Eye on Africa

Have you ever wondered what sets apart the real trailblazers in the world of technology? It's not just about creating innovative gadgets, but truly understanding the heartbeat of the consumer. Meet realme, the mobile phone brand that has taken Africa by storm, becoming the continent’s fastest-growing mobile brand with a staggering 89% sales growth in 2024, as per Canalys. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a testament to realme's unique connection with consumers, particularly the vibrant youth.…

The Future Beckons: Somalia’s U-17 AFCON Journey Mogadishu (AX) — For Somalia's U-17 squad, the journey to the Africa Cup of Nations concluded in disappointment sooner than they had hoped. On a fateful Friday at Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi, Gambia delivered a decisive 5-1 victory, eliminating the Ocean Stars from the quest for glory. Earlier, Tunisia had handed them a 3-0 defeat, leaving Somalia with no points and firmly at the bottom of Group C. The harsh scoreline paints a picture of a team outmatched, yet it was…

On a seemingly ordinary Saturday morning, the tranquility in Mogadishu was abruptly shattered as smoke billowed ominously over parts of this sprawling city. Residents watched, bewildered and fearful, as mortar shells targeted areas teeming with life — notably, the vicinity of the National Theater, a cultural beacon that usually promises escapism and joy. Instead, on this fateful April 5th of 2025, it found itself at the heart of an unsettling scene. Mogadishu (AX) — Be it the pulsating heart of a city square or the serene…

In recent years, African music has taken the world by storm, resonating with diverse audiences and adding vibrancy to playlists across the globe. As these melodious waves reach the ears of millions, platforms like Spotify have become pivotal in spotlighting African talent. Consequently, artists from this richly diverse continent are reaping tangible rewards, holding checks from the Swedish music giant thanks to their unique contributions. Despite this success, Africa…

Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International – Monitoring In the bustling world of global fuel trade, have you ever wondered how far-reaching one company's influence can be? Let's explore the captivating journey of Dangote Refinery, a name that is becoming increasingly synonymous with innovation and reach in the international fuel markets. This story is not just about oil and numbers; it’s a reflection of strategic moves and resilience against the odds. The refinery’s products are now being exported to strategic…

Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring In the early afternoon hours of Saturday, a day that felt like any other, the air was heavy with anticipation among the Somali National Army as they diligently prepared for a new phase in their ongoing battle against extremism. Situated in the Ado-Diidible area, Lower Shabelle, the military’s collective focus was abruptly shattered by an act of violence. It was here that the life of a committed leader came to a sudden and tragic end. The commander of the esteemed…

Mogadishu – The political landscape of Somalia finds itself ensnared in a swirl of controversy as former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo voices strong opposition against the recent arrest of Abdirahman Suleyman Jama, head of the People's Political Organization. The Somali police took him into custody last Friday, marking a critical point in an ongoing political saga. Farmaajo, reflecting on this turn of events, has not been silent. "This arrest is a stark reflection of the political process and…

Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International – Monitoring There are places on this earth where the gentle, seemingly innocent grains of sand become an unstoppable force of nature, reshaping lives with an unyielding grip on the future. Imagine waking up one day to find that your steadfast ally in life—your home—is slowly being consumed, silently and unhurriedly, by shifting sand dunes. This is the stark reality of 150 families in the Midnimo settlement, north of Kismayo, in Somalia's Lower Juba…

Have you ever wondered what it takes to drive significant revenue growth in today's fast-paced financial world? At FCMB Group, the numbers speak for themselves. By the end of December 2024, the Group had recorded an impressive 53.9% increase in gross revenue, reaching a whopping N794.4 billion. This surge was largely powered by a remarkable 75.2% growth in interest income and a steady 8.7% rise in non-interest income. Even amidst the backdrop of high funding costs, net interest income grew by a solid 27.6%, bolstered by…

Africa, a continent rich in diversity and potential, has long been a focal point for global superpowers aiming to broaden their spheres of influence. Could this vibrant landscape, brimming with untapped resources and burgeoning markets, be the contemporary chessboard for international politics? Historically, Africa has captivated the interest of nations far beyond its own borders. From its vast reserves of natural wealth to its strategic geographic position, it presents a multitude of opportunities for those…