Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio, who took over the rotating chairmanship of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in June, is optimistic about reintegrating Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger into the regional bloc. President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, current ECOWAS chair, aims to reintegrate Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger into…
Guinea-Bissau has expelled two major Portuguese media outlets and ordered their journalists to leave the country, escalating tensions with Lisbon and raising questions about media freedom in the fragile West African state. Guinea-Bissau has expelled two Portuguese media outlets, raising concerns about media freedom. The expulsion is linked to political tensions surrounding President Umaro Sissoco…
ChatGPT, the AI chatbot developed by OpenAI, faces bans and restrictions in several African countries, sparking debates about access, regulation, and the continent’s readiness for advanced AI. A July 2025 report highlights that 9 out of the over 20 nations restricting ChatGPT are in Africa, primarily due to issues like limited internet infrastructure and political…
Nigeria’s minimum wage has long been a topic of contention, caught between political promises, economic realities, and the everyday hardships faced by workers. Nigeria’s minimum wage increased by 133% to ₦70,000 in July 2024 following negotiations. Economic challenges have reduced the real value of the wage from ₦30,000 to ₦55,379 by mid-2025. Inflation impacts remain…
South Africa’s economy likely grew for a third consecutive quarter, driven by rebounds in manufacturing and mining, though new U.S. tariffs threaten to derail momentum. Africa’s largest economy, South Africa, likely saw 0.4% growth in Q2, driven by manufacturing and mining rebounds. Recent U.S.-imposed tariffs present challenges, potentially affecting the automotive and agricultural industries. Unemployment…
South Africa’s military and diplomatic landscape faces scrutiny after General Rudzani Maphwanya, the country’s army chief, reportedly undertook an unapproved visit to Iran, pledging military and political support during his trip. South Africa’s army chief, General Rudzani Maphwanya, made an unapproved visit to Iran, pledging military and political support. The South African government disapproved of…
South Africa, long regarded as the continent’s most advanced economy, is moving decisively to counter the fallout from Washington’s latest tariff measures by turning to Beijing for new trade opportunities. South Africa is seeking new trade opportunities in China following recent US tariffs. A preliminary trade agreement with China focuses on the export of five…
Mali’s junta-led government has arrested two generals and a French national, accusing them of participating in an alleged plot to destabilise the country. Mali’s government, under a military junta, arrested two generals and a French national, accusing them of a plot to destabilise the country. The detained include General Abass Dembele, with authorities claiming the…
Zambian businesses have consistently encountered three major development barriers over the last decade and a half: restricted access to capital, unstable energy supplies, and competition from informal firms. Access to credit is the primary challenge for Zambian businesses, reported by 28.5% in 2019, indicating a significant increase over 12 years. Electricity supply issues remain a…
