Slaves of God: Nigeria’s traditional Osu slavery practice was stopped, but the suffering continues

By Michael E Odijie, UCL There are global efforts to fight modern slavery, but a few traditional systems still hold strong in west Africa. These include Osu, Ohu and Trokosi. The Conversation Africa’s Godfred Akoto Boafo spoke to Michael Odijie who has researched one of the systems – Osu – and what can be done to finally put a stop to it. What is Osu? Osu is a traditional […]

February 2, 2024 6

Entertainment

Grammy Awards: Africa finally has its own category – but at what cost?

By Eric Charry, Wesleyan University For the first time in its 65-year history the Grammy Awards in the US has introduced an African category, Best African Music Performance, which recognises the song of the year. The Grammys is the most prestigious award in the largest music industry in the world. Its focus has always been US music styles in categories like pop, R&B, rap, country, jazz and classical. […]

February 2, 2024 38

Africa

International clubs look to Africa for female football talent

By Bonface Orucho, bird story agency Africa is growing into a critical supplier of professional female football talent to international clubs outside the continent, according to a new FIFA report. The ‘Global Transfer Report 2023’ released on January 30 by the international football governing body, FIFA, shows that Nigeria and Ghana produced among the highest number (in the top ten globally) of women players in the international transfer […]

February 1, 2024 89

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.

February 1, 2024 31

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 […]

January 31, 2024 37

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 […]

January 31, 2024 8

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 […]

January 30, 2024 17

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 […]

January 30, 2024 12

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 […]

January 25, 2024 24