Southern Africa

Angola is stepping into an ambitious role, attempting to mediate the ongoing turmoil in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). The focus lies on facilitating direct negotiations between Kinshasa, the capital of DR Congo, and the M23 rebel group, which has recently captured significant territories. During a recent meeting held in Luanda, Angolan President João Lourenço unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at establishing dialogue between the warring factions. His commitment to fostering peace in the region cannot be…

In a significant development for African football, Patrice Motsepe, the prominent South African mining executive, has secured his position as the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for a second consecutive term, doing so without any opposition. This confirmation of his leadership signals both continuity and the potential for further progress within the organization. At 63, Motsepe stands as a notable figure not just in the realm of sports but also in business, with his family's trust owning Mamelodi…

In a dramatic twist of events, self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary Bushiri, welcome an unexpected chapter in their ongoing saga. As the leaders of the Enlightened Christian Gathering Church, they cultivated a prominent following in South Africa. However, the clouds of legal troubles have loomed ominously over their heads. Back in 2020, the couple made an audacious escape from South Africa, leaving behind a trail of serious allegations. Accusations of defrauding investors to the tune of R102 million…

The world's richest person and the president of the United States have become close political allies, with Musk calling himself "first buddy" following Trump's victory and donating more than $200 million toward pro-Trump super PACs. He's been seen by Trump's side often since the inauguration in January, and his official role at the White House is a "special government employee." Trump tasked Elon Musk with recommending cost cuts in the federal government, which are being made by the White House DOGE office. Since his…

Kenya and South Africa: Pioneers in Cashless Economy Transition In a world embracing digital convenience, Kenya and South Africa are staking their claim as leaders in transitioning towards cashless economies. This shift is bolstered by the widespread adoption of digital payment systems, mobile money, and contactless transactions. But what does this really mean for these nations, and could it signal the beginning of a worldwide trend? The global march towards a future where cash is a rare…

As we turn the page into 2024, the shadow of nuclear armament looms large, with approximately 12,100 nuclear warheads scattered across the globe. Remarkably, a staggering 90% of these are nestled within the arsenals of just two countries: the United States and Russia. Such statistics beg the question: how did we reach this point, and where should we go from here? Interestingly, though the Cold War saw zeniths of nuclear stockpiling, subsequent years have shown a decline. However, the relentless undercurrents of…

It is often said, "Youth is wasted on the young," but is that truly the case when it comes to wealth acquisition on the African continent? Paradoxically, despite Africa's vibrant young population, the upper echelons of wealth often belong to individuals well into their later years. Indeed, among Africa's billionaires, only a single individual falls below the age of 50. This discrepancy raises intriguing questions about the paths to wealth for the younger demographic in Africa. Perhaps the challenge lies in traditional…

Financial Independence in Africa: The Unique Journey of Three Nations Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International – Monitoring In a world where financial entanglements are often seen as inevitable, three African nations — Botswana, Libya, and Eritrea — have charted a distinct and arguably enviable path. According to data primarily sourced from the IMF's Financial Data and the ONE Campaign, these countries have never succumbed to…

Imagine holding a position that carries the weight of an entire continent’s hopes and dreams. Patrice Motsepe, Africa’s first black billionaire, shoulders exactly that responsibility. On a pivotal Wednesday in Cairo, he found himself re-elected unopposed as the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). It’s an indication of trust, perhaps even admiration, that speaks volumes: What drives such a man to continue this arduous journey? Motsepe’s leadership story with CAF began in 2021. It was under the…

The South African Parliament recently witnessed the unveiling of the 2025 Budget by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana. This moment was particularly significant, especially after an intensive round of deliberations among Cabinet ministers. In a surprising twist, the ministers decided to convene once more to evaluate a reworked budget, ultimately rejecting it due to its contentious proposal for a 2% increase in Value-Added Tax (VAT). The discussions were fraught, bringing to mind the age-old adage: "two heads are better than…