Changing The Tide in Niger

By  Stephenie Griffin If the world is an ocean, Niger is rowing against a mighty current but refusing to be pulled under by the waves of adversity. Nigerien society remains in the midst of civil unrest, food insecurity, and long periods of drought. Many people lack the most basic necessity of all – potable water… Read more »

Niger’s Economic Boom

By Tawanda Mukwekwezeke Despite facing economic challenges and being classified as a low-income country, Niger is emerging as a beacon of positive change and resilience on the global stage. In the face of adversity, Niger is charting an upward trajectory with a forecasted 12.5% GDP growth in 2024, outshining many other nations. The nation’s resourcefulness… Read more »

A Voice from Zimbabwe

By Tawanda Mukwekwezeke Growing up in the rural area of Marange, over 300 km from the bustling capital city of Harare, I have witnessed the challenges faced by my community. Marange is renowned for its abundant diamond reserves, but beyond the allure of these precious gems, there are pressing issues affecting the population of Zimbabwe…. Read more »

The Coup in Niger

by Will Beeker On July 26, Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum was detained by presidential guards in his own home, which marked the beginning of a coup which is still ongoing. Bazoum fled to a safe room, calling global leaders for help, while the next day General Abdourahmane “Omar” Tchiani appointed himself head of the country’s… Read more »

Implications of Niger’s High Birth Rate

by Omesh Prathiraja Niger has the world’s highest birth rate. With an average of over seven children per woman, this demographic phenomenon presents opportunities, such as a growth in the labor force and a youthful population that can bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas into various sectors in Niger. However, it also presents challenges for… Read more »

World Bank Announces $230 Million for Education in Niger

By Will Beeker Pic: Source In June, the World Bank approved an additional $230 million for Niger’s Learning Improvements for Results in Education (LIRE) project, bringing total funding to $370 million since the project’s inception. The funds will be used to build sustainable classrooms as well as girls-only boarding schools, with the aim of improving… Read more »

Niger and Climatic Migration

By Manvitha Prasad Kathula Source: NigerTZai Climate change is more than just hotter summers and colder winters. It often leads to mass migration – where people are forced to leave their homes behind as their environment becomes increasingly inhospitable. In Niger and most of Sub-Saharan Africa, rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and a significant increase in… Read more »

Water Scarcity and Malnutrition: An Interconnected Challenge

By Tawanda Mukwekwezeke The global issues of water scarcity and malnutrition are closely intertwined. An exploration of this complex relationship reveals how lack of access to clean water perpetuates the cycle of hunger and poor health. In regions without reliable access to safe drinking water, people often suffer and die from preventable illnesses that can… Read more »

Transforming Schools, Transforming Futures

By Kayleigh Redmond and Kayla Ruff In 2021, 21 Nigerien children died when their school, which was made of straw, caught on fire. Not only were these straw buildings deemed physically unsafe, they were also considered to be unsuitable for students’ growth and development. Now, more than ever it is imperative for children to have… Read more »

African Drone and Data Academy Empowers Nigerien Youth

By Amber Persson Imagine that a mother of five in rural Niger suddenly develops a fever, headache, and nausea; the diagnosis—malaria. She must receive treatment as soon as possible before the swift-acting disease develops further. Unfortunately, her community is largely inaccessible by road, and there are no hospitals in the vicinity. It could take several… Read more »