27-year-old Ofentse Pitse is the first black South African woman to conduct and own an all-black orchestra. Her 40-piece symphony orchestra contributes to shedding light on African composers and propelling young black youth to excellence.
Kylie Kiunguyu
Politics and Society Nigeria launches sex offender register
Nigeria’s federal government launched its first national sexual offenders register, which is a database of persons convicted for sexual violence in the country since 2015. The register will be available online to assist the public, state bodies and police identify repeat offenders.
Politics and Society George the Poet declines Member of the Order of the British Empire title
Spoken word artist and award-winning podcaster, George the Poet has declined to become a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) based on the “colonial trauma inflicted on the children of Africa”.
Africans rising Winnie Byanyima appointed Executive Director of UNAIDS
Ugandan diplomat and humanitarian, Winnie Byanyima has been appointed as the new Executive Director of UNAIDS by the United Nations Secretary-General. She brings to the role more than 30 years of experience in political leadership and is set to advance a people-centered development agenda
Arts and Culture The Open Society Foundations pledges $15m towards recovery of looted African heritage
The Open Society Foundations founded by billionaire and philanthropist George Soros has pledged $15 million over four years to initiatives aimed at repatriating looted cultural objects to African countries.
Africans rising Africa Netpreneur Prize Initiative awards $1 Million to African entrepreneurs
The Africa Netpreneur Prize Initiative (ANPI) is a flagship initiative of the Jack Ma Foundation that aims to support and inspire the next generation of African entrepreneurs. In its first year the initiative awarded $1 million in prize money to 10 entrepreneurs from across Africa.
Lifestyle The world’s first Vagina Museum opens in London
The world’s first physical vagina museum has been opened in London to educate and inform people about gynaecological anatomy while providing a space in which to hear about and discuss the taboo subjects surrounding female bodies.
Politics and Society Why The Gambia is suing Myanmar for genocide against the Rohingya Muslim minority
The Gambia successfully filed a case at the International Court of Justice on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation that accuses Myanmar of a genocide campaign against the Rohingya Muslim minority.
Africans rising Ivorian photographer Joana Choumali becomes first African to win the Prix Pictet
Ivorian photographer Joana Choumali is the first African and second woman to win the Prix Pictet. Her series Ça va aller (It will be OK) is made up of ornate patterns embroidered on to photographs that depict Grand Bassam after a group of devastating terror attacks in March 2016.