West Africa

It's a new dawn for journalism across Africa, at least according to the 2024 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). These indices reveal that some African nations are making commendable strides in promoting media freedom, a cause that has historically faced numerous hurdles on the continent. Notable improvements are being made in the realms of transparency, safety, and of course, the autonomy of media professionals—a true testament to the shifting tides of African journalism.…

When we delve into the realm of economics, one concept stands out as particularly enlightening: Purchasing Power Parity (PPP). This crucial economic metric enables economists, policymakers, and even curious minds like ours to unearth the real value of currencies by evaluating how much a standard basket of goods would cost across different nations. Essentially, PPP adjusts currencies to help us grasp the true worth of the monetary units by factoring in living cost differentials. Imagine it as a global price leveler, a…

Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring. In a groundbreaking moment for East Africa, Djibouti City celebrates an accomplishment that reverberates beyond its borders. For the first time, an East African representative, Sulayman Hassan Waaberi, takes a seat on FIFA’s Executive Committee. Elected in the vibrant city of Cairo, Waaberi's success shines a spotlight on a region that has historically watched from the sidelines of global football. Waaberi's four-year term marks a significant stride for East Africa,…

It’s fascinating to witness the blossoming success of Tony Elumelu, a household name in Nigeria and across Africa. Currently estimated at a net worth of $2.15 billion by MoneyCentral, Elumelu has not only established himself as a formidable business titan but also as an inspiring figure. This astonishing figure makes one ponder, what sets him apart? Let's delve into the details. According to recent evaluations, this notable ascent comes primarily from his calculated investments and ownership stakes…

Garowe, Northeastern State – With the haunting toll of injustice echoing through its streets, the town of Garowe finds itself immersed in a story that is both sobering and stirring. A court in this regional capital recently sentenced a security guard to a four-year term in prison, accompanied by a $1,500 fine. His crime? The reprehensible assault of an eight-year-old Yemeni refugee, a child named Mohamed Adil Hussein. Envision, if you will, the vivid and unsettling video that circulated far and wide. It captured…

In the labyrinthine world of commerce, decisions often lead to myriad outcomes. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited recently made a pivotal choice, halting its innovative Naira-for-crude initiative. This development bears significant impacts on local refineries, not least because this initiative enabled transactions in the country's own currency—a bold strategy designed to mitigate complexities of foreign exchange. The decision to suspend the program emerged from reports…

North Western State of Somalia's Strategic Initiatives: Steering Towards a Promising Future In the bustling heart of Hargeisa, a city swiftly weaving its fabric of dreams, the Presidential Palace stands robust. There, on a quiet Wednesday, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, fondly referred to as Irro, orchestrated an essential gathering of North Western State of Somalia’s Cabinet. The agenda was dense, yet straightforward: evaluate national security, drive economic reforms, and breathe life into major developmental…

Imagine a vast land teeming with unparalleled opportunities and challenges—a mosaic of cultures, resources, and vibrant economies. Welcome to Africa, the continent at the heart of Russia's expanding international trade canvas. In 2024, Russia's food shipments to Africa burgeoned to an impressive $7 billion, marking a nearly 20% rise compared to the previous year. Why this surge? What does this tell us about the evolving global trade dynamics? A publication from the Russian Export Centre (REC) painted a detailed picture:…

In the rugged yet dynamic cityscape of Hargeisa, a new chapter in taxation has recently unfolded. The North Western State of Somalia government, keen on broadening its financial horizons, has introduced a sales tax policy that intriguingly touches the pulse of everyday life: mobile money transactions. Once constrained to a select few businesses, this 5% sales tax now meticulously extends its reach over mobile phone airtime, internet data packages, and internet services for homes and offices. Such a decision is not…

Lagos, a city pulsating with energy and ambition, has marked a monumental milestone, now ranking as Africa's second-largest economy, trailing only behind the bustling metropolis of Cairo, Egypt. Just pause for a moment to ponder this achievement. It isn't just a tale of numbers but a testimony to the relentless spirit that courses through the veins of Lagos. Reflecting on the first half of 2024, Lagos’s economy unveiled its remarkable resilience, with a staggering growth to ₦27.38 trillion, soaring from ₦19.65…