Botswana: An African Jewel
An award winning documentary on a remarkable African success story
For more than 35 years, Botswana maintained the fastest growing economy in the world, transforming itself literally overnight from a rural, cattle grazing society into a modern, stable, middle income country with a population that enjoys free quality health care and education as well as a standard of living largely unparalled in Africa. This African World documentary, winner of the Morgan State University African Heritage Award, explores the reasons for Botswana’s success, including a tradition of political tolerance, sound resource management, and key policy decisions made by the country’s early leaders.
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The African National Congress (ANC) at 100
Ebrahim Rasool, Amb. of South Africa to the US, on the history and successes of the ANC, which turned 100 on January 8
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Ten Most Interesting Africans of 2011
The African World is pleased to present its inaugural “Ten Most interesting Africans.” Like any choice of this nature, the list reflects our personal judgement about those Africans who were the subject of the most interesting and often substantial news coverage during the year.
This judgement is rooted in a frank assessment and analysis of news, events and occurrences involving Africa and people of African descent.
Our choice of those who made the list is not an endorsement or critique of their conduct or actions. Rather, it represents our considered judgement that, for better or worse, they have, in the most interesting and substantive manner, impacted the news and matters pertaining to Africa and its people.
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Why And How Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf Won Recent Election In Liberia:
Excerpts from exclusive interview with her Unity Pary Chairman, Varney Sherman
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AU Symposium on Expanding US – Africa Trade
On Wednesday, December 21, 2011, The African Union Diplomatic Mission in Washington held a symposium at the World Bank’s headquarters on expanding US-Africa trade.
The Symposium, sponsored by the World Bank African Diaspora Program, focused on how to involve members of the African Diaspora in trade and investment in Africa.
Participants in the Symposium also discussed the need to expand and extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a US legislation that promotes US-Africa trade by granting duty free status and other preferences to certain goods imported into the US from Africa.
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Exclusive Interview with Seretse Khama Ian Khama, President of Botswana
Since 2008, President Khama has steered Botswana, a country with perhaps the most remarkable record of economic prosperity and political stability in Africa. In this exclusive, he talks to The African World about Botswana’s successes, the challenges it faces and his broad plans for tackling them.
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South African Ambassador on Africa’s Economic Boom
Ebrahim Rasool has been his country’s ambassador to the US for leas than 2 years now and in that short period he has established a reputation as a dynamic and articulate voice on matters pertaining not only to South Africa but to Africa as a whole. In this exclusive interview, Rasool talks about Africa’s economic dynamism and what it means for the Continent and the rest of the world.
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How Did Mauritius Increase Per Capita GDP from $400 to $4000?
Somduth Soborun, Ambassador of Mauritius to the US, talks about the reasons behind his island nation’s political and economic successes
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Africa Day 2011: Celebrations organized by African diplomats in Washngton, DC
The Search for a Malaria Vaccine
The African World visits the Sanaria laboratory where Dr. Stephen Hoffman leads a team working on producing a malaria vaccine.
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Landmark Elections in Liberia and Cameroon: Pivotal votes to determine future of two powerful incumbents
Historic Elections in Africa’s Oldest Republic: Report From Monrovia
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Free Health Care for Pregnant Women and Children—Making a Difference in African Countries
Black Libyans: Targets of Vengeful Attacks in Post Gaddafi Libya
Black Libyans and African immigrants continue to face tough times in the new Libya
The African Roots of Levi Strauss’ Robert Haas
Bob Haas, former CEO and Chairman of the Board of Levis Strauss, the popular jeans manufacturer, on his service with the Peace Corps in Africa
Alex Cumming, Coca-Cola's VP
Alex Cummings:
A look at an African at the top of an iconic American company Coca-Cola
Isibor Nosegbe
The remarkable journey of an African from refugee to owner of
a highly-rated nursing school in Virginia
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AFRICA MUST READS
ANC Upholds Suspension of Former Youth Leader
Senegalese Opposition Parties Unite Against Wade
Death Toll Rises in Clashes Between Demonstrators and Security Forces in Egypt
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Increased Consumer Spending Highlights Massive Inequality in Africa
Major Western Brands Opening Stores In Africa to Cater to Growing Middle Class
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Death Toll Mounts From Increased Boko Haram Attacks In Nigeria
Big Win For Islamist Parties In Egyptian Elections
Deputy Chief of Libya’s NTC Resigns
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Increased Protests Against End of Fuel Subsidy in Nigeria
Death of President Sanha Creates Uncertainty in Guinea Bissau
Stampede Kills One and Injures Many at University in South Africa
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State Of Emergency Declared in South Sudan After Deadly Ethnic-Based Violence
Death Penalty Sought Against Mubarak
Prosecutor asks court to impose death sentence against former Egyptian ruler and other defendants, including his two sons.
More Than 20 Killed In Attacks By Rebels in DRC
Attacks said to be worst in the country in several months.
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Nigerians Protest End of Fuel Subsidy
The decision by the government to end fuel subsidy in the oil producing country is producing a huge backlash
Popular Senegalese Musician to Contest Presidency
The announcement by Yossou N’dour is likely to add drama to next month’s election
Customs Chief Arrested in Burkina Faso
More than $4 Million reportedly found in suitcase belonging to him
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State of Emergency Declared In Nigeria
Government seeks to respond to wave of attacks by Islamist group, Boko Haram
Is the Taliban Gaining Ground In Nigeria?
Recent attacks are raising troubling questions about the threat posed by Boko Haram
Attack on Arabic School Injures 7 in Nigeria
The attack, which occured in the southern Delta State, came after assaults against churches killed 25.
South African Economy Grew By Meager 1.4 Percent in Third Quarter
Slow growth attributed to domestic labor turmoil and European economic crisis.
Mauritius Economy Posts Solid Gains in 2011
The eonomy of one of Africa’s better performing countries grew at a respectable 4.1 percent, with the tourism sector leading the way.
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Navy Chief Arrested in Guinea Bissau
Move comes after failed coupt attempt.
Swedes Given 10-Year Jail Terms in Ethiopia
Two Swedish Journalists jailed for reportedly providing aid to rebels fighting the Ethiopian Government.
Egypt Halts Virginity Tests in Prison After Protest by Jailed Female Demonstrator
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Coup attempt reported in Guinea Bissau
Reports say attempt led by senior army officer.
Former Nigerian Military Leader Criticizes Government Response to Boko Haram attacks.
Islamist Group Kills More Than 25 in Attacks on Chruches in Nigeria
The attacks by Boko Haram come one day after the Nigerian Military announced it had killed more than 50 members of the group.
Darfur Rebel Leader Reportedly Killed in Fighting with Sudanese Government Forces
Khalil Ibrahim, leader of the Justice and Equality Movement that is seeking to wrest control of the Darfur Region from the government of Sudan was reported killed on Christmas Day.
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Curfew Lifted; Opposition Leader Released from Prison in Liberia
The government of Liberia has lifted a curfew imposed in the capital, Monrovia, after two days of rioting by students protesting late payment for part-time jobs. The government also relesed from prison on Christmas Day Acarious Gray, a leading oppositon figure, who was jailed in the wake of the student riots.
Curfew Imposed in Liberia
Massive demonstrations by students protesting late payment for part-time jobs, blocked traffic and trapped passengers in cars, forcing the government to imposed dusk to dawn curfew in the capital, Monrovia.
Nigerian Military Kills More than 50 Members of Radical Islamist Group
More than 50 members of the Boko Haram Islamist Group that has killed scores of Nigerians to protest what it says is the adoption of Western culture by Africa’s most populous country were killed on Thursday in an operation in the North of the country.
Major Third Quarter Gains for Botswana Economy
The economy of Botswana grew by a surprising 5.8 percent in the third quarter despite lackluster performance by the mining sector, a key pillar of the economy of the world’s largest diamond producer.
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Security Forces Kill 24 in DRC as Election Related Violence Continues
Reports say most of the killings took place in the Capital, Kinshasa, a strong hold of opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi who has accused President Joseph Kabila of rigging recent elections. On the eve of the elections, human rights groups reported the deaths of 18 opposition supporters at the hands of security forces.
IMF Chief: Europe Crisis a Threat to African Economies
Speaking in Niger yesterday, the IMF Chief, Christine Legarde, said many African countries were less prepared to deal with the effects of the current European economic crisis than they were during the onset of the global economic downturn in 2008. Continued slow growth in Europe, she said, could dampen demand for Africa’s exports, hurting many countries.
South Sudan: Hard Reality Dampens Independence Euphoria
Hit by massive inflation and continued tension with Sudan, the people of newly independent South Sudan are realizing that independence has not brought an end to old problems.
President Bongo’s Party Declared Winner of Disputed Gabon Elections
President Ali Bongo tightened his grip on power in the country his father, Omar Bongo, ruled for 42 years when the Gabonese Interior Ministry announced Thursday that his ruling PGD Party swept the parliamentary elections held on December 17, taking 113 of the 120 seats in parliament. Opposition parties have rejected the result, but the African Union issued a statement Tuesday praising the elections as generally peaceful and credible.
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Gambia’s President Says He is Prepared to Rule for a Billion Years
Africa’s Longest Serving Leaders
Three of Africa’s longest serving leaders were forced out of office in dramatic fashion in 2011. What is on the horizon for others?
Fatou Bensouda–Another African Woman Making a Mark on the International Scene
The Mo Ibrahim Prize–Why Former Cape Verde President Pedro Pires is a Most Deserving Winner
De Beers Moves Key Diamond Operations from UK to Gaborone: Botswana’s Former Investment Chief on Economic Diversification