Somalia’s recent commissioning of its first-ever female defence cadets is a reflection of a wider development that is progressively bringing more women into command, peacekeeping and reform in national militaries across Africa. Bonface Orucho, bird story agency Somalia has, in the past week, commissioned its first-ever female defence cadets. The 11 women graduated from the Türkiye–Somalia Military Academy in Mogadishu, a milestone in a country rebuilding its armed forces after decades of conflict. Shattering stereotypes in Africa’s defence ranks According to battalion commander, Jamal Ali, it was an “inspiring dawn for the Somali National Army.” For a Ghanaian security analyst,…
Author: Development Reporting
Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc is set to make a bold statement on the global stage as it will be gathering world leaders, policymakers, and investors and other private sector players at the forthcoming 2025 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This year’s gathering at the UNGA, which is the 80th Edition, will be held between September 15th and September 25th, and as always, UBA Group has mapped out series of engaging activities to spotlight Africa’s opportunities and foster high-level dialogue with global leaders towards boosting the continent’s potential. A key part of the event, will be…
While the Nigerian government is yet to figure out how to stop the impending strike by ASUU, both SSANU and NASU have also issued a fresh threat to down tools over the alleged refusal of the government to address their “outstanding labour matters”.
At Thursday’s nationwide referendum conducted by ASUU, the union set a fresh ultimatum for the Nigerian government to sign the Yayale Ahmed-led committee’s report or face a “total and comprehensive strike.” DevReporting writes: As earlier reported on Wednesday by DevReporting, members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) across various campuses nationwide filed out en masse on Thursday to participate in a referendum mandated by the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) on the failure of the Nigerian government to sign its renegotiated agreement. Since 2017, when the former Education Minister, Adamu Adamu, inaugurated a committee led by Wale Babalakin,…
As Nigeria celebrates its 65th anniversary on Oct. 1, Good Governance Africa – Nigeria (GGA-Nigeria) is set to host a webinar focused on strengthening civic engagements to promote accountability and good governance in the country. The discussion themed: “Nigeria @ 65: Strengthening Civic Engagements for Enhanced Accountability” aims to highlight the crucial role of civil society organisations (CSOs) and citizen action groups in advocating for transparency and accountability. READ ALSO: GGA-Nigeria launches report on ISWAP’s resurgence, hosts dialogue to address threat According to GGA Executive Director, Dr. Ola Bello, the webinar will explore various initiatives, platforms, and tools being developed by…
Rising from an emergency NEC meeting on Saturday, and as a follow-up to its recent flurry of public engagements, ASUU has directed its branches nationwide to hold congresses concurrently on Thursday, to either affirm or reject the resolution to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike over unresolved demands by the Nigerian government, DevReporting writes. Come Thursday, 11 September, branches of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) nationwide will hold their congresses to approve or reject the call for an indefinite strike action by its National Executive Council (NEC). ASUU’s NEC, comprising national executive officers, branch chairmen and women, and…
Africa is setting the terms for the new scramble for its minerals by pooling regional strengths and mobilising capital. Several nations are tightening export rules, demanding more local processing and value addition as the global competition for its mineral resources heightens to power the latest ambitions in tech. Bonface Orucho, bird story agency Over the past two years, African governments have tightened rules on raw mineral exports and are demanding local processing. “Africa is no longer just accepting deals, it is setting the terms,” said Solomon Muyeka of the African Minerals and Geosciences Centre. From Lusaka to Harare, this new…
More farmers are going digital to cash in their harvest, thanks to new credit plans being rolled out in several countries in Africa to streamline financing for agricultural production. Bonface Orucho, bird story agency Farmers in Africa are building digital credit profiles from their seeds, soils, and harvests. Beyond boosting yields, this is transforming agricultural activity into financial visibility. Seeds as collateral A Ghanaian agronomist, Alma Nwosu, still remembers her first phone call with a farmer named Kofi Mensah in the eastern region of Ghana. Mr Mensah had just harvested maize grown from seeds supplied on credit by Degas, an…
Introduction Africa is rich in natural resources, with immense potential to lead the world in renewable energy. However, the continent’s future depends on shifting from aid dependence to sustainable investments. As global attention turns to Africa’s role in green energy, UN Secretary-General António Guterres calls for increased investments to unlock Africa’s economic power. With abundant solar, wind, and mineral resources, Africa is poised to become a “renewable superpower.” This article explores why Africa needs investments, not aid, to secure a prosperous future. From Aid to Investment: A Necessary Shift For years, Africa has relied on international aid to address its development challenges, with billions…
In Nigeria’s cities, apps and algorithms are driving a shadow economy of hookups and survival sex. Behind the coded chats and “digital hustles” lies story of women risking everything in a market fuelled by poverty, technology, and silence. By Juliet Buna She sat at the edge of a bar stool, tired eyes scanning the busy bar in Mokola, Ibadan, Oyo State, in South-West Nigeria. The sound of Afrobeats filled the air, and her half-filled glass of beer sat untouched. “Abeg no mind my hair like this,” she chuckled, adjusting the wig without care. “I dey serve customers before you come.…