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 …

Collins Nweke, a Nigerian-born scholar, political analyst and Pan-Africanist based in Belgium, assesses the current situation in Ghana and the economic challenges the country is facing. He outlines his recommendations for how newly-elected president of the country, John Dramani Mahama, who is set to be sworn into office on 7 January, could address these challenges.  —- Next week the good …

From consumer rights to healthcare, the new year ushers in many significant changes for residents of Germany. In 2025, social security contributions, the minimum wage and housing benefits will all increase. Parents will also be able to deduct higher childcare expenses from their taxes. The introduction of the electronic patient file is set to transform healthcare, while a new recycling …

Germany is gearing up for early general elections after President Frank-Walter Steinmeier announced the dissolution of the Bundestag, the country’s lower house of parliament, on 27 December 2024. This marks the beginning of an accelerated political transition, with the snap election scheduled for 23 February 2025. Countdown to the Polls In his official statement, President Steinmeier emphasized the importance of …

Ghana has officially announced a groundbreaking visa-free policy for all African nationals, underscoring its commitment to fostering Pan-African unity and economic integration. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo granted executive approval for the initiative on 18 December 2024. The move positions Ghana among a select group of African nations — Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin — that offer visa-free entry …

Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has urged Nigerians in the diaspora to recognize and leverage Nigeria’s enormous potential, not only for personal advancement, but for the progress of the country. This, to him, will foster a sense of pride and promote the country’s development. Speaking through Deputy Governor Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, on 18 December at the “ConnectED Diaspora …

In early December 2024, Ghana made headlines across the globe as John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) won the presidential election, defeating the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia. This marks the fourth time since the nation’s return to multiparty democracy in 1992 that an opposition candidate has successfully unseated a ruling party, …

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier undertook a four-day visit to Africa from 10 to 14 December, focusing on strengthening Germany’s ties with Nigeria, South Africa and Lesotho. His trip underscored Germany’s commitment to enhancing economic cooperation, supporting political reforms and promoting sustainable development across the continent, the German presidency said. Nigeria: Energy and Economic Cooperation Steinmeier began his tour in Nigeria, …

As expected, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has lost a vote of confidence in the Bundestag, setting the stage for early federal elections. The motion, held on Monday (16 December), saw 394 members of parliament voting against Scholz, while only 207 supported him, and 116 abstained. The result fell far short of the 367 votes needed to secure a majority, effectively …

The Lagos State Government has inaugurated a Diaspora Real Estate Desk to streamline property investments for Nigerians abroad. The initiative, unveiled recently, is a partnership between the Lagos Lands Bureau and the Lagos State Office of Diaspora Affairs, aiming to address common challenges diaspora investors face in navigating Nigeria’s real estate market. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu emphasized the program’s importance in …

The acquittal of five police officers involved in the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Mouhamed Dramé in Dortmund has sparked widespread disappointment and outrage, particularly within the African community in Germany. The verdict, delivered by a regional court on on 12 December, exonerated the officers, citing self-defence as the basis for their actions. This controversial ruling raises questions about police accountability …