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Why There is Such a Rush of African Satellite Launches
Senegal has launched its first satellite, GaindeSAT-1A, which will provide earth observation and telecommunications services, as part of a growing trend of African nations developing their own satellites to monitor crops, detect extreme weather, and improve telecommunications in remote areas.
Hundreds March Against Unlicensed Gold Mining Boom in Ghana
Hundreds of people marched through Ghana’s capital Accra to protest against unlicensed gold mining, calling for an end to the dangerous and environmentally damaging practice, and urging the government to act.
Voice of America Africa Hosts Inaugural Town Hall for African Diaspora
Former President Donald Trump has threatened to end birthright citizenship for immigrants, and the African diaspora in the U.S. is urging voters to vote on matters that do not harm their communities, while the U.S. continues to position itself as an ally to Africa.
Ghana Week D.C. Launches to Promote Economic, Cultural Ties
Ghana’s Ambassador to the US, Hajia Alima Mahama, launched Ghana Week D.C. in the nation’s capital to strengthen ties between Ghana and the US, with events including the Capital City Africa Cup, a soccer match between D.C. United and Asante Kotoko, and African Restaurant Week.
The President of the Republic of Liberia Receives the Alpha Award of Merit
Liberian President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, Sr. was awarded the Alpha Award of Merit by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, recognizing his efforts on behalf of African Americans and his role in shaping the legacy of Alpha Phi Alpha on the continent.
Russia Considering Canceling Visas for Several African Countries
Russia is negotiating visa-free travel agreements with nine countries in Africa and the Middle East, including Zimbabwe, in an effort to simplify the visa process for short-term trips.
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D.C. Honors Nigerian Center, Gbenga Ogunjimi
The District of Columbia has declared Oct. 1 as Nigerian American Day in recognition of the contributions of Nigerians and Nigerian Americans in the District and nationwide, and to celebrate the work of the Nigerian Center in providing services to immigrants in the District.
Africa-America Institute Gala Celebrates Ties Among African Diaspora
Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo and other dignitaries from Africa and the US attended the Africa-America Institute gala to celebrate the success of the Year of Return program and emphasize the importance of connecting the Black diaspora in the US to Ghana.
President Biden to Visit Angola in October
President Joe Biden will visit Angola and Germany next month to discuss economic partnerships, vision for a transcontinental open-access rail network, and provide $500 million and 1 million Mpox vaccine doses to aid African countries in preventing and responding to the Mpox outbreak.
Tinubu Orders Crackdown on Transnational Car Thieves in Nigeria
President Bola Tinubu has ordered a crackdown on transnational car thieves in Nigeria, directing security and law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to crack down on individuals in possession of and trafficking in stolen vehicles.
The Bright Stars: South Sudan’s Basketball Team Continues to Shine
The South Sudanese Bright Stars basketball team qualified for the 2024 Summer Olympics after defeating Angola in their final game, marking their first-ever Olympic appearance and showcasing the resilience of South Sudanese people.
Germany Signs Agreement with Kenya to Bring in Skilled Workers
Germany and Kenya have signed an agreement to promote the recruitment of skilled workers from Kenya to fill gaps in Germany’s labor market, and to facilitate the repatriation of Kenyans who do not have the right to stay in Germany.
Local Teens Embark on Transformative Journey to Madagascar
Four ambitious students from Washington, D.C. embarked on a 10-day journey to Madagascar as part of the International Ambassadors Program, gaining firsthand experience in global affairs and making memories that will last a lifetime.
Over $44 Billion Expected in Intra-Africa Trade, Investment Details
African businesses and states are expected to close in trade and investment deals worth over $44 billion during the Intra-African Trade Fair 2025, which will feature a trade exhibition, the Creative Africa Nexus programme, a four-day Trade and Investment Forum, and a business-to-business platform.
Cameroon President Paul Biya, 91, to Seek Eighth Term in 202
Cameroon President Paul Biya is reportedly set to run for an eighth term in the 2025 presidential election, despite being 91 years old and having been in power since 1982, amidst allegations of fraud and irregularities in past elections.
Moving Toward a New Chapter for China and Rwanda
China has made significant strides in economic and social development through reform and opening-up over the past 46 years, with the Communist Party of China (CPC) continuing to implement strategic plans and policies to modernize the country and achieve the Second Centenary Goal.
Senegal Enters the Space Era with Successful Launch of Gaindesat
Senegal has successfully launched its first satellite, Gaindesat, in partnership with SpaceX, to collect crucial data for climate monitoring, water resource management, weather forecasting, and air safety, marking a significant step towards technological sovereignty and boosting innovation and research in the country.
First Deaf Miss South Africa Crowned After Divisive Competition
Mia le Roux has become the first deaf woman to be crowned Miss South Africa, while Chidimma Adetshina withdrew from the competition after being trolled over her Nigerian heritage.
Burundi Joins EAC’s ONE Network Area, Reduced Communications Costs
Burundi has joined the East African Community One Network Area, which will significantly reduce the costs of cross-border communications within the EAC, and six out of the eight EAC partner states have now onboarded into the arrangement.
Zimbabwe, U.K. Trade Soars to $800 Million, Local Farmers to Increase Horticultural Exports Through New Scheme
Zimbabwe and the UK have seen a 67% increase in trade in 2022-2023, reaching a total value of over $800 million, and a new partnership has been launched to increase horticultural production for export and enhance trade relations.
African Group Backs Dr. Okonjo-Iweala for Second Term as WTO Director General
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has been nominated for a second term as head of the World Trade Organization by the African Group, with Chad citing her accomplishments during her tenure as a reason for her re-election.
Black Health Connect: Working to Improve Health Care, Foster Partnerships in Africa
Black Health Connect hosted its second annual conference in Washington, D.C. to discuss health care challenges within the African diaspora and create solutions to fix these problems, while organizations such as The Distant Relatives Project and Black Health Connect Africa are working to improve health equity in Africa.
Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali Junta Leaders Seal Breakaway from ECOWAS
Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali have announced their breakaway from ECOWAS and formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to advance economic and security relations, citing a lack of support from France and ECOWAS in the fight against terrorism.
Behind the Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan and Why Support Is Needed Now
The war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has led to the displacement of millions of people, with non-Arab populations in Darfur being specifically targeted, and the United States and United Nations have announced aid packages but have yet to meet their funding goals.
Rwanda and CAR Prime Ministers Meet to Strengthen Cooperation
Rwanda’s Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente and CAR Prime Minister Félix Moloua met to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, focusing on areas such as infrastructure, health, security, and mining.
Access to Finance Rwanda Launches Finscope 2024
Access to Finance Rwanda has launched the fifth Finscope Survey to reveal access trends and changes in financial inclusion in Rwanda over the past four years, with a focus on inclusive finance and the use of digital financial services.
African Export-Import Bank Holds 31st Annual General Meeting in the Bahamas
The 31st Annual Meeting of the African Export Import Bank in the Bahamas attracted over 4,000 participants and included a presidential plenary, high-level panel sessions, and the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum, with a focus on economic prosperity and shared socio-economic aspirations.
Kenyan Chief Justice in Rwanda to Sign MOU with Rwandan Judiciary
Kenyan Chief Justice Martha Koome is in Rwanda to sign a cooperation agreement with the Rwandan Judiciary, which will include knowledge sharing, capacity-building exercises, and institutional consultations.
African Renaissance and Diaspora Network: Uplifting the Significance of African Women in Agricultural
Africa Day 2024 celebrated the role of African women in agriculture and the importance of education to develop more equitable partnerships between women, men and their allies, with over 700 attendees in person and more than 1,000 online viewers.
Kenyan Scholars Study at U.S. Military Academies and HBCUs
Kenyan President William Ruto and Department of Defense Leader Lloyd Austin announced plans to merge against forces like al-Shabab and Manda Bay airfield, and the decision to make Kenya a major non-NATO ally, as well as a five-year framework to enhance relations between the two countries.
EA Judicial Officials Discuss Tech Prison Congestion and Solutions to Court Backlog
East African judicial officials have discussed the benefits of collaboration among respective judicial sectors for better dispensation of justice, including solutions to common problems like prison congestion and case backlog in courts, as well as improving collective jurisprudence.
Rwandan Envoy to Malawi Stresses Need to Combat Genocide Denial
The Rwandan community in Malawi marked the 30th anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, emphasizing the need to combat genocide denial and highlighting the progress made since the tragedy.
Kenyan State Visit Pronounces Black Pride for African Americans
Kenyan President William Ruto was welcomed to the White House by President Joe Biden for a state arrival, with the two leaders discussing partnerships and economic stability, and Biden announcing a $1.3 million youth empowerment program and a $600,000 disability inclusion program.
Google, Rwanda Launch Platform to Promote Culture and Art
Google and the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy have launched a platform to promote Rwandan culture and art, preserving and digitizing Rwandan stories, images, and more, while also providing opportunities for visual artists to showcase their talents.
Kenyan President William Ruto Engages in First African State Visit Since 2008
Kenyan President William Ruto is set to meet with President Joe Biden and congressional delegations in the first state visit from African leaders in over 16 years, with the aim of building on international alliances and exploring economic expansion opportunities.
Rwanda, Kenya Agree to Extend Railway Network
Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo have signed a joint communique to extend the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) network, with the aim of promoting cross-border movement of goods and people and creating economic hubs.