Debating Ideas
-
The Horn of Africa’s Age of Permanent Conflict
Sudan’s Comprehensive Peace Agreement, signed in 2005, seemed to vindicate a model for how wars might end in the Horn of Africa. Under the ... -
When protecting local traders turns foreigners into targets
On Dennis Pritt Road in Nairobi’s Kilimani district, long queues formed outside the Burundian embassy on 7 September. People were waiting for laissez-passers, temporary ... -
How much is a human worth? Nigeria’s growing kidnapping economy
On 21 August, armed men entered a mosque in Dekara village in Niger State while Friday prayers were underway. At around the same time, nearby settlements ... -
Nigeria Is Building an AI Economy. Who Will Protect Nigerians When the Algorithms Get It Wrong?
By the time Nigeria puts together all of the policies needed to regulate artificial intelligence, elements of the technology might have already been implemented. ... -
Mineral Beneficiation: A Pipedream of Prosperity in an Unequal Financial Architecture
Since 2023, 14 African countries have introduced export restrictions on unprocessed critical minerals, requiring “local beneficiation” – or in-country processing and manufacturing – prior ... -
DRC: The INGA Dam Paradox
Congo already has electricity it cannot deliver. Inga’s problem is not the dam. Everyone is arguing about who will finance 44 gigawatts. Almost nobody ... -
Beyond the Fighter Jets: What Algeria’s Deployment to Niger Really Signals
Four Algerian Su-30 fighters touched down in Niamey on 30 August 2026, trailed by an aerial refueling aircraft. A day earlier, mutinous soldiers — ... -
Ebola and Africa’s Preparedness Dividend: From Crisis to Capability
Africa is facing its 17th Ebola outbreak, and this time the continent is meeting it with the most capable response architecture it has ever ... -
Papers, Please: Canon Collins 2026 Essay Shortlisted Finalist
This piece was a shortlisted finalist for the Canon Collins 2026 essay competition. The annual competition invites essays that demonstrate thought leadership and offer ... -
After the Ballot: What Democracy Must Mean for Somalia
Somali political life is intensely debated across towns, households, media platforms and diaspora communities. Yet this energy does not consistently produce the power to ...
