Africa

The recent passing of Edgar Lungu, former president of Zambia, at the age of 68, has ignited a tumult of emotions and disagreements regarding his funeral arrangements. This multifaceted situation has left many baffled, particularly as it highlights a broader narrative of division between his family, political party—the Patriotic Front (PF)—and the current government. At the core of the controversy is the location and nature of Lungu's final send-off. The government, seeking to honor his legacy with a state funeral at an…

DHL Group is making a substantial commitment to the future of healthcare in Africa and the Middle East by planning to invest approximately €500 million, which translates to about $575 million, in healthcare infrastructure over the next five years. This ambitious initiative seeks to cater to the ever-growing demand for medical logistics and services in these rapidly evolving markets. This strategic move is, in part, a response to the increasing influence of China in the region. As noted by Bloomberg, the demand…

The Land Convoy Soumoud, aimed at breaking the Gaza siege, has successfully arrived in the Libyan city of Zaouïa, situated approximately 50 kilometers west of Tripoli. From there, the journey continues to Egypt and ultimately toward the Rafah border crossing into the Gaza Strip. As the convoy crossed into Libyan territory, it was met with an overwhelming display of solidarity. Crowds gathered, their voices uniting in a chorus of support. Wael Nawar, the convoy's spokesperson, shared this uplifting moment with TAP,…

The Flourishing Grain Alliance: Russia and Egypt's Growing Partnership In a significant development in international trade dynamics, Russia has emerged as Egypt's leading grain supplier in 2024. The announcement from the Russian Ambassador to Cairo, Georgy Borisenko, has captured the attention of both economic analysts and agricultural experts alike. Russia’s export of over 10 million tons of wheat to Egypt not only marks a historic high for both nations, but it also sets a new precedent…

The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, has recently issued a stark warning: mpox remains a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This designation underlines the potential global threat posed by the disease, prompting urgent attention and action across nations. Dr. Ghebreyesus highlighted a troubling trend: an increase in mpox cases, particularly alarming is the recent spike in West Africa. “There is likely undetected transmission in countries beyond the…

Sarah Aderibigbe, known to the world as Ayra Starr, has made headlines once again. At the prestigious 25th annual BET Awards held at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, she walked away with the coveted title of Best International Act for 2025. Her victory was remarkable, especially when considering the formidable competition she faced. Among the nominees were notable names such as Tyla from South Africa, Rema representing Nigeria, and Black Sherif from Ghana. The list also included talents from across the globe, including…

The recent tumultuous weather has wreaked havoc in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, leaving behind a trail of destruction that no one anticipated. Over 80 homes have been obliterated, and more than 500 families are grappling with the aftermath. The chilling scenes painted by heavy snowfall, fierce winds, and violent hailstorms in KZN speak volumes about nature's unpredictable fury and its impact on fragile infrastructure. Power outages ripple through communities, leaving them in darkness and uncertainty. Meanwhile, the…

Africa Soft Power Summit 2025: A Vision Unfolding The recent summit was an eye-opener, comprising two pivotal conferences: the Remarkable African Women's Leadership Conference and the Creative & Innovative Industries Conference, culminating in the prestigious Africa Soft Power Gala & Awards. Each segment offered profound insights that resonate with a diverse audience, charting a hopeful yet realistic path forward for the continent. “Africa's creative and tech sectors have already proven themselves to…

The ongoing strike by nurses and midwives has effectively paralyzed the country's healthcare system, prompting urgent calls from the government for the striking professionals to "reconsider" their actions. This drastic move is not just about wages; it embodies deeper systemic frustrations that have simmered for years. Imagine waking up in an emergency room, only to find minimal staff and a mountain of unattended patients. Such is the reality now faced by many hospitals, where the very individuals who dedicate their lives…

The ongoing turmoil in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has given rise to a staggering humanitarian crisis, underscored by an alarming surge in sexual violence against women and children. Recent statistics reveal that over 67,000 cases of rape and sexual assault were documented in just the first quarter of 2025. How did we arrive at such a harrowing juncture? In this heart-wrenching context, nearly 500 incidents of sexual abuse are reported weekly, involving more than 150 children. The sheer numbers are not…