African

Understanding the Role of Customs Duties in Africa For some countries heavily reliant on international trade, the levying of tariffs on imported goods comprises more than 40% of total tax revenue. This fact alone underscores just how integral these duties are to the infrastructure of governmental funding across various nations. Consider the island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe, where customs duties remarkably constitute 100% of the country’s tax revenue. What does this tell us about their economic structure or their…

On the vast African continent, the spotlight often shifts between different global players vying for influence. China, long regarded as a formidable competitor, is frequently mentioned when discussing the power dynamics in Africa. But can it actually surpass the United States as the leading provider of aid to Africa? The answer is a bit more complex, woven through economic, political, and strategic layers. China's financial footprint in Africa has grown substantially in recent years. With massive…

Somalia's AUSSOM Peace Mission Deployment Reaches Completion MOGADISHU, Somalia - In the heart of the Horn of Africa, a dedicated assembly of African Union defense ministers recently gathered to address a matter of profound importance: the stabilization of Somalia. Their conversations echo through the bustling streets of Mogadishu, as they finalize the details of deploying an 11,900-strong force for the AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Launched at the dawn of 2025, this peacekeeping…

Picture this: A colossal refinery standing tall in Nigeria, not just a symbol of industrial progress but an emblem of a nation's ambition to be a giant in the petrochemical industry. The Dangote Refinery, brainchild of Africa's renowned business magnate Aliko Dangote, is making strategic and daring moves in the global oil market. Their latest venture? A million-barrel crude oil shipment expected from Algeria in mid-March, marking an essential pivot in their crude sourcing philosophy. In the…

Unraveling the Thread: The Economic Impact of Clothing Prices The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is an economic concept many of us hear about, but few truly grasp. It consists of various elements, with food, clothing, and housing being the most significant. However, there are other interesting items on this list—recreation, health, and education, to name a few. My friend once said, "It’s like trying to balance plates on a stick—you’ve got to keep an eye on each one." Have you ever noticed…

In a pointed discussion during the recent G20 gathering in South Africa, a coalition of former African heads of state convened to spotlight an urgent crisis: the escalating debt burden on the continent. United under the African Leaders' Debt Initiative, these seasoned leaders articulated a clarion call for "intensified international cooperation." But what does this cooperation truly entail? It begs the question: can the global financial structure be adjusted to genuinely uplift developing nations? The atmosphere during this…

Food inflation looms as a profound challenge for numerous African nations, exacerbating existing economic hardships and amplifying food insecurity for millions of citizens. Life in various parts of Africa is already mired in complexity, as many countries grapple with systemic issues. With the spike in food prices, the situation is akin to salt on an open wound—undermining not only household well-being but threatening the broader economic landscape. Consider a family struggling to make ends meet, now facing the relentless…

Africa, while home to a vast spectrum of cultures and landscapes, encounters a unique geographical challenge—being landlocked. Surprisingly, one-third of the continent's countries do not have direct access to the sea. Yet, the presence of seaports on the African coastline is a beacon of economic hope and utility, facilitating access to international markets for even the most inland businesses. These maritime gateways are not just crucial for those positioned at the water’s edge, but they extend their opportunity-laden arms…

Unveiling the Human Mosaic Beyond Borders In the quiet corners of Ogun State, nestled amidst the clamor of daily lives, a discreet yet significant operation unfolded. The The Punch reported on a multi-faceted immigration sweep carried out with precision and purpose by officers from both the Ogun State Command and Zone A headquarters. Their mission? To address the lacunae in border management and the movement of undocumented individuals seeking an elusive place in the Nigerian sun. At the…

The impact of recent funding cuts by the Trump administration reverberates through South Africa. Specifically, organisations benefitting from the PEPFAR (The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) initiative, which is funded through USAID, have received troubling news: their financial support has been terminated permanently. This development signifies a dramatic shift in the landscape of HIV prevention and treatment efforts across the nation. According to a report by Bhekisisa's Mia Malan, this grim notification is not…