I have had the chance to visit Mombasa a few times – for work and also for leisure. It’s pretty. But Mombasa is a tad too old and experienced to just be called “pretty”. Mombasa Kenya has character. One that is now physically visible with the striking colours of the Read More
Do-It-Yourself project – Somaliland: 5 photos and Me
“Ladies and gentlemen, we are currently circling the airport because there are some goats and sheep on the runway that need to be cleared. We apologize for the delay and will be landing as soon as they have been cleared”. That was my introduction to Hargeisa, Somaliland. When many of Read More
Preparing for a crisis – Max.Ng : 5 photos and me series
Over the next couple of weeks, I am going to share five photos from a few of my journeys-to-know-more, and what they mean to me. As a development professional, I occasionally get to go to places and experience different things. As an individual, these experiences always strike different chords and Read More
Why governance in Africa is an economic matter
Governance in Africa is an economic matter. States that make heavy use of overt coercion and brutality often do so because they cannot exercise proper authority. They have what Michael Mann labels “despotic power” but not “infrastructural power” to penetrate and shape society. This was true of both the colonial Read More
Two Things To Know About Artificial Intelligence (AI) In International Development
Today we’re talking about two things to know about Artificial Intelligence (AI) in international development. Yes, I have gone back to the other kind of exciting stuff. Specifically, I thought it important to address some thoughts I have about where Africa sits in this conversation around AI. Disclaimer: This blog Read More
The Journey to Great: A story about Shame and Vulnerability
Today I brought myself to the table, and the topic is “shame and vulnerability.” Hello?! Why are you running? Come back here – it’s about me, not you. PS: If you’re lost, watch the video below. Before we start, major thanks to my tribe who messaged about and commented on Read More
A letter to 15-year old me
A letter to 15-year old me. My love, I wanted to start with “It’s so odd to be writing to you!” but it’s actually not so scratch that, you are me. You are 15-year old me. Here is a letter to 15-year old me. It is through you – your Read More
Why do governments recycle Ministers?
I know I cannot be the only one who has wondered why governments recycle Ministers, especially on our side of the world. How did the Minister of Defence become Minister of Trade & Industry? And why is it the same group of people shuffled around every eight years? In the Read More
AfCFTA overview: A few conversation pointers
Many of us have heard ‘AfCFTA’ thrown around everywhere. “It’s the future”; “It is the next big thing for Africa”; “It’s what will set Africa apart”; “It is the dream of Kwame Nkrumah and African freedom fighters”, etc. But after a conversation with a few friends, I realized many people Read More
Africa can be rich, but Africa is poor today
You read that right. Yes, Africa can be rich, but we are poor today. I have gone through the motions of this phrase but the more I think about it, the more I am convinced there is a lot of truth in that statement. Yes, we have a ton of Read More