West Africa

Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International – Monitoring There are places on this earth where the gentle, seemingly innocent grains of sand become an unstoppable force of nature, reshaping lives with an unyielding grip on the future. Imagine waking up one day to find that your steadfast ally in life—your home—is slowly being consumed, silently and unhurriedly, by shifting sand dunes. This is the stark reality of 150 families in the Midnimo settlement, north of Kismayo, in Somalia's Lower Juba…

Have you ever wondered what it takes to drive significant revenue growth in today's fast-paced financial world? At FCMB Group, the numbers speak for themselves. By the end of December 2024, the Group had recorded an impressive 53.9% increase in gross revenue, reaching a whopping N794.4 billion. This surge was largely powered by a remarkable 75.2% growth in interest income and a steady 8.7% rise in non-interest income. Even amidst the backdrop of high funding costs, net interest income grew by a solid 27.6%, bolstered by…

Africa, a continent rich in diversity and potential, has long been a focal point for global superpowers aiming to broaden their spheres of influence. Could this vibrant landscape, brimming with untapped resources and burgeoning markets, be the contemporary chessboard for international politics? Historically, Africa has captivated the interest of nations far beyond its own borders. From its vast reserves of natural wealth to its strategic geographic position, it presents a multitude of opportunities for those…

"The picture of diplomacy is constantly evolving," these words echo a sentiment that has stood the test of time. But today, they might ring particularly true as we witness some notable shifts in international alliances. At the forefront of this conversation is Russia, a nation that has taken decisive steps towards strengthening its presence in Africa. Last year, Sergey Lavrov, Russia's formidable Minister of Foreign Affairs, made an intriguing announcement. He…

In a vibrant dance of colors and commerce, Ethiopia has made significant strides in the global horticultural market. Speaking at the International Floriculture and Horticulture Trade Fair in Addis Ababa, Minister Girma Amente proudly announced that Ethiopia has garnered over 360 million U.S. dollars from horticultural exports in just the initial eight months of this fiscal year. Imagine a bustling exhibition hall, fragrant with the delicate aroma of freshly cut flowers. This is where, back in 2013, Addis Ababa…

Washington, DC – The ongoing saga between the United States and Iran unfurls like an intricate dance marked by caution, threats, and the occasional whisper of hope. The guiding force influenced by numerous geopolitical tensions is a complex machinery involving world powers and alliances, giving rise to the question: can dialogue triumph over discord? Donald Trump, known for his unorthodox approach to diplomacy, projects an optimism that may seem paradoxical amidst the hostile exchanges. In a display of hopeful resolve,…

Ghana, an enchanting land rich in culture and diversity, is witnessing a silver lining in its economic landscape. As the curtains drawn by its annual consumer inflation rate gradually lift, the spectacle of positive change is increasingly apparent. Over the past three months, the inflation rate has demonstrated a promising downward trajectory. Mar 2025 stands as a testament to this trend, with the inflation rate dipping to 22.4%, a subtle yet critical improvement from February’s 23.1%, according to meticulous…

Nigeria's Bold Stride into the World of Geospatial Excellence Imagine sitting in a room echoing with debates, discussions, and crackling excitement about Nigeria's leap into advanced geospatial technology. On a Thursday described as a monumental day at a 'one-day workshop on the use cases for exceptionally high-resolution drone images and street view data,' the stage was set for the Surveyor-General of the Federation, Abdulganiyu Adebomehin, to share Nigeria's ambitious journey into the technological future of smart…

Understanding the Persistent Threats: Pirates and Cruise Ships Imagine a serene cruise vacation turning into a scenario plucked from the pages of an adventure thriller. It's unsettling to even contemplate, isn't it? Yet history recounts moments when cruise ships found themselves under the menacing gaze of pirates. During a particularly audacious incident, passengers even resorted to throwing furniture in a bid to deter their attackers. Could this peril still lurk beneath the sunlit waves, and how do these magnificent…

Somalia's Proactive Stance on Curbing Irregular Migration Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring Mogadishu - In the heart of Somalia, a vital front has opened in the ongoing battle against human smuggling and illegal migration. The country’s Immigration and Citizenship Agency reported the prevention of 124 young men and women from leaving Somalia through unauthorized routes within the first quarter of 2025—a staggering number that reveals both a challenge and a hopeful direction for the nation’s future.…