Burden

The Unseen Barriers: How Visa Policies Shift the Landscape for African Travelers In the heart of Lusaka, Zambia, a deep concern reverberates through conversations among families, entrepreneurs, and students alike. As the sun rises, illuminating the vibrant markets and echoing laughter from schoolyards, the shadows creeping in from Washington, D.C., threaten their dreams and aspirations. A new visa bond policy, introduced during the Trump administration, requires some visitors from Zambia and Malawi to deposit up to $15,000…

Mastering the Art of Smart Living: Budgeting Hacks for a Brighter Tomorrow Imagine stepping into a world where every penny counts, where smart choices transform daily routines, and where the act of living well is reimagined through conscious, cost-effective actions. In 2023, we find ourselves facing an array of economic challenges, but among these shadows lies a silver lining: a smarter way of living. It's not merely about frugality; it's about rediscovering joy in simplicity, making the most of what we already have, and…

The Global Tug-of-War Over Tariffs: What’s at Stake for Africa? In a world constantly reshaping itself through trade wars and diplomatic negotiations, the ripple effects often reach far beyond their origin. Recently, US President Donald Trump announced a potential leap in tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals, possibly hitting a staggering 250%. Such drastic measures might set off alarm bells across the globe, especially in economically vulnerable regions like Africa. But what does this really mean for the continent, which…

In The Gambia, the livelihoods of countless fishermen have plummeted into a crisis that deepens daily. The declining fish stocks have painted a bleak picture, exacerbated by soaring fuel prices and the relentless presence of foreign trawlers stripping the waters of vital marine life. Fish such as sardines and bonga, once abundant and processed in local factories, have seen their fate redirected to European and Chinese markets, primarily for aquaculture feeding. This shift threatens not only local economies but also the…

Chinese Loans and Their Impact on African Economies The relationship between China and various African nations has evolved into a critical chapter in the story of development finance. Over the years, Chinese loans have enabled the construction of vital infrastructure, such as roads, railways, and power plants, across the continent. Yet, this financial support does not come without significant questions regarding debt sustainability, the risks associated with repayment, and the potential long-term autonomy of African…

In an ever-evolving business landscape, small adjustments can ripple through entire industries. On a rather bright Thursday morning, a notable update filtered into the emails of those closely watching Nigeria’s petroleum sector. The Dangote Refinery, a cornerstone of the country's energy structure, announced a subtle yet intriguing shift in its pricing structure. The ex-depot price, sometimes referred to as the gantry price, has been lowered to N865 per litre, a small but noteworthy decrease of N15 from just the previous…

Remittances to Sub-Saharan Africa: A Complex and Expensive Journey Imagine this scenario: You're working hard in a foreign land, far from the warmth of your home, trying to make a better life for yourself and those you've left behind. Every month, you send a portion of your earnings back home. It’s a lifeline, not just for your family, but for the economy of your homeland. Now, consider the irony — while your remittances are crucial, the cost of sending this money can sometimes feel like an insurmountable barrier.…

Somalia's young'uns, especially those who sprouted just as the Siad Barre regime fizzled out, know naught but turmoil. Drama and chaos have been their babysitters. We’ve hung on for yonks, looking for some government worth its salt, but just when we think there might be some glimmer of silver linings, doubt crashes the party. Is change just a pipe dream? A smidgen of impatience ain't outlandish given that every step forward seems to come with a hop back. Walking amidst shattered pledges and dislocation, our enthusiasm…