insert_link Africa East Africa must prepare for more extreme rainfall during the short rainy season – new study By David MacLeod, Cardiff University; Erik W. Kolstad, Uni Research; Katerina Michaelides, University of Bristol, and Michael Singer, Cardiff University East Africa has recently had an unprecedented series of failed rains. But some rainy seasons are bringing the opposite: huge amounts of rainfall. In the last few months of 2023, the rainy season known as the “short rains” was much wetter than normal. It brought severe flooding to […] today11 March, 2024
insert_link Africa Somalia-Turkey maritime deal is a win for both countries, and not a power play for the Horn of Africa By Brendon J. Cannon, Khalifa University A recent defence deal between Somalia and Turkey has great significance for Somalia and the region’s security. The agreement, which covers both land and sea, aims to enhance defence cooperation between Turkey and Somalia. It includes the possibility of Turkey providing both training and equipment for a Somali navy. Its near-term impact should, however, not be exaggerated. Instead, it should be […] today11 March, 2024
insert_link Africa Tshisekedi and Kagame to discuss DRC conflict The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Felix Tshisekedi has agreed to meet his Rwandan counterpart, Paul Kagame to discuss ways of resolving the ongoing conflict in the east of his country. today28 February, 2024
insert_link Africa What are Sabaki languages? How people formed ethnic groups along the coast of east Africa By Daren Ray, Brigham Young University A new book called Ethnicity, Identity and Conceptualizing Community in Indian Ocean East Africa tracks the history of the coastal communities of east Africa and how the Sabaki family of Bantu languages was formed, shaped in part by the sea and the arrival of visitors from other shores and within the continent. We asked historian Daren Ray to tell us […] today20 February, 2024
insert_link Africa Uganda revamps oil imports Uganda is seeking to revamp its oil import procedures by shifting to Tanzania as its primary import hub. As it stands Ugandan fuel companies acquire 90 percent of their supplies through Kenyan companies. Daniel Kijo reports from Dar es Salaam. today19 February, 2024
insert_link Africa The growing role of telco operators in driving financial inclusion through accessible mobile-first financial services. By Robert van Breukelen, COO at Itemate Solutions Africa remains a hotbed of mobile innovation. Telco operators across the continent are stepping in to fill gaps left by lower levels of development in key areas, including banking and financial services. A 2022 report estimated that just over half of Africa's population remained unbanked. The same report found that banks across the continent are investing in digital transformation […] today8 February, 2024
insert_link Africa Livelihoods at stake as Lake Victoria’s papyrus swamps come under pressure: Photos By Patrick Newcombe, via MongaBay The papyrus swamps at the edges of Lake Victoria in East Africa have for generations provided a livelihood to communities living here. While some harvest reeds to make into mats, baskets, and handicrafts, others catch the plentiful fish that nurse in the shelter of the reedbeds. The swamps are also home to birds that have become specialized to live amidst the papyrus reeds in a […] today7 February, 2024
insert_link Africa Kenya oil facilities face huge losses A new report says Kenya has lost $200 million worth of oil exports to Uganda. The country has been Uganda's largest regional market since last year. Daniel Kijo reports. today29 January, 2024
