AfricaLink
News, Analysis and Service from Germany and Europe - in 30 Languages
Nigeria targets counterfeit drugs with death penalty
Nigeria's drug agency (NAFDAC) is cracking down on counterfeit medicines, advocating life imprisonment and the death penalty for those involved in their trade. Recently, NAFDAC seized and destroyed fake drugs worth 100 billion naira. The infiltration of these medicines into pharmacies, markets and hospitals endangers lives and erodes trust in…
Sanctions hit Rwanda for backing M23 rebels
M23 fighters, backed by Rwanda, have captured Goma and Bukavu in the DR Congo, controlling all commercial points to Rwanda. With Western sanctions about to hit Rwanda for supporting M23 rebels, Rwandans are bracing for impact.
Kenya: William Ruto's church donations ignite debate
Kenyan President William Ruto's contributions of 20 million Kenyan shillings to the Jesus Winner Ministry and the African Inland Church Fellowship-Annex have stirred controversy. Critics argue these donations blur church-state lines, while supporters claim they reflect a leader committed to faith and community.
Ghana: Mass civil servant dismissals under Mahama
Since Ghanaian President John Mahama took office, thousands of government employees — including nurses and teachers — have lost their jobs. The opposition demands reinstatement, calling the move politically motivated. Trade unions have warned of severe consequences.
Mozambique unrest: Thousands seek return from Malawi
Thousands of Mozambicans who fled post-election unrest to neighboring Malawi are eager to return home. Rights groups report that over 300 people lost their lives in the political disputes and local clashes following the October 2024 elections. Now, the governments of Mozambique and Malawi have initiated a repatriation drive to…
Uganda's rising single motherhood rate
The number of single mothers in Uganda has significantly increased, prompting calls to introduce a marriage unit course at universities. Single mothers aged 18-35 rose from 20% to 30%, according to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics 2024 report. Marriage counselors aim to educate young people on marriage dynamics, preventing breakups,…
Malawi: Second-hand clothes traders slam high import tariffs
In Malawi, second-hand clothing traders are protesting price hikes due to a scarcity of forex. As the government aims to reduce costs, economists call for a ban on imports to protect the local textile industry. What's the way forward for Malawi's second-hand clothing market?
International Women's Day: Female power in African politics
Ghana recently elected its very first female vice president. Other African nations also have female leaders. But what is the overall state of gender parity across African politics? Becky Enyonam Ahadzi, a senior legal practitioner joins us alongside DW correspondent Adwoa Domena in Accra, Ghana.
How Nigeria loses billlions in bank fraud and financial crimes
In 2024, Nigeria lost 52.3 billion naira (about 32 million Euros) to fraudsters and fraudulent bank transactions. Before, scammers known as the "Yahoo Boys" plagued Nigerian financial institutions. Recently fraud in Nigeria has increasingly taken on an international dimension - but how has this evolved? Host Eddy Micah Jr. speaks…
Zambia seeks to reverse worrying economic slide below poverty line
A new World Bank report shows Zambia has become one of the most impoverished and unequal nations in the world. The trend is driven by poor economic governance and inefficient mineral exploitation. So, how can Zambia turn this trajectory around? DW's Josey Mahachi speaks to Dickson Mwansa, a specialist in…
Rwanda vows to defend itself against FDLR threat
The Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group handed over FDLR fighters to Kigali. They say leaders of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) leaders were involved in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The Congolese government dismissed the claims as "fabricated." So, how does Rwanda see peace succeeding in the region?…
G20 in South Africa: Is global cooperation at risk?
Top diplomats skipping G20 meetings, limited consensus on pressing economic issues, and Donald Trump upending American foreign policy - South Africa's presidency of the G20 has had a rocky start. But can it still achieve its aims for 2025? Host Josey Mahachi speaks to DW's Thuso Khumalo, and analyst Daniel…
Nigeria's path to ending foreign aid dependency
Nigeria's development has long relied on foreign aid, creating a dependency that hinders sustainable growth. Over the past decade, the US provided $7.8 billion in aid, supporting healthcare, security, education, and economic development. With the new US administration cutting funding, Nigeria faces an urgent need to address this shortfall. How…
Uganda's human rights crisis: Military vs. civilian courts
Ugandan authorities dropped treason charges against opposition leader Kizza Besigye in a military court, moving the case to a civilian tribunal. This shift follows criticism of military trials for civilians, deemed unconstitutional by Uganda's Supreme Court. The government's stance on these trials continues to impact the country's human rights situation.
Malawi's maize crisis: Soaring prices, worsening hunger
Maize is Malawi's lifeline, but soaring prices and shortages are pushing millions into hunger. Markets are empty and families can't afford their staple food. A forex crisis has crippled imports, leaving the nation struggling. How did it come to this, and what happens next?
Modern Monarch: Ogiame Atuwatse III's vision for Africa
One of Africa's young traditional rulers, Ogiame Atuwatse III, King of the Kingdom of Warri in Nigeria's Delta state, is redefining what it means to be a modern monarch — balancing heritage with innovation, culture with progress. But what does it take to modernize a throne without losing its essence?
German election: What next for Afro-Germans?
Immigration was a key issue in the German election. Afro-Germans share their hopes and fears as support for the far-right AfD surges. How will the new government tackle political radicalization?
South Africa accuses US of racist agenda, while Ramaphosa calls for cooperation during G20 meeting
South Africa's Foreign Minister, Ronald Lamola, believes the United States is trying to bully his country. The Trump administration cut aid to South Africa amid controversy over a new policy, and also extended refugee status to the white minority Afrikaner group. His comments come as South Africa hosts the G20…
Who is to blame for the M23 takeover of parts of eastern DR Congo?
M23 fighters have captured major towns in eastern DR Congo. The country's leaders accuse Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, while the latter accuses DR Congo of sheltering the FDLR, an armed group created by ethnic Hutus who massacred Tutsis during the 1994 genocide. DW's Josey Mahachi speaks to Gonza…
Why Malawi's school dropout rate has spiraled out of control
A recent report by Malawi Education Statistics showed that the dropout rate in 2024 increased by more than 25,000 pupils, the majority of whom were boys. This trend threatens the country's progress toward quality education. So, what's causing this increase in school dropouts? DW's Eddy Micah Jr. speaks to Omega…