Grows

In recent years, Chinese car manufacturers have made strategic moves that have transformed the African automotive landscape. As these manufacturers expand their footprint across the continent, one might wonder: How have they become so influential in such a short time? Chinese brands are sweeping across Africa, backed by competitive pricing, innovative technology, and aggressive growth strategies. Their expansion has ushered in a new era in the market, significantly challenging the previously unshakable dominance of Western…

In the intricate landscape of global geopolitics, seemingly unlikely alliances often emerge, united by common adversaries. In this case, Yemen’s Ansar Allah, more commonly known as the Houthis, and their primary benefactor, Iran, have formed pragmatic links with non-state actors like Somalia's al-Shabab and the Islamic State in Somalia (ISS). While their ideologies and objectives may diverge significantly, their shared hostility toward countries such as the United States and Israel provides common ground. Considering the…

In a dramatic turn of events, a wildfire has erupted north of Los Angeles, consuming over 9,400 acres—an area nearly on par with 38 square kilometers. Fueled by fierce winds and parched vegetation, this blaze has led to mandatory evacuation orders affecting more than 31,000 residents, sending them scurrying for safety. Dubbed the Hughes Fire, this inferno is located approximately 80 kilometers north of Los Angeles. It has become an added burden for firefighters who, until now, had managed to wrestle two other major blazes…

On a sunny day in Nairobi, Kenya, the Central Bank Governor, Patrick Njoroge, exhibited crisp Kenyan shilling bills during a vibrant news conference at the Central Bank on June 3, 2019. The financial air was palpable with speculation as these colorful slips of currency held center stage. Photo credits to REUTERS/Baz Ratner. Recently, the Kenyan shilling took a bit of a nosedive when pitted against the dollar. A local trader spilled the beans, saying that this wasn't just a Kenyan phenomenon – the dollar was flexing its…

During the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum held in Sochi, African ministers received a clear message: Russia stands firmly behind the continent, promising "total support" across various sectors. This assurance was conveyed by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, representing President Vladimir Putin. It’s noteworthy that this support comes at a pivotal moment when several African countries are reevaluating their relationships with Western nations, amid allegations of interference and neocolonial practices, as noted by…

The defense deal between Egypt and Somalia has stirred up worries about Cairo's clout in the Horn of Africa. Recently, Egypt and Somalia have been engaging in high-level security discussions. These talks focus on the stationing of Egyptian forces as part of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). This move has sparked regional apprehensions regarding Egypt's growing strategic and military sway in the Horn of Africa. According to a senior Egyptian security official, "A significant meeting took place in Mogadishu…

It was the surreal hour of 3 a.m. in November 2020 when Zakariya Sayid reached out to his dad with life-altering news. Over a crackling phone line, he revealed their intention to let go of The Horn, a beloved establishment they had set up in tribute to his father in 2014. His father, Hassan Rasul, was far away in Somalia, tending to his own mother at that very moment. Despite the distance, the news hit him hard. The café, located at 619 Murfreesboro Pk., was already wrestling with challenges, made worse by the pandemic.…