South Africa and China set up a quantum communication link: how we did it and why it’s historic

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...

Angola’s Oil Era Gives Way to a Bid for Sustainable Growth

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,...

Kenyans stand to lose from Adani airport deal: finance guru explains why

Odongo Kodongo, University of the Witwatersrand - The proposal submitted early this year by Indian conglomerate Adani Group to Kenya Airports Authority to develop...

Economic Growth in Burundi — Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

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...

Burkina Faso: West Africa’s Hidden Gem

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...

Eswatini’s Wild Heart: Safari Adventures Beyond the Beaten Path

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...

Ethiopia’s Dance Traditions: History Written in Movement

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...

The Pulse of Banjul: Life in Gambia’s Markets

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...

A Culinary Journey Through Cabo Verde

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...

The Distinctive Flavors of Gabonese Cuisine

In Gabon, meals are more than nourishment; they are a reflection of history, geography, and the interwoven traditions of over 40 ethnic groups. From...

Nollywood Film Industry Showcases Nigeria’s Creative Spirit

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...

From Voodoo to Vibrant Markets: Benin’s Cultural and Economic Renaissance

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...

Djibouti’s Dances: A Living Chronicle of Heritage

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...

Gabon’s Historic Sites Tell a Story of Colonial Legacy and Cultural Resilience

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,...

Mali’s Artisan Markets Showcase Handmade Textiles and Jewelry

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,...

Island Hopping in Mozambique Offers Unforgettable Adventures

Adventures await you as you explore the mesmerizing archipelago of Mozambique, a stunning destination that offers an unparalleled mix...

Taste the Unique Flavors of Authentic Nigerien Cuisine

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...

Explore the Unique Flavors of Mozambican Cuisine

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...

‘Sleeping on it’ really does help and four other recent sleep research breakthroughs

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...

Menopause increases your risk of STIs due to how aging changes your body

Thomas L. Cherpes, The Ohio State University Diagnoses for sexually...

From enormous elephants to tiny shrews: how mammals shape and are shaped by Africa’s landscapes

Ara Monadjem, University of Eswatini Africa is the world’s most...

Social media: Disinformation expert offers 3 safety tips in a time of fake news and dodgy influencers

Fabrice Lollia, Université Gustave Eiffel Social networks have revolutionised the...

Data protection is poor for African farmers who use digital services: Kenya and Ghana cases highlight gaps

Heike Baumüller, University of Bonn and Bezawit Beyene Chichaibelu,...

Religion in Botswana: A Tapestry of Faith and Tradition

GABORONE, Botswana — In Botswana, the rhythm of daily life is underscored by a diverse and deeply rooted religious tradition. Here, faith is not...

The Port of Cotonou – Benin’s Gateway to Economic Power in West Africa

The Port of Cotonou — The Gateway To Economic Power For Benin In West Africa In terms of economics, realizing what the Port of Cotonou means...

Social media: Disinformation expert offers 3 safety tips in a time of fake news and dodgy influencers

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...

From Drums to Dance: The Beating Heart of Benin’s Festivals

Benin, a West African nation with centuries of layered history, holds its traditions close. Here, cultural festivals are not simply seasonal spectacles; they are...

Burkina Faso: A Tapestry of Tradition and Culture

In the heart of West Africa, Burkina Faso stretches across the savannah in a patchwork of fields, villages, and bustling markets. Landlocked and often...