Local manufacturing of drones is on the rise in Africa

Local manufacturing of drones is on the rise in Africa

By Bonface Orucho, bird story agency Rising demand for unmanned aerial vehicles used in various commercial applications is fueling the growth of the local drone manufacturing industry as startups and governments ramp up production within the continent. Following South Africa's successful test flight of the Milkor 380, a groundbreaking unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capable of carrying up to 1300 kilograms among other unique capabilities, the landscape is […]

April 11, 2024 17

Africa

African wild dogs will soon have their own sperm bank – how artificial breeding will help them survive

By Damien Boyd Bertrand Paul Paris, James Cook University Scientists from the Institute for Breeding Rare and Endangered African Mammals have been working in southern Africa for over 15 years to protect endangered African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus). They’ve now decided to freeze sperm from as many genetically diverse male African wild dogs as possible and use this to artificially inseminate female African wild dogs for the […]

April 11, 2024 4

Africa

Nigeria investigates mysterious disease

Health authorities in Nigeria have launched an investigation following the outbreak of a strange illness in the country's northwest state of Sokoto.

April 10, 2024 61

Africa

Political analyst weigh in on the rise of young Presidents in Africa

Senegal’s new President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has pledged to govern with humility and transparency and vowed to "fight corruption at every level", rebuild institutions, and tackle the cost-of-living crisis. Faye, who is 44, is one of Africa's youngest Presidents. Political Analyst Rakkel Andreas says the continent is seeing a rise in young people taking over from the stalwarts of African democracy.

April 10, 2024 25

Africa

Zimbabwe’s banks caught off guard by new gold-backed currency

The Zimbabwe Gold officially started trading just days after it was announced it would replace the Zimbabwean dollar, which has tumbled in value over the past year, pushing inflation through the roof. But many in the country were not ready for the switch. Eddie Cross an economist from Zimbabwe says even the banks haven’t been fully able to translate their accounting systems.

April 10, 2024 40

Africa

Can Congo’s ‘Miracle Doctor’ Keep Saving Women’s Lives Without UN Security?

Dr. Denis Mukwege, the founder of Panzi Hospital in South Kivu, Congo, which has been treating women for more than two decades for gynecological needs, include rape by fighters in the region. Until recently, he and the hospital were provided limited security by United Nations peacekeepers, but that may end as they exit Congo this year. PANZI HOSPITAL/INSTAGRAM By Ilgin Yorulmaz For nearly 26 years, Dr. Denis Mukwege, […]

April 10, 2024 22

Africa

More African founders secure $1M+ Funding in new trend

By Seth Onyango, bird story agency Start-ups in Africa are increasingly hauling in US$1 million or more in funding, even as the investment climate on the continent cools off. Data from Africa: The Big Deal, shows ventures raising over US$1 million thrive due to their bankability, suggesting a selective but keen interest from investors amidst a cautious investment backdrop. "While the amount raised quarterly is […]

April 10, 2024 6

Africa

West Africa’s falling fish stocks: illegal Chinese trawlers, climate change and artisanal fishing fleets to blame

By Robert Paarlberg, Harvard University Average fish catches by traditional fishing communities along the west African coast have declined significantly over the past three decades. Along the Gulf of Guinea, stretching from Côte d'Ivoire to Nigeria, fishers launch their wooden canoes from the beach to catch small pelagic fish, like sardines and anchovies, which they sell into local informal markets to make a living. They have done […]

April 10, 2024 3

Africa

Interstate deals fuel drive for African single roaming regime

Seth Onyango, bird story agency Growing interstate deals to end roaming fees are boosting efforts for a unified roaming regime in Africa, essential for a connected digital market. Benin and Ghana are the latest African countries to slash communication costs for their citizens roaming between the two countries. The new rates apply from July 1 and align with a protocol introduced by the ECOWAS region in March […]

April 10, 2024 7