Featured stories about Sub-Saharan Africa
Stories about Sub-Saharan Africa
13 February 2020
Broadcasters from Nigeria join global celebration of World Radio Day 2020
Nigerian broadcasters joined radio practitioners around the world to honor the powerful role that radio plays in global development on World Radio Day, February 13, 2020.
‘Luanda Leaks': How Africa's richest woman plundered the Angolan state
The investigation was based on more than 715,000 documents received by the Platform for the Protection of Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF).
7 February 2020
Tanzania slapped with US travel ban, individual sanctions amid deteriorating human rights situation
Tanzania's inclusion in the US travel ban speaks to intensifying diplomatic strain between the two countries due to Tanzania's rapid decline in human rights.
6 February 2020
Nigeria on defensive after US travel ban casts accusations of security noncompliance
The travel ban came as a surprise to Nigeria, which has been a long-time partner with the US in the global fight against terrorism.
Nigeria's digital ID scheme may benefit those ‘with access'— but what about everyone else?
"Without an adequate data privacy or protection law, how can we safeguard against some of the greatest risks that such a system could incur?"
3 February 2020
Newly elected Mozambican MP who lacks upper limbs plans to focus on education
"I believe that by being here in the great chamber I will encourage and inspire many people by the things I will do during my mandate."
31 January 2020
Waterfront communities displaced by forced evictions in Lagos, Nigeria
Lagos' waterfront communities are seen as a public health and safety threat, but to residents who struggle to afford to live on the mainland, they are the only option.
30 January 2020
Nigeria's Operation Àmò̩té̩kùn: Was it named after a leopard, cheetah or tiger?
Linguists who study Yorùbá have long taken issue with ascribing meaning of the word àmò̩té̩kùn interchangeably with the leopard, cheetah and tiger.
29 January 2020
Africa's creative industries get a half-billion-dollar boost by big banks
“Because of underinvestment in the creative and cultural industries, Africa is largely absent in the global market of ideas, values and aesthetics," said Benedict Oramah, president of Afreximbank.
Nigeria’s border closure puts a dent in intra-regional trade optimism
Closing Nigeria's land borders to solve the recurrence of smuggling will have a negative economic effect on Nigeria and puts a damper on Africa's much-anticipated intra-regional trade investment agreement.
27 January 2020
Red palm fruit flourishes in Côte d'Ivoire, despite national shortage
In the sprawling markets of Côte d'Ivoire, red palm oil is sold in open-air stands in recycled plastic bottles by women. The original red palm tree originates in West Africa.
24 January 2020
This Nigerian human rights lawyer wins second order of restraint against government
Lawyer Gloria Ballason has experienced ongoing intimidation and harassment by Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, amid a growing crackdown on freedom of expression and dissent in Nigeria.
A regional security intervention in Nigeria sparks ethnic, political tensions
Amotekun may be the litmus test that defines the restructuring of Nigeria's federalism.
23 January 2020
Malawi opens the first drone academy in Africa
The African Drone and Data Academy officially opened this month in Malawi — the first of its kind in Africa.
22 January 2020
Another #SexForGrades scandal — and the birth of a movement against sexual harassment in Nigeria
In the last few years, Nigerian women have become ferociously vocal against sexual assault of female students. This is growing into a movement with extraordinary on- and offline impact.
21 January 2020
Yorùbá loanwords: How languages evolve
Using Yorùbá words in their original forms helps ensure that culture — kept alive through language — continues to thrive.
Nigeria: A failed state — reality or perception?
In addition to threats from Boko Haram, abductions and kidnapping in Nigeria have also become the norm.
19 January 2020
Zanzibar says goodbye to legendary ‘king of kidumbak,’ musician Makame Faki
Legendary Zanzibari musician Makame Faki Makame has died at the age of 77. He was hailed as the king of kidumbak and a master of taarab, Zanzibar's "national sound."
16 January 2020
New privacy law in Mozambique threatens freedom of expression, activists say
New legislation criminalizes all types of invasion of privacy via mobile phones, and the publication of images or videos of third parties without their consent.
12 January 2020
Zanzibar mourns the death of Omani sultan who strengthened historical ties with East Africa
Sultan Qaboos bin Said of Oman was known to many as a "quiet diplomat" who modernized Oman and restored and strengthened historical ties with Zanzibar and East Africa.
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.
