AFRICA

Frankfurt-based Mickie Ojijo examines the political future of Kenya’s veteran opposition leader following his unexpected loss in the race for the Chairperson of the African Union Commission at the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government last week. Mr Raila Odinga’s ambition to lead the African Union Commission has officially come to an end, and …

The African Union (AU) has elected Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Djibouti’s long-serving Foreign Minister, as the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). The election took place during the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, held from 15 to 16 February 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Youssouf will be deputized by Selma Malika Haddadi, …

Namibia’s founding president and independence hero, Sam Nujoma, passed away on Saturday, 8 February, at the age of 95. Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba announced Nujoma’s passing, stating, “The foundations of the Republic of Namibia have been shaken… Our venerable leader, Dr. Nujoma, did not only blaze the trail to freedom – but he also inspired us to rise to our …

Anthony Ekene Onwuka, a Germany-based lawyer and international project management expert, writes about Nigerian politics and the ongoing collaboration, strategy and mobilization efforts of two presidential candidates from the 2023 elections as they prepare for the 2027 race. —- During his time at the White House, former President Obama spent most of the time castigating Donald Trump as being “unqualified, …

In a compelling inaugural lecture delivered on 5 February 2025 at the University of Lagos, Professor Adelaja Odutola Odukoya, a distinguished scholar in Comparative Political Economy, passionately advocated for the adoption of socialist Pan-Africanism as a transformative pathway for Africa’s resurgence and Nigeria’s development. His lecture, provocatively titled “Armageddon?”, delved into the paradox of Africa’s abundant resources juxtaposed with its …

Farooq Adamu Kperogi*, a Nigerian-American professor, author and media scholar, explores the potential implications of Donald Trump’s second presidency for Africa as well as for Black people in America. He cautions against unrealistic expectations of a conservative cultural revival hoped for by the religious right in Africa and warns of possible dangers to the continent’s economic and political interests. A …

The German government has approved a fresh set of Africa policy guidelines aimed at reshaping its engagement with the continent. However, reactions have been mixed, with industry leaders and analysts questioning the effectiveness and timeliness of the new strategy. A changing perspective on Africa For years, Africa played a peripheral role in German foreign policy. This is changing as the …

Collins Nweke, a Nigerian-born scholar, political analyst and Pan-Africanist based in Belgium, assesses the current situation in Ghana and the economic challenges the country is facing. He outlines his recommendations for how newly-elected president of the country, John Dramani Mahama, who is set to be sworn into office on 7 January, could address these challenges.  —- Next week the good …

Ghana has officially announced a groundbreaking visa-free policy for all African nationals, underscoring its commitment to fostering Pan-African unity and economic integration. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo granted executive approval for the initiative on 18 December 2024. The move positions Ghana among a select group of African nations — Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin — that offer visa-free entry …

Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has urged Nigerians in the diaspora to recognize and leverage Nigeria’s enormous potential, not only for personal advancement, but for the progress of the country. This, to him, will foster a sense of pride and promote the country’s development. Speaking through Deputy Governor Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, on 18 December at the “ConnectED Diaspora …

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier undertook a four-day visit to Africa from 10 to 14 December, focusing on strengthening Germany’s ties with Nigeria, South Africa and Lesotho. His trip underscored Germany’s commitment to enhancing economic cooperation, supporting political reforms and promoting sustainable development across the continent, the German presidency said. Nigeria: Energy and Economic Cooperation Steinmeier began his tour in Nigeria, …

Namibia has achieved a historic milestone by electing its first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Her victory represents a significant step towards gender equality and democratic progress in Africa, according to the German-African Business Association (Afrika-Verein), in a press release. Christoph Kannengießer, the association’s CEO, described the election as a pivotal moment for Namibia, stating, “Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s presidency signifies renewal and …

Berlin witnessed a momentous occasion on the evening of 16 October 2024 as Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, the dynamic mayor of Freetown, Sierra Leone, received the prestigious German Africa Award 2024. The President of the German Bundestag, Bärbel Bas, presented the award at the Allianz Forum, before an audience of about 180 guests, including influential figures from politics, business and civil society. …

A new Change.org campaign, initiated by Uchechi Okwu-Kanu, wife of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is gaining momentum. The petition is directed to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Attorney General Richard Kermer Q.C., urging them to use diplomatic and economic means to secure Kanu’s immediate release from Nigerian detention. Kanu, …

Media coverage of Africa has always been dominated by narratives of disease, poverty, conflict and political instability. These portrayals, rooted in colonial histories, continue to shape global perceptions and policy decisions. A recently published Global Media Index for Africa offers insights into how the continent is portrayed in global media. Produced by a University of Cape Town research team in …

Speaking at the 60th anniversary celebration of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group in Abidjan on 10 September, its President, Akinwumi Adesina, praised the bank’s achievements, calling it a day of joy. Abidjan, the economic capital of Côte d’Ivoire, hosts the bank’s headquarters. Since its founding in 1964, the bank had supported over 6,500 projects across Africa, he said. In …

Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, the mayor of Freetown, the capital city of Sierra Leone, has been awarded the German Africa Award for her innovative and unwavering commitment to sustainable urban development and local participation. The prize will be presented to the African politician by Bundestag President Bärbel Bas on 16 October 2024 at the Allianz Forum in Berlin. With her participatory approach …

Germany and Kenya have recently signed a migration and labour agreement aimed at addressing Germany’s need for skilled workers while discouraging irregular migration. Signed in Berlin on 13 September 2024 by Germany’s Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Dr Musalia Mudavadi, and witnessed by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Kenyan President William Ruto, …

Kenyan President William Ruto is visiting Berlin, Germany, this week to participate in several significant events, including the historic co-hosting of the 2024 Annual Citizen Festival of the German President (Bürgerfest des Bundespräsidenten) alongside the German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. This marks the first time a non-European country has been invited to co-host this prestigious event, highlighting the strong economic and …

Looking at public service for wives of Governors in Nigeria, few figures embody resilience, commitment, and selfless service like Her Excellency, Amb. Dr. Mrs. Gloria Diri. A certified Nurse Midwife, Public Health Educator, and First Lady of Bayelsa State, her journey is that of hard work, leadership, and the passion for uplifting communities. Gloria was Born and raised in Bayelsa …