Latest Stories from Derrick
Understanding the neglect in Nigeria’s floating slum Makoko
Makoko, the world’s largest floating slum, is located on the Lagos Lagoon in Nigeria. It has a population of over 200,000 people living in precarious conditions, with limited access to basic amenities such as education, clean water, sanitation, healthcare, and electricity. Makoko slum has been a fishing village for decades and has attracted many from neighboring countries such as Benin. The residents live in houses built on stilts on the water...
How Cameroon has been ruled by one President for forty years
For four decades, Cameroon has been ruled by one party. More than 65% of its population have never known any other. President Paul Biya’s regime has led to widespread instability in Cameroon. Cameroon has been ruled by 89-year-old President Paul Biya for over 40 years. He is the oldest and second-longest serving head of state in Africa. The country has had only two presidents since gaining its independence from France in...
Understanding Kenya’s transition to clean energy
Kenya is among the leading African nations in renewable energy, currently generating more than 75% from renewable sources, primarily geothermal power and hydropower. According to the government, the country looks to shift to 100% clean energy by 2030. Kenya’s climate crisis has left its northern population without food, shelter, and settlement. Ravaging drought has left thousands of animals dead, children malnourished, and thousands of people forced to flee their homes in...
Thousands of displaced children in Mali have no legal identity
Since 2012, disruption in Mali has killed thousands who’ve gotten caught in clashes between security forces and jihadist fighters. According to the UN, the war has displaced nearly 500,000 people including children. A new report by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) says 148,600 displaced children in Mali do not have a legal identity. Lack of official documentation means children are at risk of marginalisation and potential human rights violations. In a...
Africa’s Gen Z demanded COP27 tackle climate emergency
At this year’s COP27, young African climate activists demanded for actions and not words. Africa has been the worst hit by the effects of climate change. This year's Young Africa session revealed adaptation and funding as priorities to curb the climate emergency. According to the UN, more than 30 million people from the Horn of Africa are in need of food, shelter, and medical services. Despite efforts being undertaken by...
Uganda closes schools early due to Ebola surge among children
Uganda is battling its eighth Ebola outbreak, caused by Sudan ebolavirus. According to World Health Organization data, more than 65 deaths have been recorded including more than eight school children. Uganda has been facing both environmental and health catastrophes this year, putting thousands of lives in danger. Six Ugandan districts have Ebola cases, including the capital, Kampala. Last week, all primary and secondary schools across Uganda closed as a result of...
African Gen Zers to benefit from YouthConnekt summit
Last week, Rwanda hosted its annual YouthConnekt Africa summit. The continental initiative looks to empower young people by investing in their ideas, innovations, and initiatives. The YouthConnekt Africa summit was initiated by the Rwandese government in 2012 to focus on improving youth employment, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement through tech innovation. This year’s summit attracted thousands from over thirty African nations, private sectors, and non-governmental organisations such as the UNDP. This year's...
Understanding Africa’s Gen Z mental health problem
Gen Z are the most likely group to be affected by mental health problems in Africa. Africa’s failure to adequately respond to the surging mental health crisis is affecting more than 60% of the population. It is saddening that poor mental health is not considered a crisis in Africa, despite many young people suffering with depression and schizophrenia. Untreated conditions can negatively impact development, quality of life, and the ability to fully...
Togolese Gen Zer builds sports car from scrap waste
25-year-old Sourou-Edjareyo Malazouwe from Togo, with no background in mechanical engineering education or training, has made a 4x4 car using scrap waste materials from motorcycles and bus parts. According to recent World Bank data, Togolese is among the few African countries whose unemployment rate is still considered ‘low’ at 9.7%. Gen Zers have casual jobs and don’t earn enough to sustain their needs. In fact, young people make up a...
South African teenagers build solar-powered train
Amid South Africa’s power cuts, a group of students built the country’s first fully solar-powered train. The power outages have caused disruptions affecting poor and working-class commuters relying on trains. A group of 20 South African students from Soshanguve Technical School recently showcased a fully solar-powered train at a university event. The prototype, which has taken approximately two years to build, is set to redefine railway travel not only in...
