Sub-Saharan Africa

Zambia’s annual Kuomboka ceremony unites cultures, boosts tourism and empowers local businesses. Thousands flock to Mongu to celebrate Lozi traditions, bringing vibrant energy and economic benefits to the region.

Africa’s development requires economic growth, but if it follows the western model, the ecological consequences will be disastrous. Strong green-growth models strike a balance between sustainability and social justice.

The murder of Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei highlights the persistent threat of gender-based violence in Uganda and Kenya. Despite awareness efforts, women remain unsafe, with activists urging stronger legal and social measures.

Those who love in a non-heteronormative way are under pressure in many countries around the world. At a conference in Cape Town, activists for the human rights of sexual minorities discussed the challenges they face.

The church forests of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) are a remarkable example of environmental conservation upheld through spiritual reverence, indigenous knowledge and traditional beliefs.

Activists in Kenya are pushing to decriminalise suicide, arguing that current laws perpetuate stigma and hinder mental health care. Parliament debates whether to replace punishment with support for those in crisis.

For too long, sub-Saharan governments have seen farming as something poor villagers do to feed themselves and their families.

El Niño-induced drought has faced Zimbabwe with a malnutrition crisis, leaving thousands of children at risk of hunger and starvation. UNICEF warns of severe food poverty and educational disruption for millions of learners.

In efforts to reform international development financing, Europe would be well advised to adapt its conditions to reality and take a more differentiated approach.

Given that many countries are heavily indebted, a reform of international development financing is overdue. The UN has made suggestions, but for a variety of reasons, their chances of implementation and success are uncertain.