Ms. Fatima Maada Bio, the First Lady of Sierra Leone
Gender

Empowering change: Safeguarding women in Sierra Leone

- A discussion with the First Lady of Sierra Leone, Fatima Maada Bio
Cassava farming in Liberia: Women’s rights to land must be legally recognized.
Trade

Intra-African trade provides an opportunity for inclusive economic growth

Women’s land tenure security is essential for both their empowerment at a micro-level as agricultural producers in a household and at a macro-level for unlocking transformative social and economic benefits
Racheal Kalinaki.
Human Rights

Racheal’s resolve: Championing disability rights in Uganda

She envisions a world where everything we do is inclusive of young people with disabilities
Culture and Education

Using education to develop a new social contract for Africa

Advocating for education as a key enabler and equalizer and the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world
CRS staff addressing the community in Hashaba village, West Darfur, Sudan.
Gender

Inclusive peacebuilding: Empowering women as agents of peace

We need the voices of women at the table, not as victims but as stakeholders in society
Gender

Fighting gender-based violence and early marriages

- A discussion with the First Lady of Sierra Leone, Fatima Maada Bio
Gender

Mozambican mother shares her experience of extremism and discrimination

Kidnapped by al-Shabaab militants, the woman recounts the choice she faced: join their ranks or witness her family’s execution.
Economic Development

Improving living conditions in Botswana’s Francistown

Showcasing a model slum upgrade courtesy of a global initiative benefiting millions of slum dwellers
Gender

Malala Yousafzai, Amina Mohammed Advocate for girl-Child Education in Nigeria

The focus is increased investment in the sector to guarantee universal access to free and quality education, including secondary education
Sustainable Development Goals

How the UN is assisting Mauritius to secure its food systems

Mauritius’ heavy dependence on food imports makes it vulnerable to global commodity and supply disruptions, but collaborative sustainable interventions are making a difference
Gender

Sudan: UN condemns spike in violence against women and girls

Top UN officials call for an immediate end to the use of sexual violence as a tactic of war, want perpetrators held accountable
Somalia’s first all-women media team marks first year anniversary
Gender

Somalia’s first all-women media team marks first anniversary

Established with support from the United Nations Development Programme, Bilan has provided the first opportunity for Somali women journalists to exercise complete editorial independence
UNDP
By UNDP
Health workers at the UNFPA Tunaydbah field hospital in Sudan’s eastern Gedaraf state
Gender

Escalating violence in Sudan shuts hospitals, puts pregnant women at risk

Doctors, nurses and hospital staff unable to travel to work and vital humanitarian aid not getting through
Climate Change

Historic UN conference marks watershed moment to tackle global water crisis and ensure water-secure future

Water Action Agenda, the key outcome of the Conference, captured over 700 commitments aimed at driving transformation from a global water crisis to a water-secure world
Gender

Women Hold Up Half the Sky

Ms. Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee – the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa – reflects on women overcoming differences and leading movements for peace, gender equality and women’s rights
UN News
Health

A woman dies every two minutes due to pregnancy or childbirth: UN agencies

New data show major setbacks for maternal health in many parts of the world, highlighting stark disparities in healthcare access
World Health Organization
By WHO
Mabingue Ngom
Trade

AfCFTA: Reaping the benefits of the world’s most youth and women-friendly trade agreement

Priority must be given to investments in women and youth in all facets of the AfCFTA implementation arrangements
Michèle Mbo’o-Tchouawou
Climate Change

Sustainable Future: Equipping young researchers, innovators to work for climate

Green alternatives can transform Africa’s agri-food systems and generate significant benefits
Dr. Njuki
Climate Change

For a food-secure world, invest in women and girls

World Food Day is 16 October: Why the case for empowering women, girls, and youth is urgent
Education

Over 130 countries agree to reboot their education systems

UN Secretary-General issues call to action and vision for way forward at UN Summit
Award-winning Ghanaian teacher Ebenezer Otoo.
Education

We need to invest in education

- Says award-winning Ghanaian teacher Ebenezer Otoo, ahead of the UN’s Transforming Education Summit in September 2022
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja of Uganda
Gender

New platform of women Presidents & Prime Ministers meets at UN General Assembly

Women Heads of State and Government highlight women’s leadership as crucial to tackling global challenges and achieving a sustainable future
Students of the Africa Leadership University School of Business graduate in Kigali.
Education

Preparing young Africans for jobs of the future

Adequate education financing, updated curricula and accelerated e-learning will help develop skills to meet future workforce demands
Sam Quansah, the 2021 ‘Overall Best Male Teacher’
Education

Effective teaching requires adequate resources

— says Sam Quansah, the 2021 ‘Overall Best Male Teacher’ in the Awutu Senya District, in Ghana’s Central Region.
Rebecca Onumah
Education

Teachers are agents of change

— says award-winning Ghanaian teacher Rebecca Onumah, ahead of the UN’s Transforming Education Summit in September 2022.
Education

Africa’s future depends on its children’s foundational learning today

There is a need for large-scale support to enable education systems to recover
Sierra Leone’s education minister David Sengeh.
Education

Transforming Education Summit 2022: Global mobilisation to save education systems

Sierra Leone’s education minister David Sengeh, who is co-chair of the Summit’s Advisory Committee, says governments, civil society, students, and young people must reimagine education
Schoolchildren in South Sudan.
Sustainable development

World population to reach 8 billion on 15 November 2022

Amid falling growth rates, global population projected to peak around 10.4 billion in the 2080s
The 2022 SOFI report provides updates on the food security and nutrition situation around the world.
Sustainable development

Global hunger numbers rose to as many as 828 million in 2021

The latest State of Food Security and Nutrition report shows the world is moving backwards in efforts to eliminate hunger and malnutrition.
By FAO
Economic Development

How the Russia-Ukraine conflict impacts Africa

An opportunity to build resilient, inclusive Food Systems in Africa.
Secretary-General António Guterres addressing the UN Security Council.
Op-Ed

“The War in Ukraine: A Silent Assault on the Developing World”

The crisis could throw up to 1.7 billion people into poverty, destitution and hunger
Lourena Gboeah in front of her home
Humanitarian Aid

Being a Black woman in the US

Reflections of a refugee and advocate
Basic education is compulsory for both girls and boys.
Education

Eritrea: Transforming communities through literacy

Steady improvements in literacy are driving positive transformation and helping improve livelihoods.
A student takes part in a virtual learning during COVID-19
Education

WHO, UNICEF urge safe school reopening in Africa

Urge governments to take measures to limit the spread of the virus.
World Health Organization
By WHO
Chelvin Ramsamy of Mauritius
Youth

My life-changing journey to the African Union

Education as the most powerful weapon to change the world
Major Monira Mahjabeen Mowri, from Bangladesh, serving in South Sudan
Women in Peacekeeping

“Once a peacekeeper, always a peacekeeper”

— Major Monira Mowri, from Bangladesh, serving in South Sudan
Captain Tanvi Shukla from India, serving in the DR Congo
Women in Peacekeeping

"Be the change you want to see"

— Captain Tanvi Shukla from India, serving in the DRC
Roseline Stephen Agwai, from Nigeria, serving in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
Women in Peacekeeping

“Female peacekeepers inspire women and girls”

— Major Roseline Stephen Agwai, from Nigeria, serving in the DRC
-Lieutenant Colonel Martha Masango, serving in the DR Congo
Women in Peacekeeping

"As a female peacekeeper, it is easy to connect with people"

— Lt Col Martha Masango from South Africa, serving in the DRC
Lieutenant-Colonel Doamba Sawadogo from Burkina Faso, serving in DR Congo
Women in Peacekeeping

‘Women peacekeepers make it easier to interact with communities’

-Lieutenant-Colonel Doamba Sawadogo from Burkina Faso, serving in DR Congo
Major Nargis Parvin from Bangladesh, serving in the DR Congo
Women in Peacekeeping

“Peacekeeping is challenging but exciting too”

-Major Nargis Parvin from Bangladesh, serving in the DR Congo
Jackline Urujeni from Rwanda, serving in South Sudan
Women in Peacekeeping

‘Women are effective in building peace and unity’

— Jackline Urujeni from Rwanda, serving in South Sudan
Igihozo, 11, listens to a lesson on a radio after his school was closed in Rwanda.
coronavirus

Radio lessons: In Africa schools are closed, but learning goes on

Countries use radio, TV and internet to keep students engaged
-Sandra Amissah from Ghana, serving in Darfur
Women in Peacekeeping

Female peacekeepers are role models

-Sandra Amissah from Ghana, serving in Darfur
Mrs. Belay with her husband, Priest Leul Hunegnaw, in front of their barn. She says contraception has had a liberating effect.
Henri Konan Bédié Bridge linking the north and south of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Photo: Bouygues Construction
Partnerships for Development

Partnerships at work in Africa

SDGs envisage that PPPs can promote sustainable development in Africa
Children attend a class at the Deari elementary school in Eritrea. Photo: Panos/Giacomo Pirozzi
Education

Private schools gain a foothold in Africa

Experts wary over corporate takeover of education in sub-Saharan Africa
Tristate Heart and Vascular Centre in Nigeria. Photo: Tristate Heart and Vascular Centre
Partnerships for Development

Philanthropists join forces to fund Africa’s cash-strapped health sector

Billionaires Bill Gates, Aliko Dangote come together to fund health care projects
BMW South Africa announces the production of its one-millionth BMW 3 Series sedan at its manufacturing plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria in South Africa. Photo: BMW Group
Partnerships for Development

Global companies give Africa a second look

South Africa hosts most of the top companies in Africa, but other countries are coming up
Henri Konan Bédié Bridge in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Photo: Bouygues Construction
Cover Story

Partnerships giving Africa a new look

Private sector working with governments to fund mega development projects
Participants at the African Women Leaders Network held in New York in June, 2017. Photo: Africa Renewal/Ihuoma Atanga
Women in the Lougba group, Benin, making soy biscuits. Photo: ANAF Benin
Traditional ceremonies are an opportunity to reach young people with life-saving information. © UNFPA/Meaghan Charkowick
Kwesi Botchwey
Also

A 'disappointing' decade for Africa

Independent panel proposes UN General Assembly support NEPAD
Zambia's withered grain fields: Does genetically modified relief food pose health risks?   Photo: ©WFP / Brenda Barton
Also

Controversy rages over 'GM' food aid

Zambia, citing health concerns, bars genetically modified grain
Projet d'aide allemand en Tanzanie : Le Gouvernement tanzanien a pu amener les différents donateurs à mieux coordonner leurs activités. Photo: © Das Fotoarchiv / Hacky Hagemeyer
Also

Africa pushes for better aid quality

Donors must also be held accountable for their policies and practices
Three of the 39 women elected to Rwanda's legislature in September 2003. From left: Constance Rwaka, Solange Tuyisenge and Athanasie Gahondogo.
Also

Women break into African politics

Quota systems allow more women to gain elected office
Workers take measurements while laying the tarmac on a new road being built near Arusha, Tanzania. Africa needs funds for such development projects. Panos/Frederic Courbet
Cover Story

Funding the planet’s future

Will the billions required for the SDGs be sustainable?
A view of streets and high rise apartment buildings in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Panos/Sven Torfinn
Also

The changing face of Ethiopia

An assertive nation flexes its economic muscle
and André-Michel Essoungou  and 
Good Governance

A vision of an integrated Africa

— Maged Abdelaziz and Ibrahim Mayaki
and André-Michel Essoungou  and 
Good Governance

A vision of an integrated Africa

— Maged Abdelaziz and Ibrahim Mayaki
Also

No place like home

Africa’s skilled labour returns
Conflict Resolution

Tapping migration wealth to fund development

African diaspora remittances can reduce poverty
Web Feature

Mothers’ health is improving across Africa

But far too many are still dying from childbirth complications
Web Feature

‘Take away the guns,’ women tell UN envoy

Reforms needed to stop war-time sex crimes, says Zainab Bangura
Also

Africa’s food policy needs sharper teeth

Good intentions alone are not enough
Children of the Galkayo Education Centre for Peace and Development, Somalia
Audio

Future of Somalia depends on empowering youth

UNDP releases 2012 Somalia Human Development Report
Web Feature

Burundi’s push for universal education

Enrolment rates at an all time high, but challenges remain
Examining high-quality corn for future cultivation in Cameroon
Web Feature

Africa’s economy grows, but many stomachs are empty

Africa Human Development Report stirs debate on food security
Economic empowerment

Tapping women’s entrepreneurship in Ghana

Access to credit, technology vital for breaking into manufacturing
Economic empowerment

Does financing benefit African women?

New initiatives to track the gender impact of development funds
Improving health

Gender violence hampers AIDS fight

Activists in Zambia counter a deadly link
Improving health

Investing in the health of Africa’s mothers

Lacking care, too many women do not survive childbirth
Combating violence

Security reform key to protecting women

Training, recruitment and prosecutions can reduce violence
Combating violence

Taking on violence against women in Africa

International norms and local activism start to alter laws, attitudes
Political Empowerment

North African women on the barricades

Activists press for freedom, dignity and rights
Political Empowerment

Three women laureates

Wangari Maathai, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Leymah Gbowee
Political Empowerment

African women are ready to lead

But social beliefs and attitudes hinder their quest
Equality

NEPAD embraces women’s rights

After slow start, continental initiative advances gender equity
Equality

Battling for equality on all fronts

Some progress since Beijing, but hurdles persist
Equality

African women’s long walk to freedom

Some gains, but an uphill climb still looms
Equality

‘Renewed energy for women’s empowerment’

Interview with head of UN Women in Southern Africa
Cover Story

African women: asserting their rights

Introduction to the Special Edition on Women
Improving health

In Africa, AIDS often has a woman’s face

Knowledge, power and resources needed to combat the scourge
Also

African schools keep an eye on the prize

Meeting the target for universal primary education
Africa’s booming economies

Beyond mining taxes, to development

Contracts must benefit communities and promote economic linkages
Also

Bid to end subsidy stirs protest in Nigeria

Unrest highlights problems of mismanagement and corruption
and Aissata Haidara  and 
Also

Malian women create beauty — and profit

Hand-dyed fabrics win praises, capture markets
and Aissata Haidara  and 
Also

Malian women create beauty — and profit

Hand-dyed fabrics win praises, capture markets
Also

Millennium Villages: a lasting impact?

Aid promotes rapid gains, but dependence may be hard to break
NEPAD at 10

NEPAD on the ground

Concrete action in five key areas
NEPAD at 10

‘A common vision for agriculture-led growth’

NEPAD adds value to Africa’s farming sector, says Glenn Denning
Cover Story

‘In 10 years, NEPAD has achieved a lot’

Ibrahim Mayaki, head of Africa’s partnership initiative
Also

Africa's least developed: lands of opportunity

At the UN conference on LDCs, focus moves away from aid
and Oliver Schwank  and 
Also

Microfinance: What role in Africa's development?

Time to reassess the limits and strengths of small-scale lending
and Oliver Schwank  and 
Also

Microfinance: What role in Africa's development?

Time to reassess the limits and strengths of small-scale lending
Also

Global food crisis: time to break the vicious cycle

Delaying reforms will guarantee recurrent surges in food prices
and Michael Fleshman  and 
Also

Peace in Sierra Leone, a project under construction

UN seeks to coordinate support for post-war development
and Michael Fleshman  and 
Also

Peace in Sierra Leone, a project under construction

UN seeks to coordinate support for post-war development
Cover Story

North African women on the barricades

Activists press for freedom, dignity and rights
Also

A social media boom begins in Africa

Using mobile phones, Africans join the global conversation
Africa at 50

Ghana’s economy: hope rekindled

Ups and downs give way to cautious revival
Africa at 50

African women’s long walk to equality

Some gains, but an uphill climb still looms
Also

To save the lives of mothers, infants

Commitment, money and innovation can reduce high mortality rates
Cover Story

Abolishing fees boosts African schooling

A giant step for children, but governments must navigate the pitfalls
Also

Does financing benefit African women?

New initiatives to track the gender impact of development funds
Also

Relief efforts gear up for Zimbabwe

Donors look for more progress on national reconciliation
Also

Africa calls for a ‘new impetus’

UN General Assembly debates continent’s development needs
Also

Small loans widen horizons for the poor

More money behind microfinance groups in Africa
Also

New trade pacts threaten regional unity

Africa and Europe haggle over trade arrangements
Also

Powering up Africa’s economies

Regional initiatives can help cover deficits
Cover Story

Africa struggles with soaring food prices

From emergency reactions to farming investments
Also

Women in North Africa secure more rights

Despite hurdles, notable legal, political and social progress
Also

Price protests expose state faults

Rioting and repression reflect problems of African governance
Also

Fighting African poverty, village by village

Innovative project in Ghana focuses on achieving Millennium goals
Also

Enlisting men for women’s equality

South African initiatives against sexual violence, gender i
Cover Story

Women struggle to secure land rights

Hard fight for access and decision-making power
NEPAD in action

Spurring business to invest in Africa’s future

NEPAD encourages African private sector engagement
Also

Africa aims for a scientific revolution

More funding needed for research institutes and universities
Also

Women push onto Africa’s agenda

NEPAD responds to advocates for women’s rights
Also

Taking on violence against women in Africa

International norms, local activism start to alter laws, attitudes
Also

Africans fear ‘ruin’ in Europe trade talks

Opposition grows to more inequitable trade liberalization
NEPAD in action

Water betters lives in Tanzania

Access to clean water critical to NEPAD development goals
Also

Pledging peace at Great Lakes summit

In a region emerging from war, cooperation remains a challenge
Also

Congolese women confront legacy of rape

War and sexual violence leave survivors in desperate need
NEPAD in action

Food keeps African children in school

NEPAD supports school feeding programmes
NEPAD in action

Woman storekeeper boosts Malawi farming

NEPAD seeks to bring fertilizer nearer to villagers
Also

Big leap in China-Africa ties

Beijing offers continent more aid, trade and business
NEPAD in action

Combating Zambia’s ‘hidden hunger’

NEPAD and partners fortify food with vitamins and minerals
Cover Story

Conflict resources: from ‘curse’ to blessing

Transforming an African war risk into a peace asset
NEPAD in action

African expatriates look homeward

Skilled professionals answer NEPAD call to lend expertise
NEPAD in action

Highways link 15 West African countries

NEPAD promotes better transport networks
Also

Harnessing the Internet for development

African countries seek to widen access, produce content
Cover Story

African women are ready to lead

But social beliefs and attitudes hinder their quest
NEPAD in action

Boosting African farm yields

More fertilizer, irrigation and other inputs are vital, says NEPAD
Also

Africa starts a fishing ‘revolution’

NEPAD plan promotes poverty reduction, food security and environmental sustainability
Also

Rwandan women: AIDS therapy beyond drugs

Food and hope are also essential to survival
Cover Story

Trade talks: where is the development?

In North and South, critics see “Doha round” as a run-around
Also

Tapping women’s entrepreneurship in Ghana

Access to credit, technology vital for breaking into manufacturing
Cover Story

African migration: from tensions to solutions

Migrants who leave their countries in search of work are currently not adequately protected by international law
Also

New barriers hinder African trade

Health standards in rich countries limit continent’s ability to export
Also

Fixing the humanitarian aid system

UN, relief groups seek to bolster and speed up food delivery
Cover Story

Reintegration of ex-combatants

When war ends: transforming Africa’s fighters into builders
Also

Women: Africa's ignored combatants

Gradual progress towards a greater role in DDR
Also

Community radio: a voice for the poor

Better local communications can boost development, democracy
Also

African women battle for equality

Some progress 10 years after Beijing, but major challenges remain
Also

Giant step for Kenya’s schools

Progress for both boys and girls towards Millennium education goal
Also

Focusing aid on Africa’s own priorities

More financing for Millennium Development Goals, but still far to go
Also

Getting to the heart of the matter

An interview with Nobel Peace Laureate Wangari Maathai
Also

African economic forecasts are brighter

But estimates vary and uncertainties abound
Also

Combating Africa’s ‘silent tsunamis’

Donor momentum builds for greater aid to the continent
Podcast