Southern Africa

In a significant move that reflects South Africa's strategic intentions, the government has unveiled a proposal to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States. This initiative is outlined in a ministerial statement signed by Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, the Minister in the Presidency. The plan aims for South Africa to acquire between 75 to 100 petajoules of LNG annually, positioning the nation as a growing player in the global energy landscape. Ntshavheni has expressed optimism about this deal, citing…

The Western Cape High Court delivered a harrowing verdict recently, sentencing Kelly Smith, the mother of six-year-old Joshlin, to life imprisonment. Alongside her, co-defendants Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn also received the same sentence. This chilling case took a tragic turn when Joshlin went missing from her home in Saldanha Bay in February 2024. In a poignant moment, the presiding judge ordered the names of all three convicts to be entered into the national Child Protection Register. This measure serves as a…

The Economic Impacts of Weak Currencies in Africa A weak currency can be likened to a house of cards—it may appear stable until the slightest disturbance brings it crashing down. For nations, the ramifications stretch beyond fluctuating exchange rates. A weak currency can undermine economic stability, erode investor confidence, and adversely affect the well-being of a nation's citizens. Have you ever wondered how essential currency stability is for a thriving economy? Take Zimbabwe, for instance. In April…

Exploring the World of Cybersecurity: Insights from Chigozie Ejeofobiri Q: Given your position at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation, what motivated your interest in tech and security? A: My fascination with technology has deep roots that trace back to my childhood in Nigeria. As a young boy, I was the kind of kid who couldn't resist taking apart radios, often ending up with a pile of parts and an even greater curiosity about how things functioned. I vividly remember attempting to build television…

Today's announcement of the third cohort for the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship by CcHUB is nothing short of inspiring. It showcases a significant step toward inclusive innovation in education, with an impressive equal representation of male and female founders. This balance highlights the pivotal role women are playing in revolutionizing learning in Nigeria and throughout Africa. The inventive solutions put forth by these startups aim to bridge the critical gaps in education, empowering a brighter future for…

A New Era for AfDB: Sidi Ould Tah Steps Up In a significant development for African finance, Sidi Ould Tah from Mauritania has been elected as the new President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group. This decision was made during the Bank’s Annual Meetings in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. As an observer of this pivotal moment, one might ask: what does this mean for the future of development in Africa? Stepping into this crucial role, Tah will inherit the leadership from outgoing…

When South Africa assumed the presidency of the Group of Twenty (G20) last year, it marked a pivotal moment for both the nation and the continent at large. The government initiated an ambitious year-long campaign, aiming not only to showcase South Africa's unique attributes but also to advocate for an African agenda on the global stage. As the world prepares for the G20 summit on November 22nd and 23rd, Johannesburg will host leaders from 19 of the largest economies, alongside representatives from the European Union and the…

The ambitious $31.4 million initiative spearheaded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to revitalize Lesotho's poultry industry has been abruptly terminated. This five-year endeavor, launched as part of the American Food for Progress program, aimed to cultivate a staggering 28,000 poultry enterprises across the nation, with projections to increase meat production by 40% and egg production by 30% by the year 2028. Yet, fewer than two years since its inception, the Sustainable Transformation of Enterprises…

Nigerian Diaspora Remittances: A Heartfelt Connection In the intricate tapestry of Nigeria’s economy, remittances from its diaspora serve as a vital thread, weaving together families and communities. These small, often modest sums sent back home effortlessly transcend mere financial transactions. They capture emotional ties, familial commitments, and the enduring spirit of togetherness. Take, for instance, the remarkable figure of $20.93 billion in remittances recorded in 2024. This five-year high tells a compelling…

Nigeria and South Africa: The Energy Landscape Shift Recent developments in Africa’s energy scene are hard to ignore, particularly when we consider Nigeria's evolution from being the continent's most significant petrol importer to approaching self-sufficiency in fuel production. For years, Nigeria, despite its status as one of Africa's largest crude oil producers, has struggled with heavy reliance on imported refined petroleum. What does this transformation mean for the national psyche? Could this be the moment…