Competition in South Africa’s electricity market: new law paves the way, but it won’t be a smooth ride

Rod Crompton, University of the Witwatersrand - South Africa endured an electricity crisis from 2008 characterised by intermittent rolling blackouts and a growing culture of non-payment. The state-owned utility, Eskom, came to be regarded as the single largest risk to South Africa’s economy. At the end of March 2020 Eskom’s debt stood at R488 billion (US$27.4 billion). Government has attempted...

Algeria’s Energy Crossroads: Balancing Oil Wealth with a Shifting Global Market

In the sunbaked expanses of the Sahara, pipelines stretch across the horizon like metallic veins, channeling the oil and gas that have long sustained...

Cultural Tourism Fuels Djibouti’s Economic Growth

In the narrow lanes of Djibouti City’s central market, merchants call out over the din, their stalls stacked with fragrant spices, handwoven baskets, and...

Algeria’s Energy Crossroads: Balancing Oil Wealth with a Shifting Global Market

In the sunbaked expanses of the Sahara, pipelines stretch across the horizon like metallic veins, channeling the oil and gas that have long sustained Algeria’s economy. For decades, this North African nation has ranked among the world’s significant energy...

The Nile River Offers Unique Travel Experiences in South Sudan

Nile River, flowing majestically through the heart of Africa, provides you with an opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the world's most culturally rich and naturally stunning environments. As you journey through...

Warm Hospitality Welcomes Travelers to Somalia

Over the years, Somalia has been making efforts to break free from its turbulent past and showcase its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. As you step into this East African nation,...

Bustling Markets Capture Daily Life Across Sudan’s Cities

Markets in Sudan are vibrant hubs of activity that reflect the rich tapestry of daily life in the country's cities. As you wander through these markets, you will find a vivid display of local culture, food, and artistic expression, each stall bursting with life and color. From the early morning hours until dusk, these places are filled with the hustle and bustle of locals, each engaging in their own unique activities. Your senses will be overwhelmed as you navigate through the pathways of various marketplaces. The air is often filled with the enticing aromas of spices, grilled meats, and fresh produce. You might catch a whiff of traditional...

Cabo Verde: The Atlantic’s Quiet Treasure

Off the coast of West Africa, scattered like volcanic jewels across the Atlantic, the islands of Cabo Verde blend raw natural beauty with centuries...

Akassa: Benin’s Humble Staple with Centuries of Flavor and Tradition

By Jonas Loubin In the bustling markets of Cotonou, the air is thick with the scent of simmering sauces, grilled fish, and freshly milled corn. Amid the clamor of vendors and the hum of conversation, one dish is as omnipresent as the red dust that settles on the streets: Akassa. Known in some regions as Aklui, this slightly fermented corn or cassava dough—cooked into a thick, tangy porridge—anchors the country’s culinary identity. In Beninese households, Akassa holds the role bread might play in the West: unassuming, versatile, and essential. It is a constant at family tables, roadside stalls, and festive gatherings, bridging generations through both flavor and ritual. The preparation is deceptively...

Taste the Flavors of Rwanda’s Traditional Cuisine

Cuisine serves as a vibrant reflection of Rwanda's culture and history, offering an array of dishes that are sure to delight your taste buds....

Equatorial Guinea’s Handcrafted Art Preserves a Living Heritage

In the markets of Malabo and Bata, stalls overflow with carved wooden masks, handwoven fabrics, and clay vessels that seem to carry the weight of centuries. The air is thick with the smell of wood shavings and fresh dyes, while artisans work patiently, their...

Dancing at the Heart of Equatorial Guinea’s Culture

On a warm evening in Malabo, the sound of drums begins to echo through a neighborhood courtyard. Children gather first, then elders, then the rest of the community. Soon, the rhythmic pulse of wooden balafons and hand-beaten drums fills the air, and dancers—draped in vivid fabrics that mirror the lush greens and ocean blues of the land—step into motion. For many in Equatorial Guinea, this is not entertainment but inheritance, a living tradition that binds generations. Across this West Central...

Handcrafted Traditions Endure in Algeria’s Artisan Workshops

In the narrow lanes of Tlemcen’s old medina, the scent of tanned leather mingles with the metallic ring of a hammer against copper. Beneath a low archway, a potter’s wheel spins steadily, coaxing...

Harare’s Growing Cultural Scene Blends Old and New Zimbabwe

It's an exciting time to explore Harare, the vibrant capital of Zimbabwe, where the cultural scene is undergoing a remarkable transformation that seamlessly blends the traditional with the contemporary. As you wander through...

Historic Villages Preserve Zambia’s Ancestral Ways of Life

Most travelers often overlook the hidden gems of culture and tradition many countries have to offer. If you're considering a trip to Zambia, you might be intrigued to explore the historic villages that...

River Niger Cruises Offer Unique Views of Mali’s Heartland

Most travelers seek experiences that connect them with the culture, history, and natural beauty of a region. In Mali,...

Botswana’s Cuisine: A Fusion of Tradition, Nature, and Bold Flavor

In Botswana, food tells a story as layered as the land itself. Beyond its wide plains, acacia-dotted horizons, and herds of antelope, the country’s culinary traditions reveal a rich interplay between local agriculture,...

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...

HIV breakthrough: drug trial shows injection twice a year is 100% effective against infection

Linda-Gail Bekker, University of Cape Town - A large clinical trial in South Africa and Uganda has shown that a twice-yearly injection of a new pre-exposure prophylaxis drug gives young women total protection...

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...

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...

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...