By Kepher Otieno In Abuja, Nigeria

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has issued a bold call to action for the continent’s leaders to embrace a new economic philosophy anchored in the principle of ‘Africa First’.

Drawing inspiration from U.S. President Donald Trump’s ‘America First’ doctrine, Dangote urged African nations to prioritise continental interests above external influences and align development strategies around African needs, resources, and aspirations.

“If America can boldly proclaim ‘America First,’ then Africa must do the same. The time has come to begin the conversation around ‘Africa First’—a commitment to leveraging our vast resources and economic potential for the benefit of Africans,” Dangote said.

Africa’s wealth in natural resources continues to enrich the world while leaving its own people in poverty, a paradox that billionaire industrialist Dangote said must come to an end.

Speaking passionately at the 32nd Afreximbank Annual General Meeting in Abuja, Dangote lamented that despite the continent’s vast deposits of minerals, energy sources, and agricultural wealth, Africa remains trapped in a cycle of underdevelopment and external exploitation.

“We have the resources:gold, oil, gas, cobalt, diamonds but they are being exploited by others to grow their economies while our people remain poor,” he said. “This model is unsustainable. It must change.”

Dangote emphasised the urgent need for a fundamental economic shift that prioritises value addition within Africa, discourages raw material exports, and ensures that the wealth generated from African soil benefits Africans first.

In addition to external exploitation, Dangote drew attention to internal structural weaknesses, particularly the high cost of energy, which continues to hamper industrial production across the continent.

“One of the biggest barriers to manufacturing in Africa is the cost of energy. Without affordable and reliable power, we cannot compete globally or build sustainable industries,” Dangote warned.

He also criticised the policy inconsistencies and lack of continuity that plague African governance. According to Dangote, each change in political leadership often brings a reversal or overhaul of previous development plans, resulting in lost time, stalled projects, and diminished investor confidence.

“Every time a new leader comes in, they want to tear everything down and start afresh. That mindset is hurting Africa. We need long-term planning, policy stability, and institutional continuity,” Dangote stressed.

Dangote’s remarks were a rallying cry for African leaders to embrace consistency, foresight, and homegrown solutions, not only in policy but also in execution. He urged governments to create enabling environments for industrial growth, reduce energy costs, and safeguard long-term economic strategies from political cycles.

“Africa’s transformation will not come from outside. It has to be built from within—with stable policies, accountable leadership, and a deep commitment to the continent’s prosperity,” he declared.

Dangote re-emphasised that Africa possesses everything it needs to thrive—from gold, cobalt, and oil to vast agricultural wealth and a booming youth population.

Yet, he lamented, the continent continues to play a subordinate role in the global economy, with Western countries benefiting disproportionately from African resources.

“We have all the valuable resources here in Africa gold, cobalt, diamonds, cocoa, coffee—yet foreign corporations come here, exploit these resources, and repatriate the profits. This must change. Africa cannot continue to enrich others while its people remain poor,” he stated.

Dangote called on African leaders to take a firm stand and rewrite the narrative of economic dependence. He urged governments to craft policies that promote intra-African trade, value addition, and job creation, ensuring that wealth is retained and multiplied within the continent.

“Let’s start saying it clearly: Africa First. Not as an empty slogan, but as a strategic shift. All else is second,” he said. “This is how we create wealth. This is how we generate employment. Africa can only be made great by Africans.”

He challenged the continent’s elite to invest in African industries and infrastructure rather than seeking validation and partnerships abroad, stressing that Africa’s destiny must no longer be dictated by Western financial models or foreign interests.

“We must stop conditioning our economies based on Western expectations. We don’t need to ask permission to be great. It’s time to take ownership and act boldly,” Dangote asserted.

His remarks were met with strong support from business leaders, scholars, and policymakers at the conference, many of whom echoed his call for a unified African agenda that prioritises the continent’s development over foreign dependency.

Dangote challenged African leaders to rethink their economic engagement with each other and open up their borders for free-flow trade and investments.

Prime CS and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi represented Kenya and President William Ruto during the signing of the first Pan African Payment Systems (PAPSS), as an alternative to the US dollar for cash transactions during intra-African trade.

Renowned U.S. economist and sustainable development advocate, Prof. Jeffrey Sachs, urged African nations to adopt bold, coordinated economic reforms that would position the continent for long-term prosperity and financial autonomy.

Sachs emphasised the urgent need for Africa to strengthen its economic architecture and reduce vulnerability to external shocks.

At the heart of Sachs’ proposal is the call for the creation of a single African currency—

a move he described as essential for facilitating seamless trade, enhancing monetary stability, and deepening continental integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“Africa must move toward a unified monetary system. A single currency will eliminate barriers to intra African trade, reduce dependency on foreign exchange, and empower the continent to operate as a cohesive economic bloc,” Sachs stated.

In addition to a common currency, Sachs recommended the establishment of a pan-African lender of last resort, similar in function to the U.S. Federal Reserve or the European Central Bank.
Such an institution, he argued, would provide emergency financial support to member states during periods of crisis and help safeguard the continent against global economic disruptions.

“Africa needs its own financial safety net an institution that can stabilise markets, support liquidity, and give countries breathing space during economic downturns,” he said.

Sachs also urged African governments to negotiate long-term loan repayment frameworks, especially with emerging lenders like China.

He noted that China’s status as a recently industrialised economy offers a relatable development model and a strategic partnership opportunity for African states seeking infrastructure investment and technological transfer.

“China is not just a lender it is an example of rapid industrialisation and modernisation. Africa should continue to strengthen its ties with China, but on terms that are favourable, transparent, and geared toward long-term development,” he said.

Sachs pushed for a radical rethinking of Africa’s economic policy agenda, calling on leaders to focus on innovation, regional integration, institutional reform, and diversified global partnerships.

“Africa stands at a crossroads. With the right tools monetary unity, smart borrowing, strategic alliances, and strong institutions the continent can break the cycle of dependence and take control of its economic future,” Sachs affirmed.

His remarks added to the chorus of voices at the Afreximbank summit advocating for a paradigm shift in Africa’s economic thinking—one that prioritises self-reliance, regional solidarity, and transformative leadership.

Prof. Sachs asked the African Development Bank and Afreximbank to think of how best they can come up with long concessionary loans to help build African economies.

By Kepher Otieno In Abuja Nigeria

Jason Miller, a former senior adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, has called for a major overhaul in U.S.-Africa trade relations, urging African leaders to reject debt-laden development models in favour of transparent, investment-driven partnerships rooted in private capital and mutual accountability.

Speaking at the 32nd Annual Meetings of Afreximbank in Abuja, Miller emphasised that Africa stands at a defining economic moment, with the potential to become one of the world’s leading economic blocs by mid-century.

He warned, however, that the continent must make strategic choices to ensure that growth benefits Africans first and foremost.

“This is Africa’s century,” Miller said in a keynote address. “But if these opportunities aren’t seized strategically, Africa risks being taken advantage of again.”

Miller highlighted projections showing Africa surpassing Europe in economic size by 2050, with Nigeria emerging as one of the world’s top 10 economies. But he stressed that population growth alone is not enough.

Without proper planning, governance, and reform, he said, global competitors will continue to extract more value from African markets than they contribute.

Contrasting the U.S. with other foreign players, Miller criticised what he described as decades of exploitative investment patterns.

He argued that while some countries offer aid that comes with unsustainable debt, the U.S. offers market-driven, accountable investment—primarily through entities like the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).

“This is not debt. This is investment,” he said. “Private capital wants returns, but it also demands transparency, governance, and results. That’s the kind of accountability that lifts countries—not sinks them.”

Miller encouraged African governments to create favourable conditions for U.S. institutional investors by stabilising their economies, enforcing legal contracts, and tackling corruption.

He pointed to recent currency reforms in Nigeria as an example of a bold step towards unlocking international investment.

He also took aim at partnerships with countries that he said have a poor track record of environmental stewardship and financial sustainability.

Citing China’s role in the region, he noted that African nations must be cautious about deals that deliver infrastructure but leave behind ecological damage and unpayable debt.

Miller’s remarks included a warning about the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a U.S. trade programme set to expire in 2025.

While AGOA currently allows eligible African nations duty-free access to the U.S. market, Miller suggested that its renewal is not guaranteed.

He questioned the logic of continuing preferential trade terms for countries that maintain tariffs on U.S. goods or align politically with America’s strategic rivals.

“Why should the U.S. offer one-way trade preferences when African nations impose tariffs on American goods or cozy up to our adversaries?” he said.

Miller advised African leaders to approach trade discussions with clear priorities, measurable goals, and credible reform agendas.

He urged them to engage with the U.S. business community directly—especially institutional investors and corporate executives—and avoid relying solely on diplomatic channels.

He pointed to Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as examples of how targeted reforms and strategic alignment can attract sustained American investment.

He also recommended that African policymakers better understand the political dynamics in Washington, particularly by paying attention to former President Trump’s communication style and policy priorities.

Miller concluded his address by announcing his new role as Senior Adviser to Gateway Partners, a private equity firm investing in emerging markets.

He said he intends to use the position to direct U.S. capital towards Africa’s most promising sectors, including infrastructure, energy, and supply chains linked to emerging technologies.

“Don’t settle for lip service,” he said. “Demand real partnerships. That’s how Africa becomes powerful, wealthy, and great—on its own terms.”

By Billy Mijungu

On the morning of June 27 2024 Kenya woke up to a thunderous piece of prose a piercing essay both intellectual and intimate that laid bare the soul of a generation in revolt. It was not authored by a career politician or a celebrated technocrat but by Wakili Philip Omolo a measured man from Suna Migori known more in judicial circles than in protest arenas.

The title alone stung like a cautionary hymn “I Took Time to Reflect For Intellectuals Only”
It wasn’t just a think piece. It was a forensic postmortem of Kenya’s decades long betrayal of its youth a generation born into promise raised in stagnation and now marching in rage. Omolo a seasoned legal mind traced the rot back to the origins of the Republic not in whispers but in names. Mboya Obama Snr Kibaki Vision 2030. Then the derailments the Kroll Report the Goldenberg abyss the betrayal of ERS the corruption of Big Four the erasure of Konza the hollowing of LAPSSET the silencing of dreams.

Omolo’s analysis wasn’t theoretical. It was surgical. With each paragraph he placed Kenya’s elite class under a moral X ray. He accused them not just of failure but of betrayal of abandoning a brilliant roadmap to economic transformation and instead choosing “funny things… mere schemes for plunder.” He condemned them for erecting steel monuments of concrete but demolishing dreams made in classrooms.
He asked “Where did we go wrong” Then he answered with unflinching clarity we killed Vision 2030 and with it the future of Gen Z.

But what truly gripped the nation was not just his critique. It was the grief.
Omolo painted the emotional landscape of a country suffocating in its own potential. He spoke of homes bulldozed by the same government that licensed their construction. Of parents who fed and clothed their children with hawker’s change only to watch them graduate into hopelessness. He captured with aching precision the collective trauma of watching entire generations climb the academic ladder only to find the roof missing.

He did not spare the clergy nor the courts nor the ‘washwash’ politicians flaunting ill gotten wealth like perfume in a starving room. “The Church went to bed with the State” he lamented. “The Youth were told they can go to hell with their knowledge”

Yet Wakili Omolo did not end in despair. He offered a roadmap sober structured urgent. He called for a renaissance a return to deliberate industrialization state restructuring jobs twenty million jobs in ten years or bust. Not utopia. Just dignity.
And then came his final warning as chilling as it was prophetic

“History teaches us that when a few elites veto modest demands by the masses… the only solution is to turn to threats of violent death. And that’s how revolutions come.”
He did not incite. He foresaw.

The streets of Nairobi Kisumu Mombasa and Nakuru are already rumbling with the feet of the disillusioned. Black flags wave. Chants rise. Tear gas descends like cursed rain. And somewhere in the heart of all that smoke and song is the voice of Wakili Philip Omolo steady painful necessary.
He is no anarchist. He is a mirror. And if Kenya is brave enough to look it might just see the beginning of a reckoning.
Or a revolution.

By Kepher Otieno In Abuja, Nigeria

In a compelling call to action for Africa’s business and technology sectors, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat has projected that the continent’s digital market will surpass a staggering $712 billion by 2035.

This revelation, announced by AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene, signals a seismic shift in Africa’s economic landscape,one that places innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital infrastructure at the heart of continental growth.

Mene made the remarks during the 32nd Afreximbank Annual General Meeting, at Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.

He said the expected growth of the African digital economy represents a transformative opportunity for the continent’s burgeoning youth population and tech entrepreneurs.

“Africa is on the cusp of a digital revolution.

We are witnessing the emergence of a new era in which data centres, cross-border digital trade, and resilient digital infrastructure will define the competitiveness of our economies,” he said.

At the core of this transformation lies the Digital Trade Protocol, a landmark development under the AfCFTA framework.

Mene described this protocol as a pivotal moment for Africa’s digital economy, providing a structured policy environment that facilitates secure digital transactions, cross-border data flows, and e-commerce.

It marks a definitive shift from ambition to action, as Africa moves beyond political rhetoric to concrete mechanisms that underpin real economic integration and digital empowerment.

The Secretary-General also highlighted that 49 countries have now ratified the AfCFTA agreement—an overwhelming show of political will toward dismantling customs barriers and fostering a unified African market.

“This is more than a trade agreement,it is a vision realised,” Mene asserted, referencing the dream of Africa’s post-independence leaders for a united and economically integrated continent.

Mene urged stakeholders—governments, investors, and private sector leaders—to seize the moment by channelling capital into digital infrastructure.

“Investment in data centres, cloud services, and digital highways is not just essential,it is urgent,” he emphasised.

Crucially, AfCFTA’s expansive mandate includes inclusive growth. The trade bloc has introduced its first-ever protocol dedicated to women and youth, a move designed to ensure that historically marginalised groups are not left behind in this new economic era.

By embedding equity into the trade framework, AfCFTA aims to build a truly inclusive digital and commercial ecosystem across its member states.

With a population of 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion, AfCFTA is already the world’s largest free trade area by number of participating countries.

The Secretariat sees this scale as a unique advantage in driving industrialisation, innovation, and intra-African trade, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Mene reiterated the importance of integrating SMEs into regional supply chains, where they can benefit from expanded markets and enhanced competitiveness.

He also credited the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and other African financial institutions for their pivotal roles in enabling trade financing, boosting e-commerce, and supporting infrastructure development.

“AfCFTA is no longer a future aspiration it is today’s economic engine,” Mene concluded. “Africa’s digital potential is not just promising it is powerful. And it is time to harness it.”

With the stage now set, the next decade could see Africa emerge not only as a global digital player but as a model for inclusive, tech-driven development in the Global South.

By Nicanor Ndiege

Football is always more than just a game; it is a symphony of emotions, speed, instinct, and tactical genius from coaches and players on the pitch.

It’s about split-second decisions, the roar of the crowd, and the magic of spontaneity. Yet, at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, that familiar rhythm is being recalibrated by algorithms, sensors, and an expanding tech toolkit.

With the tournament’s historic expansion to 32 teams, FIFA has seized the moment to pilot a suite of innovations that not only reflect the sport’s changing face, but are also redefining the long-held traditions of the game.

From cinematic walk-ons to real-time offside alerts, the game is being repackaged for a generation raised on digital immediacy and immersive entertainment.

But in a sport so deeply rooted in its traditions and raw emotion, a question looms: are these innovations enriching the experience or eroding its soul?

Hollywood-style player walk-ons: Theatre vs. Tradition

The sight of every player entering the pitch individually has lent a dramatic sheen to pre-match routines. Think red carpet meets tunnel walkout—each footballer spotlighted like a rock star. It’s a presentation FIFA calls a “new dimension,” a bold visual shift aimed at maximising spectacle.

Some players, like Chelsea’s Romeo Lavia, have embraced it: “It’s showbiz. Why not bring it to the Premier League?” Yet critics argue it dilutes the collective philosophy of football, where a team—not an individual—is the central hero.

More practically, these walk-ons have added extra time to pre-match formalities and caused some delays, disrupting matchday rhythm that thrives on tension, tempo, and high-octane starts.

Ref Cam: Spotlight on Ref or Storytelling?

The referee bodycam—a striking visual addition—offers viewers a unique behind-the-scenes perspective. From tunnel moments to the coin toss, fans get a taste of the game from the official’s eyes.

FIFA believes that this innovation shows the game from a unique vantage point and “enhances the storytelling.”

Yet, its limited use during gameplay hints at FIFA’s cautious dance between storytelling and controversy.

Eight-second rule for goalkeepers: Order or Overkill?

Long considered a forgotten rule, the eight-second limit for goalkeepers has now returned with teeth. If the keeper holds the ball too long, it’s a corner for the opposition—a punishment already applied on Al Hilal and Mamelodi Sundowns.

In their 1-0 win against Ulsan Hyundai, Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams became the first to fall foul of the rule when he was penalised in the final 10 minutes.

Al Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou became the second goalkeeper to face the penalty of the rule in the 96th minute of their game against Spanish giants Real Madrid.

On paper, it ensures tempo. In practice, it could punish caution and spark unnecessary chaos, especially in the tense final minutes. Pundits say that the rule blurs the line between enforcing flow and overregulating instinct.

VAR replays for fans: Transparency or Drama?

Fans inside stadiums can now see what the VAR is seeing—an overdue development in the push for transparency. Yet, without accompanying audio of officials’ discussions, interpretation remains guesswork.

While this aligns football with modern sports like cricket and rugby, FIFA continues to walk a tightrope. Pundits argue that while it is a good innovation, steps must be taken to ensure that it does not affect the decision-making process.

Quicker offside: Technical precision vs Natural rhythm?

FIFA’s enhanced semi-automated offside (SAO) system now alerts referees instantly if a player more than 10cm offside touches the ball. The goal? It is aimed at reducing needless delays.

Pundits argue that while this promises faster, safer decisions, the clinical efficiency may clash with football’s natural rhythm. The artistry of an offside trap or the surprise of a last-minute run risks becoming the domain of pixels and algorithms.

Superior player of the match: Democratic or Diluted?

Replacing the traditional “Player of the Match,” the Superior Player Award is now fan-voted via FIFA+, with selections happening in real time during the final 30 minutes of the match. While empowering for fans, it leans heavily into marketing—its name stemming from beer sponsor Michelob.

The risk? Pundits warn of the risk of turning merit into marketing and popularity into performance. Fan votes can favour familiar names over unsung heroes doing the tactical heavy lifting.

The 2025 Club World Cup showcases football at a crossroads: one foot planted in its long-held traditions, and the other stepping boldly into a digital, spectacle-driven future. FIFA’s innovations, while thoughtful in intent—reveal a strong push and pull within the sport: between preserving its essence and keeping pace with technological change.

The question is not whether football should evolve. It’s how to do so without losing the elements that made it the world’s game—its unpredictability and its unfiltered emotion.

As fans, we’re not just watching goals anymore. We’re watching a redefinition of the game. Whether that future feels thrilling or theatrical depends on how these innovations settle into the soul of the sport.

By Team

Members of County Assembly (MCAs) of Homa Bay could be dancing on their political own graves and may be readying themselves for voters backlash over multimillion water based development projects.

With only four days to the new financial year, the MCAs are staring at the reality of failure to have actualized the ward based projects and will have  a date with the electorates over unfilled promises in 2027 general elections.

With campaigns for 2027 general elections starting to gain momentum, the MCAs will be hard pressed to explain why they failed to implement the projects despite the budgetary allocations.

According to the report by the Assembly  Ward Projects  Committee on the status of  ward projects  for the FY 2024/2024 leaves the MCAs exposed over failure to implement the projects as was stipulated in the budget.

In the report the department of Roads, Public Works , Transport  and infrastructure  was allocated Sh 400M  for  the implementation  of ward projects  across  the county  which translated  into Sh 10M per ward.

The department reported  that the road  inventory  and condition  survey  exercise  had been  completed  and  the final report compiled and that the cabinet  approved  all the projects  and were  at the  tender  document preparation.

The committee observed that all the projects  were awaiting  the  preparation  of tender  documents, therefore  there  was no project  status report.

In the health department, it was allocated  Sh 120M  for the implementation  of ward  projects  across the county  with each ward  having a budgetary  allocation of Sh 3M.

The department reported  that 33 projects have been awarded, three were not responsive , four were completed , one document not returned  and two facilities to be supplied with assorted  medical equipment.

The committee observed  that  six projects were completed , 20 projects are yet to be started , 10 projects  were work in progress, three projects were not responsive, and  two facilities  were waiting  supply and delivery  of assorted  medical  equipment.

In the  Youths, Sports, Gender inclusivity , cultural heritage and social  services  was allocated  Sh 40M for the ward projects for upgrading  of the 40 play fields.

The  department listed 40 playgrounds to be upgraded and that no project had been tendered for and no work has commenced.

The Committee found  that  there was  no tendering  done  and so  there  was no project  status report  by the department.

The committee general findings revealed  late  commencement  of procurement  processes  for  the implementation of most  ward projects  leading  to failure  to actualize  them.

Some projects  had been completed  and others  were work in progress as was  reported  by the department  of health  and medical services. This  was in tandem with  the Article 43 of the constitution of  Kenya, 2010.

There was work  in progress  in implementation  of ward  projects  by the department of health  and medical services as a considerable number of projects  about to be completed .

Other departments  such as Roads , Transport , Public Works  and Infrastructure, and Youth , Sports , Gender Inclusivity, Cultural Heritage  and Social Services  gave no report  on status  of project  implementation .

This was occasioned by sluggish procurement  process which  is contrary  to the dictates  of Article 56 and Article 174 of the constitution of Kenya, 2010

But in her response , Governor Gladys Wanga said the roads projects have been advertised.

“Upgrade  is labor based so there is no advertisement  is needed. It similarly to ondoa Kaunda we undertook for ECDE classroom constructions,” she said.

A community based organization, Interface  community  help  desk has written  to the clerk and the speaker demanding explanation over the expenditure of the funds.

Chairperson Mr. Evans Gor also demanded to know how Sh 40m allocation for the ward office fencing was utilized.