Top Story
Welcome to 2019: Meet the African Country Entering a New Year TodayHappy celebration to Ethiopia as the country welcomes 2019 today, with 13 months, a September New Year and a calendar shaped by centuries of history.
By Adedoyin Oluwadarasimi•53 minutes agoLocal
Watch
Why Trump Wants Back Into the Sahel After the U.S. Walked Away 🇺🇸🌍 #zealnewsafrica
Today
Get ZealNews Daily
Africa's top business & policy news, in just 5 minutes
Top Stories
News
Welcome to 2019: Meet the African Country Entering a New Year Today
Happy celebration to Ethiopia as the country welcomes 2019 today, with 13 months, a September New Year and a calendar shaped by centuries of history.
Read More ( 3 min. read)→
ADEDOYIN OLUWADARASIMIThe African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused Kaduna State security operatives of attacking its members during a rally, prompting denials from the state government and explanations from the police. The ADC condemned the incident as an "unacceptable escalation," warning against violence in the 2027 electoral process and calling for a thorough investigation.
NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi pledges to retain President Bola Tinubu's naira float policy if elected, focusing on increasing productivity to strengthen the currency. He also supports the removal of fuel subsidies, advocating for a production-driven economy. Obi's stance on these key economic reforms was shared during a recent interview on Arise TV.
Nigeria experienced a diverse week marked by political endorsements for President Tinubu alongside public protests over socio-economic hardship and contentious police directives. Amidst these national challenges, a Nigerian-Canadian student achieved global recognition for her AI-powered water purification robot, while the nation also celebrated its rich history and cultural influence.
Nigeria is experiencing a period of intense political activity and social contention, marked by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu's engagements, widespread protests against socio-economic conditions, and critical debates over citizen rights versus police authority. A major focus is the mob attack on Peter Obi's convoy in Benue State, condemned by NDC leader Senator Seriake Dickson, who called for justice and accountability amidst allegations of official complicity.
Business
Africa Doesn't Have China's Structural Advantages. What Can It Learn From Its Energy Transition?
Africa cannot replicate China's financial firepower or political system, but it can adapt what made its energy transition work — better infrastructure coordination, smarter public finance, greater scale, policy consistency and faster project execution
Read More ( 5 min. read)→ADEDOYIN OLUWADARASIMI
$100 Oil Could Boost Nigeria's Revenue. What Will It Cost Nigerians?
Nigeria could earn more from $100 oil, but higher crude prices could also mean rising petrol, transport, diesel and food costs for Nigerians.Zainab Bakare
Nigeria Moves to Digitise NYSC Records to Fight Certificate Fraud
NYSC certificate fraud is becoming harder to hide as the Federal Government moves to digitally connect education records and verify graduates.Ogochukwu Magdalene Obia
If You Want to Be Part of the Dangote IPO, Read This
Dangote Refinery's ₦2.15tn IPO explained in simple terms, from the ₦5,250 minimum subscription and retail investors to the company's $14.3bn expansion plan, investment risks, and what potential shareholders should understand.Precious O. Unusere
Could Niger State Become Nigeria’s Solar Power Hub by 2030?
Niger State wants 1GW of solar power by 2030. But can that ambition translate into reliable electricity for homes, businesses and industries?Ogochukwu Magdalene Obia
Technology
Nigeria Is One of the World's Biggest AI Users. But Where Is the Economic Value?
Nigeria has one of the world's highest AI adoption rates, but widespread usage has yet to translate into enough local jobs, businesses, exports and economic value.
Read More ( 4 min. read)→
ZAINAB BAKARE
What Happens When AI Finally Starts Speaking Africa’s Languages Properly?
What happens when AI finally understands Africa properly? Mansa is starting with 30 languages, but its founder wants to push that number all the way to 1,000.Owobu Maureen
AI Dominance: Meta's Muse Cracks Top 2 Apps in US Market
Meta's new AI app, Muse, has launched with initial iOS downloads surpassing 83,000, but its debut trails previous Meta apps and ChatGPT. The company faces stiff competition in the agentic AI market, particularly from the rapidly growing Instinct, while grappling with consumer trust issues following recent privacy settlements.Uche Emeka
Future Unveiled: Audi's A2 e-tron Promises Unrivaled Efficiency!
Audi revives its A2 as the all-electric A2 e-tron, boasting industry-leading efficiency with up to 401 miles of range and a 164 mpg-e rating. This tiny electric hatch, featuring sustainable materials and advanced V2H capability, will not be available in the U.S. market.Uche Emeka
Astra Overload: OpenAI Pauses Pro Subs Due to Skyrocketing Demand
OpenAI has temporarily paused new subscriptions for its $200-per-month Pro plan due to unprecedented demand for its latest AI model, Astra. The decision, announced by product leader Thibault Sottiaux, aims to manage infrastructure strain while ensuring quality service for existing users. Astra's launch on September 3, heralded as a significant leap in AI capabilities, has fueled this surge in demand.Uche Emeka
Discovery
Moremi Ajasoro: The History of the Yoruba Queen Who Became a Symbol of Sacrifice and Courage
She walked into the hands of the people attacking Ile-Ife, lived among them and returned with their secret. This is the story of Moremi Ajasoro and the sacrifice that followed.
Read More ( 4 min. read)→ADEDOYIN OLUWADARASIMI
Spotlight on Africa: 10 Powerful West African Kingdoms and Empires History Remembers
From Mali and Songhai to Benin and Oyo, these 10 powerful West African empires shaped trade, warfare, politics, scholarship, and culture long before colonial rule.Precious O. Unusere
From Telephone to Touchscreen: Could See-Through Phones Be What Comes Next?
From landlines to smartphones, phones have changed dramatically. But what if the next phone is one you can actually see through?Ogochukwu Magdalene Obia
Strength and Strategy: How the Kingdom of Benin Engineered a City Before Its Time
Long before colonialism, Benin City was a marvel of urban planning, technology, and governance. Discover how this ancient African city shaped modern urbanism and why its legacy still matters today.PRECIOUS O. UNUSERE
Agbero Culture in Nigeria: The System Behind Turning Public Spaces Into Private Territory
Agbero culture has become deeply embedded in Nigeria's public spaces, raising questions about informal power, street extortion, community ties, and who gets to control access.Precious O. Unusere
Opinion
They Say Knowledge Is Power, But Is It Really?
They say knowledge is power. But what if knowing the answer means nothing unless you can actually use it?
Read More ( 4 min. read)→
OGOCHUKWU MAGDALENE OBIA
The War on Poverty is on Pause: What Tinubu’s Reforms Really Mean for the Average Nigerian
President Tinubu’s bold economic reforms promised long-term growth, but for many Nigerians, they’ve brought deeper poverty and hardship. Here’s what the reforms really mean for the average citizenzainab bakare
OPINION: Should Education Be Free To All?
This in-depth analysis examines the promise and pitfalls of tuition-free learning, from breaking cycles of poverty to fears of declining quality. With examples from Finland to sub-Saharan Africa, it explores how nations can balance equity, funding, and excellence in an age where knowledge is the key to progress.Eric Namso
Should Nigeria Adopt a Four-Day Work Week?
As countries experiment with shorter work weeks, Nigeria faces a pressing question: could a four-day schedule ease burnout, boost productivity, and reshape work culture—or would it clash with our unique economic realities?zainab bakare
How Remembering Ancestors Shapes Moral Philosophy
By reflecting on the lives of those who came before us—their virtues, mistakes, and choices—we uncover a deeper, more personal foundation for understanding right and wrong.Ibukun Oluwa
Lifestyle
The Pharmacy Has Become Our First Stop for Healthcare. Should It Be So?
Nigeria's pharmacies and chemist stores have made healthcare more accessible, but growing reliance on self-medication raises questions about diagnosis, medicine safety, and health education.
Read More ( 5 min. read)→
PRECIOUS O. UNUSERE
New Skies: Tanzania & Serbia Forge Direct Flight Corridor, Revolutionizing Africa-Europe Tourism
Tanzania and Serbia are actively exploring the launch of direct flights to bolster their economic, trade, and tourism ties. This new aviation partnership aims to overcome current indirect travel challenges, positioning Dar es Salaam as a European gateway and Belgrade as a bridge between Europe and Africa, while diversifying tourism for both regions.Precious Eseaye
Miss World 2026: Africa’s Biggest Moments From the Competition
Miss World 2026 saw South Africa’s Romanda Hombir reach the final six, while Nigeria, Zambia and Eritrea also delivered major African highlights.Adedoyin Oluwadarasimi
Global Reach: EgyptAir Marks Historic Sydney Return, Elevating African Aviation
EgyptAir is set to relaunch its Cairo–Sydney service via Singapore in 2027, marking a significant return after a 25-year absence. This strategic move, utilizing new Airbus A350-900 aircraft, establishes EgyptAir as the first North African carrier to serve Australia's largest gateway. The new route promises enhanced connectivity for African tourism and business, opening a vital corridor between Africa, Southeast Asia, and Oceania.Precious Eseaye
Nigeria's Fake Food Crisis: How Deep Does This Problem Run, And How Much of What We Buy Can We Trust?
What if the food on your plate isn’t what you paid for? From adulterated palm oil to counterfeit drinks, Nigeria’s fake food crisis is raising an unsettling question: can you still trust what you eat?Owobu Maureen
Entertainment
Agbara Nla: The Return Could Be Nollywood's Biggest Nostalgia Test of 2026
Agbara Nla: The Return brings Mount Zion's 1993 classic to cinemas in 2026, testing whether nostalgia, faith-based storytelling and a new generation can revive a Nollywood icon.
Read More ( 5 min. read)→ZAINAB BAKARE
Ballon d’Or 2026: 10 Africans Nominated as the 31-Year Wait for Another Winner Continues
Ten Africans are nominated across four Ballon d’Or categories in 2026, but George Weah remains Africa’s only men’s winner since his 1995 triumph.Adedoyin Oluwadarasimi
Who Is Aicha Evans, and Why Did She Leave Intel for a Startup Burning $30 Million a Month?
Aicha Evans left the safety of Intel for a startup burning over $30 million a month. Years later, she is leading Amazon’s boldest bet on driverless cars. Was Aicha Evans taking a reckless risk, or seeing the future before everyone else?Owobu Maureen
Tragic Loss: Iconic Voice Actor Mike McFarland of 'One Piece' and 'Dragon Ball Z' Dies at 56
Celebrated voice actor Mike McFarland, known for his iconic roles as Master Roshi in "Dragon Ball Z" and Buggy the Clown in "One Piece," passed away at 56 after a battle with brain cancer. His nearly three-decade career left an indelible mark on English-dubbed anime, both through his memorable performances and his pivotal work as an ADR director and script adapter.Precious Eseaye
Destin Conrad Crowned R&B Rising Star at Billboard Power Players Event
Destin Conrad was celebrated as Billboard's 2026 R&B Rising Star on September 9th, recognizing his versatile artistry and prolific releases, including jazz and reggae albums this year. In his speech, Conrad underscored R&B as the foundational genre that continually draws him back with its honesty and freedom.Precious Eseaye