Global Perspectives
The US is now involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran. Here are three possible next steps
Early Sunday, US warplanes and submarines struck three of Iran’s nuclear sites at Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow, where the Iranians have a uranium enrichment plant buried about 80 metres beneath a mountain
Coronavirus profiteers: Protecting Africa from vulture funds
Some $117 billion of Sub-Saharan African countries’ roughly $150n in long-term debt to private creditors is in the form of bonds, with debtor countries owing the bondholders about $8bn per year. But markets are clearly not confident that these countries will meet their obligations
Will the coronavirus crisis derail the African century?
Even before the virus has made much headway on the continent, African currencies, sovereign debt, and public equities have fallen dramatically, in many cases experiencing losses far greater than in developed or other developing and emerging markets
Covid-19 could break Africa. But it also offers an opportunity to reboot the continent’s economic policies
Africa’s ability to use monetary and fiscal policies to mitigate the pandemic’s economic impact is limited. Whereas governments and central banks around the world have adopted robust and often unprecedented short-run stimulus measures, most African countries lack the policy space and capacity to do so, or are constrained by monetary arrangements that prevent them from implementing national strategies
Digitisation and entrepreneurship will propel African industrialisation, defying naysayers
The dominant narrative is that industrialisation in sub-Saharan African is declining and less relevant. But this ignores growing trends such as new technologies and a vibrant entrepreneurship sceneRussia’s Africa ambitions grow as America, under Trump, steps back
The first Russia-Africa Summit is a clear indication that Russia is stepping up its efforts to increase its influence in Africa, with the deals signed underscoring how Moscow is using strategic investments to gain more traction on the continent
DR Congo Ebola outbreak spreads to Uganda – it should never have happened
That a new outbreak of Ebola virus would happen was a question of when, not if. Yet a situation as dire as the West African outbreak should not repeat itself given that many problems were solved in 2014-16
African Free Trade Area ratification good step forward but more work needed
The African Continental Free Trade Area was ratified on May 30 but its practical implications are not immediate and significant work is required for it to deliver tangible results.
Why British prime minister Theresa May was forced to resign
After less than three years in office, UK prime minister Theresa May has faced up to the demands from within her party and announced her resignationMore Global Perspectives
East Africa should intervene to defuse Rwanda-Uganda tensions
Although a military confrontation between Uganda and Rwanda remains implausible, today’s situation is reminiscent of the worst days between the two neighbours. Leaders of the region need to do more to avert a violent scenario
The World Bank needs to reform and adapt to the changing world order
By nominating an American to head the World Bank, President Trump is continuing an outmoded tradition that does not take into account significant changes in the global distribution of power
How Russia is growing its strategic influence in Africa
More than a quarter of a century after the fall of the Soviet Union, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin seems to have new aspirations in Africa. This is in line with his desire to restore Russia to great power status
It’s becoming clearer that Mnangagwa is not Zimbabwe’s saviour
The last few days have wiped out any trust people might have had in the ability of the November 2017 coup that toppled Robert Mugabe to bring democratic and socio-economic rights to Zimbabwe’s long-suffering people
African cities that seize green opportunities will flourish
Green technologies can generate employment, ease pressure on infrastructure and lower energy costs, especially for poorer households
Kofi Annan’s unfinished green revolution
Kofi Annan championed many global causes during his distinguished life and career, but no issue was more important to him than tackling hunger and spurring growth through agriculture
Kofi Annan’s mixed record at the United Nations
Kofi Annan's tenure at the United Nations, where he was the head of its peacekeeping and later Secretary General, is marked by great human tragedies as well as episodes of progress
The case for an African alternative to the ICC
There’s a case to be made for Africa’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court. This is because there are alternatives.
Zimbabwe’s historic elections: Change, but no change
Both presidential candidates and political parties in Zimbabwe's election promised peace and a new beginning. But, when the chips were down and the votes began to show a familiar trend of Zanu-PF dominance, both parties resorted to old tactics.
What’s stopping the African Union from opening up Africa’s borders?
There are major obstacles that need to be cleared before the ambition of free movement across the continent can be achieved, such as concerns raised by the continent’s major economies like South Africa where unemployment rates are high
