The African Union is more often in the news for things it fails to do than for its accomplishments. This week it faced a test of credibility – would it appoint a woman to a job considered to be the chief operation officer of the institution, and a person committed to continuing the drive for institutional reform? As Linda Darkwa explains, the AU passed the test by electing Monique Nsanzabaganwa, the former deputy governor of the Rwandan Central Bank, to the post.

Women have historically also found it hard to get traction in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (known as STEM) fields. Less than a third of those who choose these subjects at university level are women. The reasons for this are multifaceted, as is clear from the stories shared by four leading African women scientists. Becoming pre-eminent scientists required grit and a determination to ignore all the naysayers along the way.

For many women, powerful mentors can make all the difference to their lives. Nomfundo Xaluva shares a personal account of the impact that the iconic singer Sibongile Khumalo had on her life as well as the South African art community at large. And how she left behind a gift beyond music.

Godfred Boafo

Commissioning Editor: Ghana
The reform of the operations of the African Union is key to its future. US Department of State/Flickr

Why the African Union’s decision on a top post is being seen as a litmus test

Linda Darkwa, University of Ghana

The election of commissioners is a key step in the reform process of the African Union Commission.
When women do science, society benefits in myriad ways. Solskin/Stock image/Getty Images

Breaking the science glass ceiling: four African women share what it took

Natasha Joseph, The Conversation; Ogechi Ekeanyanwu, The Conversation; Wale Fatade, The Conversation

Less than 30% of researchers worldwide are women. The biases and perceptions that keep women and girls out of STEM must be tackled.
Sibongile Khumalo performing in London in 2009. Brigitte Engl/Redferns

The deep humanity of Sibongile Khumalo, South Africa’s iconic vocalist – and mentor

Nomfundo Xaluva, University of Cape Town

She was the glue that bound younger artists together, helping them navigate the volatile terrain of the music industry.

Arts, Culture + Society

Africa at the Football World Cup: 10 defining moments

Wycliffe W. Njororai Simiyu, University of Texas at Tyler

Will an African nation ever win the Football World Cup? Key moments in past tournaments offer hope -- and a warning that the continent needs to invest in the game.

Dissecting stories about garbage in popular culture. Why they matter

Mehita Iqani, University of the Witwatersrand

From oil disasters in Mauritius to street artists in South Africa, the story of rubbish in the media helps shape popular culture and environmental change.

Politics

Defeating Museveni can’t be achieved through international pressure alone

Moses Khisa, North Carolina State University

For those keen to advance democracy and freedom in Uganda, the starting point is to take in the lessons of history.

Ethiopia’s next poll could be more competitive. But big challenges remain

Girmachew Alemu, Addis Ababa University

Ethiopia’s party system is extremely volatile due to the prevalence of weakly institutionalised and fragmented political parties.

Health + Medicine

What it will take to produce vaccines in Nigeria: money’s just the first step

Daniel Oladimeji Oluwayelu, University of Ibadan

Giving money to support local production of COVID-19 vaccines is a step in the right direction if it will help in resuscitating Nigeria's vaccine production laboratory.

Explainer: how South Africa regulates medicines and vaccines

Andy Gray, University of KwaZulu-Natal

Advocates for medicines that are unregistered in South Africa have accused the regulatory authority of not being proactive in bringing such products to market and approving their use.

Environment + Energy

Fruit famine is causing elephants to go hungry in Gabon

Emma Bush, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE); Katharine Abernethy, University of Stirling; Robin Whytock, University of Stirling

In Gabon's Lopé National Park, between 1986 and 2018, there's been a massive collapse in tree fruiting events.

Work can be a violent experience for Zimbabwe’s forest rangers

Tafadzwa Mushonga, University of Pretoria

Forest rangers were subjected to occupational violence by their employers. This in turn can provoke a violent reaction to illegal activities, resulting in violent policing tendencies.

Science + Technology

How the emoji could help democratise online science dialogue

Marina Joubert, Stellenbosch University

In recent years, a growing body of academic research has emerged that outlines how emojis can be used in all forms of communication.

Why African countries must invest more in earth sciences

Michelle A. North, University of KwaZulu-Natal; Lauren Hoyer, University of KwaZulu-Natal; Warwick William Hastie, University of KwaZulu-Natal

It seems the production of Earth science knowledge in Africa is simply not progressing, despite the world's interest in (and exploitation of) the continent's mineral wealth.
 

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