African Union - The African Mirror

Dec

10

2024

Africa’s landmark Kampala Convention: 15 years of protecting the displaced

NEWS

IN the heart of Africa, a beacon of hope shines bright on this momentous day. Fifteen years ago, the African Union crafted a revolutionary shield for those most vulnerable - the internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have been torn from their homes by conflict, disaster, and climate upheaval. "The Kampala Convention represents more than a treaty," declares Ruven Menikdiwela, UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, his voice resonating with passion. "It is a testament to Africa's profound commitment to human dignity. When millions are uprooted, scattered like seeds in a storm, this Convention stands as their collective promise of protection…

Dec

06

2024

By BONFACE ORUCHO, BIRD STORY AGENCY

How e-Visas are advancing Africa’s vision of free movement and borderless trade

NEWS

MORE African countries are banking on e-visas to streamline cross-border travel processes and boost regional connectivity, according to the 2024 Visa Openness Index. The index is an annual ranking measuring the extent to which each country in Africa is open to visitors from other African countries. It is prepared collaboratively by the African Development Bank Group and the African Union. The number of countries offering e-visas has risen from 9 in 2016 to 26 in the latest edition. According to experts, this growing trend can break cross-border barriers by simplifying travel processes and thus can support economic growth under frameworks…

Dec

04

2024

By LAURA CARVALHO

South Africa has taken over the G20 presidency from Brazil – what lessons can it learn?

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

SOUTH Africa has taken over the presidency of the world’s premier economic forum, the G20, from Brazil. The G20 presidency operates on a troika system made up of the current, previous and next holders. The three members cooperate with one another in preparing for an annual summit. This means that South Africa will be working with Brazil and the US (2026 presidency). The G20 members – 19 countries plus the European Union and the African Union –account for about 80% of global GDP, 75% of global exports and 60% of the world’s population. The Conversation Africa asked Laura Carvalho, a…

Sep

25

2024

By ANTHONI VAN NIEUWKERK

UN security council: African countries face hurdles and dangers in getting permanent seats

SPECIAL FEATURES: ANALYSIS

THERE is growing global consensus among the members of the United Nations that the UN Security Council, responsible for maintaining international peace and security, requires reform or restructuring to reflect the current balance of forces, and to improve its working methods and ability to do its work. There is also growing consensus among members of the African Union that Africa deserves a permanent presence at the council. The debate took a new turn on 13 September, when the US announced it would support the creation of two new permanent seats for African countries, and a non-permanent seat for small island…

Sep

11

2024

By MISHECK MUTIZE

Rating agencies and Africa: the absence of people on the ground contributes to bias against the continent – analyst

BUSINESS

RATING agency Fitch recently warned that the rapid spread of the mpox virus in sub-Saharan Africa could add to the fiscal pressures many countries in the region are already experiencing. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization have declared the latest outbreak of mpox in Africa a health emergency. An epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo has spread to neighbouring countries. Seven countries rated by Fitch – Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda – have confirmed mpox cases. Fitch cautioned investors about possible under-reporting of mpox cases and that…

Aug

29

2024

By The African Mirror

Raila Odinga launches bid for African Union Commission chairpersonship

NEWS

RAILA Odinga, the former Prime Minister of Kenya, has launched his bid for one of the most sought-after top jobs in Africa - the chairpersonship of the African Union Commission. Backed by his country and President William Ruto, Odinga was this week revealed as Kenya's candidate. In his speech, he made a powerful pledge on why he is the best candidate for the position. Odinga expressed his gratitude for the support he has received: "I am personally encouraged and humbled by the collective support from my country and the Eastern Africa region. The official unveiling of my candidacy as Kenya's…

Aug

29

2024

By BONFACE ORUCHO, BIRD STORY AGENCY

Ten African countries prioritising education

EDUCATION

IN April 2024, the African Union (AU) declared this year the 'Year of Education,' urging governments to ramp up efforts to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 4—to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.” While countries require an additional US$77 billion annually to meet national education goals and deliver quality education, funding for education remains largely stagnant. Government spending on education as a percentage of GDP hovers at just 3.7% —a figure that has barely budged since 2012. According to a 2024 analysis by UNESCO, nine out of 49 African countries dedicate 20%…

Aug

07

2024

By The African Mirror

bird TenX: 10 high-speed rail systems

NEWS

IN 2013, the African Union unveiled the African Integrated High-Speed Railway Network (AIHSRN), a flagship project led by the African Union as part of its Agenda 2063. This 50-year development trajectory also includes a continental free trade zone, a common passport, and an end to armed conflict. In the decade since its introduction, African nations have planned and initiated several high-speed rail systems in an effort to connect vital routes on the continent. When Africa's pioneering railroads opened in the 1850s, with the Cairo-Alexandria line in 1856, the Cape Town-Port Elizabeth line in 1876 and the Dakar-Saint Louis line in…

Jul

11

2024

By OLIVIER WALTHER

West Africa trade will take a hit as Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso leave Ecowas

BUSINESS

THE membership of the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) has been whittled down from 15 to 12 following the unilateral withdrawal of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso in February. Founded in 1975, Ecowas is one of eight regional economic communities recognised by the African Union to foster regional integration on the continent. Its main objective is to create a single, large trading bloc through economic cooperation. Since 1975, Ecowas and its sister organisation the West African Economic and Monetary Union (known by its French acronym, Uemoa) have implemented numerous policies aimed at improving how west African countries trade…

Jul

03

2024

By SETH ONYANGO, BIRD STORY AGENCY

Somali army close to autonomy as AU ramp up forces’ withdraw

NEWS

AFRICAN Union-backed forces in Somalia are transferring more military bases to their local counterparts as they gain offensive capabilities to fend off Al-Shabaab militants. This comes after more than a decade of training and rearming of the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) amid relentless attacks by the jihadi group. The scaling back of operations in the country by the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) marks a crucial step in empowering the Somali army to combat Al-Shabaab effectively. The AU notes that while the threats persist, Somali forces are, more than ever, fit for combat after the country's military…