News

Arnold Rubin Outstanding Publication Award/ Multi-Author Winner

Chika Okeke-Agulu, Robert Schirmer Professor of Art and Archaeology and African American Studies and Director of the Africa World Initiative won the 2024 Arnold Rubin Outstanding Publication Award/ Multi-Author Award with his book El Anatsui: The Reinvention of Sculpture.

Senegal launched its first Satellite, GAINDESAT-1A.

Senegal successfully launched its first satellite, GAINDESAT-1A marking a major technological advancement for the country. GAINDESAT-1A aims to enhance various sectors including agriculture, climate monitoring, and telecommunications. Senegalese engineers built GAINDESAT-1A in partnership with the French Space Centre of Montpellier University…

15-year-old Ethiopian born Scientist, Heman Bekele Creates Groundbreaking Soap to Combat Skin Cancer

15-year-old Heman Bekele’s achievement is the creation of a groundbreaking soap with the potential to treat and prevent various types of skin cancer. Reflecting on his invention, Heman questioned, "What is one universally impactful idea that transcends socioeconomic barriers?" He realized that soap, a product used by nearly everyone for hygiene…

Lelapa AI launches Africa’s first AI large language model

Lelapa AI has introduced InkubaLM, Africa's first multilingual AI large language model, aimed at supporting and enhancing low-resource African languages…

KLA Art, Kampala’s Fifth Annual Art Festival, Embraces Cultural Heritage

KLA ART, Kampala's premier contemporary art festival, returns for its fifth edition this from August 8 to 24 with the theme "Care Instructions”. Organized by 32° East, the festival will feature 21 projects by 29 artists from East Africa and beyond. Since its inception in 2012, KLA ART has been a transformative force in the city’s…

South Africa appoints a woman as chief justice for the first time

South Africa has appointed its first female chief justice, Mandisa Maya, who will take office on September 1. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced Maya’s promotion from deputy chief justice to replace the retiring Chief Justice Raymond Zondo. Maya, has made history as the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court of Appeal and as its…

Meet The African Technology Firm That Underpins The Tour De France

NTT DATA, originally a South African firm known as Dimension Data, has revolutionized the Tour de France with its real-time analytics platform. The technology, which includes GPS devices on riders’ bikes and a mesh wireless network, provides precise data on riders’ positions, distances, and time gaps. This data is fed into a dashboard and…

15th Durban FilmMart Highlights Opportunities in African Film and Television

The 15th Durban FilmMart, held from July 19-22, showcased an array of African film and television talent while addressing critical issues in the industry. Nearly 1,500 delegates from 58 countries engaged in discussions about financing, distribution challenges, and the need for sustainable practices. Key topics included the increasing role of…

Nigeria launches AI and blockchain training initiative to enhance global competitiveness

The Nigerian government, in collaboration with various organizations, is taking significant steps to advance the country's technological capabilities. Initiatives include the launch of a training program in AI and blockchain, as well as the announcement of a financial grant to support micro, small, and medium enterprises. Additionally, plans…

Cameroon Opens Museum Honoring Oldest Sub-Saharan Kingdom

To commemorate his grandfather’s work, former Sultan King Ibrahim Mbombo Njoya launched the construction of the museum in 2013 after realizing the palace rooms were too cramped.

The opening of the museum comes months after the Nguon of the Bamoun people, a set of rituals celebrated in a popular annual festival, joined UNESCO’s List of the…