Africa

During a recent meeting at the White House, President Donald Trump commended Liberian President Joseph Boakai for his remarkable command of the English language. This encounter, which also included leaders from five other African nations, showcased a moment of genuine appreciation. Trump expressed admiration, even inquiring about how Boakai honed his impressive language skills. Yet, beneath this seemingly innocent praise lies a deeper narrative that deserves scrutiny. Critics swiftly seized upon this incident, interpreting…

In a recent turn of events, opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi was handed a new sentence, compounding the over two decades of imprisonment he has already endured due to previous convictions, including money laundering. At the age of 84, Ghannouchi, along with 17 co-defendants, faced charges of "conspiring against state security." His legal team has vehemently contested these allegations, arguing that the trial lacked fundamental fairness. Since his detention in 2023, Ghannouchi has steadfastly refused to attend court…

Caster Semenya, South Africa's double Olympic champion in the 800 meters, has recently achieved a notable, if partial, legal victory. The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled that the Swiss Federal Supreme Court infringed upon her right to a fair hearing back in 2020. It’s a ruling that resonates deeply, not just in the realm of sports, but also within wider discussions about equity and the treatment of athletes. To put this into context, Semenya's fight isn't just about one race or one title; it's a quest for…

In a vibrant display of prowess on the continental stage, Mansur Abdullahi, the former team manager of Nigeria's Super Falcons, stands resolute in his belief. With a track record of success, the nine-time African champions are on the cusp of clinching their 10th title at the Women Africa Cup of Nations unfolding in Morocco. Having already triumphed over Tunisia, they now prepare for their pivotal match against Botswana. As the team gears up for their Wednesday evening clash at the Stade Olympique in Rabat, the intensity of…

In a remarkable turn of events, mixed communications have emerged from both the government of Liberia and the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia following the announcement of a staggering U.S.$1.8 billion deal with Ivanhoe Atlantic, a subsidiary of the prominent U.S. mining company High Power Exploration (HPX). On July 7, the embassy expressed optimism, asserting that the agreement could significantly bolster Liberia's economy. But how firm is that optimism? Just days later, Mines and Energy Minister Wilmont Paye cast a shadow over…

The Nigerian federal government has recently instituted a pivotal change in its education system by establishing the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions at 16. This significant development was announced by Education Minister Tunji Alausa during the 2025 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) meeting, a gathering that underscored the government's commitment to fostering educational access. Prior to this decision, the threshold was set at 18 years, a policy introduced by former minister Tahir…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has taken a firm stance against the recently imposed 30% tariff by U.S. President Donald Trump. He characterizes this decision as a "unilateral" action that lacks solid backing from trade data. Announced to take effect on August 1, this tariff highlights a peculiar dynamic, as South Africa is the only sub-Saharan nation singled out in Trump's proclamation. This distinction underscores a complicated and often strained relationship between the two leaders. In a letter addressed to Ramaphosa, Trump…

The Future of Mozambique’s Energy Landscape: A New Agreement with Samsung Heavy Industries In a significant leap forward for Mozambique's energy sector, an agreement has been signed with South Korea's Samsung Heavy Industries. This deal will pave the way for the delivery of an advanced Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) platform, designed to unlock the country’s bountiful offshore gas reserves. The implications of this agreement could be far-reaching—not just for Mozambique, but for global energy dynamics. According to…

The aviation landscape in Africa is demonstrating an encouraging recovery, as the continent's major airports report an impressive uptick in passenger traffic. This surge signifies not only a renewed enthusiasm for travel but also reflects an underlying economic resurgence and the re-establishment of global connectivity following the pandemic's disruptions. A pivotal driver behind this revival is the resurgence in tourism. Countries like Egypt, Morocco, and Kenya have seen substantial spikes in tourist arrivals.…

Understanding Trump's Tariff Decision on South Africa In a bold pivot, Washington has signaled a significant shift in its trade approach, raising critical questions about the long-standing economic ties between the United States and South Africa. This move, characterized by the imposition of a 30% tariff on South African imports, threatens to unravel decades of bilateral economic cooperation. How did we reach this tipping point, and what does it mean for both nations moving forward? Former President Trump justified his…