The Gambia faces mounting challenges as its population surges. The West African nation, known as "The Smiling Coast," expects 3.5 million residents by 2025, growing at 3.1% yearly. This rapid increase strains resources and social services, leading to rising crime, poverty, and land disputes.
Youth make up a significant portion of the population, with 43% under age 15. This demographic shift creates pressure on job markets and public services. Many young people struggle to find work, sparking widespread frustration.
Crime rates have climbed amid these economic pressures. The Gambian Police Force reported a 15% rise in offenses from 2020 to 2021. Young people often turn to gangs when faced with limited options.
Poverty affects nearly...
The Gambia Football Federation announced Wednesday that Mariama "Bom" Sowe has been appointed as interim head coach of the Gambia women's national football team.
Sowe returns to the position after being replaced by Yahya Manneh last year. Manneh has since taken over as head coach of the country's Under-17 male squad.
As one of few Gambian coaches holding a CAF B license, Sowe brings extensive training from both domestic and international coaching programs. Under her previous leadership, the team secured its first WAFU-A bronze medal at the 2023 tournament in Sal, Cape Verde.
The coach has already begun preparations for the upcoming African Women's Nations Cup qualifiers. She has called up 25 players from the GFF first and...
Mighty Warriors Coach Serima Wins Top Honor at Youth Tournament.
Zimbabwe women's national team assistant coach Primrose Serima earned "Coach of the Tournament" honors at the Jadel Football Academy tournament last Saturday in Belgravia Sports Club.
The former midfielder led Jadel Zimbabwe to the finals as the only female head coach among eight teams. Her squad fell 1-0 to Jadel China in the championship match of the 8-aside competition.
"This award means a lot for my coaching journey," Serima said. "The tournament was very competitive. Being picked as the best gives me great confidence."
Her success comes ahead of joining the Mighty Warriors camp this Sunday. Zimbabwe faces Angola in two matches for the 2026 WAFCON qualifiers. The...
Zimbabwe Sets Grain Prices, Farmers Await Tobacco Season Details.
The Grain Marketing Board has set maize and traditional grain prices at US$335 per tonne. Though farmers welcome the price, many say the late announcement limited their planning options.
Pre-planting prices help farmers decide what crops to grow and how much land to use. These early figures let them estimate costs and profits before the season starts. Banks often consider these prices when approving farm loans.
Several farmers reported they might have planted more traditional grains had they known the prices earlier. The Board has yet to announce how payments will be split between US dollars and Zimbabwe's new ZiG currency, creating uncertainty for producers.
As the...
Zimbabwe Expresses Support for Cuba Amid US Sanctions.
Zimbabwe has declared its support for Cuba following new US economic measures against the Caribbean nation. The US recently placed Cuba back on its list of state sponsors of terrorism, drawing criticism from multiple nations.
Zimbabwe officials point to shared experiences with Cuba under US sanctions. Both countries face economic pressures aimed at changing their political systems.
"Cuba remains strong despite decades of economic blockades and pressure," said a statement from Zimbabwe's government. "These new measures target Cuban citizens' peace and welfare."
The US actions stem from policies dating back to the Monroe Doctrine. Critics say these rules aim to maintain US...
SADC Takes Firm Stance on DRC Crisis After Peacekeepers' Deaths.
SADC Chairman President Emmerson Mnangagwa pledged decisive action regarding the deteriorating security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following attacks that killed 13 peacekeepers.
Nine South African soldiers, along with troops from Malawi and Uruguay, lost their lives in clashes with M23 rebels near Goma. The rebels seized the city, causing widespread displacement and humanitarian concerns.
"SADC will assume its full responsibility and take action to deal with the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in Eastern DRC," Mnangagwa said in a statement Monday. "Those responsible for the situation should be held accountable."
The...
Zimbabwe Tightens Controls on Presidential Farm Input Program After Theft.
The Zimbabwe government has ordered stricter measures for its Presidential Input Programme following recent cases of theft. Officials must prevent leakages and ensure farm supplies reach the intended farmers.
The directive follows a major theft in Ward 7 of Tsholotsho District, Matabeleland North Province. A vehicle disappeared carrying 400 bags of Urea fertilizer (50kg each), 30 bags of sunflower seed (10kg each), and 100 bottles of Imidacloprid chemicals (200 ml each). Police have arrested three suspects, and investigations are continuing.
Professor Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, announced that...
Trump Halts Colombia Tariff Threat After Migration Deal.
The White House said it reached a deal with Colombia on migrant returns Sunday night, ending a brief trade dispute.
President Trump had threatened Colombia with steep tariffs after the country blocked U.S. deportation flights. His plan included a 25 percent tax on Colombian goods, rising to 50 percent in a week.
The dispute started when Colombia rejected U.S. military planes carrying deported migrants. Trump responded with plans for visa bans on Colombian officials and stricter customs checks.
"These measures are just the beginning," Trump posted on Truth Social. He claimed Colombia broke legal duties by refusing returned migrants.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later...
Victoria Falls Financial Hub Draws Global Interest.
Zimbabwe's new offshore investment center in Victoria Falls attracted strong investor attention at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube led talks with potential backers last week.
The hub aims to bring foreign money into the Victoria Falls Special Economic Zone. It offers tax breaks and simple rules for cross-border deals.
"We met investors eager to place funds in the center," Ncube said. These backers promised to promote the project in their home markets.
The center runs on U.S. dollars and provides land for international banks. It includes the Victoria Falls Exchange, which opened in 2020. Companies list there to trade in dollars and move funds freely...
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