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MUSIC Discover the Best New Music from East Africa: Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, Tanzania, and Rwanda February set the stage for a musical resurgence across East Africa, with artists embracing themes of love and personal reinvention. Amidst a heartfelt celebration of Valentine’s Day, many musicians released fresh tracks that mark a revitalization after a slower start to the year. This article highlights standout new releases from top artists, showcasing the diverse East African sound making waves in 2026. This month’s notable tracks include releases from Mejja, Yammi, Karun, Joshua Baraka, Drama T, Bridget Blue, and many others—all featured in OkayAfrica’s latest…

Reading Time: 4 minutesThe gambling landscape in Africa is distinct across various nations, particularly in Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), and Egypt. Each of these countries operates under unique regulatory frameworks and domestic sports calendars. Interestingly, they share a similar seasonal pattern in gambling behavior, marked by heightened engagement during the fourth quarter of the year. This trend aligns with both the European club football season and various local leagues. Utilizing Blask’s Seasonality feature, which analyzes data from January 2016 to February 2026, we have mapped engagement peaks by month, day, and hour. Nigeria:…

Strengthening Africa-Venezuela Cooperation Beyond Energy This February, a pivotal high-level working visit by the African Energy Chamber (AEC) to Caracas marked a significant turning point in fostering cooperation between Africa and Venezuela. With a focus on advancing beyond the traditional hydrocarbons sector, the discussions aimed at uncovering new avenues for South-South trade and investment opportunities. Broadening Bilateral Trade Frameworks Key discussions were held with Coromoto Godoy Calderón, the Minister of Foreign Trade of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. The AEC delegation sought innovative strategies to enhance the presence of Venezuelan goods in African markets and encourage reciprocal investment from Africa…

Cassava Technologies Strengthens Financial Position with Major Repayment and New Funding Liquid Intelligent Technologies, a subsidiary of Cassava Technologies, has announced significant financial updates that reinforce its capital structure and position for future growth. The company confirmed the full repayment of its ZAR term loan and USD revolving credit facility, demonstrating a strong financial management strategy. New Funding Secured for Future Growth In conjunction with this repayment, Liquid Intelligent Technologies has secured $410 million in new ZAR and USD credit facilities from a consortium of commercial and development finance lenders. Furthermore, Cassava Technologies is injecting an additional $195 million in…

The Importance of Handwriting in Kenya’s Evolving Education System As Kenyan students resume their academic journeys, the learning landscape is rapidly transforming. Digital tools, online resources, and technology-enhanced learning have become integral to classrooms across the country. While these advancements promise a modern education, a foundational skill remains crucial for cognitive development: handwriting. Handwriting: A Critical Skill in the Digital Age In an era where handwriting is often seen as outdated, research underscores its importance. Numerous studies reveal that writing by hand significantly contributes to cognitive skills, comprehension, and creativity. As noted by journalist and educator William Zinsser, “Writing is…

Exploring the Revival of African Urban Murals with Litema Patterns In recent years, African cities have transformed their urban landscapes by incorporating modern litema patterns into street art. These striking geometric designs, rooted in southern African tradition, offer a fresh perspective on cultural identity and aesthetics in public spaces. By blending contemporary artistry with age-old traditions, litema revitalizes not just buildings but also the connection to cultural heritage across the continent. Reviving Cultural Heritage Litema patterns have long been emblematic of African culture, traditionally adorning homes and communal structures. The integration of these designs into modern murals serves to revive…

Wildebeests roam the grasslands after successfully crossing the Mara River in the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, on July 30, 2025. (Xinhua/Han Xu) Exploring Africa: The New Frontier for Young Chinese Travelers As young Chinese travelers shift their focus from traditional tourist hotspots to the allure of Africa, an exciting trend emerges. For many, like Li Qiaoyang from Shandong Province, the dream vacation isn’t about museums in Europe or beaches in Southeast Asia, but rather the vast and wild African savannah. A Journey into the Heart of Africa Having already explored Egypt and Morocco in North Africa, Li is…

South Africa’s Land Reform Initiatives: Progress, Challenges, and Future Directions Land Reform and Rural Development Minister Mzwanele Nyhontso has recognized that while South Africa has made significant strides in land reform since the end of apartheid in 1994, the pace of progress has not met expectations. ICARRD+20: A Global Platform for Agrarian Reform Speaking at the second International Conference on Agrarian Reform and Rural Development (ICARRD+20) in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, Nyhontso emphasized the importance of global cooperation in addressing critical issues such as land grabbing, climate change, and the necessity for redistributive land reform. This conference, which runs from…

South Africa’s Offshore Oil and Gas Potential: A Boon for the Economy | Published 3 hours ago Unleashing South Africa’s Offshore Oil and Gas Potential The ongoing debate surrounding South Africa’s offshore oil and gas potential has significant implications for the nation’s economy. Despite numerous opportunities, South Africa has not only missed out on billions of rand in potential Gross Domestic Product (GDP) but is also facing considerable economic repercussions due to complex regulatory frameworks and public misconceptions. Urgent coordination in decision-making is vital, with 2026 poised to be a defining year for progress in this sector. The Opportunity Cost…

Venezuela’s Energy Outlook: Key Lessons for African Producers Shell Advances Venezuela’s Dragon Gas Project Recently, Shell has unveiled that new U.S. general licenses for oil and gas exploration in Venezuela will enable it to revive the long-delayed Dragon gas project. This project aims to tap into approximately 4.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves located off the Venezuelan coast, with expectations of starting production within three years. This development signals a significant shift in investor sentiment and regulatory frameworks within Venezuela’s politically intricate energy landscape, presenting crucial insights for African energy producers seeking foreign investment. The Impact of U.S.…