Stories about Sub-Saharan Africa
What the world needs now: A new deal in a reformed global economic system
"The prosperous East Asian nations (Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong, and China at the lower income margins) have been the greatest assets for growth of the world system for some time now."
Illegal timber trade persists in The Gambia's Upper River Region
A large number of trees were illicitly felled in Kundam, a village in Tumana District in the Upper River Region, by 'unknown culprits' allegedly working with forestry officials, who denied the claim.
How Flavour and Phyno pioneered the revival of Nigeria's Igbo highlife music
Flavour revolutionized highlife by adapting it for dancing in nightclubs and parties. Phyno successfully fused hip-hop and pop into highlife with such finesse.
Celestine Ukwu: the Nigerian philosopher-musician who left his mark on Igbo highlife
Celestine Ukwu’s soulful songs contemplated and portrayed complicated experiences that were deeply rooted in his Igbo identity.
How Artificial Intelligence could influence Zimbabwe’s 2023 elections
When technologies are adopted in the absence of a solid legal framework and strict safeguards, they pose significant threats to privacy and personal security.
Cameroonian activists win 2022 RFK Human Rights Awards
The two activists from Cameroon’s Anglophone and Francophone regions were honored for their long-standing work in defending the civic space and democracy, across Cameroon and Central Africa.
How Nigeria’s Igbo highlife music provided hope after a devastating civil war
The Oriental Brothers provided hope after the civil war. The 80s witnessed the revival of ‘egwu ekpili’. Later, Bright Chimezie’s impressive ‘legwork’ live performances popularized Igbo highlife through the 90s.
The pioneers of Nigeria's Igbo highlife music
Highlife gained popularity in southwestern cosmopolitan Lagos and was transformed in eastern Nigeria. By incorporating Igbo traditional folklore style, they created the Igbo highlife that now enjoys global appeal.
Kenya's controversial Expressway speeds past budget while displacing thousands
In a city where walking is the default means of transport for many who cannot afford public transport, the majority of Kenyans can’t afford to use the new road.
New laws undermine freedom of expression and press in Mozambique
Whoever discloses by any means classified information under this Law shall be punished with imprisonment from 12 to 16 years.
The history of music in Lagos, Nigeria: 1980s to the 2000s
Nightlife disappeared during military dictatorship, with music collectives singing on radio and a cheap imitation of American raps. Currently, individual artists with prodigious talents have revived the music scene.
The history of music in Lagos, Nigeria: from colonial times to the 1970s
Lagos, Nigeria’s cultural capital has always been a cosmopolitan city. A place where music and culture are in constant collision.
Meet the new generation of Kenyan women sparking a vinyl resurgence in Africa
Since music listeners have pivoted toward digital streaming platforms, Maia is one of the few artists who views vinyl records as more than just a novelty.
Can Lusophone African countries solve Europe's energy crisis?
Western countries are trying to diversify gas purchases from Russia. Some analysts believe Anglophone-African gas-producing countries could be a viable alternative.
Meet the African women athletes making an impact in international basketball leagues
Odada joins a bevy of other African basketball players who are making an impact in the American-based professional league for women.
Africans are changing how they consume music and even taking on international streaming giants
Following global trends, compact disc (CDs) sales on the continent have been on a steady decline as music lovers ditch the discs for digital downloads.
Africa's music scene rebounds after a devastating pandemic
Live performances and music festivals, key revenue sources for African musicians, were annihilated during the COVID-19 pandemic. But things seem to be gradually returning to normal.
Just a Band’s return comes as Kenya redefines its musical identity
Alternative Kenyan music reached new audiences in 2020 as audiences sought a soundtrack that reflected their new upsidedown reality.
Not Yet Uhuru: Surveillance, censorship and data practices in the new Tanzania
Internet censorship in Tanzania has taken on a rather oppressive turn in the last five years, with media suppression taking the lead.
Nigerian ministers’ political campaigns stir up legal debate
Nigerian cabinet ministers running for office are caught in a legal web between an electoral law that prescribes immediate resignation and the constitution that says they can wait.
Nigerians demand central banker's resignation for dabbling in partisan politics
"It is difficult to imagine that a person who occupies the sensitive office of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria will be this brazen in actualizing his ambition."
About our Sub-Saharan Africa coverage
Nwachukwu Egbunike is the Sub-Saharan Co-Editor. Email him story ideas or volunteer to write.
Njeri Wangari is the Sub-Saharan Africa Co-editor. Email her story ideas or volunteer to write.
Dércio Tsandzana is the Lusophone (Portuguese) editor. Email him story ideas or volunteer to write.