People of African descent have been part of European societies for decades and even centuries. Scholars, journalists and activists will gather in Berlin on 10-12 June to interrogate the history of organisation in Black communities in Europe. The international conference, entitled Black Europe: The Beginnings of Black Self-Organization in Europe, will examine the question of when, where and how Black …

The United Nations has confirmed Turkey’s name change: The country will now be called Türkiye in all languages. The English name Turkey will no longer be used at the request of the government in Ankara, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric announced on Thursday. Turkey had previously submitted a request to this effect. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu had tweeted a photo …

The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, will meet indigenes of Edo State living in Germany virtually and physically on Saturday, 4 June. The physical meeting will take place at the Mercure Hotel in Berlin. Governor Obaseki will interact with citizens of his state on issues of common concern. Many Edo indigenes in the diaspora have concrete suggestions on …

Afro-German activist Katharina Oguntoye has been awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (Bundesverdienstkreuz). The Order, colloquially known as the Federal Cross of Merit, is awarded to German and foreign citizens for political, social-economic and intellectual achievements as well as for serving the Federal Republic of Germany, such as through social engagement. Oguntoye (63) was presented …

A new month is here and we have put together some of the changes you should know about if you live in Germany. On the one hand, the first measures in the 2022 relief package to cushion the effect of rising energy costs enter into effect on 1 June. And there are also other important new regulations and laws. Here …

DAKAR, Senegal, May 31, 2022/ — President Macky Sall of Senegal has inaugurated the world’s largest purpose-built hospital ship and committed to accelerate access to surgical, obstetric and anesthetic care for the nations of Africa. Ceremonies commemorated more than 30 years of service in Africa were held on Monday in Dakar. International humanitarian organization Mercy Ships and its partners in …

EU countries have generously been welcoming of the refugees from Ukraine since the Russian invasion of the country on 24 February. These are largely spared bureaucratic hurdles as they receive residence permits without individual assessment and have access to the job market, welfare benefits and other social support. In the shadow of the refugee crisis are the so-called third-country nationals …

The Nigerian man who set out in London on 19 April for a road trip to Lagos arrived in Nigeria to a rousing welcome on Sunday. Kunle Adeyanju, also known as ‘The Lion Heart’, travelled from London to Lagos on a motorcycle to campaign against Polio and raise awareness of the disease. “It’s been a heck of a ride. It’s …

Against the background of the difficult situation of non-Ukrainian nationals from Ukraine who were displaced by the war in the country and are currently seeking refuge in Germany, refugee, rights and diaspora support groups have issued an open letter to the Federal Interior Minister, demanding that all refugees from Ukraine should be treated equally. —— OPEN LETTER On the occasion …

The German town of Emmendingen will host the 20th anniversary of the African Music Festival from 4 to 7 August. And the organisers are leaving no stone unturned to make the anniversary a special, memorable one. Among the many artists billed to perform in Emmendingen is Livingstone Etse Satekla, better known by his stage name Stonebwoy. The multiple-awarded Ghanaian Afropop, …

By Dumisani Moyo, Marketing Director, SAP Africa JOHANNESBURG South Africa, 27th May 2022 -/African Media Agency(AMA)/- The month of May is significant for the African continent because it is during this month that we celebrate Africa Day. Africa Day commemorates the formation of the African Union on May 25, 1963. It is a day when Africans celebrate the continent’s independence, …

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited three African countries in his first trip to the continent since assuming office from 22-24 May. According to the German media, the aims of the trip are to seek new sources of energy imports for Germany, pursue closer trading relations with Africa as well as cooperation on issues of the climate and anti-terror fight. Chancellor …

Until now, refugees from Ukraine have been able to use public transport in cities and towns across Germany without a ticket. This regulation expires on 31 May 2022. Refugees from Ukraine therefore require a ticket when travelling on public transport from 1 June. An affordable alternative is the 9-Euro Ticket, which entitles holders to travel on public transport (regular buses, …

Dr Omotade Omotosho, President, Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO) Poland, has commended the Federal Government through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), and strategic agencies for the evacuation of Nigerians at the wake of the Ukrainian-Russian war. Dr Tade Omotosho, President, NIDO Germany (left), and Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa in Abuja on Tuesday/Photo: NiDCOM Dr Omotosho made …

After years of planning and a little over 12 months of building and refurbishment work, The Africa Centre – an establishment that celebrates contemporary African culture and heritage – is finally ready to welcome its patrons and supporters to its new home in Southwark, London on 9 June. “It will continue to act as a bold and transformative bridge between …

Ukrainian refugees are entitled to regular social benefits as from 1 June, according to a law passed the Bundesrat, the upper chamber of the German federal parliament —— Refugees from Ukraine will be entitled to regular social benefits such as Hartz IV from June onwards. The Bundesrat approved a corresponding law on Friday (20 May), which implements an agreement between …

To offset the impact of rising energy prices caused by the Ukraine war and encourage the use of public transport, the German government introduced a subsidised nationwide ticket which costs only 9 euros per month for travels on public transport during ninety days in the summer. The upper chamber of the federal parliament approved the plan last Friday, clearing the …

As the voice of the African energy sector, the African Energy Chamber strongly advocates for German-Africa partnerships, recognizing the role Germany will play in advancing energy security across the continent

Google is calling for applications for the second cohort of its Google for Startup Black Founders Fund for Africa. Following the success of the first cohort last year, Google will increase its commitment with an additional $1m in funding, and support for 10 more founders this year. This will result in a commitment of $4m to 60 eligible Black-founded startups …

Every year, the member states of the European Union celebrate Europe Day. This day commemorates the signing of Robert Schumann’s declaration of 9 May 1950, which is considered the birth certificate of what is now the European Union. Dr Pierrette Herzberger-Fofana, Member of the European Parliament, writes on how she commemorated the Day in Germany this year and why the …