Africa

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Series of reimagined African folk tales launches on Netflix

This week, a new anthology of films called "African Folktales, Reimagined" premiered on Netflix. The series of short films was done in partnership with UNESCO as an effort to support more emerging filmmakers from Africa.

Series of reimagined African folk tales launches on Netflix
portrait of nun reading a musical score

The astonishing life and music of Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou, the Ethiopian nun who has died at 99

The astonishing life and music of Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou, the Ethiopian nun who has died at 99
woman by flag

Young Africans seek to leverage Vice President Harris’ trip to Africa 

Young Africans seek to leverage Vice President Harris’ trip to Africa 
Surfing instructor Godpower Tamarakuro Pekipuma in Lagos, Nigeria.

‘Walking on water’: Surfing makes waves in Nigeria

‘Walking on water’: Surfing makes waves in Nigeria
Aïda Muluneh's "To pursue the ceaseless way," is exhibited on a bus stop in the Boston area. The photograph is part of "This is where I am," presented by New York-based Public Art Fund.

Aïda Muluneh's public art photo exhibit is 'a love letter to Ethiopia'

Aïda Muluneh's public art photo exhibit is 'a love letter to Ethiopia'
In this photo taken Wednesday Sept. 2015, a man buys kerosene at a road side stall in Harare, Zimbabwe. 

Zimbabwe struggles to keep the power on

Along the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia sits Lake Kariba, where low water levels have interrupted power supply to both countries — profoundly impacting the economy. 

Zimbabwe struggles to keep the power on
As vaccination levels drop in Ghana, the threat of a measles outbreak looms.

'Red alert for child health': A nationwide vaccine shortage hits Ghana amid measles outbreak

In Ghana, a shortage of childhood vaccines has mothers traveling from hospital to hospital in search of immunizations to protect their infants. As a result, measles are breaking out in some parts of the country.

'Red alert for child health': A nationwide vaccine shortage hits Ghana amid measles outbreak
Rescue workers clear the rubble from an apartment building that was destroyed in a Russian rocket attack at a residential neighbourhood in the southeastern city of Dnipro, Ukraine, Monday, Jan. 16, 2023. 

'We lost everything': African students who fled war in Ukraine continue to struggle

By and large, many African countries have stayed on the sidelines of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. As major importers of wheat and fertilizers from the two warring nations, they are reluctant to jeopardize those vital supplies by taking sides, observed Olayinka Ajala, a lecturer at Leeds Beckett University in Britain.

'We lost everything': African students who fled war in Ukraine continue to struggle
press conference

Nigerians await election results in competitive race

Over the weekend, millions of Nigerians cast their vote for a new president in Africa's biggest democratic election. While many voters applaud improvement in the election process, others experienced violence at the polls. Now, comes the wait for the results.

Nigerians await election results in competitive race
Supporters of Nigeria's Labour Party's Presidential Candidate Peter Obi, chants during an election campaign rally at the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos Nigeria, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023. 

‘This is my only hope’: Young Nigerians gear up for presidential election

As millions of Nigerians prepare for the presidential election on Feb. 25, the stinging economy and unemployment in the formal sector have the nation's youth particularly tuned in and ready to cast their vote.

‘This is my only hope’: Young Nigerians gear up for presidential election
people behind a glass door at a table

Wagner mercenary group recruits Africans held in Russian prisons

In recent months, reports have emerged that at least two men, one from Zambia and another from Tanzania, were killed while fighting for the Wagner group in Ukraine. Wagner reportedly recruited the men from Russian prisons, promising them amnesty. 

Wagner mercenary group recruits Africans held in Russian prisons
Instructor Akua Amoako Yeboah with a child at the early intervention center. 

Caregivers in Ghana work to demystify autism and push for inclusion

Developmental brain disorders are rarely discussed in Ghana. A lack of adequate awareness and facilities for early diagnosis makes it tough to manage. And children with special needs often face discrimination in terms of inadequate health care, education and social engagement.

Caregivers in Ghana work to demystify autism and push for inclusion
Motherly Love Orphanage

This orphanage in Ghana provides hope — and acceptance — to children living with HIV

Motherly Love Orphanage was founded by Rev. John Azumah 14 years ago. The pastor, who also has HIV, founded the home to provide hope and fight against the stigma faced by HIV-positive orphans. 

This orphanage in Ghana provides hope — and acceptance — to children living with HIV
Faina Butau prepares sorghum for grinding.

Zimbabwe's farmers turn to drought-resistant grains as maize falters in drier regions

Zimbabwe has had to import maize, a staple food, for the past several years. Experts blame droughts and erratic rainfall resulting from climate change. The government is now urging farmers to grow more small grains like sorghum and millet, which are more drought-resistant.

Zimbabwe's farmers turn to drought-resistant grains as maize falters in drier regions
boat on the beach

Migrants from northern Africa make dangerous trek through Spain’s Canary Islands

The Canaries begin just 60 miles off the coast of Western Sahara, in the Atlantic Ocean. That relatively short distance makes them attractive to those fleeing hardship at home. But the crossing is treacherous.

Migrants from northern Africa make dangerous trek through Spain’s Canary Islands