North Africa

New Travel Ban Signed by President Trump: An Overview On a Wednesday that many in the political arena won’t soon forget, U.S. President Donald Trump announced sweeping changes to the nation's travel policies by signing a new travel ban targeting twelve countries, predominantly situated in Africa and the Middle East. The implications of this directive could be profound, shaping the lives and futures of countless individuals across the globe. “We don’t want them. We will not allow people to enter our country who…

In recent times, the economic landscape across various cities has painted a complex picture. While some urban centers are experiencing an uptick in consumer power, others grapple with the harsh realities of diminishing purchasing power. It's a tale of two cities, but let’s dive deeper and explore how this phenomenon unfolds. Take, for instance, densely populated cities like Lagos, Harare, and Kinshasa. In these bustling metropolises, residents often find themselves unable to afford basic necessities. Imagine walking…

It's fascinating to observe how a nation's infrastructure plays a critical role in shaping its economic destiny. Across Africa, there is a palpable momentum as countries invest significantly in energy, transport, and digital frameworks. This deliberate focus on infrastructure is not just a fleeting trend; it’s a strategic move aimed at fostering sustainable economic growth for generations to come. These important investments don’t merely exist in a vacuum. They serve to minimize transaction costs, enhance…

In recent years, Kenya has steadily positioned itself as a pivotal transit hub for gold trafficking, particularly from African nations grappling with instability and governance challenges. According to a comprehensive report released by SwissAid, a non-governmental organization dedicated to resource justice and development, the intricacies of this illicit trade reveal a pressing need for deeper scrutiny and understanding. A significant portion of Kenya's gold production originates from artisanal and small-scale…

Across the vibrant and diverse landscape of Africa, a quiet transformation is taking place that is reshaping the continent’s digital future. Governments are exploring innovative Information and Communication Technology (ICT) policies that not only recognize the importance of technology but also champion data protection laws, broadband access strategies, and regulations aimed at fostering growth. Enter the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and its forward-thinking ICT Regulatory Tracker. This vital tool offers a…

The Alarming State of Blocked Airline Funds: A Deep Dive Into Africa's Aviation Sector The International Air Transport Association (IATA) recently published a comprehensive report that’s raising eyebrows across the globe. What’s particularly striking is that out of fifteen nations listed, twelve from Africa are responsible for approximately 65% of the total blocked airline funds, which resonates to the tune of $846 million—that's quite a hefty sum. Altogether, these funds, which stand at an alarming total of $1.3…

The Rising Tide of African Billionaires: A Mixed Bag of Fortunes Wealth can be a fickle mistress, offering some a gilded life while leaving others in the shadows. Recently, we’ve witnessed an intriguing shift among Africa's billionaires—a tale of contrasts where some fortunes surge while others dwindle. When contemplating the complexities of wealth, it’s worth asking ourselves: what drives these changes? For instance, Aliko Dangote, often hailed as Nigeria's industrial titan, has recently seen a remarkable…

The deployment of Turkish forces in Somalia arrives at a pivotal moment for both the region and the broader African landscape. With the African Union transitioning from the African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to the African Union Security Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSS), the stakes have never been higher. The move comes against a backdrop of critical funding gaps that threaten the stability that has been painstakingly built over the years. This change is particularly pertinent given the recent shifts in U.S. foreign…

The Aviation Quandary: Blocked Funds in Africa’s Skies It's no secret that the aviation industry plays a critical role in connecting regions and facilitating trade. However, a recent report from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) sheds light on an alarming trend: the staggering amount of funds blocked in various African nations, which paints a concerning picture for the continent's aviation sector. Among fifteen nations identified, twelve…

The Trump administration seems to be adding Rwanda to a growing roster of partner nations—similar to El Salvador, Mexico, and recently South Sudan—willing to accept deportees as part of its robust migration enforcement initiative. It raises the question: what motivates countries to become involved in these arrangements? In essence, the U.S. appears to be adopting a methodology reminiscent of the UK's earlier, contentious plan, which aimed to send asylum-seekers to specific countries. Yet this once-rejected…