Efforts to pull off democratic elections that could pass muster in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are hanging by a thread. Polling was a messy business, crippled by cancellations in some areas as well as intimidation, poor logistics and finally torrential rains. Nor have the country’s problems ended there: an announcement on the outcome has been delayed and all internet connectivity has been cut. But Phyllis Taoua believes the entire exercise shouldn’t be written off even though the process was far from perfect. The fact that people turned out in their millions under very difficult circumstances is compelling evidence of a commitment to making democracy work.

You’d be forgiven for thinking that life today isn’t as good as it used to be. After all, the news is so often filled with doom and gloom. And yet data show the world is becoming a much better place. Economic historian Julius Probst walks us through seven charts that show there’s a lot to be happy about.

Streaming service Netflix has tapped into Nigeria’s film industry with the comedy Lionheart. Many think this could be the beginning of a new era. But can Netflix transform Nollywood? And how significant will its impact be on the Nigerian film industry? Alessandro Jedlowski explores.