Economy

The recent peace agreement facilitated by the United States between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo unfolded against the backdrop of a less explored narrative. As noted by Edward DeMarco, a strategist and commentator on African affairs, “Behind last week's U.S-brokered peace deal between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo is a hidden storyline: Togo's quest to become West Africa's Rwanda.” This intriguing comparison draws attention to the ambitions of this small West African nation. How did Togo, a…

The 2025 U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Luanda provided a remarkable platform for transformative dialogue and strategic engagements that are poised to redefine economic partnerships between the United States and Africa. This gathering was nothing short of historic, as it brought together an unprecedented number of Heads of State and Government. Twelve leaders—among them Presidents and Prime Ministers from various African nations—graced the summit, amplifying its significance. This summit wasn’t just marked by the…

The 2025 U.S.-Africa Business Summit, held in Luanda, served as a pivotal platform to unveil ambitious initiatives, with a staggering $2.5 billion earmarked for projects across Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, and Rwanda. In a post-summit statement, the State Department articulated that this monumental gathering aimed not only to cement key agreements but also to foster an environment conducive to enhancing U.S. exports and investments in Africa. The overarching goal? To champion mutual…

In the throbbing heart of Africa's economic evolution lies the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a monumental venture aiming to redefine the continent’s trade dynamics. Yet, as with any ambitious initiative, the path forward is strewn with both opportunities and obstacles. Among these challenges, the security of ports emerges as a critical focal point, given that a staggering 80% of Africa's trade transits by sea. How can nations truly thrive if the vessels carrying their dreams are vulnerable to theft and…

In a bold bid to redefine leadership in Namibia, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has embarked on a significant governmental overhaul. With a keen eye on efficiency, she has streamlined her Cabinet to just 14 ministries, making a commendable effort to highlight gender diversity within her administration. Her appointments reflect a commitment not only to a broad representation of women but also to results-driven governance. Yet, as the initial excitement of her first 100 days begins to settle, experts caution that the focus…

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) finds itself at a critical juncture, issuing a 21-day ultimatum aimed squarely at the federal government. The stakes are high, as the association threatens nationwide industrial action unless urgent attention is paid to pressing issues surrounding salaries, allowances, and overall welfare. When medical professionals raise their voices in unison, it is not just a flurry of words; it's a call for action that demands to be heard. Bala Audu, President of the NMA, recently expressed…

In recent developments, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and various media advocacy organizations have urgently appealed to the Zimbabwean government for the release of Faith Zaba. Zaba, the editor of the Zimbabwe Independent, found herself in legal jeopardy after her arrest on July 1. The charges stem from a satirical piece published on June 27, which provocatively characterized Zimbabwe as a "mafia state," suggesting that a desperate regime was clinging tenaciously to power. Using a law that criminalizes…

Human Rights Watch has raised significant concerns regarding the police's failure to act during the violent incident on June 26, when a group of armed men assaulted peaceful protesters. This alarming lack of intervention casts doubt on the government's ability to conduct the general elections scheduled for September in a fair and unbiased manner. In a heated atmosphere surrounding the upcoming national elections, the incident reflects more than just a moment of chaos; it unveils a deeper, systemic issue. Imagine being…

The Zimbabwean government finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with unmet commitments regarding essential infrastructure. Promises of upgraded treatment plants, modern pump stations, and prepaid meters have faded into empty rhetoric, particularly following a substantial loan of U.S.$144 million from the China Exim Bank intended for Harare's water treatment system enhancement. As a means to address the escalating debt, a new water levy was instituted in March, placing an additional financial burden on the citizens. The…

In a poignant ceremony, Liberia recently conducted a reburial for its former President, William Tolbert, precisely 45 years after his tragic assassination during a coup in 1980. This event served not only as a remembrance but also as a vital chapter in the nation’s complex history, marked by trauma and resilience. To chronicle such a narrative, we must delve deeper. Just ten days following Tolbert's brutal murder, 13 of his Cabinet members were subjected to a summary execution that remains seared into the collective memory…