Sierra Leone just held the world’s first blockchain-powered election
Agora’s work in Sierra Leone marked an important milestone on the path to a more transparent and fair democracy built on blockchain technology.
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.
Nigeria to issue $400 million in green bonds
Three key projects have been targeted by the government, the energizing Education Project, the Rural Electrification Municipal and afforestation projects.
Rwanda becomes first poor country to provide eye care for all
In a country where a third of people have sight problems, specialist nurses have visited all 15,000 villages as part of a life-changing project
Somalia gets first forensic center to deliver justice in sexual assault cases
Funded by Sweden in cooperation with the United Nations Population Fund, the Puntland Forensic Center has been equipped with machines and laboratory equipment that can produce timely results.
Google to create 10 million African jobs by 2022
Google is continuing in its aim to create 10 million African jobs in the next five years by training 100,000 software developers in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa.
Norway agrees to pay Liberia $150 million to halt deforestation
Liberia’s forests gained a powerful ally in 2014, when Norway pledged up to $150 million in development aid tied to a single condition: keep the trees standing. The deal covered the Upper Guinean rainforest, of which Liberia holds roughly 43 percent. It marked Norway’s first country-level results-based forest agreement in Africa.
African Union launches as 55-nation continental body in Durban
The African Union opened its doors on July 9, 2002, in Durban, South Africa, replacing the 39-year-old Organisation of African Unity with something more ambitious. Thabo Mbeki chaired that first Assembly, uniting all 55 African nations under a single continental body. It marked a shift toward Africa setting its own agenda — a project still unfolding.
Democracy emerges in Nigeria after 16 years of military rule
Nigeria’s return to democracy came on May 29, 1999, when Olusegun Obasanjo was sworn in as president, ending nearly 16 years of military rule. A new constitution replaced the generals with an elected government and 36 state governors. The Fourth Republic has held ever since — the country’s longest stretch of civilian rule.
Nelson Mandela is inaugurated as South Africa’s first Black president
Nelson Mandela was sworn in as South Africa’s first Black president on May 10, 1994, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, 27 years after being sentenced to life in prison. An estimated billion people watched worldwide. His inauguration offered a rare model of political transformation achieved through negotiation rather than retribution.
South Africa ends apartheid with its first fully democratic election
South Africa’s first fully democratic election, held on April 27, 1994, ended nearly half a century of apartheid and brought Nelson Mandela to the presidency. Voters of all races lined up for hours, some for miles, to cast their first-ever ballot. It remains one of the modern era’s most closely watched peaceful transitions from authoritarian rule.