trade

Experts are cautiously optimistic about a groundbreaking male contraceptive making waves in Africa. Traditionally, family planning has heavily leaned towards women, often sidelining men in crucial conversations about reproductive health. Enter Adam, a remarkable water-soluble hydrogel injection designed to provide reliable contraceptive protection for up to two years. The implications of this innovation are nothing short of transformative. Born out of the lab at Contraline, a biotechnology company in the United States,…

Recently, the visit of former South African President Jacob Zuma to Rabat ignited renewed debate over the fraught issue of Western Sahara. Zuma's endorsement of Morocco's claim to this territory as an autonomous region has certainly raised eyebrows and rekindled discussions about the complexities woven into the region’s history. This shift in Zuma’s perspective marks a significant departure from his earlier stance as president, when he fervently supported the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination. Peter Fabricius, a…

Benin has recently appointed acclaimed American filmmaker Spike Lee, alongside his wife, producer and author Tonya Lewis Lee, as ambassadors dedicated to connecting with African-Americans in the United States. Their mission transcends mere symbolism; it aims to strengthen bonds between Benin and the diaspora, while fostering cultural tourism and supporting initiatives that guide individuals back to their ancestral roots. This important announcement took place during the couple's visit to Benin's vibrant capital, Cotonou,…

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has delivered a significant verdict regarding Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona, the former head of football for the Central African Republic (CAR). He has been found guilty of 28 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity. This ruling marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing pursuit of justice as it reflects the court's commitment to addressing the atrocities committed during a brutal conflict that has scarred the nation. In a trial that spanned nearly four years, more than 170 witnesses…

Taoiseach Micheál Martin expressed optimism about reaching a trade agreement between the European Union and the United States ahead of the looming deadline of August 1st, as articulated by US President Donald Trump. "The hope is that we have a negotiated agreement before 1 August," Martin stated during a press briefing at Senningen Castle in Luxembourg. The urgency in these discussions comes as the US administration has signaled its intention to impose tariffs as high as 30% on EU imports if an agreement is not reached by…

The recent decision by the UK government to slash foreign aid spending by a staggering 40% has raised a wave of concerns regarding its ramifications for humanitarian efforts, particularly across the African continent. This significant budget reduction has sent ripples of anxiety through various sectors, notably health and education. The Prime Minister described this juncture as a "painful choice," a term that may indeed resonate with those on the front lines of aid work. This move mirrors a troubling trend initiated by past…

In a profound response to a tragic incident at Manyame Bridge on the Chitungwiza Highway, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has designated the event as a national disaster. This declaration serves as a clarion call for urgent and comprehensive reforms aimed at addressing what he has aptly dubbed the "bloody traffic jungle" that has become synonymous with Zimbabwean roads. Reflecting on the recent calamity, which involved a collision between a truck and an omnibus, Mnangagwa underscored the grim reality that Zimbabweans face…

The Port of Lomé: A Gateway for U.S. Trade According to the U.S. Embassy in Lomé, a remarkable transformation is taking place—Togo now proudly hosts the fourth busiest container port in Africa. This isn't just about numbers; it signifies a new era brimming with potential. The port's deep-water access and modern infrastructure could significantly elevate trade opportunities for American businesses eager to explore foreign markets. It's an exciting time for all of us—so what might that mean…

Human Rights Watch has made a compelling appeal to Niger's military junta: they demand the immediate release of former President Mohamed Bazoum, who was abruptly ousted in a military coup in 2023. Under the command of General Abdourahamane Tiani, army officers dismantled the governance structure and apprehended both Bazoum and his wife. Such actions raise serious questions about the future of democracy in Niger. Ilaria Allegrozzi, a researcher at Human Rights Watch, emphatically remarked, “Every day that former President…

It has been over a decade since the harrowing abduction of 276 schoolgirls by Boko Haram militants in Chibok, Nigeria. Yet, the heartbreak lingers for the families of the 87 girls still unaccounted for. This lingering pain brings them to a singular, urgent plea: that the government offer more than mere assurances; they demand tangible action. In a poignant statement, the parents acknowledged the efforts of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who played a significant role in securing the release of 103 girls. Nevertheless,…