The hottest Substack posts of baobabnewsletter

And their main takeaways
58 implied HN points β€’ 02 Feb 24
  1. Sudan's secret peace talks are happening, involving top military and diplomatic figures, aiming to end a deadly conflict.
  2. Jacob Zuma, former South African President, has been suspended from the ANC for supporting a new political party, stirring up old tensions.
  3. In Uganda, traditional funeral music played on the fumbo drum is facing a decline against modern DJ-driven sound systems, sparking a cultural clash.
58 implied HN points β€’ 01 Feb 24
  1. Nelson Mandela's personal artefacts auction was halted by the South African government as they considered the items cultural heritage.
  2. Ethiopia is facing a severe hunger crisis with many people not receiving food aid due to a combination of factors.
  3. Johannesburg is experiencing a massive housing shortage with people resorting to living in abandoned buildings.
58 implied HN points β€’ 31 Jan 24
  1. Singapore's economic success story could teach African nations valuable lessons in governance and economic growth.
  2. Digital Benin project aims to digitally reconnect the Benin Bronzes with their community, setting a blueprint for cultural heritage reclamation globally.
  3. Italy's Africa summit focuses on boosting Africa's prosperity through investments, highlighting the importance of equal partnerships over charity.
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58 implied HN points β€’ 30 Jan 24
  1. Italy's Africa Summit aims to create jobs in Africa to reduce migration flows to Italy, but lacks specific details.
  2. Rwanda's President Kagame holds an annual public assessment event, Umushyikirano, showcasing unique political accountability.
  3. Kenya harnesses geothermal energy in the Great Rift Valley, becoming a clean energy leader through innovative power generation.
58 implied HN points β€’ 25 Jan 24
  1. Dangote still leads Africa's billionaire club with a fortune of $13.9 billion.
  2. South Africa's President removed Thabi Leoka from his advisory panel over a questionable PhD from LSE.
  3. A man confessed to starting a deadly fire in Johannesburg as a cover-up for a murder, highlighting the issue of hijacked buildings.
58 implied HN points β€’ 19 Jan 24
  1. Lesley Lokko is the first African woman to win the prestigious RIBA gold medal and is revolutionizing the architectural world through academia and diversity.
  2. Kenya received a significant financial boost from the IMF to tackle economic challenges and debts, emphasizing the country's resilience amidst crises.
  3. Red Sea ship diversions due to conflicts in the area have increased fuel demand in African ports, creating congestion and soaring prices.
39 implied HN points β€’ 08 Feb 24
  1. Ivory Coast's popular lΓͺkΓͺ sandals are more than just footwear, they're a fashion statement and a symbol of national pride.
  2. Madagascar's former chief of staff attempted to leverage influence for personal gain in a gemstone scandal involving a bribe offer.
  3. Zambia is venturing into direct copper trading to maximize economic benefits, joining other African countries in taking control of their mineral resources.
39 implied HN points β€’ 15 Jan 24
  1. South Africa and Israel are facing off at the International Court of Justice over allegations of genocide in Gaza.
  2. Congo's recent election results declared President Felix Tshisekedi the winner amidst opposition claims of irregularities.
  3. AΓ―cha, a young woman from Burkina Faso, gained worldwide fame for her viral dance moves captured on TikTok.
19 implied HN points β€’ 09 Feb 24
  1. Western mining companies are cautious about investing in Africa's mineral reserves, giving competitors from China and the Middle East a head start.
  2. Residents in Eastern Congo are fleeing as the M23 rebel group advances towards Goma, amidst accusations of support from Rwanda.
  3. The UN is seeking $4.1 billion in aid for Sudan to assist millions affected by conflict, highlighting the urgency for international support.
19 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jan 24
  1. Liberia's new President, Joseph Boakai, experienced a bit of a heatstroke during his inauguration speech.
  2. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is currently on a diplomatic tour in Africa, focusing on trade, security, and democracy.
  3. Kenya faced controversy over nicotine warnings due to British American Tobacco's influence on health warnings.
19 implied HN points β€’ 29 Jun 23
  1. Women's rights activists in Zimbabwe challenge the ban on sex toys to advocate for sexual pleasure and autonomy.
  2. Ugandan activists are taking French oil giant TotalEnergies to court over alleged violations of food and land rights in pipeline projects.
  3. Sierra Leone's election sees disputed results, with incumbent President Julius Maada Bio declared the winner amid concerns raised by international observers.
19 implied HN points β€’ 26 Jun 23
  1. Zambia secured debt relief from creditors, setting a precedent for developing nations.
  2. Bill Gates learned about Afrobeats before visiting Nigeria, impressed by the music scene.
  3. Leicester exhibition on Ugandan-Asians won a prestigious museum award, celebrating cultural heritage.
19 implied HN points β€’ 23 Jun 23
  1. Trevor Noah is launching a new podcast on Spotify for meaningful conversations.
  2. Kenya's anti-hunger program not only provides meals to kids but also boosts the economy.
  3. Zimbabwe is gearing up for a presidential election with the current president facing competition.
0 implied HN points β€’ 22 Jan 24
  1. Senegal's presidential election is stirring buzz with notable candidates missing from the approved list, making the race wide open.
  2. UNDP is launching 'Timbuktoo,' a billion-dollar initiative to promote innovation and youth in Africa, aiming to boost the continent's startup culture.
  3. Cameroon is starting to vaccinate children with a new malaria vaccine as part of a larger plan to combat the disease, despite the vaccine's imperfections.
0 implied HN points β€’ 05 May 23
  1. There is debate on whether the Star of Africa, a 530-carat diamond in the UK, should be returned to South Africa.
  2. The diamond is part of historical colonialism and holds cultural significance for South Africa.
  3. Opinions are divided, some call for the return as a symbol of heritage, others believe it's no longer relevant.
0 implied HN points β€’ 23 Feb 23
  1. Nigeria's upcoming election is drawing attention to young voters and their potential impact on the political landscape.
  2. Peter Obi, a third-party candidate, is gaining traction among young voters by promising change and job opportunities.
  3. Over 9.5 million new voters, predominantly under 35, have been added to the voter register, potentially affecting the election outcome.
0 implied HN points β€’ 03 Apr 23
  1. Opposition leader in Kenya, Raila Odinga, calls for protests over high living costs and electoral fraud
  2. Protests in Kenya have led to violence, including attacks on police stations and political party offices
  3. Government claims fair elections, while opposition leader Odinga accepts peace calls but reserves the right to protest