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Africa

Africa. The boom of e-commerce.

As use of the Internet grows, so does the number of consumers who shop online. A surprising fact: the sector could benefit from around $15 billion between 2025 and 2030 if there were more women-owned businesses on the platforms. The number of online shoppers in Africa has surged annually by18% since 2014 (the global average is 12%) and…

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Kenya/Ethiopia. A journey into Borana’s cultural heritage.

In the vast semi-desert uplands of southern Ethiopia, and in the northern desert region of Kenya, the Borana have their home. They believe themselves to be the first of the groups that form the great Oromo family. “We were the first to arrive, at dawn”. The experts agree that the Borana — around half a…

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Getting married.

Among the Borana people marriage is preceded by several stages and long negotiations, which can go on even for two years. The boy’s father takes the first step by visiting the girl’s parents, on this occasion he brings them some tobacco and coffee as gifts. The girl’s parents accept the gifts the first time but…

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The Gubissa Ceremony.

The birth of a child is always an important event that brings joy to the Borana. The joy is all the more important when the child is a first-born or a male. The announcement of the birth is made by the father who shouts to all “Olla, ilmi dallae buna tambo nyada” (People of the…

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Herbs & Plants. Leonotis nepetifolia. ‘A Lion era’.

In traditional medicine, the plant is used to treat a number of diseases like bronchial asthma, fever, influenza, cough, as well as treatment of epilepsy. Medicinal plants are a huge element of the indigenous medical systems. Leonotis nepetifolia (Family Lamiaceae) is one of such medicinal plant species with significant medicinal values. It is commonly known…

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The Gadamoji Celebration.

Every eight years, the feast of final Borana passage called Gadamoji, when a man reaches complete social and ritual maturity, is celebrated. Due to the fact that it is celebrated at such long intervals and its importance and influence in various aspects of the life of the tribe, this is one of the more typical…

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The Expansion of Cryptocurrency in Africa.

The African crypto-economy has grown over 1200% over the last two years. Moreover, five countries in the continent rank in the top 20 of the Global Crypto Adoption Index. But risks to monetary systems are enormous and largely unpredictable. According to Chainalysis, the private New York company that studies the applications of new technologies called…

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Africa. Forward to 2027, the new single currency.

The pandemic and the doubts of some countries have postponed the adoption of the Eco, the single monetary unit of Western Africa. The new road map, which expects a pact of convergence to be actuated during the period 2022-2026, became necessary due to the delays caused by the pandemic. This is the explanation recently given…

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Mozambique. Music and Dance of the Makua. To the sound of drums.

It began in an Islamic context as a religious dance but today it has a more secular character and is managed by the women of the Makua ethnic group who compose the words and music, singing and dancing. It is also an occasion of social liberation. The tufo music and dance, with its centre in…

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Marriage an expensive venture.

Marriage is highly esteemed among the Banyakole and it is one of the most expensive and honored ventures. Among the things that have persisted in the Ankole culture is the marriage rite. Before westernization found its way in the Ankole culture, by the time girls turned eight or nine, particularly among the Bahima, preparation for…

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Nigeria. Half a century after the war, secessionist tensions again in Biafra.

Over 50 years after the Biafra secession war, situation has become extremely tense in South-Eastern Nigeria. Repression is ongoing and support for secession is growing, while Presidential statements stoke the fire. Main threats such as Boko Haram Islamist insurgency in the Northeast, banditry in the Northwest, clashes between farmers and herders in Central Nigeria and…

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Religion & Family.

Prior to the Christian missionary movement in the 19th century, the Ankole people’s idea of a Supreme Being was Ruhanga (creator) who was believed to be living in the sky. He was believed to be the maker and giver of all things. However, it was believed that evil persons could use black magic to interfere…

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Advocacy

Adenike Oladosu. Climate Change: Time to Act.

Nigerian ecofeminist Adenike Titilope Oladosu is the founder of   I Lead Climate Action, an initiative aimed at empowering women and youth to combat climate change.…

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Baobab

The Crocodile and the Cockerel.

Once upon a time, the crocodile was king of the animals. He was holding court one day. He sat majestically on his throne as he received…

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Youth & Mission

Jubilee of the Youth: An Unforgettable Journey of Hope.

Coming from five continents, 270 young people belonging to the Comboni Youth Movement gathered in Rome (24th July – 4th August 2025) to celebrate the Jubilee.…

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