Dr Pierrette Herzberger-Fofana, a former Member of the European Parliament, pays tribute to Navi Pillay, celebrating her lifelong commitment to human rights, international justice and the fight against impunity. Drawing on Pillay’s ties to Germany’s Franconia region and Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Herzberger-Fofana reflects on the South African jurist’s courage in defending victims of war crimes, crimes against humanity and sexual …

From the forests of the Congo to fishing communities in Ghana, the festival’s 2026 edition with the theme REFLECT brings powerful African stories to Berlin from 9 to 15 November. African film lovers and the wider public have another compelling reason to head to the cinema this November. Afrikamera, Berlin’s long-running festival of contemporary African cinema, returns from 9 to …

EbonyLife Place London brings African film, fashion, art, food and music together in a new cultural destination designed to take African storytelling to wider international audiences. Nigerian media entrepreneur and filmmaker Mosunmola “Mo” Abudu has opened EbonyLife Place London, a new cultural and entertainment centre featuring the United Kingdom’s first cinema dedicated exclusively to African and Black films. Located at …

Berlin musician Sugbear, co-founder of the acclaimed Swag Jam, is launching a new monthly live-music night, Sug’s Vibes, at Drinkhall Venue in Kreuzberg on Saturday, 17 October. The event will feature live performances by Sugbear and his house band, guest artist Inge, DJ sets and an open jam session, with entry at only €5. Sugbear is launching Sug’s Vibes to …

The two-day conference in Brandenburg brought together diplomatic representatives, government officials, refugees and civil society to discuss migration, democratic participation and  development. Bad Belzig/Potsdam, Germany, 12 October 2026 – Two African ambassadors and three integration commissioners representing three levels of public administration were among the prominent participants at the 12th African Cultures and Democratic Dialogue (12ACDD), organised by Cagintua e.V. …

Diaspora families are doing more than sending money home. Through WIDU Africa, they are helping create businesses, jobs and new futures across the continent. Nyima Jadama reports on its new initiatives For millions of Africans living in Europe, supporting family members back home is part of everyday life. A money transfer can help pay school fees, cover medical expenses or …

Yankuba Darboe, chairman of the Brikama Area Council (BAC) in The Gambia’s West Coast Region, recently met members of the Gambian community in Berlin as part of his ongoing European tour. Darboe, a member of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), used the gathering to discuss local development initiatives, political developments and the diaspora’s important role in shaping The Gambia’s …

A lecture-performance by Ghanaian artist Nii Noi Nortey, followed by concerts performed by the Berlin Afrobeat Company and Accra’s Santrofi, will bring African music, history and political thought together at the Haus der Kulturen der Welt on 15 October. Afrobeats fans in Berlin have an opportunity to experience an evening rooted in the musical and political legacy of Nigerian icon …

The former SPD MP, who made history as the first Black person born in Africa to be elected into the Bundestag, has been honoured for promoting dialogue, fighting prejudice and broadening understanding of Africa. Former German national parliamentarian Karamba Diaby has been awarded the Federal Order of Merit (Verdienstorden der Bundesrepublik Deutschland) by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in recognition of his …

Former UN human rights chief honoured for her decades-long fight for justice and international law, joining a distinguished group of African Nobel laureates whose work has shaped the global struggle for human rights, democracy and peace. South African jurist Navanethem “Navi” Pillay has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her lifelong efforts to promote peace, uphold …

Businesses struggle, residents protest and the government pledges to tackle Gambia’s worsening electricity crisis by building a 24-megawatt plant. Nyima Jadama reports Since summer this year, Gambians have faced a power supply crisis, disrupting businesses and daily activities of citizens. The frequent blackouts force businesses and households to cope without electricity for days. Banjul, the country’s capital, is experiencing frustration …

The BKMO, a nationwide network of more than 70 migrant and post-migrant groups, calls for secure funding for counselling services, emergency support for people facing threats and arrangements to help vulnerable residents relocate to other federal states. The Federal Conference of Migrant Organisations (BKMO) has called on Germany’s federal and state governments to strengthen protection, counselling and participation for people …

October brings a range of changes in Germany, including measures intended to ease fuel costs, improve public safety, protect consumers and modernise the justice system. Here are the key developments residents should know about. 1. Petrol and diesel become cheaper From 1 October until the end of 2026, the German government is reducing the energy tax on petrol and diesel. …

The sixth German-African Business Summit (GABS) will take place in Accra, Ghana, from 23 to 25 November 2026, bringing together senior business executives, investors, policymakers and entrepreneurs from Germany and across Africa to discuss trade, investment and economic cooperation. The summit, organised by the Sub-Saharan Africa Initiative of German Business (SAFRI) together with the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce …

News analysis | The African Courier | 2 October 2026 The mass arrival of migrants in Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta in July has become a catalyst for a new phase in European migration policy. Across the EU, governments are pushing harder for deportations, return hubs outside Europe and stronger border controls, while debate over asylum access and regularisation …

The federal government plans to cut funding for independent asylum procedure counselling (behördenunabhängige Asylverfahrensberatung, AVB) to €5 million next year, down from €24.5 million in 2026. The draft 2027 budget is still being debated in the Bundestag, and the Interior Ministry says the counselling would in future be available only to especially vulnerable asylum-seekers. What the ministry says According to …

On 1 October the Council of the EU gave its final green light to new rules for more effective returns of people with no legal right to stay in the EU. The regulation is due to come into force in the coming weeks. Because it is a regulation rather than a directive, it applies directly in all 27 member states. …

Ethiopian Airlines will resume direct flights between Addis Ababa and Durban from 11 December 2026, creating a new travel option for passengers from Germany and other European markets travelling to South Africa via the airline’s Addis Ababa hub. The Ethiopian flag carrier announced on 29 September that it will operate the Durban service daily, making the South African city its …

When Dr Sylvie Nantcha entered Freiburg’s city council in 2009, her election was more than a personal political achievement. She became the first Afro-German CDU councillor elected to a municipal parliament in Germany. Seventeen years later, that pioneering role has been turned into art. Swiss-Haitian artist Sasha Huber has portrayed Nantcha as part of her international The Firsts series, which …

Ghana’s president says his country’s forthcoming African Union chairmanship could provide an opportunity to bring Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America closer through trade and economic cooperation Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has proposed closer economic integration between Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America, saying Ghana will use its forthcoming chairmanship of the African Union to pursue stronger links between …