West Africa’s trade monitoring system has collapsed – why this is dangerous for food security

Olivier Walther, University of Florida; Andrea Apolloni, Cirad, and Lacey Harris-Coble, University of Florida A decade ago countries in West Africa set up a unique trade monitoring mechanism. Its purpose was to track intra-regional trade in agricultural products and livestock in the region. But the system was closed down in 2022 due to a lack of funding by regional organisations. The...

The Role of Agriculture in Burundi’s Economy — From Subsistence to Sustainability

On the terraced hillsides of Burundi, morning light falls across neat rows of cassava, maize, and beans—crops that sustain not only the nation’s kitchens...

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...

Angola’s Economic Crossroads: Reform, Resilience, and the Road Ahead

By Robert Stales In the wake of decades defined by oil wealth and its volatile cycles, Angola is attempting one of the most ambitious economic recalibrations on the African continent. The nation—once tethered almost entirely to petroleum exports—is now engaged...

Equatorial Guinea’s Pristine Beaches Remain Among Africa’s Best-Kept Secrets

On the island of Bioko, the waves roll in with unhurried rhythm, their edges dissolving into sands that remain largely untouched by mass tourism. At dusk, the horizon deepens into shades of violet...

Tunisia’s Coastal Towns Combine History, Beauty, and Relaxation

Most travelers seek out destinations that offer a blend of history, scenic beauty, and a relaxing atmosphere, and Tunisia's coastal towns provide just that. Nestled along the Mediterranean Sea, these towns invite you...

Tunisia’s Coastal Towns Combine History, Beauty, and Relaxation

Most travelers seek out destinations that offer a blend of history, scenic beauty, and a relaxing atmosphere, and Tunisia's coastal towns provide just that. Nestled along the Mediterranean Sea, these towns invite you to explore their rich heritage while enjoying picturesque views and tranquil beaches. Each town has its unique charm, making them appealing stops on your Tunisian adventure. One of the towns that you should not miss is Hammamet. Known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife, Hammamet is also steeped in history. As you stroll through the narrow streets of the old medina, you will encounter well-preserved architecture that dates back to the 15th century. The town is...

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...

Cairo’s Street Food Scene Highlights Egyptian Flavors

On a warm evening in downtown Cairo, the air is thick with the scent of sizzling meat, frying onions, and freshly baked bread. Vendors line the streets, their carts lit by bare bulbs, drawing clusters of families, office workers, and students eager for a quick bite. In this atmosphere of noise and color, Egypt’s culinary traditions are played out in their most accessible form: street food. Few dishes embody the nation’s spirit as fully as koshari. Served from modest stalls and humble storefronts, it is a filling mix of rice, lentils, and pasta, crowned with tangy tomato sauce and a layer of crisp fried onions. For decades, koshari has been...

Cairo’s Street Food Scene Highlights Egyptian Flavors

On a warm evening in downtown Cairo, the air is thick with the scent of sizzling meat, frying onions, and freshly baked bread. Vendors...

Festivals in Tunisia Celebrate Art, Film, and Heritage Year-Round

Tunisia is a vibrant hub of cultural expression, and throughout the year, it offers a myriad of festivals that celebrate art, film, and heritage. As you explore these remarkable events, you'll find yourself immersed in the rich traditions and innovative creations of Tunisia's diverse...

Ghana’s Drumming Traditions Resonate Far Beyond Its Borders

In Ghana, rhythm is more than sound. It is a language, a ritual, and a social glue, binding communities through ceremonies, storytelling, and everyday life. Across the country, traditional drumming remains a force that conveys history and emotion, its cadences echoing from coastal villages to the northern savannas, and increasingly, across international stages. The drum has long been regarded as the heartbeat of Ghanaian society. For the Akan, the sound of ensemble drums accompanies funerals and festivals, underscoring both grief...

Discover Rwanda’s Cultural Heritage Through Dance and Music

Rwanda, a country rich in history and vibrant culture, offers you an extraordinary opportunity to explore its cultural heritage through the expressive mediums of dance and music. These elements are not just forms...

Handcrafted Art Preserves Angola’s Cultural Heritage

In Angola, the work of the artisan remains a living record of the nation’s layered history. From carved masks imbued with spiritual meaning to woven textiles bearing patterns passed down through generations, handcrafted...

Swakopmund Blends German Influence with Namibian Charm

Many travelers find themselves enchanted by Swakopmund, a coastal town nestled between the vast Namib Desert and the turbulent Atlantic Ocean. You may find it hard to believe that this charming destination boasts...

Gabon’s Artisans Preserve Handcraft Traditions in a Modern World

In workshops shaded by corrugated roofs and in open-air markets where the sound of haggling mixes with the scent...

Seafood Lovers Flock to Mozambique’s Coastal Kitchens

Most seafood enthusiasts find that their taste buds yearn for the flavors and experiences that can only be discovered along Mozambique's stunning coastline. Mozambique, with its azure waters and flourishing marine ecosystems, offers...

Taste Traditional São Tomé Dishes Made with Fresh, Local Ingredients

You will find that São Tomé and Príncipe, an archipelago off the western coast of Africa, is a treasure trove of unique flavors and culinary traditions. As you explore the vibrant culture of...

South Africa has a good childhood vaccination system – what’s stopping it from being great

Susan Goldstein, University of the Witwatersrand and Haroon Saloojee, University of the Witwatersrand - The two public health interventions that have had the greatest impact on the world’s health are clean water and...

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

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

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...

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...

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...