African

Although Russia may not match the economic footprint of Western nations or China in Africa, its influence lies in specific sectors that echo the priorities of global superpowers: armaments, mining, and energy—extending into nuclear energy. Have you ever wondered why Russia, despite its relatively modest economic stakes in Africa, holds such sway politically? Analysts have unraveled a layer of this intricate relationship, unveiling a remarkable political influence Russia commands on the African continent, a power that belies…

Imagine a future where the bustling metropolis of Johannesburg no longer grapples with widespread power outages, or where Cape Town can confidently manage its water resources. South Africa is making strides toward this reality with a transformative initiative valued at a staggering $3 billion. Presented in partnership with the World Bank, this concerted effort promises to renew essential services and powerful infrastructures in key urban centers across the country.…

In a developing tale that intertwines geopolitics and aviation, Belarus's national airline, Belavia, appears to be on the brink of a significant acquisition. Sanctioned by the West and in desperate need of aircraft, Belavia is reportedly poised to bolster its fleet with three Airbus A330 aircraft, which previously flew under the banner of Magic Air, a Gambian carrier. This revelation comes from three reliable sources who spoke to Reuters. Belarus and its ally, Russia, have been navigating…

Understanding the IMF's Financial Grip on Africa The economic landscape of Africa took a transformative turn during the 1980s and 1990s. These were tumultuous times marked by plunging commodity prices, soaring energy costs, and regrettably poor fiscal management. You might recall those decades—a time when many African nations found themselves tethered to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for financial resuscitation. The IMF, stepping in with what can be likened to an olive branch, introduced Structural…

The recent decision by Norway to shut its embassy in South Sudan speaks volumes about the increasing tensions that have been gripping this young nation. Not far behind, we see the delicate ties between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar straining under the forces of conflict. It’s a tale as old as time—political discord scraping away at the facade of unity. Picture yourself in Juba, the heartbeat of South Sudan. It's here that Norway’s Foreign Ministry declared on a Wednesday, cloaked in…

Understanding the Rift: A Deeper Look into Prince Harry's Charity Exit In the complex world of charitable organizations, changes in leadership can often lead to dramatic outcomes. Recently, a significant turn of events unfolded as Prince Harry made the difficult decision to part ways with a charity he deeply valued. This decision, layered with personal and organizational conflict, has brought into light the complexities that often accompany such social endeavors. This development arose…

Exploring the Burden of Debt in African Economies Albert Einstein once quipped, "Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it; he who doesn’t, pays it." This quote rings particularly true for several African nations today. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), numerous African economies find themselves grappling with alarming levels of government debt. This raises a multitude of questions about fiscal sustainability…

On the horizon, South Africans face yet another financial challenge. With already precarious economic conditions, the impending electricity price increase of 12.7% slated for April 1, 2025—dubbed "Fossil Fools' Day" by the environmental group Earthlife Africa—has sent shockwaves through households already struggling to make ends meet. When combined with the anticipated 0.5% hike in VAT, families will be forced to grapple with excruciating choices: Should they pay for electricity or for essentials like food and medicine?…

By Ali Musa, Axadle Times International – Monitoring Recently, an ambitious initiative unfolded, underscoring India's strategic outreach in the Indian Ocean. This initiative, aptly named the India-Africa Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME), captures both vision and ambition. One might ask, "Why this initiative and why now?" The reasons are manifold and deserve a deep dive. India has embarked on this program to assert its naval influence…

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has illuminated a promising pathway for Africa's energy landscape. Do you know what's intriguing? Solar photovoltaics (PV) and wind power have now become more cost-effective than traditional gas and coal in most African regions. Imagine a shift so significant that by 2030, these renewable sources could generate 27% of the continent's electricity. That’s almost a third, a promising leap towards a greener future. Fast forward to January 2025, and a daunting…