West Africa

In Ghana, the contentious anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, formally known as the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, has resurfaced with renewed vigor. Originally passed by Parliament in February 2024, the bill has yet to be enacted, but its implications loom large. It stipulates severe penalties, proposing prison terms of up to three years for engaging in same-sex relations and five years for promoting LGBTQ+ rights. The nation's Supreme Court recently dismissed attempts to block this legislation. Their ruling underscored…

POCO: Everything You Need, Nothing You Don’t Before we delve deeper, let’s tackle the question on many minds: What exactly is POCO? Born from Xiaomi Corporation's innovative dual-brand strategy, POCO has quickly transformed into an independent brand aimed at the youth demographic. Since its launch, it has ventured into an impressive 98 global markets, all the while adhering to its guiding philosophy: “Everything You Need, Nothing You Don’t.” This mantra encapsulates its commitment to providing essential features…

Political Tensions Escalate as Somali Lawmakers Call for Presidential Resignation Mogadishu (AX) – A significant development in the Somali political landscape has unfolded, as a robust bloc of 103 members from Somalia’s bicameral Federal Parliament has issued a striking joint statement. They are not just calling for change; they are demanding the resignation of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This bold move comes amid serious allegations, including gross constitutional violations, abuse of power, and a perceived…

A Transformative Force for Africa’s SMEs: The Role of TAG At the heart of a flourishing economy lies the capability to innovate and adapt, particularly in regions rich with potential like Africa. As Africa's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and creative sectors continue to evolve, there emerges a critical need for tailored support. Enter TAG, an independent advisory and investment management firm dedicated to empowering enterprises across the continent. TAG has positioned itself as an essential partner, not…

In a surprising turn of events, a U.S. court has dramatically scaled back a hefty $18 million defamation judgment awarded to Ghanaian investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, reducing it to a mere $500. This case originated from incendiary allegations made by former Ghanaian Member of Parliament, Kennedy Agyapong, who labeled Anas a "criminal" and insinuated his involvement in the tragic murder of fellow journalist Ahmed Suale. How did we arrive at such disparate figures? Agyapong's legal representation petitioned for…

In a recent address at the African CEO Forum 2025 held in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, President Cyril Ramaphosa sparked considerable discussion with his remarks regarding those who have fled South Africa. "Those people who have fled are not being persecuted. They are not being hounded. They are not being treated badly," he asserted, presenting a stark view on a deeply complex issue. What could lie beneath the surface of such claims? Perhaps it is worth examining the myriad experiences of those who feel forced to leave seeking…

Understanding GDP per capita growth isn't just about numbers; it's a window into the lived realities of a nation's populace. How many of us actually grasp what that growth means for an average citizen grappling with daily financial challenges? It serves as a vital indicator of whether economic advancements benefit all layers of society or if they remain ensnared by inflationary pressures, population surges, or stark inequalities. In the global landscape, some nations have seen their economic indicators trend…

Heartbreaking Reality for Children in Somalia: A Call for Action Mogadishu (AX) – Imagine a world where your child’s survival hinges on access to basic nutrition. For at least 55,000 children in Somalia, this dire situation is poised to worsen by June. The ongoing cuts to international aid are forcing Save the Children to shutter more than a quarter of its health and nutrition facilities across the nation. As the largest non-governmental provider of health and nutrition services for children in Somalia, Save the…

Guinea's Ambitious Mining Reforms: A Turning Point for National Development In a significant move, Guinea has embarked on a comprehensive reform initiative aimed at transforming its mining sector. This effort strives not only to rectify regulatory violations but also to enhance revenue collection and ensure that its vital mining activities align more closely with national development aspirations. The stakes are high, and the implications of this transformation could resonate throughout the nation. Recent…

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has sounded the alarm: a staggering number of individuals in West and Central Africa are grappling with unprecedented levels of hunger. Amidst a backdrop of armed conflict, widespread displacement, economic turmoil, and relentless extreme weather, the region teeters perilously on the edge of a humanitarian crisis. From June to August alone, over 36 million individuals faced challenges in meeting even their most basic food requirements. Alarmingly, projections indicate that this figure could…