Author: kajarbi54

OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso – In a historic move signaling a definitive shift towards regional self-reliance, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) – comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger – has announced a sweeping new pact to establish a unified military command and deeply integrated economic policies. This bold initiative, unveiled following a summit in Ouagadougou, is being hailed by leaders as the cornerstone of a new, sovereign Sahelian bloc, purpose-built to reduce dependency on Western powers and external institutions. The agreement, dubbed the “Confederation Accord,” represents the most concrete step yet in the three nations’ journey away from the Economic Community…

West Africa’s culinary landscape is a vibrant tapestry woven from history, trade, and an unparalleled depth of flavour. It is a region where food is more than sustenance; it is a language of community, a marker of identity, and a dynamic art form. For the discerning food lover, a journey through West African cuisine offers an exploration of complex spice blends, hearty staples, and stories that have simmered for centuries. From the fierce and friendly rivalry over Jollof rice to the humble comfort of a bowl of waakye, this guide delves into the soul of West African cooking, offering a…

Across the African continent, a quiet revolution is underway. For decades, the narrative around Africa’s energy sector has been dominated by a paradox: a continent rich in natural resources yet plagued by chronic power shortages. Today, that story is being rewritten by monumental feats of engineering and vision. Africa is harnessing its most abundant resources—the sun and the wind—to not only bridge its own energy deficit but also to emerge as a formidable player in the global renewable energy transition. This shift is about more than just megawatts; it is about economic empowerment, energy sovereignty, and sustainable development for a…

North Africa stands at a pivotal juncture in the 21st century, its future being shaped by the complex interplay of vast fossil fuel reserves, immense renewable energy potential, and the urgent global imperative for a green transition. For decades, the economies of nations like Algeria, Libya, and Egypt have been fundamentally tethered to their hydrocarbon wealth, fueling national budgets and defining their geopolitical significance. However, as the world accelerates its shift towards decarbonization, this region—blessed with some of the planet’s best solar and wind resources—faces a critical dilemma and an unprecedented opportunity. This is not merely an economic story; it…

The global tourism industry, brought to a near standstill by the COVID-19 pandemic, is experiencing a robust and determined resurgence. For Africa, a continent whose economic vitality is significantly intertwined with travel, this comeback is not merely a return to business as usual; it is an opportunity for reinvention. While international arrivals plummeted by 75% in 2020, wiping out nearly $120 billion in GDP across the continent, the rebound is now underway, powered by a blend of classic safari destinations, emerging coastal hotspots, and a renewed focus on intra-African travel. This recovery is uneven, innovative, and revealing of a new…

The dawn of the 21st century’s third decade finds Southern Africa at a profound inflection point. The region, long defined by its liberation legacies and the towering figures who led its nations to freedom, is undergoing a complex and often turbulent political transition. The departure of Robert Mugabe in Zimbabwe, the rise and challenges of Hakainde Hichilema in Zambia, and the persistent dominance of the African National Congress (ANC) amidst crippling crises in South Africa collectively signal a shift from post-liberation politics to a new, uncertain era. This new chapter is characterized by economic distress, burgeoning youth populations demanding accountability,…

ACCRA, Ghana – When Noah Williams, a promising British sprinter, stepped onto the track not in the red, white, and blue of Team GB, but in the green, gold, and red of Jamaica, it sent ripples through the athletics world. But for a growing number of athletes, the journey of return is going a step further—beyond the Caribbean to the ancestral motherland itself. From football pitches to running tracks, a quiet revolution is underway as athletes of African descent from the Caribbean, Europe, and the Americas are increasingly “answering the call” to represent their ancestral nations on the global stage. This…

Cape Town, with its iconic Table Mountain and stunning coastal drives, consistently dominates travel itineraries and international headlines. Yet, for the discerning traveler—particularly those from across Africa and the diaspora seeking deeper, more authentic connections—the continent’s narrative is infinitely richer. Southern Africa, a region of breathtaking diversity, boasts a collection of capital cities that remain largely underrated, offering unparalleled cultural immersion, historical significance, and unique urban energy far from the well-trodden tourist paths. This exploration is not merely about alternative destinations; it is a reclamation of narrative. For African and diaspora audiences, travel within the continent is an act of…

Across the African continent, a quiet revolution is unfolding. It is not marked by the clamor of machinery from a past industrial age, but by the silent, rapid processing of data. Artificial Intelligence (AI), once a futuristic concept confined to science fiction and Silicon Valley labs, is now being deployed to tackle some of Africa’s most persistent and profound challenges. From remote clinics diagnosing diseases to algorithms predicting crop yields for smallholder farmers, AI is moving from theoretical potential to practical, life-changing application. This technological adoption is not about importing foreign solutions wholesale. Instead, a vibrant ecosystem of local startups,…

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, is dramatically reshaping the mining landscape through an assertive campaign of resource nationalism that has sent shockwaves through the global mining industry. This strategic pivot toward greater state control over mineral resources represents both an economic imperative and a geopolitical statement, challenging decades of foreign dominance in the region’s extractive sectors. AES Mining Reforms: A Strategic Overview The AES nations, united under the Liptako-Gourma Charter signed in 2023, have moved decisively to renegotiate mining contracts with international firms, implementing new mining codes that significantly increase state participation and revenue shares. This coordinated…