The Africa Agenda

Tag: Africa

  • President Ruto Has Deceived Africans -Kenya Is Not Visa-Free.

    President Ruto Has Deceived Africans -Kenya Is Not Visa-Free.

    On 12th December 2023, President William Ruto of Kenya declared that Kenya would be it was a free country beginning January 2024. There was a lot of excitement across Africa about this announcement as many consider this to be a good and exciting progress towards free movement of Africans.

    A lot of people who follow our borderless Africa campaign suggested that we made a public statement commending president Ruto for such a move. I said to them, let’s wait and see the implementation because if you know president Ruto, he gives traffic indicator for the right and then takes a left turn.

    Lo and behold here we are March 2024 and Kenya is not visa free for Africans. There were two clues in the statement that the president made that many people did not pay attention to

    1. He mentioned that Kenya’s visa-free applied to everybody from everywhere in the world, not just Africans first stop. This was the first indication that the intention was not what we thought.
    2. He again mentioned that travelers would seek and receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering Kenya.

    Fellow Africans, Ruto’s electronic travel authorization (ETA) is a visa with another name. Let me tell you my experience. Before the introduction of that ETA, I did not need visa to travel to Kenya nor did I need to fill any forms or pay any money for anything just my flight tickets.

    This was the case with about 21 countries in Africa whose passports did not need any visa to enter Kenya. However, for my trip to Kenya in 2024, I had to apply for the electronic travel authorization and pay a fee of $34 U.S. dollars.

    The application required every information that a visa requires. After you have applied you can get your authorization within 72 hours or more but without it you cannot travel to Kenya, the airline will not even allow you to board the plane.


    These are all features of a visa. So Africans were deceived by William Ruto and the ETA is a visa. All those countries that did not need visa to enter Kenya based on bilateral agreements now have to obtain this visa before they can enter Kenya. Certain countries in the East African Community and a couple in Southern Africa are exempted from paying the fees but still have to apply.

    This is a retrogression. We must call on the Kenya government to reverse this policy, which is a new form of restriction on free movement in Africa and an obstacle to a #BorderlessAfrica.

  • President Akufo-Addo Terminates Appointment of SSNIT Director-General

    President Akufo-Addo Terminates Appointment of SSNIT Director-General

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has terminated the appointment of Dr. John Ofori Tenkorang, Director-General of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT).

    In a letter issued by the Executive Secretary to the President, Nana Bediatuo Asante, Dr. Tenkorang has been directed to hand over his duties to Kofi Bosompem Osafo-Maafo by Monday, April 15.

    The termination, effective April 15, 2024, includes three months’ salary in lieu of notice. Dr. Tenkorang has been instructed to ensure a smooth transition and collect any entitled terminal benefits.

    READ THE FULL RELEASE HERE

  • Survey Shows Majority Hold Vice President Bawumia Partly Responsible for Ghana’s Economic Crisis

    Survey Shows Majority Hold Vice President Bawumia Partly Responsible for Ghana’s Economic Crisis

    Recent survey data from Global Info Analytics indicates that 60% of voters attribute partial responsibility for Ghana’s current economic crisis to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

    As the leader of the Economic Management Team, respondents feel Dr. Bawumia has not taken adequate measures to address the hardships faced by Ghanaians.

    However, 34% of respondents argue that while Dr. Bawumia holds a share of responsibility as Vice President, the ultimate accountability rests with President Akufo-Addo. Dr. Bawumia’s recent remarks, where he likened his role to a “driver’s mate” and distanced himself from full responsibility, drew criticism, particularly from the opposition.

    Despite attempts to absolve Dr. Bawumia during the State of the Nation address, President Akufo-Addo reiterated the constitutional principle that places ultimate responsibility on the President for the government’s actions.

  • Togo postpones elections after new constitution row

    Togo postpones elections after new constitution row

    Amid tensions sparked by controversial constitutional reforms, Togo has decided to postpone parliamentary and regional elections. The reforms, endorsed by lawmakers last week, replaced the presidential system with a parliamentary one, thereby transferring executive power to the prime minister and relegating the presidency to a symbolic role.

    Opposition parties have vehemently opposed the reform, fearing it could perpetuate President Faure Gnassingbé’s hold on power. Gnassingbé assumed office following the death of his father, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, who ruled Togo with an iron fist for 38 years until his demise in 2005.

    Originally scheduled for April 20, the elections’ postponement was announced by the presidency on Wednesday, without specifying a new date. The move has sparked a call from the Conference of Togolese Catholic bishops urging President Gnassingbé not to sign the constitutional amendments into law, advocating instead for a broader consultation and inclusive national debate.

    Under the revised system, the president will be appointed by parliament for a single six-year term, rather than being directly elected. With opposition parties boycotting previous elections and having limited representation in parliament, the constitutional changes were passed nearly unanimously, with only one legislator dissenting.

    The presidency cited the need for “consultations” over the contested reforms as the reason for the election delay. This decision follows President Gnassingbé’s recent move to send the disputed law back to parliament for a second reading in response to growing criticism.

  • China’s Potential Role in Africa’s Energy Revolution: A Missed Opportunity?

    China’s Potential Role in Africa’s Energy Revolution: A Missed Opportunity?

    In recent years, China has emerged as a pivotal player in Africa’s economic landscape, financing massive infrastructure projects and solidifying its position as the continent’s largest bilateral trading partner. However, despite this significant presence, a new report from Boston University suggests that China has largely neglected to invest in green power initiatives in Africa, potentially squandering a unique opportunity to drive forward an energy revolution on the continent.

    President Xi Jinping’s pledge three years ago to refrain from building new coal-fired power projects abroad marked a significant shift in China’s approach to climate change. Instead, China vowed to support the development of green and low-carbon energy solutions. Yet, according to the report, Chinese lending and investment in Africa have failed to adequately support the continent’s transition to renewable energy sources.

    The findings reveal a stark contrast: while Africa boasts one of the highest potentials for green energy in the world, China’s financing has disproportionately favored fossil fuel projects. Only 2% of energy loans from China’s main development finance institutions have been allocated to renewables such as solar and wind, compared to over 50% for fossil fuel projects.

    This discrepancy raises questions about China’s commitment to fostering sustainable development in Africa and its role in mitigating climate change globally. With fossil fuels still dominating Africa’s energy landscape, urgent action is needed to transition towards cleaner alternatives.

    The report underscores the potential for China to play a transformative role in Africa’s energy sector. Through trade, finance, and foreign direct investment, China could significantly contribute to expanding access to energy while supporting the continent’s transition to renewable sources. However, the current trajectory falls short of maximizing the benefits of renewable energy technologies for African nations.

    As of 2022, fossil fuels continue to account for a significant portion of Africa’s electricity generation and energy consumption, highlighting the pressing need for a paradigm shift. If China is to truly leverage its economic influence for sustainable development in Africa, a recalibration of investment priorities towards green energy is imperative.
    The report’s findings serve as a wake-up call, urging policymakers and stakeholders to seize the opportunity to reshape Africa’s energy landscape in a more sustainable direction. With China’s pivotal role in Africa’s economic development, the time is ripe to prioritize investments that not only drive growth but also safeguard the planet for future generations.

  • 10 richest people in Africa in Q1 2024

    10 richest people in Africa in Q1 2024

    Amidst the whirlwind of economic shifts sweeping across the African continent, the fortunes of its wealthiest individuals have undergone significant transformations. At the dawn of 2024, Johann Rupert & Family claimed the mantle of Africa’s richest, wielding a formidable net worth of $10.3 billion. Yet, Aliko Dangote, not to be outdone, trailed closely with a substantial $9.5 billion to his name. Fast forward to the present, and the tides have turned dramatically. Dangote’s fortune has surged to an impressive $15.1 billion, relegating Rupert & Family to a trailing position with $11.2 billion.

    In this fluid landscape of wealth, notable shifts have occurred. Issad Rebrab & Family, once a stalwart on Africa’s top 10 billionaire list with a fortune of $4.6 billion, has now bowed out, making way for Koos Bekker, who ascends to elite status with a worth of $2.7 billion.

    Meanwhile, the narrative of Nigerian tycoon, Mike Adenuga, unfolds as a tale of remarkable ascent. Starting the year as the 10th richest with $3.1 billion, Adenuga now commands a staggering $6.9 billion, securing the coveted 6th position among Africa’s wealthiest.

    Below stands the revised roster of Africa’s 10 richest individuals in Q1, 2024:

    Rank | Name | Net Worth | Country | Industry | Global Rank


    1 | Aliko Dangote | $15.1 billion | Nigeria | Cement, Sugar | 129th


    2 | Johann Rupert & Family | $11.2 billion | South Africa | Luxury goods | 228th


    3 | Nicky Oppenheimer & Family | $9.5 billion | South Africa | Diamonds | 256th


    4 | Nassef Sawiris | $8.9 billion | Egypt | Construction and investments | 287th


    5 | Nathan Kirsh | $7.1 billion | Eswatini (Swaziland) | Retail, real estate | 384th


    6 | Mike Adenuga | $6.9 billion | Nigeria | Telecom, oil | 407th


    7 | Abdulsamad Rabiu | $6.3 billion | Nigeria | Cement, Sugar | 461st


    8 | Naguib Sawiris | $3.8 billion | Egypt | Telecom | 846th


    9 | Mohamed Mansour | $3.2 billion | Egypt | Diversified | 1039th


    10 | Koos Bekker | $2.7 billion | South Africa | Media, investments | 1255th

    This dynamic landscape underscores the fluidity of wealth in an ever-evolving economic ecosystem, where fortunes rise and fall amidst the shifting sands of prosperity.

    By: Moses Desire Kouyo- Broadcast Journalist

  • Ministers of Health commit to accelerated action against malaria in Africa

    Ministers of Health commit to accelerated action against malaria in Africa

    Ministers of Health from African countries with the highest burden of malaria convened today in Yaoundé, Cameroon, to pledge accelerated action towards ending deaths caused by the disease. This commitment comes amidst the backdrop of Africa bearing 95% of global malaria deaths.

    The gathering saw the signing of a declaration by the Ministers, vowing to provide robust leadership and increased domestic funding for malaria control programs. Additionally, they pledged to invest in data technology, adhere to the latest technical guidance, and bolster efforts at both national and sub-national levels.

    Moreover, the Ministers committed to augmenting health sector investments to strengthen infrastructure, personnel, and program implementation. They also emphasized the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration and forging partnerships for funding, research, and innovation. The declaration underscored their resolute commitment to accelerating the reduction of malaria mortality and ensuring mutual accountability among nations.

    The conference, co-hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government of Cameroon, brought together a diverse array of stakeholders including global malaria partners, funding agencies, scientists, civil society organizations, and other key actors.

    With four primary objectives, the ministerial conference aimed to review progress and challenges in achieving WHO global malaria strategy targets, discuss mitigation strategies and funding, agree on effective responses for accelerated malaria mortality reduction in Africa, and establish a roadmap for heightened political commitment and societal engagement with clear accountability mechanisms.

    Hon Manaouda Malachie, Minister for Health of Cameroon, affirmed the collective commitment to safeguarding people from malaria’s devastating consequences, emphasizing the translation of this commitment into tangible action and impact.

    The African region hosts 11 countries that carry about 70% of the global malaria burden. Progress against malaria in these countries has stagnated since 2017 due to various factors including humanitarian crises, limited access to quality health services, climate change, gender-related barriers, and biological threats such as insecticide and drug resistance. Insufficient funding globally exacerbates the challenge, with only half of the required budget available for malaria response in 2022.

    Globally, the number of malaria cases surged in 2022 compared to pre-COVID-19 levels, with the African region bearing the brunt, accounting for 94% of global cases and 95% of global deaths.

    Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the need for political leadership, country ownership, and broad coalition commitment to reverse the current trajectory and bring about positive change in malaria control efforts across Africa.

    In 2018, WHO and the RBM Partnership to End Malaria initiated the “High burden to high impact” approach to accelerate progress in heavily affected malaria countries. Today’s declaration aligns with this approach, focusing on political will, strategic information, guidance, policies, and a coordinated national malaria response.

    Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, welcomed the ministerial declaration as a strong demonstration of political will to alleviate the burden of malaria in the region. She stressed the urgency and commitment required to accelerate progress towards a malaria-free future.

    To reclaim momentum in malaria control, WHO advocates for unwavering commitment at all levels, increased domestic and international funding, data-driven responses, urgent action on climate change’s health impacts, research and innovation, and robust partnerships for coordinated responses. Addressing delays in malaria program implementation also remains a priority.

    By: Moses Desire Kouyo- Broadcast Journalist