East Africa

Mogadishu (AX) — In the vibrant setting of Turkey's Antalya Diplomatic Forum, a significant milestone was achieved on a sunny Friday afternoon. Ukraine and Somalia, nations separated by continents yet united in aspiration, formally embarked on a new diplomatic journey. This moment echoed Kyiv's proactive strategy to forge robust alliances across Africa's diverse landscape. The agreement, inked with a flourish, was the result of diligent effort by Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Somalia’s State Minister…

Evolving Dynamics: Somalia and Ethiopia's Diplomatic Chessboard Amidst a tapestry of international dialogues and palpable tension, Turkey confidently stepped into a pivotal diplomatic role. Under the watchful gaze of the world, Turkey masterfully facilitated negotiations between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa, leading to the landmark Ankara Declaration on December 12. This significant pact was not just a declaration of mutual respect for each nation's sovereignty; it was also a gateway to more substantive talks…

Expanding Horizons: First National Bank's Strategic Growth in Africa As the world watches, Africa is blossoming into a hub of economic opportunities, with many eyes drawn to its burgeoning affluent demographic. In the midst of this transformation, a subsidiary of South Africa’s financial powerhouse, FirstRand Ltd., is keenly setting its gaze on Ghana. But what prompts a bank to venture into another country's market? The answer lies in the undeniable growth of Africa's affluent…

Have you ever wondered why some countries with abundant natural resources are not reaping their full benefits? This is a curious predicament faced by numerous countries across Africa. Despite possessing vast reserves of natural gas, a remarkable resource that lies buried beneath their soil, many African nations continue to experience relatively low usage of this potential powerhouse. What are the underlying reasons for this paradox, and what implications might it have on various facets of society?…

UN cargo aircraft rests on its nose after a landing gear failure at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport on April 1, 2025. This image, almost like a slumbering giant reduced to humility, serves as a poignant reminder that mishaps, while unfortunate, demand proactive measures. Mogadishu (AX) — In an earnest bid to address growing apprehensions surrounding air safety, the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation of Somalia has mandated a comprehensive round of emergency safety inspections and…

Somalia’s Political Turmoil: A Call for Unity As President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud endeavors to rally federal member states, seeking to forge a unified front against Somalia’s myriad political challenges and the persistent threat of Al-Shabaab militants, the situation remains complex and fraught with tension. How can leaders navigate the delicate balance of power and cooperation? Indeed, the breakdown in relations has escalated into an outright conflict. In a…

Kenya's Strategic Shift: From France to China in Infrastructure Development Picture this: a bustling highway carved through the heart of Kenya, propelling commerce and connecting communities. Once a symbol of Franco-Kenyan partnership, it now marks the changing winds of Kenya's international alliances. The Kenyan government recently opted to redirect a significant roadway project from its original French contractor to a Chinese firm. This decision…

Complex Web of Allegations: Gold Laundering and International Sanctions The Korean leader is deemed the 'real commander' of RSF, accused of enabling the laundering of gold money through Nairobi. Kenya's then deputy president William Ruto (right) and his then running mate Rigathi Gachagua in Nairobi, Kenya, on 4 June 2022 (AFP/Yasuyoshi Chiba) An Intersection of Politics and…

Have you ever paused to consider the critical role that airports play in our interconnected world? They are more than just places where you board a flight; they are arteries of economic lifeblood, especially in regions like Africa, where they promise to change lives and expectations. Often underestimated, airports serve as vital threads in the fabric of global commerce, tourism, and regional progress. This is nowhere more apparent than in Africa—a continent that stretches beyond our…

Embracing Collaboration: The Djibouti Forum 2025 It was a bright day on April 7, 2025, when Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed took the stage at the opening session of the second edition of the Djibouti Forum, an event hosted in the bustling heart of Djibouti City. The gathering saw 150 business leaders and policymakers from 51 countries immerse themselves in a mosaic of ideas and innovations, aiming to ignite a transformation within the Red Sea nation and across the African continent. "Unleashing…