Africa Archives - Page 143 of 145

Former Gambian minister goes to trial in Switzerland

Gambia's former interior minister, Ousman Sonko is starting his trial in Switzerland after facing charges of crimes against humanity for nearly 6 years. Campaigners say the trial is a step forward towards seeking justice for people who suffered abuses under former president Yahya Jammeh's regime. Nabil Ahmed Rufai reports.

11 January, 2024

Africa

Botswana and DeBeers sign $1 billion deal

Botswana and De Beers have approved a $1 billion investment to dig under the world's richest diamond mine by volume. The Debswana Diamond Company's board said it has given the go-ahead to works that are to extend the life of the Jwaneng mine turning it from an open-pit site to an underground operation. About 70% of profits for Debswana come from Jwaneng. Here is the Deputy Minister of Mines and […]

11 January, 2024

Africa

UNEP report highlights potential surge in electric two-wheelers for motorcycle taxis in Africa

By Bonface Orucho, bird story agency Motorcycle taxis, a dominant transportation force in Africa, have substantial potential for electrification as electric two- and three-wheelers gain traction across the continent. These insights stem from a recently launched UNEP report focusing on the state of global electric two- and three-wheelers in emerging markets. At a virtual report launch on Wednesday, January 10, Tom Courtright, the Research Director at Africa e-Mobility Alliance, who […]

11 January, 2024

Africa

An African history of cannabis offers fascinating and heartbreaking insights – an expert explains

By Chris S. Duvall, University of New Mexico When I tell people that I research cannabis, I sometimes receive a furtive gesture that implies and presumes: “We’re both stoners!”, as if two members of a secret society have met. Other times, I receive looks of concern. “You don’t want to be known as the guy who studies marijuana,” a professional colleague once counselled. Lastly, some respond with blank stares: “Why […]

11 January, 2024

Africa

Nigeria destroys elephant tusks worth 11 million dollars

Nigeria has destroyed a stockpile of confiscated elephant tusks worth 11 million dollars. They were smuggled from different African countries. Tesem Akende reports from Jos.

10 January, 2024

Africa

DRC court confirms Felix Tshisekedi’s poll victory

The Constitutional Court in the Democratic Republic of Congo has rejected two challenges to the results of last month's contested presidential election. The court said incumbent President Felix Tshisekedi had indeed received 73% of the vote. The validation, according to the BBC, comes despite independent observers reporting widespread irregularities during the 20 December vote.

10 January, 2024

Africa

Black Panther, Wakanda Forever and the problem with Hollywood – an African perspective

Jeanne-Marie Viljoen, University of South Australia Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever were global hits that played out in an imaginary African kingdom and feature a universe of black creative talent. What’s not to love about the franchise? Quite a lot, reckons cultural and literary studies scholar Jeanne-Marie Viljoen. We asked her to explain. What are Black Panther’s limitations when it comes to diversity? Even though the Black Panther […]

10 January, 2024

Africa

Ghana’s electricity crisis is holding the country back – how it got here

The Akosombo Dam is an important source of power in Ghana. jbdodane/Flickr, CC BY Naaborle Sackeyfio, Miami University For well over a decade Ghana was exalted as one of the most promising and fastest growing economies on the continent. But recent reports of the country’s steep economic dip, high inflation and rolling blackouts, popularly referred to as “dumsor”, suggest the era of inconsistent electricity between 2012 and 2016 is back. […]

10 January, 2024

Africa

AFCON 2024 : More unpredictable than ever

Even for a tournament that is always unpredictable, there is an unusually large number of title contenders looking to dethrone Sadio Mané’s Senegal when the latest edition of the Africa Cup of Nations starts Saturday. Morocco is looking to build on its unprecedented World Cup success after becoming the first African team to reach the semifinals. Seven-time champion Egypt will hope Mohammed Salah can help the team go one better after […]

10 January, 2024