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In a groundbreaking move, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has entered into a three-year partnership with Atlético de Madrid, establishing Visit Rwanda as the club's official sponsor until June 2028. This collaboration not only signifies a strategic alliance but also reflects Rwanda's vision as a prominent player on the global stage. Starting next season, the Visit Rwanda brand will prominently feature on Atlético’s training kits, match jerseys, and across the Metropolitano Stadium. Additionally, the branding will…

Recent developments have cast a shadow over the Lesotho Health and Horticulture compact agreement, originally established in 2022 with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a prominent U.S. foreign aid agency. In a striking turn of events, reports indicate that this vital initiative may face closure, following the MCC’s disbandment under the previous Trump Administration. At the heart of this compact was an impressive $300 million investment—an endeavor designed to uplift nearly 2.5 million lives. Imagine the ripple…

On a notable day in South African finance, Minister Enoch Godongwana revealed that the 2025 Budget Review would be re-tabled on 21 May 2025. This decision came in the wake of National Treasury’s choice to retract a proposed 0.5% increase in Value Added Tax (VAT), initially scheduled to kick in on 1 May. Reflecting on the public and political discourse that erupted following the initial budget announcement made on 12 March, Godongwana stated, “This debate was rigorous, as is necessary in a healthy democracy.” Such…

In a decisive move aimed at ensuring public safety, a curfew has been instated in Okahandja, effective immediately. The president of the nation, Nandi-Ndaitwah, has taken to the airwaves to reassure citizens that security forces are fully engaged in restoring a sense of normalcy and safety. This isn't simply an administrative response; it’s a concerted effort to safeguard communities that have been on edge. Have we ever considered just how fragile our sense of security is? Too often, it takes a crisis for us to truly…

In a significant political development, Mali’s military leader, General Assimi Goïta, has garnered the support of influential political allies, paving the way for his declaration as president for the next five years. This action is reminiscent of the recent decisions made by leaders in similarly governed nations, such as Niger and Burkina Faso. Together, these countries form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), all under military rule, creating a landscape that raises questions about democracy in the region. Earlier this…

In a significant development, Southern African troops have commenced their evacuation from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following a tumultuous period marked by conflict and casualties. This withdrawal comes in light of a harrowing January offensive launched by the M23 armed group, which has left a grim toll—a heartbreaking loss of 17 soldiers. The decision to retreat was made by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), reflecting the dire situation on the ground. The SADC Mission in the Democratic…

As anticipation mounts for the upcoming election to lead the African Development Bank (AfDB) on May 29, 2025, five distinguished candidates are stepping into the spotlight, each eager to share their distinctive visions for steering the institution toward a brighter future. With current president Dr. Akinwumi Adesina set to conclude his two-term tenure on August 31, 2025, the stakes couldn't be higher. Adesina has championed social and economic development across the continent during his leadership, leaving a profound impact…

In a shocking turn of events, Namibia's Agriculture Minister, Mac-Albert Hengari, has been dismissed from his position amid serious accusations. Five years after the alleged rape of a 16-year-old girl, he was arrested following attempts to bribe the now 21-year-old survivor into withdrawing her case. Hengari’s appearance in court saw him denied bail, facing a daunting array of charges: kidnapping, rape, and assault. The echoes of this scandal resonate deeply within the fabric of Namibian society, where gender-based…

Despite global efforts to eradicate it, female genital mutilation (FGM) continues to pose a significant threat to the health and rights of millions of girls. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning: while cases of FGM have declined globally, the alarming trend is that healthcare professionals are increasingly becoming the perpetrators. As of 2020, an estimated 52 million girls and women worldwide—approximately one in four—have faced this harrowing procedure at the hands of those we trust to heal us.…

The City of Harare has embarked on an urgent and comprehensive response to a daunting bed bug outbreak in Mbare flats. In a coordinated effort, the local authority activated its Incident Management System (IMS), designating a dedicated incident manager to orchestrate an effective action plan aimed at mitigating this public health challenge. The campaign commenced on April 7, marking the start of an ambitious plan that encompasses three cycles of fumigation. Initially targeting 5,450 rooms, the latest report indicates that…