Taxing Africa’s informal economies: technology’s promise and pitfalls

Abel Gwaindepi, Danish Institute for International Studies Changes in the development finance world – especially the sharp drop in foreign aid and fewer cheap loans for low-income countries – have pushed taxation back into the spotlight. Africa has entered a new “tax era of development”. As external funding dries up, many African countries are now relying more on their own ability...

Bitter Harvest: Cocoa Farmers in Côte d’Ivoire Confront Falling Prices

In the humid lowlands of Côte d’Ivoire, the scent of fermenting cocoa beans hangs in the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of freshly...

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,...

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 bright textiles. Beyond the capital, the wind sweeps across the lunar-like salt flats of Lake...

Warm Hospitality Makes Malawi the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’

You may not have heard much about Malawi, but once you step foot on this beautiful land, you will truly understand why it is lovingly referred to as the 'Warm Heart of Africa.'...

Discover the Rich Creole Heritage of São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé and Príncipe, a twin-island nation located in the Gulf of Guinea, invites you to explore its vibrant Creole heritage. This small archipelago, known for its breathtaking landscapes, exotic flora, and fauna,...

From Volcano to Vitality: Eco-Tourism Flourishes on Mount Karthala

By Leïla Salim Abdallah  MITSOUDJÉ, COMOROS — At dawn, a hush blankets the humid forest nestled along the slopes of Mount Karthala. As first light creeps through emerald foliage, small groups of hikers—local and international—begin the ascent, lured by the promise of untouched wilderness and sweeping ocean views. A trek once deemed perilous is now a symbol of rejuvenation: not only for Comoros’ tourism, but for its people and ecosystems. “Mount Karthala is more than a volcano—it’s a classroom for resilience,” explains tour guide Yahaya Ben Omar, leading a group through mist-laced trails. “We climb together. We learn together.” A Natural Marvel, Reimagined Standing at 2,361 meters, Mount Karthala is the largest and most...

Breathtaking Views Await Along Lesotho’s Scenic Hiking Trails

Views of majestic mountains, rolling valleys, and vibrant landscapes await you as you initiate on a hiking adventure in Lesotho. Nestled entirely within the...

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...

Injera and Spicy Stews Anchor Eritrea’s Culinary Traditions

In Eritrea, food is rarely just sustenance. It is a marker of heritage, a reflection of history, and a deeply communal ritual. At the...

Banana Leaves and Bold Spices: Pointe-Noire’s Street Food Heritage

On the streets of Pointe-Noire, the Republic of the Congo’s bustling port city, the scent of wood smoke and sizzling spices carries on the ocean breeze. Markets spill into the sidewalks, their stalls crowded with banana-leaf parcels, trays of skewered meats, and baskets of...

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, while rural sites reveal traces of older, pre-colonial histories that continue to anchor cultural identity. Libreville, the capital, embodies this layered narrative. Founded in the 19th century by freed slaves, the city evolved under French colonial administration into a showcase of European influence. The Cathédrale Sainte-Marie stands...

At Ghana’s Cape Coast Castle, the Echoes of History Still Resound

Along Ghana’s southern shoreline, the Atlantic surf breaks against whitewashed stone walls that have stood for centuries. Cape Coast Castle, perched on the edge of the Gulf of Guinea, is one of West...

Eswatini’s Markets: A Taste of Tradition in Every Dish

In the heart of Eswatini, the bustle of local markets provides more than commerce. It is here, amid the hum of conversation and the fragrance of simmering stews, that the essence of Swazi...

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...

Local Markets in Tripoli Offer Authentic Crafts and Spices

Over the centuries, the vibrant local markets in Tripoli have become a cultural hub, inviting travelers and locals alike...

Thieboudienne Stands Out as the Taste of Senegal

It's no surprise that when you think of Senegalese cuisine, the first dish that comes to mind is Thieboudienne. Known as the national dish of Senegal, this delightful creation encapsulates the very essence...

By the Shore: How Seafood Shapes Guinea-Bissau’s Coastal Cuisine

On the docks of Bissau, the morning air carries the scent of saltwater and smoke as fishermen haul in barracuda, snapper, and mudfish, still glistening from the Atlantic. Women weave through the crowd...

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

Thomas L. Cherpes, The Ohio State University Diagnoses for sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, are increasing in older adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports the number of people older than 65...

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...

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,...

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...

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...