NEWS ANALYSIS

A new era of virtual universities is revolutionising learning in Africa, through accessible, tech-driven platforms. SPECIAL FEATURE | BIRD AGENCY | West Midlands Open University (WMOU) is Nigeria’s first private virtual institution to “go live”, part of wave of openings that is sweeping the continent. The country’s National University Commission …

Washington, US | XINHUA |  The debate over the debt ceiling in the United States is creating rampant uncertainty and risks an immediate economic recession, financial crisis, and hardships for American families and businesses, according to U.S. experts. Despite reaching the 31.4 trillion U.S. dollar debt limit in January, discussions …

Nancy Karigithu is one of seven contenders pitching for the top job at the International Maritime Organization. If successful in the July elections, Karigithu would be the first African and first female elected in IMO’s 75-year history. SPECIAL FEATURE | BIRD AGENCY | Nancy Karigithu, a globally recognised maritime expert …

Africa’s largest oil refinery goes live in Nigeria as the continent’s largest oil producer seeks to cut fuel importation costs. The refinery promises to turn Nigeria from a net importer to a net exporter of refined oil. SPECIAL FEATURE | BIRD AGENCY | In a ceremony attended by heads of …

How Rwanda’s support for Muhoozi could influence 2026 campaign Kampala, Uganda | IAN KATUSIIME | Rwanda goes to the polls in 2024 with President Paul Kagame widely expected to stand in his fourth election. In that election, all eyes will be on a maverick Ugandan army officer, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and …

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | In July 2022, BBC Africa Eye released a documentary on gang activity in northwestern Nigeria. The programme, The Bandit Warlords of Zamfara, examined the raids on villages, abductions and murders that have plagued swaths of the country. Notably, it included interviews with so-called bandits, who …

Kampala, Uganda | RONALD MUSOKE | Elephants used to be a nuisance for most residents living in the farming village of Kyenzaza in Kirugu sub-county in Rubirizi, one of the seven districts that border Queen Elizabeth National Park. But, following the construction of an electric fence along the park boundary in …

Experts speak on 2023/24 allocations, taxes, borrowing COVER STORY | ISAAC KHISA | The government’s plan to spend more money next financial year which it hopes mainly to borrow because it cannot raise it otherwise, has led to accusations that “it is playing politics with the budget”. “Our government should not …

Camp location and restrictions, along with dense refugee settlements, give rebel groups valuable access to refugee camps for exploitation Kampala, Uganda | KARA ROSS CAMARENA | There are close to 4 million people living in refugee camps across Africa. Of the more than 300 camps, nearly 70% are situated within 30km-50km …

Rwanda’s successful Eurobond repayment serves as a reminder that there is resilience in African bond markets, despite the “perfect storm” of COVID-19, high inflation and trade disruptions SPECIAL FEATURE | BIRD AGENCY | In the face of economic challenges, Rwanda has achieved a significant milestone by successfully repaying its $400 …