Latest Stories from Derrick
Namibia’s first openly queer candidates vie for parliamentary seats
In Namibia’s elections, two openly LGBTIQ+ candidates, Kevin Wessels and William Minnie, made history by vying for parliamentary seats. Despite not winning, their candidacies have proven the country’s inclusion and respect to human rights. 28-year-old Kevin Wessels and 22-year-old William Minnie made history a week ago as Namibia’s first openly LGBTIQ+ candidates. Representing the Republican Party and the Landless People’s Movement respectively, they had ambition to champion policies promoting equality,...
Understanding Africa’s unmet needs at COP29
The just concluded COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, once again left Africa grappling with unfulfilled commitments from previous summits. Baku’s COP29 brought together close to 200 countries, highlighting the Global South’s critical need for financial support, technology transfer, and capacity building to adapt to escalating climate challenges. Nevertheless, major promises made at previous COPs have remained grossly unmet, intensifying Africa’s vulnerabilities to climate impacts despite being the smallest emitter - 3%...
Nigeria introduces free cesarean section for vulnerable women
In addressing the alarming maternal mortality rate, Nigeria has launched a free cesarean sections (C-sections) program to vulnerable women and girls in rural areas of the country. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria ranks fourth globally in maternal mortality, a saddening statistic underscoring the need for urgent action. Despite the government’s ministry of health efforts over recent decades, limited access to quality healthcare, coupled with the high cost...
Lesego Chombo becomes Gen Z minister in Botswana
The newly sworn-in Botswana President Duma Boko has appointed 26-year-old Lesego Chombo as the Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs. The former pageant becomes one of the youngest cabinet members in Botswana’s history and Africa. The 26-year-old Lesego Chombo's cabinet appointment has signaled a fresh wave of leadership under Boko’s new administration in Botswana. The new government, during its campaigns, pledged to prioritize youth representation, gender equity and progressive policies when...
Nigeria drops treason charges against minors
In a move that brought relief across Nigeria and the world, the courts recently dropped treason charges against dozens of protesters, including thirty children between the ages of 14 and 17 arrested in August’s protests. Nigeria’s recent detention of minors on treason charges for participating in protests has ignited a fierce national debate about democratic freedoms and the treatment of young activists. After public uproar, the courts dropped the charges...
Opinion – AI disrupting Africa’s traditional artistry is a worry
Across Africa, a continent rich with diverse artistic heritage, traditional art has long been a vehicle for cultural expression, storytelling, and heritage preservation. From the intricate beadworks to bold masks, traditional African art has both spiritual and social value, transcending mere aesthetics. Artificial Intelligence’s accessibility and ability to create compelling visual content is impacting Africa’s traditional art forms, challenging both the market dynamics and the intrinsic meanings these art forms...
WHO declares Egypt malaria-free after 100-year effort
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared Egypt malaria-free, marking the culmination of a century-long effort by the North African nation to eradicate the disease. Egypt’s landmark achievement places it among the select group of African countries that have successfully eliminated malaria, becoming the fifth to receive this encouraging certification. The accomplishment is particularly significant given the country’s population of over 100 million people. The eradication of malaria from...
I attended Mercy Corps’ leading agricultural summit on Africa
I had the privilege of attending the 8th AgriFin Annual Learning Event, organized by Mercy Corps AgriFin in Nairobi. The gathering brought together a diverse group of professionals all deeply committed to shaping the future of agriculture in Kenya and across Africa. The MO of Mercy Corps’ AgriFin Learning Event is to use technology to enhance the resilience of smallholder farmers, particularly in Kenya’s dryland areas which are among the...
A look at the Haitian mass deportation crisis
In recent months, the Dominican Republic has ramped up its deportation campaign targeting Haitian immigrants, with plans to expel 10,000 each week. Why? As Haiti remains engulfed in widespread gang violence and political instability, returning to their home country could lead to dire consequences, especially for vulnerable groups such as women and children. Despite international outcry, the Dominican government is pressing ahead with its policy, further intensifying an already critical humanitarian...
The Gold Rush destroying Ghana’s agriculture
In recent years, Ghana has been grappling with a crisis that is endangering its land, water and future economy. ‘Galamsey,’ illegal small-scale mining is a growing epidemic, with devastating effects on the environment. Galamsey, derived from the phrase ‘gather them and sell,’ refers to the widespread practice of illegal small-scale gold mining in Ghana. What began as a source of livelihood for local communities has evolved into a large-scale environmental...
