African

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…

As Ukraine embraced its new role in the world of international education in the years before 2022, it became a sanctuary of learning for over 80,000 students who traveled from every corner of the globe. A significant portion, approximately 20%, hailed from the vibrant continent of Africa. They came with dreams of becoming healthcare professionals, engineers, and pharmacists. Yet, in the midst of unforeseen chaos sparked by Russia’s sweeping invasion, these dreams faced disruption. Thousands were forced into evacuation,…

The discourse around the elimination of fuel subsidies is fraught with complexities. On the one hand, there is a prevalent belief that removing these subsidies could lead to positive outcomes in the long term. But, is that always the case? In discussing this issue, we must consider not only the economic theories but also the real-world impacts that countries face when embarking on this challenging path. Nigeria serves as a compelling case study. When the country made the decision to eliminate fuel subsidies, the…

Cassava Technologies and Nvidia: Pioneering AI in Africa Have you ever wondered what it takes for a continent often overshadowed in tech innovations to take the global stage? Well, perhaps a blend of audacity and strategic partnerships might just do the trick. In an inspiring stride towards transforming Africa’s digital landscape, Cassava Technologies, under the visionary leadership of Zimbabwean telecoms mogul Strive Masiyiwa, is collaborating with Nvidia Corp. to lay the foundation for Africa’s very first…