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Tag: Africa

  • Africa and Washington’s Disruptive Trade Wars: Opportunities and Challenges

    Africa and Washington’s Disruptive Trade Wars: Opportunities and Challenges

    By Charles Onunaiju, Abuja

    Borders that are crisscrossed more frequently by trades in goods and services are less likely to besieged by soldiers and other armed elements, buttressing the fact that trade dividends are not just development, growth and prosperity but also peace and mutual understanding through the instrumentality of dialogue among civilizations. With the establishment and flourishing of regional free trade areas across the world, it is no doubt that trade makes concrete contributions to the national aggregates of many countries and trade promotions have become an existential part of contemporary diplomacy.

    International trade expos have emerged as central theme in the contemporary international system. With trade as almost the indispensable oxygen that Nations breathe, attempts and efforts to disrupt trade will have implications not only on how nations thrive but more importantly, how they survive.

    In Africa, there broadly share views that trade constitute a formidable path to not only ameliorate poverty but even to banish it with a recognition that trade is central to not only economic recovery but is remarkably consequential to the prospects of prosperity in Africa. It is further broadly recognized that the mono-structural framework of the economies in Africa which are both legacies of colonial domination and consequent skewed trade arrangement with former colonial overlords, is grossly inadequate to generate returns on trade for national aggregates.

    The well-known struggles for economic diversification and added values have been the core themes of Africa’s approach to development and trade policies. The maturity and results of the efforts have greater prospects in the context of sustained international trading system now threatened by the political bombasts of the abuse of tariffs and trade wars.

    U.S President, Donald Trump claimed that his reasons for instituting disruptive tariffs and escalating trade conflicts is because other countries in the world take advantage of the U.S market without the U.S enjoying reciprocal access to the markets of other countries. Without conceding these reasons which is at best dubious, because problems and challenges of market access are sometimes related to the structure and nature of the individual national economies.

    Trade war is not a cure-all for the structural maladies of the advance capitalist economies, especially the United States but tampering with the pyramid structure of their economies and societies where the working people are the proverbial cannon fodders and expendables, rob them of the critical energizer of their overstretched economies barely subsisting on the tiny thread of their fabulous elite.

    Mr. Bernie Sanders, Senator from Vermont and who vied for the Presidential nomination of the Democratic Party said “it is not just that one tenth of 1% owns more wealth than the bottom 90%. They don’t put their wealth underneath their mattresses right. They use that wealth to perpetrate, perpetuate their power. And they do that politically”.

    From the point of structural constraint, the U.S can unshackle herself and become again, world renown and eminent trader.

    Washington right now, does not seek what ails her from within but rather to engage in geo-political maneuver with trade disruptions as one of its key strategies. China is the U.S most obvious target in the tariff wars and trade disruptions. China happens to be the world’s foremost trader and investor. As the largest trading partner for more than one hundred countries and investing an average of 340 million U.S dollars across the world on daily basis, China is as much an opportunity to the world as the world is an opportunity to China. China has been Africa’s largest trading partner for fourteen years in a straight row and also instituted a 100% tariff free entry of goods from the least developed countries including thirty-three from Africa which has been a boon and veritable gateway to exit poverty for these countries.

    Recognizing that trade and investment would be pivotal to the economic diversification strategies of African countries and central to her sustainability and growth, the third summit of the heads of States and Governments of the Forum on China-Africa Economic Cooperation (FOCAC) at Beijing in 2018 instituted the permanent mechanism of China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo which holds every two years in the China Southern province of Hunan. At the 3rd edition of the Expo held in 2023, a total 120 deals valued at 10.3 billion USD were signed, with the Expo providing a platform for Africa producers and traders to explore new export markets and for Chinese consumers to find high quality, low-priced products.

    Against the background of vigorous trade exchanges between China and Africa, Washington disruptive trade wars are both opportunities and challenges. Both the Chinese market and investment remain very critical to Africa’s growth prospect and development sustainability. The emerging framework of currency swaps enabling China and African businesses to conduct transactions in their national currencies without the medium of the third currency would bolster exchanges. The African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA) offers an integrated market and investment destination, given scope and effect to Africa ambitious plan of Agenda 2063, whose major fulcrum would consist in silencing the gun. Trade would be a major harbinger of Africa’s agenda 2063, and China as Africa’s foremost trading partner will be an important enabler in the continent’s trajectory to peace, stability and prosperity. Strengthening cooperation with a view to build strategic resilience into its trajectories would guarantee long term prospect with minimal or even marginal effects of the trade disruptions.

    Despite that trade wars are unwinnable and need not to be fought, the current Washington leadership would be hard to be persuaded. But as history has often does, it comes with the harsh reminder of having to be ignored. It did not take too long for the boisterous bubble of the “end of the history”, proclaimed in the 1990s with the collapse of the former Soviet Union to burst revealing that history was only at the cusp of a fresh starting point.

    Translating the obsessive geo-political fantasy of America’s exceptionalism and hegemony into disruptive trade wars would backfire, heightening the tensions of the America’s fault line of race and street violence. Globalization powered by trade with communication technologies ever shrinking the space and helping the trends of inclusion are irreversible tide in the human prospects.

    Inward and toxic nationalisms are at best ephemeral and transient. Trade may sometimes be unfair but the compelling dividends of trade means that such situations are better addressed with more trade and not less. While the mechanism of the World Trade Organization is evidently weak however, its pioneering efforts through the Uruguay and Doha rounds remain the critical infrastructures for building consensus on basic rules.

    Quite a number of regional free trade areas exist to address lacunas in trade and therefore, the international system is not short of rules to engage in issues of trade disputes.

    The United States have ample leeway to redress her trade concerns and grudges, without launching disruptive trade wars. As with the U.S initial refusal under President Trump to engage in a broad international cooperation to contain the outbreak of the corona virus in 2020, it paid a disproportionate high price with more COVID deaths than any other country in the world. Now, not only turning its back on global trade but even disrupting it, the current U.S administration would never have to entertain any illusions that there would be consequences.

    Mr. Onunaiju, Director, Centre for China Studies, Abuja.

  • China Is Africa’s True Friend amid Its Second Awakening, by Yi Fan

    China Is Africa’s True Friend amid Its Second Awakening, by Yi Fan

    By Yi Fan

    In the previous century, anti-colonial liberation and independence movements across the African continent gave rise to what many call Africa’s “first awakening.” Decades later, a growing number of African countries are revisiting their Western-style institutions and seeking greater self-reliance, sustainability and voice. Amid this “second awakening” in the words of some locals, Africa has a true friend in the Global South: China.

    The more the visits, the closer the friend

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to four African countries at the beginning of 2025 continued an unparalleled 35-year tradition of the foreign minister going to Africa for the first overseas visit of the year. By doing so, China shows the world that regardless of changes in the international and regional landscape, it will always remain the most trustworthy friend of African brothers and sisters, the most reliable partner of African countries in their development, and the strongest supporter of Africa on the international stage, as Foreign Minister Wang told the press.

    A central topic throughout the visit was the implementation of the ten partnership actions for modernization that Chinese President Xi Jinping laid out at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, and the translation of strategic common understandings into constant growth drivers for China-Africa relations.

    When meeting the press in Nigeria, Foreign Minister Wang welcomed Nigeria to issue panda bonds in China and expressed confidence in Nigeria, building on President Xi’s words at the Beijing Summit that “China will encourage and support Africa in issuing panda bonds in China to enhance our results-oriented cooperation in all areas.”

    When more is shared, much more is gained

    In recent weeks, heartbreaking natural disasters have been reported in several places across the world. In his meeting with Foreign Minister Wang, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu expressed sympathy over the earthquake in China’s southwestern Xizang Autonomous Region and commended China for its swift and effective rescue efforts. This is not the first time African leaders have spoken highly of China’s organization and mobilization capacity.

    Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, China has found a development path suited to its national realities. Stories of Chinese modernization provide inspirations and alternatives for African nations seeking to accelerate development.

    Within the Partnership Action for Mutual Learning among Civilizations, the first among the ten partnership actions for modernization, China plans to work with Africa to build a platform for governance experience sharing, a China-Africa knowledge network for development, and 25 centers on China and Africa studies, and invite 1,000 members of African political parties to China. These measures will cement the intellectual bedrock for a time-honored China-Africa friendship.

    When we stand united, our voice is stronger

    The collective rise of the Global South in this changing world brings China and Africa together in a common cause. China understands, through its own experience, that the biggest historical injustice against Africa is not only colonialism, but also bullyism and power politics.

    While in Africa, Foreign Minister Wang reiterated support for redressing the historical injustice against Africa, opposition to foreign interference in African countries’ internal affairs, and support for special arrangements to meet Africa’s concern as a priority on the issue of the reform of the United Nations Security Council.

    Looking ahead, the recent re-election of Nigerian economist Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, who is the first African to hold this position, is a ray of hope for a land of promise. China and Africa can and must do more together for free trade and a more just and equitable global governance system as a whole.

    Modernization is not westernization. As Africa works toward its modernization, which is part and parcel of global modernization, its journey becomes more pleasant knowing that China is a true friend.

    (Yi Fan is a Beijing-based political commentator.)

  • Fake News and the Challenges of Reporting China

    Fake News and the Challenges of Reporting China

    BY DR AUSTIN MAHO

    The skewed flow of global news and information which favors countries of the Western hemisphere to the detriment of those in the south means that just like Africa, China has become a major victim of fake news and misinformation.

    The global media for decades have been under the control of the west and they have exploited this near total dominance to weaponised news and information flow all in a bid to sustain western hegemony and portray a global narrative that suits capitalist agenda.

    A major legacy of colonialisation and neo colonialisation is that the west as a result of its near total dominance of information flow to Africa often have the ability to also control the narratives about China. Many people in Africa see China from the prism of western media narratives which more often than not is not a reflection of the real China.

    The consequence is that there is a pervasiveness of fake news and misinformation about China in Africa. China for many years after the 1949 revolution was reticent and closed itself to the outside world. However, since 1978 under Chinese leader Deng Xioping, China began the process of reforms and gradual opening up. Chinese influence and power have continued to spread around the world. Like an elephant China can no longer hide behind a tree.

    However, like Deng Xiaoping famously said, when you open the window to allow fresh air both flies and air come in. China’s rising to global influence means it has become a major victim of fake news and misinformation.

    The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a massive infrastrutural development project aimed at connecting China with other parts of Asia, Europe, and Africa,
    for instance has been portrayed by sections of the global media as an attempt by China to spread hegemony and lure developing countries into a debt trap. The Forum for China Africa Cooperation ( FOCAC) has similarly come under criticism by western media, while they have conveniently ignored the impact these forums are having in infrastructure development across the world particularly in Africa; Boosting trade through connectivity and people to people relation.

    Expectedly, as China’s global influence continues to grow there would be a corresponding increase in the level of fake news and misinformation about China. This is were journalists and information manager, especially in Africa and other developing countries must be on their guard.

    China has suffered a lot of fake news, a consequence of global geopolitics and skewed information flow that favors the global west to the detriment of the global south.

    Fake news have serious consequences, beacuse it ends up misinforming the public about China and Chinese citizens and Influencing peoples’ opinions and decisions about China.

    The preponderance of fake news about China is capable of fueling conspiracy theories and undermining south south solidarity.

    As an African journalist, one is daily confronted with negative and often outrightly fake news about China. As outrageous as some of these fake news are, it is sometimes shocking to see that some gullible people including journalists believe them and propagate these fake news on the pages of their publications and on social media.

    The common saying that when a dog bites a man it is not news but when a man bites a dog it is news can be used to describe the way some journalists see stories, especially negative stories about China and the Chinese. Anything about China and Chinese nationals is seen as news worthy especially if it is negative.

    Here are some examples of fake news about China, that spreads stereotypes and misinformation, about China and Chinese people..

    1. Forced organ harvesting: False claims that China harvests human organs from Africa for export to China.
    In April 2021 the Nigerian media space was awashed with a fake story about the harvesting of the male reproductive organ by Chinese nationals in Nigeria and other West African countries to China. A motion was even raised in the Nigeria House of Representative during plenary on the need to investigate the illicit trade. The motion referenced a fake story about Chinese officials seizing a vessel from Nigeria carrying 7200 penises!

    2. That China send prisoners to serve out their time as workers in Africa.
    There have been reports and allegations that China sends prisoners to work in Africa, but these claims have never been confirned nor verified, they are exaggerated and based on ignorance or incomplete information. Some reports suggest that China has sent prisoners to work on infrastructure projects in Africa as part of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), or on projects funded through FOCAC in African countries . However, these reports are often anecdotal and lack concrete evidence. However, these rumours may have gained traction as a result of the descipline, spartan orientation and regimented lifestyle of the average Chinese worker.

    3. That the Chinese are responsible for illegal mining in Africa. These claims are largely inconclusive. As an African journalist, i have investigated most of these arrests in my country Nigeria. In some of cases i discovered that many Chinese that were arrested for illegal mining in Nigeria are only staff of companies owned by local Nigerian miners. The Chinese were employed and assured by the local.miners that all necessary mining permits have been obtained for lawful operations of the mines. However the media is often quick to report that Chinese have been arrested for illegal mining but failing to report that they are employees and not owners of these mines.

    4. China’s “debt-trap diplomacy”. This claim asserts that China intentionally lends money to developing countries to trap them in debt. As an African journalist, i have researched and reported on this issue extensively and my findings shows that rather than plunging poor African countries into debt distress China has provided debt relief to poor African countries, and demonstrated a willingness to support poor African nations during challenging times.
    China actively participated in a Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI)
    With the G20, and suspended over $1.3 billion in debt service payments for 16 African countries.
    Similarly, under the platform of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), China canceled interest-free loan debts for 15 African countries, totaling at least $113.8 million in 2021. Countries like:
    Angola, Zambia Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda have been major beneficiaries of debt forgiveness from China, demonstrating China’s willingness to supporting African countries through debt relief measures.

    Furthermore, independent think tank groups like the China Africa Research Initiative (CARI), has empirically shown that “Chinese loans are not currently a major contributor to debt distress in Africa”.

    5. Uyghur “concentration camps” and human rights abuses. The media is often awash with exaggerated reports about human rights abuses in China’s Xinjiang vocational training centers.

    The truth however, is that, as a result of the Chinese government policy, Xinjiang has become one of the most prosperous region of China as attested to by many foreign journalists and visitors to the region.

    6. China’s “aggressive” military expansion. This hypes China’s military modernization as an aggressive threat for global dominance. However, China has always stressed its peaceful rise to power without seeking hegemony or domination over other nations.

    7. That contract signed between China and African countries are written in Chinese, withou. In the views of those peddling this news, this allows for obfucation and the insertion of unfriendly clauses into the contracts, since those signing the contract do not understand what they are signing. This only portrays African bureaucracy as dumb. Besides through the efforts of China by establishing confucian imstitue all over the continent hundreds of thousands of Africans now speak Madarin, the Chinese language.

    8. Falsified economic data. Claims that China falsifies economic statistics, often based on flawed methodologies.

    9. COVID 19 origin claim and conspiracies. Former president of the United States tried very hard to pin COVID 19 origin on China. In the beginning of the pandemic, he deliberately labelled the virus, “Wuhan virus” and later “the Chinese virus”. These labelling were designed to make China take the blame for the origin of the virus and the Western media played active roles in propagating this narrative. The World Health Organization, (WHO), irrespective of pressures from the United States has maintained that the origin of COVID19 is inconclusive.

    10. That the Chinese are racist and discriminatory .
    In April 2024, relying on a social media post, a mainstream Nigerian newspaper, the Punch, reported that a Chinese owned supermarket in Abuja, the nation’s capital, allows entry solely to Chinese nationals while restricting Nigerians from patronising the establishment. The story thereafter took a life of its own gaining an unusual interest by other local and the international media. The Chinese were accused of discrimination.
    I personally followed up on the story including interviewing the reporter that wrote the story.

    My findings were revealing. The reporter told me he went to the shop undercover. He admitted to me that he was not barred from entering the shop and even bought some items from the shop. I asked him directly if he felt discriminated against? He answered in the negative. Yet this reporter went ahead to write a damaging report claiming that the supermarket had implemented a controversial policy of restricting Nigerians to the facility.

    What was obvious to me was that the reporter was doing a hatchet job for those who sent him to cover the story even when evidence was to the contrary.
    It is on the basis of such premeditated narratives that the Chinese are often accused of discriminatory practices. As someone who has visited China and interacted with the Chinese at close quarters, i can say without equivocation that the Chinese are the most friendly, and accommodating people you can come across anywhere in the world.

    China has through initiatives like the BRI and FOCAC is spreading development to the world based on its own experiences.

    China has sucessfully drained the swamp of abject poverty and lifted 800 million of its population out of poverty significant contributing to the reduction of global poverty.

    Having achieved its centenary goal of ending poverty, China is now committed to its next centenary goal of building a modern socialist state that is prosperous in all ramification. This is the core principle behind Chinese modernization in the new era.

    China has demonstrated a committment to the principle of win win and shared future for humanity . “A single flower does not make spring, while one hundred flowers in full bloom bring spring to the garden.”President Xi Jinping has through this quote expressed his vision on the common development of the world and his appreciation of diversity of nation and inclusivity.

    It helps explain a China that has invested itself in the Belt and Road initiative, Forum Of China Africa Cooperation and the pursuit of a community with a shared future for humanity through several Global initiatives like the Global Security Initiative (GSI), Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Civilisation Initiative (GCI); in its core conviction that humanity belongs to us all.

    The fight against fake news is global but as African journalists, we must work together in the spirit of South South cooperation to combat fake news. We must adhere to the ethics of the profession. Collaboration in information gathering is key.

    Happily, the Belt and Road News Network (BRNN) is working in this direction by bringing together media professionals from across the global to work together collaboratively to share information and to combat fake news and misinformation.

    As a privileged member of the BRNN l have attended two forums and they have afforded me the opportunity to network with journalists from fellow African countries and other parts of the world.

    The BRNN has greatly helped me to network with colleagues from other parts of Africa and verify information which ordinarily l wouldn’t have been able to seek an immediate alternative response.

    A good example was in May 2020, when reports were rife in the international media that Zambia’s Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) was at risk of being taken over by the Chinese due to debt repayment issues. I immediately contacted a fellow BRNN member in Zambia, who sent me all the necessary information i needed to write an informed report, including official statement by the Zambian government denying the report of take over of the airport. My network through the BRNN enabled me to verify the information and avoiding the web of fake news spreading on mainstream and social media.

    In September 2024 the Nigerian Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, called on Chinese media outlets to join forces with Nigeria media and other international partners in the fight against fake news and misinformation. This call by a high ranking Nigerian government official underscores the importance of tackling fake news and misinformation about China through collaborative efforts.

    The Nigerian minister made this appeal during the unveiling of a television documentary titled “Traverse China with Me” in Abuja the Nigerian capital city. The documentary is a collaborative effort between the government owned Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the China Media Group. (CMG).

    This call by the Nigerian minister is essential and significant because the media guide society, in promoting mutual understanding and development.
    People rely on the media to give them the information they need to be active participants in the political process.
    What then happens when such information is based on falsehood?

    This poses significant danger to the society. The media should not allow itself to be used to distabilise society or pursue dangerous agenda

    We therefore need stronger media partnership to be able to confront and combat the menace of fake news.

    Happily also our publication Daybreak Nigeria realizes the importance of media collaboration and has since 2021 developed a content sharing partnership with Peoples’ Daily of China. Through this partnership we have curated over 4000 articles on China on our website, and also created a special page “Inside China”, in our print edition. This collaboration with Peoples’ Daily is designed to bring China closer to our readers and nip misinformation and fake news in the bud.

    Collaboration and content sharing should be seen as a step towards fighting fake news and misinformation. More partnership must be encouraged between Chinese media and media organizations especially in developing countries.

    More partnership can be in the areas of:
    News exchange, bridging the digital divide, training, production of documentaries that emphasise social and development issues among others. We need to promote more stories that tells the unique experiences of China and African countries.

    We need accuracy in news and programmmes that reflect development and people to people exchanges. Reporting China should be accurate, objective and balanced. African and Chinese media can work together in shaping global public opinion and communication and promote building a community with a shared future and win win for China and Africa.

    As journalists we should inspire hope and not fear. We should endear collaboration and not suspicion. We should stop copying stories fed to us by western media outlets without first ensuring they pass the test of accuracy and objectivity.

    When encountering news about China,we must verify information through reputable sources and contacts. Critical thinking and media literacy are essential in combating fake news and promoting a nuanced understanding of the real China.

    DR AUSTIN MAHO IS A PUBLIC AFFAIRS ANALYST, A MEDIA SCHOLAR, LECTURER, AND PUBLISHER OF DAYBREAK NIGERIA AND THE DRAGON MAGAZINE

  • Are security agencies doing their best?

    Are security agencies doing their best?

    In the course of fighting terrorism, banditry and other forms of insecurity in Nigeria, our security agencies (the military, the police, the Department of State Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the like) have been assessed in different ways by Nigerians. Viewing or listening to talk shows and analysis on television, radio, newspaper and social media, even in some interpersonal conversations on security situations in the country, it has become a pattern of appraising the agencies with the catchphrase, “Security agencies are doing their best.” But what exactly do the speakers mean by this refrain? Examining the different contexts in which the tag is deployed will help in making us understand some intentions of the speakers.

    For example, in 2019, while giving Nigerians assurance in response to a concern raised by a delegation of Zamfara Advocacy Group in Abuja on the capability of security agencies, former President Muhammadu Buhari assured “Nigerians that the security law enforcement agencies are doing their very best to safeguard the country.” Also, the former Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, remarked in The Guardian on April 4, 2022, “Our military is doing their best and the government is by no means overwhelmed.” By this, we could see that the government used the tag to give the citizens assurance amid security challenges.

    Social commentators, public analysts and callers to programmes on radio and television used the catchphrase too in various ways, especially when Nigerians are encouraging or praying for the security agencies. In a radio programme (Invicta FM 98.9 Kaduna), Ground Zero, anchored by, Mr Ehis Agbon, in the first week of January 2022, he felt Nigerians rarely took time to celebrate the security agencies by extending hands of fellowship to them, unlike the way they regard politicians. According to the anchor, that particular day was specially dedicated to pray for “our gallant officers, men and women” giving the encouragement he received in the way his daughter waved some soldiers who looked very solemn in a patrol van in the street of Kaduna. The soldiers smiled back at the child.

    Different callers to the programme used the tag to praise, encourage and pray for the security agencies for protecting our territorial integrity, serving under harsh conditions day and night, while some have been killed and left children fatherless and women widowed. For example, a caller remarked, “Without a doubt, our men are doing their best in the challenges they face on a daily basis. May the Lord bless them.” Another caller said, “Seriously speaking, our security agencies are seriously doing their best. What they need is to supply them with weapons.” Almost all the callers were passionate about the assessment. But it could be noted in the programme that those who did not understand the effort of the security agencies were the ones that criticised their inability to quell the widespread violence. The blame for insecurity is heaped on the agencies as if they are the root cause of the problem.

    That is why some see it differently, though not unreasonable, given that violence persists and more officers and men are paying the supreme price. For instance, a security consultant and ex-DSS Assistant Director, Dennis Amachree, who was speaking on PlusTvAfrica a year ago, said, “The security agents are doing their best but the politicians are not helping issues.” Another caller into the Invicta FM described the security agencies like this, “They have quality. They remain the best, but only in politics. They are in the sun for our sake. I gave them kudos.”

    Some have adopted the catchphrase to cynically manipulate public opinion. For instance, I have heard a few persons who to a larger extent criticised the agencies for not successfully combating the criminals, but only to conclude their statements with, “But they are trying their best.” Perhaps, they did not want to offend or embarrass the officers and men. This could mean that the intractability of violence in some parts of the country led some to argue that security agencies are not giving their best. This perception may indicate that they would have done way better if they had been well supported with adequate personnel, equipment and other resources as well as better interagency coordination. This is because in the past, for example, we have heard the Boko Haram sect has been “badly degraded”, technically defeated” or “technically decimated.”

    Nevertheless, it is interesting to see Nigerians expressing their opinions at this moment of our national security experience. While people express their rights and interests, they should offer the Nigerian security agencies their moral support. An optimistic view and a more realistic outlook will boost the morale of security agencies. That is more likely to be a more effective path to winning cooperation on vital issues of security and peaceful coexistence, and to help Nigeria’s security agencies pursue their goals of securing and protecting this country. They have also exceptionally done well in peacekeeping operations in Africa and other parts of the world.

    Security agencies are held in high regard in most countries of the world. So when we hear they are doing their best in the Nigerian context, it means there are controversies over their assessment of security agencies’ performance. Though their perspectives may differ, I think I can understand their feelings. The citizens are still coping with violence and its effects. Ask them, they will tell you insecurity is one of their biggest concerns.

    While there are considerable debates over the performance of our security agencies, my take is that some commentators do not want to condemn, embarrass or blame the security agencies for the unrelenting violence. Since they are not only the national sector fighting the menace, other stakeholders including you and I should give our support. Though it is their constitutional responsibility to defend the country against external aggressors, and to maintain internal law and order, notwithstanding citizens’ cooperation and political support are needed to combat insecurity. As often touted, “security is everybody’s responsibility”, “see something say something” and so on, but they should do their best in the circumstances in which they operate.

    Yes, given the fact that we see things from different perspectives, the way we assess our security agencies may affect the morale of men and women fighting criminals. A condemnation of the security agencies itself threatens not only the security initiatives of the Forces but also the country. A good assessment will help them win the war on criminals. But if bad assessment is formed, it has the tendency to change our society, the foremost of which are changes in the behaviour and mindset of citizens. Assessing security agencies anywhere in the world comes down to increasing funding and equipment, and building trust between them and communities. A happy and encouraged security agency will be a much more desirable force in national security than an unhappy and dispirited agency unable to cope with security challenges. They deserve our prayers and support as they secure and protect this country. We wish them success as they try their best for the rest of us. We owe them so much.

  • Google Appoints Nigerian Alex Okosi as Managing Director for Africa

    Google Appoints Nigerian Alex Okosi as Managing Director for Africa

    By  Milcah  Tanimu

    Google, the global technology company, has announced the appointment of Nigerian-born Alex Okosi as the Managing Director for its African region. Meir Brand, Vice President of EMEA Emerging Markets at Google, made this announcement.

    Prior to his new role, Alex Okosi served as the Managing Director for YouTube in EMEA Emerging Markets. In his new position, he will assume responsibility for Google’s operations in Africa, focusing on initiatives aimed at fostering business growth, expanding internet accessibility, and providing tools to enhance the online experience for the next billion users.

    Meir Brand commented on the appointment, stating, “Alex is a proven leader with a wealth of experience in the media and technology industries. He deeply understands African countries and is passionate about using technology to empower people and businesses.”

    Alex Okosi is a highly experienced professional in the fields of media, entertainment, and technology. Before joining YouTube, he held the position of Executive Vice President and Managing Director at Viacom International Media Networks Africa and BET International. During his tenure at YouTube, Okosi played a pivotal role in driving the platform’s expansion and growth across Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey.

  • African Countries With Their Potential Wealth Generating Resources

    African Countries With Their Potential Wealth Generating Resources

    Africa, a continent of astounding diversity and rich cultural heritage, is also blessed with a vast array of resources that have the potential to drive economic growth and development.

    From the sweeping deserts to lush rainforests, each African country boasts a unique blend of resources that shape its economic trajectory.

    Here is a list of all African countries along with some information on the resources that have the potential to contribute to their economic development:

    1. Algeria: Natural gas and oil reserves can provide significant revenue.

    2. Angola: Abundant oil and diamond resources are central to its economy.

    3. Benin: Agriculture, including cotton, palm oil, and cocoa, contributes to its economy.

    4. Botswana: Diamonds are a major source of revenue, along with mining and tourism.

    5. Burkina Faso: Gold mining and agriculture, particularly cotton, are important sectors.

    6. Burundi: Agricultural products like coffee and tea are crucial for its economy.

    7. Cabo Verde: Tourism, services, and fishing contribute to its economy.

    8. Cameroon: Oil, timber, and agricultural products like cocoa and coffee are key.

    9. Central African Republic: Mining (diamonds, gold, uranium) and agriculture are vital.

    10. Chad: Oil and agriculture, including livestock and cotton, are important sectors.

    11. Comoros: Agriculture and fishing are central to its economy.

    12. Congo (Brazzaville): Oil, timber, and mineral resources play a significant role.

    13. Congo (Kinshasa): Rich in mineral resources like cobalt, copper, and diamonds.

    14. Cote d’Ivoire: Cocoa, coffee, and oil contribute to its economy.

    15. Djibouti: Strategic location for trade, port services, and limited mineral resources.

    16. Egypt: Tourism, Suez Canal revenue, and natural gas are economic drivers.

    17. Equatorial Guinea: Oil and gas resources are the backbone of its economy.

    18. Eritrea: Agriculture, mining, and potentially significant mineral deposits.

    19. Eswatini: Agriculture, particularly sugarcane and forestry products.

    20. Ethiopia: Agriculture, including coffee, and growing manufacturing sector.

    21. Gabon: Rich in oil, manganese, and other mineral resources.

    22. Gambia: Agriculture, tourism, and fishing are key sectors.

    23. Ghana: Gold, cocoa, and oil are significant contributors to its economy.

    24. Guinea: Bauxite and iron ore are valuable resources.

    25. Guinea-Bissau: Agriculture and fishing contribute to its economy.

    26. Kenya: Agriculture, tea, coffee, tourism, and geothermal energy.

    27. Lesotho: Water resources and textile manufacturing are important.

    28. Liberia: Iron ore, rubber, and agriculture play vital roles.

    29. Libya: Oil reserves are central to its economy.

    30. Madagascar: Rich in minerals (nickel, cobalt), agriculture, and tourism.

    31. Malawi: Agriculture, particularly tobacco and tea, is vital.

    32. Mali: Gold mining and agriculture are key sectors.

    33. Mauritania: Abundant mineral resources, particularly iron ore and gold.

    34. Mauritius: Tourism, textiles, and services are economic drivers.

    35. Morocco: Phosphates, agriculture, and growing industrial sector.

    36. Mozambique: Natural gas, coal, and agriculture are important.

    37. Namibia: Diamonds, uranium, and fisheries are central to its economy.

    38. Niger: Uranium and agriculture, including livestock, are significant.

    39. Nigeria: Oil, agriculture, and a growing tech industry are economic pillars.

    40. Rwanda: Coffee, tea, tourism, and ICT are important sectors.

    41. Sao Tome and Principe: Fisheries, agriculture, and potential oil reserves.

    42. Senegal: Fishing, phosphates, and agriculture contribute to its economy.

    43. Seychelles: Tourism and fishing are economic drivers.

    44. Sierra Leone: Diamonds, agriculture, and fisheries are significant.

    45. Somalia: Agriculture, fishing, and potentially oil resources.

    46. South Africa: Diverse mineral resources, agriculture, and manufacturing.

    47. South Sudan: Oil reserves are central to its economy.

    48. Sudan: Oil, agriculture, and minerals play important roles.

    49. Tanzania: Agriculture, mining, and tourism are key sectors.

    50. Togo: Phosphates, agriculture, and mining contribute to its economy.

    51. Tunisia: Tourism, textiles, and agriculture are significant.

    52. Uganda: Agriculture, including coffee, and potential oil reserves.

    53. Zambia: Copper mining, agriculture, and tourism.

    54. Zimbabwe: Mineral resources like platinum and agriculture.

    The wealth potential of these resources can vary based on factors like market demand, technology, infrastructure, governance, and global economic conditions. Effective management, sustainable practices, and inclusive policies are essential to ensure that these resources contribute to the long-term prosperity of these African countries.

  • Nigeria Missing In Top Monthly Minimum Wage Countries In Africa

    Nigeria Missing In Top Monthly Minimum Wage Countries In Africa

    In 2019, Nigeria approved a minimum wage of N30,000 ($39.04) through the passage of the Minimum Wage Bill by the National Assembly.

    President Tinubu, in a meeting with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), pledged that the increased minimum wage would be incorporated into the upcoming budget following the agreement.

    Here is the list of Africa Countries with highest minimum wages per month

    1. Seychelles
    Minimum wage: $426

    Seychelles has the highest minimum wage in Africa at $426 per month.

    Seychelles is an island nation off the coast of east Africa. The country is a tourist haven on the African continent and is made up of less than 500,000 people. Seychelles doubles as Africa’s most developed country and the richest country from the GDP per capita.

    2. Morocco
    Minimum wage: $360

    Morocco has the second highest minimum wage in Africa at $426 per month.

    Morocco’s biggest employment sector is agriculture, the country also has a significant presence in manufacturing, tourism, mining and others. In 2018, Morocco was announced as the most visited country in Africa beating South Africa, Kenya, Egypt and others to clinch the position.

    3. Libya
    Minimum wage: $325

    Libya has the third highest minimum wage in Africa at $325 per month.

    The Libyan labour industry has some of the most stable laws guiding labourers’ earnings on the entire African continent, the law provides for an eight-hour-a-day work life. Nonetheless, the industry has been claimed to be largely discriminatory offering secluded treatments to citizens and other Africans, with some drawing some racial concerns. The country has its capital Tripoli.

    4. Gabon
    Minimum wage: $255

    The current minimum wage in Gabon in Dollars is $255 per month.

    Gabon has a sufficiently standard labour industry, nonetheless, a majority of the laws on labour in the country are either not enforced or are ignored by employers. This has seen complaints from labourers working longer hours and even earning less than minimum wage.

    Agriculture is the country’s biggest employer.

    Read Also: Fed Govt, states open talks on minimum wage review

    5. Mauritius
    Minimum wage: $251

    The Minimum wage in Mauritius is $251.

    Mauritius has a very flexible labour sector with increased concentration on finance, tourism and other service-related sectors. The country has a population of over one million people with Port Louis being its capital and largest city.

    Mauritius is currently home to some of the biggest financial service providers on the African continent.

    6. South Africa
    Minimum wage: $242

    South Africa is the sixth highest-paying nation on the African continent. The country has a minimum wage of $242.

    South Africa has transformed its labour laws since the apartheid era with free trade and an eventual open economy for all South Africans.

    7. Equatorial Guinea
    Minimum wage: $200

    Equatorial Guinea’s minimum wage is currently $200.

    Equatorial Guinea has large petroleum reserves.

    Nonetheless, Equatorial Guinea’s Minimum Wage is the lowest amount a worker can be legally paid for his work.

    The labour laws in Equatorial Guinea are somewhat dictatorial, with the absence of labour unions, strikes made illegal and the compulsory work-for-pay regime. Employees in Equatorial Guinea only have the option of reporting their employment grievances to form employers, including the government, to the Ministry of labour. The country’s capital is Malabo and has a population of over a million people.

    8. Djibouti
    Minimum wage: $198

    Djibouti canceled its national minimum wage as part of the 2006 Labor Code in favor of occupational categories. Now, employers and employees set wages as part of an employment contract. Public sector workers have a minimum wage of 35,000 DJF, or about $198 a month.

    9. Kenya
    Minimum wage: $178

    The East African nation is the largest economy in East Africa and also stands as one of Africa’s strongest financial centres. Kenya has a stable labour industry with some of the most skilled labour forces when it comes to service offerings.

    The Kenyan economy is the 3rd largest in Sub-Saharan Africa and is one of the richest nations in Africa by GDP per capita. Its capital, Nairobi, is one of Africa’s strongest financial cities and the biggest financial centre in East Africa.

    10. Egypt
    Minimum wage: $172

    Egypt’s legal monthly minimum wage is $172.

    Some of the major business centers in Egypt include Cairo, Alexandria, and Sharm el-Sheikh.

  • World Hearing Day: Africa loses $30B to hearing loss

    World Hearing Day: Africa loses $30B to hearing loss

    … 338 m Africans may suffer hearing loss by 2050- WHO

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    As the world marks the 2023 World Hearing Day today, the World Health Organization, WHO, Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti has said owing to the rising rate of ear problems Africa loses nearly $30 billion yearly to hearing loss.

    She said, ” In the African Region, nearly US$ 30 billion are lost due to the collective failure to address hearing loss adequately.”

    Also, she disclosed that in Africa, about 338 million people are likely to suffer ear and hearing loss by 2050 if steps are not taken to integrate ear and hearing health care into the primary health care system.

    Dr. Matshidiso Meoti disclosed this in a message to mark the 2023 World Hearing Day today. with the theme, ” “Ear and hearing care for all! Let’s make it a reality.”

    She noted, ” It is a favourable day to reiterate the message on preventing and addressing common ear and hearing problems.”

    She said, “In Africa, an estimated that an alarming 135 million people have and hearing problems while 1.5 million people globally are suffering the same”, with nearly 80% living in low and middle income countries.

    Furthermore, she explained that WHO is concerned with the burden of ear and hearing issues affecting a marginalized population as she said that there is an ongoing support to Kenya to establish a Centre of Excellence for Eye Health Clinic, Eye Health and Oral Health for its citizens.

    “Also, with our support, countries are developing and implementing national strategies for ear health. In 2022, Kenya, Malawi, and Guinea launched and started to implement national ear and hearing care strategies.”

    “In 2022, Kenya, Malawi, and Guinea launched and started to implement national ear and hearing care strategies.”

    This WHO explained is because many people with hearing loss do not know how and where to find help or do not have access to the needed services.

    Meanwhile, WHO said it has developed a WHO PEN packages to integrate hearing care management for primary health care workers through training and capacity building of specialist workforce that serve as the first point of contact for the communities to address the challenges.

    To facilitate such integration, we have launched a “Primary ear and hearing care training manual” that is intended to inform doctors, nurses, and other health workers. We have no doubt this manual will benefit people and help countries move towards the goal of universal health coverage, she said.

    The global health organization also laments that the burden of ear and hearing on the lives of families and
    communities is compounded due to
    the limited number of ear, nose, and throat specialists and audiologists available in the countries.

    According to the health organization, in most places, access to ear and hearing care continues to be limited to highly specialized centers and clinics, noting that it is necessary to address these conditions of care for people needing these services who seek specialized services, often in distant hospitals.

    “Therefore, I encourage governments to prioritize ear and hearing care health programmes as part of their noncommunicable diseases and universal healthcare agendas and increase their campaign, political and financial commitment.”

    Increasing newborn hearing screening services, as well as the effective accessibility of hearing aid technology, are critical starting points, she urged.

    “To patients suffering from ear and hearing conditions and the public, I recommend that you learn more about these conditions and seek care when needed, including promoting hearing screening services.”

    Moeti urged all stakeholders to unite and act on the above recommendations, integrating ear and hearing care services into district health systems and primary health care.

    Daybreak reports that the World Hearing Day was developed in response to the World Health Assembly resolution, adopted in 2017 as a means of providing guidance for Member States to integrate ear and hearing care into their national health plans

  • PHOTOS: Buhari Receives Award for Strengthening Peace in Africa

    PHOTOS: Buhari Receives Award for Strengthening Peace in Africa

    President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday, received an award from the Abu Dhabi Peace Forum for his role in “strengthening peace in Africa”.

    The award was presented to Buhari on Tuesday at an event held in Mauritania.

    The Forum for Peace was founded in Abu Dhabi in 2015 and is “dedicated to strengthening Islamic narratives of peace building and tolerance in a world of religious pluralism”.

    Present at the event were Mohamed Ghazouani, president of Mauritania; Abdallah Bin Bayyah, president of the Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies; and Al Mahfoudh Bin Bayyah, secretary-general of the Abu Dhabi Forum for Promoting Peace.

  • Weapons From Russia-Ukraine War Now Reaching Africa – Buhari Raises Alarm

    Weapons From Russia-Ukraine War Now Reaching Africa – Buhari Raises Alarm

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday said weapons from the raging war between Russia and Ukraine are now slipping into the Lake Chad Basin region.

    In his opening address at the 16th Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), held at the Conference Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Buhari, who is also the Chairman of the Summit, said the situation which had heightened the proliferation of small arms and light weapons called for reawakening of the border security of the countries of the region.

    President Buhari said the Russia/Ukraine conflict and other violent situations in the Sahel region of West Africa had compounded the Boko Haram terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin region.

    He said though a lot had been done to decimate the strength of the Boko Haram terror group and other violent extremist groups in the region, terrorists threats still persist.

    “I am glad to inform my dear brothers that in keeping with that decision, the MNJTF has since then, successfully conducted three major operations: Ops‘YANCIN TAFKI (I&II) and Ops Lake Sanity I, with, the fourth one, Ops Lake Sanity II, being planned. The next phase of the operation will take cognizance of lessons learnt from previous exercises and effectively consolidating the gains attained by preceding Ops.

    “I am glad to note that during the execution of Ops Lake Sanity I, regrouping terrorists in the Lake Chad Islands were effectively decimated.

    “It must however be stated that despite the successes recorded by the gallant troops of the MNJTF and the various ongoing national operations in the region, the terrorist threats still lurks in the region.

    “Regrettably, the situation in the Sahel and the raging war in Ukraine serve as major sources of weapons and fighters that bolster the ranks of the terrorists in Lake Chad Region. A substantial proportion of the arms and ammunitions procured to execute the war in Libya, continues to find its way to the Lake Chad Region and other parts of the Sahel. Weapons being used for the war in Ukraine and Russia are equally beginning to filter to the region.

    “This illegal movement of arms into the region has heightened the proliferation of small arms and light weapons which continues to threaten our collective peace and security in the region. There is therefore, the urgent need for expedited collaborative actions by our border control agencies and other security services to stop the circulation of all illegal weapons in the region,” he said.

    The President said governments of the region needed to complement the ongoing efforts with the provision of sustainable development projects, which he said would make life more conducive for the people and restore their confidence in the State.

    “Government presence must be positively felt in the area to restore the confidence of citizens in the ability of the State to protect them and provide basic infrastructure for all.

    “It is in view of the foregoing, that the implementation of the Regional Strategy for the Stabilization, Recovery and Resilience of the Boko Haram affected Areas of the region must gain further traction without any delay,” he said.

    Meanwhile, in his welcome address to the Summit, the Executive Secretary of the LCBC, Ambassador Mamman Nuhu, disclosed that Nigeria had remitted a total of $209,075,748 to the funding of the MNJTF between 2015 and 2021.

    The event had Presidents and Heads of State of the six member-states in attendance, with the exception of President Paul Biya of Cameroon, who was represented by one of his ministers.

    Those in physical attendance were Prof. Faustine Archange TOUADERA, President of the Central African Republic; Mohamed BAZOUM, President and Head of State of Niger Republic; Patrice TALLON, President of the Republic of Benin; Mahamat Idriss Deby ITNO, President of the Transition Military Council of Chad, President of the Republic, Head of State; Mohamed AL-MENFI, Chairman, Presidential Councilof Libya.