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.
With much-anticipated fanfare, Egypt has unveiled the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), celebrated as the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilisation. Located on the Giza Plateau, within sight of the iconic pyramids, the museum marks a monumental new chapter in how ancient Egypt’s legacy is presented to the world.
Covering nearly half a million square metres, the GEM houses more than 100,000 artefacts that trace the full span of ancient Egyptian history — from the pre-dynastic era to the Greco-Roman period. Its permanent exhibition halls alone stretch across 24,000 square metres.
Among its highlights are the complete treasure collection of the boy-king Tutankhamun, displayed together for the first time since its discovery over a century ago. Visitors can also marvel at colossal statues, monumental relics such as the solar boat of Pharaoh Khufu, and interactive galleries exploring Egyptian society, religion, and leadership.
Architecturally, the GEM is as breathtaking as its contents. Designed by the Irish firm Heneghan Peng, the structure features a dramatic triangular glass façade that mirrors the geometry of the Great Pyramid. Inside, a grand staircase lined with massive statues leads visitors upward to terraces offering panoramic views of the desert and the pyramids beyond.
The museum sits just two kilometres from the Giza Pyramids, creating a powerful visual and symbolic link between Egypt’s ancient past and its modern cultural ambitions. The GEM stands as a proud reminder of the continent’s deep historical roots and enduring influence. It represents not only a triumph of heritage preservation but also a renewed opportunity for cultural exchange, scholarship and tourism.
Vivian Asamoah
