insert_link Africa Hustle academies: west Africa’s online scammers are training others in fraud and sextortion By Suleman Lazarus, London School of Economics and Political Science and Mark Button, University of Portsmouth As the world becomes increasingly connected, digital fraud has evolved from a local problem into a global one. West Africa, particularly Ghana and Nigeria, is witnessing the rise of “hustle kingdoms” – informal academies that train individuals to carry out digital scams. The term “hustle kingdoms” originated from online scammers themselves, used […] todaySeptember 12, 2024 35
insert_link Africa Russia-Ukraine war spills into west Africa: Mali attacks signal dangerous times ahead By Olayinka Ajala, Leeds Beckett University Russia suffered significant blows to its reputation in mid-2024. An attack on its territory by Ukraine came as a surprise. In west Africa, the Wagner mercenary group, supported by Russia, suffered one of its heaviest fatalities in Mali. An alliance of Tuareg rebel groups known as the Permanent Strategic Framework for the Defense of the People of Azawad joined forces in late […] todayAugust 19, 2024 21
insert_link Local YANGO, takes part in West African Internet Governance Forum (WAIGF) to promote dynamic development of the digital sector in Senegal and West Africa International ride-hailing service Yango, part of the global tech company Yango Group, actively participated in the West African Internet Governance Forum, which took place from July 10th to 12th, 2024 in Dakar Senegal. This event, under the theme “Disruptive Technologies: How Far Thus Far,” was a key regional platform for dialogue on Internet Governance, supported by the United Nations, the ECOWAS Commission convened and hosted by the Senegalese Government under […] todayJuly 16, 2024 17
insert_link Africa Ecowas summit: 6 steps the leaders can take to restore stability and growth in west Africa By Olayinka Ajala, Leeds Beckett University This year’s summit of the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) takes place against a challenging environment for the regional bloc. Recent developments in the region have included coups, insecurity and economic instability. Climate change also poses challenges. Six successful and two attempted coups in the region since 2020 were followed by the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina […] todayJuly 8, 2024 28
insert_link Africa Africa can transform its aviation sector by harnessing new routes – report By Bonface Orucho, bird story agency A new study by European aircraft manufacturer Airbus reveals that West Africa holds the potential for an aviation revolution leveraging its booming population, diverse economies, and strategic geographical position to open up new routes. The study ‘Exploring the horizons: A study of unserved air routes to, from and within Africa’ highlights that nine out of the top […] todayJuly 4, 2024 14
insert_link Africa France reducing military presence in West, Central Africa to 600 troops: sources By Daphné BENOIT France is planning to reduce its military presence in West and Central Africa to around 600 troops in line with President Emmanuel Macron's plans to limit the French military footprint in the region, three sources told AFP. In February 2023, Macron announced "noticeable reduction" of French troop presence in Africa, as anti-French sentiment is running high in some former colonies and countries […] todayJune 17, 2024 40
insert_link Local Trustco Group announces NAD 4.4 billion (USD 235 million) transaction with founding family. Trustco Group Holdings Limited (TTO.SJ) today announced a landmark agreement to convert NAD 4.4 billion (USD 235 million) of debt into equity, paving the way for a planned USD 100 million capital raise in the US markets. The agreement is expected to increase Trustco's net asset value by approximately NAD 1.5 billion (USD 79 million). "This recapitalization is a crucial step towards achieving our growth ambitions […] todayJune 12, 2024 9
insert_link Africa Benin arrests five Nigeriens in escalating diplomatic standoff Benin authorities have arrested five Nigeriens at a port where Niger loads oil for export, sharply escalating a growing diplomatic dispute between the two West African nations. Five Nigerien nationals were arrested at the port of Seme-Kpodji on Wednesday evening after "entering the site without disclosing their identity", according to a statement from Elonm Mario Metonou, the special prosecutor at CRIET, Benin's court for financial crimes […] todayJune 7, 2024 15
insert_link Business / Economics How Dangote refinery is flipping the script on Africa’s oil By Bonface Orucho, bird story agency Nigeria's Dangote refinery, a 650,000 barrels per day facility, has recently exported its first-ever jet fuel cargo to Europe, a move that signals not just growing production, but Africa's potential to become a major player in the global petroleum market. S&P Global in a report on May 30 explains that Bp, a British multinational oil and gas company, transported […] todayJune 6, 2024 35