A new survey shows rising enrolment and modest formal job growth, yet highlights a widening mismatch between education and employment as most Ugandans remain in the informal sector Kampala, Uganda | JULIUS BUSINGE | Uganda’s labour market is expanding and becoming more formalised, but structural weaknesses in skills …
Read More »East Africa’s ports are busy, but stuck on the wrong side of global trade
Despite rapid growth and heavy investment, Mombasa and Dar es Salaam remain gateway ports rather than global hubs, as geography keeps East Africa just outside the main currents of world shipping NEWS ANALYSIS | IAN KATUSIIME | Geography, economists often say, is destiny. For East Africa, it may also …
Read More »Why the White House media dinner shooting reflects more than just violence
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting on Saturday is the latest episode in a documented surge of politically motivated violence targeting officials across the spectrum. WASHINGTON | Xinhua | A gunman armed with a shotgun, handgun and knives stormed a security checkpoint outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on …
Read More »Why ‘China Shock 2.0’ narrative is a distortion of China’s growth
NEWS ANALYSIS | Xinhua | Recently, some Western media have been peddling the “China Shock 2.0” narrative, portraying China’s ascent in high-tech sectors as a new wave of disruption to the global economy. This catchphrase risks overlooking realities. China’s high-quality, competitively priced products have long been a key factor in …
Read More »AI is driving a new era in African hospitality
African hotel operators are moving beyond pilots, embedding AI to coordinate guest services, streamline workflows, and scale operations across the continent. Rising travel demand and tech-savvy guests are accelerating the shift toward fully integrated, data-driven hotel platforms. SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | African hotel operators are moving …
Read More »Washington is distilling a threat where none exists
Washington has a well-worn playbook: whenever China makes technological progress, it is promptly recast as misconduct. BEIJING, CHINA | Xinhua | Washington is once again casting Chinese AI firms as culprits, turning a routine engineering method into supposed evidence of intellectual property theft, a familiar tactic to justify another round …
Read More »‘The Fisherman,’ a Ghanaian story of dreams, comedy, and a touch of magic
In The Fisherman, a retired Ghanaian fisherman navigates a rapidly changing world, where tradition meets technology and experience collides with ambition. Guided by a mystical talking fish, he embarks on a journey full of humor, heart, and unexpected insights. SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | The lights dim at …
Read More »How 20 minutes of nature can boost your health
A UK study, involving nearly 20,000 people, found that those who spent at least a total of 120 minutes every week in greenery were significantly more likely to report good health and higher psychological well-being. NEWS FEATURE | AGENCIES | If you’ve ever felt calmer after a walk in …
Read More »Rent-to-own expands as Africa rethinks homeownership models
Rent-to-own housing is gaining traction as African cities respond to limited mortgage access and rising demand. The model allows households to build equity through monthly payments, creating a gradual path to ownership. Governments and developers in markets such as Rwanda, Kenya, and South Africa are already piloting it. …
Read More »West Africa is turning the tide on ocean losses
West African states are moving from fragmented oversight to coordinated regional control of their oceans. The push aims to curb illegal fishing, rebuild coastal economies, and protect biodiversity. Success could turn years of lost marine wealth into lasting regional economic opportunity. SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | West African …
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