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Famous German humanitarian Rupert Neudeck, who died on 31 May 2016 at 77, points out what he considers the major impediments to African development in his book The strength of Africans and he explains why Western development agencies cannot be helpful to a continent that is so rich in natural resources. In his book Die Kraft Afrikas – Warum der …

Literally translated, Boa Vista, the easternmost island of Cape Verde, means “beautiful view” and it lives up to its name, surprising visitors with stunning views. But there is so much more to Boa Vista than spectacular landscapes and observation points, as our Associate publisher Bugs Steffen discovered when he went to explore.  I was asked how I came up with …

The Initiative Schwarze Menschen in Deutschland (Initiative of Black People in Germany or ISD Bund e.V.) marked the 30th anniversary of its founding early this year. The ISD is the first and the most important group formed by the African diaspora in this country since 1945 for the promotion of its interests. Although Blacks have not attained the level of …

Since 1992, the University for Development Studies in Ghana institution has been helping the rural poor of northern Ghana. Its range of projects is remarkable: from setting up and running agribusinesses to recycling plastics, from building dams to spreading literacy, from preserving water resources to educating parents about the value of keeping their children in school. Our contributing editor Tom …

South Africa’s Public Protector, who famously took on President Jacob Zuma over the use of taxpayers’ money to upgrade his home, has been awarded the prestigious prize for her commitment to fighting corruption. Some have called her a woman of steel. Others say she is the voice of the voiceless. As the public protector, Thuli Madonsela has worked tirelessly to …

African women from across Europe will gather in the western German city of Düsseldorf on 18 June. Organised by African Women in Europe (AWE) Network under the theme Leadership & Integration for Change, the one-day event will feature discussions on issues affecting African women, their career development and the opportunities for professional advancement. Among the speakers billed to speak at …

Humanitas Afrika launched a creative initiative last year to promote positive Africa in the Czech Republic. Around Africa in a Month is a platform of constructive dialogue to discuss serious issues that showcase the various contributions that the African Diaspora communities are making to the development of Africa and Europe. In this first interview in a series, Martha Ronke Ayorinde …

One hundred groups meet in Berlin, call for change in the discussion of migration issues They take our jobs. They put pressure on our social services. They bring war, diseases and uncivilised social practices. They degrade our culture and threaten our societies. Everything was better before they arrived… These are just a few of the myths about migrants and refugees …

Noo Saro-Wiwa’s exhilarating offering is travel book, social commentary, history and a projection into Nigeria’s future all rolled into one, writes Michael Nnaji.  Unlike most writers who spend a few weeks or days in a particular country of interest before embarking on an opinionated take in the form of a travel book, Noo Saro-Wiwa’s Looking for Transwonderland – Travels in …

The restoration of democracy with regular elections in the 1990s held the promise of resolving the explosive issue of power succession blamed for the conflicts that devilled post-independent Africa. After independence in the 1960s, most of the ruling parties abolished multiparty democracy and instituted one-party states. The argument for the change was the promotion of stability, as the acrimonious contest …

Naledi Pandor, South Africa’s Minister of Science and Technology, was awarded with the Grand Cross of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany at the residence of the German Ambassador in Pretoria on 22 April. On behalf of the German President, Ambassador Walter Lindner presented the Order to Ms Pandor in front of over 100 high-level guests. The minister has …

Düsseldorf, April 2016 – Ortel Mobile connects people in different countries. To mark its ten-year anniversary, the telecommunications company is now offering a 10-gigabyte Internet flat rate in its range of products. Nowadays, mobile data is more important than ever for staying in contact with loved ones – whether viewing a video from friends or family on Facebook while you’re …

To support President Muhammadu Buhari’s ongoing war on corruption in Africa’s most populous country and biggest economy, a coalition of 95 Nigerian civil society groups has demanded that the British government ends the country’s role as a safe haven for Nigeria’s looters.  An army of 95 Nigerian civil society groups has banded together to demand that the United Kingdom end …

Germany and Mozambique aim to uphold their political dialogue and step up economic relations, said Chancellor Angela Merkel following a meeting with President Filipe Nyusi in Berlin on 21 April. Germany, she added, would like to help secure peace in Mozambique.  Chancellor Merkel praised the traditionally good and cordial relations between Germany and Mozambique. Today, more than 3,500 people from …

Chancellor Angela Merkel and Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta discussed Kenya’s economic development and bilateral co-operation at a meeting during the African leader’s visit to Berlin in April.  Germany can be a good partner for Kenya in the fields of infrastructure development, training and energy supply, Dr Merkel said, welcoming the commitment of President Kenyatta to increased economic relations between both …

PRESS STATEMENT Nairobi, 19 April 2016 – The African Media Initiative is pleased to announce the launch of its pan-African journalism contest – the 2nd Zimeo Awards for Excellence in Media. The contest is open to professional journalists in Africa reporting or writing for print, radio, TV and digital.  At this stage, AMI is calling on all interested journalists to …

Where corruption is involved, African leaders seem to be utterly beyond shock. Black folks in office often regard as normal business the kind of infractions that draw alarm and apologetic resignations in other parts of the world.

Images of people escaping their homes to search for safety have in a very short amount of time become part of our daily routine. The most severe humanitarian crisis since the Second World War is challenging nation states as well as civil society organisations and reinforces the question of immigration with a vehemence, which for a long time has not …

The controversial bill passed by French parliament in February making it possible to revoke the citizenship of people convicted on terrorism charges has been withdrawn by President Francois Hollande. The action followed the rejection of the bill by the Senate on 30 March. The bill, presented by Prime minister Manuel Valls in the wake of the Paris attacks of last …

German Minister for Development and International Cooperation, Dr Gerd Müller, began a five-day tour of the East African countries of Kenya, Tanzania and Djibouti on 29 March. With this trip, the German government wants to raise global awareness about the crises in the region. The most notable stop on the minister’s tour is the Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya, the …