The number of married people continues to fall in Germany. According to a new report by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), by the end of 2023, approximately 35 million individuals aged 18 and over were married, accounting for just over 50% of the adult population. This marks a significant decrease from 1993, when about 39.3 million adults, or 60% of …

In a significant move to bolster German language education in Ghana, the German Embassy in the country has announced a partnership with the University of Education, Winneba (UEW). The collaboration aims to establish a dedicated Department of German Language at UEW, complete with essential resources and personnel, including a lecturer funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The initiative …

Several legal changes will take effect in Germany starting February 2025, impacting areas such as artificial intelligence, energy, salaries, television costs and elections. Here is an overview of the key changes: 1. Restrictions on Certain AI Applications As from 2February 2025, specific artificial intelligence systems will be prohibited due to concerns over fundamental rights. This includes AI technologies that manipulate …

Germany has seen a sharp decline in net migration in 2024, according to preliminary estimates from the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). The number of people arriving in the country exceeded those leaving by approximately 400,000 to 440,000—marking a 34% drop compared to 2023. This decrease signals a return to pre-2022 migration levels, following a peak driven by the large-scale arrival …

Germany is observing Black History Month (BHM) this February with a range of events celebrating the culture, history and contributions of people of African descent. Originally an American tradition, the Month has steadily gained recognition in Germany, with various organizations and communities hosting programs that highlight both historical narratives and contemporary issues faced by Black people in the country. In …

Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and chancellor candidate, has introduced a five-point plan aimed at tightening migration policies. His proposals include permanent border controls and the swift deportation of individuals attempting to enter Germany without valid documentation. However, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Greens have raised legal concerns, arguing that Merz’s measures conflict with …

On 25 January 2025, tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered at Berlin’s iconic Brandenburg Gate for a protest dubbed the “Sea of Lights Against the Right-Wing Shift.” The event was organized in response to the growing influence of right-wing extremism and aimed to highlight the importance of preserving democratic values. Participants illuminated the area with candles, phone lights and LED …

On 1 January 2025, Germany’s federal government introduced a digital portal to simplify its visa application process. Accessible at https://digital.diplo.de/visa, the platform allows applicants to apply for 28 types of national visas online, cutting down on paperwork and processing delays. This innovation is intended to benefit those seeking work, education or family reunification in Germany. Despite the platform’s supposed global …

Farooq Adamu Kperogi*, a Nigerian-American professor, author and media scholar, explores the potential implications of Donald Trump’s second presidency for Africa as well as for Black people in America. He cautions against unrealistic expectations of a conservative cultural revival hoped for by the religious right in Africa and warns of possible dangers to the continent’s economic and political interests. A …

Funke Akindele has solidified her place as a cultural icon and an unstoppable force in Nollywood, a reference to the Nigerian film industry, one of the largest and most prolific in the world. The 47-year-old actor, producer and director rose to prominence through the sitcom I Need to Know (1998–2002). However, it was her creation of the character Jenifa in …

The term “biodeutsch,” loosely meaning “organically German,” has been selected as Germany’s ‘Unword of the Year’ for 2024. This designation (Das Unwort des Jahres in German)  highlights words or expressions that promote discrimination, undermine human dignity or mislead public discourse. The term was criticized for its use in dividing individuals based on perceived biological heritage, fostering everyday racism, and creating …

The number of asylum applications in Europe decreased significantly in 2024, according to news reports, quoting the German news agency dpa and newspaper Welt am Sonntag.  In the 27 EU member nations, along with Norway and Switzerland, approximately 1.008 million first-time asylum applications were filed last year compared to 1.14 million in 2023, a 12% drop. The figures are based …

Somali-Austrian filmmaker Mo Harawe’s debut feature film, The Village Next to Paradise, is set for release on 30 January. This film, which premiered in the prestigious ‘Un Certain Regard’ section at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024, has captivated audiences for its poignant portrayal of life in a Somali village under the constant threat of drone strikes. The Village Next …

At a special party congress in Berlin on Saturday, 11 January, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) formally announced Chancellor Olaf Scholz as their candidate for Germany’s upcoming federal election on 23 February. Scholz’s candidacy was approved by delegates with overwhelming support, following weeks of internal debates over whether Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, who enjoys greater popularity, should replace him as …

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has launched two new account types, the Non-Resident Nigerian Ordinary Account (NRNOA) and the Non-Resident Nigerian Investment Account (NRNIA), to enhance financial inclusion and investment opportunities for Nigerians in the diaspora. Effective from 1 January 2025, these accounts are accessible through authorized banks, offering a secure and transparent way for Non-Resident Nigerians (NRNs) to …

  The Forum der Kulturen Stuttgart e.V., in collaboration with four (post-)migrant organizations from Stuttgart, has published a multilingual children’s book titled “Stuttgart, das sind wir! Eine Reise um die Welt” (Stuttgart, that is us! A Journey Around the World). The book will be officially launched at a public event on 21 February at the Stuttgart City Library. The book …

The German government has approved a fresh set of Africa policy guidelines aimed at reshaping its engagement with the continent. However, reactions have been mixed, with industry leaders and analysts questioning the effectiveness and timeliness of the new strategy. A changing perspective on Africa For years, Africa played a peripheral role in German foreign policy. This is changing as the …

Berlin is set to host the 11th German-African Agribusiness Forum on 20 January 2025. Under the theme “Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development through Regional Adaptation and Innovation”, the event will convene policymakers, industry leaders and stakeholders from Africa and Germany to explore transformative strategies for agricultural development. The forum, organized by the German-African Business Association (Afrika-Verein) and the German Agribusiness …

On 9 January 2025, a significant change was implemented in the European Union’s banking system: all banks are now required to accept real-time euro transfers. This mandate, established by an EU regulation, ensures that customers can send and receive funds instantly, 24/7, with transactions completed within ten seconds. Prior to this regulation, while standard SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) transfers …

‘Detty December’ has become synonymous with Lagos’s vibrant end-of-year celebrations, attracting Nigerians from the diaspora and international visitors eager to partake in the city’s dynamic festivities. The term, a playful adaptation of “dirty,” signifies the uninhibited revelry that characterizes the holiday season in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos. Detty December has become an annual homecoming that fosters reunions with family and …