Germany is set to hold early federal elections on Sunday 23 February, following the collapse of the coalition government formed by the Social Democrats (SPD), Greens and Free Democrats (FDP) in November 2024. A total of 29 parties have qualified to compete in the election, though only nine will be on the ballot nationwide. These include the CDU/CSU, SPD, Greens, …
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Namibia’s founding president and independence hero, Sam Nujoma, passed away on Saturday, 8 February, at the age of 95. Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba announced Nujoma’s passing, stating, “The foundations of the Republic of Namibia have been shaken… Our venerable leader, Dr. Nujoma, did not only blaze the trail to freedom – but he also inspired us to rise to our …
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Anthony Ekene Onwuka, a Germany-based lawyer and international project management expert, writes about Nigerian politics and the ongoing collaboration, strategy and mobilization efforts of two presidential candidates from the 2023 elections as they prepare for the 2027 race. —- During his time at the White House, former President Obama spent most of the time castigating Donald Trump as being “unqualified, …
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On 1 January 2025, Romania and Bulgaria officially joined the Schengen Area, the European Union’s border-free travel zone. This development means that passport checks at internal borders between these countries and other Schengen states have been eliminated, facilitating smoother travel across Europe. With this expansion, the Schengen Area now consists of 29 member states, reinforcing the principle of free movement …
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In a compelling inaugural lecture delivered on 5 February 2025 at the University of Lagos, Professor Adelaja Odutola Odukoya, a distinguished scholar in Comparative Political Economy, passionately advocated for the adoption of socialist Pan-Africanism as a transformative pathway for Africa’s resurgence and Nigeria’s development. His lecture, provocatively titled “Armageddon?”, delved into the paradox of Africa’s abundant resources juxtaposed with its …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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‘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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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, …
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ANNOUNCEMENT The Specter of Multipolarity and Imperialism Haunts Global Africa Since the new millennium, the language of war has been central to the way policymakers, commentators, and politicians interact with Africa. This war-centric framework has radically reshaped the continent, even as the African Union was established with the intention of radical transformation. The War on Terror and reactions to liberal …
Read More »Namibia has achieved a historic milestone by electing its first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Her victory represents a significant step towards gender equality and democratic progress in Africa, according to the German-African Business Association (Afrika-Verein), in a press release. Christoph Kannengießer, the association’s CEO, described the election as a pivotal moment for Namibia, stating, “Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s presidency signifies renewal and …
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Germany is gearing up for snap federal elections on 23 February 2025 after the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party coalition of the SPD, Greens and FDP. The breakup followed the sack of ex-Finance Minister Christian Lindner of the FDP in early November, after months of internal disputes, primarily over the 2025 budget, which culminated in the FDP withdrawal from …
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THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.