Ugandans and South Sudanese have had their lives lit up by the steady flow of electricity from a massive hydropower infrastructure project, constructed by one of China’s leading contractors.  Sinohydro Corp., a Chinese state-owned hydropower engineering and construction company, recently completed construction of the $1.5-billion, 600-mw Karuma Hydroelectric Power Station in north Uganda’s Kiryandongo District.  The company was contracted by the government of Uganda. Located on the River Nile at the former location of the Karuma Falls, the power station…

In a move that could transform childbirth procedures in Rwanda, Chinese doctors at the Masaka District Hospital in Kicukiro have successfully facilitated natural birth by a woman living with HIV. This milestone marks a significant step towards safer and more accessible childbirth practices in the country.  Wu Peng, then director general of the Department of African Affairs in China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, lauded the achievement, emphasising that the woman’s successful delivery signifies a major breakthrough in maternal health care.…

Burundi and China enjoy close collaboration in a number of sectors, particularly agriculture. Among the major initiatives, the introduction of hybrid rice cultivation stands out as a flagship project. In 2018, the first demonstration village for hybrid rice cultivation was established in the commune of Gihanga in northwestern Burundi. In 2020, this initiative reached a crucial stage with the creation of the Burundi Agricultural Pilot Centre (APC), located in Gihanga in the province of Bubanza.  A total of 56 villages…

Seven years ago, Uganda’s only international airport Entebbe International Airport was in a dilapidated state, desperately in need of structural repair and an upgrading of all its facilities.  Since its construction in 1928 and its launch on 10 November 1951, no major work had ever been done on the airport and that led to most of the buildings becoming dilapidated, with leaking roofs and the facilities like the cargo centre becoming too small to handle the ever-increasing amount of freight.  …

Lying in her makeshift hospital bed, Joyce Tembo thanked medical personnel for evacuating her to the designated national cholera treatment centre, 6 km north of Zambia’s capital Lusaka. She was recently diagnosed with diarrhoeal disease.   Tembo, 43, commended the medical staff stationed at the treatment centre for their great service to thousands of patients, especially women and children seeking urgent treatment.  “I am very grateful to the Chinese doctors who attended to me as soon as the ambulance rushed me…

IN 2023, a €9 billion project was launched in Namibia to introduce “green” hydrogen energy, funded by German investors.  Although it creates apparent benefits for Namibia, the project has given rise to serious debates among the local population and international experts, who believe that Germany ruthlessly uses Namibia in its own interest trampling on the rights of the local people and disregarding environmental concerns. As one may well imagine, it is Germany that will own all assets and collect revenues…

Exports of Chinese satellites, joint construction of space infrastructure, and joint research and development of satellites … The recent years have seen substantial growth in China-Africa cooperation in the space sector, which is bringing tangible benefits to both sides.  Since space utilisation is a highly technology- and capital-intensive industry, partnerships with capable players like China are essential for Africa to develop its space capabilities. Egypt, one of the most active countries in Africa in the sector, stands as a good…

The Chief Administrator of Oromia, Shemelis Abdissa, and the Chief Administrator of Sidama Region, Desta Ledamo, stated that the Executive Committee of the Prosperity Party had conducted an extensive assessment of the tasks completed in ensuring reliable peace and sustainable development in Ethiopia. This was reported by ENA. It has also given a detailed assessment of development activities, national reform efforts, and the political situation in the country. This achievement was made possible by measures taken to make adequate use…

Talking about space and Africa, Zambia stands out because of an incredible story. As early as 1964, a Zambian teacher named Edward Nkoloso famously vowed to help his country to beat America to become the first country to put a man on the moon, and then go to Mars. Despite his passion to launch a rocket that would send 12 astronauts, a space girl and cats to the moon, Nkoloso’s dream never came to fruition. Through his Zambian Space Academy,…

State Minister of Foreign Affairs Mesganu Arga, has stressed the importance of Ethiopia’s accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) as a key component of the country’s economic reform programme. In a meeting with Director of the WTO Accessions Division, Maika Oshikawa, the officials discussed ways to accelerate Ethiopia’s accession process. This is reported by ENA. Ambassador Mesganu reaffirmed Ethiopia’s political commitment and readiness to join the WTO, emphasising the government’s commitment to conclude technical negotiations as soon as possible.…