Southern Africa

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…

We all seem to chase happiness almost as if it's snow on a hot summer day, an uncanny endeavor, isn't it? As universal as this pursuit is, not every country provides an ideal canvas to paint a life of contentment and joy upon. Who wouldn’t want to dwell in a place that radiates happiness like a beacon? But, do such utopias even exist? Ah, the World Happiness Report! An annual affair that ranks nations, shining a spotlight on the ones dancing in joy while subtly nudging those grappling with…

Imagine a bustling marketplace where African businesses transact seamlessly with partners across the globe, free from the shackles of outdated financial systems. This vision, once seemingly utopian, is slowly morphing into the new reality, thanks to the dynamic duo of Bitcoin (BTC) and Tether (USDT) in trade payments. Challenges in Traditional Trade Payments The traditional landscape of international trade payments poses significant hurdles for African businesses, affecting competitiveness on the global stage.…

In a country that the sun seems to grace more often than not, Namibia is witnessing a new dawn as Nandi-Ndaitwah, at 72, steps in as the first female president. Sandwiched in the southwestern corner of Africa, Namibia stands on the precipice of a potential economic revolution, led by burgeoning oil and gas industries. Nandi-Ndaitwah's inauguration isn't just notable for adding one more name to the short list of female African leaders but serves as a beacon of the possibilities of what women can achieve on this vast,…

Imagine a world where communication is not just fast, but impossibly secure. Recent strides in science are ushering us towards this reality. A collaboration that truly stretches our imagination, and the boundaries of traditional communication, has scientists from China and South Africa working hand in hand. They've achieved a groundbreaking milestone—establishing the world’s longest intercontinental quantum satellite communication link, traversing a staggering 12,900 kilometers between the two countries. Just…