Kenya sets new accelerated target for fiber rollout
Access, Infrastructure, Telecommunications infrastructure UpdatesKenya is optimistic about achieving its ambitious goal of deploying 100,000 kilometers of optical fiber to underserved areas, now aiming to complete it within the next two years instead of five.
Ghana’s National Communications Authority(NCA) approves Starlink launch
Access, Infrastructure, Telecommunications infrastructure UpdatesGhana's National Communications Authority (NCA) has approved SpaceX Starlink GH LTD to provide satellite broadband services in the country.
Kenya’s UK High Commissioner Manoah Esipisu named Africa’s diplomat of the year
UpdatesManoah Esipisu, Kenya’s High Commissioner to the UK, was named the 2024 Diplomat of the Year from Africa at the Diplomat of the Year Awards in London on April 22, 2024. Hosted by DIPLOMAT magazine, the awards, now in their fourteenth year, recognize the achievements of London’s diplomatic community.
East Africa outages highlight Africa’s Internet vulnerabilities
Access, Infrastructure, Telecommunications infrastructure UpdatesRecent damage to undersea cables supplying internet to African countries has raised concerns about the continent's network vulnerabilities. This incident marks the third major disruption in 2024.
Digital Solidarity: At the Heart of the new US Diplomatic Strategy
Cybersecurity, Digital diplomacy, Economic diplomacy, Foreign policy, Multilateral diplomacy UpdatesThe United States's Department of State introduces a new strategy to promote digital solidarity and shape international technology governance. Digital solidarity involves working together on shared goals, building capacity, and providing mutual support in the use of digital technologies in a rights-respecting manner. The strategy aims to support allies, especially emerging economies, in seizing opportunities presented by new technologies and pursuing economic and development goals. It aligns approaches to technology governance, fosters partnerships with civil society and the private sector, and prioritizes cybersecurity resilience. The Department of State will focus on four areas of action: building a secure and resilient digital ecosystem, promoting rights-respecting approaches to digital governance, countering threats in cyberspace, and strengthening international partners' digital and cyber capacity.
European court of human rights upholds climate change claim against Switzerland
Climate diplomacy UpdatesThe European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has upheld a claim by the Verein KlimaSeniorinnen (Climate Seniors’ Association) that Switzerland failed to protect its citizens from climate change. The court ruled that Switzerland violated Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which safeguards private and family life. Switzerland is now required to implement regulations to meet its emission reduction targets set by the Paris accords. The decision has been praised by environmentalists and the country's Greens, but criticized by the populist Swiss People's Party (SVP). In the UK, the ruling has furthered the skepticism of some Tories towards the ECtHR.
Iranian and Tanzanian foreign ministers discuss diplomacy, call for enhanced relations
Bilateral diplomacy UpdatesThe Iranian and Tanzanian Foreign Ministers held discussions centered on diplomacy and emphasized the need to broaden their countries' relations.
Algerian railway project aids China’s iron ore supply security
Bilateral diplomacy UpdatesAlgeria's Gara Djebilet iron ore mine holds significant reserves of 3.5 billion tonnes, presenting an opportunity for China to diversify its iron ore sources and reduce supply risks. To facilitate access to these reserves, China's state-owned CRCC is contributing to the construction of a vital railway network connecting the mine to Algeria's national rail system. This collaboration underscores the strategic partnership between Algeria and China in the mining industry
Vietnam’s “bamboo diplomacy”: establishing strategic partnerships while ensuring independence and security.
Bamboo diplomacy, Semiconductor diplomacy UpdatesVietnam's foreign minister, Bui Thanh Son, discussed Vietnam's "bamboo diplomacy" at a Brookings Institution event. He highlighted how Vietnam has successfully formed strategic partnerships with the U.S. and China while maintaining independence and security. The use of bamboo symbolizes Vietnam's approach to diplomacy, with sturdy stems representing upholding principles of international law and flexible branches representing respect for partners. Vietnam aims to stabilize U.S.-China relations, particularly in addressing climate change. The partnership between the U.S. and Vietnam focuses on technology transfer, investment, trade, people-to-people connections, and combating climate change. Vietnam also holds critical minerals necessary for high-tech manufacturing. Trade between the U.S. and Vietnam has significantly increased over the past 30 years. The future depends on strengthening trust and respecting each other's political systems.
Philip Thigo named Kenya’s special envoy for technology
Tech diplomacy UpdatesPhilip Thigo Appointed Special Technology Envoy by Kenyan President
