West Africa

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) finds itself at a critical juncture, issuing a 21-day ultimatum aimed squarely at the federal government. The stakes are high, as the association threatens nationwide industrial action unless urgent attention is paid to pressing issues surrounding salaries, allowances, and overall welfare. When medical professionals raise their voices in unison, it is not just a flurry of words; it's a call for action that demands to be heard. Bala Audu, President of the NMA, recently expressed…

Thriving Startups: The Rise of African Innovation in 2025 In an exhilarating display of resilience and ambition, startups across Africa raised a remarkable $365 million in June 2025. This impressive figure not only marks the continent’s strongest funding month in nearly a year but also highlights a powerful narrative encapsulating the first half of 2025. New insights from Africa: The Big Deal reveal that African startups collectively secured a total of $1.35 billion in funding during H1 2025. This figure represents an…

In the face of rising crime rates, many African countries find themselves navigating turbulent waters. The ramifications of escalating criminal activity extend well beyond individual incidents, influencing economic viability, deterring investment, and ultimately eroding public confidence in governmental institutions. This intricate web of challenges calls for a deeper examination of the socio-economic landscape affected by crime. Consider, for instance, a country where the crime index is perceived as alarmingly…

Mogadishu Extends Heartfelt Condolences to Uganda After Helicopter Crash Mogadishu (AX) — In a poignant display of solidarity, the Somali government has issued sincere condolences to the people and leadership of Uganda following a tragic incident that unfolded in Mogadishu on Wednesday. A Ugandan military helicopter, part of the African Union Stabilization and Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), crashed while attempting to land at Aden Adde International Airport, resulting in the loss of five dedicated personnel. This…

In today’s increasingly connected world, expanding a business across borders is enticing but fraught with challenges. Founders and investors alike can easily get swept up in the buzz of international expansion, often overlooking a critical truth: what works 'anywhere' does not necessarily translate to 'everywhere.' It requires a blend of global vision paired with meticulous localized execution. As someone who has been on the front lines, navigating the intricate waters of West Africa's markets as Country Director and…

In recent years, the continent of Africa has faced significant challenges in economic growth, primarily due to losses that severely hinder foreign direct investment (FDI) and development assistance. This loss is more than a statistic; it resonates in the lives of millions who are deprived of essential resources necessary for infrastructure, healthcare, and education. The underlying culprits—illicit financial flows—are often driven by practices such as capital flight, tax evasion, and crimes ranging from money laundering to…

In a striking development for the global uranium market, French uranium miner Orano has raised alarms regarding its majority-owned joint venture, SOMAIR, in Niger. The company foresees an impending bankruptcy, a situation exacerbated by a year-long series of export restrictions enforced by Niger's military-led government. Niger, a nation that contributes around 4% to global uranium production, has historically been a vital supplier for Orano—a notable force in the nuclear energy sector. This relationship,…

Upcoming US-Africa Summit: A New Chapter in Relations The anticipation surrounding the upcoming summit in Washington is palpable, as media outlets such as Semafor and Africa Intelligence confirm that heads of state from several Western and Central African nations will convene for an important dialogue. This summit promises to tackle pressing issues like trade, regional security, and investment opportunities that could dramatically reshape U.S.-Africa relations. Among the notable attendees is former President…

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is set to examine Ghana's fourth review of its $3 billion Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme on July 7, 2025, in Washington, D.C. This meeting represents a critical moment for Ghana, as the outcome could have significant implications for the nation's economic trajectory. Ghana Meets All Conditions Ahead of Review Sources close to the proceedings indicate that Ghana has successfully met all conditions crucial for this upcoming review. This positions the…

Ghana's Inflation Trends: A Positive Shift Recent data from the Ghana Statistical Service indicates a significant decrease in annual inflation, which saw a sharp drop to 13.7% in June, a notable change from the preceding figure of 18.4% in May. This development marks the sixth consecutive month of decline and represents the lowest inflation rate recorded since late 2020. On the bustling streets of Accra, the cedi has held steady at 10.35 to the dollar as of 10:19 a.m. this morning. Observing the currency's…