Zambia

people behind a glass door at a table

Wagner mercenary group recruits Africans held in Russian prisons

In recent months, reports have emerged that at least two men, one from Zambia and another from Tanzania, were killed while fighting for the Wagner group in Ukraine. Wagner reportedly recruited the men from Russian prisons, promising them amnesty. 

Wagner mercenary group recruits Africans held in Russian prisons
A collage of video screenshots that feature Africans exploited for profit in a growing trend known as "blessings videos."

A new documentary uncovers the story behind China’s racist ‘blessings video’ trend

A new documentary uncovers the story behind China’s racist ‘blessings video’ trend
University Teaching Hospital in the capital Lusaka, Zambia is home to the first neurology residency program in the country. The program has trained seven neurologists since starting in 2018.

'We're seeing the tip of the iceberg': Neurologists in Zambia upend understandings of multiple sclerosis in the region

'We're seeing the tip of the iceberg': Neurologists in Zambia upend understandings of multiple sclerosis in the region
a drop of blood being placed onto a slide

A second HIV patient has been ‘cured,’ but researchers say reducing cases is still the top priority

A second HIV patient has been ‘cured,’ but researchers say reducing cases is still the top priority
A orca lands on the beach to catch a baby sea lion

What a grieving orca mother tells us about animals and death

What a grieving orca mother tells us about animals and death
a gay man in zambia hides his face

For gay men in Zambia, where homosexuality is banned, suicide is a common end

The LGBTQ community isn’t acknowledged in Zambia because the law doesn’t allow for its existence, so people who struggle with mental health issues often can’t find the care they need. Some grassroots organizations are working to help LGBTQ people, but they often operate in secret.

For gay men in Zambia, where homosexuality is banned, suicide is a common end
Mavis, a housekeeper from the Pretoria township of Mamelodi, depends on her garden to help provide for her five children and seven grandchildren. But with this year's region-wide drought, her garden is just a dusty patch of seedlings. “I want rain every d

For one South African house cleaner, this year's big drought means crying, hungry children

The current drought in southern Africa is the worst in decades, and likely a harbinger of things to come as the region warms up and dries out as its climate changes. The drought is having real impact on one resident in a Pretoria township, and what governments in the region can do to help prepare for a hotter and drier future.

For one South African house cleaner, this year's big drought means crying, hungry children
This Pakistani woman lives in extreme poverty; 60 percent of Pakistanis live on less than $2 per person per day.

Can extreme global poverty end in this century? Here's why it looks promising

Geeking out to help end global poverty. (That's meant with the highest respect for geeks.) Tapping great minds to help the world's poorest, Shashi Buluswar leads the Institute for Globally Transformative Technologies at Lawrence Berkeley Lab in Berkeley, California.

Can extreme global poverty end in this century? Here's why it looks promising
Zambia 5

A musician convicted of rape is released after he sings the praises of Zambia's president

Clifford Dimba went from serving an 18-year sentence to a presidential pardon.

A musician convicted of rape is released after he sings the praises of Zambia's president
Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe addresses members of the media

Time might be running out for Africa’s ‘Presidents for Life'

In total, 18 African countries do not have presidential term limits, even though a new study shows most Africans are in favor of them.

Time might be running out for Africa’s ‘Presidents for Life'
Protesters with their heads in the sand

These Australian protesters have their heads in the sand to make a point

Australian protesters put their heads in the sand to bring attention to what they say is their government ignoring the importance of climate change. That story and more in today's Global Scan.

These Australian protesters have their heads in the sand to make a point
Anti-government protesters at a TV station in Burkina Faso

In Burkina Faso, the people rise against a president who just won't leave

Burkina Faso is in turmoil after protesters decided they'd had enough of their long-serving leader finding new ways to stay in power. But it seems their protests have worked, and forced him from power.

In Burkina Faso, the people rise against a president who just won't leave
Guy Scott

What sub-Saharan Africa’s first white president in 20 years means for the continent

Most of Africa spent centuries under white rule, either through colonial policies or post-colonial schemes like apartheid. But that changed two decades ago, and since then Africa hasn't had a white leader of any country. But that just changed.

What sub-Saharan Africa’s first white president in 20 years means for the continent
Zambian women sing at Lusaka's international airport in 2008.

Happy 50th birthday, Zambia!

The southern African nation of Zambia gained independence from Britain on October 24, 1964. Half a century later, it’s one of the most politically stable countries in the region. But as Zambia celebrates its 50th birthday, some Zambians are turning their attention to fixing the problems of the future.

Happy 50th birthday, Zambia!
acacia tree

Need a cover for your book about Africa? Just add an acacia tree

Africa is home to a diverse collection of cultures — representing an incredible variety of people and ideas. So why is it whenever Africa is depicted in books, those books always look the same way?

Need a cover for your book about Africa? Just add an acacia tree