. Accusations against Kabila are grave; he stands accused of providing support to the M23 rebel group, a faction long entangled in conflict within the eastern regions of the country. President Félix Tshisekedi has leveled serious charges, describing Kabila's actions as a preparation for "an insurrection." This isn’t just political rhetoric; it…

Recent developments have cast a shadow over the Lesotho Health and Horticulture compact agreement, originally established in 2022 with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a prominent U.S. foreign aid agency. In a striking turn of events, reports indicate that this vital initiative may face closure, following the MCC’s disbandment under the previous Trump Administration. At the heart of this compact was an impressive $300 million investment—an endeavor designed to uplift nearly 2.5 million lives. Imagine the ripple…

On a notable day in South African finance, Minister Enoch Godongwana revealed that the 2025 Budget Review would be re-tabled on 21 May 2025. This decision came in the wake of National Treasury’s choice to retract a proposed 0.5% increase in Value Added Tax (VAT), initially scheduled to kick in on 1 May. Reflecting on the public and political discourse that erupted following the initial budget announcement made on 12 March, Godongwana stated, “This debate was rigorous, as is necessary in a healthy democracy.” Such…

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) finds itself at a pivotal juncture, as it seeks to lift the immunity of former President Joseph Kabila. This action, rooted in serious allegations of Kabila's support for the M23 rebel group, brings to light the complexities of a nation entrenched in conflict, particularly in its resource-rich eastern regions. One cannot help but wonder: what drives former leaders to align with insurgent groups, and what burdens do they carry when their past actions resurface? Justice Minister Constant…

In a decisive move aimed at ensuring public safety, a curfew has been instated in Okahandja, effective immediately. The president of the nation, Nandi-Ndaitwah, has taken to the airwaves to reassure citizens that security forces are fully engaged in restoring a sense of normalcy and safety. This isn't simply an administrative response; it’s a concerted effort to safeguard communities that have been on edge. Have we ever considered just how fragile our sense of security is? Too often, it takes a crisis for us to truly…

Economic freedom. At first glance, this term may conjure images of spreadsheets, policies, and perhaps even the dusty pages of an economic textbook. Yet, peel back the layers, and you'll find that it is far more than an academic concept. Economic freedom intricately weaves its way through our lives, influencing the jobs we can secure, the quality and variety of goods available for purchase, the education our children receive, and even the very air we breathe. The Index of Economic Freedom,…

In a significant development, Southern African troops have commenced their evacuation from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following a tumultuous period marked by conflict and casualties. This withdrawal comes in light of a harrowing January offensive launched by the M23 armed group, which has left a grim toll—a heartbreaking loss of 17 soldiers. The decision to retreat was made by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), reflecting the dire situation on the ground. The SADC Mission in the Democratic…