
Senator Yayi sponsors WASSCE fees for 2,000 students in Ogun State
Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, has sponsored the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees for 2,000 indigent students across Ogun State, reaffirming his commitment to educational advancement.

Culturepunch-ngvanguard-ng8h ago2 sources 1win and the Nigerians Set a Guinness World Record in Afrobeat Dance
1win Nigeria unites over 400 dancers to set the Guinness World Record for the largest Afrobeat dance, celebrating West African culture in Lagos.
Read More:…

Cocaine, synthetic drugs proliferation raises security, public health threats in West Africa – Report
The harms driven by synthetic drug markets, including overdoses, chronic and severe mental health conditions, and community fragmentation, are escalating, the report notes.
The post Cocaine,…
West African Farmers Adopt TikTok for Agriculture
Some farmers in West Africa are utilizing TikTok to promote agriculture and change its public image.

China’s trade bureau set to partner West Africa IMT summit
The Trade Development Bureau of China’s Ministry of Commerce (TDB) has been confirmed as a Strategic Country Partner (China) for the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing and Trade (West Africa IMT) Summit and Exhibition 2026. This, according to organisers, reinforces a growing shift in Nigeria-China economic relations from expanding trade volumes to anchoring industrial production and long-term […]
The post China’s trade bureau set to partner West Africa IMT summit appeared first on V...

Worldobservadordanasnl-times+1myjoyonline3d ago4 sources US-Iran war: ECOWAS sounds alarm over Gulf hostilities
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has expressed "deep concern" over the rapidly escalating military hostilities in the Gulf region, warning that the conflict could trigger a…

Ghana Aims to Become West Africa's Aviation Hub
Ghana is actively pursuing its goal of becoming a leading aviation services hub in West Africa, following discussions between Ambassador Victor Smith and Robinson Helicopter Company.

Deloitte West Africa appoints Yomi Olugbenro as CEO-Elect
His appointment takes effect from 1st June 2026. This will come after a transition period with the current CEO, Fatai Folarin, who retires at the end of May 2026.

WAEC releases provisional results for 2025 WASSCE private candidates
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released provisional results for the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for Private Candidates, Second Series.

Ghana overtakes Cote d’Ivoire as second largest economy in West Africa – Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has said that Ghana has overtaken the Cote d’Ivoire as the second largest economy in West Africa.

QNET Reinforces Commitment to Consumer Protection and Combating Scams
Direct-selling company QNET reiterated its commitment to safeguarding consumers and upholding ethical business practices across West Africa during a New Year media webinar.

Senegal Considers Doubling Penalties for Same-Sex Relations
Senegal is considering legislation that would double the penalties for same-sex relations, which are already punishable by law in the West African nation.
APC Youth Wing West Africa supports NANS Ghana with GH₵50,000 for Camp Week - Graphic Online
APC Youth Wing West Africa supports NANS Ghana with GH₵50,000 for Camp Week Graphic Online

Ford Foundation Grantees Advance Climate Justice in West Africa
Ford Foundation's grantee partners in Nigeria, Senegal, and Ghana are implementing innovative solutions to address the impacts of extractive industries, climate change, and energy transitions on community rights and ecosystems in West Africa.

Analysis of democracy and political legitimacy in West Africa
An article discusses the state of democracy in West Africa, focusing on the question of political legitimacy and the breakdown of public trust in civilian governments' administrative abilities.

Tullow Oil announces capital overhaul and West Africa deals
Heavily indebted Tullow Oil has announced a comprehensive capital revamp and a series of deals to strengthen its presence in West Africa, aiming to stabilize operations and secure long-term growth.

Ghana hosts high-level ECOWAS meeting to boost women and youth political participation
A High-Level Ministerial Meeting on the Political Participation and Leadership of Women and Youth in West Africa was held on Wednesday, February 19, 2026, as part of a four-day regional engagement hos

How two farms in Senegal supply many of the UK's vegetables
During winter in Britain fresh produce is sent by cargo ship from the West African nation every week.

WorldReutersbloombergAl Jazeera+2Fox NewsDW16d ago5 sources US Troops Arrive in Nigeria for Training Mission
US troops have arrived in Nigeria to assist with training, technical support, and intelligence-sharing to combat extremist groups.
US to Send Troops to Nigeria for Army Training
The United States plans to deploy 200 troops to Nigeria to provide training for the Nigerian army, following accusations by Trump that the West African government has failed to protect Christians.
ECOWAS, African Union warn US-Israeli war on Iran will have ‘serious implications’ for Africa
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has warned of a looming global economic catastrophe following a weekend of unprecedented military escalations in the Middle East.
WAEMU Sets Economic Course for 2026
The Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) has outlined the economic direction for the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) for 2026, balancing optimism with geopolitical vigilance.

West African leaders meet in Côte d’Ivoire for trade and development talks
Stakeholders from across West Africa have gathered in Côte d’Ivoire for a high-level consultation aimed at reshaping the future of trade, economic integration, and sustainable development in the region.

ECOWAS to create new force to fight jihadists
West African states have decided to create a new 2,000-strong force to combat the growing jihadist threat in the region, according to diplomatic and military sources.

EU and DUBAWA Host Webinar on Monetized Disinformation in West Africa
The EU and DUBAWA convened a regional webinar in West Africa on February 27, bringing together media practitioners, bloggers, and policy actors to discuss the challenges of monetized disinformation, truth, profit, and responsibility in the digital space.

ECOWAS Deploys Regional Army Amid Strained Ties with Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso
West African regional army ECOWAS is deploying thousands of soldiers, raising questions about how strained ties with neighbors Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso will affect the fight against armed groups in the region.

ECOWAS Speaker Urges Concrete Action on AfCFTA Beyond Resolutions
The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Mrs. Memunatu Ibrahima, called on West African lawmakers to move from policy declarations to tangible actions, stressing that regional commitments must yield measurable results for citizens.

Stakeholders push green value chains at expo
Leaders at the Green Agric Expo advocate for green value chains in West African agriculture to boost resilience, competitiveness, and global relevance.
Read More: https://punchng.com/stakeholders-push-green-value-chains-at-expo/

WAEC Withholds Over 800 WASSCE Results Due to Malpractice
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released provisional results for the 2025 WASSCE for Private Candidates, Second Series, but withheld over 800 results due to suspected examination malpractice.

ECOWAS and AfDB Inaugurate Board for $15bn Lagos–Abidjan Highway
ECOWAS and the African Development Bank have inaugurated the board for the $15 billion Lagos–Abidjan highway project, a 1,028 km corridor aimed at boosting trade and development across five West African nations.

CSO Urges Police to Heed Sowore's Court Victory as Wake-Up Call
The West Africa Youth Protection and Advocacy Network (WAYPAN) has called on the police to treat activist Omoyele Sowore's N30 million court victory as a warning against unlawful actions.

US AFRICOM Commander emphasizes collaborative fight against terrorism in West Africa
The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has expressed deep concern over the escalating terrorist threat in West Africa, stating that no country can fight terrorism alone and signaling its readiness to support regional efforts.

Iran Seeks African Allies, Offers Arms for Resources
Iran has intensified efforts to strengthen cooperation in West Africa, seeking allies among military authorities in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, offering arms and military advice in exchange for gold, uranium, and other raw materials.

UK Launches eVisas for Nigerians, US Expands Travel Access in Ghana
The UK has introduced eVisas for Nigerian citizens, while the US is expanding short-term travel access for individuals in Ghana, reshaping international travel in West Africa.
West African Gold Play Exceeds 3 Million Ounces as Aurum Gains Momentum
A gold mining operation in West Africa has surpassed 3 million ounces in reserves, with Aurum continuing to build momentum in its exploration and extraction efforts.
US Issues Updated Travel Advisory for Ivory Coast
The U.S. government has issued an updated travel advisory for Ivory Coast, providing key safety tips for travelers to the West African nation.

West African Football Union (Zone A) Announces Six Tournaments for 2026
The West African Football Union (Zone A) has announced plans to host six tournaments in 2026, including a comeback for the Amilcar Cabral Cup.

Senegal Farms Supply UK with Winter Vegetables
Two farms in Senegal are responsible for supplying a significant portion of the UK's fresh produce during the winter months, with cargo ships transporting vegetables weekly from the West African nation.
WorldPremium Times16d ago WAEC Releases Computer-Based WASSCE Results with 42% Pass Rate
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the results for its Computer-Based WASSCE, reporting a 42% pass rate.

West African States to Create Anti-Jihadist Force
West African states are planning to form a regional force to combat rising jihadist violence in the region.
Mining Companies Announce Promising Gold and Silver Discoveries
Several mining companies have reported significant findings: Premier1 is advancing its gravity hunt for gold in WA Murchison, Patriot has unlocked promising recoveries at a Peruvian silver project, Aureka's historic Victorian gold pit is sparkling again, Advance is eyeing bulk mining after wide Mexican silver-gold hits, and Aurum has uncovered wide high-grade gold zones at Napié in West Africa.

Viral Pictures: Military debunks death of 20 soldiers
Authorities of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, have dismissed what they described as a renewed propaganda campaign by remnants of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), accusing the insurgents of circulating old photographs and recycled media reports to mislead the public about the security situation in the North East.
The post Viral Pictures: Military debunks death of 20 soldiers appeared first on Vanguard News.

Kidnapping of foreigners on the rise in Mali
The BBC reports an increased trend of foreign citizen kidnappings in Mali, highlighting the deep security crisis in the West African country, with two Bosnians having more luck than others.

West African content creators pledge to combat commercialisation of disinformation
Content creators from across West Africa have pledged to promote information integrity in the sub-region at a disinformation webinar jointly hosted by the European Union (EU) in Ghana, the Centre for Journalism, Innovation and Development (CJID), and DUBAWA Ghana.
The participants, bloggers, tech experts and influencers from Nigeria, Liberia and Ghana acknowledged the widespread commercialisation of disinformation on social media and committed to confronting the practice within their spheres...
ECOWAS urges restraint amid escalating tensions in Gulf region
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has expressed deep concern over the rising hostilities in the Gulf region, warning of potential global consequences, including disruptions to…

Meet Dr. Ola Brown, youngest pilot-doctor to launch West Africa’s first air ambulance
Dr. Olamide Brown is the medical innovator behind West Africa’s first full air ambulance service, transforming emergency healthcare across the region by combining her skills as a physician with her passion for flight.
The post Meet Dr. Ola Brown, youngest pilot-doctor to launch West Africa’s first air ambulance appeared first on Vanguard News.

Ljubljana Zoo Welcomes New Chimpanzee Cub Named Togo
The Ljubljana Zoo has announced the birth of a new chimpanzee cub, named Togo by its keepers after the West African country where Western chimpanzees are locally extinct.

Epstein files reveal links to Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire power circles
Jeffrey Epstein cultivated close ties with West African political elites, forging a relationship with Karim Wade, son of former Senegalese president Abdoulaye Wade, and Nina Keita, niece of Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara, according to a review of emails and financial records related to the convicted sex offender released by the US government last month.

Sam George calls for trust-driven, inclusive banking at Connected Banking Summit
The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has underscored the need for a resilient, inclusive and trust-based financial system as Ghana and West Africa accelerate digital transformation.
Harambee Starlets Step Up WAFCON Preparations with West Africa Friendlies - Capitalfm.co.ke
Harambee Starlets Step Up WAFCON Preparations with West Africa Friendlies Capitalfm.co.ke

FirstBank Commits to Sustainability and ESG Initiatives
FirstBank, a leading financial institution in West Africa, is making significant progress in promoting sustainability and ESG, with achievements in renewable energy, financial inclusion, and environmental conservation.

Shuffle.com Emerges as West Africa's Leading Crypto Casino Amid Banking Challenges
Shuffle.com is becoming a popular crypto casino in West Africa, capitalizing on the region's large unbanked population and the devaluation of local currencies like the naira, which makes traditional online gambling less accessible.
Iran's Defense Chief Favors Close Ties with Independent West African States
Iran's defense chief has expressed the country's preference for fostering close relationships with independent West African nations.

Ghana Calls for Greater Inclusion of Women, Youth in West African Leadership
Ghana's Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has called for stronger inclusion of women and young people in political leadership across West Africa.

Ghana-ECOWAS Talks Conclude with Renewed Push for Women and Youth Political Inclusion
A four-day engagement between the Government of Ghana and the ECOWAS Gender Development Centre concluded with a renewed commitment to enhance women and youth participation in politics and strengthen inclusive governance across West Africa.

West African Football Union (Zone A) U-20: Mali to host 2026 edition
The tournament will take place from October 8 to 25, 2026.West African Football Union (Zone A) U-20: Mali to host 2026 editionThe West African Football Union – Zone A has unveiled its 2026 competiti...

I moved from the US to Brazil after losing my job. Despite the intense culture shock, I couldn't be happier with my decision.
I moved from the US to Brazil and have experienced some culture shocks along the way.
Isaiah Reynolds
After losing my job, I decided to move from Chicago to São Paulo, Brazil.
I love my new home, but I've experienced some culture shocks during the transition.
For example, I didn't expect to feel chilly in São Paulo, and the food is different (in a good way).
After an incredible three weeks traveling around Brazil, I was on the first leg of my flight home to Chicago when I received a message from my director at work — a 15-minute "check-in" with an HR representative.
Worried I might receive news of a layoff, I frantically deboarded the plane after landing in Rio de Janeiro and joined the call in a quiet corner of the duty-free section of the airport. There, I was informed that my role had been eliminated.
Faced with the reality of returning home to the frigid Chicago temperatures with no job, I quickly changed my connecting flight and decided to hostel-hop around Brazil for another month.
However, even that extra month didn't feel like long enough in the country I'd fallen in love with. Exploring beautiful destinations while practicing a new language every day was incredibly fulfilling for me.
Once I went back to the US, I realized I was looking for ways to push myself out of my comfort zone. I had always wanted to live abroad, and my unemployment seemed like the perfect alignment to make that move to another part of the world.
So, a few months after my original trip, I relocated from Chicago to São Paulo and was greeted by lots of surprises along the way.
Coming from Chicago, I didn't expect to feel chilly in São Paulo
The temperatures in São Paulo caught me by surprise.
Cristian Lourenço/Getty Images
Growing up in the Midwest, I've endured my fair share of snowstorms and wind chills so cold that I felt as though my eyelids would freeze together. So, I felt well-equipped for any kind of cold weather Mother Nature could ever throw my way.
Even so, I wasn't prepared for just how chilly Brazil could feel — especially during a springtime cold front while living in an area without access to central heating.
Although Brazil's springtime temperatures (which last from September through November) are similar to what I experienced during the Chicago fall, it was difficult to adjust to the lack of central heating. So, I found myself wearing multiple layers of T-shirts and the only hoodie I brought with me.
Before I moved, I'd only visited Brazil during its smoldering summer months, so I had naively assumed the subtropical temperatures in São Paulo would be pleasant year-round.
The food is different — and that's not a bad thing
I've grown to love acarajé: stuffed black-eyed-pea fritters
Isaiah Reynolds
Between seeing unrefrigerated milk in grocery stores to trying vegetables I've never heard of, the day-to-day food in Brazil is a lot different than what I was used to in the States.
For example, contrary to the common American adage, breakfast doesn't seem to be the most important meal of the day here; many Brazilians opt for bread or fruit instead of the hefty pancakes or sausage links I was accustomed to.
For lunch and dinner, many locals seem to rely on a tried-and-true formula: arroz (rice), feijão (beans), some meat, and salad.
Classic dishes like stroganoff (a creamy chicken or beef dish topped with crispy shoestring potatoes) or feijoada (pork and black bean stew) may enter the rotation. Still, the aforementioned combo is a popular default dish that I've grown to love.
Although tavern-style Chicago pizza still holds a special place in my heart, my new Brazilian favorites include acarajé (stuffed black-eyed pea fritters fried in dendé oil), acerola (a sweet cherry fruit), and doce de leite (sweet caramelized milk used as a topping or filling).
Plus, there's a pretty great international food scene here, too. While wandering around the city, I've come across a wide range of cuisines, from Lebanese and West African restaurants to Colombian and Venezuelan spots.
Although I was initially worried about feeling welcomed, I can see myself putting down roots here
One thing I've noticed since my first visit to the country is that Brazilians are very proud to be Brazilian.
From football matches to the celebrations that occur when Brazilian films are nominated for Academy Awards, the people here seem to be the loudest and proudest fans in the room.
Because of this, I was worried I might not feel as welcome as an outsider. Instead, I've found an endearing level of curiosity among many Brazilians I've met, who either want to practice English or ask how I'm enjoying their beloved country.
This openness to connect has softened a lot of the original culture shock during my move. Although very different from my life in Chicago, I'm excited to continue building a life for myself in São Paulo.
Read the original article on Business Insider
Essay Explores Decolonisation, Slavery, and Fourah Bay College's Legacy
An article by Ibrahim Abdullah critically examines the intellectual history of Fourah Bay College, questioning the 'Athens of West Africa' metaphor in the context of slavery, epistemology, and the limits of decolonisation.