Sudan’s Civilians Deserve Better
Complexity is no excuse for the world’s continued inaction on the war in Sudan. By Michelle Gavin It is often suggested that the horrific crisis in Sudan garners little international attention because of its complexity, and specifically because “there are no good guys, only bad guys.” It’s true that Sudan’s crisis grows more complicated by the day, […]
How the Potential TikTok Ban Could Affect African Creators in the United States
On January 19, over 170 million Americans could lose access to TikTok due to federal legislation mandating its sale or a U.S. ban. This move, upheld by the Supreme Court, has profound implications, particularly for African creators like Maame Adwoa and Inioluwa Olu-Owotade. TikTok has been a transformative platform for creators, offering global reach, collaboration […]
Why the Moroccan Riviera is the Secret Hotspot to Visit this Winter
Tangier, on the “Moroccan Riviera,” offers an affordable alternative to Marrakech. Famous for its Art Deco Cinémathèque de Tanger and ties to icons like Burroughs and Jagger, Tangier’s international past and proximity to Gibraltar and Spain make it a vibrant hub for history, culture, and thrill-seekers alike. Morocco’s high-speed Al Boraq train connects major cities, […]
Innovators and Independent Publishers Making African Literature Available and Affordable
African literature is thriving, gaining global recognition with major awards like the Nobel, Booker, and Camões prizes in 2021, a milestone hailed as “the year for African literature.” Anticipation surrounds Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s first novel in a decade, alongside rising stars like Mubanga Kalimamukwento and Damilare Kuku. Yet, challenges persist across the continent. Limited publishing […]
Discover Namibia’s Maritime Museum
Opened on November 1, 2024, Namibia’s first maritime museum, the NMM, stands as one of Africa’s largest. Located in the historic Lüderitz Old Power Station, the 2,000-square-meter space showcases Namibia’s rich maritime heritage through ancient watercraft, fossils, maps, shark skeletons, antiques, and art. The museum also houses a vast library and unique treasures highlighting the […]
Exploring South African Indian Identity Through Design
South Africa, home to a vibrant Indian community, celebrates its rich cultural fusion, with Durban as a hub of Indian heritage. Designer Shaakira Jassat, raised in a South African Muslim household with Indian roots, reflects this blend in her Familiar Forms tableware collection. Inspired by her ancestors—indentured labourers and migrants from colonial India—the collection marries […]
Uganda’s Rolex is much more than a Street Food – it’s a National Treasure
The Rolex, a Ugandan innovation, has become a symbol of national identity, much like the Swiss watch represents Switzerland. This affordable snack—a chapati rolled with fried eggs, spices, and vegetables—bridges cultural and class divides, consumed by all Ugandans regardless of background. It also connects urban and rural areas, with people moving temporarily to work as […]
Cruise between the Islands of Cabo Verde
Cabo Verde’s islands each offer unique worlds to explore. On Fogo, the active volcano shapes black-sand beaches, lava fields, and fertile farmlands that produce the archipelago’s finest wine. Boa Vista contrasts with its Sahara-like dunes, golden beaches, and turquoise waters, home to Praia de Santa Mónica—one of the world’s most stunning beaches. Santo Antão’s rugged […]
Tanzania: Women Play Mancala Board Game to Strengthen Ties
In Tanzania, more women are embracing Mancala, known as Bao in Swahili, a centuries-old African game traditionally played by men. Derived from the Arabic root n-q-l meaning “movement,” Mancala involves moving tokens across rows of pits in strategic turns. Variations range from two to four rows, with players collecting seeds in protected “houses” or moving […]
Ivory Coast’s Economic Hub Abidjan Turns Into Vibrant Graffiti Gallery
Abidjan’s Plateau district is undergoing a vibrant transformation, with graffiti murals now brightening the city’s urban canvas. Once met with disdain and legal risk, graffiti is increasingly embraced, with murals gracing major hotels and thoroughfares. The inaugural “Ivory Graff Graffiti Festival” in November featured 40 national and international artists, who turned bland walls into stunning […]
