The Conversation

he Conversation Africa is an independent source of news and views from the academic and research community, delivered direct to the public.

Our team of professional editors work with university and research institute experts to unlock their knowledge for use by the wider public.

Access to independent, high quality, authenticated, explanatory journalism underpins a functioning democracy. Our aim is to promote better understanding of current affairs and complex issues. And hopefully allow for a better quality of public discourse and conversation.

Climate Change & Global Warming

Lake Victoria: why so many fishers are dying and what can be done about it

Small-scale fishers on Lake Victoria (Africa’s largest freshwater lake, shared by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda) are drowning.

Sports

Faith Kipyegon: from walking to school in rural Kenya to setting world athletics alight

Faith Kipyegon has broken her own 1,500m world record just weeks ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics – where she has set her sights on her third consecutive gold over the distance. No athlete in history has won three Olympic 1,500m titles and it would make 2024 a huge year for the Kenyan star, who also competes in the 5,000m event.

Science & Health

Talking to teens about sex: advice for parents on when, how, what to say and why it’s so important

A large body of research has shown that teens who openly discuss sex and sexuality with their parents reduce their risky sexual behaviour, leading to improved reproductive health.

Science & Health

Nigeria is pioneering a new vaccine to fight meningitis – why this matters

The Conversation Africa asked Idris Mohammed, a professor of infectious diseases and immunology and former board chair of Nigeria’s National Programme on Immunisation, to explain the new vaccine and its likely impact.

Science & Health

Why Nuclear Energy Should Be Part of Africa’s Energy Mix

To advance nuclear power, governments need to show strong political will and put in place an enabling environment for nuclear-powered electricity. This would include coordinated action plans, proper safety regulations and strict adherence to international safety standards.

Politics & Economy

Ethiopia’s peace pacts with the Oromo Liberation Front have failed: here’s what was missing

Two attempts have been made over the past six years to broker peace between the Ethiopian government and the armed rebel group Oromo Liberation Front. The armed group was formed half a century ago with the goal of carving out an independent state for Oromia, the country’s largest regional state. Both attempts at brokering peace – in 2018 and again in 2023 – ended in failure and a return to violence. Why?

Politics & Economy

Lake Victoria: why so many fishers are dying and what can be done about it

Faith Kipyegon: from walking to school in rural Kenya to setting world athletics alight

Talking to teens about sex: advice for parents on when, how, what to say and why it’s so important

Nigeria is pioneering a new vaccine to fight meningitis – why this matters

Why Nuclear Energy Should Be Part of Africa’s Energy Mix

Ethiopia’s peace pacts with the Oromo Liberation Front have failed: here’s what was missing

Sudan Armed Forces are on a path to self-destruction – risking state collapse

Ghana’s looted Asante gold comes home (for now) – Asante ruler’s advisor tells us about the deal

Madagascar: giant tortoises have returned 600 years after they were wiped out

Grammy Awards: Africa finally has its own category – but at what cost?