West Africa

Dangote Group: Leading Taxpayer in Nigeria Picture this: It's a typical bustling day in Lagos, vibrant and full of life, when the airwaves crackle with news that's bigger than the city's iconic bridges—Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) and its subsidiaries have done it again. They’ve announced a staggering tax remittance exceeding N402.3 billion for the year 2024. This announcement secures their place as Nigeria's highest taxpayer. During a thoughtful gathering with senior media…

Exploring the Path to Ethical Organ Transplantation: Nigeria's New Regulations In the tapestry of modern medicine, organ and tissue transplantation holds a significant place. Yet, it’s a field often shadowed by ethical dilemmas and stories of exploitation. Just this past Thursday, Nigeria made a bold stride forward, unveiling comprehensive guidelines designed to navigate these murky waters. Stepping into the spotlight, Health Minister Iziaq Adekunle…

Critical Reflections on Somalia's Current Challenges Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring Life often asks us tough questions, doesn’t it? Recently, in the realm of Somali politics, a significant debate has erupted centering on the leadership—or perceived lack thereof—of the Hirshabelle state. A senior adviser to Somalia's president, Mohamed Hassan Ibrahim Qoone, has fired pointed accusations at key officials in Hirshabelle. His critique cuts deep: they allegedly failed to step up…

It's a well-worn narrative that most African economies lean heavily on farming, livestock rearing, and fishing. For many, these aren't just industries but are the heartbeats of a family's livelihood. Imagine the rhythms of life that these activities sustain across vast expanses of Africa—a continent rich in nature’s bounty and cultural vibrance. But have you ever pondered the weight these sectors bear in the larger economic context? Despite significant strides in technology and industry,…

Mogadishu (Axadle Times International) — How does a government effectively challenge misinformation and terrorism? It's a question the Somali Council of Ministers has been grappling with under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister Salah Jama. On a pivotal Thursday, the Council reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying efforts to confront misinformation and disrupt networks believed to provide either direct or indirect support to terrorist entities. This strategic decision is part of a larger ambition to fortify national…

Canada and Ghana Forge New Paths in Aviation Cherished ideals of connectivity and progress gain momentum as Canada's Minister of Transport and Internal Trade, the Honourable Anita Anand, proclaimed an agreement set to redefine skies between Canada and Ghana. This accord grants wings to airlines from both nations, permitting them to operate scheduled passenger and cargo flights. Travel and trade are about to take flight in a whole new way. Increased Airline Flexibility and Competition Under the fresh…

The narrative of aid to Africa is undergoing a monumental shift. We find ourselves at a crossroads, where the often-discussed topic of aid dependence comes face-to-face with the harsh reality of aid cuts, particularly those announced by countries historically viewed as partners. Former Ghanaian President John Mahama sees this moment as Africa’s chance to pivot from reliance to resilience. A compelling notion, indeed, yet it provokes a fundamental question: Will Africa's leaders seize this moment of reckoning to shoulder more…

Understanding Global Population Trends In a world of ever-shifting paradigms, population dynamics play a crucial role in shaping the future. Various regions are experiencing contrasting population trends: while some face exponential growth, others grapple with declines that spark concerns regarding economic viability, labor market health, and the resilience of social welfare structures. Global Population Decline What underpins these demographic changes? A closer look reveals multifaceted…

A Call for Reform: An Incident Sparks Debate in North Western State of Somalia In a world increasingly shaped by the lens of a smartphone camera, actions and their consequences unfold before our very eyes, sometimes with alarming speed. Just recently, this was the case in Hargeisa, when a video surfaced showing a police officer—an enforcer of the law by profession—slapping a young woman. The video spread like wildfire, sparking outrage and disbelief among viewers and prompting the North Western State of Somalia police to…

Fostering Bonds: Nigeria and Russia's Defense and Energy Endeavors Recently, delegates from Nigeria and Russia have embarked on in-depth discussions aimed at extending an already existing defense pact between the two nations. What does this mean for the geopolitical landscape? Let's delve into the details. The Defense Dialogue: Strengthening Military Collaboration With tongues wagging, the Russian Deputy Minister of Defense, Yunus-bek Yevkurov,…