Author: Ewang Johnson

Ethiopia is poised to lift its longstanding ban on foreign property ownership, aiming to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and stimulate economic growth. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced the government’s finalization of new legislation to permit foreign individuals and entities to own real estate, a significant shift from the previous policy rooted in the 1974 communist revolution. This reform is part of broader efforts to liberalize the economy, including opening the retail sector to international players. While the move is expected to enhance Ethiopia’s appeal to global investors, experts caution that the full impact may take time to materialize. Business…

Ghanaian leaders from private equity, securities, and pensions sectors have launched a collaborative “Compact” to boost local institutional investments in venture capital and private equity. Signatories include firms like Deloitte, EY, KPMG, Aruwa Capital, and the Venture Capital Trust Fund, alongside regulators such as the Securities and Exchange Commission and the National Pensions Regulatory Authority. The initiative aims to diversify pension portfolios into high-growth, locally managed funds, promoting economic resilience and job creation. Emphasizing the importance of domiciling fund vehicles in local currencies, the Compact seeks to foster sustainable development and financial inclusion across African markets. Disrupt Africa Source link

West Africa’s economic landscape in 2025 showcases contrasting fortunes. Ivorian companies have experienced significant growth, with four entries in the regional rankings and the BRVM stock exchange reaching a record $36 billion market capitalization. In contrast, Nigerian firms face challenges, notably due to the naira’s devaluation. Dangote Cement’s market value has declined from $11.2 billion in 2022 to $5.3 billion, and BUA Foods has also seen a decrease. Airtel Africa, though listed in Nigeria, has benefited from broader regional expansion, increasing its value from $5 billion to $7.8 billion. African Business Source link

Like humans, chimpanzees drum rhythmically – and two subspecies living on opposite sides of Africa even have their own signature styles, according to a study published Friday in Current Biology. The findings lend new weight to the theory that the essentials of music were present before our evolutionary split from chimpanzees 6 million years ago. Source link

Alina PyazokOne of the most controversial entries in the Eurovision song contest is Espresso Macchiato by Estonia’s Tommy Cash. It mocks Italian stereotypes, and there have been calls to ban it.The track by Estonian rapper and singer Tommy Cash is the country’s entry into the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, which takes place next week. When its inclusion in the competition was announced, some reacted with bemusement, and others with outrage, especially in Italy, due to the way Cash seems to mock the country with his faux-operatic, broken Italian accent and deployment of Italian stereotypes. “I love anything trashy,” Cash tells the…

Zambia has taken a major step to safeguard its food security and regional agricultural trade following the commissioning of a refurbished and fully equipped Plant  Quarantine and Phytosanitary Service (PQPS) laboratory at Nakonde One Stop Border Post (OSBP). The newly rehabilitated plant health lab on the border with Tanzania, will accelerate the screening of maize imports and safeguard national food supplies following what is touted as the country’s worst drought  in four decades (in 2023/2024). The drought severely impacted maize production and left nearly half  the population at risk of food insecurity, adversely affected 84 of its 116 districts across several  provinces,…

Finding some Christian element in such things… equips us to contribute something meaningful to a conversation with others that goes beyond scolding.For a show dripping with irony, The White Lotus, whose third season has now excitingly concluded, has sincere points to make. Some of these points are hidden behind graphic imagery, sensitive subject matter, and “adult situations,” while remaining nonetheless profound. I have never been one to advocate for why a Christian can or should watch morally ambiguous media, nor have I been one to dictate when not to view it. The value I see in finding some Christian element…

She is a music legend whose voice and presence have shaped generations beyond the African continent. Beninese-French singer Angélique Kidjo is a multi-Grammy award winner but also a fierce advocate for education, culture and freedom. This year, she was one of the “Guests of Honour” at Abidjan’s Festival of Urban Music in Ivory Coast, where she shared the stage with emerging artists in Africa. On the sidelines of the festival, Kidjo sat down with our music editor Fatimata Wane. In this special interview, they discuss Kidjo’s passion for music and working with the next generation to come. Source link

Ligne RosetSpace-age style is skyrocketing in pop culture – in celebrities’ homes, at global design fairs and even in blockbuster films. We look back at the stunning retro-futuristic origins of 2025’s biggest interiors aesthetic, and ask, why now?From aerodynamic cars to voluminous moonscape-style seating, popular culture and design is going cosmic. Some architects, designers, film-makers and galleries are looking, if not to Star Wars’ “galaxy far, far away”, then at least beyond the Earth’s atmosphere for their inspiration.Mattia Tonelli/ ParadisoterrestreThe futuristic interiors of the 1960s coincided with the space race – now the aesthetic is popular again (Credit: Mattia Tonelli/…

On the occasion of its 25th year, the Gates Foundation today made a new commitment to accelerate its mission to help all people live healthy, productive lives by spending $200 billion over the next 20 years. The decision marks a major acceleration in the foundation’s work and sets a new date of 2045 to sunset its operations. The historic announcement, which represents the largest philanthropic commitment in modern history, was shared in a post by foundation Chair Bill Gates. “There are too many urgent problems to solve for me to hold onto resources that could be used to help people. That is…