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Insights from IMD's Smart Cities Index 2025 As we navigate the complexities of urban life, IMD's Smart Cities Index 2025 sheds light on the progress of cities worldwide, including those across the African continent. This year’s findings are a tapestry woven with remarkable strides and lingering obstacles. The landscape of African cities presents a curious paradox—a blend of innovation and stagnation. A Glimpse of Progress and Challenges At the forefront, Cairo shines as the…

In a recent statement, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif expressed serious concerns about an imminent military incursion by India following a tragic militant attack on tourists in Kashmir last week. This has heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations. The attack, which resulted in the loss of 26 lives, has sparked outrage across India, a predominantly Hindu nation, where there are increasing calls for action against Pakistan, a Muslim-majority neighbor. India has long accused Pakistan of…

Port of Berbera: Forging New Paths in Ethiopia-Somalia Relations Image: Port of Berbera in North Western State of Somalia’s breakaway region It is often said that political progress requires diplomacy as much as it needs determination. Demonstrating this complex dynamic, Ethiopia and Somalia have taken significant strides toward cooperation, breathing new life into regional stability narratives. The two countries have resolved to end their disputes surrounding North Western State…

In a multifaceted conflict characterized by deep-rooted tensions, Palestinian militant group Hamas has urged for heightened international pressure on Israel as both parties navigate the next stage of a fragile ceasefire. This distinct phase follows a complicated history marked by loss and sorrow. Negotiations commenced in Cairo, where mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States are engaged in what has been described as "intensive" discussions. These talks aim not only to extend the current truce but also to seek a…

In Mogadishu, work is bustling on the blueprint and bankroll strategies for the upcoming African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia, known as AUSSOM, set to replace ATMIS a mere three months down the line. The word on the street, according to an ATMIS announcement, is that talks sparked on September 24 when a combined crew from the AU/UN touched down in Mogadishu. With a hand from the Somali Federal Government, troop donors, and international pals, they're hustling to whip up a thorough report on the…

The High Court of Botswana has officially ruled that four out of five presidential hopefuls possess the necessary backing to vie for the nation's highest office, as stipulated by law. Among these contenders is Mokgweetsi Masisi, who is eyeing a second term in the presidency. Joining Masisi in this political contest are Duma Boko, the head of the opposition coalition known as the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC); Dumelang Saleshando, representing the Botswana Congress Party (BCP); and Mephato Reatile from the Botswana…

Aida Diarra, the bigwig behind Visa’s Sub-Saharan Africa division, couldn’t contain her excitement about the business tie-up. “Teaming up with UNDP Somalia lights us up as we aim to bring the digital age and financial services to every nook and cranny of the region. With our smarts in digital payments, we want to give Somali small business folks and underserved communities a real shot at economic strength and sustainable living," Diarra shared with palpable enthusiasm. Lionel Laurens, the go-to persona at UNDP Somalia, shed…

Ethiopian Forces Intensify Presence Near Somalia Border Amid Rising Strain MOGADISHU, Somalia - Recent reports reveal that Ethiopia has shifted additional troops to its frontier with Somalia, a development that many fear could exacerbate the already fragile situation in the Horn of Africa, a region grappling with significant instability and international concern. For nearly eight months, the Ethiopian and Somali governments have been at an impasse. Somalia accuses Ethiopia of violating its territorial integrity and…

Ten years ago, the national electricity company SNEL experimented with an advance payment system for network subscribers. This system was intended to solve the problems of consumer fraud and to replenish the corporate coffers. Is the experiment crucial? From our correspondent in Lubumbashi, In the Katuba municipality of Lubumbashi, the subscribers of the national electricity company SNEL have been consuming electrical energy in advance for one year. Before this period, invoicing was monthly and fixed, ie. almost $ 20.…

This Sunday, April 11, Chad will vote in the presidential election. Seven candidates are running, including President Idriss Déby, who has been in power for 30 years and is seeking a sixth term. Some polling stations have already opened this Saturday for soldiers and nomads who vote in advance. With our special correspondent…