AFRICA DYNAMITE 🌍

As of 2023, Japan is grappling with a significant demographic challenge that is negatively impacting its economy. The country's population is aging rapidly, leading to a decline in the labor force and consequently, a decrease in productivity and economic output. Japan ageing  Japan's population in 2023 is estimated at approximately 123.3 million people, making up about 1.53% of the total global population. However, this figure represents a decrease from previous years. For instance, as of January 1, 2023, Japan's population stood at 125.4 million, indicating a drop of around 511,000 from the previous year. This trend of a shrinking population is expected to continue, with projections for 2025 and 2030 showing further decreases. The median age in Japan is relatively high at 49.1 years, reflecting the country's aging population. This demographic shift has significant implications for the country's economy. As the proportion of elderly people increases, so does the cos...

A frica, the world's youngest continent, is paradoxically governed by some of the oldest leaders globally. This stark contrast between the median age of Africa's population, which is about 19 years, and the median age of its leaders, approximately 63 years, presents a unique challenge for the continent's development and progress. The age gap between the leaders and those led in Africa is not just a demographic anomaly; it has profound implications for the continent's socio-economic and political landscape. some of the oldest leaders on the continent The African continent is home to the world's youngest population, with 40 percent of its inhabitants aged 14 years and younger. Yet the leadership structure does not reflect this youthful demographic. The mean age of the ten oldest African leaders is an astonishing 80.2 years, a figure that stands in stark contrast to the average age distribution of the continent. This discrepancy is not merely a statistical curiosity bu...

I n the ever-evolving realm of science and technology, a young visionary from the University of Rwanda, Theofrida Muginga, is making significant strides in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). She is developing 'Mkulima GPT,' a ChatGPT-driven Swahili chatbot designed to empower smallholder farmers. This innovative project, launched in September 2023, is a testament to the transformative power of technology when applied to address real-world challenges. University of Rwanda The University of Rwanda, where Theofrida is studying, is a public collegiate institution based in Kigali, Rwanda's capital. Established in 2013 through the merger of several independent educational institutions, it has grown to become the largest education institution in the country. It was here that Theofrida's journey began, leading her to create 'Mkulima GPT.' 'Mkulima GPT' is not just any chatbot; it is a revolutionary tool designed to serve the agricultural community. Its m...

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will relocate its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The move will distinguish the DRC as one of the few nations with embassies in the disputed city of Jerusalem joining the United States, Guatemala, and Honduras. The relocation is anticipated within the coming months, though no specific date has been disclosed. The decision to transfer the embassy has garnered varied reactions. Advocates argue that it signifies the acknowledgment of Jerusalem as Israel's capital and a stride towards regional peace. They further assert that it demonstrates the strong bonds between Israel and the DRC. president of DRC and Prime Minister of Israel   However, critics contend that it defies international law and undermines endeavors to achieve a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Jerusalem holds immense religious significance for Jews, Muslims, and Christians alike, and has long been the focal point of the Israeli-Palestinian confl...

A frican leaders have been responding to the ongoing dispute between Israel and Hamas in the wake of Hamas' unprecedented and multifaceted attack on Israel. The attack, known as "Al-Aqsa Storm" by Hamas, stands as the largest and most devastating assault on Israel since the Yom Kippur War in 1973. Indeed, militants made their way into Gaza early on Saturday, employing various modes of entry, including land, air, and sea, thereby leaving behind a trail of terror and destruction. In light of these events, Israel has officially declared a state of war, initiating "Operation Sword of Iron" which involves targeted strikes against suspected Hamas and Islamic Jihad locations within Gaza.   Chairperson Moussa Faki  Israel has also announced a comprehensive siege of Gaza, cutting off vital supplies such as fuel, electricity, food, and water. The ongoing conflict has tragically resulted in a substantial loss of life, with the Israeli Health Service reporting at least 1,20...

A kinwumi Adesina, the leader of the African Development Bank (AfDB), has expressed that corruption is not solely an issue in Africa and that it is essential to have faith in the future of the continent. In an exclusive interview with The Guardian, Adesina declared that there has been a renewed belief in the economic prospects of Africa and strongly criticized the negative stereotypes associated with it. He emphasized that there are numerous reasons to be hopeful and optimistic. Akinwumi Adesina Adesina, who is currently in the middle of his second five-year term as president of the AfDB, asserted that Africa possesses the potential workforce required by aging economies in the western world. He further emphasized that it is high time to discard the misconceptions surrounding corruption and risk. He stated that the most expedient route to poverty is by simply exporting raw materials, while the path to prosperity lies in participating in global value chains and adding value to every avai...

A police officer from Nigeria has been condemned to death for the fatal shooting of a pregnant lawyer in Lagos. The officer in question, Drambi Vandi, has been proven guilty of the crime of murder by the esteemed Justice Ibironke Harrison of the Lagos High Court. The tragic incident took place on Christmas Day in the year 2022 when Vandi, at a checkpoint in the town of Ajah, opened fire on Bolanle Raheem after her vehicle failed to halt as instructed 1 .  Drambi Vandi AND  Bolanle Raheem Raheem, a woman in her early forties who was carrying a child, met her untimely demise during this unfortunate episode. The ruling has garnered widespread praise as a strong measure against police misconduct. Nigeria has been plagued by numerous allegations of police abuse and extrajudicial killings, thus sparking hope that this verdict will serve as a cautionary tale for officers who frequently elude accountability. In Nigeria, the issue of the death penalty sparked intense controversy, with ...

D ieudonné Murengerantwari, formerly in charge of overseeing the operations of Burundi's central bank, has been apprehended under the suspicion of engaging in corrupt practices. The Ministry of Justice has lodged a series of allegations against him, including actions that hindered the smooth functioning of the national economy, participation in passive corruption, involvement in money laundering activities, and the misappropriation of public resources. Murengerantwari assumed the position of leading Burundi's central bank in August last year, with a planned tenure of five years. However, his presidency was abruptly terminated by President Évariste Ndayishimiye on Sunday, and Édouard Normand Bigendako was appointed as his successor. Dieudonné Murengerantwari The lawyer general, Leonard Manirakiza, has expressed that the accusations against Murengerantwari are temporary as investigations proceed. Furthermore, he mentioned that Murengerantwari is receiving lawful treatment while h...

A ngolan TikToker Neth Nahara has received a two-year prison term for "disparaging" President João Lourenço on TikTok. The sentence was extended from an initial six-month term to two years following an appeal made by the prosecution. Neth Nahara, known in real life as Ana da Silva Miguel, is a well-liked social media influencer in Angola, boasting over 1.1 million followers on TikTok. Neth Nahara's charges stem from a TikTok video where she voiced criticism towards the president's management of the nation's economy and accused him of engaging in corrupt practices.   Neth Nahara The video gained significant attention and triggered anger among the president's supporters, who claimed that Neth Nahara had insulted the nation's leader. In August, she was taken into custody and initially sentenced to six months in prison. However, the prosecution contested the verdict, resulting in a subsequent two-year sentence. The case has ignited fury among activists champio...

Former football star and current president of Liberia, George Weah, has made known his intention to seek a second term in office, despite facing criticism for his handling of the country's economic and social challenges. Weah, who won the presidential election in 2017, has been heavily criticized for his government's failure to address corruption, soaring inflation, and high unemployment rates. However, he staunchly defends his track record, emphasizing the need for more time to implement his policies and enact necessary reforms. GEORGE WEAH Weah's announcement comes at a time when concerns about Liberia's economy are growing. The nation is grappling with a severe foreign exchange crisis, as the Liberian dollar has plummeted by over 50% against the US dollar since Weah assumed office. Moreover, the government has been accused of mismanagement of funds and delays in paying civil servants. Adding to the woes, Liberia is plagued by a crippling electricity shortage, with ex...

Z oleka Mandela, the esteemed granddaughter of the legendary Nelson Mandela, tragically departed from this world on the somber date of October 7, 2023, at the relatively tender age of 43. She graced the realm of literature and activism, and conquered the formidable obstacles of cancer, a battle that persisted for an arduous span of over ten years. Zoleka earned widespread recognition for her tireless efforts in enlightening the masses about the perils of cancer as well as promoting road safety within the boundaries of her beloved South Africa. Captivating audiences with her powerful oratory skills, she also delved into the realm of writing, blessing the world with literary gems such as "When Hope Whispers" and "Hope in a Time of Darkness." Zoleka Mandela Zoleka was bestowed upon the world on the auspicious day of December 9, 1979, within the vibrant confines of Soweto, South Africa. She emerged as the radiant offspring of the distinguished Zindzi Mandela and the ill...

L okassa ya Mbongo, a renowned guitar player from the Congo, has been deprived of a proper burial for nearly seven months since his demise, inflicting insufferable anguish and ignominy upon his kin. Presently, Lokassa's mortal remains languish in a mortuary in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, having been transported back from the United States, in accordance with his desire to rest in his homeland. André Marie Lokassa, his son, lamented the government's unfulfilled pledge to orchestrate a funeral that would benefit the stature of this esteemed musical icon. Regrettably, such assurances have thus far been left unfulfilled. Conversely, a local charity that supports artists claimed that internal familial disputes have contributed to this inordinate delay. In an attempt to overcome this predicament, the family has submitted a funding proposal amounting to $75,000 (£61,000) to the government to cover the expenses of the funeral, yet it awaits approval, leav...

O ver the past week, a total of ten lions have lost their lives in the southern part of Kenya. This includes the unfortunate demise of six lions on Saturday alone. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has reported an alarming rise in human-wildlife conflicts in the region. The KWS spokesperson stated that the number of lion fatalities in a single incident is unusually high. These lions were all residents of the Amboseli ecosystem in Kajiado County, which is recognized by the United Nations as a biosphere reserve near Mount Kilimanjaro. LIONS BASKING On Saturday, KWS issued a press release revealing that the six lions responsible for the killings had attacked and claimed the lives of 11 goats and one dog. These incidents occurred just weeks after the tragic news of the death of Loonkiito, one of Africa's most senior lions at the age of 19. It was reported that Loonkiito, due to severe hunger, had strayed from a protected area and entered a livestock enclosure where he was ultimately kil...

N igeria's President, Bola Tinubu, stands accused of fabricating a diploma from an American university. The alleged falsification was submitted to Nigeria's election commission prior to the February vote. The accusations have been brought forth by Atiku Abubakar, the runner-up in the election, and his legal representative. Their claims rely on evidence obtained from the university during court proceedings in the United States. These records have also been shared with The Associated Press. Tinubu and his spokesperson vehemently deny these allegations, including the most recent one. The controversy has captivated the attention of numerous Nigerians, particularly after a highly contentious election where Tinubu secured victory with less than 50% of the total votes, marking a significant departure from Nigeria's historical norms. Bola Tinubu  In Nigeria, the decision to charge Tinubu with counterfeiting has provoked a variety of responses. Certain individuals have embraced this...

K enya's Tre­asury Secretary, Ukur Yatani, has announced that the­ country is planning to request additional loans from China to support its infrastructure proje­cts. The goal is to secure funding for various ambitious initiative­s like constructing new railway lines, roads, and ports. Ke­nya recognizes the importance­ of diversifying its sources of financing and views China as a valuable­ partner in this endeavor. In rece­nt years, Kenya has taken on significant borrowing to support its infrastructure­ projects, causing its debt-to-GDP ratio to reach 70% in 2021. This mounting de­bt has raised concerns among many expe­rts who fear a potential crisis if proper manage­ment is not in place. Howeve­r, the government justifie­s its borrowing, asserting that it is crucial for funding its developme­nt goals. Over the­ past few years, China has eme­rged as a significant lender to Ke­nya. The two countries have e­ntered into multiple loan agre­ements, showcasing China's support for Ken...

C ameroon has been experiencing high inflation since November 2021, pushed particularly by means of a shortage and increase in the prices of staple items such as bread, wheat, vegetable oil, and meat. The inflation charge has been further exacerbated through disruptions in the worldwide price chain due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing war in the north-west and south-west regions of the country which is also draining most of the country's finances and the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war. The war in Ukraine has impeded Cameroon's economic restoration, heightening inflation pressures and domestic structural vulnerabilities. Despite these demanding situations, the real GDP boom was projected to attain 4.0 percentage in 2022 and 4.6 percentage by way of 2024. market in the central region According to the World Bank, Cameroon's poverty reduction rate is lagging at the back of its population growth rate, and the overall range of the poor in Cameroon increase by 12% to 8.1 million ...

N iger has reduced its planned spending for 2023 by 40% due to global sanctions imposed after the military took power in a July coup. The country is one of the poorest in the world and heavily depends on foreign resources to assist its populace of 25 million. The sanctions have caused a massive decline in both external and internal revenues, in step with the military regime that came to power in Niger through the coup. The revised budget ranges from 1,981 billion CFA francs (3 billion euros) as compared to 3,291 billion. The junta-appointed top minister, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, has warned that an austerity price range might be carried out, with a concern on ensuring finances for safety and paying civil servant salaries. The coup in Niger has caused condemnation from the nearby bloc ECOWAS, the European Union, and America, who imposed sanctions, froze assets, or halted useful resources. A trade blockade has pushed up the price of food and created a shortage of critical goods, together...

I vory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara has removed the country's Prime Minister Patrick Achi and dissolved the government in a major reshuffle. The statement was made by the presidency's secretary general, Aboudramane Cisse, on Friday, October 6, 2023. No purpose became given for the unexpected move, however it isn't unusual for presidents in Ivory Coast to make drastic, unexpected modifications to their governments.   President Alassane Ouattar The president expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Patrick Achi and all contributors of the government for their commitment to serving the country during the last years. They will remain temporarily in charge until a new prime minister and other government members are appointed. The move comes a few years into the presidential elections that are scheduled for 2025. The dismissal of Prime Minister Patrick Achi and the dissolution of the government have been met with mixed reactions from the general public. Some have prai...

Lagos police have named a nursing assistant because the top suspect within the loss of life of Nigerian Afrobeat megastar MohBad, who died in September at the age of 27. The police declaration arrived after an intently-watched investigation that triggered Aloba's body to be exhumed for an autopsy as the government looked for clues to his loss of life. The nursing assistant is said to have injected MohBad with drugs, main to his untimely demise. Mohbad MohBad, whose real name is Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, changed into a rising star in the Nigerian music industry, acknowledged for his inclusive hits "Feel Good" and "Peace". His demise on September 12, 2023, in a Lagos health center led to an outpouring of grief and protests with the aid of heaps of fans worried about justice. The case has introduced a focus on alleged abuse via powerful figures within Nigeria's multimillion-greenback Afrobeat music enterprise. The police also detained Naira Marley, a first-ra...

On Thursday, October 5, 2023, Ugandan competition chief Bobi Wine was detained by security forces upon his return from a journey to South Africa. Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, is the chief of the National Unity Platform (NUP), the principal competition celebration in Uganda. Wine was turned into detention at Entebbe International Airport, simply outside Kampala. He was turned into reportedly being led away from the plane with the aid of protection forces and pushed to his home, wherein he's now under resident arrest. Ugandan authorities have no longer released any facts about Wine's detention. However, Wine's birthday party has accused the government of "kidnapping" him and of violating his constitutional rights. Wine has been a vocal critic of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in electricity for over 35 years. Wine has accused Museveni of authoritarianism and human rights abuses. Wine's detention has been condemned by means of huma...