Featured stories about Sub-Saharan Africa
Stories about Sub-Saharan Africa
1 April 2020
A king’s belief in herbal remedies to cure COVID-19 butts up against science in Nigeria
This Nigerian king believes that natural herbs can cure COVID-19. But making unverified claims via Twitter to thousands of followers can be misleading — and dangerous — to the public.
31 March 2020
An Angolan isolation centre for those repatriated lacks screening, space, and even toilet paper
"We were crowded and there was nobody to give us information or establish any control procedures. They only measured our temperature on arrival, nothing more."
30 March 2020
After being kidnapped and threatened, Mozambican YouTuber has his channel suspended
In early February, he was kidnapped for 24 hours, before he was freed by the police. A self-proclaimed prophet named Joe Williams is suspected of ordering the kidnapping.
29 March 2020
Kenyan star runner Eliud Kipchoge says 2020 Olympics postponement is ‘shocking but noble’
Olympic superstar Eliud Kipchoge was looking forward to competing at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. But the postponement makes sense to him. "We live in a world of uncertainties," he...
28 March 2020
Market mayhem in Uganda as COVID-19 measures upend women’s lives
In Uganda, sudden COVID-19 restrictions have led to increased violence against women in the informal sector, who continue to work as vendors to feed their families.
26 March 2020
Can Zimbabwe handle the coronavirus amid a collapsing health care system?
Zimbabweans brace for the coronavirus amid chronic health system struggles and expensive internet data. "Sadly, in the remote parts of our country, some are clueless of this pandemic."
20 March 2020
With no confirmed cases of COVID-19, Mozambique prepares for looming outbreak
Mozambique hasn't yet closed its land borders, but has imposed a 14-day quarantine for people arriving from affected countries and prohibited gatherings with more than 300 people.
COVID-19 pandemic lays bare the political leadership deficit in Nigeria
Nigeria's President Buhari is yet to speak to Nigerians about the COVID-19 pandemic. His spokespersons have even scolded legislators for daring to ask him to address the country.
19 March 2020
Local power play ends the reign of northern Nigeria's emir of Kano
Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II used his privileged voice to confront 'the evil forces of feudalism' that have kept Northern Nigeria 'in bondage for so long'. But this cost him his throne.
Tanzania tackles COVID-19 with strict measures to slow the spread
In the wake of six confirmed COVID-19 cases in Tanzania, the government has taken strict measures to slow the spread. But messaging and communication around preventative measures remains a challenge.
Refugees in Ethiopia's camps raise privacy and exclusion concerns over UNHCR’s new digital registration
Biometric registration enables refugees to secure a digital ID that gives them access to aid. Their use has raised serious concerns about privacy and exclusion among refugees in Ethiopia.
Outrage as Zimbabwe’s military declares social media a ‘dangerous threat’
The military's declaration that social media is a "dangerous threat" has angered Zimbabweans concerned over the increasing deterioration of freedom of expression in the country.
14 March 2020
COVID-19 in Africa: ‘Unprecedented levels of mobilization’ as nations brace for pandemic
With at least 19 African countries facing COVID-19, several African governments have taken critical steps toward managing the outbreak, including travel restrictions, health screenings, rapid testing and social distancing measures.
9 March 2020
A ‘sweet’ deal: Sugar war ends between Tanzania and Uganda after years-long embargo
After a years-long ban on sugar imports from Uganda, Tanzania announced that it would open up trade on a government-to-government basis, strengthening ties within the East African Community.
6 March 2020
4 March 2020
France24 headline about COVID-19 in Africa irks netizens as racist
Having just a few COVID-19 cases in Africa has puzzled some experts, according to France24. Many netizens felt this news framing relied on stereotypical images of Africa as disease-prone.
3 March 2020
Lost in translation: Why Google Translate often gets Yorùbá — and other languages — wrong
As more tech companies attempt to provide translation and access to multiple languages online, controversies and challenges arise — especially when it comes to accuracy and cultural nuance.
2 March 2020
Nigerians wear black to mourn latest victims of terrorist attacks
"We grieve for those who left in haste, with stifled cries and mangled limbs. We mourn Nigerians killed in the fiery furnace called Nigeria."
28 February 2020
An Italian national is the index case patient of COVID-19 disease in Nigeria
Lagos is a commercial hub in Nigeria and the likelihood of a rapid spread of COVID-19 to other parts of the country is a looming possibility.
YouTuber in Mozambique kidnapped after denouncing a self-proclaimed prophet
In some of his YouTube videos, the user "Beleza em pessoa" criticized Mozambican prophets.
About our Sub-Saharan Africa coverage
Amanda Lichtenstein is the Sub-Saharan Africa editor. Email her story ideas or volunteer to write.
Lova Rakotomalala is the Francophone (French) editor. Email him story ideas or volunteer to write.
