West Africa is not new to political crises; from sanctions, coups, and political impasses, the region has seen the best and worst of it. For the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the regional bloc has been at the forefront of addressing concerns faced by its member states and of finding solutions to ensure peaceful relations within the region.
For a continent of over 1.5 billion people with an estimated youth population of about 400 million with many between the ages of 15 to 35, the continuous pushback more so among the Gen Z generation, unwilling to accommodate the conditions in which their parents and older generations found acceptable and made excuses for, puts the continent in a precarious situation with an urgent need for governments across the continent to live up to the aspirations, expectations and benefits of governance for its people.
Trade between humans, civilization, and nations has always existed for a long time even predating the invention of paper currency. Every economy around the world is driven by trade, whether localised or international, nations look to boost their economic activities through the exchange of products or services going even further to expand their reach through continental agreements with the hope of stabilizing economies within the continent while securing prosperity for respective nations.
In countries like Ethiopia, with ongoing government reforms, growing urban centers, and a burgeoning youth population, small and medium-sized businesses are poised to play a crucial role in shaping the country’s economic forecast for 2026.
This is the time to begin reviewing and setting strategies to ensure that one’s goals and objectives for the new year are clearly spelled out, with steps in place to achieve them.
In Nigeria, on January 1, 2026, the recently introduced Nigeria Tax Acts, 2025, will come into effect. While this new act has generated a lot of controversy based on concerns of the excessive tax burden on citizens, lack of accountability for previous taxes on the part of the government, as well as the endemic corruption that has seen politicians live lavish lifestyles while the citizens live in penury. The bigger concern is understanding what the new tax reform Act means and how it affects citizens.
Afro Nation festival in Portugal, Culture Dance Clash (CDC) festival, the Africa Oyé festival and a host of other festivals with a lineup of artists like Wizkid, Tyla, Angelique Kidjo, Asake, Awilo Longomba amongst other stars, the year 2026 looks to be gearing up to bring the very best of black music, art, culture and entertainment on to Europe’s biggest stage.
For those travelling or visiting Philadelphia for the first time this December, here are some iconic landmarks and sites to add to your catalogue of activities to engage in this December.
From Detty December activities, street celebrations to cultural shows, December promises more fun activities and an unforgettable experience for locals, visitors and tourists.
Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia follow the Tewahedo Church calendar which places Christmas on January 7th, twelve days after the rest of the world has put a close to the festivities. This Christmas festival in Ethiopia is “YeLidet Be’al” or Genna which translates to “imminent” expressing the coming of the Lord for the redemption of mankind.
