Africa Times: delivers unique, authoritative and independent reporting from the frontlines of crises to inspire and produce a more effective humanitarian response
Mapping Africa’s Wealth The Chart of the Week is a weekly Visual Capitalist feature on Fridays.
The economy in Africa is on the rise, and financial hubs are beginning to emerge.
While the resource-rich African continent has seen only 13% growth in total private wealth over the past 10 years, the 3% spike in the past year alone indicates the growth is just warming up. Africa will also be home to 13 out of the 20 of the world’s largest megacities by 2100.
In this week’s chart, we take a look at Africa’s wealthiest cities, courtesy of this recent 2018 report from New World Wealth and AfrAsia Bank.
Africa’s Evolving Economy While Africa has traditionally played a minor role in the world market, the continent is coming into its own as a hub for financial services and entrepreneurship.
Africa’s growing elite has added 19,000 millionaires over the past decade, with total private wealth totaling $2.3 trillion. These figures are predicted to increase by 34% over the next decade, reaching $3.1 trillion by the end of 2027.
The five wealthiest cities hail from three countries:
1. Johannesburg, South Africa ($276 billion) Founded in the Witwatersrand Gold Rush of 1886, South Africa’s City of Gold is a hub for financial services, professional services (law firms and consultancies), construction, telecommunications, and basic materials.
2. Cape Town, South Africa ($155 billion) One of South Africa’s three capital cities, Cape Town’s major sectors include real estate, financial services, retail, and tourism. Cape Town has the highest prime residential rates on the continent at US$6,100 per square meter, similar to cities such as Washington, D.C., or Berlin.
3. Cairo, Egypt ($140 billion) A hub for Africa and the Middle East, Cairo’s major sectors include real estate, construction, financial services, and basic materials.
4. Lagos, Nigeria ($108 billion) The clearing house for 80% of Nigeria’s imports, major sectors include basic materials, real estate, construction, telecommunications, transport, and financial services.
5. Durban, South Africa ($55 billion) Home to the biggest shopping center in Africa – complete with 350 stores, 70 restaurants, 18 movie theaters, an IMAX theater, an indoor climbing wall, and a skate park designed by Tony Hawk – Durban’s major sectors include real estate, finance, healthcare, construction, retail, and transport.
The Full List of Cities Here is a full ranking of the top 23 cities in Africa, based on New World Wealth’s data.
Rank City Country Total Private Wealth (USD) #1 Johannesburg South Africa $276 billion #2 Cape Town South Africa $155 billion #3 Cairo Egypt $140 billion #4 Lagos Nigeria $108 billion #5 Durban South Africa $55 billion #6 Nairobi Kenya $54 billion #7 Luanda Angola $49 billion #8 Pretoria South Africa $48 billion #9 Casablanca Morocco $42 billion #10 Accra Ghana $38 billion #11 Abidjan Côte d’Ivoire $27 billion #12 Dar es Salaam Tanzania $25 billion #13 Alexandria Egypt $25 billion #14 Kampala Uganda $16 billion #15 Windhoek Namibia $13 billion #16 Abuja Nigeria $13 billion #17 Addis Ababa Ethiopia $13 billion #18 Marrakesh Morocco $11 billion #19 Tangier Morocco $11 billion #20 Lusaka Zambia $10 billion #21 Maputo Mozambique $10 billion #22 Gaborone Botswana $9 billion #23 Mombasa Kenya $8 billion With a growth trajectory on the rise and renewed interest in African investment, what will Africa’s economy look like ten years from now?
The Most Corrupt Countries and the least Corrupt countries in the world,
The most Corrupt countries and the least corrupt countries
Mapped: Corruption in Countries Around the World Mapped: Corruption in Countries Around the World How bad is public sector corruption around the world, and how do different countries compare?
No matter your system of government, the public sector plays a vital role in establishing your economic mobility and political freedoms. Measuring corruption—the abuse of power for private gain—reveals how equal a system truly is.
For more than a decade, the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by Transparency International has been the world’s most widely-used metric for scoring corruption. This infographic uses the 2021 CPI to visualize corruption in countries around the world, and the biggest 10-year changes.
Which Countries are Most (and Least) Corrupt? How do you measure corruption, which includes behind-the-scenes deals, nepotism, corrupt prosecution, and bribery?
Over the last few decades, the CPI has found success doing so indirectly through perceptions. By aggregating multiple analyses from country and business experts, the index assigns each country a score on a scale of 0 to 100, where 0 is highly corrupt and 100 is very clean.
Here are the results of the 2021 CPI, with the least corrupt countries at the top:
Search: Corruption Perception by Country Score (2021) Denmark 88 Finland 88 New Zealand 88 Norway 85 Singapore 85 Sweden 85 Switzerland 84 Netherlands 82 Luxembourg 81 Germany 80 Showing 1 to 10 of 180
Mapping: the Corruption in Countries Around the World
Ranking at the top of the index with scores of 88 are Nordic countries Denmark and Finland, as well as New Zealand.
They’ve consistently topped the CPI over the last decade, and Europe in general had 14 of the top 20 least corrupt countries. Asia also had many notable entrants, including Singapore (tied for #4), Hong Kong (#12), and Japan (tied for #18).
Comparatively, the Americas only had two countries score in the top 20 least corrupt: Canada (tied for #13) and Uruguay (tied for #18). With a score of 67, the U.S. scored at #28 just behind Bhutan, the UAE, and France.
Scoring towards the bottom of the index were many countries currently and historically going through conflict, primarily located in the Middle East and Africa. They include Afghanistan, Venezuela, Somalia, and South Sudan. The latter country finishes at the very bottom of the list, with a score of just 11.
How Corruption in Countries Has Changed (2012–2021) Corruption is a constant and moving global problem, so it’s also important to measure which countries have had their images improved (or worsened).
By using CPI scores dating back to 2012, we can examine how country scores have changed over the last decade:
Search: Change in Corruption by Country 10-Year Trend (2012-2021) Seychelles +18 Armenia +15 Italy +14 Greece +13 Myanmar +13 Guyana +11 Uzbekistan +11 Estonia +10 Latvia +10 Belarus +10
The biggest climber with +18 was Seychelles, Africa’s smallest country and also its least corrupt with a score of 70. Other notable improvements include neighboring countries Estonia, Latvia, and Belarus, with Estonia rising into the top 15 least corrupt countries.
On the opposite side, both Australia (-12) and Canada (-10) have actually fallen out of the top 10 least corrupt countries over the last decade. They’re joined by decreases in Hungary (-12) and Syria (-13), which is now ranked as the world’s second-most corrupt country.
Which countries will rise and fall in corruption perceptions over the next 10 years, and how do your perceptions compare with this list?
Country age demographics are determined by two key factors: fertility and mortality.
Throughout history, it was typical to see both birth and death rates at higher levels. But today, in most parts of the world, women are having fewer children, and innovations in healthcare and technology mean we are all living longer. The average person today lives to 72.6 years old, while the rate of births per woman has fallen to 2.5.
These trends have drastically altered the demographics of mature economies, resulting in a much older population. In many developing countries, however, births still outweigh deaths, resulting in populations that skew younger.
This visualization uses data from the World Bank to examine the countries with the highest shares of old and young people.
The Fountain of Youth By 2030, the United Nations estimates there will be 1.3 billion people on the planet between the ages of 15-24. Proving to be a fountain of youth globally, the continent of Africa boasts the top 10 countries with the largest shares of young people in the world.
Somalia, Zambia, and the DRC are just a few to crack the top 10 list. The youngest country in the world is Niger, where almost 50% of the population is below the age of 15.
Here’s a full list of global countries, sorted by percentage of population under 15 years old: Search: Country Share of Population Younger Than 15 (% of total, 2019) 🇳🇪 Niger 49.8% 🇲🇱 Mali 47.3% 🇹🇩 Chad 46.8% 🇦🇴 Angola 46.6% 🇺🇬 Uganda 46.5% 🇸🇴 Somalia 46.4% 🇨🇩 Congo, Dem. Rep. 46.0% 🇧🇮 Burundi 45.4% 🇧🇫 Burkina Faso 44.7% 🇿🇲 Zambia 44.5% Showing 1 to 10 of 191 entriesPreviousNext Young countries have significant opportunities ahead of them. A younger population means a larger upcoming workforce and more opportunities for innovation and economic growth.
While domestic markets in Africa grow in terms of labor supply, innovation, and potential consumers, there are also challenges that arise in these countries. Corruption, political instability and unemployment, particularly in Africa, are all potential barriers to prosperity for the continent’s Gen Z population.
Populations Skewing Older The world’s oldest country is Japan, where 28% of the population is older than 65. However, it’s an anomaly—the rest of the oldest countries in the top 10 are all in Europe.
Globally, it’s the 65+ age group that is growing the fastest. According to the same UN estimates, it is predicted that by 2050 that one in six people will be over 65 years old.
Here’s a full list of global countries, sorted by percentage of population over 65 years old:
Search: Country Share of Population Older Than 65 (% of total, 2019) 🇯🇵 Japan 28.0% 🇮🇹 Italy 23.0% 🇵🇹 Portugal 22.4% 🇫🇮 Finland 22.1% 🇬🇷 Greece 21.9% 🇩🇪 Germany 21.5% 🇧🇬 Bulgaria 21.2% 🇭🇷 Croatia 20.8% 🇲🇹 Malta 20.8% 🇫🇷 France 20.3% Showing 1 to 10 of 192 entriesPreviousNext Fewer births, and a resulting older population, is a trend attributed to the changing lifestyles of women. For example, Japan’s fertility rate has fallen to less than 1.5 children per woman due to modern access to contraceptives and the prioritization of work over marriage and family life.
However, fewer young people also means a smaller workforce on the horizon and a shrinking domestic market. There is also a rising social cost of caring for the elderly, as longer lifespans have resulted in a higher prevalence of chronic diseases and an increasing inability to care for oneself. This can result in an increased tax burden on the diminishing younger, working population.
Another Perspective on the Data Looking at the data from the opposite angle also reveals information about our world. Here’s a look at the countries with the lowest proportions of younger or older people.
youngest and oldest countries
Hong Kong and Singapore have some of the lowest fertility rates in the world (1.1), so it’s no surprise to see low numbers of children in their demographic data.
In a country like the United Arab Emirates, the majority of the population is made up of foreign workers, so the number of people in the 65+ age group is extremely low. In the coming decades though, the situation is expected to shift dramatically with one in every five Emiratis residing that age group by 2050.
The Big Picture While each country has its own unique demographic make up, one thing is clear. As education and wealth levels rise around the world, fertility rates are dropping almost everywhere.
The trend of long life expectancies and fewer births is likely to continue, but young outliers will remain and they present immense economic potential.
A team of researchers in Canada say they have discovered two new minerals – and potentially a third – after analysing a slice of a 15-tonne meteorite that landed in east Africa.
Researchers discover two new minerals on meteorite grounded in Somalia
The meteorite, the ninth largest recorded at over 2 metres wide, was unearthed in Somalia in 2020, although local camel herders say it was well known to them for generations and named Nightfall in their songs and poems.
Western scientists, however, dubbed the extraterrestrial rock El Ali because it was found near the town of El Ali, in the Hiiraan region.
A 70-gram slice of the iron-based meteorite was sent to the University of Alberta’s meteorite collection for classification.
The meteorite was found near the town of El Ali in Somalia.
The meteorite was found near the town of El Ali in Somalia. Photograph: Courtesy of Global Resources Dr Chris Herd, a professor in the department of earth and atmospheric sciences and the curator of the collection, said that while he was classifying the rock he noticed “unusual” minerals. Herd asked Andrew Locock,
the head of the university’s electron microprobe laboratory, to investigate.“The very first day he did some analyses, he said, ‘You’ve got at least two new minerals in there’,” said Herd. “That was phenomenal.
Most of the time it takes a lot more work than that to say there’s a new mineral.”Similar minerals had been synthetically created in a lab in the 1980s but never recorded as appearing in nature, Herd said, adding that these new minerals could help understand how “nature’s laboratory” works and may have as yet unknown real-world uses.
A third potentially new mineral is being analysed.A sample of the meteorite.A sample of the meteorite.
Photograph: Courtesy of University of Alberta Meteorite Collection“I never thought I’d be involved in describing brand new minerals just by virtue of working on a meteorite,” said Herd. “That’s what makes this exciting: in this particular meteorite you have two officially described minerals that are new to science.” They have been named elaliite,
after the location of the meteorite, and elkinstantonite, after Lindy Elkins-Tanton, principal investigator of Nasa’s upcoming Psyche mission that aims to send a spacecraft to a metal-rich asteroid.“Lindy has done a lot of work on how the cores of planets form, how these iron nickel cores form, and the closest analogue we have are iron meteorites. So it made sense to name a mineral after her and recognise her contributions to science,” Herd said.
University of Alberta scientists would like to examine other samples from the same meteorite but Herd said there were reports that it had been removed to China. Meteorites are often bought and sold on international markets.
I hope you appreciated this article. Before you move on, I was hoping you would consider taking the step of supporting the Guardian’s journalism.
From Elon Musk to Rupert Murdoch, a small number of billionaire owners have a powerful hold on so much of the information that reaches the public about what’s happening in the world. The Guardian is different. We have no billionaire owner or shareholders to consider.
Our journalism is produced to serve the public interest – not profit motives.And we avoid the trap that befalls much US media – the tendency, born of a desire to please all sides, to engage in false equivalence in the name of neutrality.
While fairness guides everything we do, we know there is a right and a wrong position in the fight against racism and for reproductive justice.
When we report on issues like the climate crisis, we’re not afraid to name who is responsible. And as a global news organization, we’re able to provide a fresh, outsider perspective on US politics – one so often missing from the insular American media bubble.
Author: Ben Okri
Author: Ben Okri
Ben Okri
Ben Okri is a renowned novelist and poet whose written works defy definition. He is often termed post-modern, yet his seamless interweaving of the spirit world into his stories belies this genre. The author also rejects claims that his work falls into the ‘magical realism’ category, seeing his writing not as a venture into the realm of the fantastic but instead a reflection of an upbringing wherein myths, ancestors and spirits were an intrinsic component. “Everyone’s reality is different,” he once said. His most famous work is The Famished Road (1991), forming part of a trilogy with Songs of Enchantment and Infinite Riches. It chronicle the journeys of Azaro, a spirit-child
The paragraph discusses Russia’s efforts to strengthen its military and economic presence in Africa, with a focus on advancing its strategic goals, projecting influence, and supplanting the West. It details high-level Russian officials’ visits to African countries, highlighting the intent to strengthen military cooperation, expand economic engagement, pursue nuclear energy and agricultural cooperation, and increase … Continue reading Russia’s Strategic Expansion in Africa: High-Level Officials’ Agenda→
Somaliland, historically, the area now comprising Somalia and Djibouti. The name is also used to refer to the Republic of Somaliland, a self-declared independent country in the Horn of Africa Rep. Ilhan Omar stated in a speech on Jan. 27 in Minneapolis that she would leverage her influence to block a potential agreement between Ethiopia … Continue reading Somaliland is the newest country in Africa,→
Country music has a rich history that reflects the development of Africa, stemming from traditional African sounds and expanding into diverse subgenres that continue to enthrall audiences. Additionally, it’s common to experience homesickness upon returning from breaks, signifying a strong attachment to loved ones, and the process of adjusting to a new environment may take … Continue reading I’m a Refugee, I lost my Country→
(afrika-times.com) It started as a largely peaceful religious movement in northern Nigeria. But the violent rhetoric was never inconspicuous. Yet, the government didn’t pay much attention to Boko Haram. Until 2009, when the group’s leader, Mohammed Yusuf, was murdered while in police custody, setting off an inexorable chain of violent events that has threatened the very existence of the Nigerian state. Twelve years later, thousands have died and hundreds of thousands more have been displaced or remain in captivity. Yet, the insurgency is far from over. Here is a timeline of events of Nigeria’s never-ending conflict:
2002: Mohammed Yusuf founds Boko Haram, a group with the aim to ‘purify’ Islam in Northern Nigeria. (Afrika-Times.com)
Photo file: Boko Haram fighters in Nigeria
July 2009: Yusuf is killed in a Boko Haram uprising while in police custody.
7 September 2010: Boko Haram members launch an attack on a federal prison in Bauchi, freeing up to 721 prisoners, including up to 150 affiliated with the group.
16 June 2011: A suicide bomber drives a car bomb into the Nigeria Police Force headquarters in Abuja and kills up to six people.
Photo file: Boko Haram Timeline in Nigeria in Borno State
26 August 2011: A car bomb explodes at a United Nations building in Abuja, killing at least 21 and wounding 60.
25 December 2011: A series of bomb attacks on Christmas Day kills about 40 people and injures many others.
31 December 2011: President Goodluck Jonathan declares a state of emergency in parts of the North-East and orders the borders with Cameroon, Chad and Niger shut.
8 January 2012: President Jonathan says Boko Haram members have infiltrated his government, including the military and police.
20 January 2012: At least 178 people are killed after Boko Haram executed a series of bomb blasts and shooting sprees mostly targeting police stations in Kano.
11 October 2012: Human Rights Watch accuses Nigerian security forces of gross human rights abuses in the fight against Boko Haram.
14 May 2013: President Jonathan extends the state of emergency to cover Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.
11 August 2013: Boko Haram kills 44 worshipers at a mosque in Konduga, Borno.
November 2013: The United States designates Boko Haram as a terrorist organisation.
26 February 2014: Boko Haram murders at least 59 boys at the Federal Government College in Buni Yadi, Yobe state.
14-15 April 2014: About 276 female students are kidnapped from Government Girls Secondary School at the town of Chibok in Borno State.
May 2014: The United Nations’ Security Council adds Boko Haram to its financial sanctions and arms embargo list.
29 October 2014: Boko Haram seizes the Adamawa town of Mubi, forcing thousands to flee.
January 2015: Boko Haram seizes a Nigerian military base in Baga, a key town in Borno state.
February 2015: Nigeria postpones presidential elections for six weeks as a coalition of military forces including those from Chad, Cameroon and Nigeria begin a campaign against Boko Haram.
March 2015: The Nigerian army recovers Bama from Boko Haram, halting the group’s incursion.
March 2015: Forces from neighbouring Niger and Chad launch a ground and air offensive against Boko Haram in Borno.
March 2015: President Muhammadu Buhari wins presidential election after campaigning, in part, to end the insurgency.
May 2015: Boko Haram renames itself the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP)
9 September 2015: The Nigerian military says it has destroyed all known Boko Haram terrorists’ camps and cells in the North-East.
17 November 2015: The Global Terrorism Index reported that Boko Haram – after killing 6,644 people in 2014 – had overtaken Isis as the world’s deadliest terror group.
December 2015: President Muhammadu Buhari says Nigeria has “technically won the war” against Boko Haram because the group can no longer mount “conventional attacks.”
22 June 2016: Reports from US intelligence emerge of a split between Abubakar Shekau and ISIS over the use of children as suicide bombers.
August 2016: ISIS attempts to oust Shekau from his leadership role and replace him with Abu Musab al-Barnawi, apparently for his refusal to cease targeting muslim civilians.
17 January 2017: The Nigerian Air Force bombs an IDP camp in Rann, Borno after mistaking it for a Boko Haram camp, killing scores of civilians.
In this photo taken on April 14, 2021, the names of some of the Chibok girls still in captivity are displayed on desks in commemoration of the seven years anniversary since they were abducted by Boko Haram in Borno State.
15 February 2018: The Nigerian army places a N3 million bounty on Shekau.
19 February 2018: 110 schoolgirls are abducted from the Government Technical Girls College in Dapchi, Yobe State.
December 2018: Boko Haram splinter group ISWAP takes over Baga and seizes the Multinational Joint Task Force base, two months before presidential elections in Nigeria.
June 2021: Boko Haram and ISWAP reportedly unite and pledge allegiance to one Aba Ibrahim Al-Hashimiyil AlKhuraishi.
22 July 2021: Nigeria receives the first batch of A-29 Super Tucano aircrafts procured from the United States of America to prosecute the insurgency and other criminal elements
Liberians frustrated by crippling fuel shortage
10/02 – 12:57
Liberia
Liberia’s government is struggling to keep the fuel flowing at petrol pumps, as sloppy bookkeeping and poor port infrastructure have caused long queues at petrol pumps for nearly two weeks.
Incorrect fuel-reserve figures in the impoverished West African country partly led to the shortage, which has dragged on since late January, an industry official said.
But an undredged port in the capital Monrovia has also prevented large fuel tankers from docking, according to port and government officials.
I don’t think this is an existential crisis, just a screw-up.
Liberia’s Commerce Minister Wilson Tarpeh told AFP the shortage has caused an “economic downtrend”, without giving precise figures.
Consumers are spending less on household items as fuel prices rise, he said, and businesses are operating under capacity.
Frustrated Liberians
Liberia suffers frequent fuel shortages, but the current one has lasted an unusually long time. Queues forming before dawn at petrol stations are now commonplace, and scarcity has forced taxis and buses to hike fares.
“I have been here since 5:00 am but until now I am yet to receive gasoline,” said Victor Gray, 45, at a Monrovia petrol station at 8:00 am this week.
“I think the kids will miss class today,” he added, exhausted after he and his children slept in the car.
RELATED ARTICLES
Somalia, Somaliland leaders meet in Ethiopia – VOA report
Somalia, Somaliland leaders meet in Ethiopia – VOA report
Moi funeral: Kenyatta, Odinga, Museveni, Salva Kiir eulogise ex-Kenyan president
Moi funeral: Kenyatta, Odinga, Museveni, Salva Kiir eulogise ex-Kenyan president
Sudan will surrender Bashir to ICC for war crimes – Transitional Council
Sudan will surrender Bashir to ICC for war crimes – Transitional Council
Malawi’s president appeals court ruling annulling his re-election
Malawi’s president appeals court ruling annulling his re-election
Ex-Ivorian president Gbagbo wants unconditional release by ICC
Ex-Ivorian president Gbagbo wants unconditional release by ICC
Compounding economic difficulties, fuel scarcity means it is harder to move goods around the country.
“My store is empty,” said Anthony Kai, who sells dried goods in the town of Zwedru, some 550 kilometres (350 miles) east of Monrovia.
“Very soon the population will lack the necessary things they need,” he added.
Civil servant Emmanuel Gaye said he would not be able to afford his fare to work if the fuel shortage lasts another week, since it has doubled.
“We can’t continue like this,” said Solomon Fayah, a driver, sitting in a fuel queue in Monrovia.
Causes of shortages
Fuel distributors which overstated their reserves are also partly to blame for the shortage, according to an official from the Liberia Petroleum Refinery Company (LPRC) who requested anonymity.
The LPRC is a state-owned company charged with ensuring a consistent oil supply.
The greater problem, officials say, is that large petrol tankers have been unable to dock in the port of Monrovia for weeks because of unusually shallow waters.
Silt and detritus have accumulated in the port since summer, when heavy rains prevented crews from dredging, said the managing director of the National Port Authority, Bill Tweahway.
Ships with a draft of more than 10 metres (33 feet) can no longer enter the port, Tweahway said, although smaller ones can still dock, which has averted a crisis.
Way forward
The shortage is another blow to President George Weah, who is under increasing pressure to improve living conditions in the country of some 4.8 million people.
He inherited an economy already devastated by back-to-back civil wars from 1989 to 2003, and by the 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak.
Inflation is now running at about 30 percent, according to the World Bank, which has incited anger and protests.
The government said it would start dredging, after which ships with a draft of over 13 metres would be able to dock.
Liberia is also expanding the port so that more than one vessel can dock at a time, Weah’s office told AFP, pointing to the port as the main cause of the fuel shortage.
An importer who declined to be named said that businesses are losing “a huge amount of money” chartering several smaller ships rather than one freighter.
But a foreign official in Monrovia, who declined to be named, said the smaller ships meant that some petrol was still arriving.
“I don’t think this is an existential crisis, just a screw-up,” he said.
SUGGESTED READING: Liberia to revive petroleum exploration efforts in April 2020
AFP
Share
MORE ABOUT
Liberia Fuel George Weah crisis
TODAY IN HOME
TOP STORIES
Rigor, aptitude: Why 80% Liberian women failed military entry exams
LIBERIA
Rigor, aptitude: Why 80% Liberian women failed military entry exams
8 hours ago
COVID-19: WHO unveils official name for coronavirusAFRICA
COVID-19: WHO unveils official name for coronavirus
11 hours ago
Bashir to The Hague? Sudan mulling over form, structure – Journalist explainsSUDAN
Bashir to The Hague? Sudan mulling over form, structure – Journalist explains
8 hours ago
AFRICA ELECTIONS
Ethiopia’s electoral body seeks verification of activist Jawar’s citizenship
Ethiopia’s electoral body seeks verification of activist Jawar’s citizenship
Malawi’s president appeals court ruling annulling his re-election
Malawi’s president appeals court ruling annulling his re-election
Ex-Ivorian president Gbagbo wants unconditional release by ICC
Ex-Ivorian president Gbagbo wants unconditional release by ICC
Malawi election body scrutinized by MPs, president moves to overturn ruling
Malawi election body scrutinized by MPs, president moves to overturn ruling
US worried over Guinea’s referendum vote, questions fairness of process
US worried over Guinea’s referendum vote, questions fairness of process
Nigeria officially has 18 political parties as election body de-registers 75
Nigeria officially has 18 political parties as election body de-registers 75
All You Need To Know: Togo’s February 2020 presidential vote
All You Need To Know: Togo’s February 2020 presidential vote
ANGOLA
Portugal freezes Isabel’s accounts at request of Angola govt
10 hours ago
IOC president receives original 1892 Olympics manifesto after $9.6m auction
IOC president receives original 1892 Olympics manifesto after $9.6m auction
7 hours ago
Lesotho has messy govt, equally toxic opposition – ruling ABC deputy leaderLESOTHO
Lesotho has messy govt, equally toxic opposition – ruling ABC deputy leader
9 hours ago
Somalia, Somaliland leaders meet in Ethiopia – VOA reportSOMALIA
Somalia, Somaliland leaders meet in Ethiopia – VOA report
19 hours ago
FEATURED
CHAN 2020: Cameroon to intensify preps in Congo with two international friendlies
FEATURED
CHAN 2020: Cameroon to intensify preps in Congo with two international friendlies
App helps blind people navigate busy and crowded places [SciTech]FEATURED
App helps blind people navigate busy and crowded places [SciTech]
Guinea’s Alpha Conde addresses Libyan crisis, Sahel, domestic politics [Interview]FEATURED
Guinea’s Alpha Conde addresses Libyan crisis, Sahel, domestic politics [Interview]
UAE’s first Indian female doctor, Dr. Zulekha tells her storyFEATURED
UAE’s first Indian female doctor, Dr. Zulekha tells her story
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Coronavirus: Ethiopian Airlines CEO explains decision to continue flights to ChinaIVORY COAST
Coronavirus: Ethiopian Airlines CEO explains decision to continue flights …
Exposé: How illegal rosewood logging robs Ghana in multiple waysGHANA
Exposé: How illegal rosewood logging robs Ghana in multiple ways
It’s been 30 years since Nelson Mandela walked freeSOUTH AFRICA
It’s been 30 years since Nelson Mandela walked free
Unpacking Gambia’s three-year pact: Constitution vs. Coalition MoUGAMBIA
Unpacking Gambia’s three-year pact: Constitution vs. Coalition MoU
NEWS
Ethiopia’s electoral body seeks verification of activist Jawar’s citizenship
ETHIOPIA
Ethiopia’s electoral body seeks verification of activist Jawar’s citizenship
1 hour ago
Jawar Mohammed, who recently renounced his American citizenship has declared his interest to contest the forthcoming elections as a member of …
Pics of the day, February 11, 2020WORLD TOUR
Pics of the day, February 11, 2020
2 hours ago
Kenya’s Arap Moi to be laid to rest this Wednesday [Morning Call]THE MORNING CALL
Kenya’s Arap Moi to be laid to rest this Wednesday [Morning Call]
2 hours ago
Guinea brace up for AU’s AfCFTA [Morning Call]THE MORNING CALL
Guinea brace up for AU’s AfCFTA [Morning Call]
2 hours ago
PICS OF THE DAY
Pics of the day, February 11, 2020
WORLD TOUR
Pics of the day, February 11, 2020
Pics of the day, February 10, 2020WORLD TOUR
Pics of the day, February 10, 2020
Pics of the day, February 6, 2020WORLD TOUR
Pics of the day, February 6, 2020
Pics of the day, February 5, 2020WORLD TOUR
Pics of the day, February 5, 2020
BUSINESS
Nigeria echoes ECO unpreparedness, wants extension of 2020 take-off
Nigeria echoes ECO unpreparedness, wants extension of 2020 take-off
11/02 – 05:00
Abuja did not mention what next steps it planned to pursue in raising the issue with the bloc which had advanced a 2020 deadline for implementation …
Liberians frustrated by crippling fuel shortageLIBERIA
Liberians frustrated by crippling fuel shortage
10/02 – 12:57
DRC – INGA III: Impact of Spanish ACS withdrawal [Business Africa]BUSINESS AFRICA
DRC – INGA III: Impact of Spanish ACS withdrawal [Business Africa]
06/02 – 19:20
Ghana’s ex-finance minister charged over bank collapseGHANA
Ghana’s ex-finance minister charged over bank collapse
06/02 – 13:13
NO COMMENT
Handmade wooden surfboards: a South African’s quest for a greener ride [No Comment]
Handmade wooden surfboards: a South African’s quest for a greener ride [No Comment]
11/02 – 13:00
Pension protests: “Crime scenes’ on steps of Paris opera [No Comment]
Pension protests: “Crime scenes’ on steps of Paris opera [No Comment]
07/02 – 16:00
Norway’s Robert Sorlie wins Femund dog sled race for 13th time [No Comment]
Norway’s Robert Sorlie wins Femund dog sled race for 13th time [No Comment]
06/02 – 13:00
Coronavirus: China issues ‘urgent’ appeal for protective medical equipment [No Comment]
Coronavirus: China issues ‘urgent’ appeal for protective medical equipment [No Comment]
05/02 – 13:00
A family’s collecting obession turns into a museum [No Comment]
A family’s collecting obession turns into a museum [No Comment]
04/02 – 12:00
SKorean virus evacuees taken into quarantine [No Comment]
SKorean virus evacuees taken into quarantine [No Comment]
03/02 – 09:00
SPORT
CHAN 2020: Cameroon to intensify preps in Congo with two international friendlies
FOOTBALL PLANET
CHAN 2020: Cameroon to intensify preps in Congo with two international friendlies
10/02 – 19:14
Host nation Cameroon intensify preparations ahead of the African nations champions as the team has won all preparatory matches along the way …
Audit report unearths gross misappropriation of funds at CAFCORRUPTION
Audit report unearths gross misappropriation of funds at CAF
10/02 – 15:50
South Africa’s Schoeman banned for doping violationSOUTH AFRICA
South Africa’s Schoeman banned for doping violation
08/02 – 12:00
CAF inter club quarter finalists knownTHE MORNING CALL
CAF inter club quarter finalists known
07/02 – 06:37
CULTURE
Somalia, UNESCO sign education and heritage support deal
SOMALIA
Somalia, UNESCO sign education and heritage support deal
1 hour ago
After decades of conflict, Somalia is beginning to rebuild its education sector
Niger’s Segou Art festival dedicated to peace efforts in MaliNIGER
Niger’s Segou Art festival dedicated to peace efforts in Mali
5 hours ago
Oscar 2020: African-American singer Janelle Monae opens showUSA
Oscar 2020: African-American singer Janelle Monae opens show
10/02 – 10:09
Bill Gates’ daughter to marry Egyptian horse riderEGYPT
Bill Gates’ daughter to marry Egyptian horse rider
30/01 – 10:29
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Abiy’s chief of staff new head of Ethiopia’s cyber security outfit
ETHIOPIA
Abiy’s chief of staff new head of Ethiopia’s cyber security outfit
06/02 – 15:00
Prime Minister Abiy in a raft of recent appointments handed the portfolio to Shumete Gizaw who is his current chief of staff. Gizaw is Abiy’s …
1′
News
Rigor, aptitude: Why 80% Liberian women failed military entry exams
Abdur Rahman Alfa Shaban
6 hours ago
Liberia
The twin factors of rigor and aptitude worked against about 80% of female candidates who applied to join Liberia’s military, the BBC corespondent in the West African country has reported.
For a group, their physical fitness was where they failed. In spelling out some requirements for a would-be recruit, army chief of staff, Maj Gen Prince C Johnson, said he / she must: “meet certain [a] number of push-ups, sit-ups and to be able run like two miles.”
Army officials said whiles the predominantly urban group missed out because they were physically unfit, those in the rural areas who did well with the fitness part were disadvantaged with aptitude tests.
Women in rural places achieved high scores when it came to physical fitness, but when it comes to the aptitude tests they did not do as well as those in urban areas, the army chief added.
“I am not degrading any region, but this is what our survey has proven,” the general said. The minimum academic qualification for a recruit should be high school education.
The army had decided to do pre-recruitment training for women wanting to join the army. After the women had passed a medical they would undergo what sounds like a boot camp, the BBC report added.
The army chief of staff said: “We will take four weeks to prepare you.”
Leaders of Somalia, Breakaway Somaliland Meet for First Time
By The Associated Press
Feb. 12, 2020
Updated 7:23 a.m. ET
MOGADISHU, Somalia — The current leaders of Somalia and the breakaway territory of Somaliland have met for the first time in the latest diplomatic effort by Ethiopia’s Nobel Peace Prize-winning prime minister.
Somali presidential spokesman Abdinur Mohamed confirmed Tuesday’s meeting to The Associated Press, saying it was brokered by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital.
“It was behind closed doors and no communique is being released. It was an ice-breaking one,” the spokesman said.
Ethiopia’s government has not commented publicly on the talks, which occurred on the sidelines of an African Union gathering.
Continue reading the main story
Somaliland broke away from Somalia in 1991 as the country collapsed into warlord-led conflict, and it has seen little of the violence and extremist attacks that plague Somalia to the south. Despite lacking international recognition, Somaliland has maintained its own independent government, currency and security system.
EDITORS’ PICKS
Zonked on Vicodin in the Corner Office
Feb. 11, 2020
Can the King of Ultrarunning Conquer a Race as Short as the Marathon?
Feb. 11, 2020
Westminster Dog Show Photos: Ready for Prime Time
Feb. 10, 2020
Searching for a River to Skate Away On
Feb. 11, 2020
You’re Not Listening. Here’s Why.
Feb. 11, 2020
Foldable Phones Are Here. Do We Really Want Them?
Feb. 11, 2020
A Kayaker and a 134-Foot Waterfall. What Could Go Wrong?
Feb. 10, 2020
‘When She Leaned Onto Me a Third Time, I Gave Her My Shoulder’
Feb. 9, 2020
Tina Brown on the Future of the Royal Family
Feb. 10, 2020
The Unhealthy Math of Skinny + Pretty = Good
Feb. 7, 2020
Somalia considers Somaliland as part of its territory. Several rounds of past talks over possible unification have failed to reach a breakthrough.
Unlock more free articles.
Create an account or log in
This week’s meeting is the first since Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed and Somaliland leader Muse Bihi Abdi took office in 2017.
Somali officials have blamed Somaliland leaders over the failure of past talks, accusing them of failing to show seriousness. Somaliland leaders have dismissed the allegations and insisted that their sovereignty is nonnegotiable.
Continue reading the main story
Since taking office in 2018, Ethiopia’s leader has worked to achieve a number of diplomatic breakthroughs in the long-turbulent Horn of Africa region.
Somalia’s president faces a number of challenges in the months ahead. The country hopes to achieve its first one-person-one-vote election by the end of this year. It would be the first in 50 years. But the United Nations envoy for Somalia has pointed out the lack of “effective cooperation” between Somalia’s central government and its states as a major obstacle.
Addis Ababa — Political parties have to resolve differences at roundtable discussions since violence is an existential threat to stability and peace, representatives of political parties said.
In an exclusive interview with ENA, Arena Party Chairman Abraha Desta said “power should be in the hands of the people, and for this to happen there must be peace and stability. We should, therefore, prioritize these.”
According to him, “there is no democracy, election and development in the absence of peace.”
Therefore, he added, his party is strongly opposed to anything that disrupts peace.
Arena Party Chairman Abraha urged social media activists to refrain from getting involved in anything that jeopardizes the social bondage and strive to enhance people-to-people ties.
Arena Party is working to ensure peace and security as only united and prosperous Ethiopia can be ascertained in the prevalence of peace, he added.
Ethiopian Unity Patriots Front Peace Negotiator Head, Getaneh Zeleke said “parties need to focus on common grounds and discuss differences.”
He called on all parties to patiently negotiate till they come to agreement and work together.
“Despite their different political agenda, they should come together in the spirit of united Ethiopia, and that cannot be realized unless they sit down and discuss,” Getaneh pointed out.
According him, the Ethiopian Unity Patriots Front is ready to help the government in bringing peace and stability.
Oromia National Party Public Relations Head, Liben Wako said “our party firmly believes that there is no other choice than peaceful struggle.”
According to Liben, “there is no doubt that the existing security problems will end and the public will be crowned with victory.”
He stressed that political parties should play their due role to shape the new generation
Somaliand President Mouse Bihi holding talks with UK’s Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson at the presidential palace in Hargeisa, Somaliand, at the weekend to discuss the cooperation between the two countries.PHOTO | COURTESY
The United Kingdom has joined Russia and the United Arab Emirates in the scramble to set up military bases in Somaliland.
UK Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson at the weekend met President Mouse Bihi in Hargeysa, and discussed ways on strengthening the relationship between the two countries.
Somaliland, a former British colony, is yet to be recognised internationally.
The visit comes barely a week after Mr Williamson said the UK was keen on building new military bases around the world after Brexit. It is believed his visit to Somaliland sought to discuss the possibilities of setting up a base in the country.
Facebook has confirmed to TechCrunch that it’s acquired… Confirm.io. The startup offered an API that let other companies quickly verify someone’s government-issued identification card, like a driver’s license, was authentic. The Boston-based startup will shut down as both its team and technology are rolled into Facebook, where it could help users who are locked out of their accounts.
Confirm.io had raised at least $4 million from investors, including Cava Capital, since launching three years ago. The 2015 seed round funded advanced forensics used to pull information from an ID card, as well as mobile biometrics and facial recognition to confirm a person’s identity before the startup deleted the personal data.
Mark zuckerberg
Clients could quickly integrate the tech, which expedited on-demand startup staff onboarding. Food delivery service Doordash used Confirm.io to verify its drivers, while Notarize used it to authenticate the identity of customers looking to file documents.
The startup writes, “When we launched Confirm, our mission was to become the market’s trusted identity origination platform for which other multifactor verification services can build upon. Now, we’re ready to take the next step on our journey with Facebook. However, in the meantime this means all of our current digital ID authentication software offerings will be wound down.”
Confirm.io’s ID authentication feature
Facebook tells TechCrunch, “We are excited to welcome the Confirm team to Facebook. Their technology and expertise will support our ongoing efforts to keep our community safe.”
Facebook tests selfie-to-unlock feature
Facebook could potentially use the technology to have people confirm their identities if they’re locked out of their accounts after being hacked or losing their password. Back in September we spotted Facebook testing a feature that let you unlock your account using a selfie. And since at least 2013, Facebook has let people mail in a copy of their photo ID or other identity verification materials in order to regain access to their account.
Because this is a full acquisition, not just an acqui-hire, Confirm.io’s team and tech could help Facebook strengthen and streamline these options. And one day, perhaps Facebook could even serve as your ID card in some situations. Face ID on the iPhone X could eventually be opened to third parties to power more biometric security across apps. With our keys and payment cards becoming digitized and part of our phone, the ID card is really the last reason you have to carry an old-school wallet.
Shakir Essa, a prominent figure in the Somali media landscape, is widely recognized as a versatile Political Analyst, Writer, and Digital Music Publisher. With a rich background as a former VOA Somali News Reporter, Shakir has honed his skills and expertise in understanding the intricate political dynamics of the region and effectively communicating his insights through his writing and digital platforms.
Experience in Media Influence
Having worked as a reporter for VOA Somali News, Shakir Essa has gained invaluable experience and knowledge in the field of media and journalism.
His years of reporting on various political events and social issues have equipped him with a deep understanding of the Somali community and its needs.
This experience has been instrumental in shaping Shakir’s role as a media influencer, allowing him to connect with his audience on a personal level and share meaningful content that resonates with them.
Expertise in Political Analysis
Shakir Essa’s expertise as a Political Analyst stems from his in-depth knowledge of the political landscape in Somalia, Ethiopia and the wider Horn of Africa region.
Through his research and analysis, Shakir provides valuable insights into the complex political dynamics, offering a fresh perspective on current events and developments.
His ability to critically analyze and interpret political situations has earned him a reputation as a trusted voice in the Somali media industry.
Authority in Writing As a Writer,
Shakir Essa has established himself as a respected figure in the world of media and journalism. His articles and blog posts cover a wide range of topics, including politics, culture, and current affairs, showcasing his diverse writing skills and in-depth knowledge. Shakir’s authoritative voice and compelling storytelling have captivated readers and garnered a loyal following, solidifying his position as a leading authority in Somali media.
Trust as a Digital Music Publisher
In addition to his work in journalism and political analysis, Shakir Essa is also a Digital Music Publisher, curating and promoting Somali music to a global audience.
Through his digital platforms, Shakir shares traditional and contemporary Somali music, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Somali people.
His dedication to preserving and promoting Somali music has earned him the trust and admiration of music enthusiasts, further establishing his influence in the media industry.In conclusion, Shakir Essa’s multifaceted career as a Somali Media Influencer reflects his experience, expertise, authority, and trust in the industry. Through his work as a Political Analyst, Writer, and Digital Music Publisher, Shakir continues to make a significant impact in the Somali media landscape, connecting with audiences and sharing meaningful content that resonates with his followers.
Shakir Essa, a Somali Media Influencer, is a versatile Political Analyst, Writer, and Digital Music Publisher. Learn more about his experience and expertise in the industry.
In summary, Shakir Essa, a Somali Media Influencer, excels in various roles, including Political Analyst, Writer, and Digital Music Publisher, showcasing his diverse talents and expertise in the media industry. As a trusted voice and respected authority, Shakir continues to make a meaningful impact through his work, connecting with audiences and sharing compelling content that resonates with his 890K followers on Facebook
THE PAN-AFRICAN RE/INSURANCE JOURNALISM AWARDS RECOGNISE THE OUTSTANDING WORK OF JOURNALISTS
The awards recognize the best journalism including text, visual and audio storytelling.
This winner represent the power of fearless reporting across East Africa, Somalia, Ethiopia, Djibouti
SOMALI JOURNALIST WON THE PAN-AFRICAN RE/INSURANCE JOURNALISM AWARDS RECOGNISE THE OUTSTANDING WORK OF JOURNALISTS
Shakir essa served as manager at Somali journalist association And the editor of Allfrica news
Shakir Essa is a digital media creator, news broadcaster, author and political analyser. He is the presenter of both africa times news (sub saharan africa) and digital media creator(infographics videos)
With Shakir Essa, you can listen to live news analysis and podcasts for free Shakir essa served as manager at allafrica news agent and somali journalist association former Somali News Tv reporter
RSS Error: A feed could not be found at `https://anchor.fm/s/5bf3c608/podcast/rss`; the status code is `404` and content-type is `text/plain; charset=utf-8`
Watch Latest Updates, News, Videos, Somalia and Somaliland Talk shows Special Reports & Packages from Shakir Essa
Shakir Essa served as manager at Somali Journalist Association and Allafrica news editor
The winner represent the power of fearless reporting across Somalia, Ethiopia Djibouti and Kenta , Shakir is a digital media creator, news broadcaster, author and political analyser. He is the presenter of both africa times news (sub saharan africa) and Somali Journalist Association
Watch Latest Updates, News, Videos, Somalia and Somaliland Talk shows Special Reports & Packages from Shakir Essa
In an exclusive interview with ENA, Arena Party Chairman Abraha Desta said “power should be in the hands of the people, and for this to happen there must be peace and stability. We should, therefore, prioritize these.”
All Africa 