African

Mali's Mining Landscape: An Era of Reform and Reflection As Mali's Council of Ministers announced, there is a newly imposed halt on the issuance of artisanal mining permits to foreigners. This measure stands amidst ongoing investigations prompted by a recent, heart-wrenching mining calamity. A stark reality looms over us: how do we balance economic pursuits with the sanctity of human lives? This thoughtful pause is an aftermath of a catastrophic mining accident just a month ago. A tragedy that took over 40…

Across the vast and diverse landscapes of Africa, the specter of hunger casts a long shadow. It's a formidable challenge—one that sees millions of people grappling to secure enough food each day. Envision the plight of families who wake up each morning, unsure of their next meal. How did a continent so rich in resources find itself in such a predicament? Nations like Somalia, Chad, and Madagascar epitomize this struggle, confronting extreme levels of malnutrition and pervasive food shortages.…

A recent UN report has shed light on the alarming situation faced by Muslim communities and Sudanese refugees in the Southeast Central African Republic (CAR). Commissioned by the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) in conjunction with the UN peacekeeping mission, MINUSCA, this comprehensive inquiry has surfaced harrowing evidence of egregious human rights violations committed by various armed groups. The findings paint a grim picture: summary executions, acts of sexual violence, instances of torture, and treatment that can only…

The Backbone of Ground Forces: Tanks in Africa Tanks serve as an integral backbone for ground forces across the globe. These mighty machines are not just heavily armed and well-armored vehicles; they represent critical strategic assets that can tip the scales in conflicts. One might wonder, why do we place so much emphasis on these steel giants? The answer lies in the profound influence they exert on both national defense and international diplomacy. In today's complex…

Imagine this: in a dynamic yet challenging landscape, seven African nations — Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Gambia, Benin, DR Congo, Rwanda, and Tanzania — are poised for a significant economic transformation. The catalyst? A substantial $50 million trade deal orchestrated by British International Investment (BII) with a mission to unlock access to much-needed finance for local businesses. It's a move that seeks to revitalize these expanding economies, but what does it really mean for the people on the ground? As…

Balancing work and life—a perplexing jigsaw puzzle for many, isn't it? Yet, in the vibrant tapestry of Africa, where economic forces and cultural threads weave intricate and sometimes demanding expectations, it presents a unique conundrum. Perhaps you’ve wondered: How do individuals in such a diverse and rapidly changing landscape navigate this balance? For countless Africans, work transcends the simplicity of a paycheck. It can often be considered a lifeline—an essential means of survival.…

The 2025 Global Terrorism Index report, released by the Institute for Economics & Peace, paints a sobering picture of the Sahel region as it seemingly becomes the new heart of global terrorism. As someone who’s been following global security dynamics for a while, I can't help but wonder how this transformation could happen so swiftly from the Middle East to sub-Saharan Africa. Why here? Why now? Africa’s unsettling position on the terrorism index is not without reason. It’s a familiar narrative,…

Upon his return to the White House, President Donald Trump has made it abundantly clear what his administration aims to tackle: the sprawling issue of federal waste. It’s a topic that’s been at the heart of many political debates, and one that begs the question: how do we ensure taxpayer money is used judiciously? The President, with his characteristic resolve, has embarked on what he describes as a crusade against wasteful spending. The administration took a notable step forward by…

The Future of Payments and Financial Inclusion Across Africa Founder and CEO, Nkebet Mesele, discusses the launch of Intreensic, a payments education and advisory group, and its significance for payments and financial inclusion across Africa. Exploring Payment Evolution What piques your interest the most about the transformation in payments, and how do women play a role in this journey, particularly in Africa? The payment evolution is indeed fascinating. From my early days in the industry,…

Africa's external debt levels have long been a topic of concern. High-interest rates and the slow maturity of local financial ecosystems add layers to this complex issue. Does this situation reflect the broader global economic landscape, or is it particular to Africa's unique geopolitical fabric? There's a constant increase in the need for foreign capital to sponsor imports, and this naturally inflates the external debt burden. As highlighted in a report by Afreximbank Research, Africa relies significantly on…