Sudan to outlaw female genital mutilation
Sudan has one of the highest rates of FGM in the world. According to the UN, 87% of Sudanese women have undergone the practice.
Sub-Saharan Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa spans dozens of countries south of the Sahara, each with distinct challenges and achievements. This archive collects milestones in health, education, conservation, and economic opportunity from across the region — reported with context and care.
Seychelles extends marine protection area to twice the size of Great Britain
The move fulfills the country’s long-standing pledge to safeguard 30% of its marine waters.
Malawi legalizes cannabis amid hopes of fresh economic growth
The country follows in the footsteps of Zimbabwe, Zambia and Lesotho, neighboring south-east African states that have legalized medicinal cannabis, as well as South Africa, where medicinal and recreational use was decriminalized in 2018.
Senegal is constructing wind farm that will supply electricity to 2 million people
The Taliba N’Diaye wind farm, West Africa’s largest, will be completed by mid this year and will supply 158MW of clean energy and increase the country’s energy supply by 15%.
Endangered mountain gorilla population continues to rise
According to a new census, the mountain gorilla population in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has increased. Overall, the global wild population is now estimated at 1,063.
Zambia halts mining permits in pristine wilderness
Besides being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park is 1,500 square miles of classic African bush (about half the size of Yellowstone).
Kenyan startup Opibus to launch mass campaign to convert minibuses and motorcycles to electric
A Kenyan startup, Opibus, is forging ahead with its plans to electrify old Matatus and Boda Bodas. Opibus begins mass EV conversions of minibuses and motorcycles in Q1 2020.
Norway will pay Gabon to preserve its forests
As part of a 10-year deal, Norway will pay $150 million to Gabon to battle deforestation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Malaria breakthrough as scientists find ‘highly effective’ way to kill parasite
Malaria research has taken a genuinely hopeful turn, with Kenyan scientists at KEMRI identifying a bacterial derivative that kills Plasmodium falciparum through a mechanism the parasite hasn’t yet learned to resist — a critical advantage as drug resistance spreads. Building on earlier trials showing ivermectin-treated patients had blood lethal to mosquitoes, this research opens a new line of attack, originated by African scientists and designed around pregnant women and children from the start. Human trials still lie ahead, and that path is long — but the science points toward tools the world urgently needs.
Africa is on track to be declared polio-free
It has been three years since the continent’s last reported case of the virus.