News

Burkina Faso finds itself at a crossroads, buoyed by a wave of popular support for its military leadership yet confronted with the pressing need for democratic governance and economic renewal, writes Colins Nweke. In this opinion piece, the Nigerian-Belgian commentator explores how Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s bold leadership, hailed by much of Africa’s frustrated youth, can chart a sustainable path towards …

In a significant policy shift, Namibia has introduced a visa requirement for German nationals and citizens of 32 other countries, effective from 1 April 2025. The policy aims to establish reciprocity with nations that mandate visas for Namibian citizens. The affected countries span Europe, North America, Asia and Oceania, including:​ Europe: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, …

Responding to concerns about rising cases of untimely deaths in the African community, the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Germany (NIDO Germany) recently hosted an online health information session. The event, titled “Health is Wealth,” was organised in collaboration with the Diaspora Medical Mobile Clinic (DMMC), a collective of African medical professionals committed to improving healthcare outcomes in the community. The …

The German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst, DAAD) has inaugurated a new regional office in Accra, Ghana, marking a significant expansion of Germany’s academic engagement in West Africa. The office, which will initially focus on Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon, is expected to strengthen scientific collaboration and enhance academic exchange between the region and Germany. The DAAD Regional Office – …

The death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, has reverberated across the globe. In Africa, a continent where Catholicism is rapidly growing, his passing has elicited profound sorrow and reflection. Leaders, faithful and communities have come together to honor a pontiff whose commitment to humility, justice and inclusion left an indelible mark …

The European Commission has proposed designating seven countries as “safe countries of origin,” aiming to expedite the processing of asylum applications from their nationals. Under this proposal, asylum claims from individuals originating from these nations would be subject to accelerated procedures, with decisions expected within three months, compared to the standard six-month timeframe. The Commission justifies this move by citing …

Travellers to the United Kingdom now need a digital travel authorisation called ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation). However, consumer advocates are warning of widespread online scams that are catching many people off guard, German media report. Since 2 April 2025, most non-visa visitors to the UK – including tourists from the EU – must apply for an ETA before entering the …

The party leaders of the CDU, CSU and SPD presented the coalition agreement this week, outlining their plans for a joint government. One of the dominant topics is migration. Among other significant changes to the country’s migration policies, Germany’s incoming government, led by Chancellor-designate Friedrich Merz of the CDU, intends to scale back recent liberalisations in citizenship law, tighten family …

The European Commission unveiled a draft law on 11 March aimed at expediting deportations of undocumented migrants across Europe — a legislation that critics say undermines human rights and disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, including many Africans. The proposal, rushed through amid political pressure, has been sharply condemned by migrant advocacy groups for its lack of consultation and comprehensive impact assessments. …

German higher education is witnessing a notable rise in international enrolments, with the 2024 academic year marking a significant shift in student demographics. Approximately 491,400 new students began their studies at German universities last year—a 2% increase compared to the previous year—with the surge driven entirely by foreign applicants. Recent data from the Federal Statistical Office, as reported by various …

A new study by the German Economic Institute (IW), commissioned by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), has highlighted the significant economic benefits that international students bring to Germany. The research found that international students generate a return eight times greater than the government’s investment in their education. With around 492,600 international students currently studying in Germany, the country has …

The closing event of the first UN Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024) took place at the GLS Campus Berlin on Friday, 21 February. The event, which brought together German government officials, scholars, international guests and civil society organisations from the Black community, featured the presentation of the final report of the advisory board set up by the German …

*By Steve Ogah On 20 January 2025, the destiny of most migrants in America took a turn for the worse after Donald Trump was sworn in as president, their fortunes further deteriorating after he signed the “securing our border” executive order, a move that could see undocumented migrants deported from the country in droves. While many migrants suspected what they …

On 13 March 2025, Cape Town hosted the 8th South Africa–European Union (EU) Summit to reinforce the longstanding collaboration between the two partners amid hostile policies of the new US administration. President Donald Trump recently cancelled all aid to South Africa ostensibly for expropriating land from its white citizens without compensation. The one-day summit, centered on collaboration in trade and …

From a tough childhood in Lagos to an enduring journey to Germany and finally a return to Nigeria, Ade’s life has come full circle. With his own resilience and support from the ARRIVES Project, he is now building a successful business at home. ________ A Yoruba saying goes, “Ìgbà àti ibi tí mo ń wá, ti wà fún mi láti ìbẹ̀rẹ̀” …

The UK has announced the introduction of a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for European Union nationals. Similar to the US ESTA program, the new system will require EU travellers to obtain a digital travel permit before entering the UK, starting from 2 April 2025. Here’s what you need to know about the scheme: The application process is generally quick …

Paulino José Miguel, a long-standing advocate for intercultural dialogue, cultural diversity and migrant participation in Germany, has been awarded the Federal Cross of Merit (Bundesverdienstkreuz), one of the country’s highest civilian honours. The award recognizes Miguel’s decades-long commitment to fostering integration and development policy through his work at the Forum der Kulturen Stuttgart e.V. (Forum of Cultures Stuttgart). The prestigious …

The Hope Education Project (HEP) has announced the launch of a pioneering pilot project in Tamale, Northern Region, Ghana, aimed at preventing human trafficking through education and community empowerment. HEP will deliver trafficking awareness programming to three Junior High Schools in the following communities of Tamale: Gumbihini, Sagnarigu and New Gbolo. The HEP program aims to disrupt the flow of …

On 23 February, German voters will choose a new government. Reducing immigration has emerged as the main issue in the current election campaign due to recent deadly terror acts that involved suspects with immigrant origins. Several parties have adopted the tough stances of the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) on immigration in an attempt to tap into the perceived potential …

Frankfurt-based Mickie Ojijo examines the political future of Kenya’s veteran opposition leader following his unexpected loss in the race for the Chairperson of the African Union Commission at the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government last week. Mr Raila Odinga’s ambition to lead the African Union Commission has officially come to an end, and …