West Africa

The bustling landscapes of Africa are witnessing a remarkable evolution. As mega shopping malls emerge, they are significantly redefining urban landscapes. These architectural marvels stand not just as buildings but as symbols of economic dynamism and lifestyle enhancement. From the southern tip of South Africa to the ever-vibrant streets of Nigeria, the vibrant marketplaces of Kenya, and the cultural hubs of Ghana, these retail powerhouses are not simply places for shopping. They are engines of economic…

Chaos and Courage: The Beledweyne Incident In the early light of Tuesday morning, a sense of tragedy befell the bustling town of Beledweyne, central Somalia. An assault by the notorious group al-Shabaab left a harrowing mark, as life's fragility unfolded with brutal clarity. The attack was marked by a cacophony of chaos—a relentless explosion, a car bomb that disrupted the morning tranquility. This violent prelude allowed militants to breach a local hotel, engaging security forces in an intense confrontation. A moment of…

A Look at Africa’s Wealthiest in 2025: A Journey of Growth and Fluctuation The year 2025, though still unfolding, has already brought some notable shifts in the financial landscapes of Africa’s wealthiest individuals. As we meander through this year, it begs us to ask: What forces drive the economic currents that propel and sometimes hinder the growth of fortunes? How do these changes reflect broader global trends? Globally, we've seen the tides shift with new political administrations, such as a new president in the…

Unraveling Somalia’s Battle with Al-Shabab "In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity." — Sun Tzu Somalia, a nation of rich cultural tapestry and formidable resilience, finds itself entrapped in the persistent grip of al-Shabab's violent insurgency. Recent events have once again thrust this East African nation into the global spotlight. Let us delve deeper and explore the intricate patterns in this volatile tapestry. The recent tragic assault on a hotel in central Somalia’s Beledweyne district…

Would you quiet your mind for a moment to ponder a fascinating development on the economic horizon? Nigeria's vibrant oil and gas sector, a linchpin of its economy, is drawing attention far beyond its borders. At the forefront of this attention are an astounding 74 Chinese enterprises, all set on a mission to invest, innovate, and invigorate. This movement was highlighted in a recent statement issued by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), stirring a crest of anticipation across both…

The Expat Insider 2024 survey has rolled back the curtain on the globe’s most budget-friendly havens for those living abroad, offering priceless insights through its thorough Personal Finance Index. This index drills down into three essential elements: the general cost of living, satisfaction with one’s personal finances, and whether the disposable household income supports a comfortable way of life. It's almost like having a financial roadmap for anyone looking to live abroad. Out of the gate, 53 unique…

(FILE) Al-Shabab fighters display weapons as they conduct military exercises in northern Mogadishu, Somalia, on Oct. 21, 2010. Ambassador Kelley, a voice of reason amidst the tumultuous landscape of international politics, once remarked, "We encourage dialogue between the Yemen and Al-Shabaab sanctions Panels ... to shed light on and ultimately sever the ties between the Houthis and Al-Shabaab." This statement, filled with optimism and determination, calls upon the global community to unite against an emerging threat that…

Summit in Abu Dhabi: Strengthening Bonds Between Nations In the heart of Abu Dhabi, a meeting of significance unfolded. The gateway that connects the Middle East with Africa grew wider as two leaders came together to discuss the future of their countries. The United Arab Emirates President, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, warmly welcomed Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud during a strategic working visit that took place on a serene Monday morning. The setting was nothing short of grand—a…

In what seems to be an intricate dance of negotiations, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has recently confirmed that discussions are underway for a fresh naira-for-crude agreement with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. This comes at a time when many Nigerians are anxiously holding their breath, following murmurs and yet-to-be-silenced rumors about potential hikes in petrol prices. Could these ongoing talks bring relief, or are they merely casting longer shadows of uncertainty over the…

FILE PHOTO Beledweyne (AX) – In the early morning hours of Tuesday, the usually bustling streets of Beledweyne echoed with the sounds of chaos as the Al-Shabaab terrorist faction launched a brazen and calculated siege on the Cairo Hotel. Nestled within Beledweyne's Howlwadaag neighborhood, the hotel became a not-so-innocent backdrop to a grim narrative, punctuated by a series of explosive car bombs and piercing gunfire. Imagine the bustling city, momentarily stilled by the sudden, violent eruption. Al-Shabaab's approach…