Southern Africa

On the horizon, South Africans face yet another financial challenge. With already precarious economic conditions, the impending electricity price increase of 12.7% slated for April 1, 2025—dubbed "Fossil Fools' Day" by the environmental group Earthlife Africa—has sent shockwaves through households already struggling to make ends meet. When combined with the anticipated 0.5% hike in VAT, families will be forced to grapple with excruciating choices: Should they pay for electricity or for essentials like food and medicine?…

By Ali Musa, Axadle Times International – Monitoring Recently, an ambitious initiative unfolded, underscoring India's strategic outreach in the Indian Ocean. This initiative, aptly named the India-Africa Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME), captures both vision and ambition. One might ask, "Why this initiative and why now?" The reasons are manifold and deserve a deep dive. India has embarked on this program to assert its naval influence…

The recent joint summit between the Eastern African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) brought fresh hope for peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The gathering resulted in the establishment of an expanded panel tasked with spearheading peace initiatives in a region fraught with turmoil, following Angola’s withdrawal as a mediator. This strategic adjustment is vital, considering the DRC’s ongoing struggles. The revised panel features an impressive lineup of former leaders,…

The journey toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup is well underway, with Match Day 6 fast approaching. As several African national teams prepare to take the field, a mix of tension, excitement, and aspiration fills the air. With some teams striving to solidify their positions, others are desperate for a revival, hoping to breathe new life into their qualification dreams. Particularly intriguing this day are five matches that analysts suggest will be pivotal. One such encounter features Ghana, currently perched at the top of Group…

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has illuminated a promising pathway for Africa's energy landscape. Do you know what's intriguing? Solar photovoltaics (PV) and wind power have now become more cost-effective than traditional gas and coal in most African regions. Imagine a shift so significant that by 2030, these renewable sources could generate 27% of the continent's electricity. That’s almost a third, a promising leap towards a greener future. Fast forward to January 2025, and a daunting…

Cassava Technologies and Nvidia: Pioneering AI in Africa Have you ever wondered what it takes for a continent often overshadowed in tech innovations to take the global stage? Well, perhaps a blend of audacity and strategic partnerships might just do the trick. In an inspiring stride towards transforming Africa’s digital landscape, Cassava Technologies, under the visionary leadership of Zimbabwean telecoms mogul Strive Masiyiwa, is collaborating with Nvidia Corp. to lay the foundation for Africa’s very first…

In a world where the cost of travel can sometimes feel like an insurmountable barrier, the release of Skytrax's latest ranking for the world's best low-cost airlines in 2024 comes as a breath of fresh air. It celebrates those carriers that manage to strike the elusive balance between affordability and customer satisfaction, a feat many have attempted but few truly master. Leading the charge, once more, is Malaysia's very own AirAsia. This airline has consistently set the standard in the budget travel category,…

In the wake of Ebrahim Rasool's recent expulsion, President Cyril Ramaphosa finds himself at a pivotal crossroads, contemplating the appointment of South Africa's next ambassador to the United States. This decision carries significant weight in a time when diplomatic relations between the two nations remain fraught. President Ramaphosa is not rushing this choice. The stakes are high, and his deliberations reflect a profound understanding of the intricate dynamics at play. As Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for the…

In the tapestry of African politics, we see remarkable stories of individuals who step bravely into uncharted realms, grounds previously dominated by patriarchal legacies. Lucia Witbooi's recent appointment as Namibia's Vice President writes a new chapter in this evolving saga. She joins the ranks of formidable female leaders, following figures like Ghana’s Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who took office in a similar groundbreaking manner earlier this year. Traditionally, the political…

Football: Africa’s Cultural Canvas Football in Africa is akin to wind in the Sahara, omnipresent and unyielding. More than just a sport, it's a binding force that stitches communities together, telling tales of euphoria, despair, and patriotism. Gather around as we unravel the beauty nestled in this passion. Whether it's local derbies igniting age-old rivalries or international arenas throbbing with energy, the African love for football is profound. There's an electrifying enchantment that envelops the fans as…