Frank Lasee: How Western aid keeps Africans poor

A young Senegalese man had the drive, savings, and plan to open a small store. He never did.

The moment he opened, cousins, uncles, and neighbors would demand goods for free because they were in need. Family obligation would force him to say yes until the shelves were empty and the business dead.

So he never started. Or he moved far away from his family to start his business with all the hardships that brings.

Laurie Wastell: US Launches Airstrikes on Islamic State in Nigeria to Protect “Innocent Christians”

The Trump administration has launched airstrikes on Islamic State in north-west Nigeria in coordination with Nigerian authorities, killing multiple militants. While Nigeria insists the strikes had “nothing to do with a particular religion”, President Trump railed against “Isis terrorist scum… who have been targeting… innocent Christians”. The Times has the story.

Ronald Stein: Africa is pioneering nuclear innovation as it faces a dire electricity crisis

Sub-Saharan Africa faces a dire electricity crisis. Over 600 million people—more than 40% of the continent’s population—lack access to electricity, a figure projected to rise to 657 million by 2030 without intervention.

The global nuclear renaissance is well underway—evidenced by companies like Oklo, which is now included in the Russell 2000 stocks list. The outlook is based on Oklo’s long-term vision, particularly with the Trump administration’s increased focus on AI revolution data center development powered by nuclear-generated electricity.

Duggan Flanakin: Russia flexing nuclear energy muscles in Africa

Through its state-owned nuclear energy company Rosatom, Russia under Vladimir Putin has extended its tentacles deep into Africa. Early in this century, Russia began escalating its outreach, offering its significant expertise in nuclear energy to emerging African nations eager to utilize the continent’s ample uranium resources to power their futures.

Philip Crump: America's Rare Earth Renaissance

Six months into Trump's second term, rare earth minerals are at the centre of his Administration's approach to foreign policy.

As President Trump reshapes global alliances, rare earth minerals are at the centre of his Administration’s approach to foreign policy, challenging China’s stranglehold on the resources that power modern technology.