Latest Stories from Derrick
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...
I hosted the Live On the Frontlines climate film screening event
Organised in response to recurring climate-related disasters affecting the globe, the Live On The Frontlines event aimed to shed light on the lives impacted by these issues and explore sustainable solutions through a blend of film screenings, panel discussions, and community engagement. Kenya’s Kisumu city, situated on the shores of Lake Victoria, is no stranger to the harsh impacts of climate change. The region’s vulnerability to flooding, particularly in the Nyando...
Understanding Ghana’s long-awaited gender parity bill
Ghana’s President Nana Addo Akufo-Addo signed a groundbreaking bill aimed at addressing historical and systemic gender inequalities. In a region where gender disparities have been entrenched in traditional structures, it sets Ghana on a path toward reshaping women’s futures economically, politically, and socially. Ghana’s Affirmative Action (Gender Equality) Bill 2024, which has been 30 years in the making, acknowledges the imbalance that has long existed in leadership across both the...
Ethiopia bans the import of gasoline and diesel vehicles
Ethiopia has made a bold and unprecedented move by becoming the first country to ban the import of gasoline and diesel vehicles. The country is pushing for a rapid transition to electric vehicles (EVs), signaling a profound shift in its environmental and energy policies. Ethiopia’s decision to eliminate gasoline and diesel vehicles stands as a watershed moment for environmental policy on the continent and globally. With the world’s dependence on fossil...
A look at the explosion of gaming across Africa
The African gaming market has been experiencing unprecedented growth over the past decade, rapidly approaching $1 billion in annual revenue. This remarkable rise reflects the continent's evolving digital landscape, where young people are tapping into gaming not just as a form of entertainment but also as a source of livelihood. The rapid expansion of the gaming industry can be attributed to the proliferation of affordable smartphones, increased internet access,...
Namibia uses elephants and hippos to alleviate food crisis
In a desperate bid to alleviate the hunger crisis plaguing nearly half of its population, the Namibian government has undertaken an extraordinary measure, slaughtering over 700 wild animals - including elephants and hippos - to distribute the meat. More than 1.4 million Namibians, almost half of the nation’s total population, are now facing high levels of acute food insecurity. Prolonged dry spells have devastated crops, wiped out livestock, and crippled the...
The rise of rage rooms in Africa
As economic opportunities dwindle, a new trend is sweeping across Africa, offering young people a unique way to cope with stress; rage rooms. These controlled environments have become increasingly popular, especially among Gen Z, who are grappling with the challenges of unemployment, poverty and limited access to mental health care. In cities across Africa, rage rooms are emerging as a novel form of stress relief. For a small fee, participants...
