Global Rise of Populism Fueling Growth of Authoritarianism Across Africa
The rise of global populism and “strongmen” leaders is fueling an upswing of authoritarianism across Africa, according to Mo Ibrahim’s latest Ibrahim Index of African Governance. The report, launched today, revealed that 78% of Africans live in countries where security and democracy have worsened between 2014 and 2023. The report also highlighted that more than […]
Ramaphosa Affirms Russia as ‘Valued Ally’ During BRICS Summit
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed Russia as a “valued ally” and friend of Pretoria, praising Moscow’s longstanding support, including during the fight against apartheid. Ramaphosa’s comments came during talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the ongoing BRICS summit in Kazan. In response, Putin stated that the relationship between the two nations is […]
IMF Predicts a 3.2% Growth for Nigeria’s Economy in 2025
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that Nigeria’s economy will grow by 3.2% in 2025, a slight increase from its earlier forecast, with inflation expected to drop to 25%. In its World Economic Outlook (WEO) report, the IMF revised Nigeria’s GDP growth for 2024 down to 2.9% amid ongoing economic challenges, including surging inflation […]
10 Countries at the Forefront of Economic Growth in Africa in 2024
The World Bank’s Africa Pulse report highlights the real GDP growth of several Sub-Saharan African (SSA) nations in 2024, with Côte d’Ivoire (6.5%), Uganda (6.0%), and Tanzania (5.4%) among the top performers. Growth in these countries has been driven by structural reforms and increased public infrastructure spending. However, the overall growth forecast for SSA was […]
Ethiopia Excludes Foreign Investors from State-owned Company’s IPO
Ethiopia has barred diaspora citizens and foreign investors from participating in its first-ever Initial Public Offering (IPO) for Ethio Telecom, the state-owned telecommunications giant. The Ethiopian government is attempting to raise $255 million by selling a 10% stake in the company through Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH). However, the authorities’ decision to exclude foreign investors could […]
Botswana Welcomes International Observers Ahead of October 30 Election
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has launched its observer mission in Botswana ahead of the country’s general election on October 30. During the launch, the observers, led by Tanzania’s former prime minister, Mizengo Pinda, called for peaceful and democratic elections in the Southern African nation. Observers from the Commonwealth and the African Union are […]
Tunisian President Begins Second Term Following Crackdown on Opposition
Tunisian President Kais Saied has been inaugurated for a second term following his landslide re-election with 90.7% of the vote, amid a crackdown on political opponents. During his inaugural speech earlier this week, Saied called for a “cultural revolution” to address unemployment, corruption, and terrorism, framing his leadership as a fight against “thieves and traitors” […]
EU Observers Claim Mozambique Election Results are Being Altered
EU election observers have raised concerns about the “unjustified alteration” of results in Mozambique’s October 9 general elections, adding to the growing accusations of fraud in the recently concluded presidential and parliamentary elections. The EU then urged authorities to ensure transparent ballot counting and called for restraint amid escalating tensions. Opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane, who […]
Idris Elba Plans to Relocate to Africa to Support Film Industry
British actor Idris Elba plans to relocate to Africa within the next decade to support the continent’s growing film industry. The 52-year-old, who is behind projects to build film studios in Tanzania’s Zanzibar and Ghana’s Accra, aims to help Africans tell their own stories through film. He intends to live in the parts of the […]
Laongo Symposium Transforms Burkina Faso into an Artistic Granite Wonderland
The 14th International Granite Sculpture Symposium in Laongo, Burkina Faso, has attracted 17 sculptors from nine African and European countries, who will be hoping to create timeless pieces in the village. Artists, including Mali’s Indépendance Dougnon and Burkinabè sculptor Karim Tapsoba, are carving granite to reflect different themes, including love, coexistence, and communication. Since its […]
