Eye on Africa

Mogadishu (AX) – On a warm Thursday afternoon, the bustling atmosphere of Adden Adde International Airport was tinged with anticipation as two prominent figures in Somali politics, former Prime Ministers Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke and Hassan Ali Khaire, touched down in Mogadishu. Their arrival is not just a mere homecoming; it's a signal of increasing political activity within the capital, as they prepare for an important opposition conference set to unfold in the coming days. The reception was marked by the presence of…

Seeds & Pennies: Transforming Finance with Community at Its Core In an exciting development, Seeds & Pennies has successfully capped a funding round with a remarkable influx of $425,000 (N680 million). This achievement is not just a number; it symbolizes a vibrant wave of investor confidence in their innovative, field-driven lending model. Over the past quarter alone, this dynamic lender has reported an impressive $625,000 (N1 billion) in collections while disbursing $500,000 (N800 million) in new loans. These…

The Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) have urgently appealed to lawmakers for increased funding to tackle the ongoing mpox outbreak. Currently, four active cases have been confirmed. This request emerged during a recent public hearing, where the House of Representatives invited health officials to shed light on the troubling resurgence of the disease. Dugbeh Chris Nyan, the head of NPHIL, emphasized the critical need for resources to enhance the institute's operations and…

Kenya's Universal Health Coverage Initiative: Progress Amidst Challenges On May 22, 2025, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale met with Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), amidst the poignant backdrop of the ongoing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program in Kenya. The program, envisioned to ensure that every citizen has access to quality and affordable healthcare without the burden of financial strain, has found itself in turbulent waters, facing both skepticism and…

The Future of BRICS and the U.S. Dollar: Insights from Brazil’s Central Bank The monetary landscape is a fascinating realm, full of intricate dynamics and shifting power balances. Recently, Nilton David, the Monetary Policy Director at Brazil’s Central Bank, shared his thoughts, shedding light on the BRICS nations and their ongoing relationship with the U.S. dollar. His insights spark a conversation worth having: Can emerging economies ever rival established financial titans? During a recent central bank webcast, David…

Kismayo (AX) – In a significant achievement for the Somali National Army, the elite Danab Commandos, in collaboration with the Jubbaland Dervish forces, have made substantial strides in the fight against extremism. On Thursday, the Federal Government announced that 48 al-Shabaab militants were killed during a vigorous two-day offensive in the Lower Juba region. As communities continue to grapple with security concerns, such efforts aim to restore a sense of safety and stability. The operation primarily focused on the…

The Visionary Legacy of Aliko Dangote and the Nigerian Economy The Nigerian government has recently made headlines for honoring billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote, commending him for his unwavering commitment to national development. This tribute notably accentuates the significance of the $19 billion Dangote Refinery, a monumental project that has implications far beyond its economic metrics. The narrative surrounding this commitment is as much about resilience and vision as it is about financial gain. At the Taraba…

Targeting Terrorism: A Significant Development in Somalia's Ongoing Battle Against Al-Shabaab In a significant development that underscores the complexities of the security landscape in Somalia, the nation’s security forces have reported the successful elimination of 45 al-Shabaab militants. Among the deceased was a high-ranking leader, notorious for orchestrating mortar attacks within the capital, Mogadishu, since the onset of 2023. The operations, primarily focused in the Hiran and Lower Shabelle regions, reflect a…

The Growing Humanitarian Landscape: Russia's Expanding Role in Africa In a significant gesture of support, the Russian Foreign Ministry has announced the dispatch of 709.5 tons of humanitarian aid to Burkina Faso, alongside an impressive commitment to supply up to 20,000 tons of wheat to Niger. This initiative forms a crucial part of a broader strategy aimed at reinforcing ties with the region’s military-led governments. The question arises: what are the implications of such actions in a complex geopolitical landscape? As…

At the recent 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, an impressive coalition of world leaders and philanthropic organizations came together, collectively pledging over $170 million to bolster the efforts of the World Health Organization (WHO). These contributions are not merely funds; they signify a commitment to global health at a time when it is desperately needed. This financial injection aligns with WHO's ongoing Investment Round, which supports its 14th General Programme of Work. This ambitious initiative aims to save…