In most instances, Africa’s mineral wealth has been signed away to other countries by leaders who have signed terrible deals that enrich only themselves and not their country. However, the continent has some of the world’s biggest mineral reserves, and has a chance to be a major player in the value chains, but the risk of being exploited by industrialised countries remains.
Politics
Politics and Society The cost of running for president of Nigeria
In Nigeria, you need as much as US$125 000 to buy a presidential nomination form. These exorbitant amounts are aimed to keep the highest political office in the hands of the monied, the connected and the corrupt.
African identities Is the obsession with homosexuality politicians’ way of distracting us from the real issues?
It is worth considering whether corrupt or ineffective leaders are deliberately fanning the flames of homophobia so that we, the electorate, will lose focus and not hold them to account.
Politics and Society Why Abiy won’t succeed unless he listens to Ethiopia’s majority – its rural people
Despite all Ethiopia’s Abiy Ahmed’s inspirational reforms, there can be no progress without the rural majority.
Politics and Society Africans deserve to know details of deals their leaders sign with China
China’s footprints are all over the African continent, signing deals with many countries. However, the finer details of China-Africa loans are often kept secret. There are concerns that African countries are mortgaging their natural resources as collateral for the loans. The China-Africa deals ought to be transparent, and the public has the right to scrutinise the agreements.
Politics and Society Why Bobi Wine represents such a big threat to Museveni
Whether the enduring face of this new politics is Bobi Wine or someone else, Ugandan politics is clearly changing
Politics and Society Trump’s comment about South Africa is a reminder that race still matters
The US president’s comments about South Africa’s land reform stem from his view that whites are under attack from blacks.
Politics and Society Uganda: who is Bobi Wine and why is he creating such a fuss?
Bobi Wine entered the political arena with a relatively consistent background of politically critical music.
Politics and Society Zimbabwe’s Con Court unanimously declares Mnangagwa Presidential Election Winner
Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Court has unanimously declared Emerson Mnangagwa’s victory in the presidential election last month valid, effectively declaring the incumbent the winner. The ruling is final and paves way for Mnangagwa to be sworn in as president within 48 hours following the ruling.