insert_link Africa Nigeria criticises ECOWAS exit Nigeria has accused military authorities in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso for letting their people down with their joint decision to leave the Economic Community of West African States. Ajeck Mangut reports. todayFebruary 1, 2024 20
insert_link Africa Nigeria’s plastic ban: why it’s good and how it can work By Temitope O. Sogbanmu, University of Lagos Two weeks into January 2024, Nigerian authorities took steps to curb environmental degradation caused by plastic pollution in the country. The Federal Ministry of Environment and the Lagos State government both announced bans on single-use plastics. The Federal Ministry of Environment was the first to issue a directive. It banned single-use plastics in its own departments and agencies. The Lagos State government […] todayJanuary 31, 2024 28
insert_link Business / Economics 31 JANUARY BIZ NEWS: Global Financial Landscape: Surges in Namibian Exports, Nigeria’s Diversification Plans, and Market Dynamics Shape January Trends Namibia's Horticultural Exports Surge by 26% to N$1.73 Billion: According to the latest statistics, Namibia's horticultural produce exports witnessed an impressive 26% growth, reaching N$1.73 billion from April to September. This marks a significant increase from N$1.37 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2022-2023. The Namibian Agronomic Board reports a substantial rise in export tonnage, soaring from 73,140 in 2022-2023 to over 111 thousand in 2023-2024, reflecting a remarkable […] todayJanuary 31, 2024 7
insert_link Africa Neglected tropical diseases persist in the world’s poorest places: four reads about hurdles and progress By Nadine Dreyer, via The Conversation It’s sobering to reflect that “neglected tropical diseases” are referred to as “neglected” because they persist in the poorest, most marginalised communities even after being wiped out in more developed parts of the world. A variety of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi and toxins, cause neglected tropical diseases, which include dengue, chikungunya, leprosy, lymphatic filariasis and yaws. They inflict tremendous suffering because […] todayJanuary 30, 2024 14
insert_link Africa Niger and Russia are forming military ties: 3 ways this could upset old allies By Olayinka Ajala, Leeds Beckett University In July 2023, Niger’s military took over in a coup just two years after the country’s first transition to civilian power. The coup has brought into sharp focus the role of foreign countries in Niger’s politics. Before the coup, France and the US were the main security allies of Niger. But the coup leaders, led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, were open about […] todayJanuary 30, 2024 6
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 21
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 7
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 7
