October/November 2022

Has Anything Changed? The Gender Politics and Policies of COP26 and COP27

Hillary EssienNovember 17, 2022

Though both COP26 and COP27 have seen various initiatives—from travel funds to mentorship networks to enhance women’s participation in climate action—overall progress remains inconsistent and slow as richer countries tend to fall short of their financial promises.

AfricaOctober/November 2022vol6-no3

Navigating Misconceptions Can Contemporary African Music Escape ‘Afrobeats’?

Kathleen AnazaNovember 16, 2022

From the implications of Billboard’s new ‘Afrobeats US’ category to the Afrobeats crossover records with Afro-descendant artists, Afrobeats may not be the catch-all label or lens we asked for, but it’s the one being used to describe the new wave of African music.

NigeriaOctober/November 2022

African Legend Dillibe Onyeama (1951-2022)

Afoma DikeNovember 14, 2022

Dillibe Onyeama whose works include Nigger at Eton (1972), African Legend (1984) and The Joys of African Humour (2000), has died aged 71. The author of 28 books, Onyeama was celebrated for his bold writing style and his unflinching determination to reflect the truth of his experiences in his memoirs and novels.

NewsNigeriaOctober/November 2022

Against Wildlife Republics Conservation and Imperialist Expansion in Africa

Aby L. SèneNovember 13, 2022

In 1972, pan-Africanist and Marxist thinker from Guyana, Walter Rodney, warned of ‘Wildlife Republics’, calling attention to wildlife conservation in Africa as a new form of imperialist and capitalist exploitation. Today, conservation is still a pretext to dispossess local communities for imperialist expansion and capitalist development.

Best of 2022NigeriaOctober/November 2022vol6-no3

Unforgettable Words Five African Authors on Their Most Cherished Writing Advice

Peace Yetunde OnafuyeNovember 10, 2022

If you are conflicted about getting started with your writing or trying to get out of a rut, these words of advice some seasoned authors have received might just be what you need.

NigeriaOctober/November 2022Reading

Food Sovereignty vs Food Security The Future of Yam Farming in Nigeria

Ayoola OladipupoNovember 10, 2022

While we urgently need to address the inefficiencies in Nigeria’s yam value chain to support the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers and provide more affordable food to the country, it is essential to look beyond food security and apply a food sovereignty lens.

NigeriaOctober/November 2022

From ‘Flexing’ to Federal Charges Hushpuppi Has Been Sentenced to Eleven Years in Prison

Afoma DikeNovember 9, 2022

A US District Court has sentenced Ramon Olorunwa Abbas, ‘Hushpuppi’, to eleven years and three months in prison. Hushpuppi’s is the tale of Icarus. But a contributing factor to the wind beneath his artificial wings was the largely unconditional acceptance and support that he gained from his almost cult-like following of over two million people on Instagram.

NewsNigeriaOctober/November 2022

‘Sisi Pia ni Watu’ In Kenya, Domestic Workers Resist Exploitation

Mumbi KanyogoNovember 7, 2022

For many years in Nairobi, domestic work has been synonymous with exploitation. What does the future hold for Kenya’s domestic workers and their allies, who are actively organizing to transform domestic work into dignified work?

Best of 2022KenyaOctober/November 2022vol6-no3

Meet Our 2022 New Voices The Republic’s National Student Essay Winners

The RepublicNovember 6, 2022

After close to 500 submissions, meet our 2022 shortlisted New Voices and listen to them in conversation with Wale Lawal. Read More

DispatchOctober/November 2022

‘The Very Best Writers Can Make the Most Banal Ideas Seem Interesting’ Ore Agbaje-Williams’ First Draft

Ore Agbaje-WilliamsNovember 4, 2022

British-Nigerian novelist and editor, Ore Agbaje-Williams, wants her stories to connect with all kinds of readers: ‘I don’t want to prescribe my writing or books to one kind of reader. I hope that all kinds of readers will be able to read my books and enjoy them!’

First DraftInternational Women's Day - First DraftInterviewsNigeriaOctober/November 2022