million

US Offers $10 Million Bounty for Al-Shabaab Member Linked to Manda Bay Attack WASHINGTON - In a strategic move that could alter the landscape of the fight against terrorism in East Africa, the United States has announced a $10 million reward for information leading to the capture of Abdullahi Banati, a high-profile suspect tied to the deadly Manda Bay assault. That brutal attack in 2020, forever marked in history, claimed the lives of three American citizens, including a dedicated serviceman. It was the…

In a significant step towards bolstering its maritime and logistics capabilities, Egypt's Suez Canal Economic Zone recently entered into a 50-year concession agreement with the Abu Dhabi Ports Group (AD Ports). This agreement sets the stage for the creation of a sprawling 20-square-kilometre logistics and industrial hub east of Port Said. In a televised announcement on Sunday, the managing director of AD Ports conveyed the excitement surrounding this ambitious project. At the heart of this agreement is an…

Nigeria’s Five-Year Vision: A New Era of Economic Growth The board of directors at the African Development Bank has made a landmark decision by approving the Country Strategy Paper for Nigeria, which will outline the strategic priorities for the years 2025 to 2030. This five-year plan is not just a document; it is a blueprint for transformative change, aimed at enhancing economic resilience and fostering widespread prosperity in Nigeria. As articulated on the bank's official website, the initiative is designed “to drive…

In a thought-provoking interview, Mr. Nkaw shed light on the often-overlooked consequences of gas flaring—a practice that remains alarmingly prevalent in our energy sector. He meticulously detailed how the unresolved issue of excess gas processing leads to not just financial waste, but also significant environmental and health repercussions. Flaring, a method of burning off excess natural gas, contributes to a myriad of challenges that extend beyond the immediate economic implications. “We have data that shows…

As of March 2025, the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat has disclosed a troubling figure: member states collectively owe a staggering $58 million in contributions. This financial shortfall has sparked significant challenges for the bloc, leaving many to ponder the future of regional cooperation in East Africa. The pressing financial situation was the focal point of a recent meeting held by the EAC Council of Ministers in Arusha, Tanzania. There, leaders gathered to confront the crisis laid bare by a…

The Future of U.S. Foreign Aid in Malawi: A Tipping Point for Infrastructure and Development Recently, a significant shift has occurred in U.S. foreign aid that has sent shockwaves through Malawi and beyond. The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a prominent U.S. foreign aid agency, is in the process of winding down its operations. This decision has resulted in the abrupt cancellation of Malawi’s $350 million Transport and Land Compact. Tragically, only a handful of other projects across the globe will see their…

Understanding the Impact of Operation Artemis on Sextortion In recent months, the FBI has heralded promising developments emerging from Operation Artemis, a coordinated international initiative aimed at dismantling sextortion rings that have been proliferating across various countries. The centerpiece of this operation has been Nigeria, identified as a significant hub where perpetrators are exploiting American minors through online platforms. It raises an urgent question: how do we balance the benefits of…

Meta Platforms Faces Uphill Battle in Nigeria In a significant ruling, Meta Platforms has suffered a setback, losing its appeal against a hefty fine of $220 million. This penalty was imposed by Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) due to violations of local consumer protection, data privacy, and related laws. It’s a poignant reminder that even tech giants remain accountable, regardless of their size or market dominance. The roots of this investigation trace back to May 2021.…

In a commendable display of leadership and commitment, Angolan President João Lourenço has announced a voluntary contribution of $5 million to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). This decision is not merely a financial gesture; it represents a pivotal step towards strengthening regional health security and promoting sustainable health financing across the continent. This noteworthy announcement emerged from a high-level meeting held recently in Luanda, where President Lourenço engaged in…

In a significant move, the European Union has imposed fines of €500 million on Apple and €200 million on Meta, marking the first enforcement actions under groundbreaking legislation designed to rein in the influence of Big Tech. As EU antitrust regulators take this decisive step, the implications for U.S. relations, particularly with former President Donald Trump, may become a point of contention; he has previously signaled intentions to impose tariffs on nations that penalize American firms. This action follows an…