What makes a university stand out in the world of research and innovation? Is it groundbreaking discoveries, societal impact, or the ability to solve challenges unique to its region? African universities are proving it can be all three. In 2024, these institutions are not only leading the charge in fields like medicine, technology, and climate solutions but are also fostering collaborations that push the boundaries of global knowledge. From producing vaccines to pioneering renewable energy technologies, they are addressing Africa’s most pressing needs while shaping the future of global research.The 2024 Scimago Institutions Rankings highlight African universities that have excelled…
Author: Johnson Akinyi
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Novermber 15, 2024- When we think about space exploration, we often picture major global powers with huge budgets and advanced technologies. But what if we told you that Africa is emerging as a serious contender in the space race? The continent is not just sitting on the sidelines; it’s actively leading the charge, with nations using space technology to solve local challenges, boost economies, and prepare for the future.In recent years, African nations have launched over 50 satellites, with countries like Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa taking significant steps forward. By harnessing space technology, these nations are driving advancements in…
Unsold products worth N1.24 trillion (Nigerian Naira) have piled up in warehouses during the first half of 2024.Francis Meshioye, who leads the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), revealed this on Monday in the association’s first-half economic report, saying that the amount of unsold goods has jumped by 357.57% compared to the same time last year. He explained that people aren’t buying as much because of three main reasons: rising prices, the government’s removal of fuel subsidies, and the weakening value of Nigeria’s currency, the naira.“The inventory of unsold finished products in the manufacturing sector surged by 357.57 per cent year-on-year,…
Botswana’s new president, Duma Boko, has pledged to repair relations with Anglo American’s De Beers diamond business after his unexpected election win in the world’s largest producer of the gemstone by value.Boko’s party, the Umbrella for Democratic Change, defeated the Botswana Democratic party, which held uninterrupted power since independence in 1966 — the year before De Beers discovered diamonds in the southern African country.“We have to try to safeguard the goose that lays for us the golden egg,” Boko said in his first speech as president on Saturday, of a once unusually rock-solid partnership between a country and a miner…
The high rate of inflation in NIgeria is taking its toll on hotels, forcing them to shut down operations, industry operators have cried out. Hoteliers have called on the government to intervene in the industry to address the escalating cost of doing business. In separate interviews with The PUNCH, the stakeholders noted that their challenges were confirmed by recent figures from the National Bureau of Statistics, which revealed that inflation in the restaurants and hotels division contributed 0.40 per cent to Nigeria’s headline inflation rate, which rose to 32.70 per cent in September. The hospitality sector is hit hard by…
I’d known Fred Swaniker for over a decade when he first invited our group to join the African Leadership Network, a retreat for young Africans from across the continent to share, learn, connect and create the links and networks to help grow transformative businesses and ventures throughout Africa. This time we met on a rainy Sunday morning in New York following a gruelling week at the UN General Assembly, a maelstrom of events, gatherings, dinners, and meetings.We decided to go for a walk in Central Park, near the Upper West side and not far from where Swaniker now resides, having…
However, this sector has become a focal point of international interest, particularly from Russia, following sanctions imposed by the West after its illegal invasion of Ukraine. Since 2022, Russia’s economy has been in a gradual decline, with its gross domestic product (GDP) shrinking by 2.1% that year. In 2023, the situation persisted, with the World Bank and IMF projecting only a marginal improvement of 0.7% growth.In its bid to revive its economy, Russia has increasingly focused on exploiting Africa’s extractive resources, particularly in regions where instability persists. While not the root cause of these challenges, Russia’s involvement, particularly through its…
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, on Tuesday said Nigeria can reduce foreign exchange pressure by boosting supply through oil production. Mr Edun made this known Tuesday while taking questions from journalists at a G-24 press briefing held at the ongoing World Bank/IMF summit in Washington D.C. The briefing was held after a meeting of the governors and ministers of the G-24. The G-24, or Intergovernmental Group of Twenty-Four, is an intergovernmental trade bloc that coordinates the positions of developing countries on international monetary and development issues. The briefing also had in attendance the…
Africa is home to breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems, with inland waters offering some of the most scenic travel experiences. But with vast and sometimes unpredictable waterways, it’s essential to know which are safest for travelers. In this guide, we’ll explore the safest inland waters in Africa, perfect for tranquil boat trips, kayaking, and nature watching.Top 5 Safest Inland Waters in Africa1. Lake Nyasa (Malawi)Lake Nyasa also populary known as Lake Malawi, often called the Lake of Stars, is famous for its crystal-clear waters, calm ambiance, and safety. Stretching across Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania, the lake is considered one of…
This article is an on-site version of our Energy Source newsletter. Premium subscribers can sign up here to get the newsletter delivered every Tuesday and Thursday. Standard subscribers can upgrade to Premium here, or explore all FT newslettersGood morning and welcome back to Energy Source coming to you today from London.Overnight the Israeli army crossed the border into Lebanon, bringing the Middle East closer to an all-out war that pulls in Iran. The incursion is Israel’s first land offensive against Hizbollah since 2006 and yet oil prices have barely moved. Brent crude was flat on Monday and down 2 per…