Broadband in Africa vs. the West: Why the digital divide still hurts

In the West, broadband is still costly but remains far more affordable both in absolute and relative terms, with excellent value per Mbps, due to more competitive markets and advanced infrastructure.

Tech

thumbnail image — Left chart: Monthly broadband costs (Africa vs West, with Romania as a standout cheap case). Right chart: Cost per Mbps, showing how African users pay far more per unit of speed.

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Florence Naa Oyoe Quartey

Front of mind

India’s political troubles explained

Rahul Gandhi calls out the ECI for “vote theft,” but the Commission demands proof or apology.

On August 7, 2025, Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission of India (ECI), accusing it of enabling “vote theft” during the 2024 general elections. He pointed to alleged irregularities in voter rolls in Karnataka’s Mahadevapura constituency, citing thousands of duplicate entries, invalid addresses, bulk registrations, and faulty photographs. Gandhi labelled the claims as the result of six months of research by his team and demanded transparency, including access to digital voter lists and CCTV footage.

How a Senegalese engineer is using 3D printers to tackle plastic pollution

Senegal struggles with a severe plastic waste crisis, producing around 250,000 metric tons annually.

In Dakar, a young self-taught engineer is changing the perspective of plastic waste. Francois Mbengue has developed a device that converts discarded plastic bottles into filament for 3D printers to produce o produce rulers, plant pots and hospital equipment.