The closing event of the first UN Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024) took place at the GLS Campus Berlin on Friday, 21 February. The event, which brought together German government officials, scholars, international guests and civil society organisations from the Black community, featured the presentation of the final report of the advisory board set up by the German …

I was in an African restaurant in Berlin recently, and the topic of discussion was travel — not just to our countries of origin. As German passport holders, we are fortunate to have access to 189 countries and territories around the world without needing a visa. In effect, the world is at our feet. The same applies to those who …

*By Steve Ogah On 20 January 2025, the destiny of most migrants in America took a turn for the worse after Donald Trump was sworn in as president, their fortunes further deteriorating after he signed the “securing our border” executive order, a move that could see undocumented migrants deported from the country in droves. While many migrants suspected what they …

On 13 March 2025, Cape Town hosted the 8th South Africa–European Union (EU) Summit to reinforce the longstanding collaboration between the two partners amid hostile policies of the new US administration. President Donald Trump recently cancelled all aid to South Africa ostensibly for expropriating land from its white citizens without compensation. The one-day summit, centered on collaboration in trade and …

The Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire and German engineering firm GAUFF GmbH & Co. Engineering KG will sign a landmark contract for an off-grid electrification project on 19 March. The signing ceremony, which will hold during the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue 2025, marks a major milestone in the growing collaboration between Germany and African nations in …

On 21 March 2025, Germany will mark the conclusion of the first UN Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024) with a celebratory closing event at the GLS Campus Berlin. The event, themed “People of African descent: recognition, justice and development,” will bring together civil society organizations, government representatives and members of the African, Afro-diasporic and Black communities to reflect …

Access to banking services is crucial for everyday life — whether for depositing and withdrawing money, making payments or receiving transfers. However, many African asylum-seekers and refugees in Germany struggle to open a bank account due to lack of proper information. What many do not know is that, by law, every person in Germany, including asylum-seekers, has the right to …

Berlin, 14 March 2025 – In observance of the International Day Against Racism, the Heinrich Böll Foundation and the New German Organizations (neue deutsche organisationen, ndo) are hosting a panel discussion titled “Racism – Deportation Fantasies – Isolation: The Future of the Migration Society in Germany.” The event, which provides a platform to reflect on Germany’s current socio-political climate from …

Germany’s 2025 Bundestag election has once again highlighted the growing diversity in the country’s political landscape. According to a comprehensive report by Mediendienst Integration, 73 of the 630 MPs elected at the 23 February polls have immigrant backgrounds, making up approximately 11.6% of the parliament. This figure aligns closely with the 11.3% recorded in the 2021 elections, indicating a stabilisation …

The just concluded ITB Berlin 2025, the world’s leading travel trade show, underscored the resilience and innovation driving the global tourism industry amid ongoing challenges. From 4 to 6 March, the event welcomed 100,000 attendees, 87% of whom were international participants and featured 5,800 exhibitors from 170 countries. This year’s showcase reaffirmed ITB Berlin’s status as the premier meeting point …

From a tough childhood in Lagos to an enduring journey to Germany and finally a return to Nigeria, Ade’s life has come full circle. With his own resilience and support from the ARRIVES Project, he is now building a successful business at home. ________ A Yoruba saying goes, “Ìgbà àti ibi tí mo ń wá, ti wà fún mi láti ìbẹ̀rẹ̀” …

The UK has announced the introduction of a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for European Union nationals. Similar to the US ESTA program, the new system will require EU travellers to obtain a digital travel permit before entering the UK, starting from 2 April 2025. Here’s what you need to know about the scheme: The application process is generally quick …

Paulino José Miguel, a long-standing advocate for intercultural dialogue, cultural diversity and migrant participation in Germany, has been awarded the Federal Cross of Merit (Bundesverdienstkreuz), one of the country’s highest civilian honours. The award recognizes Miguel’s decades-long commitment to fostering integration and development policy through his work at the Forum der Kulturen Stuttgart e.V. (Forum of Cultures Stuttgart). The prestigious …

A series of new laws and regulations impacting various aspects of life Germany take effect in March 2025. From higher minimum wages for temporary workers to new travel options and the start of daylight saving time, here’s a summary of the key changes and important dates in the new month to keep in mind: 1. Higher Health Insurance Contributions for …

In a groundbreaking move for Nigeria’s aviation industry, Air Peace, the country’s leading airline and West Africa’s largest carrier, is set to make its debut at the prestigious ITB Berlin, the world’s largest international travel trade show. This marks the first time a Nigerian airline will participate as an exhibitor at the globally renowned event, which attracts over 10,000 exhibitors …

The Hope Education Project (HEP) has announced the launch of a pioneering pilot project in Tamale, Northern Region, Ghana, aimed at preventing human trafficking through education and community empowerment. HEP will deliver trafficking awareness programming to three Junior High Schools in the following communities of Tamale: Gumbihini, Sagnarigu and New Gbolo. The HEP program aims to disrupt the flow of …

Nigeria is set to introduce an automated system for processing short-stay visas, aiming to streamline approvals, boost tourism and attract business travellers. Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo recently announced that the new system would eliminate long wait times upon arrival at Nigerian airports. Under the new policy, travelers can apply online for short-stay visas, with approvals expected within 24 to 48 …

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is facing significant challenges with baggage handling, leading to growing frustration among passengers due to long waiting times and lost luggage. A recent survey by Allianz Direct found that 11.85% of travellers at BER experience baggage issues, ranking the airport among the top four in Germany for such incidents. On average, passengers wait approximately 2.73 days …

The German federal election has triggered significant political shifts, with potential implications for migration policies in Germany and across Europe. Approximately 60 million Germans were eligible to vote for a new Bundestag, and with voter turnout surpassing 82% on Sunday, participation reached its highest level in decades, underscoring the nation’s heightened political engagement. — The centre-right CDU/CSU, led by Friedrich …

There were four Afro-German members in the immediate past Bundestag. Germany is gearing up for early election on Sunday, 23 February 2025, and something exciting is happening — the rise of candidates with African roots who are set to challenge the status quo! These dynamic, forward-thinking politicians are bringing fresh perspectives, bold ideas and a vision for a more inclusive …