Author: Herneisha Collins

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has said that securing access to the Red Sea is vital for Ethiopia’s survival, warranting thorough and careful discussion. The topic of Red Sea access has come under scrutiny following the Prime Minister’s briefing to members of the House of People’s Representatives in a televised session. In 1993, following Eritrea’s independence from Ethiopia, one of Africa’s largest countries lost its direct access to the Red Sea. Since then, the country has relied on the port of Djibouti, a neighboring small country, for imports and exports. “The Red Sea and the Nile are intimately linked to Ethiopia,…

A don, Professor Abdulfattah Abaoba, has called for the “contraction” of Nigeria’s educational system to effectively address the problem of properly funding the country’s tertiary institutions. Abaoba, a professor of Computer Engineering at the University of Maiduguri, also called for the adoption of a hybrid system of the traditional and the ICT methods of teaching, learning and research as well as saving the primary and secondary systems of education from collapse. He was speaking on ‘Sustainable Model for Funding Educational System in Nigeria’, at a seminar themed, ‘In search of Robust Funding Paradigm For Education In Nigeria,’ organised by ABK…

A new study conducted by Electric Vehicle experts at DriveElectric has unveiled a remarkable surge in electric vehicle (EV) adoption across the globe, with African nations making significant strides in this eco-conscious revolution. The research, focusing on EV sales year-on-year, brings to light the countries experiencing the most substantial increase in electric vehicle sales, and South Africa emerges as a frontrunner with a staggering 127% growth in the past year. The research follows a surge in electric vehicle start-ups across Africa who are transforming the transportation sector in many nations. Fuelled by eco-consciousness and innovation, these companies are shaking up…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is set to review Kenya’s ongoing debt reduction program next month, as the country seeks to secure funds for a $2 billion eurobond repayment due in June 2024. The review will examine how Kenyan authorities plan to address fiscal challenges through policy adjustments and sourcing funds from diverse entities such as multilateral, bilateral lenders, and international financial institutions. This initiative follows Kenya’s 38-month IMF program, launched in February 2021 to mitigate its vulnerability to debt crises. The program received a financing package increase by 45% to $3.5 billion in May and was extended to April…

The formation of the JWG on education collaboration came under discussion during a meeting between Ethiopian ambassador Jemal Beker Abdula and Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Madad Ali Sindhi. During the meeting, both dignitaries discussed matters of mutual interest, including bilateral cooperation in the education sector, especially in the areas of higher education and vocational training. On the occasion, the minister said that a ‘joint working group’ would be formulated, which could pave the way for the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two countries. The minister emphasised the importance of exchanging expertise and knowledge in…

The Humanitarian African Relief Organization raised more than $150,000 for its efforts to support children in the Horn of Africa at a recent community event that was attended by about 200 business owners, professionals, youth, religious scholars, and elders. In one of the emotional highlights of the October 7 gathering at the Delta Hotel, the Minneapolis-based organization highlighted the story of Dunia Hassan Ali, a Somali woman who has been raising nine children without the means to provide shelter, food, or education. Leaders from the Humanitarian African Relief Organization (HARO) announced they would take on the cost of the children’s…

Zimbabwe’s main opposition leader on Thursday urged the Parliament speaker to reinstate 15 of his party’s lawmakers, saying they were removed from their positions because of a fraudulent letter. Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa said the lawmakers’ removal was part of an attempt by the ruling ZANU-PF party “to silence us.” The CCC has said it will boycott parliamentary business until the 15 are reinstated, widening the post-election political cracks. Chamisa has also accused Mnangagwa and ZANU-PF of post-election intimidation and violence. Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi denied government or ruling party collusion in the removal of the opposition lawmakers and said…

The Biden administration is working to set up a “humanitarian corridor” for Palestinian civilians in Gaza to flee to Egypt, but Cairo is signaling that it will not accept a solution that forces Palestinians to leave Gaza without any hope of return. Reuters reported on Wednesday that Egypt rejected the idea of evacuations in order to protect Palestinians’ right to stay on their land. A chorus of Egyptian officials, media personalities, and religious authorities have stated over the past two days — with almost exactly the same wording — that Egypt will not tolerate Israel pushing Palestinians into Egypt at the expense of “Egyptian sovereignty.” Speaking…

One of the highlights during the recently concluded 15th summit of the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) emerging economies in Johannesburg, South Africa was the keynote address by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the China-Africa Leaders’ Dialogue. This was Xi’s 10th visit to the continent. Xi noted that over the past 60 years, under the banner of Pan-Africanism, African countries have made big strides on the path to independence, seeking strength through unity and integration. African leaders have demonstrated the strength of Africa in the struggles to uphold multilateralism and the common interests of developing countries. With…

The heads of Catholic religious orders and the Bishops of Togo express their opposition to a proposed military intervention in Niger, saying armed attempts to depose the leaders of a coup will only further destabilize the entire region. Leaders of religious orders working in West Africa have backed the region’s Catholic Bishops in opposing any military intervention in coup-hit Niger, saying it would only worsen the situation. Need for negotiations In a statement shared this week with Aci Africa news agency, members of the Regional Conference of Major Superiors of West Africa (RECOMSWA) reiterated the appeal by the Regional Episcopal…