Steve Bloomfield
The Daily Talk
Alfred Sirleaf's 'Daily Talk' newspaper reaches thousands of Liberians every day but only ever produces one copy. How does he do it? By writing the day's biggest stories on a large blackboard beside a…
Town criers
What is the future of the city? Eleven writers explore the battles and pleasures of metropolitan living, from Detroit’s empty highways to London’s sewers, in a survey of urban hope and possibility.
High noon for Sharif
Somalia's new president, Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, faces pirates, a humanitarian disaster and deadly rivals. Is he the man to revive the failed state? We meet him in Nairobi during shuttle diplomacy.
Abuja
Founded 32 years ago, Nigerian capital Abuja was a utopian dream. But it became marred by corruption and few could afford to live there. Today, as the cranes return, its new minister is attempting…
Capital idea
Founded 32 years ago, Nigerian capital Abuja was a utopian dream marred by corruption. Today, as cranes return, its new minister is attempting to forge a truly African city.
Wanted man
Former radio journalist Ahmed Abdisalam Adan has faced death threats and seen colleagues killed. Now, as Somalia’s deputy prime minister, he tells Monocle about life in a humanitarian disaster zone.
Freedom fighter
As editor of ‘The Zimbabwe Independent’, Trevor Ncube faced the consequences of criticising the government. Now based in South Africa, he plans to build a pan-African media empire for the continent’s democracy.
State of despair
In Robert Mugabe’s Zimbabwe, life expectancy has plummeted to 34 for women. With rampant inflation, critical shortages of food and fuel, and endemic corruption, the nation faces a desperate future ahead of planned elections.
Horn of plenty
A tiny Muslim nation in a hostile region, Djibouti is perfectly positioned to monitor Islamist militants. That’s why the US army is here and, thanks to a hearts-and-minds programme, is welcome to stay.
