Latest Stories from Derrick
Ethiopia restores social media after 5 months of shutdown
Ethiopia has taken a momentous stride towards reinstating communication freedom and reconnecting its citizens with the digital realm by lifting its social media ban after a prolonged five-month shutdown. The restoration of access to popular platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Telegram, and YouTube comes as a welcome relief for millions of Ethiopians who were cut off from the global digital landscape since the government's drastic measure in February. The Ethiopian government imposed...
How Okutoyi and Jabeur are popularising African tennis
Hailing from Africa, tennis players Okutoyi and Jabeur have become an inspiration for young women, showcasing the power of dedication, talent, and resilience in pursuit of one's dreams. In sport, few narratives are as captivating and inspiring as the rise of young athletes breaking barriers and defying odds. Such individuals are 19-year-old Angella Okutoyi and 28-year-old Ons Jabeur, rising stars in the world of tennis. Okutoyi, born and raised in...
Understanding Uganda’s TotalEnergies’ lawsuit
Ugandan activists are legally fighting TotalEnergies, the French multinational oil and gas company. This lawsuit shines a spotlight on the human rights and environmental concerns surrounding the company’s operations in Uganda. Uganda has become an attractive destination for multinational corporations seeking to exploit its abundance of resources. This rush for extraction and economic gain often comes at the expense of local communities and the environment. TotalEnergies, one of the world's...
Kenya to host Africa Climate Summit and Africa Climate Week 2023
Under the theme ‘Driving Green Growth and Climate Finance Solutions for Africa and the World,’ the upcoming Africa Climate Summit and Africa Climate Week 2023 events are set to galvanize international collaboration and shape a sustainable future for Africa. In a global landscape dealing with the escalating immediacy of climate change, Africa finds itself at a pivotal crossroad. The upcoming Africa Climate Summit, scheduled to take place from the 4th...
Kenyan startup uses VR to teach about pollution
Kenyan startup Ukwenza VR is using virtual reality technology to improve young people’s understanding of environmental challenges such as plastic pollution and climate change. Despite the efforts of governments, organizations, and the private sector, the utilization of technology in most African countries is still expensive. Digital devices like laptops and tablets continue to be accessible mainly to privileged students, predominantly in private schools. Despite the global advancements in educational technology,...
Côte d’Ivoire’s ambulance boat revolutionises healthcare access
In an initiative aimed at improving healthcare accessibility in remote areas, Côte d'Ivoire launched its first-ever ambulance boat this month, catering to the medical needs of villagers residing along the country's Assinie-Mafia region. Government, healthcare practitioners, and local communities in Assinie-Mafia are working together to improve emergency medical services across all of Côte d'Ivoire. A new ambulance boat named Min N'Gouamin has just been unveiled. Translated to ‘my health’, it...
Attack on secondary school in Uganda claims 41 lives
A secondary school in western Uganda was targeted by armed rebels last Friday, resulting in the loss of several students' lives. The ISIS-linked Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebel group is believed to have been behind the attack. A terrorist attack took place at Lhubirira secondary school last Friday, which is located less than 2km from the Democratic Republic of Congo border. School dormitories were set on fire when students were...
How prosthetics are enhancing accessibility in Africa
Limb loss is a significant health issue in Africa. Prosthetics can be a transformative experience for those living with this disability, enabling them to achieve greater independence, mobility, and participation in their daily activities. In many parts of the world, including Africa, access to prosthetic devices remains limited due to their high cost and accessibility. Lack of resources, infrastructure, and trained personnel, as well as cultural stigmas surrounding disability are...
Understanding Senegal’s youth protests
Last week Senegal’s protests deepened as president Macky Sall's potential bid for a third term sparked outrage amongst thousands. According to local reports, three have died including a teen while more than thirty have been injured backing opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. Senegal's Gen Zers have taken to the streets in large numbers, expressing their vehement opposition to President Macky Sall's intention to seek a third term in the upcoming 2024...
WHO declares Benin and Mali trachoma-free
Trachoma has plagued poor communities across the globe for centuries. This week, the World Health Organization declared both Benin and Mali to have eradicated the disease, joining four other African nations in eliminating the problem fully. The profound consequences of trachoma on communities have been extensively documented. Recently, a collaborative endeavor involving governments, non-governmental organizations, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has been initiated to eradicate the disease entirely. The West...
