West

The upcoming event is poised to be a transformative milestone, not just for Yikodeen, but for Nigeria's broader industrial aspirations. With the completion of this significant expansion, Yikodeen now boasts the largest safety footwear manufacturing plant in West Africa—a remarkable 120,000-square-foot facility that can produce an astounding 5,000 pairs of safety boots daily. This figure stands in stark contrast to the company’s humble beginnings in 2016 when it could only manage a mere 20 pairs per day. What stories…

In a significant move that underscores its commitment to the region, Nordgold has solidified its foothold in West Africa with the recent acquisition of a vital gold project in Burkina Faso. This strategic expansion not only highlights the company's ambitions but also symbolizes the strengthening economic ties between Burkina Faso and Russia—an evolving relationship that carries both promise and complexity. At the recent #SPIEF2025 event, Nordgold’s CEO Georgi Smirnov delivered an insightful presentation on the…

The Expanding Russian Influence in Africa: A Nuclear Partnership with Mali and Burkina Faso Recently, the Russian government sanctioned a significant move that underscores its growing presence in the African energy sector. This initiative entrusts Rosatom, Russia's state atomic energy corporation, with responsibilities to facilitate the development of nuclear energy agreements on behalf of Moscow. But what does this mean for Mali and Burkina Faso, countries struggling to address their…

In the quiet hours of a Saturday morning, a tragedy unfolded in Karon Village, located in West Pokot County. Panic and despair swept through the community as news broke that four individuals lost their lives when a gold mining pit unexpectedly collapsed at 2 a.m. This incident has left families shattered and a village grappling with profound loss. County Commissioner Khalif Abdullahi reported that the victims were tragically buried alive under the rubble after the mine caved in. The deceased have been identified as Lotudung…

Recently, an extraordinary event unfolded that brought together over 8,000 professionals and around 500 exhibitors, not just from Nigeria but from across Africa and beyond. It's a testament to the increasing global focus on the transformation of healthcare in West Africa. The attendees had the unique opportunity to delve into the latest advancements in diagnostics, medical imaging, AI-driven health technologies, and groundbreaking pharmaceuticals. This remarkable gathering illuminated a shared urgency and ambition to…

In a significant development for global shipping, Container News reports that Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has officially launched two colossal vessels, the Diletta and Türkiye, on its Africa Express service. This service is designed to connect leading Asian export hubs—namely, China, South Korea, and Southeast Asia—with vital ports in West Africa, including Lomé (Togo), Tema (Ghana), Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire), and Douala (Cameroon). The MSC Diletta is nothing short of a maritime marvel. Spanning an…

The ongoing withdrawal of French troops from West Africa is creating a significant power vacuum, one that is rapidly attracting the interests of private military contractors. Analysts have noted a concerning trend: nations in the Sahel region are increasingly leaning on these firms for a variety of missions. What does this mean for regional stability and the future of international military cooperation? As of early 2025, France has transferred control of its historic military bases from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to…

The recently released 2025 EU Report on the Protection and Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights in Third Countries sheds light on a growing concern: Nigerian seaports are rapidly becoming central transit hubs for the importation and re-exportation of counterfeit goods. These goods range from pharmaceuticals and electronics to fashionable apparel. This development raises vital questions about consumer safety, public health, and the overall integrity of international trade. Within the report's findings,…

The Growing Humanitarian Landscape: Russia's Expanding Role in Africa In a significant gesture of support, the Russian Foreign Ministry has announced the dispatch of 709.5 tons of humanitarian aid to Burkina Faso, alongside an impressive commitment to supply up to 20,000 tons of wheat to Niger. This initiative forms a crucial part of a broader strategy aimed at reinforcing ties with the region’s military-led governments. The question arises: what are the implications of such actions in a complex geopolitical landscape? As…

In light of the escalating instability in the Sahel and evolving geopolitical dynamics in countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the United States is working diligently to reinforce its connections in West Africa. A pivotal aspect of this effort is the establishment of a drone base in Côte d'Ivoire's bustling capital, Abidjan. This initiative is anything but a mere strategic exercise. It signals America's commitment to bolster security collaborations while addressing significant threats facing the…