Democracy and Governance
No real development in africa without regional integration - Interview: Ahunna Eziakonwa
United Nations Assistant Secretary-General Ahunna Eziakonwa is the new Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Ms. Eziakonwa had served as the UN Resident Coordinator in Ethiopia, Uganda and Lesotho. In this interview with Africa Renewal’s Kingsley Ighobor, she discusses key issues pertaining to Africa’s socioeconomic development, including the empowerment of women and youth and Africa’s free trade area, which entered into force in April. These are excerpts.
Young people can capably lead africa into the future - Interview: Aya Chebbi, African Union Youth Envoy
Aya Chebbi of Tunisia is the first-ever youth envoy of the African Union. Her appointment in November 2018 boosts the AU’s efforts to include the talents and skills of the continent’s bulging youth population in achieving its Agenda 2063, a framework for Africa’s socioeconomic transformation. Ms. Chebbi is expected to promote, among other issues, youth leadership and participation in governance, gender equality, safe migration, employment and climate change action. Raphael Obonyo, a youth activist, interviewed Ms. Chebbi for Africa Renewal on a range of issues affecting Africa’s young people. These are excerpts.
Youthful minister opening doors for women and girls
Bogolo Kenewendo describes herself as having been “an ordinary Botswana child with an ordinary upbringing.” Ms. Kenewendo, poised and focused beyond her years, is being modest. At 32 she is Botswana’s youngest minister, in charge of investment, trade and industry.
Mechanizing agricultureis key to food security
An African woman with hoe in hand is the default symbol of agriculture in Africa, according to the late Calestous Juma, African academic and former Harvard Kennedy School professor. Mr. Juma used that image to convey the drudgery-filled farming that women on the continent face.
Countries propose a treaty to end corporate impunity
When Ecuadorian diplomat Luis Gallegos first proposed a “Binding Treaty on Business and Human Rights,” many countries and environmental activists welcomed the idea with open arms.
Good education is the foundation for effective female leadership
African women’s restricted access to quality education, knowledge and resources is preventing them from gaining leadership positions on the continent, says Kafui Adjamagbo-Johnson, a veteran West African women’s rights activist. Another problem is that women—especially rural women—are allowed only limited control over finances, means of production and land.
Paying a high price for skin bleaching
“I’ve been dark skinned for many years and I wanted to experience the other side. I wanted to see what it would be like to be white and I’m happy,” says South African singer Mshoza, whose real name is Nomasonto Mnisi.
African women in politics: Miles to go before parity is achieved
In the fight for gender equality, women around the world have advanced in small and large ways. Yet for women in Africa, progress is measured in micro steps, and the struggle has a long way to go.
Technology is a liberating force for african women
As ride-hailing apps proliferate the globe, the year-old An Nisa Taxi in Kenya is one of the standouts in Africa.
Zimbabwe’s beef industry stampedes back to life
Zimbabwe’s famed beef industry, which collapsed in the 2000s following outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, is now rebounding.
Africa’s megacities a magnet for investors
Megacities, cities with a population of at least 10 million, are sprouting everywhere in Africa. Cairo in Egypt, Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Lagos in Nigeria are already megacities, while Luanda in Angola, Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and Johannesburg in South Africa will attain the status by 2030, according the United Nations.
Preparing africa’s graduates for today’s
Many Africans with advanced qualifications are finding their university degrees are just not enough to land a job in the current market.
Infrastructure key to intra-African trade
Ken Ukaoha knows something about infrastructure and intra-Africa trade. He is the founder and chief executive officer of Kenaux International Concept, a shoe and garment manufacturing company based in Aba, southeast Nigeria. Kenaux’s products sell in Nigeria and other African countries, including Ghana, South Africa and parts of Central Africa.
Confronting sexual violence in schools
Rachel Njeri, a student of Makerere University in Uganda, wept bitterly when recounting a sexual assault that took place in April 2018. “I tried to resist his actions but he was stronger than me. He grabbed me and threw me on the cabinet files at the corner.”
Interview: Prof. Eddy Maloka, CEO of the APRM, Good governance is the solution to Africa’s problems
Under the auspices of the African Union, African leaders established the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) in 2003 as an instrument for monitoring governance performance among member states. A self-monitoring instrument, APRM aims to foster the adoption of policies, standards and practices leading to political stability, high economic growth, sustainable development and accelerated regional and economic integration. Africa Renewal’s Zipporah Musau sat down with Prof. Eddy Maloka, the CEO of the South Africa–based APRM Secretariat, to understand how they conduct their business. Here are excerpts.
Youth: Getting ready for public office
With few or no opportunities to emerge as candidates for elective offices—because they are too young or because they have limited experience— some young Africans are now actively campaigning for a reduction in the age limit for running for public office.
World Cup: Lessons from Russia
On the morning of 29 June, Senegal woke up to a heartrending headline in Le Soleil, one of the country’s major newspapers. Two words— “La désillusion” (“The Disappointment”)—summed up the paper’s response to the country’s poor showing against Colombia, which ended 0–1, in the crucial World Cup Group H match in the Russian city of Samara.
Strengthening bonds in the Sahel
Political insecurity in the Sahel has its roots in poverty and climate change, declares Mahamad.
The evolving state of African elections
General elections could take place this year in at least 12 African countries. Despite myriad social and political reforms, a smooth handover from one leader to a new one looks uncertain in some of the 12 countries, with sectarian conflict predicted in close to half them.
Africa-made luxury loungewear takes on big brands
For centuries, unfinished materials for clothing manufacture—silk, cotton, hides—have been sold and shipped from Africa to the fashion capitals of the West, such as London, Paris and New York. In return, a small number of ready-to-wear clothes, cheap shoes and secondhand garments head back to Africa—at vastly marked-up prices or as charity donations.
UN calls on countries to stand against genocide
With only a few months before the 70th anniversary of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, the United Nations has renewed its appeal for the universal ratification of the Convention. This is meant to encourage states that are still not party to the convention to ratify or sign on to it before the anniversary of its adoption on December 9.
Trading while caring for people and planet
Ratifications are moving ahead, if slowly, on the newly signed African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA)—the world’s largest free trade agreement (with the most member countries) since the founding of the World Trade Organization.
One-stop border post will boost trading
As the marketing executive of Dairibord Zimbabwe, a stock exchange–listed exporter of food and beverages in Southern Africa, Tracy Mutaviri is looking forward to a bigger market share for her goods when the African Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) becomes operational.
Vers un énorme marché unique
Les rayons du supermarché Choithrams de Freetown, en Sierra Leone, offrent une pléthore de produits importés, notamment des cure-dents de Chine, du papier hygiénique et du lait des Pays-Bas, du sucre de France, du chocolat de Suisse et des boîtes d’allumettes de Suède.
Entretien: Prof. Eddy Maloka, Directeur général du MAEP, La bonne gouvernance: Solution aux problèmes de l’Afrique
Sous les auspices de l’Union africaine (UA), les dirigeants africains ont créé le Mécanisme Africain d’Evaluation par les Pairs (MAEP) en 2003, afin de suivre les performances des états membres en matière de gouvernance. Instrument d’auto-évaluation, le MAEP est destiné à stimuler l’adoption de politiques, normes et pratiques favorisant la stabilité politique, la croissance économique, le développement durable, ainsi qu’à accélérer l’intégration régionale. Zipporah Musau, d’Afrique Renouveau, s’est entretenu avec le Prof. Eddy Maloka, Directeur général du Secrétariat du MAEP.
Genre: De plus en plus de femmes à la tête des start-ups
À première vue, l’Afrique subsaharienne affiche le taux le plus élevé de femmes entrepreneurs au monde: 27 %. L’indice MasterCard des femmes entrepreneurs de 2017 a classé deux pays africains, l’Ouganda (34,8 %) et le Botswana (34,6 %), comme ayant le pourcentage le plus élevé de femmes entrepreneurs à l’échelle mondiale.
Renforcer les liens au Sahel
Au Sahel, la pauvreté et le changement climatique sont les causes de l’instabilité politique, déclarait Mahamadou Issoufou, le président du Niger. Si beaucoup en conviennent, les responsables communautaires, les experts en développement et les activistes de la société civile estiment que les gouvernements de la région comme leurs partenaires internationaux n’investissent pas assez dans la création d’emplois, l’amélioration des conditions de vie ou la réduction des inégalités régionales et sociales – des situations qui incitent les jeunes désemparés à rejoindre les mouvements armés.
Entretien: Dr Mukhisa Kituyi, Secrétaire général de la CNUCED, Le phénoménal potentiel du commerce intra-africain
Quarante-neuf des 55 pays africains ont signé l’Accord cadre de Zone de libre-échange continentale (ZLEC) tendant à créer un marché continental unique pour les biens et les services, garantissant la libre circulation des hommes d’affaires et des investissements. Lorsqu’au moins 22 pays l’auront ratifiée, la ZLEC entrera officiellement en vigueur, faisant potentiellement du continent le plus grand bloc commercial du monde. Zipporah Musau, d’Afrique Renouveau, s’est entretenue de ses avantages et des défis avec Mukhisa Kituyi, le Secrétaire général de la Conférence des Nations Unies sur le commerce et le développement (CNUCED). Extraits.
L’ONU appel les États à s’opposer aux génocides
L’ONU renouvelle son appel à la ratification universelle de la Convention pour la prévention et la répression du crime de génocide à quelques mois à peine du 70e anniversaire de sa signature. L’appel vise à encourager les États qui ne font toujours pas parties à la convention à la ratifier ou à la signer avant l’anniversaire, le 9 décembre.
Violences sexuelles à la fac
Rachel Njeri, étudiante à l’Université de Makerere en Ouganda, ne peut retenir ses larmes quand elle raconte l’agression sexuelle dont elle a été victime en avril 2018. « J’ai essayé de résister mais il était trop fort. Il m’a attrapée et jetée dans un coin contre une armoire ».
Elections africaines: État des lieux
Tout au long de cette année, des électeurs devraient se rendre aux urnes dans une douzaine de pays africains. En dépit de multiples réformes politico et sociales, le passage du pouvoir d’un régime à l’autre pourrait être agitée dans certains de ces pays, dont près de la moitié pourrait connaître des conflits sectaires.
La Russie, et puis après?
«La désillusion »: c’est avec cette triste Une dans Le Soleil, l’un des principaux journaux du pays, que le Sénégal s’est réveillé le matin du 29 juin. Ces deux mots résumaient à eux seuls la piètre performance de l’équipe nationale en Coupe du monde lors du match décisif du groupe H perdu 0-1 contre la Colombie dans la ville russe de Samara.
Speaking up against gender-based violence: 16 days of campaign against GBV wants women to be heard
Each year, the world comes together in a campaign to speak out on one topic: ending violence against women and girls. Sixteen Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence begins on 25 November, which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and runs through Human Rights Day on 10 December
Les jeunes se mettent à la politique
Des opportunités restrictives pour les masses juvéniles de se présenter comme candidats à des postes électifs, parce qu’elles sont trop jeunes ou ont une expérience limitée. Certains jeunes africains font désormais activement campagne pour une réduction de la limite d’âge afin de se porter candidat.
Commerce intra-africain et infrastructures
Ken Ukaoha en connaît long sur les infrastructures et le commerce entre pays africains: il est le fondateur et PDG de Kenaux International Concept, une entreprise de fabrication de chaussures et de vêtements située à Aba, dans le sud-est du Nigéria, dont les produits sont vendus dans l pays comme le Ghana, l’Afrique du Sud, la Centrafrique.
Commerce et respect de l’environnement
Ouoique lente, la ratification du nouvel Accord africain sur la Zone de libre-échange continentale (ZLEC) se poursuit. Il s’agit du plus important accord de libreéchange (comptant le plus grand nombre de pays membres) depuis la création de l’Organisation mondiale du commerce.
Interview: Ashraf El Nour, Director, IOM New York, Migration can be a catalyst for economic growth
Migration is at the heart of every discussion on sustainable development in Africa today. Experts paint a more complex picture than the too-common images of young African migrants crossing the Mediterranean. Who in Africa is migrating, how and where to? Africa Renewal’s Zipporah Musau sat down with Ashraf El Nour, the Director of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Office to the UN in New York to find out more. Here are some excerpts.
A life on the move: From the ravages of war to culture shock in Europe
Lucia Kula was only eight when war came to her doorstep and upended her life. A civil war had raged for years in her birthplace of Angola and her father was held political prisoner. To save her two daughters, Lucia’s mother picked up the family and fled for safer ground.
Towards a safe and orderly migration: A global migration compact may help combat the myth that migrants are liabilities
In August 2018, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister Theresa May visited countries in Africa, sparking hope of increased foreign direct investments (FDI) in the continent.
Uganda stands out in refugees hospitality: The country hosts the largest number of refugees in Africa — more than a million
As thousands of desperate men, women and children flee conflicts and natural disasters in search of a place of refuge, some countries are debating whether to accept or reject asylum seekers. But Uganda has opened its doors to refugees in record numbers.
Interview: Edward Kallon, UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Nigeria needs free, fair and credible elections
Edward Kallon is the United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, a country that recently exited a painful economic recession. At the same time, insecurity stemming from the continuing terrorist activities of Boko Haram insurgents has not abated. Under these conditions, some 80 million Nigerians will go to the polls in February 2019 to elect a president, the governors of 29 of Nigeria’s 36 states and all federal and state legislators. On these and other pertinent issues, Africa Renewal’s Kingsley Ighobor interviewed Mr. Kallon. These are excerpts.
Crisis worsens in Cameroon: People flee as the UN calls for national reconciliation and durable solution
What started as a struggle for equality and justice by citizens of southern Cameroon has spiraled into a fullblown crisis. Rebel groups seeking an end to what they consider domination of the anglophone south by the francophone north have taken up weapons against the government’s security forces, causing hundreds to die while tens of thousands are forced from their homes.
A double challenge for the disabled: Stigma prevents many people with disabilities from entering the workforce
At five years of age, Kenneth Habaalu, a Zambian, was paralysed by polio, a viral disease that attacks the nerves. Mr. Habaalu’s paralysis appeared to cut short any hopes of getting an education and finding a job later in life. But thanks to his brother who paid his tuition, he acquired a diploma in management.
Blue economy can be a lifeline for Africa: Sustainable exploitation of the oceans, lakes, rivers will increase countries’ earnings
By efficient management, the sustainable exploitation of resources in oceans, seas, lakes and rivers— also known as the blue economy— could contribute up to $1.5 trillion to the global economy, according to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, an intergovernmental organization comprising of 36 countries.
Vencer a los enemigos de la libertad
Analizando las amenazas que pesan sobre la humanidad, el escritor británico Aldous Huxley (1894-1963) sugiere incluir en una Carta mundial de los derechos humanos principios para aumentar los recursos disponibles con respecto a las necesidades de la población mundial y a limitar el poder de los dominantes sobre la masa de los anónimos. Algunos extractos de su respuesta al estudio de la UNESCO sobre los fundamentos filosóficos de los derechos humanos, enviada en junio de 1947 y titulada "Los derechos del hombre y los hechos de la situación humana".
Derechos humanos y perspectivas culturales
Los debates actuales que cuestionan la universalidad de la Declaración de los derechos humanos vuelven a poner de actualidad las iniciativas adoptadas por la UNESCO desde 1947 para abrir la reflexión hacia diferentes horizontes culturales.
SESAME: La excelencia científica en el corazón de Oriente Medio
SESAME es un centro internacional de investigación científica, primero en su tipo en Oriente Medio. Fue inaugurado el 16 de mayo de 2017 en Jordania, tras catorce años de arduo trabajo. La obra está respaldada por una voluntad política, ambiciones científicas y una visión humana entre ocho países que superaron sus diferencias para unirse en torno a este proyecto pionero. Un proyecto que permite a Oriente Medio entrar de lleno en el proceso científico internacional y que abre varias perspectivas para los investigadores. Apoyada por la UNESCO, este logro permite establecer una relación entre las culturas de Oriente y de Occidente y constituye una materialización de la excelencia científica y un apoyo al principio de una humanidad unida.
Ideas: La educación para los migrantes: un derecho humano inalienable
El derecho a la educación a menudo se da por sentado… hasta que nos lo quitan. Herramienta indispensable para defender la libertad y la dignidad de todos los migrantes, la educación es una condición sine qua non para que se conviertan en miembros de pleno derecho de la sociedad que integran. Una aspiración legítima que se enfrenta con obstáculos sobre el terreno.
Libertés humaines et pensée hindoue
Critiquant l’accent mis par les Occidentaux sur la raison et la science, qui a accompagné l’émergence de la doctrine européenne des droits de l’homme, le politologue indien S. V. Puntambekar estime qu’« il nous faudra renoncer à certaines superstitions de la science et de la raison, qui, par ce qu'elles ont de matériel et de limité, rendent l'homme trop attaché à ce monde, et proposer à l'homme des valeurs et des fins spirituelles plus hautes ». Extraits de son texte « The Hindu Concept of Human Rights » (Le concept hindou des droits de l’homme), envoyé à l’UNESCO en mai 1947.
Grand angle: Un regard contemporain vieux de soixante-dix ans
En 1947 et 1948, l’UNESCO mène une enquête mondiale auprès d'un groupe hétérogène d'intellectuels, de dirigeants politiques, de théologiens, d'activistes sociaux et d'autres personnalités, afin de recueillir leurs opinions sur les fondements philosophiques des droits de l’homme. Une enquête méconnue du grand public qui s’avère aujourd’hui d’une étonnante actualité.