Latest Stories from Derrick
Ugandan parliament to criminalise LGBTQ identification
Uganda has been known for its conservative views on LGBTQ rights, with the country's government and society being largely intolerant of homosexuality. With the new anti-homosexuality bill passed this week, parliament has imposed the death penalty for some offences. In a shocking move, Uganda has passed a bill criminalising homosexuality with life imprisonment sentences, further imposing the death penalty for offences termed as ‘aggravated homosexuality’. The bill, officially known as the...
Growing concern in Seychelles over heroin abuse
Heroin abuse is causing widespread concern in Seychelles. Due to high unemployment and limited opportunities for young people, drug use is on the rise. Seychelles is the least populated sovereign African country with only 99,000 citizens, half of which are below 25 years old. Despite its low population, it has the highest per capita rate of heroin abuse in the world according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and...
How FIFA looks to empower African Gen Zers
African youths face several challenges when it comes to participating in sports. From lack of access, high cost of sports programs, and gender inequality, it is difficult for young people to develop their skills and reach their full potential. In Africa, millions of Gen Zers love sport and look up to successful international athletes as a motivation for success. However, the high cost of sports programs, from registration fees to...
Rwanda to receive satellite internet service Starlink from SpaceX
In an innovative undertaking, Elon Musk's Starlink satellite service is set to be deployed in Rwanda, bringing high-speed internet access to the most underserved communities in East Africa. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) report, Rwanda has a high uptake in ITC growth, and is developing Africa’s first wireless broadband network covering the entire country. In schools, Rwanda has made a concerted effort to improve internet connectivity and...
Why Gen Z is the driving force behind Africa’s tech advancements
Gen Z is utilising technology to address some of Africa’s most pressing issues, with a particular focus on sustainability. From renewable energy to waste management, this trend is likely to continue. Gen Z is leading the charge in Africa’s tech revolution. With access to smartphones from childhood, young people have access to knowledge and information much earlier in life compared to older peers. This technological fluency lends itself to a generation...
Pope Francis’ visit to the DRC and South Sudan
Pope Francis' recent visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan marked a significant moment for African Gen Zers. This was his third trip to Africa. He aimed to promote peace, reconciliation, and hope in countries that have suffered from decades of conflict and violence. Last week, the Pontiff’s three day visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan came to an end, drawing...
Egyptian Gen Zers are fighting against plastic pollution
Egypt is facing a significant plastic pollution problem. However, a new generation is taking action. Gen Z are becoming increasingly vocal and active in their efforts to combat plastic pollution. In recent years, plastic pollution has become a growing concern in Egypt. The country is one of the largest producers of plastic waste in the world, with an estimated 3.2 million tons generated annually. This waste often ends up in the...
Abductions from armed assailants continue in Burkina Faso
Earlier this month, 66 people were abducted by armed assailants in the country’s northern province of Soum, outside two villages in the Arbinda district. For a decade, Burkina Faso has encountered numerous kidnappings by violent Islamists with confirmed links to al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS) jihadist groups. According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), almost 2 million civilians have been displaced and thousands killed over the years. The internal displacement is considered...
Economic crisis forces young Tunisians to migrate to Europe
More than 20,000 Gen Zers from Tunisia tried crossing the Mediterranean Sea in 2022. Economic hardship and unemployment are major causes of European migration, as young people attempt to improve their lives. Tunisia has been facing economic crisis as inflation hit its highest record in more than 3 decades at 9% in 2022. According to the World Bank, the unemployment rate for young people aged 15 to 24 in the...
Meek Mill criticised for filming at Presidential Palace in Ghana
American rapper, Meek Mill, who recently learnt he is part Ghanaian, has faced backlash from West Africans after filming his music video at Jubilee House - the official presidential office and home. Hip-hop artist Meek Mill is popular among African Millennials and Gen Zers. The love for the genre in Africa has grown considerably over the years as Gen Z welcomes international influences within their culture. Most upcoming rappers from the...
