West Africa

Mogadishu (AX) — On a significant Tuesday, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud welcomed a delegation from the European External Action Service (EEAS), a meeting that took place within the historic walls of the Villa Somalia Presidential Palace in Mogadishu. Leading this delegation was Jonas Jonsson, the Director for Africa, whose experience and insights pave the way for constructive dialogue between Somalia and the European Union. The essence of this encounter centered around fortifying the multifaceted partnership shared…

Sierra Leone's President, Julius Maada Bio, recently ascended to the position of chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). With this new role, he sets his sights on reinstating constitutional order and fostering a more robust democratic framework across the region. Taking over from Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, who faced significant tribulations during his two terms, Bio steps into a complex landscape. Tinubu’s leadership was not without its hurdles. His tenure endured the strain of…

As we move deeper into 2025, an increasing number of African nations find themselves grappling with the weight of their financial commitments to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The road toward fiscal stability seems to be riddled with challenges that threaten both economic and social progress. In countries such as Ghana and Malawi, the solutions offered through IMF-supported programs have often manifested in painful austerity measures. These measures, while intended to stabilize economies in the long run, tend to…

Image source Somalia has reached a remarkable epoch in its economic narrative. On December 13, 2023, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank confirmed that Somalia had reached the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) completion point. This milestone facilitated a dramatic reduction of external debt, from a staggering 64 percent of GDP in 2018 to below 6 percent by the end of 2023—an accomplishment that translates to an impressive $4.5 billion in debt relief. The momentum didn't stop there. In early 2024,…

Africa's Defense Spending: A Strategic Imperative The necessity of enhancing defense budgets in African nations is becoming increasingly evident. Such investments will empower countries to bolster their military capabilities, safeguard national sovereignty, protect vital infrastructure, and uphold internal stability. In a continent grappling with numerous threats, both external and internal, the conversation around defense spending is not merely a fiscal one; it’s fundamentally tied to survival and resilience.…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a pivotal meeting on Tuesday, the Somali Minister of Defense, Ahmed Macalin Fiqi, engaged with the Chinese Ambassador to Somalia, Wang Yu, in the bustling capital city of Mogadishu. The primary focus of their discussion was a reinforced partnership in defense, particularly emphasizing collaborative efforts to counter the persistent threat posed by al-Shabab, a militant group with ties to al-Qaida. During the meeting, the dialogue flowed with an unmistakable urgency. Both leaders recognized the pressing…

The Strategic Shake-Up: What the Potential Closure of the Strait of Hormuz Means for Global Energy and Africa As we await a pivotal decision from Iran's Supreme National Security Council regarding the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one thing is clear: the discussions are reverberating across the globe. Iranian state broadcaster Press TV has confirmed that a parliamentary vote favoring this closure has already passed. But what does this mean for the world, and specifically for Africa? This…

Nigeria and Brazil Forge Groundbreaking $1 Billion Partnership This week, Nigeria and Brazil inaugurated a transformative agreement worth $1 billion aimed at advancing agriculture, energy, food security, and defense in Nigeria. This monumental step was highlighted by Vice President Kashim Shettima during the opening remarks of the 2nd Nigeria–Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism (SDM) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. "Brazil and Nigeria are not bound by geography, but by a shared dream," Shettima passionately conveyed.…

Calls for Justice: The Tragic Death of Albert Ojwang In a poignant demonstration of civil society’s strength and resolve, activists gathered in Mombasa, Kenya on June 17, 2025, bearing placards that demanded justice for the late political blogger, Albert Ojwang. His untimely death while in police custody has ignited a firestorm of protests, stirring the hearts and minds of citizens across the nation. Standing amidst the sea of voices and banners, one could almost feel the pulse of the community—a mixture of sorrow and…

In recent years, there has been a growing conversation about the economic landscape of African nations, particularly those with low diesel prices. While this could easily seem like a matter reserved for economists or policy analysts, the implications stretch far beyond the fuel gauge. Low diesel prices offer a multitude of economic and social benefits that ripple across industries, affecting daily life, commerce, and even food security. One might wonder: how does a dip in diesel prices translate to tangible…