African News
China has become one of Africa’s largest development financiers. Since 2000, Chinese and other state-backed institutions have committed more than US$180 billion in loans to African countries. The money has been used to finance roads, railways, power stations, ports, water infrastructure and industrial projects. Agriculture has also become part of this expanding partnership. Food systems…
African startups raised between $1.3 billion and $1.4 billion in the first half of 2026, in line with the $1.4 billion recorded a year earlier, per data from TechCabal and The Big Deal, showing funding has stabilized despite a tougher venture capital market. The total was supported by a handful of large transactions, even as…
Supercell opened applications for its first Developer Grants Program for African game studios, offering equity-free funding of between $20,000 and $200,000. The Finnish company behind Clash of Clans, Hay Day and Clash Royale plans to select 3 to 5 studios for the first cohort. Applications close on Aug. 9, shortlisted teams will be contacted in…
Renew Capital selected 15 African technology startups from more than 500 applicants across 48 countries to advance to the next stage of its inaugural Renew Venture Lab: EmFi Series. The startups were chosen after applicants took part in founder-led training sessions and a pitch competition. Forty-seven companies reached the final pitching stage and received a…
A Night of Hope. Aweys Addow, who was 19 years old when the flag was hoisted, was present to witness the event at Ficho Goberno, the former site of Mogadishu’s mayoral residence. At 12:00 hours (midnight) on 1 July 1960, Addow was among hundreds of jubilant Somalis who came out to celebrate the birth of…
Protection for refugees has been enshrined in international law for more than seven decades, but how much support is there today for those fleeing conflict and persecution? Why this matters Most people still support the right to seek asylum Resettlement numbers decrease massively Misinformation has not eroded public compassion The Refugee Convention marks 75 years…
Evidence points to digital infrastructure and education as critical investments. Abstract This study examines the relationship between digital exclusion and access to essential services across six West African countries, using Afrobarometer Round 9 data (2021-2023). We construct a multidimensional digital-exclusion index based on digital-technology access and usage, then rigorously distinguish individual-level effects from district-level contextual…
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has warned that continued attacks on commercial vessels in conflict zones pose a serious threat to global supply chains, maritime safety and the security of seafarers. IMO Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, made the remark in a statement issued as the IMO Council reviewed the persistent security threats facing international shipping and…
Jihadist groups are no longer content with launching attacks in West Africa and the Sahel: they administer territories, control trade routes, exploit new technologies and are gradually pushing their influence all the way to the Gulf of Guinea. Faced with this change, government responses are struggling to keep up, while a timid dynamic of regional…
Algeria — The Kiswahili language continues to strengthen its position as one of Africa’s most influential means of communication, connecting millions of people across borders while gaining increasing recognition on the global stage. For centuries, Kiswahili has played a unique role in bringing together communities from different ethnic and linguistic backgrounds, particularly in Eastern and…
