Author: The Exchange

The world has lost one of the most significant figures in global philanthropy and development. At the age of 88, His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, the Aga Khan IV, died quietly in Lisbon, Portugal, with his family by his side. His vision and leadership, as the founder of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community, have changed the lives of innumerable people in Africa and beyond. The Aga Khan IV: An Advocate for the Advancement of the world His Highness the Aga Khan IV is one of the few world…

In Eastern DRC, dead bodies lie in the streets, hospitals are overwhelmed and there has been an uptick in reports of sexual violence, rape and looting. In Kinshasa, protesters have stormed and torched the embassies of USA, France, Belgium, Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya demanding push back against the advance of M23 rebels. UN says 300,000 people uprooted from camps around Goma in a matter of days. Latest reports from Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) from UN teams on the ground indicate a fast-deteriorating situation on Tuesday amid an ongoing assault by M23 rebels on the provincial…

South Sudan has vast natural resources in fisheries, forestry, and wildlife, offering potential for inclusive economic growth if managed sustainably. The World Bank’s Natural Resource Review highlights strategies like community-based management, investment in value chains, and improved governance to unlock this potential. By addressing challenges such as poor infrastructure and resource depletion, South Sudan can diversify its economy and reduce dependence on oil. South Sudan is a nation endowed with abundant renewable natural resources, offering vast opportunities for sustainable development. According to the newly released South Sudan Natural Resource Review (NRR) report by the World Bank, the country’s fisheries, forestry,…

M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have seized Goma in eastern DRC, prompting accusations of a “declaration of war” from the Congolese government. The conflict has escalated tensions between DRC and Rwanda, with international calls for de-escalation and emergency summit planned in Nairobi to address the crisis. Thousands have been displaced, and the humanitarian toll continues to worsen in a region already plagued by decades of instability. Gunfire echoed across Goma, the largest city in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as M23 rebels claimed to have seized the city on Sunday. The announcement by the Rwanda-backed rebel group…

Moody’s has revised Kenya’s sovereign credit outlook from “negative” to “positive,” marking a key shift just seven months after the country’s downgrade. Despite the optimistic revision, Kenya’s fiscal landscape remains fraught with challenges. Kenya’s revenue collection efforts remain a critical factor in the country’s fiscal recovery. Global credit ratings agency Moody’s has revised Kenya’s sovereign credit outlook from “negative” to “positive,” marking a significant shift just seven months after the country’s downgrade. While the long-term issuer ratings for both local and foreign currency remain at Caa1, this upgraded outlook highlights Kenya’s potential for improving debt affordability and mitigating liquidity risks.…

Mission 300 aims to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030, addressing the continent’s significant energy deficit and driving transformative development. The initiative banks on partnerships, innovative financing, and renewable energy projects like mini-grids and solar plants to overcome infrastructure and policy challenges. Success hinges on bold reforms, private sector investment, and collaborative action to reshape Africa’s energy future. Africa’s energy landscape has long been a tale of untapped potential, innovation, and persistent challenges. With over 600 million people lacking access to electricity—representing 83 per cent of the world’s energy-deprived population—the continent’s policymakers face a monumental task in lighting…

Algeria has launched a $50Bn investment drive to revitalize its hydrocarbon sector, starting with a 2024 licensing round offering six onshore blocks to domestic and international investors. Backed by extensive seismic data and a transparent bidding process, the initiative aims to attract global energy players while aligning with sustainability trends. This marks the first step in Algeria’s five-year strategy to position itself as a key energy hub in North Africa. Algeria, one of the key players in the global energy market, is embarking on an ambitious journey to inject $50 billion into its hydrocarbon sector over the next four years.…

US President Donald Trump is among the top 40 Movers and Shakers who are poised to drive change in Africa’s energy sector this year. The list by the African Energy Chamber includes various Heads of State and Captains of industry whose focus on sustainable development, investment mobilization and energy sovereignty will define the continent’s future. The accomplishments and strategies of the 40 Movers and Shakers will be critical to addressing industry challenges and harnessing opportunities for the continent’s growth. A mix of leaders, policymakers, innovators and corporate executives are poised to further drive change across Africa’s oil, gas and energy…

Joseph Kony is suspected of 36 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, allegedly committed between at least 1 July 2002 until 31 December 2005 in northern Uganda. Ugandan Kony is still at large, 19 years after his arrest was ordered by the International Criminal Court. On 12 December 2024, ICC judges scheduled the confirmation of charges hearing to start on 9 September 2025, in the absence of the leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). WHO IS JOSEPH KONY? Joseph Kony was born in September 1961 in Uganda. He is of Acholi ethnicity and a national of Uganda.…

Authorities across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Sudan harassed activists and government critics in spirited attempt to suppress dissent in 2024. Human Rights Watch says harassment, intimidation, and arrests of journalists, human rights defenders, and opposition figures intensified. In Kenya, senior government officials including President William Ruto threatened the courts for making decisions unfavourable to his administration. Millions of civilians across countries in East Africa bore the brunt of human rights violations orchestrated by either government security organs or armed groups in 2024, further deteriorating the region’s respect for human rights, a new report by Washington-based Human Rights Watch states.…