The hottest Africa Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Guest Post: Gbenga Adewoyin: Fighting superstition in Africa

Critical Mass • 5 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Religion Social Issues Africa
  1. Superstitions in Sub-Saharan Africa can have dangerous effects, like accusing people of witchcraft or performing harmful rituals. These beliefs lead to serious crimes and injustices, which are often overlooked.
  2. Efforts to combat these superstitions have been gaining some traction, with increased public discussions and investigations into frauds who exploit these beliefs. More people are starting to question and challenge traditional views about the supernatural.
  3. There are serious societal issues linked to belief in the supernatural, like tribalism and stigmatization of those accused of witchcraft. Many innocent individuals face lifelong consequences due to these superstitions, emphasizing the need for societal change.

China forgives 23 loans for 17 African countries, expands ‘win-win’ trade and infrastructure projects

Geopolitical Economy Report • 219 implied HN points • 25 Aug 22
🌍 World Politics China Africa Debt
  1. China has forgiven 23 loans for 17 African countries, showing a commitment to mutually beneficial cooperation and deepening collaboration with the continent.
  2. Western accusations of Chinese 'debt-trap diplomacy' in Africa are baseless, as China has a history of cancelling debt and restructuring loans, aiming for win-win results.
  3. The US has been pressuring African countries to cut ties with China and Russia, while experts debunk the myth of the Chinese 'debt trap' narrative.

The Last Drought in Africa

Pen>Sword • 159 implied HN points • 12 Dec 22
🎾 Sports Football Africa Imperialism History Competition
  1. Morocco made history by becoming the first African nation to reach the World Cup semifinal, challenging the long-standing dominance of European teams.
  2. Football is interconnected with political and historical narratives, especially in the context of African nations competing against former colonial powers.
  3. The victory of Morocco symbolized unity and pride for the entire African continent, breaking the cycle of football drought and inspiring a sense of possibility and togetherness.

The African Century?

Surfing the Future • 39 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Demographics Africa Population Growth Migration
  1. Africa's population is projected to reach 40% of the world's population by 2100, having significant implications in various aspects.
  2. There's a generational shift happening in Africa as Baby Boomers recede, and younger generations come into power with different values and priorities.
  3. Despite potential migration desires, many young Africans want to stay in Africa to make a positive impact, potentially reshaping the continent's future.
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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.

The Forgotten Wars

Comment is Freed • 87 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Africa Refugees International relations
  1. Wars in Africa, like the one in Tigray, are often overlooked by the international community despite their significant humanitarian impact and high death tolls.
  2. Ethiopia and Sudan have complex histories of conflicts, rooted in ethnic tensions and political power struggles, leading to ongoing wars and humanitarian crises.
  3. The lack of attention from global powers and media coverage contributes to the prolonged suffering in these war-torn regions, highlighting the need for more diplomatic efforts and accountability for war crimes.

🔅 Ivory Coast's Lêkê Revolution & Madagascar's Gemstone Scandal

baobabnewsletter • 39 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Africa Corruption Economic Development Terrorism Government
  1. Ivory Coast's popular lêkê 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.

China Looms over Taiwan Election; US-China Military Talks Resume; Bush's Legs and Putin's Eggs; Brittleness in Putin's System; China and Russia in Africa

Natto Thoughts • 39 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Taiwan Russia Africa
  1. Taiwan's 2024 Presidential Election focuses on identity, China relations, and economic well-being, with China attempting to influence the outcome through information operations.
  2. US-China military talks resumed with tension over Taiwan remaining a core issue, indicating China's unwavering stance on Taiwan despite the talks.
  3. Putin's rule in Russia shows signs of fragility with declining support for the war in Ukraine, mysterious deaths, and corruption within law enforcement agencies, signaling potential instability.

🔅 Western Miners' Africa Caution vs. Global Competitors' Bold Moves

baobabnewsletter • 19 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Africa Sudan
  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.

List of 4,000+ Funders in Africa

Grant & Co • 19 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurs Africa Database Funding Subscription
  1. Grant & Co offers a database of 4,000+ funders in Africa for $1,000 starting March 1, 2024, but currently has a free sneak peek available.
  2. For $100, users can access additional data like funding amounts, previous investees, and notes on funders' preferences in the Premium version for a limited time.
  3. Grant & Co is a reader-supported publication, and readers can choose to become free or paid subscribers to support the work.

🔅 Liberia's Presidential Heatstroke & Blinken's African Diplomatic Tour

baobabnewsletter • 19 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Africa US Relations Cultural heritage
  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.

Top 5 Stories at the Close of Group Stage

Pen>Sword • 59 implied HN points • 04 Dec 22
🎾 Sports Football Africa World Cup
  1. Morocco became the first African team to top a World Cup group in the 21st century, making a significant impact and upsetting favorites.
  2. The Palestinian flag was prominently present at the World Cup, symbolizing defiance and unity in the face of restrictions from Western nations.
  3. Japan's unexpected victories over powerhouses like Germany and Spain, along with their fans' spirited support, made them a standout team in the group stage.

🔅 Fuel Crisis Chaos in West Africa, Terrorism Takes Over Sub-Saharan Africa, Kenya's Wallet-Wrenching Fuel Tax: What's Next?

baobabnewsletter • 19 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Africa Terrorism Economy Conflict Government
  1. Fuel crisis in West Africa due to price increase after Nigeria scrapped fuel subsidy
  2. Sub-Saharan Africa is now the hotspot for terrorism due to political, economic, and social issues
  3. Kenya doubled fuel tax, impacting citizens and increasing cost of living

Afridigest Fintech Review: On boldness, Brass, and Binance

Afridigest • 3 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
💼 Business Fintech Africa Finance
  1. One fintech financing transaction and two fintech M&A deals were announced, showcasing growth and activity in the African fintech space.
  2. Significant news of the week included M-Pesa celebrating 17 years, Binance stopping Naira services, Lemfi's move to China, and Flutterwave streamlining its product offerings, indicating shifts and changes in the industry.
  3. Key companies and executives highlighted in this Fintech Review include Binance, M-Pesa, Brass, Flutterwave, Interswitch, Mastercard, and more, offering insights into the major players and leaders shaping the African fintech landscape.

The Congo wars revisited

Wood From Eden • 2 HN points • 15 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Africa Conflict Battles Colonialism
  1. The Congo Wars were not traditional wars with clear opponents and objectives, but rather a chaotic conflict with multiple confusing factors.
  2. The geography of the Congo, historical divisions, and outside influences like colonial powers all played a role in shaping the complexity of the conflict.
  3. Resource exploitation, internal divisions, and international interventions were key factors that fueled and prolonged the Congo Wars.

Fighting corruption in Africa, one US law at a time

Klement on Investing • 2 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Corruption Africa Enforcement Impact
  1. The US Foreign Corruption Practice Act (FCPA) applies globally to companies listed on American stock exchanges, impacting businesses engaging in corruption, bribery, etc.
  2. Stricter enforcement of FCPA since 2004 resulted in increased night-time brightness in communities near mines, indicating companies invested in local infrastructure and employment rather than engaging in bribery.
  3. After FCPA enforcement, local communities around mines saw improved infrastructure, reduced corruption perception, and more jobs, showcasing the positive impact of US regulations.

🔅 Kenya's Political Heatwave

baobabnewsletter • 0 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Africa Elections Protests
  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

🔅 Nigerian Election: Will the young Obi-dients take it?

baobabnewsletter • 0 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Africa US Elections Diplomacy
  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.