In a move that’s drawing sharp criticisms across Africa and the diaspora, the United Kingdom has denied South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema a visa — effectively blocking him from delivering a keynote address at the prestigious Cambridge Africa Together Conference on 10 May. The outspoken politician, invited by the University of Cambridge’s African Society to speak …

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Burkina Faso finds itself at a crossroads, buoyed by a wave of popular support for its military leadership yet confronted with the pressing need for democratic governance and economic renewal, writes Colins Nweke. In this opinion piece, the Nigerian-Belgian commentator explores how Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s bold leadership, hailed by much of Africa’s frustrated youth, can chart a sustainable path towards …

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In a significant policy shift, Namibia has introduced a visa requirement for German nationals and citizens of 32 other countries, effective from 1 April 2025. The policy aims to establish reciprocity with nations that mandate visas for Namibian citizens. The affected countries span Europe, North America, Asia and Oceania, including:​ Europe: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, …

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The German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst, DAAD) has inaugurated a new regional office in Accra, Ghana, marking a significant expansion of Germany’s academic engagement in West Africa. The office, which will initially focus on Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon, is expected to strengthen scientific collaboration and enhance academic exchange between the region and Germany. The DAAD Regional Office – …

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The death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, has reverberated across the globe. In Africa, a continent where Catholicism is rapidly growing, his passing has elicited profound sorrow and reflection. Leaders, faithful and communities have come together to honor a pontiff whose commitment to humility, justice and inclusion left an indelible mark …

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*By Steve Ogah On 20 January 2025, the destiny of most migrants in America took a turn for the worse after Donald Trump was sworn in as president, their fortunes further deteriorating after he signed the “securing our border” executive order, a move that could see undocumented migrants deported from the country in droves. While many migrants suspected what they …

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On 13 March 2025, Cape Town hosted the 8th South Africa–European Union (EU) Summit to reinforce the longstanding collaboration between the two partners amid hostile policies of the new US administration. President Donald Trump recently cancelled all aid to South Africa ostensibly for expropriating land from its white citizens without compensation. The one-day summit, centered on collaboration in trade and …

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Frankfurt-based Mickie Ojijo examines the political future of Kenya’s veteran opposition leader following his unexpected loss in the race for the Chairperson of the African Union Commission at the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government last week. Mr Raila Odinga’s ambition to lead the African Union Commission has officially come to an end, and …

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The African Union (AU) has elected Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Djibouti’s long-serving Foreign Minister, as the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). The election took place during the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, held from 15 to 16 February 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Youssouf will be deputized by Selma Malika Haddadi, …

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Namibia’s founding president and independence hero, Sam Nujoma, passed away on Saturday, 8 February, at the age of 95. Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba announced Nujoma’s passing, stating, “The foundations of the Republic of Namibia have been shaken… Our venerable leader, Dr. Nujoma, did not only blaze the trail to freedom – but he also inspired us to rise to our …

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Anthony Ekene Onwuka, a Germany-based lawyer and international project management expert, writes about Nigerian politics and the ongoing collaboration, strategy and mobilization efforts of two presidential candidates from the 2023 elections as they prepare for the 2027 race. —- During his time at the White House, former President Obama spent most of the time castigating Donald Trump as being “unqualified, …

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In a compelling inaugural lecture delivered on 5 February 2025 at the University of Lagos, Professor Adelaja Odutola Odukoya, a distinguished scholar in Comparative Political Economy, passionately advocated for the adoption of socialist Pan-Africanism as a transformative pathway for Africa’s resurgence and Nigeria’s development. His lecture, provocatively titled “Armageddon?”, delved into the paradox of Africa’s abundant resources juxtaposed with its …

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Farooq Adamu Kperogi*, a Nigerian-American professor, author and media scholar, explores the potential implications of Donald Trump’s second presidency for Africa as well as for Black people in America. He cautions against unrealistic expectations of a conservative cultural revival hoped for by the religious right in Africa and warns of possible dangers to the continent’s economic and political interests. A …

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The German government has approved a fresh set of Africa policy guidelines aimed at reshaping its engagement with the continent. However, reactions have been mixed, with industry leaders and analysts questioning the effectiveness and timeliness of the new strategy. A changing perspective on Africa For years, Africa played a peripheral role in German foreign policy. This is changing as the …

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Collins Nweke, a Nigerian-born scholar, political analyst and Pan-Africanist based in Belgium, assesses the current situation in Ghana and the economic challenges the country is facing. He outlines his recommendations for how newly-elected president of the country, John Dramani Mahama, who is set to be sworn into office on 7 January, could address these challenges.  —- Next week the good …

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Ghana has officially announced a groundbreaking visa-free policy for all African nationals, underscoring its commitment to fostering Pan-African unity and economic integration. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo granted executive approval for the initiative on 18 December 2024. The move positions Ghana among a select group of African nations — Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin — that offer visa-free entry …

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Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has urged Nigerians in the diaspora to recognize and leverage Nigeria’s enormous potential, not only for personal advancement, but for the progress of the country. This, to him, will foster a sense of pride and promote the country’s development. Speaking through Deputy Governor Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, on 18 December at the “ConnectED Diaspora …

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German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier undertook a four-day visit to Africa from 10 to 14 December, focusing on strengthening Germany’s ties with Nigeria, South Africa and Lesotho. His trip underscored Germany’s commitment to enhancing economic cooperation, supporting political reforms and promoting sustainable development across the continent, the German presidency said. Nigeria: Energy and Economic Cooperation Steinmeier began his tour in Nigeria, …

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Namibia has achieved a historic milestone by electing its first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Her victory represents a significant step towards gender equality and democratic progress in Africa, according to the German-African Business Association (Afrika-Verein), in a press release. Christoph Kannengießer, the association’s CEO, described the election as a pivotal moment for Namibia, stating, “Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s presidency signifies renewal and …

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