world

In the latest Poverty and Equity Brief released by the World Bank in April 2025, the situation in Nigeria paints a rather grim picture: an alarming 41.3% of its urban population lives in poverty, with rural communities bearing an even heavier burden. The factors contributing to this crisis are multifaceted, encompassing economic stagnation, rampant inflation, and widespread insecurity that have collectively stifled growth in recent years. To fully grasp the gravity of this situation, consider that 30.9% of Nigerians were…

Somalia: Unyielding Challenges in Journalism Demand Immediate Change on World Press Freedom Day The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) has unveiled its latest State of the Media Report on World Press Freedom Day, shedding light on the persistent and pervasive repression faced by journalists in Somalia. This annual publication, now in its 14th rendition, is a vital chronicle of the ongoing struggle for media freedom. It meticulously details the multifaceted challenges and violations that journalists endure,…

In today’s world, news travels at an extraordinary pace. The cycle of reporting has shifted from discrete intervals to a relentless, continuous stream of information that's available at the click of a button. It's a transformation powered by the internet and social media, fundamentally altering how journalism is practiced while creating immense pressure for immediacy. This transformation, albeit exhilarating, comes with its own set of challenges. The quest for being the first to break a story has become a…

The Economic Forecast for Sub-Saharan Africa: A Landmark and a Journey The World Bank, a critical institution in shaping global economic policies, projects an encouraging uptick in economic activity for Sub-Saharan Africa. Expectations are set for growth to rise from 3.3% in 2024 to 3.5% in 2025, eventually accelerating to 4.3% by 2026–27. However, as with any journey, this optimistic outlook is littered with obstacles and uncertainties that could shape the path forward. Intriguingly, not all the region’s…

In an exciting development for global economic collaboration, the President and CEO of Dangote Group, alongside several distinguished industry leaders, has been appointed to the World Bank's Private Sector Investment Lab. This initiative represents a significant effort to foster sustainable economic growth and job creation in emerging markets. In his response to the appointment, Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote expressed his profound respect for this new role. He regards it as an esteemed opportunity to…

A New Era of Gaming in Africa Historically, Africa has often been overlooked as a key player in the global gaming industry. Various challenges have plagued the continent—notably, inadequate infrastructure, limited access to essential gaming hardware, and the prohibitive costs associated with data usage. However, a heartening transformation is underway. Nations such as Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Egypt are witnessing the emergence of thriving gaming communities, buoyed by better online connectivity, the rise…

UK Hosts Global Conference Calling for Swift End to Sudan Conflict The United Kingdom has spearheaded international appeals for an immediate end to the devastating war in Sudan, hosting top global diplomats to discuss new humanitarian aid commitments as the crisis enters its third year. The conflict, erupting on April 15, 2023, arises from a power struggle between Sudan's regular army, led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), headed by Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. Neither leader attended…

The diplomacy tunnel as seen at the NEST Congress Center, Antalya, Türkiye (DHA Photo). Antalya Diplomacy Forum: Navigating a Fragmented World Every once in a while, you come across an event that promises to reshape conversations and foster new narratives on a global scale. Such is the potential of the Fourth Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF), scheduled to take place at the NEST Congress Center in the picturesque city of Antalya,…

Today, a succinct yet crucial announcement made its way from the chambers of the international financial scene. The World Bank dispelled any doubts with a firm proclamation: "No projects in the World Bank-financed portfolio in Ghana are currently suspended." This declaration comes as a breath of fresh air amidst whispers of possible disruptions that could have sent ripples through the corridors of Ghanaian development sectors. Why such a hue and cry about these projects? Imagine waking up to…

Nigeria's Fiscal Future: Navigating Through Financial Waters The recent announcement of a $632 million loan from the World Bank could not have come at a more pivotal moment for Nigeria. Fraught with fiscal challenges such as escalating inflation, diminishing revenues, and a depreciating currency, the nation is in dire need of economic support. But does this loan provide a pathway to economic revitalization, or is it simply another step deeper into the debt quagmire? The Components of the…