Harbinger Standard

Africa

East Africa’s migration story is not just about Europe – what policymakers get wrong

Stories about migration influence which problems governments prioritise.

Girmachew Adugna

November 13, 2026

Culture

Rwanda’s Festivals Celebrate Unity and Local Traditions

Unity is at the heart of Rwanda's vibrant festivals, inviting you to experience the rich tapestry of culture and community that defines the nation. Each festiva…

February 1, 2026

Economy

More land, better life? South African farming study asks if that’s the road to rural development

There is no single pathway from small-scale farming to improved livelihoods.

Neo Mathinya

October 4, 2026

Culture

Traditional Music and Dance Keep Zimbabwe’s Cultural Spirit Alive

Music serves as a vital thread in the fabric of Zimbabwe's cultural identity, weaving together stories, traditions, and experiences that resonate with you and y…

March 2, 2026

Culture

Festivals in Seychelles Celebrate Unity Through Music and Art

With a rich tapestry of diverse cultures and traditions, the festivals in Seychelles are vibrant celebrations that invit…

Africa

São Tomé - Sustainable Travel Experiences Highlight Nature and Local Culture

Sustainable travel has become a guiding principle for many explorers, and São Tomé offers an exceptional opportunity to …

Politics

Ugandan women work in the Middle East even though they face abuse. They told us why

The power dynamics of labour migration to the Middle East are complex.

Geopolitics

Lithium in the Sahel: how armed groups are exploiting the global scramble for the critical mineral

Africa

History is being rewritten at an archaeological site in Morocco. What the discovery of an ancient wall tells us

Giulio Lucarini

Africa

Local Artisans Preserve Craftsmanship in Somalia

Culture

Festivals in Seychelles Celebrate Unity Through Music and Art

With a rich tapestry of diverse cultures and traditions, the festivals in Seyche…

Africa

São Tomé - Sustainable Travel Experiences Highlight Nature and Local Culture

Sustainable travel has become a guiding principle for many explorers, and São To…

Politics

Ugandan women work in the Middle East even though they face abuse. They told us why

The power dynamics of labour migration to the Middle East are complex.…

Geopolitics

Lithium in the Sahel: how armed groups are exploiting the global scramble for the critical mineral

Armed groups in the Sahel are finding new ways to profit from the rapidly expand…

Africa

History is being rewritten at an archaeological site in Morocco. What the discovery of an ancient wall tells us

Communities in the north-west Maghreb were able to coordinate large construction…

Culture

A Growing Arts Scene Is Emerging in Somalia’s Cities

Most people might not associate Somalia with a vibrant arts scene, but if you take a closer look, you'll find a blossomi…

Politics

Trapped Behind a Screen: How Forced Online Scamming Is Reshaping Human Trafficking in Africa

Forced online scamming has emerged as the fastest-growing form of human trafficking globally, with criminal networks inc…

Julius Fairweather

Africa

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Natural Landscapes Offer Adventure in Somalia

Landscapes in Somalia present an unparalleled opportunity for adventure seekers like you. With its stunning coastline, rugged mountains, and expansive deserts, Somalia boasts some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in East Africa. If you are lo

South Africa’s Wine Regions Combine Flavor, History, and Scenic Beauty

Most travelers eagerly seek destinations that offer a blend of exquisite flavors, rich history, and breathtaking scenery, and South Africa's wine regions fit the bill perfectly. As you explore this captivating country, you will discover that the wine

The Island of Gorée Tells Senegal’s Powerful Story

There's a unique journey waiting for you on the Island of Gorée, a small island located off the coast of Dakar, Senegal. Often recognized as an important site in the history of the transatlantic slave trade, Gorée holds powerful stories of resilience

Trek with Gorillas in Rwanda’s Stunning Volcanoes National Park

Many travelers dream of engaging with wildlife in its natural habitat, and there is no experience quite like trekking with gorillas in Rwanda's breathtaking Volcanoes National Park. Nestled in the Virunga Mountains, this destination is not only rich

Politics

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Niger’s failed coup is a warning to the Sahel’s military rulers: those with power must keep their promises

Military leaders in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger came to power promising to defeat the insurgencies plaguing their countries. Instead, insecurity has worsened.

Ethiopia’s peace deal is unravelling – what went wrong with the Tigray agreement

Pretoria stopped one phase of one war. Its incomplete implementation left unresolved disputes that are now colliding.

Can Ethiopia ever be at peace? Four reasons conflict keeps flaring up

Ethiopia’s recurring wars don’t stem from ancient ethnic hatreds, but from a failure to agree on the rules for resolving disputes.

Kenya Backs IHL Initiative Ahead of Amman Conference

Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to international humanitarian law, welcoming an invitation to the High-Level Conference on Humanity in War scheduled for 7 December 2026 in Amman, Jordan. Nairobi also holds a co-chairmanship role in a key workstream of the Global IHL Initiative.

Economy

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South Africa is going digital on VAT: what it can learn from the rest of Africa

Success in collecting VAT requires detecting under-reporting while making compliance easier and paying legitimate refunds promptly.

China is funding African farmers but not food processing and storage: why it’s a problem

Chinese lenders have invested billions in African agriculture. But new research shows the money often misses what’s needed to modernise the sector.

AU Leaders Warn of Funding Gap Threatening Agenda 2063

The African Union Commission has warned that it operates with only 30% of required staffing and approximately 25% of its global budget, as leaders gathered in Addis Ababa called for greater solidarity and resource mobilisation to keep Agenda 2063 on track. The 52nd Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives' Committee opened on 3 June 2026 amid a backdrop of geopolitical tensions, macroeconomic instability, and ongoing health and security emergencies across the continent.

Who gets the clean energy jobs and contracts? How Ghana and South Africa’s plans can do more for women

Solar and wind could bring women jobs and businesses in Ghana and South Africa, but governments must overturn inequalities in access to skills, loans and assets.

Business

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Refinery rivalry: billion-dollar oil projects expose East Africa’s long-running regional tensions

Rivalry has not disappeared from east Africa. It has simply been repackaged as competing ‘regional’ projects.

Ghana’s businesses don’t always need costly tech. How to build on what’s already been done

Going circular doesn’t have to mean buying expensive technology. African manufacturers can innovate by learning from what already exists.

South Africa’s small sugar farms are producing less than they could: study finds ways to boost them

Isolated interventions are unlikely to help small sugarcane growers. Improving productivity requires integrated support systems.

Geopolitics

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Conflict is rising in Ethiopia’s Tigray region: 5 steps that could stop a return to full-scale war

Recent confrontations in Tigray are a sign that the 2022 peace process has seriously derailed.

Africans migrate for jobs mostly within the continent: why regional skills partnerships are needed

Effective migration policy is not about imposing new patterns of movement, but about making existing ones safer, fairer, and more beneficial for all.

UN Condemns Deadly Drone Strikes Across Sudan

Drone strikes killed and injured dozens across Sudan on Monday, 19 October 2026, prompting the UN to issue an unequivocal condemnation and call on external actors to stop fuelling the violence. The attacks come as 20 million people face acute hunger, with aid workers and civilian infrastructure among the targets.

COP 31: West Africa’s climate plans put a price on ruined roads and crops – how to add invisible losses

West Africa’s climate plans count physical damage but often overlook the cost of lost heritage and the community ties that disasters tear apart.

Travel

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Local Markets in Tunisia Offer Colorful Crafts and Daily Life Scenes

Just think about strolling through a vibrant local market in Tunisia, where you can immerse yourself in a tapestry of colors, sounds, and aromas. These markets, or 'souks', are not just places for transactions; they are the heart of daily life and a

Friendly Locals Make Every Visit to Tunisia Memorable

There's an undeniable charm that envelops you when you step foot in Tunisia. This North African nation, rich in history and culture, offers stunning landscapes, delicious cuisine, and captivating sites. Yet, what truly sets your experience apart is t

Lake Victoria Adds Natural Beauty and Adventure to Uganda’s Tourism

With its stunning landscapes and vibrant ecosystems, Lake Victoria elevates your travel experience in Uganda to new heights. As one of the largest lakes in the world, it spans the borders of Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, offering a mesmerizing blend o

Victoria Falls Brings Global Tourists to Zimbabwe’s Natural Wonders

With its thundering waters and breathtaking beauty, Victoria Falls is not just a destination; it is a powerful, immersive experience that captivates every visitor. If you are considering a trip to Zimbabwe, this natural wonder is undoubtedly a highli

Culinary

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Togo’s Cuisine Delivers Bold Flavors with Local Ingredients

With an array of vibrant flavors and textures, Togo's cuisine invites you to launch on a gastronomic journey that reflects the country's rich cultural heritage and abundance of local ingredients. Nestled in West Africa, Togo benefits from a variety o

Sudan’s Local Cuisine Offers Bold Flavors and Ancient Recipes

With an array of vibrant ingredients and rich cultural influences, Sudan's local cuisine invites you to commence on a culinary journey steeped in history and tradition. As you research into Sudanese food, you'll discover a unique blend of flavors and

Taste Traditional São Tomé Dishes Made with Fresh, Local Ingredients

You will find that São Tomé and Príncipe, an archipelago off the western coast of Africa, is a treasure trove of unique flavors and culinary traditions. As you explore the vibrant culture of these islands, your palate will be treated to traditional d

Rich Flavors Define the Cuisine of Sierra Leone

Most people may not immediately associate Sierra Leone with culinary excellence, but you will be pleasantly surprised by the depth and richness of its cuisine. As you explore the dishes that this West African nation has to offer, you'll find a vibran

Health

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Ethiopia's Health System Pushed to the Brink

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned on Monday that violence in northern Ethiopia is driving an already fragile health system toward collapse. Fresh fighting in the Amhara, Tigray, and Afar regions, which resumed in September, has left hospitals short of staff, medicines, and equipment while blocking delivery of medical supplies.

El Niño Raises Rift Valley Fever Risk in East Africa

The FAO and IGAD are urging Eastern African countries to strengthen disease surveillance and stockpile vaccines as El Niño-driven flooding expands mosquito breeding grounds and raises the risk of Rift Valley fever outbreaks. Ethiopia and Kenya are among six countries assessed as facing the highest risk.

Blood pressure rising: over 50% of Nigerians we tested had hypertension and over 65% didn’t know it

Millions of Nigerians are living with hypertension without knowing it – and the gaps in diagnosis and care run deep.

Two New Ebola Vaccines Enter DR Congo Trial

The World Health Organization has announced that two new Ebola vaccine candidates — developed by Oxford-Serum and Moderna respectively — will join a clinical trial in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the Bundibugyo virus has caused more than 10,500 confirmed cases and 5,126 deaths. It marks the first time vaccines specifically designed for the Bundibugyo species will be evaluated during an active outbreak.

Culture

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Festivals in South Sudan Celebrate Unity Through Song and Tradition

With a rich tapestry of cultures and ethnicities, South Sudan offers a vibrant celebration of unity through various festivals where song and tradition play central roles. When you attend these festivals, you embrace the spirit of togetherness that re

Colorful Markets Reveal Daily Life and Culture in Seychelles

Most visitors to Seychelles find themselves captivated by the vibrant tapestries of life showcased in its local markets. As you wander through these bustling spaces, you'll notice that they serve as a mirror reflecting the culture, traditions, and da

Festivals in Sudan Honor Community, Faith, and Heritage

Festivals in Sudan are a vibrant expression of the country's rich culture and multi-faceted identity. You will find that these celebrations are vital in fostering community spirit, showcasing faith, and preserving your heritage. As you navigate throu

Festivals Across Senegal Celebrate Unity and Heritage

With vibrant celebrations, Senegal offers you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in its rich culture and history through various festivals held throughout the year. These events not only highlight the diverse traditions of the Senegalese people

Lifestyle

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Africa's Craft Traditions Weave Commerce and Culture

Across the African continent, handmade textiles, jewelry, and decorative arts represent centuries of cultural knowledge passed down through generations. These craft traditions continue to sustain local economies while gaining recognition in global markets.

Inside Africa's Open-Air Markets: Trade, Craft, Culture

Across sub-Saharan Africa, open-air markets serve as far more than commercial spaces — they are living records of regional identity, agricultural practice, and artisan craft. From the sprawling stalls of Kumasi's Kejetia Market in Ghana to the spice corridors of Stone Town's Darajani Market in Zanzibar, these hubs sustain both livelihoods and cultural continuity.

Africa's Food Culture: Street Stalls to Sacred Family Pots

Across the African continent, food functions as both daily sustenance and cultural memory, connecting generations through shared ingredients and cooking traditions. From West African roadside kitchens to East African home hearths, the flavors of everyday life tell a story no menu can fully capture.

How Hot Drinks Became Africa's Common Ground

Across the African continent, tea and coffee serve purposes far beyond refreshment, functioning as social currencies that shape daily rituals, hospitality customs, and community bonds. From highland coffee ceremonies to roadside chai stalls, the cup has long been a gathering point.

Science

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Africa's Digital Leap Reshapes the Continent

Across Africa, a quiet but profound revolution is unfolding. From the highlands of East Africa to the coastal megacities of West Africa, digital technology is no longer a distant aspiration — it is an active, daily reality reshaping how people work, learn, trade, and govern. More and more, the continent is being recognized not merely as a recipient of global technology trends, but as a generator of homegrown innovation tailored to its own complex needs.

30 years since Dolly the sheep was born, where is cloning technology at now?

UN Warns of Drone Strikes on Sudan's Civilians

Kenya and Dominica Meet at CHOGM 2026

ECOWAS Moves to Draw Private Capital Into Industry

Harbinger Standard – Insight Africa

East Africa’s migration story is not just about Europe – what policymakers get wrong

Rwanda’s Festivals Celebrate Unity and Local Traditions

More land, better life? South African farming study asks if that’s the road to rural development

Traditional Music and Dance Keep Zimbabwe’s Cultural Spirit Alive

Festivals in Seychelles Celebrate Unity Through Music and Art

São Tomé - Sustainable Travel Experiences Highlight Nature and Local Culture

Ugandan women work in the Middle East even though they face abuse. They told us why

Lithium in the Sahel: how armed groups are exploiting the global scramble for the critical mineral

History is being rewritten at an archaeological site in Morocco. What the discovery of an ancient wall tells us

Local Artisans Preserve Craftsmanship in Somalia

Festivals in Seychelles Celebrate Unity Through Music and Art

São Tomé - Sustainable Travel Experiences Highlight Nature and Local Culture

Ugandan women work in the Middle East even though they face abuse. They told us why

Lithium in the Sahel: how armed groups are exploiting the global scramble for the critical mineral

History is being rewritten at an archaeological site in Morocco. What the discovery of an ancient wall tells us

A Growing Arts Scene Is Emerging in Somalia’s Cities

Trapped Behind a Screen: How Forced Online Scamming Is Reshaping Human Trafficking in Africa

Africa

Natural Landscapes Offer Adventure in Somalia

South Africa’s Wine Regions Combine Flavor, History, and Scenic Beauty

The Island of Gorée Tells Senegal’s Powerful Story

Trek with Gorillas in Rwanda’s Stunning Volcanoes National Park

Politics

Niger’s failed coup is a warning to the Sahel’s military rulers: those with power must keep their promises

Ethiopia’s peace deal is unravelling – what went wrong with the Tigray agreement

Can Ethiopia ever be at peace? Four reasons conflict keeps flaring up

Kenya Backs IHL Initiative Ahead of Amman Conference

Economy

South Africa is going digital on VAT: what it can learn from the rest of Africa

China is funding African farmers but not food processing and storage: why it’s a problem

AU Leaders Warn of Funding Gap Threatening Agenda 2063

Who gets the clean energy jobs and contracts? How Ghana and South Africa’s plans can do more for women

Business

Refinery rivalry: billion-dollar oil projects expose East Africa’s long-running regional tensions

Ghana’s businesses don’t always need costly tech. How to build on what’s already been done

South Africa’s small sugar farms are producing less than they could: study finds ways to boost them

Geopolitics

Conflict is rising in Ethiopia’s Tigray region: 5 steps that could stop a return to full-scale war

Africans migrate for jobs mostly within the continent: why regional skills partnerships are needed

UN Condemns Deadly Drone Strikes Across Sudan

COP 31: West Africa’s climate plans put a price on ruined roads and crops – how to add invisible losses

Travel

Local Markets in Tunisia Offer Colorful Crafts and Daily Life Scenes

Friendly Locals Make Every Visit to Tunisia Memorable

Lake Victoria Adds Natural Beauty and Adventure to Uganda’s Tourism

Victoria Falls Brings Global Tourists to Zimbabwe’s Natural Wonders

Culinary

Togo’s Cuisine Delivers Bold Flavors with Local Ingredients

Sudan’s Local Cuisine Offers Bold Flavors and Ancient Recipes

Taste Traditional São Tomé Dishes Made with Fresh, Local Ingredients

Rich Flavors Define the Cuisine of Sierra Leone

Health

Ethiopia's Health System Pushed to the Brink

El Niño Raises Rift Valley Fever Risk in East Africa

Blood pressure rising: over 50% of Nigerians we tested had hypertension and over 65% didn’t know it

Two New Ebola Vaccines Enter DR Congo Trial

Culture

Festivals in South Sudan Celebrate Unity Through Song and Tradition

Colorful Markets Reveal Daily Life and Culture in Seychelles

Festivals in Sudan Honor Community, Faith, and Heritage

Festivals Across Senegal Celebrate Unity and Heritage

Lifestyle

Africa's Craft Traditions Weave Commerce and Culture

Inside Africa's Open-Air Markets: Trade, Craft, Culture

Africa's Food Culture: Street Stalls to Sacred Family Pots

How Hot Drinks Became Africa's Common Ground

Science

Africa's Digital Leap Reshapes the Continent

30 years since Dolly the sheep was born, where is cloning technology at now?

Nigeria faces the world’s highest projected death toll from super El Niño heat: what could save lives

Spekboom is nutritious, water-wise and edible – so why aren’t more South Africans eating it?