Africa can become new global supply chain force: UNCTAD
African economies should seize the opportunity to better integrate into technology-intensive global supply chains and boost prosperity, but this depends on their ability to harness key market and investment trends, the UN’s trade and development body, UNCTAD said on August 16. In a new report, UNCTAD shows that Africa can become a major exporter of higher value-added goods, creating growth and jobs, and fueling...
‘Great steps’ taken to consolidate ties as Iran FM visits South Africa
The top Iranian and South African diplomats have exchanged views on important bilateral and international issues on the sidelines of the 15th Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation. The meeting took place between Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor in Pretoria on August 10. The joint commission was being held after a...
America’s conflicting news coverage of Africa, Israel, and Ukraine
“Too often, coverage of the African continent is done by people who are not on the African continent. Coverage is collected and assembled in Paris and in London and the United States but there are few people who are actually on the ground in their coverage of Africa,” said Linn Washington, Temple University journalism professor and former editor-in-chief of...
Is the turmoil in Niger leading to a power shift in West Africa?
Tensions in West Africa are boiling over in response to an unconstitutional power grab in the landlocked country of Niger after members of the presidential guard deposed its democratically elected pro-West president on July 26. The swift reaction from the international community and regional leaders has pitted African nations against other African nations. But a July 30 communique that included strong...
Economic woes, sexual violence increasing as civilians in Sudan caught in middle of warring factions
Three months and counting of ongoing conflict in Sudan continues across the capital city Khartoum and the cities of Bahri and Omdurman, while fighting intensifies in Darfur and in the Kordofan State. There is no end in sight to this ever-increasing conflict pitting the forces of army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan against those of his deputy of sovereign council-turned-foe Mohamed...
Africa and the Global South decoupling from the U.S. and Global North
Addressing the recent 5th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union (AU) in Nairobi, Kenya, African Development Bank Group President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina mentioned the importance of “decisively tackling Africa’s rising debt challenge.” He urged and expressed concern with Africa’s total debt stock, which stands at $1.3 trillion. “The cost of debt servicing reached $22 billion in 2022 and...
A new hub for ‘anime’ is born in Southern Africa
Zambia, well known for its copper, emeralds, and other pricey gems, may soon have a new feather in its cap as a hub for aspiring Zambian artists and other creators eager to try their hand in the newest Anime scene. For this, capital city Lusaka has been drawing from an immense well of artistic talent to be found in southern...
China’s grievances with the West are echoed by the Global South
On the eve of the upcoming BRICS Summit to be held in August in South Africa, a U.S.-initiated trade war with China over the future of semiconductors has escalated. BRICS is an acronym for the world economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Beijing hit back by playing a trump card: It imposed export controls on two strategic raw materials, gallium and germanium....
While the U.S. celebrated its independence, Rwanda recognized the end of 1994 massacre
America recently celebrated its independence on July 4. Very few are aware that the 4th of July also has special significance for the people of Rwanda. For that African nation, July 4 is “Liberation Day,” the day when Rwanda annually recognizes the end of the horrific Rwandan genocide that in a three-month span claimed over 800,000 lives. Between April...
Kenya’s president urges shift away from U.S. dollar in intra-continental trade
At the recent two-day Summit for a New Global Financing Pact, convened by France and hosted by President Emmanuel Macron, Kenyan President William Ruto made a “compelling case for a new global financial architecture,” according to Today News Africa. Numerous world leaders were in attendance at the summit, including Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados; Olaf Scholz, Chancellor of Germany;...