Eye on Africa

Somalia's Journey: A New Chapter in Youth Football In the heartwarming backdrop of the 2023 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations in Algeria, Somalia carved an indelible mark on the tournament's history. By securing a 1-1 draw against Congo, they not only gained their first-ever point but also won the hearts of many who have been eagerly watching their progress. With such memories serving as a cornerstone, the Somali team's confidence is palpable as they prepare to face another challenging opponent. Reflecting on their…

In the rugged terrains skirting Qansahdheere town, within Somalia’s Bay region, a decisive military operation unfolded this past Tuesday. Southwest Darwish forces, renowned for their valiant efforts against insurrectionist factions, marked a noteworthy victory by neutralizing a high-ranking Al-Shabaab operative. This operation also led to the capture of a motorcycle laden with supplies, purportedly expropriated from local residents. The identity of the fallen militant remains cloaked in…

In today's fast-paced world, where business is continuously evolving, cash remains a significant force in South Africa. However, it's not just about the coins and notes you hold in your hand. The landscape of financing is lush with an array of options ripe for the picking. Have you ever considered the plethora of government grants that are just waiting for innovative businesses to apply? Not to mention, the digital loan ecosystem is expanding, making the process of securing a business loan in South Africa a more accessible…

Imagine this: you are an aspiring entrepreneur in South Africa, armed with a groundbreaking idea but lacking the necessary funds to lift your dream off the ground. The quest to secure financing brings you face-to-face with a longstanding barrier—conventional banks. According to McKinsey, some banks hold onto antiquated requirements. They insist that SMEs must have an existing relationship, either through lending or transactional banking, to even think about funding. Inevitably, this leaves newly minted businesses out in…

Bosaso (AX) – In a resolute sweep, Northeastern State security forces have made a significant breakthrough. After a decisive U.S. airstrike, more than ten remains of ISIS militants were unearthed, along with an arsenal of weapons and pivotal documents. This revelation came to light on a recent Monday, according to military insiders. The U.S. Africa Command (commonly known as AFRICOM), collaborated intricately with the Somali federal government. Their target? Extremist operatives nestled in the Togga Miraale sector of the…

President William Ruto's Anticipated Tour of Mt. Kenya: A Blend of Development and Diplomacy President William Ruto is preparing to embark on a significant five-day journey through the scenic Mt. Kenya region, commencing this Tuesday. The visit, featuring development projects valued at billions of shillings, marks his first official return to the area in nearly half a year. His tour will begin in the vibrant and strategically vital Laikipia County. It’s not uncommon for political journeys to stir up dialogue and,…

Al-Shabaab's Evolving Tactics Amidst Intensifying Pressures Recently, an intriguing development has emerged in the complex narrative of Al-Shabaab, a group that has cast a long shadow over Somalia's peace efforts. Notably absent this year are the public displays that once were a cornerstone of Al-Shabaab's propaganda machinery. It's a subtle yet profound shift, raising pressing questions about the group's current state and its capacity to project power. "In the face of tumultuous times, even the mighty must…

In a world where financial unpredictability has made many cautious, Morocco's latest move on the economic stage is nothing short of extraordinary. By venturing to raise at least €1.5 billion through dual tranches, the country is boldly showcasing its aptitude in governance and economic control. One cannot help but admire how Morocco consistently manages to attract European support by pricing its bonds more competitively than its Ba1/BB+ rating suggests. This inevitably sparks the question: How does Morocco continuously…

From the sun-drenched dunes of North Africa to the opulent skylines of the Gulf, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has woven an intricate tapestry of influence stretching across the Arab world and beyond. This ambitious choreography of power unfolded in the wake of the Arab Spring, which served as a stirring catalyst for such a significant shift. Earlier this month, tensions heightened as Sudan's government launched legal proceedings against the UAE, alleging “complicity in genocide” amidst the Sudanese civil…

The Group of Twenty, better known as the G20, includes some of the world's largest and most powerful economies. Comprising nations that collectively wield immense economic, political, and diplomatic influence, the G20 acts as a pivotal force in shaping global policies. But when dissecting this group and its interactions with Africa, the picture becomes intriguingly more complex than sheer financial transactions or ceremonious diplomatic handshakes. Why, you may wonder, does a G20 nation…