Author: Editorial Staff

IN the dynamic landscape of cybersecurity, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) systems has ushered in a new era of technological advancements and capabilities. However, with the increasing reliance on AI for cybersecurity operations, the prevalence of biases and ethical dilemmas within these systems has emerged as a critical concern. To address these challenges and foster more trustworthy and reliable AI technologies in the cybersecurity domain, the BRACE framework encapsulates a structured approach encompassing key components focused on bias identification, mitigation, ethical considerations, collaboration, and engagement. This framework serves as a cornerstone for stakeholders to navigate the complex terrain of…

IN a fervent display of dissent, hundreds of demonstrators converged on the streets of Niger’s capital, Niamey, on Saturday, demanding the withdrawal of US troops. The protest follows a significant policy shift by the ruling junta, which terminated a military agreement with the United States and welcomed Russian military instructors. Marching in solidarity through central Niamey, protesters brandished Nigerien flags, evoking memories of past anti-French protests that led to the withdrawal of French forces from Niger last year following a military coup. Amid the crowd, a handwritten sign in English bore the message ‘USA rush out of Niger,’ echoing support…

ZIMBABWE’S latest currency, the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), has made an impressive debut, marking a 1.1 percent increase against the US dollar within its first week of trading. This development comes amidst heightened global tensions, propelling gold prices upwards and fostering investor interest in safe-haven assets. ‘The launch of ZiG has been met with enthusiasm in the market, evident from its strong performance against the US dollar,’ remarked Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor John Mushayavanhu. The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe introduced ZiG as a replacement for the beleaguered old Zimbabwean dollar, which had succumbed to hyperinflation. ZiG commenced trading on April…

NIGER has inked a significant memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Chinese state-owned oil giant China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC), reportedly valued at $400 million, as revealed by Niger state television RTN in a late Friday report. While the specifics of the agreement were not divulged by RTN, attempts to obtain comments from Niger’s military authorities and CNPC officials proved futile. Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, lauded the deepening ties between Niger and China during the signing ceremony, broadcast by RTN. ‘China is a great friend to Niger; we can never say it…

SOMALI pirates have released the hijacked ship MV Abdullah along with its crew of 23 following the payment of a $5 million ransom, as confirmed by two pirates involved in the operation. Abdirashiid Yusuf, one of the pirates, disclosed to Reuters that the ransom was delivered two nights prior, adhering to the customary procedure. ‘The money was brought to us two nights ago as usual… we checked whether the money was fake or not. Then we divided the money into groups and left, avoiding the government forces,’ stated Yusuf. He further affirmed that the vessel and its crew were safely…

WHAT’S  sometimes forgotten about the April 26-29,1994 vote that installed the African National Congress (ANC) government in South Africa is that, until the last minute, it looked like violence would consume the voting process. An 11th-hour agreement on April 19 brought the Zulu-majority Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) into the contest. Inkatha had been boycotting the process and challenging the ANC in violent street protests. The peaceful election brought enormous relief to the country and the world. A Kenyan, Washington Okumu, alternately described as a professor or a diplomat, was credited with the negotiation. But few observers knew who he was.…

GHANA’S Finance Minister voiced confidence on Saturday that the country would eventually strike a deal with international bondholders to restructure $13bn of debt, amidst ongoing efforts to navigate its deepest economic crisis in decades. This statement came as the IMF announced a successful review of its loan programme with Ghana, highlighting positive strides in the nation’s economic recovery. The West African nation has been diligently working on overhauling its debt burden, leveraging a $3bn IMF programme to steer itself out of economic turmoil. The IMF’s recent endorsement of a staff-level agreement on the second review of the programme signals a…

IN today’s fast-paced and competitive business environment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly prevalent in various industries, including human resources and talent acquisition. One area where AI holds significant potential is in the hiring process, where the high level of precision needed to identify and select the best candidates can be enhanced by AI technologies. This technology can streamline and improve aspects of hiring, making the process more efficient and effective. In this essay, we will explore the potential of AI in transforming hiring habits and the benefits it can bring to organisations. AI can be a…

THE Republic of Congo’s Minister of Hydrocarbons, Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, has inked a significant deal with China’s Wing Wah Oil Company, marking a milestone in the country’s hydrocarbon sector. The amended Production Sharing Contract (PSC) for the Banga Kayo block signifies not only the commencement of development in the area but also a robust dedication to harnessing untapped hydrocarbon potential. In a statement echoing the sentiment of the African energy sector, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) expressed its support for the Republic of Congo’s proactive stance in accelerating the development of this pivotal asset in collaboration with international partners. The…

IN a groundbreaking development hailed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a global first, Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has rolled out a revolutionary vaccine targeting meningitis, a deadly disease that has long plagued the continent. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus lauded the significance of the new Men5CV vaccine, which provides protection against five major strains of meningococcal bacteria (A, C, W, Y, and X) in a single shot. This represents a significant improvement over existing vaccines, which typically only target the A strain prevalent in much of Africa. ‘Meningitis is an old and deadly foe, but this new…