Southern Africa

In the lively city of Marrakesh, Morocco, a grand spectacle awaits on April 12. Amidst the blend of ancient charm and modernity, a gathering of remarkable individuals emerges, each nominated for their exceptional contributions. These nominees stand tall, worthy of accolades that speak to their tireless dedication and groundbreaking achievements. The list is awe-inspiring, featuring His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the gracious host and revered ruler of Morocco; Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the dynamic Director-General of the World…

The recent decision to expel Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa's Ambassador to the U.S., has stirred considerable discussion about the nature of diplomacy and international relations. This action, taken by the Trump administration, follows comments the ambassador allegedly made during a meeting held in Johannesburg. Such events, which may seem to be just political maneuvers, often have far-reaching consequences. In a terse post on X (previously known as Twitter), U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that Rasool is "no…

Imagine waking up to find that your once-peaceful neighborhood is now a potential flashpoint for conflict—a reality that many residents in East Africa might soon face. Despite persistent calls for peace, the lingering disputes in the region threaten to transform into a broader conflict—particularly between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Recent developments suggest that Ethiopia and Eritrea, historical rivals, could be on the brink of yet another confrontation. It was only a couple of decades ago,…

In a landscape that's often as challenging as it is dynamic, FlySafair stands tall as a beacon of excellence for Africa in the world of aviation. This achievement, an impressive on-time performance (OTP) of 95.82%, hasn't gone unnoticed—becoming the only African airline on the prestigious global rankings. Can we imagine a future where a continent often underrepresented takes more significant strides in aviation? If FlySafair's journey is anything to go by, it's more than promising; it's possible. Global Leaders in…

From the dusty roads of Niger to the sprawling urban centers of its neighbors, a silent but significant change is unfolding—a new era of digital connectivity. You might wonder how a landlocked nation bordered by Libya and Nigeria becomes a talking point in a global tech narrative? It begins with a name that's become synonymous with space-age internet solutions—Starlink. Starlink, an ambitious venture by SpaceX, renowned for its pioneering work in space exploration, is now setting foot in…

Civic space in Africa has become ground zero for a poignant tussle, drawing government entities, activists, and citizens into a conflict over essential freedoms. It's a vivid spectacle, showcasing courage and resilience on one side, and a draconian clampdown on liberties on the other. It beckons us to ask, what value do we place on our freedom of expression, and how far are we willing to go to protect it? While there are still beacons of steadfastness, countries that cling stubbornly to the ideals of…

On a day marked by significant developments, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) made a compelling decision to conclude its military involvement in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). After years of complex engagement, this decision wasn’t just a moment in time; it was the culmination of extensive deliberations and strategic thought. The transition involves a thoughtful, gradual withdrawal of forces—an operation marked by its sensitivity and precision. As the SADC's communiqué succinctly…

It's a new dawn for journalism across Africa, at least according to the 2024 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). These indices reveal that some African nations are making commendable strides in promoting media freedom, a cause that has historically faced numerous hurdles on the continent. Notable improvements are being made in the realms of transparency, safety, and of course, the autonomy of media professionals—a true testament to the shifting tides of African journalism.…

When we delve into the realm of economics, one concept stands out as particularly enlightening: Purchasing Power Parity (PPP). This crucial economic metric enables economists, policymakers, and even curious minds like ours to unearth the real value of currencies by evaluating how much a standard basket of goods would cost across different nations. Essentially, PPP adjusts currencies to help us grasp the true worth of the monetary units by factoring in living cost differentials. Imagine it as a global price leveler, a…

Imagine a vast land teeming with unparalleled opportunities and challenges—a mosaic of cultures, resources, and vibrant economies. Welcome to Africa, the continent at the heart of Russia's expanding international trade canvas. In 2024, Russia's food shipments to Africa burgeoned to an impressive $7 billion, marking a nearly 20% rise compared to the previous year. Why this surge? What does this tell us about the evolving global trade dynamics? A publication from the Russian Export Centre (REC) painted a detailed picture:…