Africa - The Sixteenth Council

Improving Monetary Policy Frameworks in Sub-Saharan Africa

Shallow financial sectors mean policy changes often fail to trickle down to ordinary people. Over 65% of Africans remain unbanked and outside the formal credit system . Dollarisation, especially in Zimbabwe, the DRC, and South Sudan, has corroded domestic monetary authority. In the DRC, over 90% of transactions are in US dollars . Weak data systems make real-time policy adjustments nearly impossible. In many countries, reliable inflation data arrives weeks or months late

Trump in the DRC: Blood Deals, Justice Dreams, and the Price of Sovereignty

In a bold, high-risk move, President Félix Tshisekedi has signed a mineral-for-security agreement with the United States—an audacious pivot that may either ignite a new chapter of sovereignty or deepen the nation’s postcolonial wounds.

A Historic Turn: DR Congo and Rwanda Sign Landmark Declaration of Principles in Washington

In a historic diplomatic breakthrough not seen in over two decades, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda signed a Declaration of Principles on US soil on 25 April 2025, marking a potential turning point in one of Africa’s most protracted and devastating regional conflicts. Hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, D.C., this high-level event has been heralded as the most significant move towards peace between the two nations since the 2002 Pretoria Accord.

Fascist Sovereignties in Modern-Day Africa

Fascism, a word many believe died with Mussolini and Hitler, is far from buried. It lives, breathes, and governs in Africa today – not in name, but in principle, practice, and policy. From the systematic suppression of dissent to the glorification of singular leaders, the continent is gripped by regimes that perpetuate disguised fascist sovereignties

AU: No Civic Education In The Continental Education Strategy For Africa 2016–2025

In its 44-page Continental Education Strategy for Africa 2016–2025 (CESA 16–25), the African Union outlines 12 Strategic Objectives, 7 guiding principles, and dozens of proposed actions—from strengthening STEM to expanding TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training). Nowhere does the document explicitly mandate civic education as a core priority.

Namibia’s Bold Visa Policy Shift: A Turning Point for Africa’s Global Standing

This decision is not just about travel; it is a statement of sovereignty, a demand for fairness, and a bold step towards reshaping international relations. Namibia is sending a clear message: if Namibians must go through bureaucratic hurdles and costly visa applications to visit certain countries, then citizens of those nations must undergo the same process.

Vital Nzaka: The Congolese Scientist Generating Electricity from Plants

Experiencing frequent power outages that disrupted daily life, he became determined to explore alternative energy sources that could provide reliable and sustainable electricity to his community. His quest led him to investigate the potential of indigenous plant materials, particularly cassava, a staple in Congolese agriculture and cuisine.

DRC Cannot Still Be a Crying Baby in the Region – Former President Joseph Kabila

Former President Joseph Kabila, in a recent statement, challenged this enduring narrative, asserting that “the DRC cannot continue to be a crying baby in the region.” His remark underscores a fundamental issue: the need for the DRC to take ownership of its challenges, strengthen governance, and assert its sovereignty.

Geopolitics: Its Significance and Functioning in Africa

Africa, with its vast natural resources, strategic maritime routes, and growing political influence, is a focal point in global geopolitics. From the colonial era to contemporary power struggles, external and internal forces have shaped the continent’s trajectory.

Inga 3 Hydropower Plant

The Inga 3 Hydropower Plant project is one of Africa’s most ambitious energy initiatives. Envisaged as a critical component of the Grand Inga vision, it aims to generate 11,050 MW by harnessing the immense hydropower potential of the Congo River. This in-depth analysis explores why the project is vital for Africa’s sustainable development, examines the challenges and opportunities it presents, and outlines the tangible steps that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the African Union, and investors must take to ensure its success.

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