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.
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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January, 2025
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16 January
What Trump’s Comeback May Mean for Africa by Prof Farooq Kperogi
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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15 January
Meet Nigeria’s Queen of Cinema
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 …
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15 January
Germany: Discriminatory term chosen as ‘Unword of the Year’
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 …
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14 January
Fewer asylum applications in Europe in 2024
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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14 January
Somali-Austrian film debuts in German cinemas on 30 January
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 …
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13 January
Germany: Scholz confirmed as SPD candidate for federal election
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 …
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12 January
Nigeria: Central Bank introduces special diaspora accounts for citizens based abroad
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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11 January
Germany: New children’s book celebrates multilingualism and cultural diversity
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 …
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11 January
Germany unveils new Africa policy guidelines
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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