insert_link Africa Major global media still fails Africa, but bright spots emerge By Seth Onyango, via bird story agency Despite some progress, a clichéd and often stereotypical coverage of Africa persists among major global media outlets. However, there are notable exceptions like The Guardian, AFP, Al Jazeera, and Reuters, which are breaking the mould with balanced reporting of the continent. Findings from the University of Cape Town's Global Media Index for Africa (GMI) suggest that major news […] todayMay 23, 2024 40
insert_link Africa How elite riders are conquering Africa’s harshest terrains as mountain biking booms By Bonface Orucho, bird story agency Mountain biking is surging in popularity across Africa, with global race organizers capitalizing on the continent's diverse terrains—from mountains to deserts—for bike racing events. Morocco has recently hosted what is arguably “one of the most gruelling ultra-mountain bike races,” the 2024 Škoda Titan Desert Morocco. The annual, 6-stage, 600km race across the desert was held between April 28 and May 3 […] todayMay 23, 2024 7
insert_link Africa Sweet sorghum is a hardy, nutritious, biofuel crop that offers solutions in drought-hit southern Africa Sweet sorghum ripening in Rwanda. Ari Beser/Getty Images By Hamond Motsi, Stellenbosch University The southern African region is battling with drought at present. This is the result of El Niño, a natural climate cycle characterised by changes in Pacific Ocean temperatures. It has effects on global weather patterns, particularly rainfall and temperature. The drought has hit the region’s agricultural productivity hard. Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe have […] todayMay 23, 2024 24
insert_link Africa Tanganyika and Zanzibar: Tanzania’s 60-year-old union may need a restructure By Nicodemus Minde, United States International University On 26 April 2024, Tanzania celebrated 60 years of the union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar. The union, which created the present-day United Republic of Tanzania, stands out among the longest lasting political arrangements of its kind in Africa, and has shaped the country’s construction of national identity. Nicodemus Minde, who has researched Tanzania’s politics, unpacks the union’s dynamics. […] todayMay 23, 2024 12
insert_link Africa The world is rushing to Africa to mine critical minerals like lithium – how the continent should deal with the demand By James Boafo, Murdoch University; Eric Stemn, University of Mines and Technology; Jacob Obodai, Edge Hill University, and Philip Nti Nkrumah, The University of Queensland Global demand for critical minerals, particularly lithium, is growing rapidly to meet clean energy and de-carbonisation objectives. Africa hosts substantial resources of critical minerals. As a result, foreign mining companies are rushing to invest in exploration and acquire mining […] todayMay 23, 2024 9
insert_link Africa Gunmen kill 40 in Plateau, Nigeria Over 40 people have been killed by gunmen in two communities in Nigeria's northern state of Plateau. The gunmen also injured several others and set many houses on fire. todayMay 22, 2024 19
insert_link Africa Kenya defends cost of jet for President Ruto’s trip Kenya's government has defended the cost of President William Ruto's trip to the US. The price of hiring the luxury private jet in which he and his delegation travelled is estimated to be $1.5m, according to Kenya’s private KTN TV station. More than 30 people, including a popular comedian, are reported to be accompanying the president, who landed in Atlanta, Georgia. Update Africa News reports that President Ruto and First […] todayMay 22, 2024 13
insert_link Africa bird basketball roundup: Ghanaian manager takes charge of WNBA team, new tournament in Kenya By Silalei Shani, bird story agency Ghanaian-American Ohemaa Nyanin has recently been named the General Manager of San Francisco-based club, Golden State Valkyries, a team playing in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Nyanin assumed office on May 13 making her the first GM of the recently formed team. Golden State Valkyries is the 13th franchise in the WNBA following the league’s first expansion since 2008. […] todayMay 22, 2024 21
insert_link Africa UK-Rwanda migrant deal challenges international protection law By Cristiano d'Orsi, University of Johannesburg In late April 2024 the British parliament passed a law – the Safety of Rwanda Act – enabling it to transport migrants arriving in the UK to Rwanda. When the legislation was approved by parliament, there were 52,000 asylum seekers who could potentially be sent to Rwanda. The law has been condemned by a range of UN actors, human rights […] todayMay 22, 2024 12