Eye on Africa

Resurgence in Nigeria's Forex Markets: A Sign of Economic Optimism A notable turnaround is echoing through Nigeria's foreign exchange landscape. A recently observed uptick in the international usage of naira cards highlights a blossoming confidence that permeates the market. This shift can be attributed to a combination of pragmatic monetary policy reforms, a revival of bank initiatives, and a general enlivening of the economy. Engaging in cross-border transactions has become more accessible, allowing for smoother…

Recent developments in Burkina Faso have raised eyebrows both domestically and internationally, as the military government has enacted significant changes affecting foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs). In a notable decree, the government announced the withdrawal of operating licenses for four foreign NGOs and the suspension of two other associations. These decrees, attributed to a government minister, were formalized in mid-June. While the minister referenced specific breaches that justified the actions, the…

The Urgent Situation in Haiti: A Call for Action Port-au-Prince, January 18, 2025 – As the clock ticks down, with merely ten days left before the mandate of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti comes to an end, alarm bells are ringing among UN officials regarding the deepening crisis in this Caribbean nation. The stakes are incredibly high. If decisive actions aren’t taken to renew and fortify this crucial mission, particularly in support of the Kenya-led Multi-National Security Support (MSS) force, Haiti teeters on the brink…

**Mogadishu (AX)** — In a significant move towards enhancing stability in Somalia, the African Union (AU) has decided to extend the presence of Burundian troops for another six months. This extension is part of an overarching strategy aimed at reinforcing efforts against the militant group al-Shabaab while simultaneously supporting state-building initiatives in the tumultuous region. The decision was made during a virtual meeting held on Thursday, convened by the line ministers of AU member states who comprise the African…

Zimbabwe’s gold-backed currency, the ZiG, recently achieved a significant milestone by recording its largest single-day gain against the U.S. dollar in 2023. This remarkable change can be attributed to a surge in gold production alongside a bolstered reserve of foreign currency, reflecting a new chapter in Zimbabwe’s economic narrative. On Friday, the ZiG appreciated by 0.2%, trading at 26.89 per dollar. This shift was particularly noteworthy, considering it marked only the twelfth instance of the currency…

Strengthening Bonds: Somalia and South Africa's Diplomatic Dialogue Pretoria (AX) – On a notably sunny Friday afternoon, the serene atmosphere of Pretoria buzzed with enthusiasm as two prominent figures in international diplomacy came together for a pivotal meeting. Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, sat down with South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Ozzy Lamola. Their discussion was more than just another diplomatic gathering; it was…

Mogadishu (AX) — Strengthening International Support for AUSSOM The Somali government has once again placed a heartfelt call for robust international support to enhance the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). This appeal isn’t just about finance; it’s about fostering a sense of global responsibility toward stabilizing a nation that has faced significant challenges for decades. Sustained financial aid, along with long-term funding solutions, are not mere line items on a budget; they are…

In a recent press briefing that took place at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, the Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) and Executive Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Agribusiness and International Cooperation, Dr. Debo Akande, shared a wealth of insights regarding the state’s burgeoning agribusiness sector. As he commenced the Omituntun 2.0 Inter-Ministerial Briefing, a palpable sense of optimism filled the room. It was evident that the future of agribusiness in Oyo State is…

A Significant Step Towards Peace: The Rwanda-DRC Peace Deal The President of Rwanda recently made headlines with a candid statement regarding the ongoing negotiations with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Stating firmly that he won’t tolerate any deceptive maneuvers from his neighbors, he reflects a growing sentiment among leaders who yearn for stability in a turbulent region. But what does this mean for the peace deal brokered by the United States, and for the future of both nations? Last week, in a historic…

The Revival of Libya's Petroleum Sector: A New Era of Opportunities The landscape of global energy is shifting, and at the center of this transformation lies Libya, a North African country rich in oil and gas resources. Major players in the industry, including ExxonMobil, Chevron, TotalEnergies, and Eni, are beginning to take note of the country's revitalized petroleum sector. It's a change ripe with promise, both for Libya and for the international energy market. Recently, Masoud…