Stories about Sub-Saharan Africa from December, 2024
Data Narratives Civic Media Observatory: Country Reports
The reports examined the complexities of the data governance landscape across the five countries through the lens of the data narratives and counter-narratives that shape conversations in each country.
South Africa’s air pollution crisis: Contributing factors and solutions
The South African High Court ruled that the poor air quality violates citizens' constitutional right to an environment that is safe for their health and well-being.
The rise of compressed natural gas as an alternative fuel in Nigeria
Nigeria, one of Africa's largest producers of natural gas, has proven gas reserves of 206.53 trillion cubic feet as of 2021. However, the infrastructure for compressed natural gas remains limited.
Mali adopts openly anti-LGBTQ+ legislation
In Africa, there is a growing trend towards the criminalization of homosexuality. The recent change in Malian legislation is a prime example.
Surprising developments from Ghana’s 2024 elections and other elections in Africa
Increasingly, citizens are prioritizing accountability and performance over party loyalty, using their votes and voices to demand change from governments that fail to address corruption, inefficiency, and unmet promises.
Scholars highlight trends for media freedom across Africa in panel in Accra
Dr. Winston Mano of University of Westminster in London took a deep dive into “Afrokology,” a term that summarizes the expansive efforts to decolonize the emerging research about Africa.
Artificial Intelligence Narratives: A Global Voices Report
Our Data Narratives research delves into discourse about data and artificial intelligence in five countries: Sudan, El Salvador, India, Brazil, and Turkey.
West Asia and North Africa in 2024: Turmoil, transformation, and trauma
As the world turns its gaze to 2025, the genocidal war on Gaza continues. Lessons of this year must not be forgotten nor should the people of Sudan, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and elsewhere.
In conversation with Kenyan poet and storyteller Njeri Wangari
Njeri Wangari shares her changing interests and thoughts about a range of issues, including Kenya today, the future of social media and citizen journalism.
Rising Voices: Listening to the world on its own terms
Preserving a language has multiple elements. It’s about ensuring that scripts are digitized, so that we can read and write a language online — this might include scanning and digitizing analog books, as well as designing contemporary fonts.
Kenyan money lending apps invade borrowers’ privacy to recover debts
A report by the Centre for Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law (CIPIT) at Strathmore University revealed that most lending apps collect far more data than necessary.
There is urgent need to reopen the Benin–Niger border
A diplomatic crisis fueled by political tension between Niger and Benin is hampering the economic activities of people in both countries.
Gabon: New constitution closes chapter on Bongo family’s reign
On November 16, 2024, more than a year after military officers seized control of Gabon, Gabonese citizens will have the opportunity to vote in a referendum for a new constitution.
The revolving door of Africa's displacement crises
The global community urgently needs to increase funding for humanitarian relief and also invest in proven programs, such as climate-smart agriculture, that can prevent displacement.
How death threats, job losses, and lack of protection affect whistleblowers in West Africa
Across Africa, corruption remains a critical barrier to development, undermining democratic institutions, slowing economic growth, contributing to governmental instability, and fueling organized crime and general insecurity.
In Burkina Faso, the artist Fasky uses photography to promote resilience and social engagement
In Africa, artistic gatherings serve as excellent platforms for activists aiming to draw attention to social issues and human rights.
What is hindering the complete eradication of polio in Africa?
In a message to mark World Polio Day 2024, WHO Regional Director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, reported that 134 cases of polio type 2 had been detected in 2024 alone as of September 5.
About our Sub-Saharan Africa coverage
