Features

A fundamental affirmation of the OAU/AU 50th Anniversary Solemn Declaration, adopted by the African Union Heads of State and Government on May 25, 2013, was achieving “a conflict-free Africa”.     Correspondingly, realizing “A peaceful and secure Africa” is number four of the seven aspirations of AU`s Agenda 2063: The…

The global community will Thursday commemorate the first-ever World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day. The inaugural event, tagged: “#BeatNTDs. For all. For good,” aims to bring together global health experts, policymakers, community leaders, and civil society advocates; to mobilize for greater support and action on ending NTDs around the world.…

The United States is the world’s largest producer of chocolate, despite barely growing any cocoa trees. Conversely, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) holds over half of the world’s reserves of cobalt, the key raw material for the batteries used to power smartphones and autonomous vehicles. And yet, the DRC…

The role of Africa’s youth in silencing the guns will be critical in a continent where young people bear the brunt of violent conflicts and are often manipulated by warring parties, both state and non-state actors into taking up arms.     As the world ushers in a new decade,…

The global community will on Friday commemorate the 2020 International Day of Education – an annual international observance day held every January 24, dedicated to promoting the need for education – under the theme: ‘Learning for people, planet, prosperity, and peace’.     In partnership with the Centre for Research…

The 33rd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State of the African Union, on Tuesday commenced with the 39th Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC),  under the theme: ‘Silencing the guns: creating conducive conditions for Africa’s development,’ at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.…

In Africa and elsewhere, development processes are stronger when they are built on existing networks and mechanisms. Far from being a handicap, therefore, Africa’s informal economy, and the migrants who help drive it, are one of the continent’s most valuable assets.     As we mark International Migrants Day on December…

Every week, international NGOs looking to add African partners to their proposals reach out to Population Works Africa.     Too often, representatives of these NGOs have not done their research, according to Stephanie Kimou, founder and lead consultant at the consulting firm, which seeks “to disrupt the historically white space of power…

William Carew, principal coordinator of the newly established African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU ECOSOCC) Secretariat, based in Lusaka, Zambia, speaks about his plans for the AU’s advisory organ, aimed at promoting African Civil Society’s participation in the implementation of policies and programmes of the Union    …

They are the ones sustaining peace and nurturing society     When we started our peace movement in Liberia in the heat of the civil war in 2003, we were called toothless bulldogs. But we proved that women’s active participation in a peace process can make a significant difference in…