Latest Stories from Derrick
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...
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...
