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Check FAQAbout Adam
Adam Alqali is a development journalist based in Kano, Nigeria with over 5 years’ experience in investigative, fact checking, research and development reporting. He currently reports for amongst others, africacheck.org, Newsdiary online, National Review as well as African Newspage. He has reported for many Nigerian news outlets including Blueprint newspaper; a Nigerian daily notable for its exclusive coverage of the Boko Haram insurgency. As Kano correspondent for Blueprint, he wrote investigative reports on the economic implications of the Boko Haram insurgency on economic activities in the city as well as the human rights abuses of the military-police Joint Task Force (JTF) against the civilian population of Kano State. Mr Alqali is a 2015 grantee of the Nigeria Investigative Reporting Project (NIRP) funded by the Ford Foundation for the Oga Lecturer project; an investigative journalism initiative aimed at exposing sexual harassment by lecturers in Nigerian tertiary institutions. He was a grantee of the French Institute for Research Africa (IFRA) Nigeria on the Invisible Violence in Rural Nigeria Research Project (2014) and also a grantee of the Human Rights Abuses in the Context of Insurgent Violence in Northern Nigeria Research Project funded by the Mac Arthur Foundation (2014).
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Fact Checking
Current Affairs
Fact Checking
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Only Domestic Funding will Help Africa Create Prosperity through STI
Dr. Ahmed Hamdy, Executive Director of the AU-STRC, emphasizes the need for increased domestic funding for Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) in Africa to achieve prosperity. He discusses the AU-STRC's efforts in promoting STI through initiatives like the African Union Research Grant and the African Scientific, Research and Innovation Council. Despite progress, he highlights the challenge of inadequate funding from AU Member States and stresses the importance of political will and investment in STI. Hamdy also addresses the implementation of the Science Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa 2024 (STISA-2024) and the need to curb brain drain by creating attractive conditions for scientists.
Surge Africa’s nature-based solutions boosting Nigerian farmers’ resilience to climate change
Surge Africa's nature-based solutions are significantly improving the resilience of Nigerian farmers to climate change. Farmers like Hassan, Auwalu Sani, and Raiya Ali have seen substantial improvements in crop yields and livelihoods through sustainable land management practices such as agroforestry and agroecology. Nasreen Al-Amin, founder of Surge Africa, emphasizes the sustainability and low-cost nature of these methods, which are scalable and replicable. Despite challenges from inorganic farming practices, Surge Africa's approach is gaining traction, with calls for government collaboration to expand these interventions. Dr. Rufai Usman supports these methods as effective and essential for building a climate-resilient economy in Nigeria.
Germany Will Continuously Remain Africa’s Strong Partner
Dr. Tobias Thiel, Director of GIZ Office to the African Union, discusses Germany's commitment to Africa through the BMZ's New Africa Strategy, focusing on trade, migration, peace, security, and public health. He emphasizes the transformative potential of the AfCFTA for intra-African trade and the AU's industrialization agenda. Thiel also addresses the importance of the AU-Free Movement Protocol in conjunction with the AfCFTA, the challenges of unconstitutional changes in government, and the support for the Africa CDC in strengthening pandemic preparedness. Germany's collaboration with the AU is portrayed as a strong and continuous partnership.
WLFI-NRT2: Towards Closing Wealth-Gender Gap in Nigeria
The Nigeria chapter of New Faces, New Voices (NFNV-Nigeria) hosted its 2nd National Roundtable on Women Leadership and Financial Inclusion (WLFI-NRT2) to address the wealth-gender gap in Nigeria. The event focused on strategies for economic inclusion and evaluated policies necessary for closing this gap. Key speakers, including Mrs. Aishatu Debola Aminu and Ms. Aishah Ahmad, highlighted the importance of financial literacy and inclusive policies. The roundtable also saw the launch of several policy documents and research reports aimed at promoting gender equality and economic growth in Nigeria.
The hurdles of traversing Africa amidst Covid-19 pandemic
Adam Alqali shares his personal experiences traveling across Africa during the Covid-19 pandemic, highlighting significant challenges such as health regulations, visa issues, and poor flight connectivity. He recounts various incidents, including difficulties in obtaining visas, flight cancellations, and the impact of new travel regulations. Alqali emphasizes the need for African leaders to implement policies like the AU Free Movement Protocol and the Single Air African Transport Market to ease mobility and address transport infrastructure challenges within the continent.
AfCFTA: Media engagement as the missing link
The article emphasizes the urgent need for a sustained media campaign to bridge the gap between the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the media. It highlights the significant milestones and potential benefits of AfCFTA, including economic growth, poverty reduction, and increased intra-African trade. The text calls for more intensive media engagement to educate and sensitize African citizens, counter misinformation, and convert skeptics into advocates. It also underscores the importance of using various media channels, including entertainment media, to promote the AfCFTA message.
When Africa celebrated diamond jubilee of Organization of African Unity (OAU)
The article commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), highlighting its historical role in decolonization and the end of apartheid. It discusses the transition to the African Union (AU) and the ongoing challenges of political instability, conflicts, and economic integration in Africa. Key figures like Kwame Nkrumah and current leaders such as Azali Assoumani and Abiy Ahmed emphasize the need for unity and leveraging Africa's potential to achieve Agenda 2063. The AU's efforts in conflict resolution and socio-economic development are acknowledged, though criticisms persist regarding its effectiveness in addressing coups and violent conflicts.
AfCFTA Business Forum: Promoting a private sector-friendly environment for AfCFTA’s implementation
The inaugural AfCFTA Business Forum, hosted by the AfCFTA Secretariat and the Republic of South Africa, aimed to promote a private sector-friendly environment for the implementation of the AfCFTA. Held in Cape Town, the forum focused on accelerating intra-African trade and investment, featuring discussions on key sectors like agro-processing, automotive, pharmaceuticals, transportation, and digital trade. Key speakers, including AfCFTA Secretary General Wamkele Mene and former Niger President Mahamadou Issoufou, emphasized the critical role of the private sector in driving trade and economic integration. The forum also highlighted the importance of including women and youth-led SMEs in the trade initiatives. The event underscored the need for improved access to finance, better infrastructure, and the adoption of advanced technologies to boost Africa's competitiveness.
DFS-2: Catalyzing Public-Private Partnerships for Africa's infrastructure development
The 2nd Dakar Financing Summit for Africa’s Infrastructure Development (DFS-2) was held in Diamniadio, Senegal, to mobilize support for the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa’s 2nd Priority Action Plan (PIDA PAP2). The summit aimed to catalyze public, private, and mixed-funding for infrastructure projects across energy, transportation, water, and ICT sectors. Key figures like AUDA-NEPAD CEO Nardos Bekele-Thomas, AUC Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, and AU Chairman Macky Sall emphasized the need for innovative financing and political will to overcome Africa's infrastructure deficits. The summit concluded with the Dakar Declaration, calling for strengthened risk mitigation systems and innovative financing models to accelerate private investment in Africa’s infrastructure.
Green infrastructure central to 2nd PIDA action plan, says NEPAD CEO
The CEO of AUDA-NEPAD, Nardos Bekele-Thomas, emphasized the importance of climate change and sustainability in the 2nd Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa Priority Action Plan (PIDA PAP II), adopted by the African Union in 2021. The plan, worth $160 billion, includes 69 projects across energy, ICT, transportation, and water sectors, to be implemented over a decade. The second Dakar Financing Summit aims to mobilize private sector investment for 20 priority projects to boost socio-economic development and intra-African trade under AfCFTA. AUDA-NEPAD has developed mechanisms to ensure these projects are sustainable and financially viable.
How we’ll mobilise domestic resources for Africa’s infrastructure development - Raila Odinga
Raila Odinga, the African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development, discusses the challenges and potential solutions for Africa's infrastructural development. He highlights the lack of financial resources and technical capacity as major inhibitors and emphasizes the need for feasibility studies and project design to attract funding. Odinga advocates for leveraging domestic resources such as sovereign wealth, pensions, and insurance funds to finance infrastructure projects. He underscores the importance of partnerships between African governments and the private sector and calls for the creation of a legal framework and a continental regulatory body to facilitate investment. Key players like Aliko Dangote and Strive Masiyiwa are encouraged to participate in these efforts.
Why Africa’s trade, industrialization agendas must be intertwined
Pamela Coke-Hamilton, executive director of the International Trade Centre (ITC), discusses the intertwined nature of Africa's trade and industrialization agendas, emphasizing the importance of their complementarity. She highlights ITC's various programs, including SheTrades, ecomConnect, and Alliances for Action, which support economic growth, women's empowerment, and climate-smart agriculture. The ITC's efforts at the 2022 Africa Industrialization Week included presenting studies on value chains, mapping the private sector, and launching a glossary of AfCFTA-related terms. Additionally, ITC's work on sustainable green industrialization and support for SMEs in making the low-carbon transition were discussed.
When industrialization became a centrepiece of Africa's agenda
The African Union Summit on Industrialization and Economic Diversification, along with an Extraordinary Session on the African Continental Free Trade Area, took place on November 25 in Niamey, Niger. Despite past industrialization efforts, Africa has seen limited progress, necessitating a renewed commitment to sustainable industrialization as part of the AU's Agenda 2063. The summit aimed to generate political momentum and partnerships for Africa's industrialization, leveraging natural resources and competitive advantages. Key speakers included Moussa Faki Mahamat, Mohamed Bazoum, Macky Sall, Akinwumi Adesina, and Benedict Oramah, who discussed the importance of addressing energy, infrastructure, and trade barriers, as well as the need for capable institutions to implement industrial policies.
Ahead of AU’s 17th extraordinary summit, Executive Council meets in Niamey
The Executive Council of the African Union convened in Niamey, Niger, ahead of the 17th Extraordinary Summit focused on industrialization and economic diversification, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The summits aim to address Africa's economic fragility exposed by global crises and emphasize the need for intra-African trade and industrial development. Key figures, including Moussa Faki Mahamat and Aissata Tall Sall, highlighted the importance of reducing dependence on external economies and leveraging Africa's resources for inclusive growth. The session also saw the launch of new AfCFTA operational tools to facilitate trade and industrialization.
AU: Promoting the Triple Nexus — Peace, Security and Development
The African Union Policy Conference on the Triple Nexus between peace, security, and development emphasized the interdependence of these elements for sustainable progress in Africa. Held in Tangier, Morocco, the conference gathered stakeholders from various sectors to discuss strategies for promoting regional integration and stability. Key recommendations included establishing an AU Development Fund, enhancing coordination among Triple Nexus entities, and institutionalizing the Tangier Process. The conference underscored the significant impact of conflicts on development and the necessity of integrating security considerations into development initiatives. The event concluded with the adoption of the Tangier Declaration, outlining a roadmap for cooperation to achieve lasting peace in Africa.
tralac’s 20th anniversary conference underscores AfCFTA’s role in Africa’s economic recovery
The 2022 tralac Annual Conference, marking its 20th anniversary, emphasized the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a key driver for Africa's economic recovery and integration. Held in Nairobi, Kenya, the conference addressed issues such as food security, climate change, and trade governance. Key speakers highlighted the importance of intra-African trade, intellectual property rights, and the need for resilient health and economic systems. The event underscored the AfCFTA's potential to mitigate global shocks and foster inclusive development, with support from international agencies like SIDA and GIZ.
AfCFTA Guided Trade Initiative set for launch Friday
The AfCFTA Secretariat will launch the AfCFTA Guided Trade Initiative at Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Ghana, to enable commercially meaningful trade and test AfCFTA’s legal and trade policy environment. The initiative involves eight countries trading goods under AfCFTA preferential tariffs, aiming to foster collective development and prosperity. The AfCFTA, a flagship project of the AU Agenda 2063, seeks to create a single market for goods and services and boost intra-African trade. The article highlights the establishment of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) and the adoption of the Ministerial Directive on Provisional Schedules of Tariffs Concessions.
Surge Africa’s nature-based solutions boosting Nigerian farmers’ resilience to climate change
Surge Africa, a nonprofit organization, is implementing nature-based solutions to enhance climate resilience among smallholder farmers in northern Nigeria. Farmers like Mustapha Hassan, Auwalu Sani, and Raiya Ali have seen significant improvements in their crop yields and livelihoods after adopting sustainable land management practices taught by Surge Africa. The organization's founder, Nasreen Al-Amin, emphasizes the sustainability and low-tech approach of these practices, which include agroforestry and agroecology. Despite challenges such as the prevalence of inorganic farming and limited reach, Surge Africa's methods are gaining interest for their cost-effectiveness and potential for scalability. Climate resilience expert Dr Rufai Usman endorses these strategies and calls for government action to expand the coverage of such interventions to combat climate change's impacts and support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
How AfCFTA implementation will benefit from experiences of RECs’ Free Trade Areas
Dr Ken Ukaoha discusses the potential benefits and challenges of implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by drawing lessons from the experiences of Regional Economic Communities (RECs) like ECOWAS. He emphasizes the importance of leveraging AfCFTA for Africa's industrialization and food security, while cautioning against allowing third parties to undermine the agreement. Ukaoha highlights the need for strong political will, a stringent sanction mechanism, and an effective Dispute Settlement Mechanism to ensure the success of AfCFTA. He also points out the necessity of addressing issues like smuggling, drug peddling, and non-tariff barriers to trade.
Mainstreaming citizens’ voices in Africa’s campaign against undemocratic power shifts
Africa is facing a rise in unconstitutional changes of government (UCG), prompting the African Union (AU) to host forums and sessions to address the issue. The AU's Reflection Forum on UCG in Accra, Ghana, and the 16th Extraordinary Session on Terrorism and UCG in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, led to the adoption of the Malabo Declaration. The Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) in collaboration with the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and the AU Commission hosted a Citizens’ Forum in Lusaka, Zambia, emphasizing the need for citizen participation in democracy and governance. The Forum concluded with recommendations for the AU to review its legal frameworks, engage civil society in peace and security efforts, and ensure the implementation of the AU Transitional Justice Policy. The Forum also called for Member States to address the root causes of UCG and comply with AU Shared values.
Youth inventiveness crucial to solving Africa’s security challenges
Dr. Rhuks Ako, coordinator of the African Union’s Youth for Peace (Y4P) Africa programme, discusses the program's efforts since its 2018 launch to amplify youth voices in peace and security matters. The program has facilitated significant initiatives, including the creation of a Continental Framework for Youth Peace and Security and the appointment of regional African Youth Ambassadors for Peace. Ako emphasizes the inherent value of youth beyond their population size, highlighting their contributions during the Covid-19 pandemic and their role in leveraging current technologies to address peace and security challenges.
Malawi’s President Chakwera keynotes APSS Series 2
President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi, also the chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), delivered a keynote address at the Africa Private Sector Summit (APSS) Series 2, emphasizing the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) for regional economic growth. He highlighted Malawi's pioneering role in inter-regional trade under AfCFTA and called for policy changes to facilitate free movement across African borders. The summit, hosted by various African economic and academic organizations, focused on fostering strategic alliances to overcome trade barriers and promote economic integration. Key challenges discussed included infrastructure deficits, misinformation about AfCFTA, and the need for academic involvement in trade integration efforts.
X-Raying funding gaps in Nigeria’s epidemic preparedness
Nigeria's epidemic preparedness is critically underfunded, with significant gaps at federal, state, and local government levels. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) faces financial constraints, relying heavily on donor funding. Despite the 2018-2022 National Action Plan for Health Security, implementation has been slow due to inadequate funding and political will. Experts highlight the economic and health consequences of this underfunding, urging the government to invest more in epidemic preparedness to ensure a resilient health security infrastructure.
How active community case search transformed testing in Kano State
Kano State's innovative community testing strategy for COVID-19 involved mass sampling exercises, resulting in a significant number of tests and the identification of positive cases, which helped reduce community transmission. The strategy was a collaborative effort between the state government, NCDC, Africa CDC, and other partners. Despite initial challenges and misconceptions about the virus, the community testing approach led to a consistent drop in reported cases, demonstrating its effectiveness. However, the discontinuation of community testing raises concerns about the sustainability of the strategy and the ability to monitor the virus's burden.
Why African countries can’t hold extractive companies accountable for taxes, revenues
Alvin Mosioma, executive director of Tax Justice Network Africa, discusses the significant impact of Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) on African development, highlighting the loss of up to USD50 billion annually. He emphasizes the need for increased transparency, better fiscal regimes, and stronger governance to curb these outflows. Mosioma critiques the global financial system for facilitating resource outflows and underscores the importance of the African Mining Vision (AMV) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in addressing these challenges. However, he notes the lack of political will and the exacerbating effects of the COVID-19 crisis on achieving these goals.
AUDA-NEPAD’s Africa Day 2020 convening reechoes African solutions to development challenges
The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) hosted a high-level webinar on Africa Day 2020, focusing on African solutions to development challenges in peace, security, public health, and socioeconomic development. The discussion emphasized the importance of silencing the guns in Africa, a key goal of Agenda 2063, and highlighted the impact of COVID-19 on these efforts. Key speakers, including AUDA-NEPAD CEO Dr. Ibrahim Mayaki and AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene, discussed leveraging continental value chains and opportunities like the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The webinar also addressed the role of youth in development and the need for innovation in tackling Africa's challenges.
Why AUDA-NEPAD founded Agenda 2063 Media Network
The Agenda 2063 Media Network, initiated by the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) in April 2017, aims to enhance media coverage of Agenda 2063, Africa's strategic framework for socio-economic transformation. The network seeks to bridge the gap between policymakers and citizens by increasing awareness and engagement at regional and national levels. Significant progress has been made in various areas, including peace and security, with ongoing efforts to compile a comprehensive report for the upcoming AU Summit in January 2020. The transformation of NEPAD into AUDA has broadened the agency's mandate, enabling more effective implementation of Agenda 2063.
All hands on deck in Kano State as Nigeria on track to being declared polio-free
Kano State, once the epicenter of Nigeria's polio epidemic, has made significant progress in eradicating the disease, achieving 92% coverage by early 2019. This turnaround was due to strategic interventions such as establishing an effective incident management system, robust cold chain infrastructure, and engaging community through traditional and religious institutions. High-level political support and integrated disease surveillance and response also played crucial roles. The state's efforts were supported by partnerships with organizations like WHO, UNICEF, CORE Group, and foundations like Bill & Melinda Gates and Dangote. Despite challenges, including a ban on vaccines in 2003 and attacks on vaccinators by Boko Haram, Kano's comprehensive approach has put Nigeria on track to be declared polio-free.
INTERVIEW: “It’s time world science journalism conference come to Africa”
Christophe Bourillon, executive director of the World Federation of Science Journalists (WFSJ), emphasizes the importance of science journalism in developing economies and the need for the World Conference of Science Journalists to be held in Africa. He highlights the challenges and achievements of African science journalists and outlines plans to strengthen their capacity through better communication, training, and job opportunities. Bourillon also discusses the upcoming WCSJ2019 in Lausanne and the potential for regional conferences to address the unique needs of science journalists in different regions.
INTERVIEW: “Why we founded the Nigerian Youth SDGs Network” - Joshua Alade
Joshua Alade, the convener of the Nigerian Youth SDGs Network, discusses the inspiration and goals behind the newly formed coalition aimed at achieving youth inclusion in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria. The network seeks to harmonize and enhance youth engagements around the Global Goals, creating a unified platform for monitoring and tracking progress. Despite challenges such as lack of funding, the network has gained significant traction, hosting the first Nigerian Youth SDGs Summit and attracting numerous youth organizations. Alade emphasizes the importance of youth participation in the SDGs, given their significant population and potential to address issues like poverty, unemployment, and education. The network aims to raise awareness about the SDGs among Nigerian youth and facilitate direct engagement with the government to ensure effective implementation.
Life and death: Children’s battle with malnutrition in northern Nigeria
Nigeria faces a severe malnutrition crisis, particularly in its northern regions, where 2.2 million children suffer from severe acute malnutrition. The article highlights the case of six-month-old Aisha Bilya, who is severely malnourished, and discusses the broader socio-economic and health implications of malnutrition in Nigeria. Despite some efforts by organizations like UNICEF and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, the lack of consistent government funding and political will remains a significant barrier to addressing the crisis. The article calls for increased investment in nutrition and public health, as well as social and behavioral change communication to educate communities on proper nutrition practices.
Aid diversion and hunger in northeastern Nigeria
The article discusses the plight of over 2 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in northeastern Nigeria, particularly in Yobe state, who continue to suffer from hunger and malnutrition despite significant humanitarian aid efforts. The Boko Haram insurgency has displaced these individuals and claimed over 20,000 lives. Allegations of corruption and inefficiency plague government agencies like NEMA and SEMAs, with reports of aid being diverted by local officials, politicians, and relief agency staff. International organizations such as the ICRC, ACF, and UN agencies face logistical challenges in delivering aid. The article highlights instances where IDPs have not received the intended aid, with some even resorting to stealing from fellow IDPs out of desperation. The lack of needs assessment by NEMA and SEMA leads to inappropriate aid distribution, causing IDPs to sell relief items for essential goods. The involvement of civil society organizations in the aid delivery process is minimal, leading to a lack of transparency and accountability.
Aid diversion and hunger in northeastern Nigeria
Despite significant humanitarian aid, over 2 million displaced victims of the Boko Haram insurgency in northeastern Nigeria, particularly in Yobe state, continue to face severe hunger and malnutrition. Government agencies and local officials have been accused of diverting aid meant for internally displaced persons (IDPs), leading to widespread corruption and inefficiency. International organizations like the ICRC and UN agencies also face logistical challenges in delivering aid. The lack of proper needs assessment and coordination exacerbates the situation, leaving many IDPs without essential resources and forcing them to rely on menial jobs or wild vegetables for survival.
Follow The Money expresses shock over failure to commence remediation of Shikira community
Follow The Money, a nonprofit organization, has expressed shock over the Nigerian government's failure to announce a commencement date for remediation work in Shikira community, affected by lead contamination. Despite the Environment Minister Amina Mohammed declaring the situation a national disaster and N300 million allocated in the 2016 budget for cleanup, no progress has been made. The rainy season threatens to exacerbate the situation, which has already claimed 28 lives and affected over 300 children. Follow The Money urges transparency and accountability in the use of funds and calls for the prosecution of negligent individuals.
Is The APC Really The Face Of 'Change' In Nigeria? We Assess Their Claims
The article critically examines the claims made by Nigeria's All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the March 28 presidential election, comparing them with evidence and counter-evidence. It assesses the APC's statements on electricity, roads, pensions, schools, revenue, and hospitals, finding some claims to be exaggerated or false while others hold some truth. The article highlights the political landscape, with the APC making significant gains and posing a serious challenge to the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Key figures such as Muhammadu Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan are discussed, along with various state-level developments and public opinions on infrastructure and services.
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