Ivory Coast is considering reducing the price paid to cocoa farmers, following Ghana’s recent decision to cut its farmgate price by over 30% to approximately 41,000 cedis (around $3,700) per tonne.

Ghana justified the move as a necessary step to stabilise its cocoa sector amid declining global prices and mounting financial pressure. Now, Ivory Coast, the world’s largest cocoa producer, is facing similar challenges. An inter-ministerial committee has been convened to assess the situation, as falling international prices have left the national cocoa purchasing system strained, with delayed payments to farmers and growing unsold stockpiles.

Together, Ivory Coast and Ghana account for roughly 60% of global cocoa production. Any coordinated or parallel price adjustments between the two countries have immediate and far-reaching consequences for the global chocolate supply chain.

But the real story goes beyond pricing, it’s about structural vulnerability.

For farmers across West Africa, a reduction in farmgate prices directly translates into shrinking incomes in already fragile rural economies. This raises serious concerns:

• Increased poverty levels in cocoa-dependent communities
• Higher risk of child labour, as households compensate for lost income
• Reduced investment in farm maintenance, threatening future production quality and yields

Cameroon, though a smaller producer, is not insulated.

As the fourth-largest cocoa producer in Africa, Cameroon operates within the same global pricing ecosystem. A downward price trend led by Ghana and Ivory Coast will likely:

• Put pressure on Cameroonian farmgate prices
• Affect export revenues and foreign exchange earnings
• Challenge government efforts to stabilise and professionalise the cocoa sector

For Cameroon, this moment presents both a risk and an opportunity, to rethink value addition, strengthen local processing, and reduce dependence on volatile international commodity pricing.

The broader implication?

West Africa continues to supply the bulk of the world’s cocoa, yet captures only a fraction of its value. These recurring price shocks highlight the urgent need for:

• Regional coordination beyond pricing announcements
• Stronger local processing industries
• Fairer global trade structures

Without structural reforms, farmers will remain at the mercy of global price swings and the sustainability of the cocoa sector itself will be at risk.

Pope Leo XIV will visit Algeria, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, and Cameroon from 13 to 23 April 2026, including a historic first papal visit to Muslim-majority Algeria, the Vatican announced on Wednesday.

A member of the Augustinian order, Pope Leo XIV has a strong personal connection to the Algerian leg of the tour. He will travel to Algiers and Annaba, the historic city of Hippo where the fourth-century St Augustine, a key Church figure, lived and worked.

Africa now accounts for almost 20% of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, making it the continent where the Church is expanding most rapidly.

Reverend Agbonkhianmeghe Orobator, a Nigerian Jesuit, stated that the tour “will remind the world that Africa matters and that the vibrancy of the Church in Africa remains at the heart of a thriving global Church.”

Pope Leo will also visit Monaco on 28 March and Spain from 6 to 12 June, including a visit to the Canary Islands migration route.

The tour follows Pope Leo’s trips to Turkey and Lebanon in November–December 2025.

Burkina Faso has appointed Former Comoros and Mauritania Coach Abdou Amir as Manager of the men’s team, tasking him with guiding them to qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The 53-year-old Amir was introduced by the President of the Burkinabè Football Federation on Wednesday, following what the federation described as a ''rigorous examination'' of candidates to replace Brama Traoré.

Traoré was dismissed in January after the team’s disappointing Africa Cup campaign in Morocco, where the Stallions were knocked out in the round of 16 by Ivory Coast.

Amir, who previously coached Hassania Agadir in Morocco’s top division is renowned for his tactical acumen and for building disciplined sides with strong defences.

The federation said the team’s performance in Morocco ''caused deep disappointment among supporters, stakeholders in national football and governing bodies.''

Amir led Comoros to the knockout stages of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations and enjoyed a successful tournament with Mauritania at the following edition in Ivory Coast.

Burkina Faso were also eliminated in the round of 16 in that tournament, although the Stallions had reached the semifinals in 2021, where they lost to eventual champions Senegal.

Cameroonian MMA star Francis Ngannou will return to action on 16 May in Los Angeles, where he will face Brazilian fighter Philipe Lins, organisers announced on Monday.

The 39-year-old former UFC heavyweight champion has not competed since October 2024, when he defeated Brazilian Renan Ferreira in his only fight in the Professional Fighters League (PFL). On 6 March, Ngannou officially parted ways with the PFL.

Ngannou signed with the PFL in 2023 following a high-profile contract dispute with UFC president Dana White.

The Cameroonian (18 wins, 3 defeats in MMA) also tried his hand at boxing for two lucrative bouts in October 2023 and March 2024, but lost both fights against British heavyweights Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

This comeback will take place outside the sport’s two biggest promotions, the UFC and the PFL. Ngannou will compete under Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), a promotion founded in 2021 by YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, with the event funded by streaming giant Netflix, which will broadcast the show.

The bout of Ngannou will feature on a card headlined by a women’s fight between American superstar Ronda Rousey and US MMA pioneer-turned-actress Gina Carano.

The event will be held in Inglewood, California at the Intuit Dome, home of the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers.

From 13 to 15 March 2026, the Krystal Palace Hotel in Douala hosted the 13th edition of the Wedding Fair.

Organised by wedding planning expert Mélanie Wabo, in partnership with the Douala Urban Community, this flagship event was held this year under the theme: ''Women, the Heart of Marriage and Drivers of Development.'' Combining a celebration of love with the promotion of entrepreneurship, this edition marked a decisive milestone with the inclusion of an international dimension.

Since its inception in 2014, the Wedding Fair has established itself as an essential platform for engaged couples and industry stakeholders. The 2026 edition, however, reached a new strategic level by opening up internationally. Indeed, the reception of a Gabonese delegation strengthened cultural and economic exchanges between the two nations, fostering an enriching dialogue on the evolving nature of marriage in Central Africa.

Beyond the splendour of the festivities, the fair aimed to serve as an incubator for ideas and solutions. The programme included workshops and conferences on crucial themes such as reproductive health, women’s legal rights, and the fight against gender-based violence.

By highlighting women entrepreneurs who have innovated in the wedding industry, Mélanie Wabo created bridges between the private sector and public policy. The aim was to promote the economic empowerment of exhibitors and encourage tangible initiatives, such as training programmes and financing mechanisms tailored to women in the sector.

The expected turnout at the Krystal Palace, including engaged couples, families and institutional partners reflected the growing interest in a model of marriage that values women’s contributions.

During the closing of the event, organisers witnessed the emergence of tangible projects that will have a lasting impact on gender equality.

The Douala Wedding Fair no longer simply celebrates the union of two people; it now also shapes a society where love, family, and entrepreneurship build the future together.

Avoid common weight-gain mistakes in your first week. Learn how to gain weight safely through proper nutrition, training and consistency.

Starting a weight-gain journey may seem simple : eat more and gain weight. However, many people make critical mistakes in their first week that slow progress before it even begins.

Below are the most common weight-gain errors people make in their first week and why they quietly sabotage results.

1. Not Consuming Enough Protein

Calories matter, but protein determines what those calories become.

Protein provides the building blocks your body needs to repair and grow muscle tissue. Even if you increase your calorie intake, your body struggles to turn those calories into lean muscle without sufficient protein.

Protein also has a higher thermogenic effect than carbohydrates and fats. Your body burns more calories digesting it, which improves energy expenditure and supports better nutrient partitioning.

2. Relying on Junk Food to Gain Weight

Weight gain falls into two categories: muscle mass and fat mass. Junk food promotes excessive fat gain.

It is high in calories, salt, sugar and unhealthy fats, yet low in protein, vitamins and minerals. This combination negatively affects body composition and overall health.

Foods that support muscle growth such as lean proteins, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates lead to healthier weight gain. You eat more, but you eat smarter.

3. Trying to Get All Calories from Solid Food

Meeting high-calorie targets using only solid food often means eating very large portions. At first, this may seem manageable, but bloating soon follows. Fullness lingers, appetite drops and eating becomes a chore.

Liquid calories help solve this problem. Smoothies, shakes and mass gainers provide calories without overloading your stomach. They digest quickly, are easier to consume consistently and can be highly nutritious when prepared correctly.

4. Inconsistent Eating Habits

Many beginners eat well for a day or two, then miss meals or under-eat due to poor planning or low appetite.

Weight gain requires consistency. Missing calories even occasionally slows progress and makes it harder to stay in a surplus. Structured meals and planned snacks help maintain steady intake throughout the day.

5. Skipping Strength Training

Eating more without training gives your body little reason to build muscle. Calories not used during resistance training are more likely to be stored as fat.

Strength training creates small tears in muscle fibres. With adequate nutrition and rest, these fibres repair and grow stronger. Without training, weight gain becomes soft, unstructured and often frustrating.

FabAfriq Magazine: Thank you Nathalie for taking part in this interview.

Nathalie Gouiffe Edimo Kouoh : You are welcome. I am very honored to be showcased in your magazine.

FabAfriq Magazine: Tell us. Who is Nathalie Gouiffe Edimo Kouoh?

Nathalie Gouiffe Edimo Kouoh : I am an Entrepreneur in the beauty field, Wife and Mom of two children. I am also a natural hair Advocate. I am the owner of two hair spaces  ‘’Ebony Hair Care’’ in Douala and Yaoundé and  also Founder of BISSA’A Cosmetics, a natural hair cosmetic brand for kinky and curly hair.

FabAfriq Magazine: Tell me about ‘’Ebony Hair Care’’ and ‘’Bissa’a Cosmetics ‘’?

Nathalie Gouiffe Edimo Kouoh : EBONY HAIR CARE is a beauty space created in Douala in 2013, the first one in Cameroon to focus on the treatment and beauty of natural hair. The second one was opened in Yaoundé in 2021. We offer free hair consultations with the microscope to get a clear idea of ​​the condition of our clients' hair and scalp in order to be able to give our clients the right products and the best advice for their regimen.

BISSA’A Cosmetics is a 100% natural cosmetic brand that was created first to be used in our salon and then was commercialized to the public. Our products are made for African hair, this means for African men, women and children and those of afro descent. We have different ranges of products for hair and for the beard.

Every year, I go to different schools with my team to raise awareness among children about the harms of hair straightening. We have already gone to schools in Douala, Edea, Bessombe. I'd like to do the same in other cities of Cameroon soon.

FabAfriq Magazine: Who inspired you to be an entrepreneur? What motivated you to create the ‘’Bissa’a Cosmetics’’ brand ?

I think being an entrepreneur is in my DNA, and I was inspired by my father François GOUIFFE who was an engineer who started doing business after his retirement. He worked a lot and operated in several fields such as agriculture, trade and public works.

My mother also was an inspiration, because of her innate sense of style, her beauty and her elegance. I don’t think I would have had such a sensibility towards beauty and aesthetic without her education.

The first reason why I created this brand is that I needed products to use in my salons that were not imported from abroad, because I needed natural and healthy products for my clients, and I knew that here in Cameroon I could find the best raw material. I didn’t find the products I needed, so I created them.

FabAfriq Magazine: Can you briefly walk us through your professional journey and how you got to where you are today? Do you have any previous national and international experiences?

Nathalie Gouiffe Edimo Kouoh:  I studied in Europe and came back to Cameroon in 2010. I started to work for BGFI Bank in 2011 until October 2015 when I decided to resign and focus on my business.

I started with five collaborators and now I have 19 people working for the company. We also started with four products and now we produce 15 products for the public.

FabAfriq Magazine: What are the different challenges you have faced in your professional activities? How have you overcome them?

Nathalie Gouiffe Edimo Kouoh : The entrepreneurial environment in Cameroon is very difficult, and I might write a book if I really start to talk about that. Corruption, finding trained staff, certification of made in Cameroon natural products and  the mentality of dishonesty.

I must do something very important, the fact that I wouldn’t want to live in any other country in the world, and despite the difficulties, Cameroon is a land of opportunities for those who are ready to work hard.

FabAfriq Magazine: Tell me about the different events that you participated in Africa and out of Africa?

Nathalie Gouiffe Edimo Kouoh: I have participated in many events and fairs in Cameroon (Promote, FIAC, GICAM, and lots of other events.) and around the world. I’ve been invited in Democratic Republic of Congo for the Cooperatives’ Week, to Ivory Coast for The Black Beauty Fair, to Niger for the Empow’her Festival, to the Usa for the US-Africa Trade and Investment conference, and to Italy for the Afrobrix Festival.

In 2019, I organized a workshop in Montreal, Canada, on how to take care of our natural hair. I also was invited to Egypt for the Egy Beauty Expo early this year.

Sometimes I am invited as a speaker for a conference, and/or to showcase my products.

FabAfriq Magazine: What have been your greatest professional achievements? Can you share a success story from your work?

Nathalie Gouiffe Edimo Kouoh : In my point of view, my greatest professional achievement has been to create jobs for young Cameroonians. I have never imagined myself running a company created by me with so many collaborators.

FabAfriq Magazine: What are 2 your future and aspirations for your professional activities?

Nathalie Gouiffe Edimo Kouoh : I am still dreaming of having my products from the north to the south of Cameroon, but it’s not that easy. It is complicated to reach the other cities, and the road network is not fluid. Here we need more patience.

I would like to export my products and show that here in Cameroon we can produce quality products.

FabAfriq Magazine:   Tell us. According to you, what are the different traits that an entrepreneur needs to succeed?

Nathalie Gouiffe Edimo Kouoh : An entrepreneur must be resilient, patient, innovative, enthusiastic, creative and motivated…

Resilient because surely there will be obstacles that will need to be overcome.

Patience because things will not always go the way you need at the moment you need.

Innovative because the competition is real in all countries of the world and it is your uniqueness that will keep you on the market.

Enthusiastic because you will have to convince your employees and your clients about your product or services.

Creative because you need to have new ideas regularly to distance your competitors and stay at the top.

Motivated even during the worst moments, because you need to be an example to your collaborators at any time.

FabAfriq Magazine: What advice can you give to the young people who aspire to be entrepreneurs?

Nathalie Gouiffe Edimo Kouoh : The first thing is to choose wisely which business to do, otherwise one can easily give up when there will be difficulties. Forget about money, fame and just do what you really like to do.

FabAfriq Magazine:  How do you strike a balance between your personal and professional life?

Nathalie Gouiffe Edimo Kouoh : It has always been easy for me, because my husband is very supportive. My family is the most important thing to me, and they come at first. Now that my children are grown up, I have more time to dedicate to my business.

FabAfriq Magazine:  What are your hobbies and your favorite dishes?

Nathalie Gouiffe Edimo Kouoh : Staying with my family, exercising to stay fit, traveling and reading.

My favorite dish  is  Kepen Ki Baze and Kedian. It comes from the Bafia region. It is Fufu Corn with cassava leaves.

FabAfriq Magazine: Thanks for your opportunity and time

Nathalie Gouiffe Edimo Kouoh : My pleasure. Thanks FabAfriq Magazine.

Attiéké is a traditional Ivorian dish made from steamed, fermented cassava pulp semolina. It has a slightly sour taste and is often served with fish, meat or vegetables.

Preparation time :  30 minutes
Cooking time :  15 minutes

I- Ingredients :

• 500 g of dried or frozen Attiéké
• 1 large fresh tomato
• 2 onions
• 1 lemon
• Chilli powder
• Grilled chicken
• 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil
• 1 cup of water
• 1 stock cube
• 1 clove of garlic
• Salt
• Pepper

II- Instructions :

1- Onion Sauce

• Combine 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil, 1 large sliced onion, 1 peeled tomato (pureed), 2 tablespoons of chilli powder, 1 stock cube, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 grated garlic clove, ½ cup of water, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and salt.
• Heat the oil and sauté the onions for 2 minutes, then add the tomato. Stir in the stock cube, black pepper, lemon juice, and chilli powder, and continue to sauté for a further 2 minutes.
• Add 1/2 cup of water and cook until the onions are soft and the liquid has completely evaporated.

2- Tomato Salad

• Dice the fresh tomato, onion and cucumber.

3- Attiéké

• Moisten the Attiéké flour with a cup of water.
• Place the Attiéké in a colander and set it over a steamer or couscoussier.
• Steam for at least 20 minutes.
• Once the cassava couscous is tender, transfer it to a bowl, add salt to taste and a tablespoon of oil, then fluff it with a fork.
• Season with a little more salt and a few drops of lemon juice. Set aside.
• To serve, place the cooked Attiéké on a plate with the onion sauce, grilled chicken, and tomato salad. Add a little chilli to taste, and don’t forget to serve it with the fried plantains.

Enjoy yourself!

The inaugural CNN Global Perspectives: On Africa summit held in London marked a defining moment in how the continent is framed, understood, and positioned on the global stage. Among the attendees was FabAfriq Media Group CEO, Adeline Sede, who described the gathering as an essential step toward elevating African voices in global discourse.

The event brought together leading figures from politics, economics, culture, and business, with CNN correspondents and anchors, including Richard Quest, Zain Asher, Larry Madowo, Eleni Giokos, Christiane Amanpour, Jim Sciutto, and Sir Mark Thompson, steering conversations that were both uncompromising and deeply rooted in African realities.

For decades, Africa’s narrative in global media has often been told from the outside, shaped by distance rather than lived experience. Yet Africa stands today as the world’s fastest-growing region, home to the youngest population, holding 30% of global rare earth minerals and 67% of the world’s arable land. The summit’s purpose was clear: shift the lens from external interpretation to African agency, aligning the continent’s immense resources with systems, governance, and innovation.

WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala underscored this urgency. While acknowledging Africa’s natural and human wealth, she stressed that without deliberate value creation and strong governance, potential remains unrealized. She also urged thoughtful engagement around political tensions — such as those unfolding in Nigeria — where instability directly undermines economic progress.

Judith Suminwa Tuluka, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, reinforced the importance of regional cooperation and peace. Her call for Rwanda to accept a ceasefire highlighted how diplomacy and conflict resolution remain foundational to sustainable development across the continent.

Culture and storytelling also took center stage. In a thoughtful exchange with CNN’s Zain Asher, celebrated author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie emphasized the need for African narratives to occupy central space in global conversations.
“Our storytelling needs to be more culturally confident. We have to assume that we are at the center,” she said, a message that resonated far beyond literature, touching media, policy, and business.

The private sector’s role was notably championed by Tony O. Elumelu, C.F.R, who highlighted the continent’s path from extraction to creation and from dependency to dignity. Advocating his philosophy of Africapitalism, Elumelu argued that profit and purpose are not opposing forces but essential partners in Africa’s renaissance.

In a candid off-stage exchange, CNN’s Richard Quest offered an unforgettable provocation that captured the spirit of the entire summit:
“I’m tired of hearing how rich Africa is. Just do it.”
A blunt reminder that potential alone is not progress, action is.

Key Themes Emerging from the Summit

Investing in the Human Grid
Infrastructure matters, but the continent’s most transformative resource is its youth. With the right skills, confidence, and support, Africa’s young population stands ready to lead in technology, governance, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

Purpose and Profit Must Coexist
Speakers reinforced that inclusive, sustainable development requires private enterprise that prioritizes value creation, local production, and shared prosperity.

Reclaiming the Narrative
Across media, policy, and industry, African voices must take ownership of Africa’s story. How the continent is portrayed directly influences investment, perception, and opportunity.

Bold Action and Collaboration
The future belongs to those willing to build. Leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs must embrace partnerships that strengthen capacity, scale impact, and drive long-term change.

A Call to Collective Leadership

The summit signaled a watershed moment: Africa is not emerging, it is already shaping the global future. But the summit also made clear that ideas must now translate into action. Leadership must produce ecosystems, mentorship networks, investment pipelines, and narrative frameworks that empower the continent’s people.

The presence of influential figures such as Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Tony O. Elumelu, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Masai Ujiri, Ozwald Boateng, Tsitsi Masiyiwa, Judith Suminwa Tuluka, and many others reflected a continent at the intersection of ambition and readiness.

Africa is no longer waiting to be invited into the global conversation.
It is leading it, with confidence, clarity, and purpose.

What was covered as copied from CNN Website...

• Top entrepreneurs, creatives and thought leaders from the worlds of politics, economics and fashion gathered in London on November 3 for CNN International’s first Global Perspectives live event, focused on Africa.

• The summit featured in-depth conversations and live interviews exploring innovation and sustainable growth, led by CNN journalists.

• We heard from WTO director general Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who called for “careful thinking” on tensions in Nigeria, after US President Donald Trump suggested the US may take military action there to protect the nation’s Christians.

• The prime minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Judith Suminwa Tuluka, also called on Rwanda to “accept a ceasefire” between the two countries.

• And to round off the day, award-winning Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie spoke on the importance of centering African perspectives in her storytelling.

In a gesture rich with historical significance, the Republic of Angola has posthumously bestowed its Commemorative Medal of the 50th Anniversary of National Independence upon the late Liberian President William Richard Tolbert Jr., in recognition of his enduring legacy and profound contributions to African liberation and self-determination.

The prestigious distinction, symbolizing Angola’s gratitude to its historical allies in the struggle for self-determination, was formally delivered through the Angolan Embassy in Abidjan to the Embassy of Liberia. Angola’s President, H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, selected President Tolbert for the Class of Honor, placing him among an exceptional circle of African leaders whose solidarity and advocacy were instrumental in Angola’s liberation journey. Also recognized was General Murtala Muhammed, the late Nigerian Head of State renowned for his outspoken defense of African freedom movements.

Celebrating a Legacy of Pan-African Leadership

President Tolbert led Liberia during a defining period in Africa’s modern history an era when the continent’s leaders united around the common goal of ending colonial domination. As Chairman of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU), Tolbert’s tenure was marked by his strong moral voice, his calls for African self-reliance, and his efforts to deepen cooperation among independent states.

Speaking on behalf of the Tolbert family, H.E. Willye Mai Tolbert-King, Liberia’s Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire and daughter of the late president, expressed heartfelt appreciation for Angola’s tribute.

We are deeply honored that Angola remembers and acknowledges our father’s contributions to the continent’s freedom and progress, she said. This remembrance, nearly half a century later, is both humbling and uplifting for our family.

A President Remembered for Vision and Service

Born on May 13, 1913, in Bentol, William R. Tolbert Jr. dedicated his life to public service and national advancement. After serving as Vice President for 19 years under President William V. S. Tubman, he ascended to the presidency in 1971, ushering in an era of economic growth, social reform, and regional engagement.

Respected across Africa for his diplomacy and statesmanship, President Tolbert championed closer relations among African nations and lent unwavering support to liberation movements including Angola’s prolonged quest for independence.

Earlier this year, on July 1, 2025, Liberia held a solemn national ceremony led by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, marking the symbolic reburial of President Tolbert and 13 officials who were executed during the 1980 coup. Their new resting place at the Liberian Baptist Theological Seminary in Paynesville stands as a monument to national reconciliation and the lasting influence of Tolbert’s leadership.

As Angola celebrates 50 years of independence, this honor serves as both a tribute and a reminder of Liberia’s pivotal role in advancing African freedom movements. For the Tolbert family and the Liberian nation, the recognition reflects a moment of dignity, remembrance, and reaffirmation of the values William R. Tolbert Jr. so passionately upheld.

For the first time in history, Africa is hosting the G20 Summit, and the world’s attention is firmly on Johannesburg, South Africa. The event marks a proud and defining moment for the continent, one that showcases Africa’s growing influence and its readiness to take a leading role in shaping the global future.

The 2025 G20 Johannesburg Summit is not just another international meeting. It represents Africa’s journey from being seen as a continent of potential to one of power, partnership, and progress. Under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” African leaders are using the platform to highlight issues that have long affected the continent from climate change and debt relief to fairer trade and investment opportunities.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa described the summit as an opportunity to make the world listen to Africa’s voice:

Debt stress constrains growth, climate impacts hit us disproportionately, and global trade rules must be fairer. These are not abstract concerns they affect millions of lives across our continent.

This year’s summit focuses on real solutions for shared challenges. Leaders are expected to discuss; Stronger multilateral development banks to support African economies, increased climate finance to help nations adapt to and recover from climate impacts, and reforms to global trade and financial systems to make them more inclusive and just.

For Africa, this is a chance to show that the continent is not only ready to participate in global decision-making but also to set the agenda for a fairer and more sustainable world.

A Turning Point for Africa

For decades, Africa has often been the subject of global discussions rather than a leading voice in them. The 2025 G20 Summit changes that narrative. It symbolizes a new era where Africa stands not as a recipient of aid but as an equal partner  contributing ideas, solutions, and leadership to global issues.

As the world looks toward Johannesburg, the message is clear; Africa’s time is now. This summit is a statement of progress, unity, and hope for a continent ready to shape its own future and help lead the world toward a fairer and more sustainable tomorrow.

Online dating has become the new normal. Gone are the days when meeting someone new meant waiting for a friend to introduce you or bumping into someone at a café. Now, love can start with just one click on your phone. From apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Badoo to social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, people are finding love or at least trying to from every corner of the world.

The truth is, online dating is fast, fun, and full of surprises. You can meet someone who lives across town or across the ocean. But as exciting as it sounds, online dating also comes with risks. Not everyone you meet online is who they say they are. There are fake profiles, heartbreaks, and sometimes, real-life scams. Falling into a trap can be emotionally and financially painful. You’ll understand this better if you’ve seen The Tinder Swindler movie.

So while you’re searching for “the one,” you also need to protect yourself. Here are a few smart, simple ways to stay safe while enjoying the online dating world.

Take Your Time

Don’t rush into things. It’s easy to get carried away when someone gives you attention, but real love takes time. Chat, ask questions, and get to know the person before you meet or share personal information.

Check Their Profile

If something feels off, check it. Search their name on Google or social media to see if what they told you matches what you find. Do they really live where they say they do? Do they have real friends, posts, or pictures? If their Instagram looks too perfect or their Facebook has no posts at all, that’s a red flag.

Look Closer at Their Photos

A lot of scammers use fake pictures, sometimes even stolen ones. You can do a reverse image search on Google to see if the same photo appears somewhere else online. If you find it on another person’s profile or a stock photo website, stay away.

Verify Their Contact Details

You can use apps like Truecaller to check if their phone number matches the name they gave you. If they’re on WhatsApp, do their profile picture and bio match their story? Consistency is key if things don’t add up, listen to your gut.

Watch How They Communicate

Be careful if they start asking for money, gifts, or expensive favors even small ones. Also, if they push too fast for love, intimacy, or a physical meeting, take a step back. A genuine person will respect your pace.

Before You Meet in Person, if you decide to meet, keep it safe and simple:

• Choose a public place like a café, restaurant, or mall.
• Tell a friend or family member where you’re going and who you’re meeting.
• Use your own car or a trusted ride-hailing app.
• You can even share your live location with someone you trust.
• And before the big day, try doing a video call  it’s the easiest way to confirm they’re real.

Trust Yourself, because at the end of the day, your instinct is your best protection. If something feels wrong, don’t ignore it. Block, report, and move on.

Online dating can be fun and beautiful many people have found real love there, but staying alert keeps you safe enough to enjoy the journey. So go ahead, swipe, smile, and stay smart. Love might just be a click away but your safety should always come first.

Ethiopia has officially been selected to host the 2027 United Nations Climate Summit, triumphing over Nigeria to secure this prestigious global event.

Known for its rich cultural heritage and rising environmental leadership, the East African nation, which successfully hosted the Africa Climate Summit in September, is now poised to take centre stage at what many call the “Africa COP.”

This milestone not only places Ethiopia in the global spotlight but also underscores Africa’s growing influence in shaping the climate justice agenda and driving sustainable solutions for a greener future. It’s a proud moment that blends diplomacy, innovation, and the spirit of an Africa ready to lead the global conversation on climate resilience.

African countries, among the hardest hit by climate change despite contributing the least to global emissions, have consistently called on wealthier nations to honour their climate finance pledges and support adaptation and mitigation efforts across the continent.

This year’s conference, COP30, opened on Monday in Belém, Brazil, with a renewed sense of urgency. Global leaders, activists, and climate champions gathered under one message: the time for promises has passed, it’s action that will define the future.

As the world watches Brazil set the tone, the announcement of Ethiopia as host for COP32 (2027) injects fresh optimism into Africa’s climate narrative, a reminder that the continent is not just a victim of the crisis, but a vital player in crafting solutions rooted in resilience, innovation, and community strength.

Discussions at the summit are centred on cutting global emissions, boosting climate resilience, and ensuring a fair, inclusive transition toward cleaner economies that leave no nation behind.

While the host nation for next year’s summit is yet to be announced, the competition between Australia and Turkey highlights the growing global recognition of the climate crisis as both a diplomatic and developmental priority.

As the world looks ahead to Ethiopia’s turn in 2027, the message is clear, Africa’s voice is rising. From policy tables to grassroots innovation, the continent is carving its place not just in the conversation, but in the solution to one of humanity’s greatest challenges.

While many nations talk about debt relief, Namibia acts. In a bold and historic move, Namibia has made a record one-day debt repayment of $750 million ,about N$14.3 billion, the largest single-day debt payment in the country’s history.

The payment marks a defining moment for Namibia and for Africa as a whole. It shows that with discipline, planning, and trust in leadership, financial independence is not a dream  it’s a decision.

Minister of Finance Ericah Shafudah proudly announced the repayment of the Eurobond, calling it proof that Namibia is a responsible and trustworthy nation. “By paying off this debt, we have shown the world that Namibia can manage its finances well,” she said.

This repayment is not just about clearing a bill it’s about rewriting a narrative. Too often, African economies are seen through the lens of borrowing and debt dependency. Namibia just flipped that script.

Through smart fiscal planning, the government created a sinking fund, saving steadily over the years to ensure that when the time came, the country could meet its obligations without panic, pressure, or begging for extensions.

Today, 85% of Namibia’s debt is now held domestically, meaning the country owes more to its own people than to foreign lenders. That’s financial sovereignty in action.

This act strengthens investor confidence, reduces exchange rate risk, and shows that Africa, too, can lead with integrity and foresight. As Namibia celebrates this milestone, it also shines a gentle light on other African countries facing debt challenges.

For example, Senegal is now confronting revelations of over $11 billion in hidden debt, as confirmed by the International Monetary Fund. The debt largely accumulated between 2019 and 2024 under the previous administration has pushed Senegal’s debt-to-GDP ratio to an estimated 132%.

Namibia’s success sends a clear message: transparency, accountability, and planning work. It’s a story of hope for every African nation a reminder that the path to economic strength starts with trust, courage, and consistency.

One African country pays its debt in a day. Another can learn to plan for tomorrow. The future of Africa is not in the hands of creditors it’s in the power of good governance.

South Africa has become the first African country and only the third in the world to register a new twice-yearly HIV prevention injection.

Experts estimate that HIV/AIDS could be eradicated in the country within 14 to 18 years if enough people receive the lenacapavir (LEN) jab.

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has swiftly approved the LEN injection, paving the way for the Department of Health to begin administering it to the public.

The groundbreaking vaccine offers near-complete protection against HIV transmission through sexual contact in HIV-negative adults weighing at least 35 kilograms..

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi stated that the government intends to incorporate lenacapavir into domestic financing channels.

He added that the manufacturer, Gilead, together with six pharmaceutical companies, will produce the injection for $40 per person per year, a significant reduction from the original $28,000 price.

Motsoaledi stated that pharmaceutical companies, in partnership with agreements involving the Gates Foundation, will produce generic versions, while South Africa is actively developing local manufacturing capabilities.