By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) – The new head of the World Bank has approved emergency support for the three African countries slammed by record-strength cyclones in what has been called the worst weather catastrophe in decades. Tropical Cyclone Idai ripped through Mozambique with 110 mph winds and a storm surge […]
Russia and Africa Stay Uninformed about Each Other
By Kester Kenn Klomegah MOSCOW (IDN) – Experts and researchers have observed that, since the collapse of the Soviet-era politics in December 1991, an appreciable level of media cooperation has never been on the side of Russia’s public diplomacy with Africa. In practice, Russian officialdom has not encouraged and supported the idea of media that […]
Cyclone Ripped Southern Africa Faces Tough Challenges
By Jeffrey Moyo CHIMANIMANI, Zimbabwe (IDN) – The cyclone will affect the region for months to come after it impacted key livelihoods of fishing and agriculture in the largely rural region, the World Food Programme (WFP) said commenting the havoc caused by Cyclone Kenneth that struck Mozambique on April 25, nearly five weeks after the […]
Oil Barons Bid Billions for Energy Giant While Mozambique Fatalities Spike
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) – The back-to-back cyclones that have ravaged Mozambique are unprecedented in recorded history, according to the UN. As more villages are wiped away, a multi-billion-dollar bidding war is heating up in foreign board rooms among multinationals eager to extract Mozambican oil. Top bid so far by […]
Ghanaians Reflect on Legacy of Former President Nkrumah
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) – The anniversary of the passing of Ghana’s first Prime Minister and President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, prompted reflections by Ghanaians on social media of his legacy and contributions. He led the ‘Gold Coast’ to independence as the nation of Ghana from Britain in 1957. An influential […]
Infrastructure Development Key to Africa’s Growth
By Kester Kenn Klomegah MOSCOW (IDN) – Over the years, African Union officials have repeatedly urged African leaders to prioritise Africa’s Agenda 2063 – a strategic framework for delivering on Africa’s goal for inclusive and sustainable development – and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 15-member UN Security Council has unanimously adopted a […]
Zambian Villagers Win Landmark Ruling in Water Poisoning Case
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) – Zambian villagers whose livelihoods were turned upside down by a toxic spill from a copper mine will finally have their day in court. They succeeded against the odds in a case pitting their claims against a worldwide mining company which denied responsibility for the spill […]
Huge Risks Accompany the Desire for Fair Skin in Africa
By Pavithra Rao* NEW YORK (IDN-INPS) – “I’ve been dark skinned for many years and I wanted to experience the other side. I wanted to see what it would be like to be white and I’m happy,” says South African singer Mshoza, whose real name is Nomasonto Mnisi. Mshoza is famous for her music – […]
Women in Politics: Miles to Go Before Parity Is Achieved
By Zipporah Musau NEW YORK (IDN-INPS) – In the fight for gender equality, women around the world have advanced in small and large ways. Yet for women in Africa, progress is measured in micro steps, and the struggle has a long way to go. The good news is that women’s representation in political decision making […]
Young Botswana Minister Is Opening Doors for Women and Girls
By Baboki Kayawe* GABORONE (IDN-INPS) – Bogolo Kenewendo describes herself as having been “an ordinary Botswana child with an ordinary upbringing”. Kenewendo, poised and focused beyond her years, is being modest. At 32 she is Botswana’s youngest minister, in charge of investment, trade and industry. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics, specializing in […]