Posts

Africa’s moment: media power in pivotal election year

With 4 billion heading to the polls this year, including in 19 African nations, an empowered media sector will be vital for ushering in a new era of reformers across the continent. In the past, Africa’s news outlets have been apprehensive to challenge the work of governments due to the political and economic obstacles – but finally, the media is increasingly willing to scrutinise leaders and promote effective leadership. My article in #BusinessDay explores the role of media in holding leaders accountable and argues that only an empowered pan-African media sector can unlock Africa’s potential through better governance: https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/opinion/2024-03-14-yaya-moussa-africas-moment-media-power-in-pivotal-election-year/

Exchange programmes could help address Africa’s challenges

  In my recent article in #VenturesAfrica and #CapeTimes, I explore how student exchanges unlock tremendous potential - equipping future #leaders while strengthening economic and diplomatic ties.   New continental initiatives like the Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme are expanding access and empowering African #youth to advance sustainable development.   Investing in #education and global #partnerships has far-reaching benefits. Read more on the vast impact academic exchanges can have on contributing to the continent’s growth and prosperity:   Ventures Africa: https://rb.gy/3o2wkl   Cape Times: https://rb.gy/ndqn4r

The Imperative of US-Africa Climate Collaboration

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  In a world where connections weave through everything, the climate crisis isn't just a problem—it's a challenge we all share, no matter where we call home. Africa stands as a prime example, facing a significant threat to progress and our sustainable future.   With COP28 on the horizon, it's an imperative moment for participating countries to cooperate and address climate change, a challenge that impacts our dreams and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).   My recent article for the African Observer, I discuss how the collaboration between the US and Africa is an essential approach that aligns with COP28’s spirit. By identifying precisely what is needed through bilateral engagement, there is a potential to craft solutions that genuinely work and enhances our efforts against climate change whilst also nurturing stronger relationships between nations:  The Imperative of US-Africa Climate Collaboration - The African Observer .

How Africa’s population boom can fuel prosperity

Amid the backdrop of global concerns surrounding declining population growth, Africa stands as an exception by defying this trend. By 2050, it's slated to reach a substantial population of 2.4 billion. The United Nations organization forecasts that more than half of the world's population growth by 2050 will centre on sub-Saharan Africa, with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Tanzania among the fastest-growing countries. While there are apprehensions regarding how Africa's population growth might impact resource and service demand, it's equally important to highlight the opportunities that this shift brings. In my latest article, I delve into how, if properly addressed, Africa’s population boom can evolve into a narrative of resilience, adaptability, and progress. It's an opportunity for the continent to harness its rising population and establish itself as a significant global player:  How Africa’s population boom can fuel prosperity |

THE OLD COLONIAL POWERS ARE SEEKING TO RE-SET THEIR RELATIONSHIPS WITH AFRICA

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In the face of growing global interest in Africa, such as China’s financing of infrastructure projects and Turkey’s commitment to doubling bi-lateral trade, the old colonial powers have started reconsidering their approach to the continent. With the latest edition of the Africa-France Summit, previously known as the ‘France-Africa Summit’, which opened to civil society for the first time and had no heads of state present, France presented its desire to begin a new era of collaboration with Africa; one based on the engagement with African society at large and on people’s real needs, focused on mutual benefits and common understanding. For old colonial powers to re-set their relationships with Africa there needs to be an acknowledgement of past mistakes. A renewed relationship will also seek to address previously unequal ties. Humanitarian missions and aid must be replaced with greater collaboration, trade and partnerships. The new generation of young Africans committed to change must be

The African Film Industry Has The Potential To Generate 20 Million Jobs

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As the war on content is raging between major streaming platforms, giants like Netflix, who are constantly on the search for new stories and talent, have set their sight on Africa. Suddenly, the rest of the world seems to be discovering something that most Africans have known to be true for a while: Africa is a bottomless well of creativity. This newfound appetite for African content puts the continent in a favourable position to explore this path as a means of economic diversification. In fact, the African industry currently contributes just US$5 billion to GDP and only employs 5 million people, in stark contrast to the potential 20 million jobs and US$20 billion it could generate, according to a new UNESCO report. Undervalued and underserved, the cultural and creative industries (CCIs) have long suffered from the idea that they weren’t viable sources of income and investment. A reset is now long overdue, as we now have compelling data demonstrating that CCIs can offer both incomes an

AFRICA CAN AND SHOULD BECOME A LEADING CULTURAL EXPORTER

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When we think about African art, our minds are almost immediately redirected to the few pieces available in museums across the world. Yet, even so, little remains known about African art and the history behind it. Africa teems with incredible art and talent that deserves to be showcased on the global stage. Displaying authentic African art in partnership with Africa is instrumental in regaining control of the continent’s narrative globally. Although the level of creativity across the continent is unmatched, so much is yet to be done when it comes to identifying and nurturing aspiring African artists. African artists can potentially become cultural ambassadors not only for their country of origin, but also as cultural representatives for the continent as a whole. Investing and betting on art and culture to portray a more accurate and authentic vision of the continent must be part of the strategy to expand Africa’s soft power globally. Yet, we must ensure that we empower local artists by