Zambia hits a copper jackpot from an AI-powered exploration

By Bonface Orucho, via bird story agency Zambia’s mineral portfolio has received a major boost with the discovery of the largest copper deposits ever recorded in the country. Through an official statement on the social media site X, on February 5, 2023, KoBold, an American startup backed by Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, announced the discovery of vast copper deposits at their Mingomba mine in northern Zambia. “Mingomba […]

February 8, 2024 8

Africa

Former Banyana Banyana captain scores major first at AFCON 2023

By Joel Omotto, bird story agency At the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), there has been a distinct female voice in the commentary box. For those who don't know, it's the voice of Amanda Dlamini, the former South African football national team captain and the first woman to commentate a game at the men’s AFCON. In yet another major score for women at this tournament, Dlamini’s […]

February 8, 2024 9

Africa

Ghana: Kumasi city’s unplanned boom is destroying two rivers – sewage, heavy metals and chemical pollution detected

By Stephen Appiah Takyi, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and Owusu Amponsah, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Ghana’s urban population has more than tripled in the past three decades, from 4 million to nearly 14 million people. Competition for land in cities has increased among various land uses. These trends have led to encroachment in ecologically sensitive areas such as wetlands. Kumasi, […]

February 8, 2024 20

Africa

Somaliland-Ethiopia port deal: international opposition flags complex Red Sea politics

By Jutta Bakonyi, Durham University The memorandum of understanding between Ethiopia and Somaliland announced on 1 January 2024 set off diplomatic rows in the Horn of Africa – and beyond. Details of the agreement are not publicly known, but both state leaders have touched on its content. Among the main elements: Ethiopia gets a 50-year lease on a strip of land on Somaliland’s Red Sea coast for naval […]

February 8, 2024 22

Africa

Nigerian set up AFCON final against hosts Ivory Coast

Substitute forward Kelechi Iheanacho and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali played key roles as Nigeria beat South Africa 4-2 on penalties on Wednesday in an Africa Cup of Nations semi-final thriller. The three-time champions will face hosts Ivory Coast, who dominated the Democratic Republic of Congo but had to settle for a 1-0 win in Abidjan, in the final on Sunday. Nigeria triumphed after a 1-1 draw following extra time in Bouake […]

February 8, 2024 12

Africa

Uganda record increase in Covi-19 cases

Uganda's Health Ministry has issued a warning following a recent surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths. The government has re-introduced preventive measures in some of the worst affected areas, adding the disease remains a threat. Isabel Nakirya reports.

February 7, 2024 36

Africa

Cholera vaccine push underway in southern Africa

The World Health Organization has warned that cholera cases are increasing globally, and there’s been an unprecedented spike in Africa. Dr. Fiona Braka from WHO’s regional office in Brazzaville, Congo, said that eastern and southern Africa have been badly affected. In just the first four weeks of the year, 10 African countries reported more than 26,000 cases and 700 deaths.

February 7, 2024 52

Africa

Tensions rise over safety of Nigerians in South Africa

An advisory issued by the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Pretoria has raised concerns about the safety of Nigerians in South Africa. South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation spokesperson, Clayson Monyela, says the advisory is regrettable.

February 7, 2024 8

Africa

Are African leaders holding on to power?

Sub-Saharan Africa is home to many of the world’s longest-ruling, and oldest heads of state, including Namibia. The Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2022 Democracy Index linked entrenched leadership in the region to developmental and security challenges, including conflict or instability, stagnant or declining economies, and democratic backsliding. Here’s SA-based political analyst Professor Ntsikelelo Breakfast.

February 7, 2024 36