Business and Finance

The landscape of South African politics underwent a seismic shift one year ago. In the wake of the national and provincial elections, no single party emerged with the definitive majority that has long characterized the nation's governance. The year 2024 will be remembered as a historic turning point; for the first time since the dawn of democracy in 1994, the African National Congress (ANC) found itself without its traditional parliamentary dominance. This unprecedented scenario paved the way for a coalition government,…

In an unsettling turn of events, the authorities at Roberts International Airport in Liberia were compelled to suspend all inbound flights after a private jet, tasked with transporting President Joseph Boakai, faced a frightening near-crash-landing situation. During its landing sequence, one of the jet’s tires reportedly blew out, forcing the aircraft to screech to an abrupt halt mid-runway. The Liberian airport authorities were swift to issue a statement regarding this alarming incident. They confirmed the details but…

In a pivotal moment for African development, Sidi Ould Tah, the former Mauritanian finance minister, has been elected as the new president of the African Development Bank (AfDB). This noteworthy achievement follows a keenly contested election held during the Board of Governors' meeting in Abidjan, where Tah triumphantly emerged victorious after three challenging rounds of voting. In the end, he garnered a remarkable 76% of the votes, signaling a robust endorsement from his peers. As the news reverberated across the…

The ambitious $31.4 million initiative spearheaded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to revitalize Lesotho's poultry industry has been abruptly terminated. This five-year endeavor, launched as part of the American Food for Progress program, aimed to cultivate a staggering 28,000 poultry enterprises across the nation, with projections to increase meat production by 40% and egg production by 30% by the year 2028. Yet, fewer than two years since its inception, the Sustainable Transformation of Enterprises…

In a poignant moment for South Africa’s artistic community, the nation is collectively mourning the loss of actor Presley Chweneyagae, who tragically passed away at the young age of 40. His untimely departure leaves a palpable void, both onscreen and off. Chweneyagae first captured global attention in 2005 with his compelling portrayal in the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi. This gripping narrative not only showcased his exceptional talent but also served as a stark reflection of the social disparities and hardships faced in…

Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has expressed vehement opposition to Zimbabwe's newly enacted Broadcasting Services Amendment Act, labeling it as both "draconian" and "anti-citizen." This law, recently approved by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, imposes a surprising requirement: motorists must now secure a ZBC television and radio license in order to renew their vehicle licenses with the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) or obtain vehicle insurance. Imagine the average commuter, already juggling numerous…

As ECOWAS approaches its golden anniversary, a pressing question looms large: Do the people of West Africa still believe in an organization that was once the bedrock of regional identity and cooperation? In an era where diplomatic ties are being tested, the emergence of the Alliance of Sahel States—comprised of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso—stands out. This coalition, dominated by military regimes, poses not merely a provocative challenge but a seismic shift in the regional landscape. Sahel researcher Komlan Avoulete,…

During a significant meeting at the White House, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa addressed the contentious narrative of alleged white genocide in his country. This encounter with U.S. President Donald Trump was more than just an exchange of pleasantries; it represented a pivotal moment in reshaping diplomatic relations between South Africa and the United States. Trump, showcasing video clips featuring South African opposition leaders using provocative slogans, attempted to bolster his claims. Yet, Ramaphosa was…

Enoch Godongwana, the Minister of Finance, made a notable reappearance in Parliament today, seeking to present the revised 2025 Budget Review after several prior attempts. This return to the legislative arena was not just routine; it carried the weight of expectation and anticipation. What led to this repeat moment? One might wonder. The atmosphere was charged as he approached the lectern. Legislators, many of whom had been following the fiscal discussions closely, perched on the edges of their seats. Godongwana’s task was…

In a dramatic turn of events, Augustin Matata Ponyo, the former Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been handed a ten-year sentence of forced labor for his role in the embezzlement of approximately $245 million in public funds. Joining him in this legal debacle is Deogratias Mutombo, the former governor of the central bank, who has received a five-year sentence. The echoes of this case reverberate through the halls of Congolese politics, raising questions about accountability and governance. The…