The hottest Africa Substack posts right now

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World roundup: February 8 2024

Foreign Exchanges • 766 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Europe Middle East Asia Africa Americas
  1. Global temperatures have been rising, nearing the 1.5 degree Celsius threshold set in the Paris Climate Agreement.
  2. Ceasefire hopes in Israel-Palestine appear to be fading, with increased military focus and potential for a ground invasion in Gaza.
  3. Political tensions and armed conflicts in various African countries, including Guinea-Bissau, Niger, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

World roundup: February 3-4 2024

Foreign Exchanges • 786 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Israel-Palestine Yemen Asia Pakistan Philippines Africa Nigeria Europe Russia Ukraine Americas United States
  1. The United States conducted airstrikes on Iranian-linked targets in Iraq and Syria, resulting in casualties and tension with the governments of those countries.
  2. In the Israel-Palestine conflict, Hamas is considering a ceasefire proposal while the Israeli military expands its operations in Gaza.
  3. President Macky Sall of Senegal postponed the country's presidential election, sparking protests and concerns about a potential self coup.
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World roundup: February 6 2024

Foreign Exchanges • 707 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Asia Africa Europe Americas
  1. Hamas responds to ceasefire proposal in Gaza, but concerns remain about the potential for a complete derailment of the peace talks
  2. Colombian government and ELN rebels extend ceasefire for six months, with agreements to halt kidnapping and recruit underage individuals
  3. US Senate confirms Kurt Campbell as the new deputy secretary of state, showing the administration's focus on China as a primary foreign policy concern

On America's structural inability to effectively compete with China in Africa

An Africanist Perspective • 1345 implied HN points • 27 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Africa USA China Foreign Aid Diplomacy
  1. The US faces challenges competing with China in Africa due to ineffective policy tools and institutions.
  2. America's focus on humanitarian aid and public health through USAID limits its ability to compete effectively with China in infrastructure and commercial projects in Africa.
  3. The structural and institutional biases within American foreign policy result in a lack of attention to African priorities, hindering the ability to effectively engage with the continent.

World roundup: January 11 2024

Foreign Exchanges • 786 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Asia Africa Europe Americas
  1. South Africa has brought genocide charges against Israel at the International Court of Justice, seeking to halt the assault on Gaza.
  2. The Israeli government's response to the South African filing indicates they understand the significance of a potential ruling demanding a halt to their military campaign.
  3. US and UK have carried out strikes against Houthi-linked targets in Yemen in response to attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

World roundup: January 6-7 2024

Foreign Exchanges • 786 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Asia Africa Europe Americas
  1. This weekend in history had notable events like a joint attack on French Guiana, Galileo's discovery of Jupiter's moons, and the start of the Bataan Death March.
  2. The situation in Israel-Palestine continues to worsen, with talks of further military operations, humanitarian crises, and diplomatic tensions.
  3. There is escalating conflict in regions like Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen, with concerns about airstrikes, military actions, and potential regional wars.

World roundup: January 25 2024

Foreign Exchanges • 648 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Asia Africa Europe Americas
  1. Negotiations in Israel-Palestine are facing challenges due to leaked recordings and mediation issues with Qatar and Egypt.
  2. Gaza is experiencing a severe risk of malnutrition, with aid agencies struggling to provide for the population.
  3. Mali's ruling junta has announced the scrapping of a 2015 peace deal with separatist rebels in a move involving Algeria.

World roundup: January 27-28 2024

Foreign Exchanges • 609 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Asia Africa Europe Americas
  1. Historical events from January 27-28 include the end of the Siege of Leningrad, the liberation of Auschwitz, and the signing of the Paris Peace Accords ending the Vietnam War.
  2. Current events highlight progress towards a Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal, amidst allegations, challenges, and potential changes in aid strategies.
  3. On the international scene, actions range from ISIS claims in Turkey, militia clashes in Syria and South Sudan, electoral situations in Finland and Venezuela, to potential aid package blocks in Hungary by Prime Minister Orbán.

World roundup: January 9 2024

Foreign Exchanges • 687 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Asia Africa Europe Americas
  1. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is trying to convince Israeli leaders to stop killing Palestinian civilians, improve humanitarian situation in Gaza, and plan for a post-conflict scenario.
  2. US military carried out an airstrike in Iraq to foil a rocket attack on Ayn al-Asad airbase.
  3. Ecuador is facing a security crisis with violent incidents, including hostage situations, escalating across the country.

Making sense of the coup in Gabon

An Africanist Perspective • 1147 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Coup Africa Democracy Economy
  1. In Gabon, the recent coup was essentially a palace coup, with the president being ousted by the head of the presidential guard, and while there is popular discontent against the ruling family, evidence of a revolution was not clear.
  2. The coup in Gabon reflects deep dissatisfaction with the ruling family and the electoral process, with high levels of disapproval towards the former president as well as distrust towards the electoral commission.
  3. Compared to Sahelian coups, the situation in Gabon differs significantly due to factors such as its higher urbanization rate, richer economy, and demographic characteristics that could potentially pave the way for a more stable transition to competitive electoral politics.

World roundup: October 31 2023

Foreign Exchanges • 727 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Middle East Asia Africa Europe Americas
  1. Israeli air strikes in Gaza led to civilian casualties, raising questions about proportionality and civilian protection in conflict zones.
  2. Houthi rebels in Yemen fired missiles at Israel, raising concerns about escalating regional conflicts and involvement of other countries.
  3. UN reports show the dire need for humanitarian aid in Ukraine, highlighting the impact of conflict on civilian populations and infrastructure.

Hello!

Kibao • 119 implied HN points • 04 Jun 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Climate Tech Africa Policy
  1. Kibao means 'a lot' in Swahili and also refers to a notice board. The author writes about various topics like energy, climate, tech, and Africa.
  2. The author offers a unique perspective as an African, scientist, policy wonk, feminist, and former stand-up comedian, bringing fresh insights to a range of subjects.
  3. The author welcomes feedback and comments from readers, aiming to engage in discussions and learn from others.

World roundup: October 26 2023

Foreign Exchanges • 668 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Middle East Asia Africa Europe Americas
  1. UN Secretary-General formed a new panel for AI concerns and a conference for rainforest protection was held in Congo.
  2. Israeli military conducted significant raids in northern Gaza, leading to numerous casualties and destruction.
  3. US announced new military aid for Ukraine and a secret US military operation in Lebanon is putting American personnel at risk.

World roundup: October 24 2023

Foreign Exchanges • 668 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Middle East Asia Africa Europe Americas
  1. A study suggests significant glacier melting in western Antarctica is likely unavoidable due to warming ocean water.
  2. Issues in the Israel-Palestine conflict continue, with Gazan casualties increasing and international calls for a ceasefire facing opposition.
  3. The Biden administration accuses Iran of facilitating recent attacks on US military personnel in Iraq and Syria, leading to increased surveillance activities.

Cash crops, marketing boards, and agricultural policy failures in Africa

An Africanist Perspective • 455 implied HN points • 18 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Agriculture Development Trade Africa Policy
  1. Improving agricultural productivity in Africa is crucial for economic development. Policymakers need to shift towards policies that support small-scale farmers and focus on local value addition before exports.
  2. The role of the state in African agriculture needs to be reconsidered. Historical policies like marketing boards have had both positive and negative impacts, and there is a need for open-mindedness towards government involvement in the sector.
  3. African cash crop producers face challenges in benefiting from their produce due to the structure of international commodity markets. African governments must invest in value addition and convince buyers to support local processing to boost sectoral margins.

Wakanda isn't an ideal utopia for Africa

The Novelleist • 575 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Africa Natural resources Economic Development Poverty Corruption
  1. Wakanda in Black Panther is a positive portrayal of African prosperity with advanced technology, boosting pride and dignity.
  2. The economic model of Wakanda, relying on a magical substance for wealth, ignores the realities of gradual economic development involving valuable goods and services.
  3. The obsession with natural resources as a source of wealth can hinder economic growth due to corruption, lack of policy improvements, and misinformation about their true benefits.

African Foreign Policy in a Multipolar Age

An Africanist Perspective • 376 implied HN points • 22 Dec 22
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy Africa International relations Sovereignty Development
  1. Africa's growing population and demographic shift will increase its geopolitical importance in the future.
  2. African countries must focus on building strong states and state capacity to ensure physical safety, order, and effective regional cooperation.
  3. African leaders should be clear on their policy priorities, understand foreign actors' motivations, keep options open for partnerships, and promote healthy competition within Africa to advance the region's interests.

Understanding Why so Many, Many False Starts in Sub-Saharan Africa...

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 153 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Africa Government Leadership Reform Development
  1. Sub-Saharan Africa faces challenges in creating successful governance systems that align with the population's needs and aspirations.
  2. Building functional and enduring states in sub-Saharan Africa may require reimagining the government structure from the ground up through inclusive conversations within communities.
  3. The ideal government model could be one that focuses on efficient administration and coordinates production processes, as seen in countries like Denmark and Singapore.

Losing control of Africa.

Philoinvestor • 137 implied HN points • 18 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Africa China Turkey Russia France
  1. Africa has a complex history with colonial influences, resulting in challenges and inequalities.
  2. Decolonization in Africa has led to artificial states and ongoing struggles, with foreign powers often serving their own interests.
  3. Countries like China, Russia, and Turkey are increasing their influence in Africa, challenging traditional powers like France.

🔅 The Mandela Auction That Never Was & Ethiopia's Hunger Crisis

baobabnewsletter • 58 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Africa Pope Francis South Africa
  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.

🔅 Italy's Africa Summit Is Short On Details & Rwanda's Unique Political Accountability

baobabnewsletter • 58 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Africa
  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.