Latest Stories from Derrick
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...
Navigating the complexities of gender in sports going forward
Imane Khelif, a 25-year-old Algerian boxer, has become a focal point in the ongoing debate surrounding gender and eligibility in women’s sports. Being the first female boxer from Algeria to win an Olympic boxing gold medal, her story is emblematic of the complexities that arise when gender identity and athletic competition intersect. At the Paris Olympics 2024, Imane Khelif’s boxing participation was marked by attacks over gender eligibility and...
Khaman Maluach becomes South Sudan’s youngest Olympic basketball star
At the Olympic Games in France, 17-year-old Khaman Maluach, standing at 7”2, has captured global attention. As the youngest player on South Sudan's basketball team and a top NBA Draft prospect, his journey from a war-torn childhood to the world stage exemplifies resilience, hope, and the unyielding spirit of youth affected by conflict. Khaman Maluach’s early life was shaped by the brutal realities of the South Sudan conflict. Born in...
The failings that caused the tragic school collapse in Nigeria
In a heart-wrenching tragedy, The Saint Academy in the Jos North district of Plateau State, Nigeria, collapsed last Friday leading to the death of 22 students and leaving hundreds more injured. The Saint Academy, in central Nigeria, had its two-storey building collapse when students were having their exams last Friday. Locals claim the collapse was caused by heavy rainfall in the past week, but reports suggest that structural weaknesses might have...
Kenya’s coastal communities fight illegal logging with hidden beehives
Stretching along the coastline, the mangrove forests provide a bulwark against coastal erosion, nurture an array of marine life, and play an essential role in the global carbon cycle. Yet, the mangroves face a relentless threat from illegal logging, driven by demand for timber and charcoal. An innovative idea is turning the tide in favour of mangrove conservation. Thought out by locals, the hidden beehives ploy is now spearheaded by...
Deadly mudslides in Southern Ethiopia highlight need for climate adaptation
Southern Ethiopia has witnessed a devastating mudslide triggered by torrential rains, resulting in the loss of hundreds of lives. The country’s calamity gives an alarm to the East Africa’s growing vulnerability to extreme weather events, a grim reality exacerbated by climate change. The recent mudslide in Southern Ethiopia's mountainous region has left behind a trail of destruction, claiming more than 200 lives and sweeping away homes, livestock, and infrastructure. Communities...
Understanding the Gen Z-led protests in Kenya
In recent weeks, Kenya has witnessed a seismic shift in its socio-political landscape as protests led by Gen Z sweep across the country. At the heart of this lies the contentious Finance Bill 2024. The catalyst for these protests can be traced to the Finance Bill's proposals, which many argue disproportionately burden the common citizen while favoring the wealthy elite. Young activists, organizing mostly through social media, have emerged as...
Opinion – African Gen Zers can change climate change denial
Within Africa, a troubling trend of climate change denial persists propagated by those who leverage the power of the internet to spread misinformation. It’s not just a matter of ignorance but a deliberate perpetuation of a false narrative that undermines critical climate research and stalls action. The advent of social media and digital platforms has democratized information sharing, but it has also given rise to a parallel wave of misinformation. In...
