West Africa

Khaby Lame Signs Groundbreaking $975 Million Deal in Creator Economy The world's most-followed TikToker, Senegalese-born Khaby Lame, has finalized an impressive all-stock deal valued between $900 million and $975 million. This significant agreement marks one of the largest monetization transactions within the rapidly evolving creator economy. The deal involves the partial sale of Lame's operating company, Step Distinctive Limited, where he held a 49% stake. Under the agreement, the buyer, Rich Sparkle, secures exclusive…

President Joseph Boakai Delivers Crucial Annual Address Amidst Economic Struggles Liberians, both at home and abroad, were on high alert as President Joseph Boakai delivered his impactful third Annual Message to the National Legislature on Monday, adhering to the stipulations of the Liberian Constitution. This year's address is particularly significant, marking what analysts describe as the "last full window" for substantive reform before the political atmosphere shifts, consumed by succession politics and the impending…

Nigerian Military Officers to Stand Trial for Alleged Coup Plot A group of Nigerian military officers is set to face a military court following accusations of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu's government in 2025. Sixteen officers were arrested in October 2025, sparking what has been described as "acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations." Authorities later confirmed that several of these officers would indeed be tried, despite initial denials of a coup attempt. Among those arrested, fourteen…

IShowspeed’s African Tour: "Speed Does Africa" Challenges Stereotypes Popular streamer Darren Watkins Jr., known as IShowspeed, is on an exciting African tour titled "Speed Does Africa." The journey has taken him through several countries across the continent, where he has engaged deeply with local cultures, connected with fans, and shared everyday experiences from Africa with his vast global audience. This tour has not only entertained but has also effectively challenged long-standing stereotypes about the continent.…

Severe Malnutrition Claims Over 600 Child Lives in Kebbi, Nigeria More than 600 children have died from severe malnutrition in the northwestern state of Kebbi between January and September 2025, according to data from the state nutrition office. Health officials attribute the devastating rise in deaths to widespread misconceptions among residents, who often ascribe malnutrition to “spiritual attacks.” This misconception has resulted in delayed access to life-saving treatment, exacerbating the crisis. The impact of…

Senegal’s Dramatic AFCON Final: A Clash of Emotion and Controversy The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Senegal's Teranga Lions and hosts Morocco will be remembered for three things: officiating, raw emotion, and a historic protest. This gripping encounter not only showcased the competitive spirit of African football but also raised questions about the integrity of officiating in such high-stakes games. In a moment that stunned spectators and players alike, Senegal's head coach Pape Thiaw ordered his team…

CPJ Urges Mali to Lift Ban on Jeune Afrique as Media Repression Grows The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on Malian authorities to reverse a ban on the privately owned French magazine, Jeune Afrique. The publication faced accusations of "glorifying terrorism" and engaging in "defamation and incitement to hatred," marking a worrying trend for media freedom in the region. This latest move follows a succession of bans on French media by the Alliance of Sahel States—comprising Mali, Niger, and Burkina…

Ghana's Multidimensional Poverty Rate Declines but Disparities Remain A recent report indicates that Ghana's multidimensional poverty rate has steadily decreased from 23.9% in the first quarter of 2025 to 21.9% by the third quarter. This report assesses poverty through four key indicators: health, living conditions, education, and employment, offering a more comprehensive view of poverty beyond mere income levels. At the report's launch in Accra this week, Senior Government Statistician Alhassan Iddrisu emphasized the…

Gunmen Kidnap Worshippers from Churches in Kaduna State, Nigeria Authorities in Nigeria's Kaduna State have confirmed that gunmen kidnapped scores of worshippers from three churches on Sunday, reversing an earlier denial of the incident. This distressing event has sparked outrage and fear within the local communities, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region. The Kaduna Police Commissioner initially dismissed the reports of the kidnappings as "falsehoods peddled by conflict entrepreneurs" seeking to "cause…

Former First Lady's Foundation Ordered to Surrender Records Amid Investigation A court has ordered the Clar Hope Foundation, owned by former First Lady Clar Marie Weah, to surrender its administrative and financial records concerning the construction of the foundation's massive complex outside Monrovia. The order follows a request from the government's Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force (AREPT), which is investigating allegations that illicit funds were used to finance the sprawling facility—a claim the…