West Africa

The Expat Insider 2024 survey has rolled back the curtain on the globe’s most budget-friendly havens for those living abroad, offering priceless insights through its thorough Personal Finance Index. This index drills down into three essential elements: the general cost of living, satisfaction with one’s personal finances, and whether the disposable household income supports a comfortable way of life. It's almost like having a financial roadmap for anyone looking to live abroad. Out of the gate, 53 unique…

(FILE) Al-Shabab fighters display weapons as they conduct military exercises in northern Mogadishu, Somalia, on Oct. 21, 2010. Ambassador Kelley, a voice of reason amidst the tumultuous landscape of international politics, once remarked, "We encourage dialogue between the Yemen and Al-Shabaab sanctions Panels ... to shed light on and ultimately sever the ties between the Houthis and Al-Shabaab." This statement, filled with optimism and determination, calls upon the global community to unite against an emerging threat that…

Summit in Abu Dhabi: Strengthening Bonds Between Nations In the heart of Abu Dhabi, a meeting of significance unfolded. The gateway that connects the Middle East with Africa grew wider as two leaders came together to discuss the future of their countries. The United Arab Emirates President, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, warmly welcomed Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud during a strategic working visit that took place on a serene Monday morning. The setting was nothing short of grand—a…

In what seems to be an intricate dance of negotiations, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has recently confirmed that discussions are underway for a fresh naira-for-crude agreement with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. This comes at a time when many Nigerians are anxiously holding their breath, following murmurs and yet-to-be-silenced rumors about potential hikes in petrol prices. Could these ongoing talks bring relief, or are they merely casting longer shadows of uncertainty over the…

FILE PHOTO Beledweyne (AX) – In the early morning hours of Tuesday, the usually bustling streets of Beledweyne echoed with the sounds of chaos as the Al-Shabaab terrorist faction launched a brazen and calculated siege on the Cairo Hotel. Nestled within Beledweyne's Howlwadaag neighborhood, the hotel became a not-so-innocent backdrop to a grim narrative, punctuated by a series of explosive car bombs and piercing gunfire. Imagine the bustling city, momentarily stilled by the sudden, violent eruption. Al-Shabaab's approach…

The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria Faces Visa Service Delays: Navigating Through System Glitches In a world where global mobility hinges on efficient visa processing, any disruption can feel monumental. The recent travails of the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, grappling with a partial system outage, leave many asking, "What next?" Imagine you're a hopeful traveler, suitcase packed with dreams of America, only to hear that the system facilitating your journey has hit a snag. This reality has been the experience of numerous…

Mogadishu (AX) – The winds of change are sweeping across Somalia’s economic landscape, spearheaded by promising news from the Somali Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Dahir Shire Mohamed. With a tone that mingles optimism and realism, the Minister has announced the near completion of oil exploration activities being conducted by a Turkish enterprise. This significant development may well place Somalia on the map of the world's oil producers by late this year or perhaps the onset of 2026, showcasing a daring leap…

Consider the story of Nigeria's car import market, a tale of numbers and nuanced human behaviors. Historically, Nigerians have had a voracious appetite for used vehicles. According to estimates, a significant portion of cars arriving on Nigeria's shores are, indeed, used ones. Why, you might ask? The answer lies in a confluence of economic dynamics, policy shifts, and consumer demand that sway as unpredictably as a Lagos breeze. Nigeria’s automobile lifeline spans continents. Cars pour in from the United States, Italy,…

Mogadishu (AX) – An air of resoluteness enveloped the Somali capital this Monday as Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre articulated a bold, challenging vision for the nation. With steadfast determination, he announced an impending, extraordinary military initiative aimed squarely at dismantling the stronghold of Al-Shabaab, that roguish insurgency plaguing the heart of Somalia. What makes this operation particularly significant is its timing—it is slated to unfold during the revered month of Ramadan, adding a layer of profound…

Somalia's Telecom Success: An Unexpected Tale of Innovation and Resilience In discussions about technological advancement and innovation, there’s one narrative that continually stands out as both surprising and inspiring: Somalia's telecommunications story. After all, how does a country, which has navigated the turbulent waters of lacking a functioning central government for over three decades, manage to architect one of Africa’s most sophisticated mobile networks? It’s counterintuitive, isn't it? What’s even…