Author: WAJ Team

Uganda has intensified border security measures after a suspected outbreak of the Marburg virus disease (MVD) in neighboring Tanzania’s Kagera region, which has claimed eight lives, according to senior government officials. In response to a World Health Organization (WHO) alert, Uganda’s Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng confirmed that the government had identified several border districts at high risk of MVD transmission. These areas include Kyotera, Isingiro, Rakai, Kalangala, and Ntungamo, all of which lie along the shared border with Tanzania. “We are closely monitoring the situation and have reinforced surveillance at all official entry points, as well as increased public…

In a significant move to tackle climate change and disaster risks, the 2nd AUB Media Summit on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction is set to take place in Dakar, Senegal, on February 13-14, 2025. The event, organized by the African Union of Broadcasting (AUB), the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), and Senegal’s Radio Television (RTS), will bring together a broad spectrum of participants, including journalists, climatologists, environmental advocates, and policymakers. This international summit, under the theme “Reaching the Last Mile: Radio for Climate Action,” will explore how radio can serve as an effective platform for climate…

Nestled in the heart of the Gulf of Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe offers an idyllic escape for travelers seeking a destination that blends natural beauty, vibrant culture, and an off-the-beaten-path charm. Known for its lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and warm, welcoming people, this small island nation has been quietly emerging as a top choice for those seeking an authentic and tranquil getaway. However, as with any destination, it’s important for visitors to understand the potential safety and health considerations that come with exploring this hidden gem. From low crime rates and scenic roads to health and weather-related risks, a…

A delegation from B20 South Africa, led by Sherpa Cas Coovadia and co-chaired by Mxolisi Mgojo and Nonkululeko Nyembezi, is set to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, as the country prepares to host the G20 Summit and the B20 Global Business Forum later this year. As the official private-sector engagement group of the G20, the B20 serves as a vital platform for business leaders to shape discussions and provide insights into key global economic issues. South Africa’s participation in the forum comes at a pivotal time as the country looks to foster collaboration across…

The United Nations Security Council has reaffirmed its commitment to Libya’s sovereignty, stability, and unity by passing a resolution to extend sanctions and introduce new measures concerning the country’s frozen assets. The resolution, submitted by the United Kingdom, was overwhelmingly supported with 14 votes in favor and one abstention from Russia. The move extends sanctions first imposed on Libya in 2011 following the onset of conflict. These sanctions aim to further reinforce the arms embargo, enforce travel bans, and maintain asset freezes as part of ongoing efforts to prevent further destabilization in the North African nation. A significant aspect of…

In a significant step to enhance bilateral relations, Chad’s Foreign Minister, Abderaman Koulamallah, hosted Turkish Ambassador Cem Utkan for talks on Thursday aimed at expanding cooperation across multiple sectors. During the meeting, both officials emphasized strengthening ties in areas such as trade, agriculture, energy, and cultural exchange. They explored avenues to boost economic collaboration, with a focus on encouraging Turkish investments in Chad’s growing markets. The discussions also delved into enhancing trade between the two nations, a key priority for both sides moving forward. In addition to economic matters, the security situation in the region was a central topic of…

A member of the opposition Podemos party was shot dead early Thursday morning by unidentified gunmen in Buzi district, central Mozambique. The victim, 30-year-old Sandes António, was found at his residence with multiple gunshot wounds, according to a source from the largest opposition party in parliament. Vale Magalhães, the district representative for the Optimist Party for the Development of Mozambique (Podemos), reported that António had sent an alarming message around 1 a.m. stating that his home was surrounded. After this communication, contact was lost. However, at dawn, a survivor who was with António and had been shot in the arm…

Sugar producer Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe has announced plans to reduce its workforce by 1,000 employees by August this year, as it grapples with the country’s persistent economic instability. The company, one of the largest employers in Zimbabwe with a workforce of 16,000, is taking this step to curb operational costs and mitigate the impact of Zimbabwe’s volatile currency and inflation. Operating Zimbabwe’s two key sugar mills, Tongaat Hulett has a combined crushing capacity of 3.5 million tons of sugarcane annually. The company has faced significant challenges, including soaring labor and fertilizer costs, as well as currency devaluation due to the…

Angola’s state-owned diamond company, Endiama, is forecasting a significant boost in production and revenue for 2025, with an expected yield of 15.1 million carats and a projected turnover of $2.27 billion (€2.08 billion). This projection was revealed by the company’s chairman, José Ganga Júnior, during celebrations marking the company’s 44th anniversary. Despite an ongoing slump in global diamond prices, Ganga Júnior remains optimistic, setting a price target of $150 per carat for the upcoming year. He acknowledged, however, that the diamond industry has faced considerable price declines over the past several years, with reductions exceeding 60% in some instances. The…

Zambia’s health officials have confirmed a surge in Mpox cases, with the total now reaching six, following two new cases recorded between January 10 and 13. Health Minister Elijah Muchima shared the update on Thursday, revealing that the latest cases involve a 28-year-old woman from Mufulira in Copperbelt Province and a 34-year-old woman from Lusaka. Both tested positive for the virus and are receiving medical care at designated health facilities. The Mufulira case was reported on January 10, with the patient actively seeking treatment after showing symptoms. Investigations are underway to trace the origin of her infection. Meanwhile, her close…

In a significant move to enhance bilateral relations, Tunisia and Italy have signed a joint declaration that promises to bolster cooperation between the two nations over the next three years. The agreement, signed on Thursday in Rome by Tunisia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohamed Ali Nafti, and Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, includes a €400 million commitment from Italy to support Tunisia’s development initiatives for the period 2025-2027. A major highlight of the agreement is the funding allocated to the Strategic Partnership for Food Security (TANIT) project, which aims to address Tunisia’s food security…

French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting Angolan President João Lourenço for a two-day state visit beginning Thursday, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations. The visit focuses on enhancing political, cultural, and economic collaboration, while also addressing pressing regional and international concerns. A key topic of discussion is Angola’s upcoming chairmanship of the African Union in February, which will position President Lourenço at the forefront of shaping the continent’s future. Another focal point will be the ongoing conflict between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with Macron expressing continued support for Lourenço’s role as a mediator. The…

Ghana is considering a strategic move to join the BRICS+ alliance, a powerful coalition of emerging economies that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This potential membership comes as part of Ghana’s broader efforts to enhance its role in global geopolitics and boost its economic recovery under the leadership of President John Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Ghana, which has earned global recognition for its stable governance and growing influence within multilateral platforms like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union (AU), and the United Nations (UN), sees BRICS+ as a gateway…

South Africa has expressed its support for the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, viewing it as a pivotal first step in addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the importance of this agreement in providing relief to the 2.3 million Palestinians living in dire conditions in Gaza. In a statement, South Africa called for the implementation of a just and lasting peace that upholds the human rights of both Palestinians and Israelis. The Foreign Ministry stressed that this ceasefire must serve as the foundation for a comprehensive peace agreement, one that…

The African Union (AU) has unveiled a bold new agricultural development strategy aimed at transforming the continent’s agri-food systems, boosting output, and achieving food security by 2035. The plan, adopted during the AU Extraordinary Summit on the Post-Malabo Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) held in Kampala, Uganda, includes an ambitious target of increasing agrifood production by 45% over the next decade. The newly endorsed 10-year CAADP Strategy and Action Plan, along with the Kampala CAADP Declaration, sets out a clear roadmap for Africa’s agricultural transformation, focusing on sustainable food production, agro-industrialization, and increasing intra-African trade. The strategy is set…

Lagos, Nigeria – Ayodeji Balogun, better known by his stage name Wizkid, has once again proven his global dominance by being named Africa’s highest earner on Spotify. According to recent data from Chart Masters, a premier music analytics platform, the Nigerian superstar has amassed earnings of $1 million. This achievement underscores Wizkid’s unparalleled influence in the music streaming sector, positioning him as a major player on the global stage. The announcement shines a spotlight on the burgeoning prominence of Nigerian artists in the digital music arena, with Wizkid at the forefront. Remarkably, South Africa’s Tyla is the sole non-Nigerian artist…