History tells us that while elements of competition and inclusion strengthen multiparty systems, too much of either can be fatal to the process of democratisation.
Nigeria’s plans for a new modern city need to be boosted so that they deliver a metropolis like the Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi.
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Rather than just becoming a financial venture, the Eko Atlantic experiment can be carried further at no extra cost to become the hub to transform good governance in Nigeria and West Africa.
During his upcoming visit to Washington, Muhammadu Buhari should soak up as much as he can about how to manage difficult economic conditions.
EPA/Deji Yake
Muhammadu Buhari could learn some useful lessons from Barack Obama when they meet in Washington, particularly on how to get an economy back on its feet.
The world was surprised when the usually peaceful country of Mali suffered a coup in 2012.
Reuters/Joe Penney
What are the early warning signs of threats to the stability of African democracies? The signs could be seen in Mali before it exploded in 2012. Ghana and others would do well learn from Mali.
To Palestinian students fed up with Fatah and imprisoned by politics, Africa’s maturing democracies are a source of inspiration.
Prospective students storm the gates at the University of Johannesburg in 2012. The demand for universities is soaring across Africa.
Adrian de Kock/EPA
There is more to drawing diaspora academics back to their home countries in Africa than striking up individual relationships. Infrastructure must be fixed and institutional management must improve.
Buhari has a lot to prove after landslide election.
'STR/EPA'
Former presidents Thabo Mbeki and Olusegun Obasanjo led confidently on African affairs because they were elected by comfortable majorities at home and had solid control of their political parties.
Celebrations as Muhammadu Buhari takes office.
EPA/Deji Yake
Nigeria has been among the fastest growing economies this past decade but only 25% of the country’s population has benefited from this growth, leaving the majority trapped in the informal sector.
Nigeria managed to stem the spread of ebola in Lagos, a densely populated city of 21 million people.
Reuters/Juda Ngwenya
The fast thinking Nigerian government used a tried and tested tracking system and pooled expertise to contain the ebola virus in three months.
Despite increases in education attainment, the educated youth in sub-Saharan Africa find that there are no jobs suited to their levels of education.
Reuters/Afolabi Sotunde
School enrolment rates in sub-Saharan Africa have increased markedly in recent years, but it is failing its newly educated young by not creating jobs commensurate with their education.
The relationship between Nigeria and South Africa has again been strained following xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Reuters/Mike Hutchings
The expected departure of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Nigeria’s finance minister will leave Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa without a significant voice in the IMF and World Bank.
African nations can look to Nigeria and Tanzania for recent examples of smart policies that boost the middle class.
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