insert_link Africa Lagos styrofoam, plastics ban brings applause and concern From trash-strewn pavements to street vendors packing meals in polystyrene containers, plastic waste is a constant menace in the urban landscape of Lagos, Nigeria's economic capital and the continent's most populous city. That image could soon change if the local Lagos State government manages to implement its recent ambitious ban on the use of polystyrene and single-use plastics. Sunday's announcement of the ban on styrofoam boxes and single-use plastics, "with […] todayJanuary 25, 2024 24
insert_link Africa African MMA fighters are not just flourishing on the global stage, they’re igniting a wildfire of growth back home. By Bonface Orucho, via bird story agency The triumphs of African fighters in global mixed martial arts (MMA) tournaments are not just fueling a new generation of competitors entering the rigorous sport; they are establishing a distinct presence for MMA on the continent. Dricus Du Plessis, the 30-year-old South African professional mixed martial artist who kicked and punched his way into carrying the UFC middleweight championship belt on Saturday, […] todayJanuary 25, 2024 3
insert_link Africa Nigeria has a democracy deficit – corruption and a lack of welfare policies are to blame By Fidelis Allen, University of Port Harcourt Democracy refers, at a minimum, to a political system that guarantees some involvement in decision-making. It gives citizens opportunities to choose and replace their leaders or representatives via free and fair elections. But that’s not all. Democracy also protects citizens’ socio-economic, political and cultural rights. Its success turns on its ability to bring changes to the living conditions of citizens. It […] todayJanuary 25, 2024 8
Africa IMF tracking shows that no African state has sought comprehensive debt relief in over a year indicating a trend of growing fiscal hygiene across the region By Seth Onyango, via bird story agency Countries in Africa are showing signs of improving fiscal management, as they navigate through a cascading set of global shocks that exacerbated their debt vulnerabilities. Remarkably, no state has sought comprehensive debt relief since Ghana’s request over a year ago, signalling a trend of growing fiscal discipline across the region. The improvement bucks the trend of recent years, given that […] todayJanuary 25, 2024 8
insert_link Africa Recent report by the Committee to Protect Journalists paints a bleak picture for sub-Saharan Africa A recent report by the Committee to Protect Journalists paints a bleak picture for sub-Saharan Africa. The number of incarcerated journalists has risen from 31 in 2022 to 47 last month. The committee ranks Eritrea at the forefront of media freedom violators in Africa, with 16 journalists behind bars. Ethiopia is second, with eight journalists in detention, followed by Cameroon with six. The committee is concerned about the lack of […] todayJanuary 25, 2024 7
insert_link Africa Blinken sees growing partner in Angola on Africa democracy tour US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday will explore greater coordination with emerging regional partner Angola, capping a tour of Africa to champion US-friendly democracies as global crises mount. After years of estrangement with Washington during the Cold War, Angola has seen growing common ground with the United States including by working together to address violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Blinken arrived late Wednesday in the oil-rich […] todayJanuary 25, 2024 6
insert_link Africa HRW says Burkina Faso army strikes killed dozens of civilians Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Thursday accused the Burkina Faso army of killing at least 60 civilians in drone strikes which the government said targeted jihadist fighters. The deaths occurred in three military drone strikes since August, two at crowded markets and another at a funeral, the rights group said in a report. Military leader Captain Ibrahim Traore, who came to power after a 2022 coup, has focused on a […] todayJanuary 25, 2024 4
insert_link Africa BIZ NEWS JANUARY 25, 2024: Namibian Government Rules Out Immediate National Airline, Hints at Regional Carrier Future In the wake of Air Namibia's 2021 liquidation, the Namibian government has officially dismissed any immediate plans for a new national airline. Works and Transport Minister John Mutorwa conveyed this decision, while also offering a glimpse of hope for the emergence of a future Namibian-flag carrier. Mutorwa hinted at the possibility of a smaller, regional airline taking flight down the line. [Read more] South Africa's Inflation Sees Further Decline in […] todayJanuary 25, 2024 5
insert_link Africa Zambia ratifies Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi corridor agreement Zambia has ratified the Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi Development Corridor Tripartite Agreement, a key trade route connecting Walvis Bay in Namibia, Ndola in Zambia, and Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The agreement facilitates enhanced regional connectivity and trade. Ndumbi Mvula, the Public Relations Officer at Zambia's Ministry of Transport and Logistics, gives additional details. todayJanuary 24, 2024 95