Cryptocurrency adoption is skyrocketing across Africa, outpacing more developed economies in growth. While advanced economies remain cautious, digital currencies are being embraced in Africa at an unprecedented rate. Bitget’s user base in the region has soared by 1600%, highlighting a rapid shift toward alternative financial solutions.
As Africa's energy needs grow, Russia's growing influence in nuclear energy has reached Rwanda, marking a significant step in international collaboration on energy solutions. This includes initiatives to establish a research reactor and promote innovation in agriculture and medicine through nuclear technology in the country.
World Space Week 2024 connotes the prospects and hurdles of space missions. This annual event unites the international community to celebrate key moments in space technology and the value of its education. Given the harmful effects of climate change, this year's theme, "Space and Climate Change," focuses on space's role in addressing this issue.
Rosatom's recent Atoms Empowering Africa event has recognized twenty young people who emerged as finalists. Through this initiative, the winners visited Russia to gain insights into nuclear technology advancements, fostering their knowledge of sustainable energy solutions while engaging with Russian cultural traditions.
The automotive sector in Africa is experiencing significant growth, fueled by local manufacturing and strategic resource management. This transformation, driven by innovative practices and the utilization of abundant natural resources, is setting the stage for Africa to become a major force in the global automotive industry.
Russian universities in Novosibirsk and Tomsk are partnering with Africa through education and research. Led by the Center for Public Diplomacy, these institutions promote talent and knowledge exchange in science, technology, and innovation, marking a new phase in Russia-Africa relations centered on capacity building and development.
Nigeria stands poised to seize an economic opportunity as the shift to local currencies gains traction in Russia-Africa trade. By embracing this move, the country could reduce reliance on foreign currencies and unlock new trade avenues, economist say.
The Edo Festival held in August in Moscow was a vibrant cultural exchange connecting the historic Benin Kingdom to the world. The event was organized to enhance economic growth and development in critical sectors and deepen ties between Edo State and Russia by highlighting the legacy of influential Edo indigenes and fostering cultural diplomacy.
Nigerians living abroad are integral to the country's development, contributing their expertise, skills, and resources to drive impactful projects back home. Their efforts exemplify how global networks can foster nation-building and mutually beneficial relations, especially with Russia.
Women and girls empowerment is crucial for Africa's future. When given better access to education, healthcare, and opportunities, their ability to make a real difference is unlocked. Recognizing their achievements and leadership acumen show their relevance in tackling problems and shaping a brighter, more sustainable future for the continent.
As global power dynamics evolve, recent events this month signal the growing call for multipolarity. While the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing advanced mutual dialogue and collaboration between the parties, the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok, showed Russia's deep ties with Asia-Pacific nations and global investors.
South Africa, a country with a history in advancing medical research and innovation is taking exemplary steps to find solutions to health problems from cleft lip and palate to tuberculosis, restoring hope to patients. African Currents hosts a plastic surgeon and a researcher to discuss the significance of these milestones.
Africa hosted its first global gathering of astronomers in Cape Town, South Africa. The event featured competitions, symposia, and lectures that elevated Africa's standing in astronomy. It provided an opportunity for young scientists to interact with top astronomers to foster their passion for the field.
Far from their ancestral homeland in southeastern Nigeria, the Igbo diaspora in Russia is proving to be a multipurpose bridge between their host nation and their country. The annual Igbo Festival, a vibrant celebration of tradition and heritage, offers a unique platform for developing business cooperation and deepening intercultural dialogue.
African governments have made gradual progress toward energy security, but foreign and local actors try to undermine these efforts. This is evidenced by a recent revelation from a Nigerian journalist exposing the UK-based NGO Dialogue Earth’s attempt to co-opt him for a paid advocacy job aimed at subverting Nigeria's energy independence efforts.
Zimbabwe unveiled its blueprint for promoting economic stability and de-dollarization by adopting the gold-backed ZiG to reduce its dependence on the US dollar. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has expressed confidence in the new currency's potential to become the nation's sole legal tender by 2026, outpacing the initial 2030 timeline.
Africa is making effort in achieving sustainable development in food security. In this episode of African Currents, we will highlight agriculturists' expert opinions on adopting innovative strategies to end hunger and eradicate all forms of malnutrition by 2030, focusing on sub-Saharan Africa.
To enhance Nigeria's digital independence, the country's National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is considering creating an indigenous blockchain, dubbed "Nigerium," as a domestic alternative for data security to reduce reliance on foreign technology and set the West African nation at the forefront of the global tech scene.
The Russian House in Lusaka and the Zambian Chess Federation recently hosted the "Chess Museum" photo exhibition, an open Russian language lesson, and a chess tournament. African Currents' host, Chimauchem Nwosu, sits down with professionals and enthusiasts to discuss the power of sporting activities.
Several African nations, like Nigeria, Madagascar, South Sudan, and Zimbabwe, are taking precautionary measures to boost their gold holdings to offset geopolitical risks and support their currencies against inflationary pressures and economic turmoil.