Bulgaria and Romania have become Schengen members. From 31 March, the Schengen rules will apply in both EU member states including on issuing Schengen visas while controls at the internal air and sea borders will be lifted. Commenting on the epochal event, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said: “I welcome the lifting of internal air …

It is quite an achievement itself that OUR ROOTS has been a Black history cartoon column featured series for 35 years. It was first published in the UK’s Voice newspaper. The history of Black people must be illustrated and that is what Tayo Fatunla (whose artistic name is TAYO) has been doing through his journalistic drawings after discovering the need …

In April 2024, a number of new regulations and laws will come into force that will have an impact on various areas of life in Germany. What new laws are coming into force? What will change for you in your everyday life? We have summarised the important changes for you here. Normal VAT for gas and district heatingTo mitigate the …

Travelling should be an opportunity to learn. This is why a new tour operator has developed a unique concept for people interested in travelling to Africa. Farafina Travels, an offshoot of the think tank Farafina Institute, would like travellers to really get to know the continent through its peoples, its cultures, its history, its landscape, its animals etc. The concept …

The annual summer season of African music and culture, featuring live concerts and parading the crème de la crème of artistes from the continent and the Diaspora, in Germany enters into full swing in May. From May to November, African festivals take place across Germany. From the southwestern city of Emmendingen (near Freiburg) to the federal capital and cultural metropolis …

A Nigerian fashion brand, Deji & Kola, has opened its first store in Europe, part of its global expansion drive. Deji & Kola, founded in 2017 by two brothers – Deji and Kola Olabintan, has made its debut in the United Kingdom with the opening of its store in Kent. In a statement released by Kola Olabintan, the creative lead …

Polish voters will go to the polls on 7 April to elect leaders at the communal level. A Nigerian living in the country will participate at the elections. “I’m thrilled to announce my candidacy for the position of Wolomin county councillor in the upcoming Polish district and local government elections,” Dr Tade Daniel Omotosho said in a press release. Wołomin …

Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, (NIDCOM), has reiterated that Nigeria’s economic prosperity could be galvanised through a structured Diaspora Investment. The NIDCOM chief emphasized this at a strategic meeting with the investment group Optiva Capital Partners, a wealth management firm specializing in investment immigration, investment advisory and insurance services, in Abuja on Wednesday. She added that collaboration …

New research has revealed the European countries using electric vehicles the most, with Norway coming out on top. The study by electronic registration portal Vignettecroatia.com analysed the latest 2022 data from Eurostat, to see which European countries had the highest percentage of electric vehicles. It found that Norway is leading the way for electric vehicle use in Europe, with a whopping 20.12% …

The European Union (EU) and Egypt have made a deal under which the north African country will receive financial support in return for closer cooperation on migration with the 27-nation bloc. “Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen signed the joint political declaration document to elevate relations between Egypt and the European …

The Global Startup Awards Africa (GSA Africa) 2024 is now accepting entries. This initiative empowers African innovators, startups, and ecosystem enablers to showcase solutions to global challenges. GSA Africa 2024 aligns with the UN SDGs and offers categories like GreenTech, HealthTech, and Women in Tech. Cape Town, 5th March 2024 – Calling all African innovators, startups and ecosystem enablers dedicated …

German employers are short of hundreds of thousands of workers. To respond to the skills shortages in the country, the current federal government made a reform of the existing laws governing immigration into the country a major priority when it assumed office. The objective of the reform is to address the acute labour shortage in most sectors by bringing in …

Nigerian-born Bola Oyetunji has been appointed the Auditor-General of the New South Wales, Australia’s most populous state. New South Wales’ state capital is Sydney, which is also Australia’s most populous city. Responding to the appointment, Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), said the news was heart-warming. She described the appointment of Mr Oyetunji as well-deserved and commendable. …

Leading African business networking group in Germany to hold what it describes as a transformative meeting on the opportunities of artificial intelligence for BIPOC small and medium businesses Eschborn, Germany – March 15, 2024 – Alfajiri Business Networking is pleased to announce its upcoming meeting scheduled for 20 April 2024, from 08:30 to 10:30 hours at the renowned Nairobi Restaurant …

African-owned company offers opportunity for self-employment in mobile care business Gosab Care GmbH, the Cologne-based provider of nursing care service, is looking for passionate individuals to join its franchise network in Germany. The company, which specialises in outpatient and intensive care, is expanding across the country and is offering interested persons the unique opportunity to get into the care business …

Newly released research has identified the top European country for female career progression. Scandinavian nations, particularly Iceland, were found to be leaders in fostering female career advancement.  The study, conducted by experts at Claims.co.uk, delved into gender gap data sourced from the World Economic Forum (WEF) to pinpoint the most progressive country for female employment. 46 European countries underwent a …

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has reiterated that a successful Nigeria needs the strong and dynamic collaboration of its government with its citizens at home as well as those in the diaspora. Dabiri-Erewa stated this in Abuja on Wednesday at the launching of a book written by a UK-based author and property magnate, Yemi Edun, …

Last year was a tragic year for migrants, marking the deadliest toll since 2014, according to the International Organisation for Migration. A staggering 8,565 lives were lost on migration routes worldwide, representing a 20 percent increase from the previous year. These heartbreaking figures underscore the urgent need for action to prevent further loss of life, says the UN agency, emphasizing …

Germany has again apologised for the atrocities it committed during its colonial rule of Tanzania. Apologies were made on Saturday by the German Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Katja Keul, at an event commemorating the 124th anniversary of the brutal killings of the traditional leaders of the Old Moshi area, Moshi district, Kilimanjaro Region. Ms Keul was in Tanzania …

Official figures reveal that the EU received more than 1.14 million asylum applications in 2023, the highest number since 2016. Far-right parties could capitalize on the influx in June’s EU elections. Jack Parrock reports More than 1.14 million people applied for asylum in the EU in 2023, according to annual figures released by the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA). …