Ponzi Scheme Rocks Benin

I am not sure what to compare this Ponzi scheme to - the Wall Street collapse of 2008 or the internet scams? But an elaborate Ponzi scheme in Benin is threatening to bring the entire economy to its knees.
"Some had waited days outside the yellowing government structure, spending the night under a huge mango tree. Others in the crowd spoke of suicides and deaths from hypertension because of the losses. They brandished official-looking “I.C.C.” contracts with the Statue of Liberty and the stamps and seals that are a staple of West African officialdom. They said they had been enticed by seeing members of the government on television with I.C.C. officials."

Dangerous Being an Albino

It is a dangerous business being an Albino in some parts of Africa. This is because Albinos are being killed for the ignorant belief that their body parts may be used in potions that mystically generate wealth. Good to know that governments are cracking down on this dangerous practice.

Less Tears Over Water

This amazing experiment in water supply in Malawi is a good example of the fine things that may happen if ordinary people are given control of important elements of their lives. Amid a dilapidated water structure, this people-run water cooperative thrives.

Killing People to Save Animals

The travesty of conservationism in Africa. Isn't there a more humane way to do conservation?

India and Singapore Go to Gabon

India and Singapore invest in Gabon. FlourishingAfrica hopes the fruits of this investment will be visible.

Angelique Kidjo's Muse

A candid essay by the great singer from Benin.
"My dream is to see every little girl in Benin have the chance I had right after independence: access to a great and sustained education. It has allowed me to accomplish all of my aspirations: sharing with the world the beauty of my culture and my people. Today’s Beninese girls should be given the same opportunity."

Dying to Leave Africa

While much has improved in some African countries in recent years, the phenomenon of people risking their lives to leave the continent is one which must be seriously addressed by African governments. If Africans are not dying in the Mediterranean Sea trying to reach Spain, being thrown into the sea by unwary Chinese sea-people, or in the Gulf of Aden as pirates trying to benefit from the chaos in Somalia, they are dying at the border between Egypt and Israel as they struggle to leave the continent by all means possible. This is a state of affairs that urgently needs to be addressed.