Chris Infotainment

A Call for Science-Driven Climate Action in Africa The African Group of Negotiators (AGN) and the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) have emphasized the urgent need to reframe global climate action. Their focus is on ensuring that this effort is driven by scientific evidence and is responsive to the increasing vulnerability of the African continent to climate change. At the 13th Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, AGN Chair Richard Muyungi highlighted the importance of placing African science at the forefront of climate strategies. He stressed that the continent can no longer rely solely on externally developed data and models for its climate action plans. "African science must take center stage in guiding climate action and adaptation," Muyungi stated. He also called for a shift towards needs-based climate finance, which would better address the specific challenges faced by African nations. Muyungi pointed out ...

The Urgency of Investing in Science for African Development In the face of geopolitical fragmentation, tightening aid budgets, and global systemic shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic, African leaders can no longer ignore the need to invest in science. As global partnerships weaken and funding dries up, African governments face a stark choice: remain dependent on external knowledge or build their own scientific ecosystems to drive development. This presents an opportunity. African countries can boost basic scientific impact not by spending more, but by spending smarter. The key is not just how much is invested in science, but how it is invested, where, and whether it aligns with national development priorities and long-term resilience goals. A Shrinking Global Support System African countries are witnessing the collapse of long-standing avenues of collaborative research and funding. This is demonstrated by US threats to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Unit...

A Call for Unified Development Frameworks in Africa The African Union has been urged to integrate its various developmental frameworks into a single, continent-wide system. This initiative aims to ensure affordable and sustainable financing across the continent. The call was made by Engineer Seth Mahu, Director of Renewable Energy at the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, during the opening of the first Africa Global ESG and Sustainability Reporting Summit in Accra on Monday. Speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, Mahu emphasized that while the African Union has not yet established a unified framework like the European Union’s model, Agenda 2063 has laid the groundwork. He highlighted the importance of consolidating these frameworks to align with the continent’s standards and improve access to long-term funding. “Bringing these plans together would match African standards and make it easier to access long-term funding,” he said. Key Objectives of the Summit The ...

Understanding the Science Behind Decomposition in Forensic Investigations Cape Town, a city known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, has long struggled with high rates of violent crime. Among these challenges is the issue of unidentified bodies, which complicates the process of justice and leaves countless families without closure. The city's Observatory Forensic Pathology Institute deals with over 3,500 unnatural deaths annually, yet around 9% remain unidentified. This not only delays investigations but also creates emotional and legal hurdles for those affected. Forensic taphonomists play a critical role in addressing these challenges. Their work involves studying how human remains decompose under various environmental conditions. By understanding this process, they can help determine the time since death, identify potential trauma, and reconstruct what may have happened to the individual. This information is essential in cases involving unidentified bodies, where...

AI’s Role in Transforming Africa’s Economic Landscape Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming a driving force for change across Africa, with significant potential to boost financial inclusion, create jobs, and foster innovation. A recent whitepaper highlights the continent's readiness and opportunities for responsible AI adoption, emphasizing its transformative impact on key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, energy, and finance. The report reveals that up to 230 million digital jobs could be created in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030, provided there is sufficient investment in infrastructure, regulation, and local talent. With Africa’s AI market expected to grow from USD 4.5 billion in 2025 to USD 16.5 billion by 2030, the need for collaboration among various stakeholders becomes increasingly clear. Mark Elliott, division president, Africa at Mastercard, emphasized that Africa’s engagement with AI is already reshaping lives beyond laboratories, reaching far...

Morocco's Rise in the Global Crypto Adoption Index Morocco has established itself as North Africa’s most dynamic cryptocurrency market, securing the 24th position globally in the 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index published by Chainalysis. The kingdom achieved a score of 0.142 points, surpassing Egypt, which ranked 26th, and Algeria, which held the third regional position. Meanwhile, Tunisia and Libya lagged behind at 52nd and 128th respectively. The annual index provides insights into where cryptocurrencies are gaining momentum and explores the reasons behind their popularity among populations. India took the top spot globally, followed closely by the United States and Pakistan. On the African continent, Nigeria led the way, ranking sixth worldwide, with Ethiopia following at 12th. Chainalysis highlighted that crypto adoption is growing most rapidly in the Global South. In Africa, the usage of cryptocurrencies increased by 52% last year, driven largely by retail demand and the n...

A Historic Moment for Moroccan Football Morocco is preparing for a pivotal football match on Friday as the Atlas Lions take on Niger in the seventh round of World Cup 2026 qualifiers. This game holds immense significance, as it presents the opportunity for Morocco to become the first African nation to secure a spot in the North American finals. The match will also serve as the official inauguration of the newly renovated Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The stadium was unveiled on Thursday, following royal instructions from King Mohammed VI. Crown Prince Moulay Hassan attended the event, marking an important milestone in the country's sporting history. A State-of-the-Art Venue The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has described the venue as a "world-class complex," designed to meet FIFA 2030 standards. Morocco is set to co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, and this stadium is a key part of the country’s preparations for the global event. ...

Advancements in Surgical Care Through Digital Anesthesia Machines The introduction of digital anesthesia machines at Bugando Zonal Referral Hospital in Mwanza marks a significant shift in the field of surgical care. These advanced systems are set to transform operating rooms by offering greater precision, improved safety, and enhanced efficiency. The integration of this technology is expected to elevate the standard of medical treatment and patient outcomes. Unlike traditional methods that required a high degree of manual judgment and observation, these new machines allow medical professionals to accurately measure anesthesia dosages. They also enable real-time monitoring of how patients' lungs process the drugs, ensuring that the anesthesia lasts throughout the procedure. This level of accuracy reduces the risk of complications and improves overall patient safety. Dr Rebecca Shija, Head of the Anesthesia Department at Bugando, highlighted the impact of this change. "This i...

The Power of Storytelling and Technology in Conservation Three storytellers and technology experts have joined forces to use video games and virtual reality as tools for raising awareness about conservation efforts across Africa. Their mission is to engage a broad audience by meeting people where they are—through the games they play on various platforms. This initiative has led to the creation of several games, including Terra Nil, Beyond Blue, ustwo games, TreesPlease Games, PlanetPlay, and E-Line Media & Gibbon: Beyond the Trees. The focus of these projects is on storytelling, ensuring that the narratives of Africa are told by and from the perspective of its people. This approach is central to the work of Noel Kok and Pragna Parsotam-Kok, who co-founded Nature Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers. In partnership with the National Geographic Society, they launched a collaboration called Africa Refocused, aiming to shift the narrative around African stories. Gautam Shah, a former...

A Journey Back to Roots John Kazilo now lives in Atlanta, a suburban neighborhood with a manicured lawn and a picket fence, the American dream he worked hard for decades. Still, the little boy in him yearns for his humble beginnings, born in Nzega District, Tabora region. Mr. John still goes back home. This recent trip to Tanzania was exceptionally special; his American-born son, who had never been to Tanzania, was making his first trip to his fatherland, and he had to introduce him to all the relatives in the country. All his son used to hear were tales of his father’s time growing up in the rural setting, a life his son could only imagine, so he felt it was crucial to take him back to his home; it was also intended to make him stay connected to his roots as much as possible. His recent stay in Tanzania was for three weeks; still, he felt it was too short a stay. His itinerary was packed with a lot of activities and people to visit. “There was too much to do, things that required m...

Key Highlights from the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), concluded a productive engagement at the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) held in Yokohama, Japan, from August 20 to 22, 2025. His participation underscored Africa’s commitment to fostering a dynamic partnership with Japan and highlighted TICAD as a key platform for promoting shared prosperity, peace, and sustainable development. During the opening ceremony, Chairperson Youssouf delivered a keynote speech that emphasized the enduring relationship between Africa and Japan, built on mutual respect and shared goals. He called for the creation of transformative solutions aligned with Agenda 2063 and the central themes of TICAD9—peace, growth, and inclusivity. Youssouf described the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a “catalyst of energy, opportunity, and investment.” He urg...

Addressing Algorithmic Biases and Promoting Sustainable Development Professor Akbar Saeed, an Associate Professor of Information Systems at Wilfrid Laurier University in Canada, has emphasized the importance of developing software that is specifically tailored to local conditions in Ghana. His remarks were made during interactions with the media on the sidelines of the Second edition of the International Conference on Science, Technology, and Health Innovation for Sustainable Development (STHISD 2025) held at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) in Sunyani. Prof Saeed highlighted that while many software solutions developed in Western countries reflect the cultural context and algorithmic biases of their creators, these may not always align with the realities of developing nations like Ghana. He warned that if such biases are not identified and addressed, they could be replicated in local systems, leading to mismatches and unfair outcomes. He further stressed that l...

The Rise of Digital Learning in Africa Digital learning is reshaping the way students across Africa access knowledge, offering innovative solutions to long-standing challenges in education. From urban classrooms equipped with smart boards to remote schools utilizing mobile learning apps, technology is enabling educators to reach more students than ever before. At the core of this transformation is video, a powerful tool that combines visual, audio, and interactive elements to create a dynamic and engaging learning experience. However, for digital learning to be effective across diverse regions, it’s not enough to simply stream videos online. The real potential lies in leveraging video technology that is interactive, secure, and tailored for varying levels of connectivity. The State of Digital Education in Africa Digital education is gaining momentum throughout Africa, driven by investments from governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and private institutions. These effo...

Enhancing Tax Administration Through Digital Transformation The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) has initiated a comprehensive refresher training program for its staff stationed at Tax Business Offices (TBOs) across the country. This effort is being led by the LRA’s Management Information Systems (MIS) Division, with the primary goal of enhancing the technical skills and knowledge of frontline employees. The training focuses on the efficient use of the Liberia Integrated Tax Administration System (LITAS), which has recently been upgraded to include mobile tax payment features. These enhancements aim to make the process of tax filing and payments more accessible and user-friendly for both the government and taxpayers. The training kicked off at the Marshall TBO in Margibi on Thursday, August 21, and includes hands-on sessions covering various aspects of tax administration. Participants are learning about processes such as tax filing, assessments, payments, in-field collections, online...

Tanzania's Clean Cooking Initiative Gains Momentum Tanzania is making significant strides in its clean cooking agenda, with two major developments marking the progress. In Dodoma, Deputy Prime Minister Dr Doto Biteko highlighted the importance of clean energy use in markets, while in Dar es Salaam, ORYX Energies Tanzania launched a groundbreaking bulk LPG distribution system at the Ferry Fish Market. The new system, developed in collaboration with the government and market stakeholders, uses prepaid technology similar to Tanesco’s Luku. This allows traders to pay only for the gas they consume, eliminating the need for large or small cylinders and reducing daily costs. The initiative aims to make clean cooking more accessible and efficient for those who serve large numbers of people. Dr Biteko emphasized that the goal is not to transform livestock markets into restaurants but to encourage the use of clean cooking methods. He noted that Tanzania must lead the continent in this are...

Emerging Opportunities for Nigerian Fashion in European Markets The Central Eastern European and West African Business Association has highlighted that European markets are showing a growing interest in Nigerian fashion and textiles. This development was emphasized by the founder and president of CEEWABA, Michael Dada, during the inaugural Afro-EU Garment Innovation and Sustainability Summit held in Lagos. The event, themed “Bridging Continents through Fashion, Technology and Cultural Exchange,” was organized in collaboration with Women in Fashion Tech. Dada explained that the summit was part of CEEWABA’s broader initiative to promote Nigerian and African clothing brands within Europe. He stated, “This program is part of our fashion and technology initiatives, where we aim to encourage African fashion to penetrate European markets. Our goal is to create a market for clothing brands from Africa, especially Nigeria, to access the European market.” The association is working with inter...

A New Approach to Malaria Control in Ghana Ghana is taking a bold step forward in its battle against malaria by implementing an innovative strategy that targets the root cause of the disease: mosquito breeding grounds. This initiative, led by Zoomlion Ghana Limited, is part of a nationwide Larval Source Management (LSM) programme aimed at eliminating malaria entirely. The programme is under the guidance of the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Ghana Health Service (GHS), marking a significant shift from traditional methods of controlling the spread of malaria to a more proactive approach focused on eradicating the disease at its source. As a core component of the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), this initiative goes beyond treating symptoms and focusing on adult mosquitoes. Instead, it emphasizes the destruction of larvae before they mature into biting adults. Strategies for Effective Mosquito Control The LSM programme employs a multi-faceted approach to disrupt mosqui...

A Call for Innovation and Collaboration in the Fight Against Malaria As the world observes World Mosquito Day, a global effort to raise awareness about the dangers of mosquitoes and the diseases they carry, Target Malaria—a not-for-profit research consortium—has issued an urgent call for increased investment in technology, talent, and partnerships. This initiative aims to combat malaria, a deadly disease that claims over half a million lives annually in Africa, with children being the most vulnerable. Target Malaria is at the forefront of developing gene drive technology, a cutting-edge approach designed to reduce populations of malaria-transmitting mosquitoes. The group emphasizes that ending this public health crisis requires more than just scientific innovation; it also demands trust, community engagement, and capacity-building across the continent. Dr. Léa Paré Toé, Stakeholder Engagement Lead for Target Malaria Burkina Faso at the Health Sciences Research Institute, highlighted...

Tanzania and Kenya Lead Joint Efforts to Strengthen Digital Public Infrastructure Tanzania and Kenya have taken a significant step forward in addressing the complex challenges of human-nature conflicts across Africa. The two nations have announced a joint initiative to champion digital public infrastructure (DPI) and establish a regional command and control center aimed at tackling these pressing issues. This move aligns with the Lusaka Agreement, which has been instrumental in fostering cooperation among African countries to combat illegal wildlife trade and related environmental crimes. The Lusaka Agreement, officially known as the Lusaka Agreement on Cooperative Enforcement Operations directed at Illegal Trade in Wild Fauna and Flora, was signed in 1994 in Lusaka, Zambia. It is administered by the Lusaka Agreement Task Force (LATF), an organization that plays a crucial role in enforcing the treaty and ensuring its objectives are met. During a recent high-level event held in Yokoh...