West Africa

Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has returned to Ghana after a two-month medical treatment abroad. Her unexpected health issue, surfacing just months after her inauguration alongside President John Mahama, raised considerable speculation about her condition and resilience. The warm welcome she received upon her arrival at the airport was unmistakable. President Mahama was there to greet her, flanked by a cadre of government officials. This reception mirrored the affection and respect she commands across the nation.…

Data-Driven Strategies at Absa: A Conversation with Hartnell Ndungi Managing data across diverse countries and markets can feel like trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle. It’s no small task. It takes not just vision but strong leadership to navigate these complexities effectively. This was a prominent theme during our conversation with Hartnell Ndungi, the Chief Data Officer at Absa—one of Africa’s largest banking institutions. In an era where data shapes industries, Absa is taking significant strides…

Mogadishu (AX) – A recent proposal to deduct $500 monthly from the salaries of members of the Somali Federal Parliament has ignited considerable debate and opposition. This initiative, intended to bolster the Ma’awisley clan militia engaged in combat against Al-Shabaab in the Hiiraan region, was the central topic during a parliamentary session on Saturday. The motion, presented by the parliamentary leadership, aimed to channel financial resources directly to Ma’awisley fighters. These fighters are currently collaborating…

Nigeria stands on the precipice of a transformative journey as it prepares to launch two major lithium processing plants this year. This initiative marks a significant departure from the country’s traditional reliance on raw mineral exports, signaling a commitment to enhancing domestic value addition. This ambitious plan was unveiled by Nigeria’s Mining Minister, Dele Alake, who shared the exciting news that a significant $600 million lithium processing facility is set to be inaugurated near the Kaduna-Niger border within…

Mark your calendars! The Xiaomi Mid-Year Sale is set to run from May 27th to June 30th, 2025. This isn’t just any sale; it’s an opportunity to elevate your lifestyle. Are you considering a new smartphone, a sleek tablet, or perhaps some high-quality audio devices? With Xiaomi's range of products—perfectly tailored for various budgets and lifestyles—you're bound to find just what you need. Shop and Win Big – It’s That Simple! The process couldn't be easier. Simply step into any Xiaomi authorized store or a…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a significant development, the Somali Police Force has apprehended Sharif Mohamed Ahmed, the primary suspect in the tragic shooting of Abdifatah Abdi Osman, also known as "Arab." The former national football player and employee of Astaan TV was senselessly gunned down last Sunday morning in Mogadishu. This incident has left an undeniable mark on the community, raising profound questions about safety and justice in a country still grappling with the repercussions of violence. The police have released the…

Garowe (AX) – In a significant enforcement action, the Northeastern State security forces have apprehended 27 Yemeni fishermen, accompanied by one Somali national, for allegedly engaging in illegal fishing in the coastal waters of Northeastern State. This incident occurred on May 14, 2025, and highlights the ongoing challenges and complexities surrounding fishing regulations in the region. The Northeastern State Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources disclosed that the vessel involved, named "Maimon 1," is owned by…

When we discuss the world’s most influential cities, names like New York, London, and Tokyo often emerge as the titans of urban prowess. However, the landscape of global prominence is evolving right before our eyes. A recent report from Oxford Economics, encapsulated in their Global Cities Index, reveals a striking statistic: the 1,000 largest cities are not merely home to one-third of the global population but also generate nearly 60% of the world's GDP as of 2024. It's a stunning testament to the economic weight…

The Historic Airstrike: A Peek Inside US Military Operations US Navy photo In an unprecedented display of military might, the United States Navy recently executed the largest airstrike ever launched from an aircraft carrier, a staggering 125,000 pounds of ordnance. This is not merely a headline; it represents a significant shift in the landscape of naval operations. Adm. James Kilby, the acting chief of naval operations, unveiled this information earlier this week. The airstrike, which took place on February 1, was a…

Progress on the Isiolo–Mandera Highway: A Step Towards Regional Development Workers at the section of the highway/COURTESY The construction of the ambitious 749-kilometer Isiolo–Mandera highway is gaining momentum, signaling a renewed commitment by the Kenyan government to improve infrastructure and connectivity in the northeastern region. The importance of this project cannot be overstated; it is poised to transform not only the landscape but also the socio-economic fabric of the area. This vital route links the four…