The Africa Edition©️Fiday 04 July 2025
The Africa Edition: News That Matters to Africa - “Overlooked and Misunderstood”©️
THIS EDITION: A WEEKLY SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICA’S BRIGHT SIDE
THE FRIDAY QUOTE
“When I was a kid my parents moved a lot, but I always found them.”
GOOD NEWS: TOP STORIES
I. RENEWABLE, ENERGY & CLIMATE ACTION
II. INFRASTRUCTURE & CONNECTIVITY
III. SCIENCE, INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY
IV. EDUCATION & SKILLS
V. TRADE & EXTRACTIVES
VI. GOVERNANCE & GENEDER EQUALITY
VII. CULTURAL HERITAGE & HISTORY
VIII. AFRICAN DIASPORA & UN AFFAIRS
IX. INSPIRATION, VISION, & BIG IDEAS
GOOD NEWS: MAIN MENU
RENEWABLE ENERGY & CLIMATE ACTION
Africa’s Solar Boom Powers Millions
Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its energy future. The continent is experiencing an unprecedented surge in renewable energy investment, rising from $2.6 billion in 2021 to an estimated $40 billion in 2024. Yet, Africa’s renewable energy investments represent under 3% of global clean-energy flows, despite housing 19-20% of the world’s population and immense renewable potential. This leaves Africa with an annual clean energy investment gap of approximately $60 billion, based on 2024 flows ($40 billion) compared to the $100 billion needed annually to meet the continent’s 300 GW target by 2030. This surge in investments has enabled the development of impressive megaprojects across the continent: Morocco’s 580 MW Noor solar plant spanning 3,500 football fields in the Sahara; Kenya’s 310 MW Lake Turkana wind farm generating 17% of the country’s installed capacity; and Egypt’s massive 1.8 GW Benban solar park with 41 solar plants across 37 square kilometers of desert.
Egypt’s Red Sea Wind Project Completed Ahead of Schedule
French firm Engie finished Egypt’s 650MW Red Sea Wind Farm early, providing clean electricity to over 1 million homes. The project supports Egypt’s Vision 2030 and will reduce CO2 emissions by 1.5 million tons annually. This public-private partnership (PPA) sets a new benchmark for renewable energy in North Africa. A 25-year PPA has been signed with the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC), securing long-term revenue for the project. The project was developed by the Red Sea Wind Energy consortium, which includes Engie (35%), Orascom Construction PLC (25%), Toyota Tsusho Corporation (20%), and Eurus Energy Holdings Corporation (20%).
South Africa Mandates Solar for Public Buildings
South Africa has many factories, warehouses, schools and hospitals – big buildings with large rooftop spaces. In such a sunny country, these flat surfaces would be perfect for large photovoltaic solar systems that could generate enough renewable energy to supply themselves, and feed into the national grid. New legislation now requires solar installations on all public buildings in South Africa, including schools and hospitals. The plan could add 750MW to the grid by 2027 and generate 30,000 new jobs. The initiative is part of a long-term plan to mitigate power cuts and reduce reliance on coal. Renewable energy engineer and PhD candidate Mamahloko Senatla-Jaane was part of a team who researched how commercial buildings could be set up to serve as strategic assets for decarbonisation and increase the security of South Africa’s power supply.
FG allocates N100bn for solar mini-grids in public institutions to cut energy costs
The Federal Government has announced plans to install solar mini-grids in public institutions across Nigeria, allocating N100 billion for the project under the 2025 budget. The initiative, which falls under the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative, aims to reduce the cost of governance by cutting expenditure on diesel, generator purchases, and maintenance. The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, made this known during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday. The REA boss outlined an ambitious timeline for implementing the initiative, stating that in the next six months, his agency will complete at least two out of eight mini-grid projects planned for universities and one teaching hospital. Additionally, at least 60 mini-grids will be commissioned, and 40 interconnect grids will be deployed to ensure energy reliability in public institutions.
Solar Minigrids Light Up Eastern DRC
A new solar mini-grid in Goma, DRC, now powers 2,000 homes and 300 businesses. Funded by the World Bank and local cooperatives, the grid boosts productivity and security. It’s the first of its kind in eastern Congo, long affected by conflict and power shortages. In several Goma neighborhoods where almost nobody had electricity just five years ago, a small solar network is offering a flicker of hope despite widespread poverty and the city’s violent takeover by Congolese rebels early this year. Advocates believe it’s a model that can be successful throughout the Democratic Republic of Congo and beyond to electrify places where conflict and poverty have left people behind, using renewable energy to benefit those most vulnerable to climate change.
INFRASTRUCUTRE & CONNECTIVITY
Zambia–Angola–DRC Rail Project Backed by AfDB
A $1.2 billion loan from the African Development Bank will fund a strategic rail corridor linking Zambia, Angola, and DRC. The new rail line will support mineral exports and link copper and cobalt mines to Angola’s coast. It’s a key component of the AfCFTA transport infrastructure roadmap. The then African Development Bank Group President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, underscored the Bank’s catalytic role in the Lobito Corridor, with $1.2 billion committed over five years for value chain development and urban infrastructure. He also mentioned the development of the Tanzania–DRC–Burundi railway network, where the Bank is helping mobilise a $3.9 billion package alongside international partners. These efforts, he noted, reflect a coherent strategy to transform Africa’s economic geography through inclusive, green growth. Stretching from the Atlantic port of Lobito in Angola to the heart of the continent, the Lobito Corridor is a vital route for moving minerals, goods and people across Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo—unlocking huge trade and industrial opportunities for landlocked countries.
East–Central Africa Launches 1,800km Road Project
Three African countries - Uganda, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic (CAR) have embarked on a landmark infrastructure initiative with the launch of a 1,800-kilometre regional road project aimed at enhancing trade, connectivity, and economic integration across East and Central Africa. The ambitious road project will be executed in phases, with construction moving progressively across borders—from Uganda into South Sudan, and then from South Sudan into CAR. Phase I focuses on urgent repairs, gravel road upgrades, and bridge maintenance to quickly make the corridor navigable and secure for trade. Phase II will involve tarmacking gravel roads and rehabilitating paved routes to create a durable, high-capacity corridor that supports growing commercial traffic over time. Together, these phases aim to improve access and boost regional trade. To ensure the project's success, Uganda, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic will work together to secure financing from a combination of national budgets, international development partners, and private-sector investments.
World Bank Approves South Africa Infrastructure Loan
South Africa has signed a $1.5 billion loan agreement with the World Bank, aiming to overhaul its transport and energy infrastructure and reignite economic growth, the National Treasury said on Monday. For more than a decade Africa's most advanced economy has struggled to grow as regular blackouts have crippled productivity while crumbling rail networks and chronically congested ports have frustrated major industries such as mining and automaking. The government hopes the loan will ease transport bottlenecks and improve energy security, but it did not provide details of specific projects the World Bank money would be earmarked for. The financing should also limit rising debt-service costs as it carries more favourable terms than commercial borrowing, including by having a three-year grace period. It is separate from $500 million of financing the World Bank Group is considering to help unlock private investment in the electricity transmission grid, which needs to be expanded to connect more renewable energy projects.
SCIENCE, INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY
Spiro Expands Electric Mobility in Africa
EV company Spiro is now the largest electric vehicle company in Africa by vehicles deployed. Spiro is also the fastest growing battery swapping network operator on the continent. To support its operations as the company accelerates its growth plans, Spiro now has 4 operational assembly plants on the African continent. These facilities are in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Nigeria. The largest one is in Kenya and has a production capacity of 50,000 electric motorcycles per year. This plant has already been provisioned to expand production to 100,000 electric motorcycles a year as needed. Spiro is driven by a passion to localize production, initially focusing on retooling of available facilities, upskilling of workers, and maximum possible value addition of local materials and resources. Spiro is also building a network of local component manufacturers on this journey. At the moment, Spiro has already started local assembly of the electric motor and controllers for their motorcycles in the Kenya factory.
Tanzania set to own satellite after signing Outer Space Treaty
THE Tanzanian government is in an advanced stage of initiating the process of formulating a national space and satellite policy, as part of its plan to ensure the country owns its own satellite to support economic development, national security, and communication. This move follows Tanzania’s ratification of two key international treaties related to the use of outer space. The announcement was made in Parliament in Dodoma by the Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Jerry Silaa, while presenting his ministry’s budget estimates for the 2025/2026 fiscal year. Minister Silaa identified the two ratified treaties as the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which outlines the principles guiding nations in the exploration and use of outer space, and the 1975 Registration Convention, which concerns the registration of objects launched into outer space. This initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to position Tanzania among the nations benefiting from modern technology for sustainable development.
Andela Launches Francophone Coding Schools
Andela, a tech training company, is expanding its operations into Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This expansion is part of their broader goal to train 100,000 world-class software developers in Africa over the next 10 years. “Africa has the world’s youngest, fastest-growing population,” Johnson says. “It is also home to seven of the 10 fastest-growing economies in the world. Meanwhile, large numbers of young people are unemployed or underemployed across the continent. Given these trends, Africa is perhaps the world’s largest source of untapped human potential” says Jeremy Johnson, CEO of Andela. The inspiration for Andela came during a trip to Kenya, where Johnson had been invited to speak on the future of education. “I met with entrepreneurs, business leaders and government officials, and saw the opportunity to leverage best-in-class educational technology to prepare young people with the skills they need to succeed in a 21st-century economy,” he recalls.
Biodegradable Packaging from Banana Fibers
Makerere University researchers have developed a sustainable packaging material made from banana fibers. This innovative packaging utilizes banana plant waste, offering a biodegradable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic and wood-based packaging. The research explores the potential of banana fiber for various packaging applications, including food and textiles. It’s compostable, cost-effective, and suitable for food transport. Agro-industrial stakeholders have shown strong interest in scaling it. Banana fibers, particularly from the pseudostem (the stalk of the banana plant), are being used to create a variety of packaging solutions. The packaging is designed to decompose naturally, reducing environmental pollution associated with conventional packaging materials. The initiative aims to utilize banana waste, which is generated in large quantities during cultivation and processing, promoting a circular economy. This development could offer several advantages, including reduced reliance on non-renewable resources, lower environmental impact, and potential economic benefits for farmers and industries. While promising, research is ongoing to optimize the scalability and economic feasibility of banana fiber packaging.
EDUCATION & SKILLS
Best African Universities Ranked
The 2026 edition of the QS World University Rankings highlights just how much progress the continent is making in higher education. With over 1,500 universities ranked across more than 100 locations worldwide, several African institutions are standing out, not just regionally, but globally. The top four universities on the continent are all based in South Africa, with six of the top ten coming from the country. Egypt also had a strong showing, with three universities making it into the top tier, followed by Makerere University in Uganda. The rankings emphasize research impact, graduate employability, and international partnerships. Institutions from Kenya, Ghana, and Morocco also featured prominently. At the top of the list in Africa is the University of Cape Town, ranked 150th globally. It’s followed closely by the University of the Witwatersrand and Stellenbosch University which ranked 291st and 302nd respectively.
Empowering Sudanese Refugee Girls
The ongoing armed conflict in Sudan has displaced over 11 million people, leaving millions of children without access to education. Girls, in particular, face heightened risks of gender-based violence, child marriage and exploitation. As refugees, many Sudanese girls face additional barriers to education, with fewer than half enrolled in formal programmes. In Uganda, where many Sudanese refugees have sought refuge, these challenges are amplified by limited resources and educational opportunities. On the International Day of Women Judges, Education Cannot Wait (ECW) and Legal Action Worldwide (LAW), in partnership with the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA), have launched a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering Sudanese refugee girls in Uganda. The programme – funded by an ECW Acceleration Facility grant of US$200,000 – will offer training in comprehensive legal education on human rights, gender equality, advocacy and more, while also supporting participants’ access to formal and non-formal education programmes, and integrating mental health and psychosocial support to help participants build emotional resilience. This holistic approach aims not only to empower individuals, but also to create a network of young female advocates who have the legal knowledge and tools to promote the rights of refugee girls and address broader issues related to the cycles of violence many have been forced to endure within their communities.
Malawi Introduces Chess in Prisons and Schools
Susan Namangale fell in love with the game at age 9 in her small village, and today she’s on a mission to deliver a message to the whole country: Chess is good for everyone. She has introduced the game to prisons, schools, and street youth in Malawi. The initiative is being hailed as a transformative tool for critical thinking and discipline. The program now operates in 6 prisons and 18 schools and is supported by local NGOs. Participants say the game builds focus and self-worth. Ms. Namangale began setting up chess clubs in rural schools, and today there are over 150 chess clubs set up by her across Malawi. In 2023, using her own savings, Ms. Namangale founded Dadaz Chess Academy in Lilongwe to teach children the game. The inspiration behind the academy was personal. To date, the academy has enrolled 110 children, including both paying and nonpaying students. Children as young as 5 can begin chess lessons here, and they can take after-school classes and music lessons as well. Ms. Namangale has also set up a shelter in Lilongwe where street children — often orphaned or homeless and a common sight in Malawi’s cities — gather to learn chess. Ms. Namangale’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. In 2024, she was appointed to a volunteer position as global head of the Gift of Chess, a nonprofit aiming to distribute one million chessboards worldwide by 2030. Over 2,000 chess sets have been distributed across Malawi so far.
Nigeria expands Africa's largest national school feeding programme
Nigeria’s National Home Grown School Feeding Programme has been formally launched by the country’s Vice President at a special meeting of Federal and State ministers and school feeding stakeholders in Abuja. The HGSF programme is part of a 500 billion Nira funded Social Investment Programme to tackle poverty and improve the health and education of children and other vulnerable groups. When fully realised the school feeding component of this programme aims to support States to collectively feed over 24 million school children which will make it the largest school feeding programme of its kind in Africa. In June 2025, Nigeria’s government announced a major expansion of its National Home-Grown School Feeding Program to reach an additional 5 million children in underserved states. The initiative provides daily nutritious meals sourced from local farmers. Experts say the program improves classroom attendance and supports local agriculture. Parents in rural areas report noticeable changes in student energy and engagement.
TRADE & EXTRACTIVES
Burkina Faso Celebrates First Gold Pour
West African Resources, an Australia-listed mining company, has achieved a major milestone with the first gold pour at its Kiaka mine in Burkina Faso—delivered ahead of schedule and below budget projections. This marks the beginning of what’s expected to become one of the region’s top gold producers, with ambitions to exceed 500,000 ounces annually by 2030. The success highlights growing investor confidence in the country’s mining sector, even amid geopolitical complexities. The achievement comes as Burkina Faso moves to reclaim economic control of its mines through sweeping reforms, such as raising state stakes, mandating local processing, and cracking down on illicit exports. With a national gold refinery underway and tighter regulations, the country is setting an ambitious blueprint for converting mineral resources into long-term development gains.
Guinea Breaks Bauxite Export Records
Guinea set a new record for bauxite exports in Q1 2025 with 48.6 million metric tons of the material shipped—a 39% jump from the previous year—despite regulatory hurdles and the country’s export ban on key players in the sector. Most of the shipments went to China, where aluminum production is on the rise once again. Chinese-backed firms like Société Minière de Boké and Chalco drove the surge, underlining Beijing’s growing control over Guinea’s vast bauxite reserves. With weekly exports pointing to a projected annual total of 199 million tons, Guinea’s bauxite sector is proving remarkably resilient. As the West African nation builds out port infrastructure to meet soaring demand, its role in fueling China’s aluminum industry—and shaping global supply chains—is only set to grow.
Africa’s Oil Producers May Gain New Member
In 2025 alone, two African nations, Sierra Leone and Rwanda, seemed to have positioned themselves as potential entrants into the continent’s oil-producing club, signaling a shift in their long-term economic strategies. The former recently found viabilty in this objective, following a 3D seismic survey... the offshore region of Sierra Leone may contain up to 30 billion barrels of recoverable oil equivalent, including the extremely prospective Vega possibility, which is thought to contain 3 billion barrels. Rwanda, meanwhile, has made notable progress in East Africa, concerning its objective of becoming an oil-producing African country. The Rwandan government said earlier this year that it had discovered its first oil in Lake Kivu, which is located along the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The discovery, which comprises 13 distinct reservoirs, represents a significant advancement in Rwanda's efforts to diversify its economy. Rwanda, which has traditionally relied on agriculture, tourism, and mineral exports, sees this development as a chance to diversify its economy and increase its energy independence.
Rwanda Opens Intra-Africa Trade Park
Rwanda recently opened a regional trade park near the Tanzanian border, aiming to stimulate trade within the East African Community (EAC). This new facility is part of the EAC's broader efforts to enhance regional integration and economic cooperation among its member states. The trade park is expected to facilitate the movement of goods and services, ultimately boosting trade volumes and fostering economic growth in the region. Key points about the trade park and its role in EAC. The trade park is a tangible example of the EAC's ongoing efforts to integrate its member economies through initiatives like the Customs Union and the Common Market.
🔗 Source – The EastAfrican
Kenya’s Cut Flower Exports Surge
Kenya's flower exports are forecast to rise to 110 billion Kenyan shillings (about 851 million U.S. dollars) in 2025, up from 835 million dollars recorded in 2024, a trade lobby said. Clement Tulezi, chief executive officer of the Kenya Flower Council, said that performance exceeded expectations during the recent Valentine's Day season, which is traditionally a peak period for flower sales. "We are experiencing steady demand for flowers from all key markets," Tulezi said on the sidelines of the International Floriculture Trade Expo 2025. The three-day event brought together exhibitors from 83 countries to discuss ways to reduce the carbon footprint of the global floriculture industry. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, the flower sector is one of the country's leading sources of foreign exchange earnings, alongside diaspora remittances, tourism, tea, and coffee. Tulezi said that the country currently exports over 100 varieties of flowers, with roses continuing to dominate, accounting for more than 60 percent of all floriculture exports. The European Union, Britain, and the United Arab Emirates remain key markets for Kenya, while Japan, China, and Malaysia are emerging destinations.
GOVERNANCE & GENDER EQUALITY
Namibia Tops Africa in Gender Equality
Namibia has surged to the forefront of gender equality in Africa, closing 81.1% of its gender gap to rank 8th in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2025. It is the only African country in the global top 10. The new rank is partially due to the country’s leadership structure: both the president and vice president are women, marking a continental first. This underscores the country’s deliberate strategy of inclusive leadership. Namibia’s approach to gender parity has been systematic. The use of legislative quotas and affirmative action has normalized women’s leadership, influencing not just policies but public perception. Women now occupy 40.2% of ministerial positions and 37.7% of parliamentary seats across SSA, the report notes... The report finds only a slight correlation between a country’s income level and its gender gap. While high-income economies have closed 74.3% of their gap, several lower-income countries, including Namibia, have outperformed many wealthier nations, proving that political commitment can trump economic size when it comes to advancing gender equality.
Ethiopia Expands E-Governance Platforms
Ethiopia's Ministry of Innovation has indeed launched a suite of e-governance tools to enhance public access to services like permits, licenses, and payments. This initiative is part of a broader effort to digitize public service delivery and improve the overall business environment. Specifically, the Ministry's Digital Foundations Project (DFP) aims to strengthen Ethiopia's digital public service delivery. One key aspect of this is the development of interoperable e-government platforms and transactional portals. These platforms will allow individuals and businesses to register, access services, and make payments online, streamlining processes and improving efficiency. The e-governance tools are designed to facilitate various transactions, including: Individuals and businesses can apply for and receive necessary permits and licenses online, reducing the need for physical visits to government offices. The platform will enable online payments for various government services, making transactions more convenient and transparent. The initiative aims to simplify the process of registering businesses in Ethiopia.
Senegal Launches Anti-Corruption Portal
Senegal launched a digital platform called "Xam Sa Défar" to combat corruption. This platform allows citizens to anonymously report instances of public sector graft, promoting greater transparency and accountability in government operations. The platform, which translates to "Know Your Responsibilities" in Wolof, is part of a broader initiative by the Senegalese government to strengthen its fight against corruption. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's administration has made anti-corruption a key priority, with several former government officials already facing charges related to embezzlement and misappropriation of public funds. Xam Sa Défar aims to empower citizens to play an active role in monitoring public institutions and reporting corrupt practices they may witness or experience. By providing a secure and anonymous channel for reporting, the platform encourages citizens to come forward without fear of reprisal, fostering a culture of accountability and integrity. This initiative is supported by broader efforts to improve Senegal's anti-corruption legal framework, including the potential passage of a whistleblower protection law. The government is also focused on strengthening institutions like the National Office Against Fraud and Corruption (OFNAC) and promoting asset declaration among public officials.
CULTURAL HERITAGE & HISTORY
World Recognizes Mansa Musa as History’s Richest Man
In a detailed retrospective, historians reconfirmed Mansa Musa I, the 14th-century king of the Mali Empire of Mali, as the wealthiest individual in recorded history. His 14th-century empire’s gold production exceeded the entire output of Europe at the time. With an estimated fortune of $131bn (£99bn), he is the wealthiest man in modern history. Mansa Musa rose to power in 1312 after his brother, Abu-Bakr, vanished during a mysterious Atlantic voyage. Abu-Bakr's fascination with the Atlantic Ocean led him to embark on an expedition with a massive fleet of 2,000 ships and thousands of men, women, and slaves. However, they sailed off and never returned, leaving behind a trail of mystery and speculation. Some historians have suggested that they might have reached South America, but there is no concrete evidence to support this claim. Under Mansa Musa’s leadership, Mali became one of the wealthiest and most powerful empires in the world, controlling half of the Old World's gold supply and vast trade networks. The Mali Empire controlled vast resources, including gold and salt, which significantly contributed to its wealth. The empire was responsible for producing nearly half of the Old World's gold, cementing Mansa Musa's position as one of the wealthiest individuals in history, with an estimated net worth of $400-500 billion in today's currency. Beyond riches, Mansa Musa invested in education and architecture, transforming Timbuktu into a global center of learning. His legacy endures as a symbol of Africa’s golden age of wealth, culture, and scholarship. The empire's rich gold deposits, salt mines, and strategic trade routes across West Africa enabled Mansa Musa to amass this enormous wealth, surpassing even modern-day billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos.
Rotimi Fani-Kayode’s Legacy Revisited
The New York Times honored Nigerian-British photographer Rotimi Fani-Kayode in its "Overlooked No More" obituary series on 27 June 2025. Known for his deeply expressive work exploring race and queer identity, Fani-Kayode's legacy continues to influence African art. A retrospective of his work is currently on tour across major African capitals. In the 1980s, at a time when renowned artists like Robert Mapplethorpe were building a narrative that fetishized Black men by reducing them to erotic objects devoid of individual identities, Rotimi Fani-Kayode placed Black men at the center of his images and presented them with emotional depth and a sensitive intimacy. Fani-Kayode’s artistry was layered, based on his Yoruba culture, his displacement from his homeland, Nigeria, and his queerness; his work was infused with sexuality, race and rebellion. By intertwining these elements, he asserted the joyful, playful and mutually enriching coexistence of both queer and African identities — two forces that were often considered incompatible... Fani-Kayode often created self-portraits, many of which were printed in black and white in part to keep costs down. Many of his images incorporate his Yoruba culture, usually through the use of masks... Though Fani-Kayode created a substantial body of work, his career lasted just six years. He died of AIDS-related complications on Dec. 21, 1989, in a hospital in North London. He was 34.
Sulaiman Addonia: A novelist shaped by displacement and the redemptive power of art
Sulaiman Addonia is an Eritrean-Ethiopian novelist and refugee who lives in Brussels, has won the 2025 European Literature Prize for his novel "The Sea Mourns With Me." Addonia’s story reflects his experiences of displacement and cultural rebirth. His most recent novel, The Seers (2024), unspools in a single, 136-page paragraph, exploring the world of Hannah, an Eritrean refugee in London, and the redemptive power of art. It’s familiar territory for the author: Addonia and his brother claimed asylum as unaccompanied minors in the city in 1990. When he arrived in England as a child, he spoke no English, however, he went on to gain an Economics degree, and then an MA in Development Studies from SOAS. Addonia’s second novel, Silence is My Mother Tongue (2019), is set in a refugee camp in Sudan, the author spent his early years in a Sudanese refugee camp after his village in Eritrea was subject to a massacre by the Derg regime during the Eritrean war of independence, and his father was murdered. As a teenager, the author lived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where his mother worked as a domestic servant, and the city forms the backdrop of his debut novel, The Consequences of Love (2008), which was longlisted for the 2019 Orwell Prize. In Brussels, in 2019, he founded the Creative Writing Academy for Refugees & Asylum Seekers and the Asmara-Addis Literary Festival in Exile (AALFIE), which runs biannually. In 2022, AALFIE was recognised as one of the top literary festivals in the world.
Zanzibar Restores 19th-Century Sultan's Palace
Zanzibar has completed the restoration of the historic Beit al-Sahel palace, also known as the Sultan's Palace - the official residence of the sultans of Zanzibar until the 1964 revolution. The structure, built in 1883, now serves as a museum highlighting Swahili-Arab cultural exchanges. The restoration was part of a broader UNESCO-backed initiative to preserve coastal heritage. The palace is located in Stone Town and is a prominent landmark. The restoration project was undertaken to preserve the palace's historical significance and architectural beauty. The palace is a testament to Zanzibar's rich cultural heritage as a hub of trade and cultural exchange.
Liberia Digitizes National Archives
Liberia's Ministry of Culture has digitized a vast collection of historical records, making over 300,000 pages of colonial and independence-era documents accessible online. This digitization project aims to preserve and share Liberia's rich history, including records related to the arrival of freed slaves from the Americas, the country's declaration of independence in 1847, and its subsequent development. The online archive includes photographs, motion picture footage, oral histories, and documents. Digitizing these records helps to preserve Liberia's historical memory, especially given the turbulent periods of colonialism and civil war the country has experienced. The project can help to challenge existing narratives of Liberia's history, which have often focused on the Americo-Liberian experience, and provide a more nuanced understanding of the roles played by indigenous groups and other communities. The project includes a dedicated exhibit on Chief Suah Koko, a significant female figure in Liberia's history.
AFRICAN DIASPORA & UN AFFAIRS
Caribbean-African Heritage Summit Announced
A Caribbean-African Heritage Summit has been announced for September 7, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, coinciding with the second CARICOM-AU Day. This summit, officially the Second CARICOM-Africa Summit, aims to strengthen ties between the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and African nations. The summit will be hosted by the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed, at the Adwa Convention Centre. The summit builds on the growing collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean, particularly in areas like reparations for slavery and native genocide, and deepening connections between the African Union and nations with people of African descent. This collaboration extends to global movements for reparations, including those for Africa, India, and indigenous peoples. The event is part of a broader initiative to enhance economic cooperation, trade, and investment between the two regions. The summit is anticipated to be a significant step in fostering a stronger, more unified relationship between Africa and the Caribbean, building on the historical and cultural bonds that unite them. It also aligns with the UN's designation of 2025-2034 as the Second Decade for People of African Descent.
UNESCO Names Three New World Heritage Sites in Africa
In June 2025, UNESCO's World Heritage Committee added the Nsumbu Wetlands in Zambia, the Mozabite Ksars in Algeria, and the Ankaratra Biosphere in Madagascar to its list of World Heritage sites. This designation brings global recognition and can facilitate access to conservation funding for these areas. Zambia's Nsumbu Wetlands: This designation highlights the ecological importance of the wetlands, which are part of Nsumbu National Park and border Lake Tanganyika. Algeria's Mozabite Ksars: These ksars, characterized by their unique traditional architecture, are an example of sustainable human settlements in a harsh environment. Madagascar's Ankaratra Biosphere: Biosphere reserves are areas recognized for their biodiversity and the sustainable practices employed within them. The inscription of these sites on the World Heritage List is a significant step in their preservation, as it can lead to increased international cooperation and funding for conservation projects. This recognition also raises awareness about the cultural and natural richness of these locations, encouraging their protection for future generations.
INSPIRATION, VISION & BIG IDEAS
Dangote: Africa Can Be a ‘Heaven’ in Five Years
Aliko Dangote, has urged Africans to adopt bold thinking and a long-term mindset, asserting that the continent could be transformed into a “heaven” within just five years. “We African champions should know that we are the only people who can make Africa great. Nobody will do that for us. So, as such, we need to make sure that we concentrate. We believe in our own continent. The job of people like us is not about amassing wealth. It’s about creating wealth," he said. Africa’s foremost industrialist has long championed investments in the continent’s development. His commitment recently drew praise from the Nigerian government for prioritizing national advancement over the allure of tech windfalls. Rather than betting on global giants like Amazon, Microsoft, or Google, investments that could have boosted his net worth to $120 billion, Dangote chose instead to build the world’s largest single-train $20Billion oil refinery in Lagos, ... In an interview, Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote declared that Africa has the potential to become a "heaven" in five years if infrastructure, peace, and governance align. He cited the AfCFTA and energy reforms as levers for transformation, calling on Africa’s youth to lead the charge.
Africa forges own AI path at Kigali summit
At the start of April, the Global AI Summit on Africa took place in Kigali. The event was hosted by Rwanda’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) and the ministry of information and communications technology (ICT) and innovation, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum. After the global Artificial Intelligence Action Summit, held in Paris in February, this Africa-specific event was billed as an opportunity for the continent to start hammering out its own approach to critical policy issues. Bringing together heads of government, business leaders, investors, and international organisations from across the continent, the summit sought to make tangible progress on “shaping Africa’s role in the global AI economy”. The event was also seen as a sign that African governments and organisations are determined to forge a path forward for the continent that manages the risks associated with this new technology – while also seizing its potentially transformative potential across strategic sectors such as health, agriculture, and finance.