The Impact of Lowering the Voting Age: Should Kenya Follow the UK’s Lead? The United Kingdom has recently enacted legislation to lower the voting age from 18 to 16 as part of an initiative to enhance democratic engagement ahead of the upcoming 2029 general election. This shift has ignited a significant global debate regarding the appropriateness of allowing 16-year-olds to cast their votes in elections. The Global Dialogue: Should 16-Year-Olds Vote? To delve into the implications of this change, The Conversation consulted political experts from Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria. Their insights shed light on the potential benefits of lowering…
Author: Abren
Crisis in Akobo County: An Overview of Current Conditions Introduction to Akobo County Akobo County, located in the northeastern part of Jonglei State, South Sudan, shares its borders with Nyirol, Uror, Pibor, and Pochalla counties within Jonglei, Ulang County in Upper Nile State to the north, and also touches Ethiopia to the east. This geographic context plays a crucial role in the current humanitarian situation. Impact of Recent Conflicts In March 2025, Akobo County witnessed significant population movements due to escalating conflicts in Nasir and Ulang counties. Additionally, many South Sudanese have returned from Ethiopia amid these tensions. Notably, the…
Addis Ababa: A Model of Urban Development in Africa Addis Ababa, the vibrant capital of Ethiopia, has recently garnered praise from journalists across Africa for its remarkable infrastructure and urban planning. On a September 2025 tour, these journalists highlighted the city as an exemplary model for other nations on the continent, showcasing impressive growth and development. Infrastructure Growth in Addis Ababa A Smart City Visitors were particularly captivated by the city’s innovative approach to urban planning. Kenyan journalist Jackson Okata expressed his astonishment at the city’s orderly layout, describing it as a “smart city” that other African capitals should emulate.…
Ethiopia’s Financial Intelligence Service Targets Illegal Foreign Exchange Operations Overview of the Recent Crackdown On September 19, 2025, Ethiopia’s Financial Intelligence Service (FIS) announced a significant move in its efforts against illegal foreign exchange (FX) dealings by freezing the bank accounts of 123 suspects. This operation signals a robust investigation into unlawful currency transactions that have been undermining the country’s economic framework. Key Actions Taken Against Illicit Activities The FIS has taken these decisive steps predominantly against individuals and entities circumventing legal banking systems to engage in black market currency transactions. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to…
Urgent Action Needed to Reform Africa’s $100 Billion Food Import Bill Understanding Africa’s Agricultural Dependency Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), has highlighted the critical need for African nations to take swift action to address their alarming $100 billion annual food import bill. Despite possessing about 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, Africa remains heavily reliant on food imports, particularly staples like wheat, rice, and dairy. This dependency drains much-needed foreign exchange and exposes the continent to the volatility of global price fluctuations. Rethinking Africa’s Development Strategy In a recent virtual address at the…
Rising Military Spending Threatens Climate Aid in Africa The Global Context: Military Spending at Record Levels In recent years, global military expenditure has surged to unprecedented levels, influenced largely by conflicts in regions like Ukraine and Gaza. This dramatic increase, the highest since the Cold War, has raised concerns among African leaders regarding the availability of international aid necessary for combating the climate crisis. The African Climate Summit: A Call to Action At the recent African Climate Summit in Ethiopia, a coalition of African heads of state, researchers, and environmental activists gathered to address the pressing issues of climate adaptation.…
Ethiopia Emerges as a Leader in Climate Action Addis Ababa, September 17, 2025 (ENA) — The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) recently praised Ethiopia for its proactive climate action initiatives, positioning the nation as a potential leader in sustainable development and environmental resilience. Potential as a Climate Leader In an exclusive interview, James C. Murombedzi, UNECA’s Climate Change, Food Security, and Natural Resources Division Coordinator, highlighted Ethiopia’s efforts and capacity to provide innovative solutions to climate change. He emphasized the importance of African-rooted climate adaptation strategies that can effectively address the continent’s unique challenges. The Green Legacy Initiative…
Billions in Idle Funds at Kenyan Foreign Missions Raise Concerns Among MPs Concerns have been raised in the Kenyan Parliament regarding approximately Sh1.8 billion that remains stagnant in accounts managed by the country’s foreign missions. This issue comes to light as the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) intensifies its examination of funds allocated for development and embassy operations years ago. Idle Funds Under Scrutiny The PAC is currently investigating the status of these funds, which are held in Kenyan embassies located in cities such as Washington, Addis Ababa, and London. The committee is particularly interested in understanding why such substantial amounts…
Explore Africa’s Vibrant Cultural Festivals: A Journey Through Heritage and Adventure Africa is a continent steeped in cultural diversity, celebrated through numerous vibrant festivals that highlight its rich traditions. These events not only allow visitors to immerse themselves in unique customs, music, and dances but also transform travels into unforgettable adventures. Below, we present a selection of must-visit cultural festivals across Africa that promise both excitement and insight into the continent’s heritage. Witness the Ouidah Voodoo Festival, Benin One of Africa’s most captivating celebrations, the Ouidah Voodoo Festival takes place every January in Benin. This festival pays homage to the…
The Impact of Climate Change on Ethiopia: A Call for Sustainability and Gender Equity Understanding Climate Change Through Personal Experience Dr. Kalkidan Esayas has a deep-rooted commitment to addressing climate change in Ethiopia, guided by poignant memories from her youth. During a university trip to the Rift Valley, she witnessed the devastating consequences of climate change: parched lakes and displaced farmers struggling to adapt. This experience galvanized her desire to become an ecologist, recognizing that science can provide both explanations and sustainable solutions. The Urgent Need for ESG Principles in Ethiopia Recently, Ethiopia has been gradually integrating Environmental, Social, and…