Opinions

The trees are a scientific wonder, once capable of living for thousands of years, but now becoming endangered species Morondava in Madagascar, the skyline in Senegal and Kruger national park all have something in common. These places are home to some of the largest trees in the world – baobabs, known…

Would white women in the US have supported #MeToo in the same way if it had been started by women elsewhere in the world?     When #MeToo first broke on Twitter in October 2017, it focused on workplace sexual harassment in the United States, particularly against white women in…

NTDs affect about 1.5 billion people. Digital technology could turbo-boost progress in combating them. Fabiano grew up close to a fast-flowing river that irrigates the land in Uganda’s Nebbi District. Over the years as he farmed, he was repeatedly bitten by black flies that breed along the river banks. The bites caused constant itching.…

Over 8 million tons of plastic pollute the oceans each year. The problem is so severe that, if nothing changes, there could be more plastic than fish in the sea by 2050. We must urgently rethink how we make and use this ubiquitous material, now a staple of our modern…

Despite the compelling narrative about African women becoming titans of industry, sexism and inequality make scaling up impossible for many entrepreneurs   Africa is building up a glowing reputation as the global leader in female entrepreneurship. Last year, MasterCard released its celebratory Index of Women Entrepreneurs to much fanfare. Uganda and Botswana…

  The rainy season is already here with us and most farmers have begun to plant various seeds nearly across Africa. As the farmers descend upon their farms, one big issue that lingers among researchers is the inability of these farmers to access certified seed that can serve their immediate…

Women’s economic empowerment is experiencing a resurgence of attention. This is inspired by Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG5), which lays out goals for gender equality and women’s empowerment, and is mirrored by the International Women’s Day 2018 campaign theme #PressforProgress, dedicated to the achievement of gender parity around the world. Most…

The Board of Directors of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation said it was difficult to choose a single recipient in its global competition for a $100 million grant that promises a bold solution to a critical problem of our time. I can see why. Ultimately, MacArthur awarded Sesame…

Rwanda is often touted as an example of what African states could achieve if only they were better governed. Out of the ashes of a horrific genocide, President Paul Kagame has resuscitated the economy, curtailed corruption and maintained political stability. This is a record that many other leaders can only dream of,…

A health toolbox which aims to connect African journalists to researchers, including the wider science journalism community, fast and on demand, is now available     Partners in the project have embarked on developing a database of health journalists, experts and communication officers working in health research institutions who will act…