Author: King Jaja

This article was produced with the support of AUDA NEPADInfrastructure development in Africa has long been a critical issue for the continent’s growth and sustainability. In February the African Union Development Agency New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) and the Africa-Europe Foundation, in partnership with the African Climate Foundation, released a comprehensive report on infrastructure finance in Africa that has attracted significant attention, particularly for the insights of Nardos Bekele-Thomas, a key figure in African development. As the chief executive officer of AUDA-NEPAD Bekele-Thomas has been instrumental in shaping the agency’s approach to development, and her leadership and strategic direction…

A two-day Experts Group Meeting in December 2024 to review and validate the Financial Performance Assessment Report of Nairobi City concluded with a call to African cities to ensure financial, fiscal and budgetary planning for proper resource allocation and development in the wake of increased urbanization. The experts stressed the importance of financial and fiscal space diversification for African cities. “African cities, particularly the capital cities, are expected to see an influx of urban residents in the near future. It’s important to prepare for this impending urbanization wave,” said Eshetayehu Kinfu, Head of Strategic Programmes Management in the Addis Ababa…

In 1999, Ras Paul, a west London DJ born to Jamaican parents, sold part of his voluminous vinyl collection to buy a plot of land and build a house in Shashamene, 125 miles south of Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa.Seven years earlier, he had become a Rastafarian, around the time of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie, whom the religion reveres as the Messiah. “As an Ethiopian descendent, I wanted to come home,” he says. “It’s the place I felt I belong.”Paul was not alone. At its peak, more than 2,500 Rastafarians from around the world…

I recently watched Wayne Grudem’s talk on his 2013 book Poverty of Nations. Later on I picked up the book to read, because I found Grudem’s confidence in the ‘free market economy’ intriguing—something I’ll have to unpack in the future. Grudem and Barry, a co-author of the book, propose 78 factors that determine whether the economy of a nation will move towards greater wealth or regress into poverty. Is Africa cursed? Why is Africa so poor? In the foreword, Grudem captures the inspiration, or quandary, that led him to co-author the book with Barry: “‘Why is Africa so poor?’ asked…

Gavin Hunt © Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix by Staff Reporter Saturday Mar 22, 2025. 14:40 SuperSport United’s patience with Gavin Hunt has finally run out after the two parties agreed to go their separate ways on Friday.Hunt etched his name into South African football’s annals after guiding Matsatsantsa to three successive top-flight titles during his first stint at the Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe Stadium.However, the 60-year-old failed to reach those lofty heights following his return to the club in July 2022, although he had to manage one of the smallest squads in the Betway Premiership.His cause wasn’t helped by SuperSport continually selling their…

When it comes to spring footwear, versatility is key. Whether you’re heading to the office, catching a flight, or exploring a new city, you need a shoe that blends sophistication with all-day comfort. Enter Bruno Marc’s lineup of innovative Oxford shoes—designed to deliver timeless style with modern flexibility. These aren’t your standard dress shoes; they’re built for movement, making them the perfect companions for work and travel alike. Crafted with lightweight materials and cushioned insoles, Bruno Marc’s Oxfords ensure you stay comfortable no matter where the day takes you. Their flexible outsoles provide ease of movement, while the sleek, polished…

Traveling is a transformative experience, allowing adventurers to immerse themselves in the world’s diverse landscapes, from the rhythmic waves of vibrant coastlines to the tranquil charm of countryside retreats. Whether you’re seeking the charm of historical towns, the beauty of untouched nature, or the adventure of the open road, the world has a destination for every traveler. This guide highlights some of the most breathtaking spots to add to your travel list. – Coastal Escapes for Ocean Lovers Few experiences rival the enchanting pull of coastal destinations, where rhythmic waves kiss golden sands and the salty breeze carries whispers of…

This week, Spotlight on Africa explores critical questions about the future of aid, featuring a humanitarian worker, a columnist, and an analyst, each from different parts of Africa. As the United States and Europe prioritise funding for arms and domestic affairs, we ask whether the current aid model can endure, if it must evolve, and how that change might take shape. Since the start of the year, the president of the United States, Donald Trump, has moved to drastically cut the country’s long-term aid commitments, aiming to save approximately $60 billion on overseas development and humanitarian assistance programmes.The United Kingdom…

With Ellah Wakatama; interview by Doseline Kiguru. Date: 9 December 2024. On the publication of the latest Caine Prize for African Writing short story anthology, Midnight in the Morgue and Other Stories (Cassava Republic Press), our focus on the 2024 edition of the Prize turns to look forward into 2025, the Prize’s anniversary year, as we extend our attention to the behind-the-stories, administrative level of this award.  In this interview, Africa in Words spoke to the Chair of the Prize, London-based editor and critic, Ellah Wakatama, OBE, Hon. FRSL., currently Editor-at-Large at Canongate Books and a senior Research Fellow at…

The oyster aquaculture industry has been one of Rhode Island’s fastest growing sectors over the past 10 years. In 2023, over $8 million oysters were sold by farmers in Rhode Island, and across the U.S., oyster sales brought $327 million to the economy that year, according to figures cited by Boston Globe. Interestingly, before oysters started to become mainstream in the 19th century, they were considered the poor man’s food. They were plentiful and inexpensive and often eaten by fishermen, dock workers, and those living near the sea. In the 1700s in Rhode Island, it was rare to see oysters…