Author: Abdihakim Kalale

Technology is transforming Africa at an unprecedented pace, reshaping industries, improving livelihoods, and driving economic growth. From artificial intelligence (AI) to fintech, renewable energy, and e-commerce, technological advancements are solving real-world challenges across the continent. This article explores how technology is changing Africa in 2025 and the key innovations shaping its future. Fintech Revolution: Africa’s Digital Banking Boom Mobile Money DominanceM-Pesa continues to dominate mobile transactions in Kenya, Tanzania, and beyond.New fintech platforms like Flutterwave, Chipper Cash, and Opay are expanding cross-border payments.Cryptocurrency adoption is rising, with countries like Nigeria and South Africa leading in digital asset use. Financial Inclusion…

Egypt and Kenya have strengthened their collaboration in space technology, focusing on satellite development, localization, and capacity building to advance Africa’s space sector. During an official visit, a high-level Kenyan delegation, led by Brigadier Hilary Kipkosgei, CEO of the Kenya Space Agency, met with Professor Dr. Sherif Sedky, CEO of the Egyptian Space Agency. The discussions centered on deepening cooperation in satellite technology and fostering expertise to support Africa’s long-term space goals. The meeting, held at the Egyptian Space Agency headquarters, highlighted Egypt’s role as the host of the African Space Agency, positioning it as a hub for regional space…

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has seen a surge in violence, with recent events highlighting the humanitarian crisis gripping the nation. Shelling in North Darfur’s Zamzam camp on Saturday resulted in at least 16 deaths and 42 injuries, according to camp officials. The camp, home to nearly two million displaced people, has faced repeated attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), forcing thousands to flee and exacerbating food shortages. In a separate incident, a marked ambulance belonging to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) was attacked while transporting a woman in labor from Zamzam camp to the Saudi Hospital in El Fasher.…

Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has announced a $30,000 cash reward for information leading to the arrest of Yusuf Mohamed Hussein, widely known as Jeeri-Arab, a senior operative of Al-Shabab. Jeeri-Arab is reportedly a pivotal member of the group’s bomb disposal unit and has been linked to multiple heinous attacks in the Banadir region. NISA described him as instrumental in planning suicide missions, conducting reconnaissance, and defusing explosives for Al-Shabab. The agency highlighted his involvement in major attacks in Mogadishu, targeting Villa Rosa, Banadir’s regional headquarters, and popular establishments such as Pearl Beach, SYL Hotel, Beach View, and…

Wad Madani, a vital city in Sudan, holds immense strategic importance due to its geographical location, its role in the agricultural economy, and its connection to critical transportation routes. Situated approximately 200 kilometers southeast of Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, Wad Madani serves as a key crossroads for several important supply routes. These roads connect various regions within Sudan, including the Blue Nile, White Nile, and Sennar states, making the city an essential hub for transportation and logistics. The city is particularly known for its fertile land, which makes it a significant agricultural center in Sudan. Its potential for farming…

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemetti), plan a press conference in Nairobi on Monday, intensifying scrutiny over Kenya’s controversial ties with the paramilitary group. This follows Hemetti’s last visit to Kenya, during which Sudan recalled its ambassador in protest of Nairobi’s alleged support for the RSF. Kenya has faced growing criticism for its perceived role in regional conflicts. Observers accuse the country of being “on the wrong side of history,” citing its alleged support for apartheid in South Africa, complicity in genocide in Sudan through backing the RSF, and links to atrocities in the Democratic…

Puntland State has launched a major offensive targeting Daesh militants entrenched in the Almiskaad mountains of Somalia’s Bari region. Over 7,000 heavily armed soldiers are engaged in the operation, named “Hilaac” (lightning), aimed at eradicating the militants, including their leader Sheikh Abdulkadir Mumin. Puntland Minister of Information Mohamed Aidiid announced that significant progress has been made, with forces dismantling several Daesh hideouts and capturing key supplies, including weapons and food stockpiles. A drone used by Daesh for surveillance was also shot down. Military officers reported clearing over 70 kilometers of mountainous terrain and neutralizing logistical hubs that sustained the group.…

Tanzanian activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai, known for her outspoken criticism of the government, was abducted in Nairobi by armed men on Sunday but released hours later. She confirmed her release in a video to her followers, appearing visibly distressed but expressing relief, saying, “I have been saved.” The incident has sparked concerns about cross-border operations targeting dissenting voices. The president of the Law Society of Kenya, Faith Odhiambo, revealed that legal efforts were instrumental in securing Tsehai’s release, warning against Kenya being used for such acts. Tsehai, a prominent advocate for land rights and freedom of expression, has been critical…

Somalia has declared its candidacy for a seat on the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC) for the 2025–2028 term, emphasizing its commitment to regional and continental priorities. In its announcement, Somalia highlighted the need for equitable representation, noting its absence from the AU PSC since its establishment in 2004. It argued that its inclusion would ensure fairness within the organization. The nation also pointed to the alignment between its future role on the United Nations Security Council (2025–2026) and the AU, which could help advance African interests globally. Somalia further underscored its historical contributions to Pan-Africanism and…

Azerbaijan has called on Eritrean authorities to release three detained Azerbaijani-flagged vessels and their 18 crew members, held since November 7, 2024. The ships reportedly entered Eritrean waters due to adverse weather while en route to Abu Dhabi through the Suez Canal. The detained vessels, CMS Pahlian, CMS İgid, and CMS-3, are operated by Caspian Marine Services B.V.’s Azerbaijani branch. Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ayxan Hajizada stated that Eritrean officials cited incomplete documentation as the reason for the detention. Diplomatic efforts are underway, with Azerbaijan sending formal notes through its embassies in Ethiopia and Russia. Authorities aim to secure the…

Ethiopia’s House of Peoples’ Representatives has approved a new law enabling the government to recover assets linked to undeclared income. Initially presented in June 2024, the legislation underwent extensive review by the Legal and Justice Standing Committee before receiving final approval on January 9, 2025. The law introduces a robust framework to reclaim assets tied to criminal activities, targeting both tangible and intangible properties, including bank credits, stocks, bonds, and other economic holdings. Retroactive measures allow the government to seize assets acquired within the past decade, provided their unexplained value exceeds 10 million birr. A key feature of the legislation…

Several foreign Daesh fighters have reportedly surrendered to authorities in Puntland, Somalia, according to the region’s Information Minister, Mahmoud Aided Dirir. The minister confirmed that the surrender process is underway, with international organizations such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Red Crescent aiding in their repatriation to their home countries. However, specific details about the number of fighters, their nationalities, and a timeline for their return remain undisclosed. Dirir emphasized that Puntland’s legal approach ensures all individuals involved in criminal activities, whether Somali or foreign, will face equal justice. He also dismissed rumors that foreign fighters would…

Proposed amendments to Sudan’s constitutional document could grant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the Sovereign Council, extensive powers, including the authority to appoint and dismiss the prime minister. According to Sudan Tribune, the changes also suggest expanding the Sovereign Council from five to nine members, with three seats for Juba Peace Agreement signatories and six appointed by Al-Burhan. The amendments, supported by military-aligned political factions, aim to remove provisions related to the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) coalition and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). However, the Juba parties would retain their representation but lose control over ministerial portfolios.…

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has embarked on a strategic tour of Africa, visiting Namibia, the Republic of Congo, Chad, and Nigeria. The trip underscores China’s consistent engagement with the continent, a stark contrast to sporadic visits by Western leaders. Wang’s African tour coincides with the Republic of Congo’s role as co-chair of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Analysts anticipate that China will use upcoming FOCAC discussions to strengthen ties, unveil new initiatives, and align its plans with Africa’s Agenda 2063, which focuses on sustainable development. Beijing has pledged $51 billion in fresh financial aid to bolster infrastructure, trade,…

The Sudanese army, supported by allied fighters, has reclaimed the town of Haj Abdallah in Al Jazirah state and is advancing toward Wad Madani, the state capital, amid intensified clashes with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Military sources confirmed the capture of Haj Abdallah, located approximately 58 kilometers from Wad Madani, alongside nearby villages such as Mahalla, about 13 kilometers west of the capital. The army is now targeting Al Shakkaba Al Noor, a village roughly 20 kilometers from Wad Madani, where RSF fighters are stationed. A coordinated effort from army units advancing from Sennar and Al Manaqil facilitated the…

South Sudan has intensified efforts to incorporate the disputed Abyei region into its territory, citing the outcome of a controversial referendum held over a decade ago. First Vice President Riek Machar recently received the referendum report, signaling a policy shift from the government’s earlier stance. On January 4, Machar accepted the referendum findings from a delegation led by Abyei Area Chief Administrator Dr. Chol Deng Alak. The report will be presented to the executive and parliament for deliberation. This move contrasts with Juba’s 2013 rejection of the referendum’s results, where one of Abyei’s main ethnic groups overwhelmingly supported integration into…