West Africa

Nigeria Fully Gazettes AfCFTA Commitments: A Pathway to Enhanced African Trade It was a seemingly understated announcement on a social platform, but behind those succinct words lay transformational implications for Africa’s largest economy. Recently, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat proudly announced via its official X (formerly Twitter) page: "Congratulations Nigeria! Thank you for bringing the AfCFTA trade agreement to life." This brief message symbolizes a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s trade…

Kenya Looks Toward Private Investors to Unlock Strategic Growth at Key Seaports In a move underscoring Kenya’s keen awareness of escalating competition along East Africa’s coastline, the government is turning decisively toward private investors. The goal? To boost the development and operation of two crucial ports—Mombasa and Lamu—positioning Kenya firmly as a maritime trade leader in a bustling, increasingly competitive region. Imagine for a moment the intricate hum of Mombasa port: containers swinging…

Africa Re partners with NEMA to Champion Disaster Risk Financing and Insurance in Abuja Workshop On a bright Wednesday morning in Abuja, something significant unfolded. Over seventy key stakeholders, including seasoned government officials, forward-thinking insurance experts, and dedicated development partners, gathered in one room. Their common goal: to fundamentally reshape Nigeria’s approach to disaster preparedness, mitigation, and response through strategic disaster financing and the active integration of insurance.…

Clan Unity and the Critical Battle Against Al-Shabaab: A Call for Solidarity Amidst Division When communities rise up together against a common enemy, victory feels within reach, even in the toughest of circumstances. However, what happens when unity falters? Can progress be sustained without the combined strength of every member of the larger family? These were precisely the heartfelt and impassioned questions voiced recently by Mohamed Jeyte, a respected leader within the Somali community. His words echo a palpable…

Navigating Safety: IMB Urges Continued Vigilance at Sea For sailors and maritime professionals around the world, the very thought of piracy calls forth a mixture of apprehension and preparedness. Oceans, vast and mysterious, can seem serene one day and perilous the next. With this unpredictable nature in mind, the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has recently underscored the importance of continued vigilance, particularly in shipping routes historically prone to piracy. Reflecting upon the latest…

African Rig Counts: Navigating Economic Stability and Growth For nations dependent on oil and gas, a bustling rig count isn't merely a number; it's a heartbeat, an indicator of economic vitality and optimism. In the dynamic landscape of global energy sectors, regions rich in resources—like those across Africa—often measure their economic pulse by the rhythm of rigs diligently tapping underground reservoirs. But what does a healthy rig count truly mean for these economies? Could it symbolize more than simply barrels and…

Somalia Embarks on Historic Voter Registration, Marking New Chapter in Democracy Mogadishu (AX) — On a warm Tuesday morning, history quietly unfolded in Mogadishu's bustling Shangani district, signaling a significant and long-awaited turning point for Somalia's democratic journey. For the first time in over half a century, hundreds of enthusiastic Somalis lined up patiently to take part in the country's inaugural voter registration campaign—a landmark step towards one-person, one-vote elections. The significance of this…

An Inspiring Encounter: Hanu Fejiro Reflects on Time Spent with Sir Richard Branson Have you ever met someone you admired deeply since childhood, someone whose life story not only shaped your thinking but also encouraged you to tread your own path with fearless ambition? Recently, Nigerian entrepreneur and innovator Hanu Fejiro experienced such a powerful encounter—spending quality time with legendary entrepreneur, Sir Richard Branson, on Necker Island, Branson’s spectacular private escape nestled in the clear waters of…

Somalia Takes a Historic Step Toward Democracy With First Voter Registration in Over Five Decades Tuesday marked a significant milestone for Somalia, as it commenced voter registration in the capital city, Mogadishu, for the first time in over half a century. This pivotal moment is a meaningful stride toward universal suffrage, as the nation gears up for presidential elections slated for 2026. In a country often associated with turbulent headlines, does this symbolic step represent a genuine shift toward greater…

Somalia’s Strategic Realignments: Stability or New Cold War in the Horn? Leaders of the Red SEE Alliance: Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki. From the bustling markets of Mogadishu to diplomatic hallways in Cairo and Addis Ababa—Somalia’s evolving security alignments are more than just regional posturing. According to a compelling new study, these partnerships are inadvertently fueling instability, increasing proxy tensions,…