African

How Purchasing Power Shapes Lives in African Cities The quality of life experienced by individuals and families significantly improves when they have access to essential services such as housing, healthcare, education, reliable transportation, and leisure activities. Yet, what does it take to create and sustain such a quality of life? This question is especially relevant in the context of African cities, where economic conditions are evolving rapidly. In cities across Africa, families that manage to attain a higher…

In recent years, Kenya has steadily positioned itself as a pivotal transit hub for gold trafficking, particularly from African nations grappling with instability and governance challenges. According to a comprehensive report released by SwissAid, a non-governmental organization dedicated to resource justice and development, the intricacies of this illicit trade reveal a pressing need for deeper scrutiny and understanding. A significant portion of Kenya's gold production originates from artisanal and small-scale…

Burundian Troops Withdraw from Xawaadley Amidst Flood and Operational Challenges MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a recent announcement, the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) confirmed the strategic withdrawal of Burundian Defence Forces from Xawaadley, a pivotal town located northwest of Mogadishu. This decision comes in the wake of severe flooding that has affected the area. Interestingly, the narrative took a turn when the Al-Shabaab militants declared that they had seized the…

Starlink's Service Interruptions: Understanding the Impact and Challenges in South Africa Recently, a wave of unsettling emails swept through the inboxes of customers subscribed to Starlink’s Roam Unlimited and Global Roaming packages. The messages delivered unwelcome news: accounts had been terminated due to utilization in an “unauthorized territory.” One particularly alarming excerpt read: “You are currently using Starlink in an unauthorized territory. As a result, your service will be suspended…

The Alarming State of Blocked Airline Funds: A Deep Dive Into Africa's Aviation Sector The International Air Transport Association (IATA) recently published a comprehensive report that’s raising eyebrows across the globe. What’s particularly striking is that out of fifteen nations listed, twelve from Africa are responsible for approximately 65% of the total blocked airline funds, which resonates to the tune of $846 million—that's quite a hefty sum. Altogether, these funds, which stand at an alarming total of $1.3…

The Rising Tide of African Billionaires: A Mixed Bag of Fortunes Wealth can be a fickle mistress, offering some a gilded life while leaving others in the shadows. Recently, we’ve witnessed an intriguing shift among Africa's billionaires—a tale of contrasts where some fortunes surge while others dwindle. When contemplating the complexities of wealth, it’s worth asking ourselves: what drives these changes? For instance, Aliko Dangote, often hailed as Nigeria's industrial titan, has recently seen a remarkable…

The Aviation Quandary: Blocked Funds in Africa’s Skies It's no secret that the aviation industry plays a critical role in connecting regions and facilitating trade. However, a recent report from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) sheds light on an alarming trend: the staggering amount of funds blocked in various African nations, which paints a concerning picture for the continent's aviation sector. Among fifteen nations identified, twelve…

African Cities Leading in Quality of Life in 2025 As we find ourselves in mid-2025, it's striking to observe the remarkable achievements of several cities across Africa. These urban centers shine as examples of cleanliness, security, modern infrastructure, effective governance, and a burgeoning middle class. They are earning their place among the most livable cities on the continent, showcasing what is possible when communities thrive. Take Kigali, for instance—the capital of Rwanda. This city has become a…

In a significant gesture marking a new chapter in Africa's economic strategy, a remarkable commitment of $16 million was announced during a high-profile meeting at the 2025 African Development Bank (AfDB) Annual Meetings, held in the vibrant city of Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. This pledge signifies not merely a financial boost but a powerful statement about the continent's aspirations and collective capability. This substantial increase, more than tripling the previous pledge of $5 million, represents a watershed…

France and Africa: A Visa Connection In an interesting pivot towards enhanced international mobility, France has witnessed an unprecedented surge in visa applications from Africa, with over 1.36 million applications submitted in 2024 alone. This figure stands in sharp contrast to a global total of around 3 million applications, demonstrating a solid 17% increase compared to the previous year. The numbers alone tell a compelling story; they are an indication of France's deep-rooted…