West Africa

Struggles in Central Somalia: A Glimpse into the Lives of Families In a quiet corner of Dusamareb, Somalia, Mohamed Mahmoud Hussein stands in his metal workshop, gripped by the unsettling reality that his doors may soon close for good. His concern, however, stretches beyond the confines of his business; it envelops his family. Five of his children have faced expulsion from school due to unpaid fees, a heart-wrenching consequence of his current struggles. “I owe $150 at Waabari School, where my daughter was…

In an era defined by rapid technological change, few sectors have experienced as much upheaval as the financial technology (fintech) landscape. Recently, Paystack’s introduction of its peer-to-peer transfer app, Zap, has sparked a wave of scrutiny and concern regarding regulatory compliance. It prompts us to ask: how far can innovation go before it bumps into the walls of regulation? The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has raised alarms, asserting that Zap operates similarly to a digital wallet—an assertion that…

The world has been watching as vital health funds have faced interruptions, particularly in Africa, due to the turbulent political landscape in the United States following Donald Trump's election. This decision has put essential services at risk, leaving many vulnerable populations in dire straits. The chaos within the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has been a focal point of growing concern, and the stakes couldn't be higher. A recent report sheds light on the ramifications…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a development that has captured the attention of political observers, the much-anticipated National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting, initially set to commence Thursday in the heart of Mogadishu, has been postponed to Monday, May 5. This decision, reached after a series of consultations among the nation's leadership, underscores the complexities of the current political landscape. The Office of Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre issued a statement confirming that the decision to delay the meeting was…

“When we launched this conference five years ago, our vision was both simple and ambitious. We aimed to cultivate a space dedicated to open, honest, and forward-thinking dialogue about the realities of conducting business in Nigeria. Five years later, this mission remains steadfast at the core of our activities, and if anything, the need for such engagement has intensified.” These poignant remarks set a compelling tone for DBNC 2025, highlighting the vital necessity for businesses in Nigeria to not only endure…

Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote recently expressed his comfort regarding the implications of former President Donald Trump’s tariffs on his urea exports to the United States. His assessment provides a nuanced perspective on global trade dynamics, highlighting that his principal competitor, Algeria, faced an even steeper tariff. This is a timely reflection considering how international trade often feels like navigating a never-ending chess match, each move influencing the subsequent strategies of market players.…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant development within Somalia's political arena, Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur, known commonly as Aden Madoobe, the Speaker of the Somali Lower House, has made a decisive move to postpone the participation of four federal cabinet ministers from attending upcoming sessions of the House of the People. This decision stems from serious security concerns following an alarming incident in Parliament that has captured the attention of lawmakers and citizens alike. On Thursday, Speaker Madoobe publicly…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a tumultuous scene that echoed through the halls of Somalia's parliament, prominent opposition figures including former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, and MP Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame have spoken out vehemently against the violent altercation that unfolded during Wednesday’s session of the House of the People. Their unified stance not only highlights the gravity of the situation but also emphasizes the urgent need for integrity within Somalia’s political…

In a decisive move aimed at ensuring public safety, a curfew has been instated in Okahandja, effective immediately. The president of the nation, Nandi-Ndaitwah, has taken to the airwaves to reassure citizens that security forces are fully engaged in restoring a sense of normalcy and safety. This isn't simply an administrative response; it’s a concerted effort to safeguard communities that have been on edge. Have we ever considered just how fragile our sense of security is? Too often, it takes a crisis for us to truly…

Mogadishu (AX) — On Thursday, Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur Madoobe, the Speaker of Somalia’s Lower House, embarked on a significant journey to Algeria. He is set to participate in the forthcoming Arab Parliament Speakers Summit. This event promises a convergence of legislative leaders from across the Arab world, offering a platform for dialogue on pressing issues such as regional cooperation and the alignment of legislative frameworks. Yet, amidst this important diplomatic undertaking, Somalia finds itself in a tumultuous…