Harbinger Standard

Johannesburg and Medellín: what South Africa can learn from Colombia about fixing a broken city

The recovery of Medellín in Colombia depended on a city government that could combine security, investment and capable u…

Ivor Chipkin

Johannesburg and Medellín: what South Africa can learn from Colombia about fixing a broken city

Nigeria’s Festivals Celebrate Heritage, Dance, and Unity

Over the years, Nigeria has become renowned for its vibrant festivals that reflect the rich tapestry of its diverse cult…

Festivals in Somalia Celebrate Community and Tradition

Somalia is a country rich in cultural heritage, and its festivals are a vibrant expression of community and tradition. If you find yourself in Somalia during one of its numerous celebrations, you will…

Burkina Faso's Political Instability and Regional Security Crisis

Traditional Music and Dance Showcase the Spirit of Sierra Leone

Science

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

Michael Greenstone

Johannesburg and Medellín: what South Africa can learn from Colombia about fixing a broken city

The recovery of Medellín in Colombia depended on a city government that could co…

Nigeria’s Festivals Celebrate Heritage, Dance, and Unity

Over the years, Nigeria has become renowned for its vibrant festivals that refle…

Festivals in Somalia Celebrate Community and Tradition

Somalia is a country rich in cultural heritage, and its festivals are a vibrant …

Burkina Faso's Political Instability and Regional Security Crisis

Burkina Faso faces a confluence of political instability and armed conflict that…

Traditional Music and Dance Showcase the Spirit of Sierra Leone

Just imagine stepping into the vibrant world of Sierra Leone, where the rhythm o…

African Political Landscape Shifts as Democratic Transitions Face Military Coups and Constitutional Crises

Africa's political trajectory continues to face significant turbulence as military interventions challenge democratic in…

Africa

Sahara Desert Tours Offer a True Nomadic Experience in Niger

Sahara, the vast landscape that envelops you in its golden sands, offers an adventure unlike any other. When you decide …

Africa

DR Congo’s riverboat economy – how a floating transport system tells the country’s story

Baleinières, handmade wooden cargo ships, are floating microcosms of life in the DR Congo.

AI Use & Disclosure

Purpose of This Disclosure This disclosure explains how and where artificial intelligence (AI) is used in our digital publications. Our goal is to ensure transparency, editorial integrity, and accountability while clearly distinguishing between AI-po

How do teens living with disabilities in Ghana view their future? We asked them to show us

Ghanaian adolescents with disabilities often face hostile experiences that contribute to negative self-perceptions.

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, you can expect a blend of traditional charm and

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 increasingly targeting vulnerable populations across Africa. A landmark UN cybercrime convention now frames the international response, but ratification, enforcement, and survivor support remain critical unresolved challenges.

Rwanda: Paul Kagame’s fourth term as president – what his agenda will need to cover

Jonathan Beloff , King's College London - Paul Kagame started his fourth term as Rwanda’s president in August 2024 . He first became president in April 2000 . However, as the leader of the Rwandan Patriotic Front , he has been the country’s de facto

Johannesburg and Medellín: what South Africa can learn from Colombia about fixing a broken city

The recovery of Medellín in Colombia depended on a city government that could combine security, investment and capable utilities.

African Political Landscape Shifts as Democratic Transitions Face Military Coups and Constitutional Crises

Africa's political trajectory continues to face significant turbulence as military interventions challenge democratic institutions across the Sahel region while several nations grapple with contested elections and constitutional reforms. The continen

Economy

The world has changed. African countries must rethink how they grow their economies

Africa still needs millions of better-paying jobs and higher productivity to reduce poverty. What has changed is the route to achieving those goals.

U.S. Pledges $267M More for DRC Ebola Response

The U.S. Department of State has announced an additional $267 million in health and humanitarian assistance to combat the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, bringing total U.S. contributions to $887 million. The pledge was made on the margins of the 81st United Nations General Assembly's High-Level Week in New York.

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.

Africa Unveils Agricultural Adaptation Roadmap to 2036

A landmark continent-wide assessment presented at FAO headquarters sets out Africa's pathway for sustainable and resilient agriculture, identifying at least $80 billion in agricultural adaptation needs. The report, marking ten years of the AAA Initiative, calls for stronger financing and capacity support through existing institutions.

Business

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.

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.

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.

Geopolitics

AU Demands De-escalation Over Machar Detention

The African Union has expressed deep concern over reports of the detention of South Sudan's First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar, calling on all parties to uphold the country's revitalised peace agreement. AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf announced the deployment of the AU Panel of the Wise to Juba as part of efforts to ease tensions.

European Parliament Adopts Three Resolutions Condemning Human Rights Violations in Sudan, Nigeria and Pakistan

The European Parliament has adopted resolutions strongly condemning war crimes in Sudan, the persecution of Christians in Nigeria and the forced conversion and child marriage of a 13-year-old Pakistani girl. MEPs are calling for sanctions, independent investigations, strengthened judicial frameworks and intensified counter-terrorism efforts across all three cases.

China and the EU could turn Morocco into a surprise global hub for electric vehicles

The north African country has attracted huge amounts of investment.

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.

Travel

Warm Hospitality Welcomes Travelers Across Zambia

With a vibrant culture and welcoming spirit, Zambia offers a unique experience for every traveler. From the moment you set foot in this beautiful landlocked country, you will feel the warmth of the Zambian people who take pride in their hospitality.

Warm Hospitality Makes Every Visit to Zimbabwe Memorable

Most travelers who make their way to Zimbabwe find that the heartwarming hospitality offered by its people is what truly makes their journey unforgettable. When you step into this beautiful country, you are not just greeted by its stunning landscapes

Ancient Ruins Tell the Story of Zimbabwe’s Great Past

Zimbabwe is a country steeped in history, where ancient ruins whisper tales of a fascinating and complex past. As you explore the ruins scattered across this beautiful land, you will uncover the stories of civilizations that flourished long before mo

Craft Markets in Zambia Highlight Handmade Art and Local Talent

Many visitors to Zambia find themselves captivated by the vibrant craft markets that showcase the nation's rich culture and artistic talent. If you are planning a visit, you are in for a treat as these markets offer a unique opportunity to experience

Culinary

Rich Flavors Define the Unique Cuisine of Somalia

Just imagine the moment you take your first bite of Somali cuisine, where every dish tells a story woven with history, culture, and rich flavor. Exploring the unique cuisine of Somalia is akin to launching on a culinary journey that reflects the coun

Zambia’s Local Cuisine Combines Flavor, Family, and Tradition

You are about to initiate on an exciting culinary journey through Zambia, a nation rich in cultures, traditions, and flavorful dishes. Zambian cuisine is more than just food; it is a cherished tradition that encapsulates the essence of family and com

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. If you find yourself in this stunning East African nation, you have the opportunity to look into the traditi

Tanzania’s Coastal Cuisine Blends Fresh Seafood with Bold Spices

Most food lovers would agree that Tanzania's coastal cuisine is a delightful celebration of flavors, textures, and aromas that can tantalize your taste buds. If you find yourself drawn to the ocean's bounty, this cuisine is sure to impress you with i

Health

Good gut bacteria vs bad: what we learnt about antibiotic resistance from a community in Nairobi

Healthy microbes spread easily through everyday interactions like handshakes and sharing food or water. Disease-causing agents spread in a similar way.

79 deaths a day: South Africa’s diabetes crisis needs a new strategy

Diabetes is manageable. With timely support, people can lead long, healthy lives free from preventable complications.

Culture

Artisans Keep South Sudan’s Craft Traditions Alive

Just as the rivers nourish the land, the artisans of South Sudan nourish the country's cultural heritage through their remarkable craft traditions. You may not realize it, but these crafts are not merely about aesthetics; they encapsulate the essence

Music and Dance Play a Central Role in South Africa’s Cultural Identity

You might find it fascinating to explore how music and dance are woven into the fabric of South Africa's cultural identity. These art forms serve as more than just entertainment; they are vital expressions of the nation's history, diversity, and unit

Festivals Across Tanzania Celebrate Unity Through Culture and Art

Just as the sun sets over the breathtaking landscapes of Tanzania, vibrant festivals emerge to light up the cultural tapestry of this diverse nation. When you immerse yourself in these celebrations, you initiate on a journey that connects you to the

Traditional Music and Dance Showcase the Spirit of Sierra Leone

Just imagine stepping into the vibrant world of Sierra Leone, where the rhythm of drums beckons you to join in the celebration of life, culture, and community. The traditional music and dance of this West African nation are not merely performances; t

Lifestyle

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.

Urban Rhythms and Rural Retreats Across Africa

Africa's major cities offer distinct urban identities shaped by commerce, culture, and history, while surrounding landscapes provide accessible escapes for residents and visitors alike. The continent's diversity means that the gap between city center and wilderness is often measured in hours, not days.

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.

Science