West Africa

Building Bridges: A Strategic Alliance in the Horn of Africa In a world where strategic partnerships often define the course of international relations, the recent diplomatic mission led by Abdelatty is noteworthy. It reflects an intent to weave stronger ties within the Horn of Africa amid a dynamic global landscape. But what does this mission really entail, and why does it matter? The backdrop to Abdelatty's mission was the burgeoning tripartite framework among Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia. Born…

Understanding the Tensions in Somalia's Political Landscape In the bustling yet soothing coastal atmosphere of Kismayo, a city that echoes both the whispers and roars of its political climate, a pivotal moment unfolded. Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe courageously announced the reasons behind his dramatic exit from a recent National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting, shedding light on the complex web of politics in Somalia. Imagine sitting in a room charged with the weight of decision-making—a gathering…

Mogadishu (AX): In the ever-tumultuous world of international diplomacy, intrigue is not uncommon. This week, Somali State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ali Mohamed Omar Balcad found himself at the center of a diplomatic sparring match. Allegations have surfaced from former Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble, accusing the ministry of hindering his diplomatic passport clearance, preventing a timely visit to South Africa. In a candid interview on Friday with a local television channel, Minister Balcad sought to clarify…

In a world where diplomatic gestures often speak louder than words, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), on a sunny Friday, extended a warm welcome to the encouraging diplomatic re-engagement between two pivotal African nations: Ethiopia and Somalia. This fresh air of diplomacy follows a notable visit by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to Mogadishu on Thursday—a move laden with both expectation and promise. Inside the venerable halls of Somalia’s presidential palace, a meeting of paramount…

In an age where global interconnections and regional stability dictate the nuances of diplomacy, Ethiopia and Somalia have embarked on a renewed journey, strengthening their bonds through a series of high-level exchanges. This blossoming relationship, as articulated by Ambassador Nebiat Getachew, the Spokesperson for Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, symbolizes a focused dedication to nurturing more profound geopolitical ties. This morning, Ambassador Nebiat convened a press briefing to navigate the complex landscape…

Bridging Stability and Innovation In the dynamic intersection where traditional finance meets the cutting-edge realm of blockchain technology, there lies a pivotal initiative: the integration of stability and innovation. Navigating this modern landscape is not just about technology; it’s also about compliance, responsibility, and opportunity. Enter eNsc, a pioneering Naira-pegged stablecoin that marries the time-tested trust of conventional finance with the agile efficiency of blockchain, operating within Nigeria's…

Changing Dynamics in Nigeria's Oil Sector: A New Chapter Initiated by Dangote Refinery In a move that underscores his prominence in the African economic landscape, Aliko Dangote has once again adjusted the ex-depot price of premium motor spirit, commonly known as petrol. Earlier this week, the Dangote refinery implemented a second noteworthy price reduction for February, now lowering costs from N890 to N825 per litre. Just a few weeks back, on February 1, we witnessed a similar trend when prices dropped by N60 per…

Unraveling the Thread: The Economic Impact of Clothing Prices The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is an economic concept many of us hear about, but few truly grasp. It consists of various elements, with food, clothing, and housing being the most significant. However, there are other interesting items on this list—recreation, health, and education, to name a few. My friend once said, "It’s like trying to balance plates on a stick—you’ve got to keep an eye on each one." Have you ever noticed…

In the vast, ever-evolving landscape of African economies, a quiet resilience often dominates the narrative. While major players like South Africa and Nigeria have been grappling with economic challenges and currency depreciation, Ghana, with its fortitude, presents a compelling case study in banking resilience. As the world turns its gaze towards West Africa, Ghanaian banks stand firm, holding strong Tier 1 capital positions that inspire confidence and stability. Performance of…

In a pointed discussion during the recent G20 gathering in South Africa, a coalition of former African heads of state convened to spotlight an urgent crisis: the escalating debt burden on the continent. United under the African Leaders' Debt Initiative, these seasoned leaders articulated a clarion call for "intensified international cooperation." But what does this cooperation truly entail? It begs the question: can the global financial structure be adjusted to genuinely uplift developing nations? The atmosphere during this…