West Africa

In 2014, a humble grassroots initiative took root with a vision: to empower smallholder farmers in Nigeria. This initiative blossomed into Johnvents, one of the nation’s most ambitious and integrated agribusiness companies. Recently, the company hosted a forum that served as a vital platform for connecting with stakeholders, vividly narrating a journey that has been marked by audacious moves, sustainable growth, and the cultivation of market credibility. During the forum, John Alamu, the Group Managing…

FILE - Former Somali National Army ground forces commander Gen. Mohamed Tahlil Bihi speaks during a media briefing in Mogadishu. Beledweyne (AX) — This week, a significant turn of events unfolded in central Hiiraan as Al-Shabab fighters seized the strategically vital town of Moqokori. This loss, as articulated by a former commander of the Somali National Army, is both a tactical setback and a profound psychological blow to the Hawadle clan militia, who have championed community resistance. General Mohamed Tahlil Bihi, a…

Dangote Refinery's Future: A Turning Point for Nigeria By the close of 2025, the Dangote refinery, a titan in Africa’s energy landscape, will pivot entirely to using Nigerian crude oil, as articulated by Devakumar Edwin, the Vice President of Dangote Industries. This journey toward self-sufficiency represents not merely a strategy for the refinery but a potential renaissance for Nigeria's oil sector. This ambitious refinery, boasting a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is owned…

Somalia's Defence Minister Addresses Troop Rumours: A Call for Clarity Mogadishu (AX) — In an atmosphere pulsating with tension and uncertainty, Somalia's Defence Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi stepped into the fray on Tuesday to firm up the government’s stance regarding swirling rumors about troop movements in the contentious northern regions of Sanaag and Sool. With an assured tone, he characterized these allegations as “baseless” and devoid of any substantive evidence. “We categorically…

Gambia's Lawmakers Reject Proposed Constitutional Amendment The proposed constitutional amendment in Gambia aimed at modifying the presidential term limit has faced a significant setback, as legislators have decisively rejected the initiative. This decision underscores the complexities of governance, particularly in a nation still navigating its democratic identity. So, what led to this striking rejection? A critical loophole within the bill raised alarms among lawmakers,…

In the heart of Mogadishu, a Somali mother stands with her child, seeking the help of a dedicated health worker at a clinic. This scene is emblematic of a growing crisis within Somalia’s healthcare system, particularly as medical staff sound the alarm over a severe shortage of vaccines. As international aid dwindles, the effects of this struggle become increasingly dire. According to health officials and aid agencies, over 300,000 Somali children are at risk of missing critical vaccinations this year. The U.S. government's…

Understanding Transfer Taxes in Africa: A Comprehensive Overview As we navigate through the evolving landscape of air travel in Africa, recent statistics from 2024 reveal a significant uptick: 42 African nations currently impose transfer taxes and fees on travelers, a notable increase from 35 in 2022. This surge occurs within the context of 52 countries examined. Why the sudden shift? What's really at stake for travelers? Transfer taxes, along with associated charges and fees, represent the costs incurred when a traveler…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent stop in Namibia, nestled between significant engagements in Brazil for the BRICS summit and a visit to Ghana, serves as a clear indication of New Delhi's intent to enhance strategic partnerships across Africa. With the continent increasingly taking center stage in global diplomacy, this visit underscores India’s broader multilateral agenda. During his visit to Ghana, PM Modi clinched a pivotal deal concerning the mining of rare earth minerals. This agreement is crucial, not just for…

The political landscape in North Western State of Somalia, particularly in contested areas such as SSC-Khatumo, is undergoing a profound transformation, one that is shaking the foundations of established leadership. At the center of this change is a fractured alliance among three once-united figures: President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, Waddani Party Chairman Hersi Ali Haji Hassan, and former Speaker of Parliament Abdirisak Khalif Ahmed. These leaders, who once shared a common vision under the reformist banner of…

Concerns Raised by Former Hirshabelle President on Al-Shabab's Resurgence Mogadishu (AX) — In a thought-provoking post shared earlier this week, former Hirshabelle President Mohamed Abdi Ware voiced urgent concerns about the current state of Somalia’s struggle against al-Shabab. As he noted, the focus of both the federal government and certain regional states seems to be drifting away, allowing the militant group to reclaim ground lost in the past few years. Are we losing sight of the bigger picture?…