Africa In Crisis: Can Djibouti's Mahmoud Ali Youssouf Steer African...
Africa
Politics
The African continent is facing political instabilities, conflicts, and revolutions, which have created discussions among most African countries and continue to brew revolutions and resentment from citizens and the military. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf succeeded Chadian Moussa Faki as the African Union Chairperson (AUC) at a very interesting time when most Africans are crying for help due to injustices and political instabilities from their own countries and their neighbours. In his past capacities, Mahmoud has served from 2005 to 2024 marking a 19-year tenure as Djibouti’s minister of foreign affairs. In addition, he has served in other capacities in regional and national foreign affairs policies, enhancing complex international relations. Among African countries currently experiencing political and economic surges and revolts include DRC Congo, Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, Niger, Gabon, Burkina Faso, and other African Countries. Despite most of these countries claiming to have democratic constitutions, Freedom House (2023) claims that most African countries are led by dictators who collaborate with the West to terrorize and grab from the Africans. Although the new chair claims to be knowledgeable about diplomatic principles, he is likely to offer less just like his predecessor, Moussa Faki. With Just a few days in office, Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye is facing trials at the hands of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and the military, which is led by his son. Over to their neighbours, the Eastern DRC is facing unending violations of human rights and deaths due to the long-ongoing conflicts. According to BBC (2024), in Burkina Faso, though the country claims to have a democratic leadership, the military led by Ibrahim Traore seems to have done great work transforming and liberating the country, which is celebrated by the Burkina Faso citizens and other Africans. These ongoing African conflicts and instabilities claim the lives of Africans. Many Africans are statistics to death, and others are displaced. A country like Sudan is facing the worst displacement in the African region with more than 7.3 million people displaced in the country and an estimated 200,000 individuals killed due to war between government forces and opposition forces. Despite countries like Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali being in the African continent, they are distancing themselves from their association with the AU and ECOWAS, which tests the AUC chairperson's ability to integrate the continent and re-align the government through the promotion of democratic leadership from the existing military law. This also tests the ability to respect the will of the people and their sovereignty of choice of their preferred form of governance. On the other hand, the resurgence of a rebel group, M23, in Eastern Congo, which seems to have gained support from the Congolese, threatens the stability of its neighbors, including the EAC and SADC members (IPIS 2024). The DRC conflict is estimated to have caused the displacement of more than 8 million people leading to the involvement of other countries in the conflict thus making the situation even worse for DRC people. The African issues are more complex than they seem. Despite them appearing as African issues, they always have a hand and interference from other continents. This poses a dilemma for the AUC leadership on how to resolve African issues and conflicts without involving outsiders who are people of interest in African affairs. Another complexity is how the leadership shall draw the line between the African preference for leadership and needs without inviting other continents. The “RICH POOR” Africa is almost in shambles, which needs urgent and intentional reshaping by African governments and their people. The opportunities and unexploited minerals leave the continent exposed from within and in the world. While Mahoud Ali is entrusted with turning around the situation in 4 years, the big question remains on the approach to the African issues and his effectiveness and abilities to bring solutions. While the African presidents are instrumental in bringing the desired changes by Africans, they have stood as the perpetrators of injustices faced by Africans. Therefore, to transform Africa, the AUC leadership can only facilitate Africans to have a say in their governance, issues, and resources. This is a test on who the AUC chairperson chooses to listen to: Africans or their heads. African history always informs of Africans' commitment to their liberation and continuous revolutions to freedom and sovereignty. Therefore, the choice of approach shall guarantee either a prosperous Africa or a legacy of unending revolutions with poverty and continued exploitation.
Read moreFEBRUARY 21, 2025 AT 11:10 AM
Unveiling Europe's Clean Industrial Pact: A Game Changer For Green...
Europe
Business
The European Union will unveil the Clean Industrial Pact on February 26, 2025, to ensure European industries are second to none amid stiff competition worldwide. The EU is set to implement various strategies that will not only result in the development of clean technology but also generate jobs and revolutionize the green business. The European Union has relied heavily on fossil fuels as part of the energy mix for more than two decades since 1990 in supporting the energy infrastructure in Europe. Some of the examples the fossil fuels that Europe has relied on are coal, oil, natural gas, and lignite. However, reliance on fossil fuels in Europe as of the year 2024 has dropped by 11.5% since 1990 due to more innovations in clean energy. One of the package strengths of Europe’s clean industrial pact is a vision for lower energy and a deal with the European Investment Bank to fund small and medium-sized enterprises. Its new emissions-cutting strategy will address six priority areas: energy price and security, financing, recycling, and raw materials essential to the energy industry, Labor and skills, lead markets, and international action. The strategy aims to reduce significantly greenhouse gas emissions to meet its target of a 55% reduction in net green gas emissions by 2030 as compared to the targets of 1990. A reduction in greenhouse gas emissions would ensure a more sustainable economy and a transition to a low-carbon economy in the quest to avert climate change and improve environmental well-being. Besides economic gain, the clean industrial deal centers on governments, industries, and research institutions collaborating to trigger innovation and good practices in sustainability to ensure European industry competitiveness in transitioning to a cleaner economy. At large, Europe's Clean Industrial Deal is a wide-ranging and forward-thinking global market European industry competitiveness climate change reduction strategy. The EU has, over the years, implemented numerous programs that worked to enhance its industrial base. For example, the Accelerating Clinical Trials in the EU (ACT EU) initiative, launched in January 2022, granted a wholesome environment for life sciences research and development. It aimed to harmonize and update clinical trials, promoting the development of high-quality, safe, and efficient medicines. The ACT EU program capitalized on the momentum of the Clinical Trials Regulation (CTR) and the launch of the Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS) in early 2022, which transformed the initiation and conduct of clinical trials. Besides, the European Green Deal to make Europe the world's first climate-neutral continent by 2050 includes provisions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, clean energy, and green growth of the circular economy. These current and planned initiatives reflect the EU's emphasis on supporting innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness of its industries. Financing is at the core of the clean energy deal with emphasis on the Innovation Fund which started operations in 2020 to support innovations in clean energy aimed at net zero emissions. Europe could also rely on The World Trade Organization (WTO) to provide finance for clean energy innovations that require heavy investments. Europe in its industrial clean pact would continue to rely on its plan of RePowerEU which has mobilized around €300 billion in saving energy, diversifying energy supplies, and producing clean energy. The modernization fund through the Emissions Trading System in Europe has set around $14 billion to support clean energy systems and modernize such systems especially those countries with a low GDP in the region. However, despite the strength of the Clean Industrial Pact, several issues can arise. Compared to the rest of the world, Europe experiences the highest energy prices with countries such as Germany, Italy, and Denmark being hit the most. This would highly impact the competitiveness of European industries compared to the rest of the global industries. Europe must therefore identify avenues geared toward reducing the high energy cost, to encourage clean energy solutions that would accelerate targets of net zero emissions. The investment environment could be insensitive enough not to induce intensive clean technology development, with state funding lagging behind market needs. European industries will continue to face brutal competition from China which provides huge subsidies ($ 675 billion in 2024 alone) to innovations in clean energy and the United States ($97 billion through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, each with its policies and incentives for clean technology.
Read moreFEBRUARY 20, 2025 AT 4:34 PM
Europe's Tech Revolution: From Historical Breakthroughs To Modern Innovation With...
Europe
Innovation
Europe is a global leader in innovation and technology, driving economic growth and sustainability. The region has a rich history of scientific advancements and continues to push boundaries in various fields. From cutting-edge research to thriving startups, Europe remains at the forefront of technological progress. In the past, Europe has shaped the path for technological and innovation breakthroughs. Classic breakthroughs by Europe; the printing press (Germany, 15th century) by Johannes Gutenberg, the steam engine by James Watt (UK, 18th century), electricity and electric light (18th – 19th) century by Michael Faraday and Thomas Edinson, Telegraph (19th century) by Samuel Morse and Graham Bell, Telephone (19th century) by Graham Bell, Radio (late 19th – early 20th century, Italy and UK) by Guglielmo Marconi, Penicillin (20th century, UK) by Alexander Flaming, World Wide Web (www)- (20th century UK/Switzerland) by Tim Berners, Jet engine (20th century, UK/Germany) by Frank White and Hans Ohain, and Particle accelerator through CERN (20th century) by several European countries that is UK, Norway, Switzerland, Netherlands, Greece, Italy, Norway, Denmark, Belgium, Germany, Italy, and Yugoslavia. The European Union (EU) actively supports innovation through policies and funding programs. Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research initiative, has a budget of €95.5 billion to fund projects in areas like climate change, health, and digital transformation. The Digital Single Market Strategy aims to create a unified digital market, making it easier for businesses to operate across borders. Additionally, the European Innovation Council (EIC) provides funding and mentorship to start-ups and breakthrough innovations, ensuring Europe stays competitive globally. Europe excels in several advanced sectors. In green technology, the EU leads to renewable energy, such as wind, solar, and hydrogen, with the European Green Deal aiming for climate neutrality by 2050. Artificial intelligence (AI) is another focus, with countries like France and Germany investing heavily in research. Europe is also a hub for healthcare and biotechnology, home to companies like AstraZeneca and BioNTech. The automotive industry is transforming with electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous driving technologies, led by companies like Volkswagen and BMW. Space technology is another strength, with the European Space Agency (ESA) managing projects like Galileo and Copernicus. Europe’s startup ecosystem is vibrant, with cities like Berlin, London, and Paris serving as major tech hubs. Programs like the European Investment Fund (EIF) and Startup Europe provide financial support to startups. Several European startups, such as Spotify (Sweden), Revolut (UK), and Klarna (Sweden), have achieved global success, showcasing the region’s innovative potential. Despite its strengths, Europe faces challenges. Fragmented markets and varying regulations can make it difficult for startups to scale. Europe also trails behind the US and China in research and development (R&D) investment and lacks tech giants of similar scale. The number of research patents has also been declining in Europe as compared to the US and the Asian region Additionally, there is a growing need for skilled professionals in fields like AI, cybersecurity, and data science. Europe is focusing on digital transformation, with increased adoption of AI, blockchain, and 5G technologies. Sustainability remains a priority, with ongoing efforts in green tech and circular economy models. Quantum computing is another area of investment, ensuring Europe stays competitive in this emerging field. As digitalization grows, cybersecurity will also remain a critical focus. Several European countries stand out for their innovation. Germany is known for engineering excellence and smart manufacturing (Industry 4.0). German companies such as Sap se, Volkswagen, Man Se, Bayer Ag, Siemens Healthineers, Daimler Ag, ThyssenKrupp Ag, Bosch Group, Basf Se, and Siemens Ag, lead globally in different fields of software, automotive, machinery, pharmaceuticals, medical technology, automotive, steel production, automotive industrial space, chemistry, and electronics respectively. Sweden leads in digital innovation and sustainability, while Finland excels in education and clean tech. The Netherlands is a hub for agri-tech and smart logistics, and France is making strides in AI and deep-tech startups. Europe collaborates globally on innovation, partnering with countries like the US, Japan, Brazil, India, and China, in nuclear fission, quantum computing research, climate change and biodiversity, and High-Performance Computing. It also plays a key role in setting global standards for technology and ethics through collaborations. In enhancing its role in innovation and technology, Europe has established European standardization organizations such as the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), European Committee for Standardization (CEN), and European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC) ensuring responsible and sustainable innovation. Europe is a dynamic hub for innovation and technology, with a strong focus on sustainability, digital transformation, and collaboration. While challenges like fragmentation and competition exist, Europe’s commitment to research, development, and ethical innovation keeps it at the forefront of the global tech landscape. Through collaboration and more investments in innovation, Europe could continue to produce innovative and impacting technologies contributing to growth in the field of innovation.
Read moreFEBRUARY 19, 2025 AT 6:16 PM
Usaid Tide: Tackling The Hiv Crisis In Asia And Africa...
Asia
Business
According to the Publication-Released in 2024, Asian countries have been known to be the 3rd largest epidemic countries with HIV infections, after Eastern and Southern Africa. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Fiji, The Lao People's Democratic Republic, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines; are countries that are highly affected by the HIV pandemic. In the listed countries, the number of new HIV infections increased by 32% among gay (men-to-men sex) partners and by 85% among non-client sex partners of people from key populations in 2024. In 2023, a new record was revealed that 6.7 million people living with HIV were residing in Asia and the Pacific. The Region accounts for a quarter of annual new HIV infections globally (23%). In Asia, there are 120,000 children aged 0-14 years living with HIV, making up 9% of the total number of children living with HIV globally. Indonesia comprises 26% of the regional total of new HIV infections among children, followed by India 23% and Papua New Guinea 8%. Over the past decade, funding for HIV programs has been decreasing. UNAIDS notes that in the Asia-Pacific region, support for HIV programs by funding has decreased by 2.6 % since 2021 – 2022. During the same period, the contribution of domestic resources has risen by 47% increasing the share of domestic resources from 58% of total HIV funding in 2011 to 82% in 2023. HIV prevention has been crucial in the region. Recent data reported to Global AIDS Monitoring shows inadequate investments in programming key populations and their sex partners in the region. Empowered communities are essential for the region's HIV response, but community-led responses remain underfunded. Social contracting, whereby the government partners with and procures services from community-led organizations, continues to be a potentially powerful but underused option for reaching people from key populations. Continued donor funding will also be critical for the sustainability of community-led response in Asian countries. Key populations play important roles in outreach and mobilization among their community members who are at risk of HIV. In Thailand, the Tangerine Community Health Clinic works closely with TG (telegram) social media influencers through online platforms to increase community literacy and awareness to generate demand for HIV and related services and to reduce internalized stigma among Tangerine communities, which was established in November 2015 at the Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre. The United States Department of the Treasury accounted for $667 million pledged to the financing mechanism of the Pandemic fund to support pandemic prevention preparedness and response in 2024. USAID from the American people-supported model of community-led services has been well recognized in Thailand and internationally resulting from its significant contribution to more than 50% of the national HIV service uptake in Thailand. It has become a model recommended by The United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) for adoption in other countries in Asia. Through the PEPFAR Incentive fund activities to assist Thailand towards becoming self-reliant in HIV response. USAID made considerable progress in gaining increased government investments in USAID-supported community-based organizations from $167,000 in 2016 to almost $ 2 million in 2019. Through, PEPFAR, the US has committed more than $110 billion to HIV response globally. In Laos, USAID has supported the integration of oral-fluid HIV screening into peer-led outreach for guidelines for HIV self-testing. USAID funding has thus played a significant role in the Asia-Pacific region. The sudden stoppage in USAID funding by the US government is a wake-up call for organizations and governments in the Asia-Pacific region and globally to step up in HIV response. Avenues for funding need to be addressed to avoid reliance on external funding such as the USAID Uncertainty in the USAID funding presents the need for policy revaluations on HIV response in Asia and Africa which are hardest hit by HIV infections. With decreased funding in the Asian region, the rate of HIV infection will increase, derailing the plans by UNAIDS to achieve the global target of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. The same scenario is likely to happen in the African continent as it relies heavily on external funding for HIV response and other health activities The government in Asian countries should carry out activities such as research to evaluate new prevention methods like vaccines, microbicides, and long-acting formulations of pre-exposure Prophylaxis or PrEP and to improve the efficient and effective delivery of HIV prevention, care, and treatment.
Read moreFEBRUARY 12, 2025 AT 2:57 PM
Meg Whitman, Former Us Ambassador To Kenya: Journey Of Leadership...
Africa
Politics
Meg Whitman served as the United States ambassador to Kenya from July 2022 and resigned in November 2024. Born on August 4, 1956, Meg Whitman is an American business executive, diplomat, and politician. Meg Whitman is a former CEO of eBay (1998-2008), where she elevated the company into a global e-commerce giant; Hewlett-Packard (2011-2015) and led HP to split into Hewlett Packard Inc. and Hewlett Packard Enterprise allowing each entity to focus on its core business; and Quibi (2018-2020) leading significant funding for Quibi, a short form streaming application. However, Quibi did not meet the projected subscribers. Quibi ceased operations in December 2020. As a result, Quibi sold its library content to Roku for less than $100M. Being a political enthusiast, she waged an unsuccessful Republican campaign for governor of California in 2010. She became a major donor to President Joe Biden, which made her a prime candidate for an ambassadorship position. Joe Biden appointed her to an ambassador role in Kenya which was a better fit due to the strategic position of Kenya as an African tech hub with significant business potential. Kenya is a target destination, with the most stable democracy and a gateway to the East African market of almost 500 million consumers with the regional logistics and financial hub. Whitman’s background in tech was needed for her to establish foreign direct investments and venture capitalists for Kenyan economic growth as she performed the responsibilities of US ambassador to Kenya. Whitman took a keen interest in Africa with a focus on Kenya. Her agenda was to strengthen the U.S.–Kenya trade and investment relationship in coordination with the Kenyan government. She made great contributions to trade, health, and security deals that Kenya signed with the US such as the elevation of Kenya as its first major non-NATO ally in sub-Saharan Africa. On matters concerning collaboration between Kenya and America, she delivered funds to help curb emergencies such as the catastrophic flood in 2023 and ongoing programs such as malaria, HIV, and MPOX. Ms. Whitman's diplomacy journey was however marred with criticism for failing to speak out about the abuse and human rights violations, including abductions and death of Kenyan citizens especially during the June 25 Gen Z protests. She responded two weeks later by condemning the actions of police brutality; however, it was met with criticism as she refused to sign a statement by envoys ‘statement calling for urgent investigations into disappearances of Kenyans who called out on the poor governance by the Kenyan government. Meg Whitman resigned from the ambassadorial role in Kenya citing the shift in leadership in America which soon would lead to changes in roles after Donald Trump's victory. She expressed her desire to settle back in America with her family, hence the early resignation, and dismissed allegations that her exit was due to criticism from the young generation in Kenya but rather a peaceful move and giving the new administration a chance to settle in. In her statement, she appreciated Kenya for the collaboration while she served as an ambassador and pointed out the reforms established between Kenya and the US. She expressed her role in ensuring fair and quick visa processing for Kenyans to promote a smooth migration process. She however warned Kenyans about the toxic looting of public funds that had led to the continued deteriorating economic growth in the Kenyan space. Her two years in office as the US ambassador to Kenya have been filled with positive and negative criticism. However, she felt with no doubt the 60-year relationship between Kenya and the US will continue to strengthen and create a prosperous, healthy, secure, more opportunities and democratic nations.
Read moreFEBRUARY 10, 2025 AT 11:38 AM
Border Battles: Navigating Trump's Trade Policies With Mexico, Canada, China...
NorthAmerica
Business
Mexico and the United States have always been close partners. They share a long, 2,000-mile border with 47 active land ports. They also have over 200 years of history that's built deep cultural ties. In 2023, Mexico became the top trading partner for goods with the U.S., reaching $807 billion in trade, even more than China. Mexico exports mainly steel, aluminium, and agricultural products like tomatoes, automobiles, and auto parts to the US. Exports from the U.S. to Mexico grew from $42 billion in 1933 to $322 billion in 2023. Mexico is also the second-largest source of crude oil for the U.S. Recent talks between the Mexican and U.S. governments focused on tariffs and a tax on imports. President Trump had some concerns regarding the taxes he wanted to impose. Donald Trump agreed to pause those tariffs for 30 days as Mexico’s President seeks more negotiations to save the situation for both countries. This means the 25% tariffs on Mexican products planned for February 4, 2025, would be delayed for some time. Claudio Sheinbaum promises to work out solutions with the Donald Trump administration that would not heavily impact the Mexican people. President Trump is worried about the flow of migrants and drugs into the U.S. In a retaliatory move to address this, Donald Trump is acting steadfastly to deport all the illegal migrants in the US. So far, more than 4000 migrants have been deported to Mexico, reflecting a soiled relationship between the US and Mexico government. President Sheinbaum has increased the National Guard's presence at the border to help stop drug trafficking and illegal migrants into the US. The US has imposed a 10% tariff on goods from China. President Trump is expected to have talks with China’s leader, Xi Jinping, as China also imposed counter-tariffs on the US. China imposed a 15% tariff on US goods: coal and natural gas Some Republicans in Congress support Trump's tariff plans, even though farmers may suffer from a trade war. The United Nations and World Trade Organization have raised concerns about how these tariffs could hurt the global economy, especially in developing countries. Research from Yale shows that American families could lose about $1,250 a year if Trump's tariffs go through. That loss drops to about $700 a year without tariffs on Mexico. The middle class will feel this more than wealthier households. Tariffs often hit the middle class the hardest. Trump’s tariffs could affect over a trillion dollars in trade, putting pressure on countries that account for 40% of American imports. These changes might lead to a tough situation for everyday Americans and Mexicans, especially those in the middle class. This could even affect members of the European Union as the tariff policies have a wider reach. Donald Trump's role in the global economy is likely to be felt further as he employs means of tariff impositions to safeguard American companies. To help with the potential fallout, it would be smart for both governments to offer relief, like payroll tax cuts, to protect jobs. There is a need for the US to work with Mexico, Canada, and China to find common ground regarding tariff imposition. This would prevent the spillover of tariff effects to the global economy, which could result in global economic instability.
Read moreFEBRUARY 5, 2025 AT 7:02 PM