African Affairs, the journal of the Royal African Society that sponsors this blog, has recently published an article on the legacy of the Covid-19 pandemic response and a ‘new era of austerity in Africa’. Authors Olutayo Adesina, Aleida Mendes Borges, Carlos Cardoso and Toby Green bring to bear on this theme their extensive experience of…
Majority of citizens say they suffered shortage of clean water during the past year. Key findings On average across 38 countries, water supply ranks third among the most important problems that Africans want their government to address, trailing unemployment and health and tied with education, the increasing cost of living, and infrastructure/roads. Water outranks all…
Nairobi — The effects of the conflict in the Persian Gulf are beginning to be felt worldwide. In addition to the impact on energy markets caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the less well-known but no less serious consequences affects African economies. This applies not only to macroeconomic effects such…
Dar es Salaam — STARTING May 1, 2026, China will fully implement zero-tariff treatment on 100 per cent of tariff lines for 53 African countries that have established diplomatic relations with China. This historic step is set to considerably change global trade relations. The policy tone for the country’s development under the CPC’s leadership is…
Kigali International Airport has been ranked the third best airport in Africa in the 2026 SKYTRAX World Airport Awards. The recognition adds to Rwanda’s broader efforts to position itself as a regional aviation hub, supported by ongoing investments in infrastructure and service delivery. ALSO READ: RwandAir wins three accolades at World Airline Awards The awards…
Cairo/Amsterdam — African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and FCI will jointly host the Africa Regional Conference on Factoring, Receivables Finance & Credit Insurance on 15-16 April 2026 in Kampala, Uganda. As Africa moves towards a unified market, these financial tools serve as essential catalysts for bridging the trade finance gap, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises…
Access Bank Plc and King’s Trust International have formalised a strategic partnership aimed at expanding opportunities, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods for young people across Africa. The agreement was signed in London by the managing director/chief executive officer of Access Bank, Roosevelt Ogbonna, and the chief executive officer of King’s Trust International, Will Straw. The bank…
China’s decision to open its market to 53 African countries with zero tariffs starting in May 2026 is not just another trade announcement. It is a statement of intent. At a time when global trade is increasingly shaped by rivalry, protectionism and shifting alliances, Beijing is signalling that Africa remains central to its economic diplomacy….
An enormous danger and already a human and economic reality for over three weeks! The war launched against Iran is further exacerbating the turmoil and anxieties in a world already reeling and powerless in the face of the conflict unfolding in Ukraine and the open massacres in Gaza. Not to mention the civil wars in…
Once again on this day, 23 March 2026, we celebrate the Southern Africa Liberation Day – one of the most significant milestones in our shared journey toward freedom and independence as a regional community. We honour, with deep respect and gratitude, the brave men and women who stood at the forefront of the struggle to…
