Latest news with #Africans
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Trump remittance tax to hit Africans hard
Representative AI image For Enoch Aikins, a political economist who focuses on Africa, the topic of sending money home to relatives is personal. "I can use myself as an example, as somebody that comes from a typical village with a lot of people or [with] a family that depends on me," he told DW. A researcher with the Institute of Security Studies now based in Pretoria, South Africa, Aikins grew up in the small town of Agona Kwanyako, about 70 kilometers (some 43 miles) from the Ghanaian capital, Accra. His job means he can provide a vital source of income for many in his family back home in Ghana, whether it be for his mother's medical bills or for his cousins' education. "Anytime there's a family problem, they call me and I have to quickly find a way to send money to them to solve an emergency crisis," he said. "Mostly it is household expenses, things like food, accommodation, school fees or to cover medical expenses." A global impact Aikins is one of many millions of Africans across the continent and around the world who send remittances, which are financial transfers to their home country or region. The importance of these financial transfers has come into sharp focus as a result of the recent tax bill from US President Donald Trump, passed on May 22 by the House of Representatives. The measure includes a 3.5% tax on remittances made by anyone who is not a US citizen or national. The original plan was for the tax to be 5% but it was lowered before the vote. The bill has led to fierce criticism across Latin America, where it is likely to severely hurt poor migrants from Mexico, Central and South America. Africans will also be significantly affected, according to Aikins. "We cannot tell them how to go about their fiscal business, but this is going to have a huge impact on African economies." World Bank data shows that remittance flows into Africa were more than $92 billion (€81 billion) in 2024, with the United States alone accounting for at least $12 billion in that year. According to World Bank, the US is also the largest origin country for all remittances in the world, accounting for more than $656 billion in 2023. Monica de Bolle, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington, DC, said, however, here is a lack of reliable data on remittances because so much is not sent via recorded transactions. "People have different arrangements for sending money back home," she told DW. "Sometimes it's as official as a family member comes and visits and then they get a wad of cash and they go back home with that. And those kinds of transactions are simply unaccounted for." N onetheless, whatever data is available, she argued, underlines the importance of the US as a source of remittances for Africa and much of the Americas. How important are remittances for Africa? Remittances are important across Africa for three key reasons. Firstly, they represent a major chunk of income for many of the continent's economies, many of which are among the world's poorest. Recent data suggests annual remittances now outweigh both aid and foreign direct investment (FDI) as income flows into the continent. Aikins said remittances are the "largest external financial flow into Africa" at the moment. "There are no bottlenecks or administrative issues that, for instance, if you are giving aid of about $100 million to an African country or an institution, more than half is gone on administration before it reaches people," he added. Then there's the fact that it's typically lower-income groups that are most reliant on remittances from relatives or friends working abroad. "It's extremely damaging," said Monica de Bolle. "A lot of the time, these flows are coming from low-income folks in the United States to their home countries and their families who are also not well off." Some African countries will be hit harder than others. While the continent's big economies, such as Egypt, Nigeria, and Morocco, account for the highest total level of remittances from abroad, some economies are especially dependent, according to Aikins. World Bank data shows that remittances received as a percentage of GDP is around 20% for Lesotho, Comoros, Somalia, Gambia, and Liberia. 'Taking money out of people's pockets' De Bolle is critical of the remittance levy and thinks migrants will find ways of avoiding the tax. "People who are sending money back home, if they were using official channels to do this, they're now going to try to use unofficial channels to do it because they will want to evade the tax." She points out that taxation of remittances is rare globally and thinks the policy is part of the Trump administration's campaign against illegal migration. "The effect will be squeezing the migrants, squeezing the people who are currently living in the United States, shutting off mechanisms by which not only they sustain themselves, but they sustain their family members," said Bolle. "Bottom line is that remittances are a pocketbook issue. You are taking money out of people's pockets." Aikins' remittances won't be taxed, as they are not coming from the US. Yet he can clearly imagine the real-life consequences for someone in a village like the one he grew up in who is dependent on a relative sending money from the US. When he gets a request for money, it's needed quickly, and he thinks migrants will turn increasingly to cryptocurrency and other off-grid methods to send the money where it needs to go. "The tax is going to have a tremendous effect on how people send money to their dependents back home."
Black America Web
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
The History of Mojo Bags: ‘Sinners' Spiritual Exploration Inspires Fans Awakening
Source: Anadolu / Getty Ryan Coogler's latest film, Sinners , delves deep into the spiritual traditions of the African American South, bringing to light the rich history and significance of mojo bags within Hoodoo practices. Social media users are going crazy for this new spiritual enlightenment. Read more and check out these viral videos exploring mojo bags inside. Set in 1930s Mississippi, Sinners intertwines elements of horror, history, and spirituality to explore themes of survival, faith, and cultural heritage. One of the most impactful scenes that has inspired fans spiritual journeys is the moment when Annie asks if Smoke still had his 'mojo bag.' Annie's faith and love for Elijah was so powerful that she poured everything she had into his mojo bag when they first met 20 years ago, protecting him on his journey. Mojo bags, also known as gris-gris or conjure bags, are small pouches filled with a combination of herbs, roots, minerals, and personal items, believed to hold spiritual power. Originating from West and Central African traditions, these bags were brought to the United States by enslaved Africans and became integral to Hoodoo practices. They served various purposes, from protection and healing to attracting love or prosperity. In Sinners , the character Smoke, portrayed by Michael B. Jordan, carries a mojo bag given to him by his lover Annie, a Hoodoo practitioner, symbolizing his connection to ancestral wisdom and spiritual protection . The film's portrayal of mojo bags has resonated with audiences, sparking discussions on social media about their historical and cultural significance. One Instagram post describes the film itself as a 'modern-day mojo bag,' suggesting that Sinners serves as a vessel for spiritual enlightenment and cultural preservation. This metaphor highlights the film's role in educating viewers about the depth and resilience of African American spiritual practices. Coogler's meticulous attention to detail and commitment to authenticity are evident throughout the film. He collaborated with scholars like Yvonne Chireau, an expert in African American religious history, to ensure accurate representation of Hoodoo traditions. The film's narrative, combined with its evocative visuals and haunting soundtrack, immerses viewers in a world where the spiritual and physical realms intertwine. Sinners not only entertains but also educates, offering an exploration of a rich cultural heritage often overlooked in mainstream media. By highlighting the significance of mojo bags and Hoodoo practices, the film invites audiences to reflect on the enduring power of ancestral traditions and the importance of preserving them for future generations. As Sinners continues to captivate audiences, it stands as a testament to the resilience and depth of African American spirituality, reminding viewers of the profound connections between past and present, tradition and innovation. Check out some of the mojo bag moments taking over social media below: The History of Mojo Bags: 'Sinners' Spiritual Exploration Inspires Fans Awakening was originally published on 3. Spoiler Alert: Ending Explained Source:YouTube Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
DW
a day ago
- Politics
- DW
Is it Time for Africa to Stop Relying on International Aid? – DW – 05/30/2025
This week, we examine the impact of USAID cuts across Africa. Reports from South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria reveal how each nation is coping. Image: DW Nigeria - Corruption in Aid The community Makoko in Nigeria is grappling with corruption and mismanagement of the funds meant to support essential services like sanitation and clean water. Calls for sustainable local funding and government intervention is growing. Image: DW USAID pullback We asked our correspondents in Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria about the impact of aid cuts. In Kenya, patients struggle to access vital medication. In South Africa, people with HIV face shortages of antiretroviral drugs. In Nigeria, over 95% of healthcare workers are out of work, and school programs have been halted. Can these countries build local, independent support systems? Image: DW Street Debate: Development aid cuts in South Africa What does the USAID pullback mean for young Africans? Could Africa's greatest opportunity come from a funding crisis? As USAID pulls back, the stage is set for a high-stakes debate at the Human Rights Festival. Will the continent become less dependent on American aid funding? Image: DW DRC USAID funding shortfall In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the abrupt withdrawal of USAID funds leaves thousands of displaced people in uncertainty. Our exclusive report with Jacinthe Maarifa explores the reasons for this sudden halt and the challenges of development aid often criticized for its ineffectiveness on the ground. Image: DW Combating Addis Ababa's housing crisis sustainably Addis Ababa is struggling to keep up with rapid urbanization. In response, a local company, Kubik, is offering an affordable, sustainable housing solution by using recycled plastic to build homes. Kubik places women at the center of its social mission, focusing on sustainable construction and female empowerment. Broadcasting Hours: DW English SAT 31.05.2025 – 05:30 UTC SAT 31.05.2025 – 14:30 UTC SAT 31.05.2025 – 17:30 UTC SUN 01.06.2025 – 09:30 UTC SUN 01.06.2025 – 11:30 UTC MON 02.06.2025 – 07:30 UTC MON 02.06.2025 – 13:30 UTC TUE 03.06.2025 – 22:30 UTC WED 04.06.2025 – 19:30 UTC Lagos UTC +1 | Cape Town UTC +2 | Nairobi UTC +3 Delhi UTC +5,5 | Bangkok UTC +7 | Hong Kong UTC +8 London UTC +1 | Berlin UTC +2 | Moscow UTC +3 San Francisco UTC -7 | Edmonton UTC -6 | New York UTC -4
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Malaysia hold Cape Verde to draw
KUALA LUMPUR: This is a draw that Malaysia should feel happy with, nearly as good as a win. A "winning draw" if you can call this. And this draw in a Tier 1 international friendly should boost Malaysia's world football ranking. World No.151 Malaysia drew 1-1 with world No 72 Cape Verde. That is something to be proud of. On this day, Harimau Malaya looked the equal of the Blue Sharks, ranked 79 places above them in Fifa book. But Malaysia needed a Brazilian-born player to restore parity after the Africans had taken the lead in the ninth minute through Sidny Lopes Cabral. Paulo Josue came off the bench to score the equaliser in the 79th minute to the cheers of the 11,000-strong crowd at KLFA Stadium. Head coach Peter Cklamovski made four changes in the second half,
Eyewitness News
2 days ago
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
African countries must work together for peace: Defence Minister Motshekga
JOHANNESBURG - Defence Minister Angie Motshekga said it was important for African countries to work together to bring peace to war-torn countries on the continent. She reiterated the call to foster stability in conflict-ridden regions during the annual global commemoration of the International Day of United Nations (UN) Peacekeepers in De Brug Army Base in Bloemfontein on Thursday. All the fallen soldiers who fought in peacekeeping missions since 1948 were honoured in a wreath-laying ceremony globally. The country has also honoured the 14 soldiers who recently died in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). "And as Africa, we are the epicentre of instability in the world. And so it's for us as Africans to work together to stabilise our problems for the sake of our children and for the sake of our future. And everybody has a responsibility to make sure that we don't become this continent with all its wealth that becomes this epicentre of which we are," said Motshekga.
