Archive for: September, 2022

Why Duolingo is making Zulu free to Vodacom’s 45 million subscribers

FAUSTINE NGILA Duolingo, the US ed-tech firm that specializes in teaching the world how to speak different languages, has now added South Africa’s Zulu language to its catalog. But rather than focusing on exam fees charges on e-learning sessions, it is partnering with local telco Vodacom which will enable its 45 million subscribers access the […]

Somalia is on the verge of famine while the world looks away

ISHAAN THAROOR Famine will hit parts of Somalia between October and December. That was the verdict of Martin Griffiths, the U.N. humanitarian chief, who spoke to reporters from Mogadishu, the war-torn, drought-ravaged Horn of Africa nation’s capital. “I have been shocked to my core these past few days by the level of pain and suffering […]

Sierra Leone: Female genital mutilation ‘amounts to torture,’ impunity must end

UN-appointed independent human rights experts called on Wednesday August 24 for stronger measures to prevent and penalize female genital mutilation in Sierra Leone. Following criminal proceedings over the death of a 21-year-old student who was subject to the brutal practice in the Bonthe District, three Special Rapporteurs issued a statement condemning female genital mutilation as […]

How will lab-grown chocolate impact west Africa’s cocoa farmers?

K. BARRETT BILALI They call it the future of chocolate. It’s edible, melts, breaks, and even tastes like chocolate except it is grown in a food lab facility without using a single cocoa bean. While the production of non-cocoa chocolate is still in its early days with only a handful of companies producing it, their […]

Oman Warned Not to Issue Visas to Liberians

DAVID A. YATES The Ministry of Labor has warned the Oman government to halt the issuance of visas to Liberians seeking in the southwestern Asia country. The warning comes as the Arab country becomes a hotspot for trafficking. Many women from Africa including Liberia are trafficked there, tricked into thinking that a better life was […]

Rival to Egypt, the Nubian kingdom of Kush exuded power and gold

Adorned with tall, slender pyramids, the wealthy Nile city of Meroë was the seat of power of Kush, an ancient kingdom and rival to Egypt. NURIA CASTELLANO Rising high in the sky in the modern-day nation of Sudan is a plethora of pyramids. They mark the site of the ancient city Meroë, a UNESCO World […]

Malawi Police Welcomes Country’s First Albino Officers

LAMECK MASINA Malawi’s police service has welcomed two officers with albinism into its ranks, the first people with the rare genetic pigment disorder in Malawi’s state security organization. Rights groups say the hirings should help efforts to crack down on attacks against albinos and restore confidence in police after some officers were connected to such […]

Zimbabwe banks on cows as inflation soars

Investing money into cattle is a growing business in Zimbabwe, where inflation is skyrocketing. Many people now consider it safer than putting money in the bank. They are an investment on four hooves. Cattle have become a safe financial option for some Zimbabweans. Hyperinflation in the southern African nation has led to a loss of […]

New malaria vaccine is world-changing, say scientists

JAMES GALLAGHER A malaria vaccine with “world-changing” potential has been developed by scientists at the University of Oxford. The team expect it to be rolled out next year after trials showed up to 80% protection against the deadly disease. Crucially, say the scientists, their vaccine is cheap and they already have a deal to manufacture […]

Climate and Global Warming: Impact and Action

Climate change, according to the United Nations, refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. The changes could be caused naturally but since the1800s human activity has been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to burning fossil fuels as coal, oil and gas. It [climate change] has become a poignant challenge in […]

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