Economy

The White House has recently disclosed that President Joe Biden is set to embark on a journey to Angola this October, fulfilling a commitment he made to African leaders during the U.S.-Africa summit in 2022. This highly anticipated visit, slated for October 13th to 15th, will provide a platform for dialogue between the U.S. President and Angolan President João Lourenço, focusing on mutual interests and objectives. "We'll be aiming to strengthen our economic partnerships," stated White House Press Secretary Karine…

Amadou Mahtar M'Bow, a trailblazer in global governance and the inaugural African to take the helm of an international organization, left a remarkable legacy that is being fondly honored following his passing in Dakar on September 24 at the age of 103. During his impressive tenure as the Director-General of UNESCO, which spanned 13 transformative years starting in 1974, M'Bow significantly uplifted the organization’s stature. As the guiding force behind a body committed to advancing education, science, culture, and…

Even after the United States bolstered its sanctions against President Emmerson Mnangagwa and several officials earlier this year, the new American envoy to Zimbabwe has emphasized that the U.S. remains committed to nurturing the country’s democratic frameworks. During a discussion with Parliament Speaker Jacob Mudenda, Ambassador Pamela Tremont illuminated the necessity for enhancing the country's institutions. Back in March, a communiqué from the U.S. Embassy articulated that the adjusted sanctions imposed on Zimbabwean…

With the presidential election in Tunisia approaching in October, there’s a palpable tightening of the reins on dissent, particularly within the media, warns Bassam Khawaja, Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Human Rights Watch. He pointed out that at least five journalists find themselves incarcerated, simply for expressing their viewpoints. “This crackdown is systematically erasing criticism and stifling diverse opinions across Tunisia’s media landscape,” Khawaja noted. He elaborated that meaningful…

Borno State is grappling with one of the most devastating floods it has seen in three decades, wreaking havoc on agricultural lands, essential infrastructure, and countless residences. According to government reports, around 30 individuals tragically lost their lives due to this calamity; however, local inhabitants contend that this figure likely underreports the actual toll, suggesting that more fatalities exist that haven’t been officially acknowledged. The impact of this deluge has been catastrophic, displacing over…

Tensions have significantly intensified between Ethiopia and Somalia, particularly following Ethiopia's formal engagement earlier this year with the self-proclaimed Republic of Somaliland—an entity that Somalia adamantly contests. The deal grants Ethiopia access to Somaliland's ports in exchange for a nod of political recognition from this landlocked regional power. In response to this maneuver, Somalia expressed vehement opposition, labeling Ethiopia's actions as an unwelcome intrusion into its internal matters.…

Prolonged bouts of torrential rain in Monrovia have led to devastating floods throughout the city, forcing tens of thousands from their homes, as reported by the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA). Monrovia's vulnerability to flooding stems from several issues, including dense population, an inadequate sewage system, and a lack of stringent construction regulations. According to Ansu Dulleh, the Executive Director of the NDMA, the extent of the flooding is "something we have never seen before." This calamity has…

Recently, tragedy struck in KwaZulu-Natal when two individuals succumbed to the perilous effects of hypothermia after being ensnared by a relentless snowstorm on the N3 highway. This heartbreaking incident unfolded over the weekend, showcasing the unforgiving nature of winter weather. As snow blanketed the roads, rendering them treacherous, many motorists found themselves caught in an unexpected deluge of white. The sudden onset of severe weather can often catch drivers off guard, emphasizing the critical need for caution…

Dr. Patrick Kuma Aboagye, the Director General of the Ghana Health Service, recently unveiled a staggering statistic: in 2022, hepatitis, a severe liver infection, claimed the lives of 15,000 individuals in Ghana. This grim figure breaks down to approximately 42 lives lost each day, with young adults bearing the brunt of this health crisis. “Many cases remain hidden,” Dr. Aboagye emphasized, pointing out that a considerable segment of the population doesn’t even realize their infection status, which complicates efforts to…

Recently, stakeholders in Uganda convened to examine a thought-provoking report that sheds light on the rising menace of extremism in the nation. This Rapid Threat Assessment, conducted in partnership with various international organizations, pinpoints emerging trends and identifies communities that are particularly vulnerable. It serves as a stark reminder that “economic progress cannot thrive in an environment of instability.” In the midst of these discussions, Susan Namondo, the UN Resident Coordinator, emphasized that…