Africa Day

05/10/2024

John Hawkins

In 1562, he set sail with three ships (Saloman, Jonas, and Swallow) travelling down the African coast as far as Sierra Leone, he captured people and enslaved them as he went, taking around 300 people in total. From there he sailed to the Caribbean, he did not have permission from either Spain or Portugal to trade with their colonies so he sold his enslaved people in Isabella, Puerto de Plata and Monte Christi – places where the local authorities did not enforce government trade embargoes. The enslaved people were traded for pearls, hides and sugar.

Portrait of John Hawkins at the National Maritime Museum, London

04/09/2024

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03/09/2024

BREAKING: Burkina Faso has regained control of its gold mines from a British company, reportedly the largest mining company in Africa. In a significant move, President Ibrahim Traore has announced the nationalization of the gold mine.

In a bold and significant move, Burkina Faso has reclaimed control of two of its major gold mines, marking a shift towards greater resource sovereignty. The Boungou and Wahgnion gold mines, previously owned by an African mining company, have now been nationalized by the Burkinabé government as part of a deal finalized on August 27, 2024. This decision aligns Burkina Faso with a broader trend among African nations, particularly those under military rule, to assert greater control over their natural resources.

The nationalization deal, valued at approximately $80 million, marks a significant turning point in the country’s mining sector. The two gold mines were initially acquired by Lilium, an African mining firm, from the British company Endeavour Mining last year in a transaction worth over $300 million. However, tensions between the companies soon escalated, with Endeavour accusing Lilium of failing to meet payment obligations, while Lilium alleged that Endeavour had misrepresented the financial state of the mines.

This development bears resemblance to the actions of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, who nationalized Libya’s oil resources, contributing to the country’s significant economic growth.

Info: https://iloveafrica.com/burkina-faso-reclaims-gold-mines-from-largest-british-mining-firm-in-bold-step-towards-resource-sovereignty/

Share your thoughts on this development.

02/09/2024

RED LOBSTER ANYONE? 😏🇳🇬💪🏾

Damola Adamolekun is a Nigerian native who now leads Red Lobster after a successful stint as the top executive and first Black CEO of the Asian-fusion restaurant P.F. Chang’s. According to the National Restaurant Association, Adamolekun helped generate an estimated $1 billion in revenue for the chain.

Naija no dey carry last! 🇳🇬💚

22/08/2024

🇧🇼 One of the World’s Largest Diamonds Discovered in Botswana: ‘It Fits in the Palm of Your Hand’.

A 2,492-carat diamond was discovered in the Karowe mine in Botswana, closely matching the size of the famous Cullinan diamond, which was 3,100 carats and found in South Africa in 1905. It is the largest diamond ever found in Botswana, with an estimated value of up to 90 million dollars. The diamond will be presented to the country’s president, where diamond revenues are crucial for funding key sectors like education and healthcare.

17/08/2024

Happy Independence Day, Gabon! 🇬🇦

Today, we celebrate Gabon’s Independence Day, marking 64 years since the nation gained its freedom on August 17, 1960. Gabon is a country of incredible natural beauty and cultural richness, with a bright future ahead.

Here are five interesting facts about Gabon:

1. Biodiversity Haven : Gabon is home to 13 national parks, covering nearly 11% of its land. It’s one of Africa’s most biodiverse countries, with species like forest elephants, gorillas, and leopards thriving in its rainforests.

2. Economic Powerhouse : With a strong economy based on oil, Gabon is one of the wealthiest countries in Sub-Saharan Africa in terms of GDP per capita.

3. Cultural Diversity : Gabon is a melting pot of cultures, with over 40 different ethnic groups, each contributing to the country’s rich heritage.

4. Forest Coverage : Around 85% of Gabon’s land is covered by dense rainforest, making it one of the most forested countries in the world.

5. Libreville : The capital city, Libreville, is a hub of modernity mixed with colonial history, known for its vibrant markets, cultural institutions, and beautiful coastline.

08/07/2024

BREAKING NEWS: Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have officially formed a Confederation of Sahel States.

The military regimes of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso marked their divorce from their Western colonizers Saturday as they signed a treaty setting up a confederation between them.

The first summit of the three countries, who all pulled out of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) this year, also saw calls for greater cooperation across a wide range of sectors.

“Our people have irrevocably turned their backs on ECOWAS,” Niger’s ruling General Abdourahamane Tiani told his fellow Sahel strongmen at the gathering’s opening in the Nigerien capital, Niamey.

The three leaders, who took power through coups in recent years, “decided to take a step further towards greater integration” and “adopted a treaty establishing a confederation,” they said in a statement issued at the end of the summit.

The Confederation of Sahel States, which will use the acronym AES and be headed by Mali in its first year, totals about 72 million people.

21/06/2024

We Are a Continent of Color‼️🌍

21/06/2024

Kenya has a top 5 white sand beach in the world‼️🌍

08/06/2024

Africa is Beautiful 😍 🌍

28/05/2024

Let us show you off to the world‼️💪🏾

11/05/2024

On May 10, 1994, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela made history by taking the oath as South Africa's first Black president.⁠
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Elected with an overwhelming majority in the nation's first multiracial elections, Mandela symbolized hope and reconciliation after 27 years of imprisonment under apartheid. His presidency marked a turning point in South Africa's history.⁠
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Mandela's presidency saw the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and initiatives to uplift Black South Africans, culminating in a new constitution in 1996, History.com reports. Retiring in 1999 at 80, he remained a global advocate for peace until his passing in 2013.

30/04/2024

Mrs. Zeinab Badawai of Sudan 🇸🇩 recently launched a profound history book titled "An African History of Africa", one which is being described as that which offers a refreshing corrective to narratives imposed on the continent by others.

Ambitious in scope and refreshing in perspective, the book stretches from the origins of Homo sapiens in east Africa through to the end of apartheid in South Africa. It is informed by interviews Badawi conducted with African scholars and cultural custodians, whose expertise, observations and wisdom are threaded through the book.

Badawi is among a distinguished coterie who have the resources, networks and bona fides to pull off a work such as this. Born in Sudan and raised in England, she is best known as a broadcast journalist for Channel 4 News and the BBC.

As Badawi puts it: “I hope I have demonstrated that Africa has a history, that it is a fundamental part of our global story, and one that is worthy of greater attention and respect than it has so far received.”

29/04/2024