Africa

Strengthening Ties: World Bank's Visit to Somalia Mogadishu (AX) — On a significant note for Somalia's development journey, Dr. Zarau Wendeline, the World Bank Africa regional director, arrived in Mogadishu on Saturday. His two-day visit aimed to bolster collaboration with the Somali government and evaluate key developmental projects in progress. A moment of recognition was palpable as Dr. Wendeline stepped onto the tarmac of Aden Adde International Airport, warmly welcomed by Somalia’s Deputy Minister of Finance,…

South Africa's Military Withdrawal from the DRC: A Moment of Reflection In a recent announcement reported by Sputnik Afrique, South Africa’s Defence Minister, Angie Motshekga, warmly welcomed a contingent of 249 soldiers returning from duty in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Her words resonated with both pride and poignancy as she extolled their “unwavering patriotism” in one of the African continent’s most tumultuous zones. It brings to mind the dual nature of military service—intense duty and the…

The economic landscape of Africa continues to evolve, and one of the markers of this transformation is the Forbes Global 2000 ranking. In 2025, 17 African companies made it to this prestigious list. South Africa leads the charge with an impressive 14 entries, followed by Morocco with 2, and Egypt with 1. This strong representation is more than just numbers; it tells a story of ambition, resilience, and strategic growth against a backdrop of global challenges. According to Forbes, the 2025 Global 2000 companies…

Understanding the Recent Trends in the South African Stock Market Recent reports highlight a significant trend: nearly double the $1.9 billion in outflows recorded from early 2023 to early 2024 have left the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). As the Reuters report emphasized, this growing apprehension among investors is striking, particularly given that the JSE remains one of the world's top-performing markets in 2023. How do we reconcile this dichotomy? According to Bank of America, South African equities…

On June 9, an impressive ultra-large container vessel (ULCV), the MSC Rifaya, docked at Durban port, South Africa, making an unplanned stop for emergency repairs after its journey from Ashdod, Israel. This unexpected visit marked a significant moment in maritime logistics, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of South African shipping infrastructure. The MSC Rifaya, a colossal vessel nearly 400 meters in length, weighs over 200,000 metric tonnes. This immense ship holds a prominent place in the realm of…

Understanding China's Visa-Free Transit Policy: Implications for Africa China's recent implementation of its visa-free transit policy has turned heads—transforming the travel landscape for many while stirring controversy regarding its implications for Africa. The new policy, which permits a 10-day visa-free stay for travelers in transit, currently extends to 55 countries, yet conspicuously excludes all African nations. This exclusion raises eyebrows and prompts us to question the alignment of travel diplomacy with…

In recent times, the landscape of gold mining in Africa has been evolving rapidly, as nations across the continent actively seek to assert more control over their natural resources. This journey toward resource nationalism is gaining momentum, and Tanzania stands at the forefront of this movement. A significant policy decision has just been made, placing Tanzania alongside other African countries that are reevaluating their relationships with foreign mining companies. With rising global gold prices, this initiative…

New Direction for AFRICOM as Lt. Gen. Dagvin Anderson Takes Command In a significant shift for U.S. military strategy in Africa, President Donald Trump has officially announced the appointment of Air Force Lt. Gen. Dagvin R.M. Anderson as the next commander of U.S. Africa Command, or AFRICOM. This operational command holds a critical role in overseeing American military engagements and partnerships across much of the continent. What challenges will Anderson inherit, and how will he navigate the complex geopolitical…

In a chilling warning, labor unions have revealed that up to 20,000 jobs in Lesotho hang in the balance, driven by the looming threat of a staggering 50 percent tariff hike from the United States. This situation brings to mind George Bernard Shaw’s words: “Progress is impossible without change.” Yet, for many in Lesotho, change feels more daunting than progressive. Until the Trump administration's controversial imposition of new tariffs, Lesotho enjoyed duty-free status under the African Growth and Opportunity Act—an…

The enormous success of the television show "Suits" has illuminated a powerful truth: even the most traditional and seemingly mundane sectors can be transformed into captivating narratives when infused with emotional richness and cultural resonance. It’s amazing how a well-crafted story can bring depth and excitement to any industry, no matter how esoteric it may seem to outsiders. Fueled by my affection for "Suits," I was thrilled to discover that Heirs Insurance Group was pioneering Africa's inaugural…