Africa

Africa stands at a crossroads, one brimming with potential yet fraught with challenges. With the global landscape shifting rapidly, the call to adapt has never been more urgent. Professor Berhanu Nega, Ethiopia’s Education Minister, articulated this necessity eloquently during the closing ceremony of the Innovation Africa 2025 Summit, held in the heart of Addis Ababa last Wednesday. His words echoed through the hall: “Are we Africans going to continue down the same path as in the past, or will we confront this emerging…

Recent cuts to international funding, notably the stop-work orders imposed by the United States, have begun to take a heavy toll on humanitarian initiatives and local economies that depend heavily on aid operations. This predicament is exemplified by the situation in Maiduguri, Nigeria, as reported by The New Humanitarian. Often nicknamed the heart of aid efforts battling Boko Haram's relentless insurgency, Maiduguri has witnessed notable economic revival, significantly driven by the initiatives of non-governmental…

In a recent interview with the American talk show host Sherri Shepherd, Senegalese-American singer Akon ignited a firestorm of debate when he asserted his instrumental role in the evolution of Afrobeats—a genre that has captivated audiences worldwide since its emergence in West Africa. Akon, known for his catchy hits and distinctive style, claimed that his early collaborations with Nigerian artists, including legends like Wizkid, PSquare, and D'banj, during the late 2000s helped pave the way for the vibrant sounds that now…

The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has taken a significant step by formally requesting the Senate to revoke the immunity of former president Joseph Kabila. Accusations against Kabila are grave; he stands accused of providing support to the M23 rebel group, a faction long entangled in conflict within the eastern regions of the country. President Félix Tshisekedi has leveled serious charges, describing Kabila's actions as a preparation for "an insurrection." This isn’t just political rhetoric; it…

A remarkable operation, aptly named Operation Safe Wheels, unfolded in March 2025. Over the span of two weeks, twelve West African nations, including heavyweights like Ghana and Nigeria, came together to tackle a serious issue—vehicle theft. This collaborative effort resulted in the discovery of dozens of stolen vehicles, shining a bright light on a dark corner of the illegal trade economy. So far, this initiative has led to the seizure of more than 75 vehicles, marking a significant victory in the ongoing…

In a groundbreaking move, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has entered into a three-year partnership with Atlético de Madrid, establishing Visit Rwanda as the club's official sponsor until June 2028. This collaboration not only signifies a strategic alliance but also reflects Rwanda's vision as a prominent player on the global stage. Starting next season, the Visit Rwanda brand will prominently feature on Atlético’s training kits, match jerseys, and across the Metropolitano Stadium. Additionally, the branding will…

Recent developments have cast a shadow over the Lesotho Health and Horticulture compact agreement, originally established in 2022 with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a prominent U.S. foreign aid agency. In a striking turn of events, reports indicate that this vital initiative may face closure, following the MCC’s disbandment under the previous Trump Administration. At the heart of this compact was an impressive $300 million investment—an endeavor designed to uplift nearly 2.5 million lives. Imagine the ripple…

On a notable day in South African finance, Minister Enoch Godongwana revealed that the 2025 Budget Review would be re-tabled on 21 May 2025. This decision came in the wake of National Treasury’s choice to retract a proposed 0.5% increase in Value Added Tax (VAT), initially scheduled to kick in on 1 May. Reflecting on the public and political discourse that erupted following the initial budget announcement made on 12 March, Godongwana stated, “This debate was rigorous, as is necessary in a healthy democracy.” Such…

In a decisive move aimed at ensuring public safety, a curfew has been instated in Okahandja, effective immediately. The president of the nation, Nandi-Ndaitwah, has taken to the airwaves to reassure citizens that security forces are fully engaged in restoring a sense of normalcy and safety. This isn't simply an administrative response; it’s a concerted effort to safeguard communities that have been on edge. Have we ever considered just how fragile our sense of security is? Too often, it takes a crisis for us to truly…

In a significant political development, Mali’s military leader, General Assimi Goïta, has garnered the support of influential political allies, paving the way for his declaration as president for the next five years. This action is reminiscent of the recent decisions made by leaders in similarly governed nations, such as Niger and Burkina Faso. Together, these countries form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), all under military rule, creating a landscape that raises questions about democracy in the region. Earlier this…