Author: Editorial Staff

A GLITTERING crown on her head and a bouquet of flowers in her hands, Andreia Solange Sicato Muhitu beamed at being named the co-winner of the inaugural Mr. and Miss Albinism Southern Africa pageant. The 28-year-old Angolan model has competed in beauty pageants in her home country since her teens and won some of them. But none made her feel more beautiful or purposeful as the pageant for people with albinism that was held this month in Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare. ‘I can be that inspiration for young girls, especially those with albinism, to feel comfortable and beautiful in their own…

THE US Senate has overwhelmingly rejected legislation that would have forced President Joe Biden to withdraw US troops from Niger, a West African nation where military officers seized power in July. The measure was rejected by 86-11 in a vote on Thursday. The United States formally declared this month that there had been a military coup d’etat in Niger, which results in officially suspending assistance, but US officials said there were no plans to change the US troop presence in the country. Niger has been a partner for Washington’s fight against Islamist insurgents who have killed thousands of people and…

A LAWYER for Senegalese opposition leader Ousmane Sonko said Thursday that the detained politician had regained consciousness but remains ‘in a very precarious condition’ on hunger strike. Sonko, a popular figure with young Senegalese who placed third in the last presidential election, first began refusing food after he was placed in detention in late July. He later suspended the protest measure following mediation but resumed a hunger strike on October 17, according to lawyer Juan Branco. Branco told The Associated Press (AP) that the opposition leader ‘is still being treated by a resuscitation team with the risk of a major…

THE Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, voiced his full support for UN Chief Antonio Guterres’ ‘principled position and leadership’ regarding Israel’s military actions in Gaza. This endorsement comes in the wake of criticism following Guterres’ recent remarks at the United Nations Security Council. In a public statement, Mahamat emphasised his backing for Guterres and the work of the United Nations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. He stated, ‘It is in line with International law and with the African Union’s position and relevant United Nations Resolutions.’ The controversy erupted when Guterres condemned the attacks by Hamas on…

THE competition for supremacy in West Africa’s automotive industry is heating up, and Nigeria is emerging as a formidable contender, drawing attention as it embarks on a journey to reassert its prominence. Economic challenges faced by neighbouring Ghana have paved the way for Nigeria to rekindle its allure as a hub for automotive production, bolstered by the visionary leadership of President Tinubu and his commitment to sweeping reforms. A significant milestone in Nigeria’s resurgence is the recent investment in the assembly of Natural Gas Vehicles (NGVs) tailored for the local market. Kojo Motors, a well-established name in the automotive sector,…

KENYA’S auto industry is on an unprecedented upswing as it captures the spotlight in East Africa. Despite concerns about mounting government debt and a weakening local currency, the country’s automotive sector has attracted a wave of investments, positioning it as a dominant force in the region. ‘This remarkable success story can be attributed to Kenya’s strategic measures, including the ban on importing used vehicles, the imposition of stricter vehicle age limits, and tax incentives designed to stimulate local vehicle assembly,’ says Fitch Solutions in an advisory note. These initiatives have not only revitalised the industry but have also created a…

THE United States should make changes to its flagship trade initiative with Africa that would increase its impact as part of a potential reauthorisation by Congress, a senior US trade official said on Thursday. Launched in 2000, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) grants exports from qualifying countries duty free access to the US market. It is set to expire in September 2025, but discussions are already under way over whether to extend it and for how long. ‘We need to do better,’ assistant United States trade representative for African affairs, Constance Hamilton told a media briefing ahead of…

IN a significant milestone for regional infrastructure development and economic growth, the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) have joined forces with the United States and the European Union to bolster Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia in their efforts to develop the Lobito Corridor and the new Zambia-Lobito rail line. This historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by all seven parties on the margins of the Global Gateway Forum that ended in Brussels, Belgium, on Thursday. The MoU outlines the collaborative intentions of the signatories to harness the full economic potential of the…

ON Thursday, several areas in Ghana were plunged into darkness as power outages struck due to a decrease in electricity generation. The Ghana Grid Company, in a statement, indicated a significant 550-megawatt gap during peak hours, roughly equating to 10 percent of the country’s installed generation capacity. The drop in electricity supply is a result of limited gas availability for power generation. While the Ghana Grid Company confirmed the impact on consumers, it did not provide specific reasons for the gas shortage. The Ghana Gas Chief Executive Officer, Ben Asante, clarified the situation, stating that the issue was related to…

AT the just-ended Global Gateway Forum in Brussels, Belguim, a groundbreaking agreement was inked between the European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, and the CEO of Finnfund, Jaakko Kangasniemi. This significant pact, known as the Africa Connected Programme, is set to drive more than €1bn in sustainable investments into digital infrastructure and digital service platforms in sub-Saharan Africa. Under this agreement, Finnfund will take on the role of a first-time implementing partner of the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus, which serves as the financial arm of the Global Gateway initiative. The Africa Connected guarantee programme, with a guarantee…