Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama has reached the pinnacle of the global art world, topping ArtReview’s influential Power 100 list and becoming the first African to do so. Mahama rose to prominence after his 2015 Venice Biennale installation, which transformed stitched burlap sacks—once used in Ghana’s cocoa trade—into a powerful meditation on labor, colonialism, and global exchange. Since then, his collaborative, material-driven practice has earned international acclaim and financial success, which he reinvests into building public art institutions in northern Ghana. Rooted in ideas of collectivity and redistribution shaped by his upbringing, Mahama sees his recognition not as personal triumph, but as part of…
Author: Montage Africa
The UN Security Council has welcomed five new non-permanent members—Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Latvia, and Liberia—for the 2026–2027 term, reshaping the global body’s diplomatic mix. For the DRC, the seat marks a return after 35 years and comes with renewed emphasis on peacekeeping reform, drawing on its long experience hosting the MONUSCO mission. Liberia, meanwhile, joins the Council for the first time since 1961, pledging bridge-building and consensus-driven diplomacy. Alongside Somalia, both African nations will represent the continent during a pivotal period. For Kinshasa, the role also raises hopes of advancing international efforts to resolve the conflict in…
A new Abu Dhabi- and Microsoft-backed initiative, Map Africa, aims to transform how the continent is planned, governed, and protected by building a live, continuously updated digital map of all 54 African countries. The initiative combines satellite imagery from Abu Dhabi’s Space42, software from Esri, and cloud infrastructure from Microsoft. With these tools, Map Africa will track everything from roads and ports to floods, farms, and informal settlements, aiming to provide high-resolution data of the continent. Unlike past fragmented efforts, Map Africa focuses on continental harmonization while giving national governments ownership of their data. The initiative also promises commercial opportunities for startups…
Cameroon booked their place in the AFCON quarterfinals with a hard-fought 2–1 win over South Africa, setting up a blockbuster clash with hosts Morocco. Goals from Junior Tchamadeu before halftime and teenage striker Christian Kofane just after the break proved decisive, despite a late rally that saw Evidence Makgopa pull one back for Bafana Bafana. The victory caps a remarkable turnaround for the five-time champions after a turbulent pre-tournament coaching change. The Atlas Lions secured their own spot after a magic moment from Brahim Diaz sank a resilient Tanzania. With the pressure mounting on the home favorites, can Cameroon pull off the ultimate upset?
Botswana is strengthening its ties with Russia, announcing plans to open an embassy in Moscow. The country’s foreign minister, Phenyo Butale, also invited Russian investors to cooperate in key sectors such as rare earth minerals and diamonds. This diplomatic and economic outreach occurs as Russia seeks to expand its influence across Africa amid ongoing tensions with Western nations. Botswana, renowned for its political and economic stability, aims to leverage these qualities to attract foreign capital. The move highlights a strategic pivot to diversify partnerships beyond traditional allies, particularly for an economy where diamond revenues are crucial. The invitation follows the recent resolution of a…
If the last five years have taught us anything, it’s that public relations is no longer about “spinning” the truth. It’s about navigating it. As we stand on the brink of the new year 2026, the industry has moved beyond simple media relations, and we’re dealing with the peak of the Creator Economy, the complexities of Generative AI, and a global audience that demands radical transparency. But more importantly, the center of gravity is shifting. Some of the most influential African Public Relations experts are now setting the global standard. We believe the best way to learn strategy is to watch the strategists. Who…
Breast cancer is taking a growing toll of Africa’s economies – governments need to invest now to safeguard women’s lives and their productivity. By Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu The news that Kenya will host the World Cancer Leaders’ Summit two years from now is a historic milestone and a powerful statement about Africa’s rising prominence in global cancer dialogues. This summit will convene global decision-makers, civil society leaders, researchers, and private sector partners to advance strategies for equitable cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Just as importantly, it will ensure the lived experiences and priorities of affected African women and their communities are part of…
Economic prospects are brightening for sub-Saharan Africa, with the International Monetary Fund projecting growth to accelerate to 4.4% in 2026. Analysts note this upswing would mark the region’s most robust expansion since the early 2010s. Key economies are poised to contribute to this momentum, as South Africa benefits from improvements in its strained energy and logistics sectors. Similarly, Nigeria’s growth is expected to see a modest boost from more flexible fiscal and monetary policies. Furthermore, the region’s relative insulation from escalating global trade tensions adds to its resilient outlook. This collective progress suggests a promising period ahead, positioning sub-Saharan Africa for…
By Rédaction Africanews with AFP Guinea’s Claude Pivi, who was convicted of crimes against humanity for a 2009 stadium massacre, has died, authorities said on Tuesday. Pivi, also known as Coplan, was a former colonel and minister in charge of security under Guinea’s then-dictator Moussa Dadis Camara. He died in custody in a Conakry hospital on Tuesday from complications related to diabetes, the public prosecutor’s office said. Claude Pivi was convicted in absentia in 2024 for his role in a massacre at a stadium in Conakry 15 years prior. Tens of thousands of people marched in the capital in September 2009 to protest…
By Rédaction Africanews with AP Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Christians, who celebrate Christmas on January 7, flocked to churches on Tuesday night for Christmas Eve Mass. Worshippers in Cairo came to Archangel Michael church, where they prayed for world peace and economic stability. “We hope that the conflicts around us in the Arab region and globally pass and are solved in a peaceful way,” said Emad Sarkis, a Cairo resident. For Egypt’s Coptic Christians, festivities traditionally bring family members together to celebrate. Worshippers leaving Christmas Eve Mass typically gather afterwards with family members over a lavish feast, which ends a weekslong period…