Focus on Africa US halts international student visa applications
May 29, 2025
Girma Abebe Tadesse, a Principal Scientist at Microsoft's AI for Good Lab, discusses urgent global matters. He explains how the U.S. halt on student visa applications impacts African students, complicating their educational aspirations. The conversation also tackles Zimbabwe’s controversial radio tax and its economic ramifications. Most intriguingly, Tadesse shares insights on his AI model designed to predict acute malnutrition in Kenya, aiming to equip policymakers with vital data to save vulnerable children.
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US Student Visa Halt Uncertainty
- The US halted new student visa appointments to expand social media vetting amid concerns over campus anti-Semitism.
- This creates uncertainty for many African students seeking to study in the US.
Student's Visa Struggle at Harvard
- Fatou Wourier, a doctoral student from Sierra Leone at Harvard, faces visa uncertainty affecting her graduation plans.
- She highlights the mental toll and financial investment from her community in her education.
Zimbabwe's Radio Levy Controversy
- Zimbabwe now requires motorists to pay $92 radio license fees, even if they don't use the radio.
- Nonpayment blocks vehicle licensing and insurance, sparking public outcry due to affordability concerns.