Liberia’s Peaceful Power Transfer Holds Some Calm, And a Red Flag

AFRICA THOUGHT – News features, commentaries, analyses, interviews & Op-ed. By Charles Watton Joseph Boakai was sworn in as Liberia’s 26th president on 22 January 2024. Boakai secured a six year term of office after defeating incumbent president George Weah in a keenly contested November 2023 poll with 50.9% of the votes cast. The west African country of five million people reached a major milestone on 17 November 2023, when Weah, of the Congress for Democratic Change, conceded defeat to the Unity Party candidate. Weah scored 49.1% of votes cast and lost the tight presidential run-off, which the EU described as “remarkably close and well administered”. Liberia has enjoyed 20 years of peace and relative stability since the end of a civil war that killed over 250,000 people and displaced Liberians across the world.

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The Unknown Origins of Black History Month

AFRICA THOUGHT – News features, commentaries, analyses, interviews & Op-ed. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. locks arms with his aides as he leads a march of several thousands to the court house in Montgomery, Ala., March 17, 1965. From left: Rev. Ralph Abernathy, James Foreman, King, Jesse Douglas, Sr., Black History Month is considered one of the nation’s oldest organized history celebrations, and has been recognized by U.S. presidents for decades through proclamations and celebrations. Here is some information about the history of Black History Month. How did Black History Month start? It was Carter G. Woodson, a founder of the Association for the Study of African American History, who first came up with the idea of the celebration that became Black History

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Ten Top Tourists Destinations in Africa/2024

TOP RANKINGS The Best Performing African Leaders ranking is an annual report of leaders who have performed better than their peers in the continent of Africa Africa, the cradle of humanity, pulsates with diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, and a raw, untamed beauty that enthralls the soul. In 2024, as the world seeks experiences that reconnect us with nature and each other, Africa beckons with renewed allure. But with 54 countries, each brimming with unique treasures, where does one begin? Fear not, wanderlust-stricken souls, for we present the top ten tourist destinations in Africa for 2024, guaranteed to ignite your travel dreams 1. Namibia: Where Dunes Dance and Silence Speaks In Namibia, nature holds court in a grand spectacle of extremes.

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Top 7 Best Performing African Leaders in 2023

TOP RANKINGS The Best Performing African Leaders ranking is an annual report of leaders who have performed better than their peers in the continent of Africa Across Africa’s dynamic landscape, seven leaders rise above the challenges, fostering remarkable progress in their respective nations. From island paradises to resource-rich economies, these individuals showcase diverse approaches to governance, highlighting the continent’s vibrant tapestry of leadership. 1. Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania:  Africa’s first female head of state in East Africa, President Hassan inherited a complex legacy. Embracing open dialogue and inclusivity, she prioritizes economic diversification, tackling corruption, and environmental protection. Her focus on education and gender equality, alongside economic reforms, offers hope for a more equitable and prosperous Tanzania. 2. Paul Kagame, Rwanda:  Leading Rwanda since 2000, President Kagame’s story is one

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What to Know About Africa’s new online foreign exchange system

AFRICA INC. – Rising economies, start-ups, and Black wealth, etc. The high cost of making cross border payments on the African continent has driven governments on the continent to seek options of settling trade and other transactions in local currencies. This has given birth to the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System which is scheduled to go live in 2024 under Kenya’s leadership. Development economist Christopher Adam, who has studied the exchange rate policies of African countries, answers some key questions. Why are African countries exposed in the international currency market? Three main reasons. First, African economies are small and as such are highly dependent on trade with the rest of the world. Their exports are dominated by primary commodities including oil and gas, minerals and cash crop agriculture.

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Top 10 African Countries to Invest in 2024

AFRICA INC. – Rising economies, start-ups, and Black wealth, etc. As the sun rises on a new year, Africa’s economic landscape gleams with promise. Gone are the days of being overlooked; the continent is now a vibrant tapestry of opportunity, pulsating with resilient young populations, resource-rich lands, and burgeoning innovation. For discerning investors, this translates to a treasure trove of potential – but navigating the diverse terrain requires a discerning eye. So, where should you set your sights in 2024? Let’s delve into the top 10 African countries poised to ignite your investment spark: 1. Rwanda:  This tiny nation punches above its weight, consistently praised for its transparent governance, efficient business climate, and unwavering commitment to digital transformation. Kigali, the “Singapore of Africa,” is a tech hub buzzing with fintech startups and attracting global giants

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