Interdepartmental Meeting on the Rightsizing of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Maritime Coordination Centres

Residents of Duduza – John Dube have come together to address poverty and inequality by creating the John Dube Community initiative, which helps repair and polish over a hundred school shoes daily for children in need. Through partnerships with local tuck shop owners, the initiative has reduced the number of torn shoes and boosted children's confidence, encouraging them to attend school. The community is seeking donations of shoe polish, new school shoes, clothing, and other...

Africa is a continent rich in natural beauty, biodiversity, and ancient history, known for its captivating cultures and human evolution. Seven ancient ruins found throughout Africa include Adam’s Calendar in South Africa, Khami Ruins in Zimbabwe, Kilwa Kisiwani in Tanzania, Luxor Temple in Egypt, Gedi Ruins in Kenya, Nok Caves in Togo, and Volubilis in Morocco, showcasing the diverse historical and architectural heritage of the continent. Full Article

Global and African financial experts advocate for aligning financial systems with smallholder farmers' needs, emphasizing the role of government intervention in expanding agricultural lending in Africa. The conference in Nairobi highlighted the challenges faced by smallholder farmers, with panelists proposing tailored financing solutions, risk mitigation strategies, and enhanced market access to bridge the agricultural financing gap in Africa. Key recommendations included developing specialized financial products, risk-sharing mechanisms, and digital infrastructure to attract private investment and...

South Africa's electricity prices will rise by 26% over the next three years, driving demand for innovative energy startups like Sensor Networks and Versofy offering smart technology and renewable energy solutions to help reduce energy costs. Despite challenges such as high capital requirements and regulatory hurdles, these startups are capitalizing on the trend and could play a crucial role in reducing reliance on Eskom and achieving energy sustainability in the country. Full Article

U.S. foreign aid cuts have severely impacted Sudanese refugees in Chad, leading to reduced resources for food, water, mental health counseling, and education programs. The closure of the only secondary school in Aboutengue refugee camp has left 32,000 refugee students at risk, with many expressing the importance of education for the future of their country. Organizations like HIAS have faced challenges in providing support for at-risk women and refugees due to the halt in U.S....

Leaders from the UN, Member and Observer States, and civil society gathered to address the urgency of fulfilling commitments to end violence against women and girls by 2030, during 'Beijing +30' at CSW69. The event highlighted progress, challenges, and priority actions, emphasizing the need for greater investment in women's movements and accountability mechanisms. Panel discussions focused on the role of civil society in holding policymakers accountable, the importance of grassroots organizations, and the impact of...