Latest news with #EllenJohnsonSirleaf
BBC News
6 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
World Business Report US firm Lyten acquires assets of bankrupt European battery maker Northvolt
A fresh start for what was once Europe's most ambitious electric battery manufacturer. We explore why California-based Lyten has stepped in to acquire the bankrupt Swedish firm Northvolt and whether a startup can truly take on China's dominance in battery technology. Climate change is threatening the purity of France's famous mineral waters. The BBC's Hugh Schofield visits the home of Perrier to find out why. Plus, Africa's first elected female president, Liberia's Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, argues it's time for the continent's vast natural resource wealth to deliver greater benefits at home.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump praises Liberia leader's English, the country's official language
President Trump said Wednesday he was impressed with Liberian President Joseph Boakai's English during a meeting with African heads of state at the White House. 'Such good English,' he said after Boakai spoke. 'Where were you educated? Where? In Liberia? Well, that's very interesting. It's beautiful English,' Trump said during a joint press conference. 'I have people at this table can't speak nearly as well,' he added. English is the official language of Liberia, a West African nation founded in the early 1800s by philanthropists, abolitionists and some slave owners who sought to resettle free Black Americans. The country, located on Africa's West Coast, also has several indigenous languages and a variation of English known as Liberian English. Boakai was educated at the University of Monrovia, in the country's capital named after U.S. President James Monroe, and later served under former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first female leader of Liberia. In response to criticism of Trump's comments to Boakai, a White House spokeswoman told the New York Times in a statement that, 'only the fake news could so pathetically pick apart President Trump's heartfelt compliment during a meeting that marked a historic moment for U.S.-Africa relations.' Trump invited the leaders of Gabon, Senegal, Mauritania, and Guinea-Bissau, as well as other African nations rich in natural resources, to the Wednesday White House meeting after signing an executive order in March to increase American mineral production. The Trump administration locked in deals with China and Ukraine regarding access to their rare Earth deposits earlier this year. Liberia's real GDP is expected to grow around 5 percent in 2025, driven by continued expansion in mining, especially gold, and improvements in agriculture and services, according to the World Bank. The nation has a population of 5.7 million and has attracted foreign interest for its wealth of rare Earth minerals and rare Earth metal neodymium, according to the organization. 'Liberia is a longtime friend of the United States and we believe in your policy of making America great again,' Boakai told Trump, before he complimented his speaking style. Other African leaders echoed the same sentiment in support of 'America First' policies, citing opportunities for economic collaboration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Zawya
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Liberia Observes International Women in Diplomacy Day
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with UN Women Liberia, proudly commemorated International Women in Diplomacy Day at the historic Cecil C. Dennis Jr. Auditorium, bringing together a broad spectrum of stakeholders to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women in diplomacy and foreign service. This year's observance was held under Liberia's national theme, 'Accelerate Action,' underscoring the urgent need to fast-track efforts toward achieving gender equality and empowering women globally. The event provided a platform to honor trailblazing women, reflect on progress, and renew commitments to advancing women's roles in international relations and decision-making spaces. In a message delivered on behalf of H.E. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Minister Cllr. Deweh E. Gray paid tribute to iconic Liberian women who have shaped the nation's diplomatic and governance landscape. Among those honored were Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa's first democratically elected female president; Angie Brooks Randolph, the first African woman to preside over the United Nations General Assembly; and Nobel Peace Laureate Madam Leymah R. Gbowee, all recognized as pioneers and beacons of peace, leadership, and gender inclusion. Cllr. Gray highlighted key national initiatives aimed at enhancing women's participation in diplomacy and peacebuilding, including the National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security, aligned with UN Security Council Resolution 1325. She emphasized that Liberian women are not only contributors to peace processes but are increasingly leading them affirming the country's growing commitment to gender-responsive governance. She reflected on Liberia's historic role as a champion of African sovereignty and global diplomacy, recalling the country's early establishment of diplomatic relations with major powers as part of its longstanding advocacy for African self-determination. 'Liberia has always been a symbol of hope and agency on the international stage,' she noted, urging continued leadership by women in diplomacy to shape a more inclusive and equitable world. The Deputy Minister challenged women across all sectors to unite across borders, cultures, and professions to create a future where women can dream, achieve, and lead. She called for collective action to advance gender-sensitive policies and to mentor and support emerging generations of women leaders. The event featured a high-level panel discussion under the theme, 'From Resolution to Reality,' during which seasoned diplomats and emerging professionals shared their personal journeys, experiences, challenges, and successes in diplomatic service. The dialogue offered valuable insights into translating international commitments on gender equality into tangible outcomes. The celebration drew participants from across the Liberian government, civil society, academia, diplomatic missions, and international development partners demonstrating strong, multi-sectoral support for advancing the role of women in diplomacy. As Liberia continues to build on its legacy of women's leadership, the 2025 International Women in Diplomacy celebration served as a resounding reminder of the nation's unwavering commitment to gender equality, empowerment, and inclusive global governance. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Africa Day: celebrating the continent's heritage and future every May 25
The history of Africa Day is deeply rooted in the liberation movements that marked the 20th century. The starting point was in 1958, when the Congress of African States was held for the first time, a historic gathering where representatives from various countries across the continent came together with an unwavering determination: to free themselves once and for all from colonial rule. During this pioneering conference, African leaders proposed the creation of an "African Freedom Day", laying the foundations for what would later become a continental tradition. The meetings continued to take place year after year, strengthening ties between African nations and consolidating a common vision of independence and development. The high point came on 25 May 1963, when the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), later transformed into today's African Union, was officially born. This date was marked in history as Africa Day, symbolising not only the continent's political unity, but also its shared commitment to social, economic and cultural progress. The African continent of the 21st century presents a radically different picture from that of previous decades. Economic transformations have been particularly remarkable, with sustained growth that has placed several African nations among the fastest developing economies in the world. Countries such as Ghana, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Côte d'Ivoire have experienced growth rates that exceed the global average, demonstrating the continent's economic potential. Women's participation in the economy represents one of the most significant developments in recent decades. African women have taken leading roles in business development, from small local entrepreneurs to executives of large corporations. In countries such as Rwanda, women hold more than 60% of parliamentary seats, setting a global example in terms of women's political representation. In the area of gender equality, Africa has seen revolutionary advances. African women now occupy leadership positions in politics, science, technology and culture. Figures such as Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia's first female president and Nobel Peace Prize winner, or Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director general of the World Trade Organisation, exemplify the growing role of African women on the international stage. The decolonisation process, significantly supported by the United Nations, culminated in the successful independence of all African nations. This historic achievement not only represented political liberation, but also opened the door for each country to shape its own destiny and develop its natural and human resources according to its own visions and needs. The seventh art has served as an invaluable cultural bridge to bring African realities to the rest of the world. Film productions have captured both the continent's natural beauty and its complex social and historical realities. Remains an iconic film work that transports viewers to the Kenyan landscape through Karen Blixen's experience. This commercially successful adaptation not only showcased the majesty of African landscapes, but also explored universal themes such as love, loss and the search for identity in distant lands. It dealt with the conflicts that ravaged Sierra Leone during the 1990s with rawness and honesty. The film exposed to the world the devastating consequences of the civil war, including the plight of child soldiers and the exploitation of natural resources, contributing significantly to international awareness of these issues. Immortalised as one of the most inspiring moments in modern South African history, the film masterfully recreated how Nelson Mandela used the 1995 Rugby World Cup as a tool for national reconciliation, demonstrating the power of sport to unite a society divided by decades of apartheid. Other notable productions include 'Hotel Rwanda' (2004), which chronicled the Rwandan genocide with extraordinary sensitivity, 'The Last King of Scotland' (2006), which portrayed Idi Amin's regime in Uganda, and 'Beasts of No Nation' (2015), which explored the impact of civil war on African children. More recently, 'Black Panther' (2018) presented a futuristic and hopeful vision of Africa, inspiring millions of people around the world. The commemoration of Africa Day has evolved with the times, adapting to new forms of communication and citizen participation. African countries organise annual cultural events, academic conferences, art exhibitions and food festivals that celebrate the continent's diversity. Citizen participation through social media has democratised this celebration, allowing people from all over the world to come together using hashtags such as #AfricaDay to share experiences, knowledge and reflections on the continent. This digital connectivity has facilitated cultural exchange and has contributed to demystifying stereotypes, presenting a more complete and nuanced image of contemporary African reality.
Euronews
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Africa Day: celebrating the continent's heritage and future
The history of Africa Day is deeply rooted in the liberation movements that marked the 20th century. The starting point was in 1958, when the Congress of African States was held for the first time, a historic gathering where representatives from various countries across the continent came together with an unwavering determination: to free themselves once and for all from colonial rule. During this pioneering conference, African leaders proposed the creation of an "African Freedom Day", laying the foundations for what would later become a continental tradition. The meetings continued to take place year after year, strengthening ties between African nations and consolidating a common vision of independence and development. The high point came on 25 May 1963, when the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), later transformed into today's African Union, was officially born. This date was marked in history as Africa Day, symbolising not only the continent's political unity, but also its shared commitment to social, economic and cultural progress. The African continent of the 21st century presents a radically different picture from that of previous decades. Economic transformations have been particularly remarkable, with sustained growth that has placed several African nations among the fastest developing economies in the world. Countries such as Ghana, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Côte d'Ivoire have experienced growth rates that exceed the global average, demonstrating the continent's economic potential. Women's participation in the economy represents one of the most significant developments in recent decades. African women have taken leading roles in business development, from small local entrepreneurs to executives of large corporations. In countries such as Rwanda, women hold more than 60% of parliamentary seats, setting a global example in terms of women's political representation. In the area of gender equality, Africa has seen revolutionary advances. African women now occupy leadership positions in politics, science, technology and culture. Figures such as Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia's first female president and Nobel Peace Prize winner, or Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director general of the World Trade Organisation, exemplify the growing role of African women on the international stage. The decolonisation process, significantly supported by the United Nations, culminated in the successful independence of all African nations. This historic achievement not only represented political liberation, but also opened the door for each country to shape its own destiny and develop its natural and human resources according to its own visions and needs. The seventh art has served as an invaluable cultural bridge to bring African realities to the rest of the world. Film productions have captured both the continent's natural beauty and its complex social and historical realities. Remains an iconic film work that transports viewers to the Kenyan landscape through Karen Blixen's experience. This commercially successful adaptation not only showcased the majesty of African landscapes, but also explored universal themes such as love, loss and the search for identity in distant lands. It dealt with the conflicts that ravaged Sierra Leone during the 1990s with rawness and honesty. The film exposed to the world the devastating consequences of the civil war, including the plight of child soldiers and the exploitation of natural resources, contributing significantly to international awareness of these issues. Immortalised as one of the most inspiring moments in modern South African history, the film masterfully recreated how Nelson Mandela used the 1995 Rugby World Cup as a tool for national reconciliation, demonstrating the power of sport to unite a society divided by decades of apartheid. Other notable productions include 'Hotel Rwanda' (2004), which chronicled the Rwandan genocide with extraordinary sensitivity, 'The Last King of Scotland' (2006), which portrayed Idi Amin's regime in Uganda, and 'Beasts of No Nation' (2015), which explored the impact of civil war on African children. More recently, 'Black Panther' (2018) presented a futuristic and hopeful vision of Africa, inspiring millions of people around the world. The commemoration of Africa Day has evolved with the times, adapting to new forms of communication and citizen participation. African countries organise annual cultural events, academic conferences, art exhibitions and food festivals that celebrate the continent's diversity. Citizen participation through social media has democratised this celebration, allowing people from all over the world to come together using hashtags such as #AfricaDay to share experiences, knowledge and reflections on the continent. This digital connectivity has facilitated cultural exchange and has contributed to demystifying stereotypes, presenting a more complete and nuanced image of contemporary African reality.
