Economy
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“They want a sample”: Women traders’ perilous cross-border journey
Taking informal routes to bypass checkpoints puts Ugandans at mercy of authorities who demand bribes, steal their wares – and worse. From the town ... -
Will China’s debt cancellations make a difference?
While welcome, Beijing’s debt relief for 17 African countries will likely have more political than economic impact. In mid-August, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs ... -
“The rich are untouchable”: Uganda’s struggles to protect its wetlands
As communities and small businesses are cleared from environmentally precious zones, big companies expand unabated. Last week, state officials accompanied by security forces swept ... -
Large-scale agricultural projects are not working for Africa
Big farming investments reduce local food security and erode trust. They need a fundamental rethink. In recent weeks, observers and officials have described the ... -
Congo’s oil auction: foiling climate colonialism or filling the coffers?
The DRC has two main goals in selling oil blocks that overlap with the world’s second largest rainforest. Neither involves developing oil. On 28-29 ... -
How useful is aid to Africa?
Mills’ latest book calls for donors to focus on democracies, but electoral systems can be as susceptible to corruption as autocracies. Since 1960, Africa ... -
What will it take for monthly rent payment to work in Nigeria?
Nigerians currently have to shell out a whole year’s rent in advance. Many renters want this to change, but landlords will need reassuring. Renting ... -
The world of work can (and must) be disability inclusive
There is not just a moral but a strong business case for ensuring workplaces are inclusive. Companies that are do better business. Since I ... -
Building houses while knocking down gender barriers in Zimbabwe
The pandemic has accelerated generational shifts as more women join the once male-dominated construction industry. Last year, Charity Nyoni walked by a group of ... -
How a communion wine shortage gave birth to an international brand
Linga wine is a small family business in Malawi that punches well above its weight. On a Friday afternoon, an elderly Margaret Ngwira emerges ...
