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Context Setting the stage and providing background information The visual Description and analysis of the visual representation Observations Notable findings and insights derived from the visual Limitations Elements or data points not included in the visual The data Sources and details regarding the data used in the visual Reflections Personal thoughts and considerations on the subject matter Context The SDG 6 indicator mandates access to 'safely managed' drinking water, defined as water from an improved source accessible on the premises, when needed, and free from fecal and priority chemical contamination. Basic water, however, falls short of this standard and includes water collected from an improved source that requires a round-trip journey no longer than 30 minutes, including queuing. While most countries in Africa lack national values for 'safely managed' progress, they generally have data on services meeting 'basic' levels. The Visual The visual analysis centers on 15 African countries with the lowest access to basically managed drinking water in 2020. Using drinking glasses, the visual illustrates the quantities of water available in comparison to other countries in Africa. Observations Five countries—Central African Republic, South Sudan, Chad, Niger, and Burkina Faso—have less than 50% coverage for basic service. This indicates that at least 39 million people in these five countries did not have access to a basic drinking water service in 2020. Limitations The visual lacks data on 'safely managed' drinking water for several African countries, impacting the comprehensiveness of the visual representation. Despite values provided for 'safely managed' water for DR Congo (19%), Ethiopia (12.6%), Central African Republic (6.2%), and Chad (5.6%), they were excluded from the visual due to difficulty in comparison with other countries that are missing data. Values for Eritrea and Equatorial Guinea represent basic service in 2016 and 2017, respectively. The Data The data utilized in this visual is sourced from the Institute for Water Environment and Health (UNU INWEH), offering a preliminary quantitative global assessment of water security for 7.78 billion people across 186 countries, including all African countries in 2020. The 2023 Global Water Security Assessment can be accessed here. Reflections Access to sufficient water of adequate quality is not only fundamental to human life but also crucial for socioeconomic development and environmental sustainability, as emphasized by the United Nations University Institute for Water Environment and Health (UNU INWEH). What factors are contributing to the persistence of disparities in access across African countries? Please find the article with my changes.

Context Setting the stage and providing background information The visual Description and analysis of the visual representation Observations Notable findings and insights derived from the visual The data Sources and details regarding the data used in the visual Reflections Personal thoughts and considerations on the subject matter Context In many African countries, property and inheritance laws place significant constraints on women's rights. These laws often limit women's ability to inherit assets from their parents or spouses, perpetuating gender inequality and hindering economic empowerment. The Visual The visual representation is a house, with different colored bricks denoting countries with limited rights for women in terms of inheritance. I chose a house to illustrate the significance of women being able to inherit property, as it profoundly impacts the stability and economic well-being of a family. Observations One notable finding from the visual is that nearly half of the countries in Africa do not value non-monetary contributions in marriage, a significant factor considering that women often contribute the most labor in households. This disparity underscores the deep-rooted gender biases prevalent in inheritance laws across the continent. Another observation is that over one third of African countries do not provide equal rights to surviving spouses, leaving them vulnerable to financial insecurity and dependence. Countries such as Algeria, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Senegal, Somalia, South Sudan, and Tunisia have the most legal constraints on women's property rights in Africa. The Data The data used in this visual is sourced from the World Bank, providing comprehensive information on property and inheritance laws across African countries. Reflections As I reflect on the data presented in this visual, I am struck by the profound implications of the limited property and inheritance laws for women in Africa. How can we address these legal constraints when men hold the majority of legislative power? How can we persuade them that equal inheritance rights do not undermine their masculinity but instead protect and ensure the well-being of future generations? Please be sure to check out my other visuals in this series: Maternal Mortality Political Representation in Parliament Child Marriage Women's Literacy

Context Setting the stage and providing background information The visual Description and analysis of the visual representation Observations Notable findings and insights derived from the visual Omissions Elements or data points not included in the visual The data Sources and details regarding the data used in the visual Reflections Personal thoughts and considerations on the subject matter Context African leaders are known to manipulate constitutions to remain in power. This practice raises questions about the state of democracy and governance on the African continent, prompting closer examination of the phenomenon through visual representations like the one presented here. The visual This graphic is a timeline depicting how African leaders amend constitutions to extend their rule. The timeline is useful for helping us understand how often the manipulation of constitutions occurs in African countries." Observations The visual presents current African leaders and their constitutional changes aimed at prolonging their tenure. Some of the biggest offenders include President Mbasogo in Equatorial Guinea, President Paul Biya in Cameroon, and President Nguesso in the Republic of Congo. Additionally, Museveni, Guelleh, and Kagame are not far behind. Omissions While I initially planned to cover all leaders who manipulated constitutions, this proved impractical. I realized it would be much too lengthy, going back to figures like Gaddafi and Mugabe. Not included in this visual are monarchic leaders such as King Mohammed VI of Morocco, who has been in power since 1999, and King Mswati III of Eswatini, in power since 1986. We also don't see President Afwerki of Eritrea, who has been in power for over 30 years with no term limits. The data Data and inspiration for this infographic came from the Africa Center for Strategic Studies. They put together a great overview with a clear table and a map here. Wikipedia also aided in historical accuracy. Reflection What are your thoughts on this phenomenon? Does it appear to be a growing or diminishing trend?

Welcome to my series on the challenges facing African women. In this visual, I look into the pervasive issue of women's literacy. Join me as I delve into the complexities of these challanges and strive for a better future for African women. Context  Setting the stage and providing background information The visual  Description and analysis of the visual representation Observations Notable findings and insights derived from the visual Omissions  Elements or data points not included in the visual The data  Sources and details regarding the data used in the visual Reflections Personal thoughts and considerations on the subject matter Context In Africa, literacy remains a critical challenge for women, hindering their economic development and perpetuating cycles of poverty. Low literacy rates among African women pose multifaceted challenges, particularly in terms of economic development and poverty alleviation. The consequences of low literacy extend beyond women themselves to affect their children's well-being and future prospects, perpetuating the cycle of poverty into the next generation. The visual I represented women's literacy with a bookcase. Each shelf denotes one of the top 10 worst countries in terms of women's literacy. While women's literacy percentages are notable, what's most intriguing is the contrast between women's and men's literacy in the same country. Observations As of 2022, only 61% of African women were literate, reflecting significant disparities in education access across the continent. Several African countries, including Chad, Mali, Central African Republic, Somalia, and South Sudan, face exceptionally low literacy rates for women, ranging from 19% to 29%. These countries have been plagued by conflict and instability, with religious and cultural factors also influencing literacy rates. Omissions The visual includes only the 10 worst-performing countries in terms of women's literacy. Many other countries have women's literacy rates below 50%, including Guinea-Bissau (41%), Sierra Leone (41%), Ethiopia (44%), Senegal (47%), and Mozambique (49%). The data Data for this visual is sourced from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. One limitation of this dataset is that, while most data is from 2020 onwards, a couple of countries use data from 2017 (Liberia) and 2018 (South Sudan) as the most recent years. Reflections How can we counteract religious and cultural beliefs to ensure better educational outcomes for African women and their children? Please be sure to check out my other visuals in this series: Maternal Mortality Political Representation in Parliament Child Marriage

Welcome to my series on the challenges facing African women. In this visual, I look into the pervasive issue of child marriage. Join me as I delve into the complexities of these challanges and strive for a better future for African women. Context  Setting the stage and providing background information The visual  Description and analysis of the visual representation Observations Notable findings and insights derived from the visual Omissions  Elements or data points not included in the visual The data  Sources and details regarding the data used in the visual Reflections Personal thoughts and considerations on the subject matter Context Child marriage remains a pressing issue across Africa, robbing millions of girls of their childhood and fundamental rights. "For girls, being married as a child almost always means not attending school, early motherhood, and devastating impacts for socioemotional well-being. It affects their mental and physical health, and increases their vulnerability to violence and abuse." (UNICEF) The Visual The visual representation illustrates the stark reality of child marriage in Africa, particularly focusing on West and Central Africa. Displayed by a small-sized wedding ring, it showcases the prevalence of child marriage in various countries and highlights the staggering numbers of girls affected. Observations Nearly 60 million girls in West and Central Africa were married or in a union before the age of 18. One notable finding from the visual is the concentration of child marriages in certain countries, with Nigeria and the DRC emerging as the most affected nations. Omissions While the visual provides valuable insights into the prevalence of child marriage, it does not delve into the cultural and societal factors that perpetuate this practice. Additionally, it does not capture the experiences of individual girls affected by child marriage. It also only captures women and girls from the West and Central Africa region. The Data The data used in this visual is sourced from UNICEF global databases as of June 2022, providing a comprehensive overview of child marriage in West and Central Africa at the time. It includes statistics on the number of girls married before the age of 18, broken down by country. You can check out the full report here, with profiles on each country. Reflections As I reflect on the data presented in this visual, I am struck by the magnitude of the challenges facing young girls in Africa, particularly in Nigeria. Why are the social, cultural, and economic factors that require children to be married so prevalent in this country? Please be sure to check out my other visuals in this series: Maternal Mortality Political Representation in Parliament Female literacy

In today's interconnected world, telecommunications companies play a pivotal role in driving Africa's digital transformation. As of 2021, the continent is home to numerous telecom giants, with Orange and Vodacom emerging as the top players, each boasting a staggering $6.8 billion in revenue. Not far behind is MTN, with a revenue of $5.6 billion. What sets MTN apart is its expansive user base, surpassing both Orange and Vodacom combined with a remarkable 277 million users in 2021. This highlights MTN's dominance in the African telecommunications market, with its widespread reach and influence. Beyond revenue figures, these top 10 telecommunications giants in Africa are instrumental in connecting people, businesses, and communities. Their infrastructure, services, and innovations have revolutionized communication, commerce, and connectivity, driving economic growth and social development. As Africa continues its journey towards digitalization and connectivity, these top telecommunications companies remain at the forefront, driving innovation and shaping the future of telecommunications on the continent.

Welcome to my series on the challenges facing African women. In this article, I look into the realm of political representation, delving into the disparities, barriers, and pathways toward greater gender parity in governance. Join me as I delve into the complexities of these challanges and strive for a better future for African women. In the realm of political representation, gender equality remains an elusive goal in many African countries. As of 2022, the disparity in the proportion of seats held by women across African parliaments is stark, highlighting both progress and persistent challenges. Current State of Affairs: Rwanda stands out as a beacon of progress, with an impressive 61% of parliamentary seats held by women, setting a remarkable example of gender parity in political leadership. However, this achievement stands in stark contrast to countries like Nigeria, Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau, where 10% or less of parliamentary seats are occupied by women, reflecting significant disparities in political representation. Importance of Gender Equality in Parliament Achieving gender equality in parliament is not just a matter of fairness; it is essential for effective governance and inclusive decision-making. Women make up approximately 50% of the population in Africa, yet their underrepresentation in political institutions hinders the full realization of democratic principles and equitable policymaking. Empowering women in political leadership positions not only reflects societal diversity but also brings unique perspectives and priorities to the table. Studies have shown that increased gender diversity in decision-making bodies leads to more comprehensive policy outcomes that address the needs of all citizens, contributing to social progress and economic development. Moving Forward As Africa strives for greater democracy and inclusive governance, it is imperative to prioritize efforts to increase the representation of women in parliaments across the continent. This entails implementing measures to address systemic barriers to women's political participation, including discriminatory laws, cultural norms, and institutional biases. Moreover, fostering a supportive environment that encourages women's political engagement, provides leadership training, and promotes women's rights advocacy is crucial for advancing gender equality in African parliaments. By embracing diversity and ensuring equal representation, African countries can build more resilient and inclusive democracies that reflect the voices and interests of all citizens. Please be sure to check out my other visuals in this series: Maternal Mortality Child marriage

The 2024 African Crime Index offers valuable insights into the state of crime across the continent. Crime in Africa is influenced by a variety of factors including socio-economic disparities, political instability, historical conflicts, and inadequate law enforcement resources. This index provides an estimation of the overall level of crime in various African countries, categorizing crime levels into different tiers. South Africa takes the lead in the index with a notable ranking of 75, indicating a high level of crime within the country. Joining South Africa at the top are Angola, Nigeria, and Somalia, each with rankings surpassing 65. These rankings serve as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by crime in certain regions of Africa. Crime levels between 60 and 80 are classified as high, signifying significant concerns regarding safety and security. In South Africa, factors such as socio-economic disparities, political instability, and inadequate law enforcement resources contribute to the country's high crime rate. The presence of several countries with rankings above 60 underscores the need for concerted efforts to address crime and enhance safety and security across the continent.

Welcome to our series on the challenges facing African women. In this article, we'll explore maternal mortality, examining its impact, root causes, and potential solutions. Join us as we delve into the complexities of these challanges and strive for a better future for African women. Maternal mortality remains a significant challenge in Africa, with devastating consequences for women and families across the continent. Despite progress in global health efforts, Africa continues to bear a disproportionate burden of maternal deaths, accounting for 69% of all maternal deaths worldwide in 2020. Maternal Mortality Rates in Conflict-Affected Countries Countries in Africa facing conflicts, such as Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, and others, often experience even higher maternal mortality rates. In addition to the challenges posed by conflicts themselves, these countries contend with disrupted healthcare systems, limited access to maternal healthcare services and essential medicines, and increased risk factors for maternal mortality. Challenges and Factors Contributing to Maternal Mortality Conflict exacerbates existing challenges related to maternal health, including inadequate healthcare infrastructure, shortages of skilled birth attendants, and limited access to emergency obstetric care. Displacement, insecurity, and disruptions in healthcare services further compromise maternal health outcomes, leading to higher maternal mortality rates in conflict-affected areas. Potential Solutions Addressing maternal mortality requires targeted interventions, including improving healthcare infrastructure, training more skilled birth attendants, and ensuring access to emergency obstetric care. Additionally, efforts to promote peace and stability can indirectly contribute to better maternal health outcomes. Addressing maternal mortality in conflict-affected areas requires a concerted effort that prioritizes maternal healthcare services and recognizes the unique challenges faced by women in these regions. By acknowledging and understanding the factors contributing to maternal mortality, Africa can take steps toward implementing targeted interventions and policies to improve maternal health outcomes in conflict-affected areas.

In today's interconnected world, social media has become an integral part of daily life for millions of people across the globe. And Sub-Saharan Africa is no exception. With over 384 million active users, the continent has embraced social networking as a means of communication, connection, and community building. According to a recent study, Facebook reigns supreme as the most widely used social media platform in Sub-Saharan Africa, boasting an impressive 82% of active users. From staying in touch with friends and family to accessing news and entertainment, Facebook has become a central hub for social interaction in the region. But Facebook isn't the only player in town. TikTok, the viral video-sharing app, has rapidly gained popularity in Sub-Saharan Africa, capturing the attention of 60% of active users. With its short-form videos and creative editing tools, TikTok has become a platform for self-expression and entertainment for millions of Africans. Instagram, known for its visually appealing content and emphasis on storytelling, holds strong in the region with 54% of active users. From stunning photography to behind-the-scenes glimpses of everyday life, Instagram offers a window into the diverse cultures and experiences of Sub-Saharan Africa. Twitter, the microblogging platform beloved for its real-time updates and conversations, commands the attention of 49% of active users in the region. From trending topics to social activism, Twitter serves as a virtual town square where Africans can voice their opinions, share their thoughts, and engage in meaningful dialogue. And let's not forget LinkedIn, the professional networking platform that connects professionals and businesses across the globe. While not as widely used as other social media platforms in Sub-Saharan Africa, LinkedIn still boasts a respectable 28% of active users, providing opportunities for career advancement, networking, and professional development. As the social media landscape continues to evolve, it's clear that Sub-Saharan Africa is embracing the power of digital connectivity and social networking. With millions of active users across various platforms, social media is not just a tool for communication, but a catalyst for change, creativity, and community building across the continent. So whether you're sharing moments with friends on Facebook, discovering new trends on TikTok, or networking with professionals on LinkedIn, one thing is certain: social media has become an integral part of life in Sub-Saharan Africa, shaping the way we connect, communicate, and collaborate in the digital age.

The 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), hosted in Ivory Coast, recently concluded with an exhilarating victory for the host nation. As we reflect on this prestigious tournament, it's essential to acknowledge the rich history and significance of the CAN in African football. Since its inception in 1957, the CAN has been a platform for African teams to showcase their talent and compete for continental glory. Over the years, the tournament has witnessed memorable moments, dramatic matches, and remarkable performances that have captured the hearts of football fans worldwide. One of the highlights of the CAN is undoubtedly the impressive record of Egypt, which has clinched the title a record seven times. The Pharaohs' dominance in African football is a testament to their skill, determination, and commitment to excellence on the field. Following closely behind Egypt is Cameroon, another football powerhouse in Africa, with five CAN titles to their name. The Indomitable Lions have consistently displayed their strength and resilience, making them formidable contenders in every edition of the tournament. The recent victory by Ivory Coast adds another chapter to the storied history of the CAN. The Elephants' triumph on home soil not only brings joy to their fans but also showcases the talent and determination of Ivorian footballers. Beyond the excitement of the competition itself, the CAN holds immense significance for African football and the continent as a whole. It serves as a celebration of African unity, diversity, and pride, bringing nations together in a spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship. Moreover, the CAN provides a platform for African footballers to showcase their talents on the international stage, attracting global attention and recognition. It also serves as an opportunity for African nations to showcase their culture, heritage, and hospitality to the world. In addition to its cultural and social significance, the CAN plays a crucial role in the development and growth of football across Africa. By nurturing young talent, promoting grassroots football initiatives, and investing in infrastructure and facilities, the tournament contributes to the advancement of the sport on the continent. As we look ahead to future editions of the CAN, let us continue to celebrate the rich legacy of African football and the remarkable achievements of the teams and players who have graced this prestigious tournament. In doing so, we honor the spirit of unity, passion, and excellence that defines African football and inspires millions of fans around the world.

The African e-commerce market has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, with promising prospects for further expansion. Among the leading players in this burgeoning industry is Jumia, a Pan-African technology company that has emerged as a key player in the region's online retail landscape. Founded as Africa Internet Group in 2012, Jumia has evolved into a comprehensive platform encompassing a marketplace, logistics services, and payment solutions. The marketplace offers a diverse range of products, serving the needs of consumers across various categories. One of Jumia's key strengths lies in its logistics infrastructure, which enables efficient delivery of packages through a network of local partners. This ensures timely and reliable fulfillment of orders, contributing to a positive customer experience. Additionally, Jumia's payment services facilitate secure online transactions within its ecosystem, enhancing convenience and trust among users. Despite facing some challenges, such as a slight dip in revenue in 2023, Jumia remains a dominant force in the African e-commerce landscape. In the same year, Jumia recorded $186 million in revenue, reflecting its significant market presence and continued growth trajectory. In addition to Jumia, other notable players in the African e-commerce space include Takealot and Souq. Takealot with revenues totaling $808 million in 2023, has established itself as a prominent e-commerce platform in South Africa. Similarly, Souq, with an annual revenue of $600 million, has emerged as a leading player in North Africa and the Middle East. The increasing popularity of e-commerce in Africa is underscored by the growing number of users, which Statista estimates at 434.7 million people. This burgeoning market presents lucrative opportunities for businesses to tap into the continent's vast consumer base and contribute to its economic growth. As the African e-commerce market continues to evolve and expand, innovative companies like Jumia, Takealot and Souq are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping its future trajectory. With their comprehensive offerings and commitment to delivering value to customers, these e-commerce giants are driving the digital transformation of retail in Africa.