Yaseera Ismail, Stellenbosch University - A major breakthrough in quantum technology was achieved in October 2024: the first-ever quantum satellite communication link between China and South Africa. The connection spanned a remarkable 12,900km: the longest intercontinental quantum communication link established to date. The longest before this was 7,600km and within the northern hemisphere only.
It was achieved with quantum key...
From the deepwater rigs of the Atlantic to the farmlands of Huíla, a nation redefines its economic future.
By Robert Stales
Offshore in the South Atlantic,...
Odongo Kodongo, University of the Witwatersrand - The proposal submitted early this year by Indian conglomerate Adani Group to Kenya Airports Authority to develop...
In the highland nation of Burundi, economic ambition exists alongside deep-seated structural challenges. Landlocked and densely populated, the East African country relies heavily on agriculture, yet faces persistent hurdles that have constrained consistent growth.
Agriculture remains the backbone of Burundi’s...
In the geographic heart of West Africa lies Burkina Faso, a landlocked nation whose understated presence belies a deep cultural wealth and striking landscapes. While it remains far from the continent’s busiest tourist...
In Eswatini, a kingdom tucked between South Africa and Mozambique, the landscape tells its own story. Rolling hills yield to savannah, wetlands stretch toward acacia forests, and rivers cut across valleys where wildlife...
In Ethiopia, dance is not simply performance but a living record of history, shaped by centuries of ritual, celebration, and cultural memory. Across the country’s highlands, valleys, and plains, movements unfold that embody the distinct identities of Ethiopia’s many communities. Each gesture, each rhythm, carries a narrative that connects the present to generations past.
Among the most widely recognized forms is the Eskista, a dance of the Amhara and Oromo people that relies on rapid, rolling movements of the shoulders. The style, sometimes described as one of the world’s most physically demanding traditional dances, is performed at weddings, harvest festivals, and communal gatherings. The sharp, percussive motions often mirror the...
In Banjul, the capital of The Gambia, daily life spills into the open-air markets where narrow aisles overflow with produce, textiles, and the chatter...
On the windswept archipelago of Cabo Verde, the sea’s rhythm shapes daily life, but it is at the table that the islands’ history and identity most vividly emerge. Stretching across ten volcanic islands in the Atlantic, this nation’s cuisine carries the imprint of African roots, Portuguese colonial ties, and Brazilian influences—woven together through centuries of trade, migration, and adaptation. The result is a culinary tradition as layered as the islands themselves, at once humble and celebratory.
Cachupa: A Stew of Memory and Resilience
At the heart of the national palate lies cachupa, a slow-simmered stew long considered the soul of Cape Verdean cooking. Built on hominy corn and beans, it takes...
In Gabon, meals are more than nourishment; they are a reflection of history, geography, and the interwoven traditions of over 40 ethnic groups. From...
Nigeria is renowned for its dynamic culture and rich artistic expressions, none more evident than in the vibrant Nollywood film industry. If you're intrigued by the melting pot of storytelling, acting, and cinematography, you'll find Nollywood an exhilarating experience. As one of the largest...
In southern Benin, where the humid air carries the scent of woodsmoke and the murmur of market traders, the country’s past and present converge. Here, centuries-old spiritual traditions exist alongside a rapidly changing economic landscape. From the end of the 19th century to today, Benin has cultivated a cultural identity among the most enduring in West Africa — one that now fuels both national pride and economic renewal.
Beneath its reputation for vivid markets and historical depth lies a deeper...
On warm evenings in Djibouti City, the air often fills with the thrum of drums and the hum of voices rising in chorus. In dusty courtyards or beneath the glow of streetlights, dancers...
On the Atlantic coast of Central Africa, Gabon offers a historical landscape shaped by the interplay of indigenous traditions and European colonial presence. Its cities and towns carry visible reminders of that past,...
With a rich cultural heritage that values craftsmanship and artistry, Mali's artisan markets present a unique opportunity for you to explore exquisite handmade textiles and jewelry. If you're an enthusiast of authentic craftsmanship,...
With a rich tapestry of cultures, Nigerien cuisine represents a delightful blend of flavors, textures, and colors that invite you to commence on a culinary journey like no other. As you explore this...
Matapa, a dish that embodies the essence of Mozambican cuisine, serves as a delicious introduction to the country's diverse flavors. When you explore into Mozambican food, you will uncover a vibrant tapestry of...
Dan Denis, University of York
Twenty-six years. That is roughly how much of our lives are spent asleep. Scientists have been trying to explain why we spend so much time sleeping since at least...
Fabrice Lollia, Université Gustave Eiffel
Social networks have revolutionised the way we communicate, stay informed and share moments of our daily lives. We use platforms...
Benin, a West African nation with centuries of layered history, holds its traditions close. Here, cultural festivals are not simply seasonal spectacles; they are...
In the heart of West Africa, Burkina Faso stretches across the savannah in a patchwork of fields, villages, and bustling markets. Landlocked and often...
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