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The US Congress approved $95 billion in foreign aid for Ukraine, Israel, and other US allies over the weekend. This move comes after months of resistance from hard-right lawmakers, but both Democrats and Republicans came together to support renewed American aid in repelling Russia’s invasion. The bill also contains a provision to force the sale of the popular app TikTok. However, passing the bill through the House may result in House Speaker Mike Johnson losing his position. VOA’s Paul Ndiho joins me live from Capitol Hill.

The trial to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for his handling of the U.S.-Mexico border has been ended by the U.S. Senate. The articles of impeachment were dismissed as Democrats argued that they were unconstitutional and failed to meet the high standard of high crimes and misdemeanors.

In February, the House narrowly voted to impeach Mayorkas, alleging that he refused to enforce immigration laws. However, Mayorkas has maintained that he is focused on his department’s work.

As per a study conducted by McKinsey and Company, a business management consulting firm based in Washington, D.C., the fintech industry in Sub-Saharan Africa is thriving. The analysis reveals that African fintech companies have made significant progress in the market, with projected revenues exceeding $6 billion by 2025.

This growing industry has the potential to generate employment, develop skills, and create opportunities and wealth across the continent. To learn more about the implications of this development, we have Foster Akugri, a distinguished voice in Africa’s fintech space. He leads the Africa Business Innovation Village based in Kampala, Uganda.

By Paul Ndiho

As per a study conducted by McKinsey and Company, a business management consulting firm based in Washington, D.C., the fintech industry in Sub-Saharan Africa is thriving. The analysis reveals that African fintech companies have made significant progress in the market, with projected revenues exceeding $6 billion by 2025.

This growing industry has the potential to generate employment, develop skills, and create opportunities and wealth across the continent. To learn more about the implications of this development, we have Foster Akugri, a distinguished voice in Africa’s fintech space. He leads the Africa Business Innovation Village, which is based in Kampala, Uganda.

In January 2023, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone signed the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act into law. This groundbreaking legislation requires that at least 30 percent of both public and private sector jobs be reserved for women. It also includes provisions such as granting 14 weeks of maternity leave.
To learn more about this important milestone, VOA’s Paul Ndiho spoke with Naasu Genevieve Fofanah, an entrepreneur and women’s rights advocate in Sierra Leone.

In January 2023, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone signed the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act into law. This groundbreaking legislation requires that at least 30 percent of both public and private sector jobs be reserved for women. It also includes provisions such as granting 14 weeks of maternity leave.
To learn more about this important milestone, VOA’s Paul Ndiho spoke with Naasu Genevieve Fofanah, an entrepreneur and women’s rights advocate in Sierra Leone.

Unemployment continues to be a significant problem in South Africa, particularly among the youth. With the general elections on May 29th, the high levels of unemployment and weak economic growth are crucial issues affecting the ruling Party, the ANC. Public opinion polls indicate that the ANC could lose its majority for the first time in 30 years. To gain more insight into this matter, VOA’s Paul Ndiho talked to Mundia Paul Hakoola, a political analyst based in Lusaka, Zambia.

In sub-Saharan Africa, there is a significant disparity between the percentage of women and men with bank accounts. Only 37% of women have a bank account, while 48% of men do. This gender gap in financial services has been increasing over the past few years, and it can be attributed to women entrepreneurs’ self-perception.
Naasu Genevieve Fofanah, an entrepreneur and women’s activist in Sierra Leone is working to address this issue and ensure that women have greater access to finance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Fofanah launched Susue Women to advocate for government policies that increase women’s access to finance. In an interview with VOA’s Ndiho, Fofanah discussed the reasons behind the low gender gap in access to finance.

Learning about new technology involves gaining technical skills, developing expertise, and preparing for the future job market. In Ghana, MakersPlace, a technology-driven skills development center, is helping young people learn these skills. Our Technology correspondent Paul Ndiho has more.

 The innovative approach of MakersPlace integrates cutting-edge technologies like AI and robotics into the curriculum to engage and empower students. To provide more information, we are joined by Douglas Ayitey, the founder and CEO of MakersPlace in Accra, Ghana, who is on a mission to empower hundreds of thousands of people.

As it resumes, the U.S. Congress is facing several critical issues. These include a funding crisis for the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, undecided support for the war in Ukraine, and growing opposition to U.S. weapons transfers to Israel amid the Gaza conflict. Additionally, internal politics are tense, with a resolution filed to remove House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La, and articles of impeachment moving against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to the Senate on Wednesday. These challenges highlight the complex national and international affairs landscape that Congress must navigate. For more information, VOA’s Paul Ndiho weighs in from Capitol Hill.