The state of the Russian economy depends on the role of its exports – especially oil, writes Enitan Damilola Temidayo, 23, a Correspondent from Nigeria now studying in Moscow, as he looks at the impact of low world oil prices and economic sanctions. Economic growth between 1999 and 2008 was strongly influenced by the continuous uptrend …

“The modern economic crisis in Russia” Read More »

Youth bulges are a global phenomenon and Uganda is no exception, with youths accounting for more than three-quarters of the population. As Munguongeyo Ivan, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kampala writes, that means successful youth assistance programmes are a priority. Uganda’s youths face many daunting challenges, notably labour under-utilization, with more than one quarter of the …

“Policy action a challenge to youth initiatives” Read More »

Metolo Foyet, 20, a Correspondent from Cameroon now living in Niger, rejects negative and defeatist attitudes about Africa’s potential. She offers an inspiring view of risks worth taking in order to build society.  “The story of Africa is untold!” is the new dish on the continent’s talk menu. It is a piece of bone-in meat …

“Is Africa’s story untold, or only partly told?” Read More »

Metolo Foyet, 20, a Correspondent from Cameroon now living in Niger, is interested in the link between states and mining companies in Africa. She has questions about the social responsibility of mining companies and incentives to use renewable or fossil energy. I was talking art with a friend, Ahamadou Maiga, legal advisor at the African Legal …

“African states and responsible mining policies” Read More »

Transportation facilitates trade, writes Aura Whittier, 17, a Correspondent from San Juan, Trinidad. Trade exists within, between and among economies, yet none of this is possible without transportation. It is no secret that the transportation systems in most Caribbean islands are inadequate. While citizens do complain, and governments do sometimes try to address the issue, not …

“Lack of transportation hurts trade, culture” Read More »

Public transportation in the crowded city of Dhaka puts women at a disadvantage and in potential risk. Abdullah Al Hasan, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Dhaka in Bangladesh, has suggestions for remedies. It’s nothing new that Bangladesh is a densely populated country. Being its capital, Dhaka has to house almost the whole educated community. Predictably, …

“Dhaka’s women need better transportation” Read More »

Unemployment rates are alarming for young millennials, writes Aura Whittier, 17, a Correspondent from San Juan, Trinidad.  She worries that ever-higher education is not a hedge against the difficulties of finding work in one’s chose field.  My uncle received a National Scholarship from the government of Trinidad and Tobago to pursue an undergraduate degree, after …

“Job application stats worry this millennial” Read More »

The adverse effects climate change and variability mean that agriculture needs existing support services, but Mzeziti Mwanza, 25, a Correspondent from Lusaka in Zambia, advocates for increased inclusion of other support services. Developing countries have population of over 3.1 billion living in rural areas, with a quarter of those people living in extreme poverty.  In Zambia, …

“Agriculture needs climate information” Read More »

Failing to receive expected pay at the agreed time creates financial problems than can lead to a nightmare situation, writes Luchelle Feukeng, 23, a Correspondent from Yaounde in Cameroon. She argues for efforts to remedy the problem.  Fabrice is a young Cameroonian. He studies communications in Yaoundé. During holidays earlier this year, he decided to …

“Unpaid salaries mean financial nightmare” Read More »

Possible ways out of the economic crisis in Russia range from monetary policy to structural changes, writes Enitan Damilola Temidayo, 23, a Correspondent from Nigeria now studying in Moscow, as he looks at the short and long-term views. Talking about short-term solutions to economic crisis, economists always turn to monetary policy, fiscal policy and devaluation. Monetary …

“Ways out of the economic crisis in Russia” Read More »