• About Us
  • Archives
  • SWG Registration
Samrack Media
Mahiga Homes
  • Home
  • ALL NEWS
  • Diaspora
  • Africa
    • AFRICA
    • KENYA
  • BUSINESS
    • BUSINESS
    • INVESTMENTS
    • REAL ESTATE
    • TECHNOLOGY
  • Politics
  • Health
    • HEALTH
    • EDUCATION
  • Religion
  • People
    • PEOPLE
    • LIFESTYLE
    • RELATIONSHIPS
  • Obituaries
  • Videos
  • Events
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • ALL NEWS
  • Diaspora
  • Africa
    • AFRICA
    • KENYA
  • BUSINESS
    • BUSINESS
    • INVESTMENTS
    • REAL ESTATE
    • TECHNOLOGY
  • Politics
  • Health
    • HEALTH
    • EDUCATION
  • Religion
  • People
    • PEOPLE
    • LIFESTYLE
    • RELATIONSHIPS
  • Obituaries
  • Videos
  • Events
No Result
View All Result
Samrack Media
No Result
View All Result

Africa: 10 Things to Watch in Africa in 2016

samrack by samrack
January 1, 2016
in Africa, Diaspora, Kenya, Kenya Diaspora News, News
A A
0
Africa: 10 Things to Watch in Africa in 2016
Share this
FacebookTwitterPinterestEmailWhatsAppLinkedIn

Africa: 10 Things to Watch in Africa in 2016

ANALYSISBy Nick Branson and Jamie Hitchen

Staying Power: Referenda in the Republic of Congo and Rwanda have paved the way for presidents Sassou Nguesso and Kagame to extend their tenures. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), President Kabila appears intent on remaining in power beyond the end of his second term in November 2016. Kabila’s political machinations have been met with violent protest and international opprobrium. By contrast in Benin, incumbent president Boni Yayi has resolved to step down when he completes his second term in February 2016.

Africa Debt Rising: Sovereign bond issuance rose dramatically as commodity markets peaked in 2014, before tailing off as the price of oil and export minerals collapsed. With budget deficits approaching unsustainable levels in many countries and the supply of cheap debt in decline, some African governments face tough choices – cut spending or dramatically improve domestic revenue collection. This new reality will be inescapable for Zambia and Ghana in an election year. In 2015, their currencies were devalued substantially and visits from the IMF further raised concerns about the sustainability of debt levels. 2016 may see the IMF revert to a more familiar role of supervising austerity measures, albeit in a less conspicuous fashion than during the structural adjustment era; whilst Ghana accepted IMF support, Zambia has so far rejected a financial bailout package.

Economic Opportunity: African economies that rely heavily on oil and other commodity exports – including Nigeria, Angola and Zambia – continue to suffer due to low or declining prices. But this setback also provides an opportunity to focus on diversifying their economies. In Nigeria, there is much talk of revitalising agriculture. In East Africa, efforts are being made to reduce economic inefficiencies and improve productivity: progress in regional telecom reform, for example, demonstrates much from which the rest of the continent can learn.

Insecurity in Nigeria: Many Nigerians voted for Muhammadu Buhari because of his campaign commitments to tackle corruption and defeat Boko Haram. The arrest of former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki for allegedly overseeing illicit and financially fraudulent transactions worth billions of naira is highly symbolic. Despite an announcement that the government has “technically won the war” against the Boko Haram insurgency, military action has not yet been convincing and the threat remains. The renegotiation of the Niger Delta amnesty and recent agitation by Biafran separatists illustrate the security challenges facing Buhari’s government.

Urban Transport: In September 2015 Addis Ababa opened the first part of a new 17km light rail system funded in part by Chinese investment. A similar venture that forms part of the urban plan in Lagos has been beset by delays. However, Governor Ambode of Lagos State has promised that the first line will be operational by December 2016. Dar es Salaam’s bus rapid transit (BRT) system failed to open as planned in October 2015 but is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2016. New urban transport networks will need to be affordable for the everyday commuter if they are to successfully reduce congestion and improve the productivity of cities.

Flying Donkeys: The world’s first civilian cargo drone station is set to open in Rwanda in 2016. “Flying donkeys” will be capable of carrying small packages across distances of up to 80km and could help to overcome some infrastructure challenges. Regulation concerning the use of unmanned vehicles is in the process of being drafted by Rwanda’s civil aviation authority and a successful pilot should see a nationwide network of cargo drone routes established.

Sorting out the Union: The post-election crisis in Zanzibar has highlighted the shortcomings of Tanzania’s current political configuration and reignited calls for power to be shared more equitably among the constituent parts of the Union. Tanzania remains the only African nation to possess a dual-government structure, a lopsided arrangement that falls short of being a fully-fledged federation. Zanzibar retains its own executive, legislature, and judicial system; while a parliament in Dodoma and a president in Dar es Salaam take decisions for both the mainland and the Union as a whole. Tanzania’s president, John Magufuli, may consider constitutional reform as a solution to the impasse in Zanzibar; however, he will face resistance from his own party, which has repeatedly rejected changes to the status quo.

The Prominence of Social Media: African youth harnessed the potential of modern communication tools to mobilise protests in Burkina Faso and South Africa, successfully preventing a military coup and halting significant rises in university tuition fees. Twitter hashtags are becoming important tools for mobilisation and are likely to become more prominent as the cost of communication decreases. Governments are already responding to this perceived threat. Tanzania rushed through four pieces of legislation relating to access to information, media, statistics and cybercrime in 2015, while Nigeria may adopt a social media bill in 2016.

The Battle for the ANC: In South Africa, rumours have been circulating about plots to oust President Zuma mid-term. Zuma famously usurped Mbeki as ANC president at the national conference in Polokwane in December 2007, positioning him to become head of state, following the April 2009 elections. Zuma’s decision to fire Nhlanhla Nene as finance minister was an assertion of his authority that backfired. With the ruling party likely to lose control of important metropolitan authorities at municipal elections in 2016, the campaign to succeed Zuma will dominate South African politics right up until the next ANC national conference in December 2017.

A Changing Climate: In 2015, flooding in Freetown and Accra devastated urban areas whilst El Niño brought drought to rural Zimbabwe and Ethiopia. Unpredictable weather will be a continuing feature in years to come, despite the agreement reached at COP21 in Paris. Long term commitments can work alongside short-term solutions: improved urban management and support for the growing of drought resistant crops like finger millet. But weather can also offer opportunity for the continent. Renewable energy, in particular solar, wind and geothermal, has been cited as a key avenue for tackling the power deficit on the continent by African Development Bank president, Akinwumi Adesina.

Nick Branson and Jamie Hitchen are researchers at ARI.

Africa

Outdoor Mosquito Trap Uses Human Scent As Lure
A box that uses human scent to trap and kill mosquitoes at night promises malaria protection for people working and … see more »

Read the original of this report on the Africa Research Institute site.

Tags: Africa: 10 Things to Watch in Africa in 2016
Previous Post

The Do’s & Don’ts of Fighting Fair

Next Post

Neema Gospel Church Moves To New Facility In Dallas TX

Related Posts

USCIS Says Individuals on Business or Tourist Visas Can Apply for New Jobs
Diaspora

USCIS Says Individuals on Business or Tourist Visas Can Apply for New Jobs

March 24, 2023
US-Based Kenyan Author Dies After Falling from an Apartment’s Fourth Floor

US-Based Kenyan Author Dies After Falling from an Apartment’s Fourth Floor

March 24, 2023
Kenyan Woman Linda Obinchu Found Dead in Gaithersburg Maryland
Diaspora

Kenyan Woman Linda Obinchu Found Dead in Gaithersburg Maryland

March 24, 2023
Donations Ongoing for IRVO OTIENO whose life was cut short was cut short in the hands of 7 Police Deputies near Richmond, VA
Diaspora

Donations Ongoing for IRVO OTIENO whose life was cut short was cut short in the hands of 7 Police Deputies near Richmond, VA

March 24, 2023
A Lake Elsinore couple were out celebrating a birthday when they were killed in a wrong-way crash. Loved ones are now raising money for the couple's three children.
Diaspora

GoFundMe fundraiser:Donate to help the Mbatha children and family

March 23, 2023
Daughter of the Late Kenyan Journalist Philip Ochieng Found Dead in Dallas, Texas

Daughter of the Late Kenyan Journalist Philip Ochieng Found Dead in Dallas, Texas

March 22, 2023
Next Post
Neema Gospel Church Moves To New Facility In Dallas TX

Neema Gospel Church Moves To New Facility In Dallas TX

Please login to join discussion
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Royal Gardens Ngong Royal Gardens Ngong Royal Gardens Ngong
ADVERTISEMENT
KIBS VILLA HOMES:(ABNB) Relax into Luxury: Monthly ABNB rates are negotiable Call:508-479-1517 / 254714428680 KIBS VILLA HOMES:(ABNB) Relax into Luxury: Monthly ABNB rates are negotiable Call:508-479-1517 / 254714428680 KIBS VILLA HOMES:(ABNB) Relax into Luxury: Monthly ABNB rates are negotiable Call:508-479-1517 / 254714428680
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest News

USCIS Says Individuals on Business or Tourist Visas Can Apply for New Jobs

US-Based Kenyan Author Dies After Falling from an Apartment’s Fourth Floor

Kenyan Woman Linda Obinchu Found Dead in Gaithersburg Maryland

Donations Ongoing for IRVO OTIENO whose life was cut short was cut short in the hands of 7 Police Deputies near Richmond, VA

GoFundMe fundraiser:Donate to help the Mbatha children and family

Daughter of the Late Kenyan Journalist Philip Ochieng Found Dead in Dallas, Texas

US-Based Kenyan Couple Brutally Murdered in Their Home in Nyamira

Kenyan Couple Dies in a Fatal Road Crash in California

Raila Odinga’s secret cards for mass action

I will not allow you to terrorise Kenyans, Ruto tells Raila

We are grateful for your monthly or one-off donations To Samrack Media: Cash App No: 781-888-8770 $SAMRACK001

Money

New Digital Skills Helps Unemployed Kenyan Youth Earn In Cryptocurrency

New Digital Skills Helps Unemployed Kenyan Youth Earn In Cryptocurrency

by samrack
November 19, 2021
0

New Digital Skills Helps Unemployed Kenyan Youth Earn In Cryptocurrency This week sees the launch of a new initiative to equip...

A simple guide to Government Bonds investing in Kenya

A simple guide to Government Bonds investing in Kenya

by samrack
September 17, 2021
0

A simple guide to Government Bonds investing in Kenya A treasury bond (T-bond) is a medium term to long term...

Politics

Kisumu residents stage protests over high cost of living in Kisumu on March 10. Image: DANIEL OGENDO

[PHOTOS] Dramatic scenes during Kisumu demonstrations

by samrack
March 10, 2023
0

Dramatic scenes during Kisumu demonstrations The protesters are seen negotiating with police to allow them to demonstrate. They held...

Azimio leaders at Migori rally on Friday, March 10, 2023 Image: JAMES ORENGO/TWITTER

Raila names Safaricom among companies listed for boycott

by samrack
March 10, 2023
0

Raila names Safaricom among companies listed for boycott He said his call for mass action and demonstrations which will culminate...

  • About Us
  • Archives
  • SWG Registration

© 2023 SAMRACK - Diaspora News & Updates; design by: Samrack.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • ALL NEWS
  • Diaspora
  • Africa
    • AFRICA
    • KENYA
  • BUSINESS
    • BUSINESS
    • INVESTMENTS
    • REAL ESTATE
    • TECHNOLOGY
  • Politics
  • Health
    • HEALTH
    • EDUCATION
  • Religion
  • People
    • PEOPLE
    • LIFESTYLE
    • RELATIONSHIPS
  • Obituaries
  • Videos
  • Events

© 2023 SAMRACK - Diaspora News & Updates; design by: Samrack.

Page generated in 1.942 seconds. Stats plugin by www.blog.ca