During Donald Trump’s presidency, there was a significant shift in U.S. foreign aid policy, which included threatening to halt or reduce aid to countries that did not align with certain American political interests. This created uncertainty for many international NGOs, especially those in developing nations like South Africa. Hundreds of South African non-governmental organizations (NGOs)…
In Sudan, the ongoing conflict between the country’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has escalated into a fierce battle for control of a critical oil refinery near the capital, Khartoum. The fighting, which began in April 2023, has plunged Sudan into a devastating civil war, with both sides vying for control of key strategic assets, including oil facilities. The refinery…
As gold prices surge globally, Ghana, one of Africa’s largest gold producers, finds itself grappling with a worsening crisis of illegal mining, also known as “Galamsey.” While the high demand for gold has brought economic opportunities, it has also fueled an environmental and social disaster in the West African nation. The illegal mining industry has been a source of livelihood for…
Nigeria has officially become the ninth member of the BRICS partnership, a significant development that marks a new phase of economic and geopolitical engagement for both the African nation and the global economic bloc. The BRICS group, which originally consisted of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has gradually expanded to include additional countries over the years, and…
Nigeria is set to launch a new credit guarantee firm aimed at boosting the country’s economy by facilitating access to credit for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and individuals. This move comes as part of a broader effort by the government to address the persistent challenges faced by businesses in accessing finance, which have long been a significant barrier to economic growth and…
The government of Malawi has escalated a high-stakes dispute with a U.S.-based mining company, alleging the unlawful exploitation of its precious gemstones and demanding billions of dollars in compensation. The case centers on the extraction of rubies and sapphires in the southern region of the country, where Malawi accuses the company of breaching agreements, undervaluing resources, and failing…
Cameroon has made headlines by becoming the first importer of petroleum products from the Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest oil refinery, based in Nigeria. This milestone marks a significant step in the continent’s effort to strengthen intra-African trade and reduce reliance on foreign oil imports.
The Dangote Refinery, commissioned in 2023, is a multi-billion-dollar project led by…