By Giles Kirkland An automotive expert and blogger, Giles Kirkland says he has a passion for new technologies. LONDON (IDN) – In 2016, a businessman called Francis Romano imported an electric car Nissan Leaf to Nairobi, Kenya. However, the car was held up at the Customs for an intriguing reason: they had never seen an […]
Female Solar Engineers Light Up Remote Villages in Zanzibar
By Kizito Makoye KENDWA, Tanzania (IDN) – As darkness falls, Natasha Mahmood and her brother huddle around the weak flame of a paraffin lamp, rushing to finish their homework before their mother blows it out to save fuel. “I often try to get it done early. But that’s not always the case. My teacher sometimes […]
Kenya ‘Hanging at the Edge of a Debt Trap’
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) – Lending institutions fear that Kenya’s foot may be stuck on the debt pedal with the latest loan of USD 750 million from the World Bank to be paid over 30 years. Several experts and players in the financial sector do not think all is well. […]
Thousands in DR Congo Trek to Opposition Icon’s Reburial
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK | KINSHASA (IDN) – The father of Democratic Republic of Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi, opposition icon Etienne Tshisekedi, was laid to rest on June 1 in his homeland more than two years after he died in Belgium during a political stalemate over the country’s long-delayed elections. Thousands […]
Volunteering Kicks Up a Notch in Kenya
By J W Jackie RENO, Nevada, USA (IDN) – One of the biggest cross-nation collaborations currently, is between the European Union and Kenya. This unusual pairing provides Kenya with the resources to implement development strategies with a Sh8 billion line of credit (USD 78.922.800,00) from the European Investment Bank (EIB). While the loan is earmarked […]
Supporting Local Energy Access Projects Across East Africa
By Radwan Jakeem This article is part of reports by the UN SDG Media Compact of which IDN is a member. NEW YORK (IDN-INPS) – UN Secretary-General António Guterres has repeatedly said that it is time to end the fallacy that subsidizing fossil fuels is a way to improve people’s lives, and has called for […]
UN Appoints ‘Ebola Chief’ As the Menace of Deadly Virus Grows
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) – “We have no time to lose.” That’s the new mantra at the United Nations as the spread of the deadly Ebola virus in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo now appears almost unstoppable. In a move to bolster efforts to contain the growing outbreak […]
A Pioneering Voice in African Literature Dies
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) – Binyavanga Wainaina, one of Africa’s best-known authors and gay rights activist, has died in Nairobi after a short illness. He was 48. Wainaina won the 2002 Caine prize for African writing. Credited with founding the literary magazine and collective Kwani? and advancing the fight for […]
Congo Seeks Closer Relations with Russia on All Fronts
By Kester Kenn Klomegah MOSCOW (IDN) – Russia and the Republic of Congo have enjoyed good bilateral relations over more than five decades. But, as President Denis Sassou-Nguesso’s talks at the Kremlin reveal, there are still prospects for strengthening ties between the two countries, especially in the economic and security spheres. This was affirmed by […]
Forced Displacement in Africa Not Just a Tale of Human Tragedy
By Sean Buchanan NEW YORK (IDN) – The estimated 24 million and more Africans who have been forced from their homes in recent years is placing a growing burden on the continent’s economy, environment and communities hosting those displaced. This was the backdrop to a May 21-23 event held at UN headquarters as part of […]