Looking To Africa’s Future: The Promise Of Transnational Ties
Nearly seven years ago, when I became president of Yale University, five of the top twelve-and eleven of the top twenty-of the world’s fastest growing economies were in Africa, even as the continent faced serious challenges. Amid discussions of sobering events and hopes for the future, Yale took a stand for the promise of education, […]
A Space to Remind Kids from Chibolya that they are Change-makers
Starting circus training for the youth of his underprivileged neighbourhood, Gift Chansa’s idea is a vibrant effort that showcases the strength and talent of more than 80 young people who have taken the opportunity Circus Zambia offers. Physical training takes care of the body, as the performers work on their acrobatics, clown acts and dancing. […]
West Africa’s New Currency
The formation of an independent monetary union and the adoption of a regional currency has been long-term goals for the broader 15-member Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas). West African leaders met in June 2019 and agreed to adopt a common regional currency, to be called the ‘eco’ in the early parts of 2020. While some […]
Nigeria’s New Tax Bill
President Muhammadu Buhari has signed into law a new bill that seeks to boost government revenue through a rise in the value-added tax rate while at the same time supporting small businesses. Nigeria has been trying to boost tax income as part of efforts to diversify its economy to reduce dependence on sales of crude […]
South Africa Tells Refugees to ‘Behave’
South Africa can now strip refugees of their asylum status if they engage in any political activity related to their home countries, according to a new law that critics call illegal and deeply ironic after the ruling party fought the former apartheid government for years as a liberation movement in exile. Representatives of refugees and […]
Clamping Down on Child Labour in the Cocoa Sector
Authorities in Ivory Coast say they rescued 137 children who were the victims of traffickers and groomed to work on cocoa plantations or in prostitution. Police rescued the children after surrounding the eastern town of Aboisso and carried out a two-day search of cars, farms, and nearby villages. Officials say the children ranged from age […]
Tunisia’s Date Industry Under Distress
Communities have survived in Bchelli for thousands of years, but the changing environment may soon make it uninhabitable. Thousands of farmers across the region say the effects of the climate crisis and water scarcity are threatening their livelihoods. Overall, temperatures here have risen by about 1C (33.8F) since 1988, according to data collected by the […]
The First UNESCO-supported Mobile Game in Africa
Mauritian startup Panda & Wolf Holdings has rolled out Eco-Warriors to teach kids about waste sorting and recycling. Eco-Warriors also provides a call-to-action for users by providing a monthly comic and activity book that not only continues the adventures of the “eco-warriors” but also provides activities and Q&As related to the environment and their school […]
Libya Truce: All Talk no Deal
The role of international actors in the Libyan conflict has come into focus in recent months, with Turkey passing a controversial law to deploy troops to help GNA forces fighting in Tripoli. Meanwhile, Gen Haftar is also backed by Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan, raising fears that oil-rich Libya could become […]
Akon has His Own City in Senegal
Akon, who is of Senegalese descent, originally announced plans for the futuristic “Crypto city” in 2018 saying that the city would be built on a 2,000-acre land gifted to him by the President of Senegal, Macky Sall. The new city would also trade exclusively in his own digital cash currency called AKoin, he said. The […]
