Author: WAJ Team

Zambia and Saudi Arabia have reached a landmark agreement to restructure part of Zambia’s outstanding debt, rescheduling over $130 million of the African nation’s financial obligations to the Kingdom. The debt restructuring deal, signed in Lusaka on Thursday, marks a significant step in addressing Zambia’s fiscal challenges and securing long-term economic stability. The agreement was signed by Zambia’s Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane and Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development, during a ceremony attended by senior officials from both nations. Al-Marshad emphasized that the deal symbolizes the continued and growing partnership between Zambia and Saudi Arabia…

Sub-Saharan Africa, home to the youngest population in the world, is being urged to capitalize on the burgeoning global halal economy as a pathway to economic growth and job creation. With the halal market valued at $2.7 trillion in 2024 and expected to reach $7.7 trillion by 2025, experts believe the region is uniquely positioned to benefit from this rapidly expanding sector. The demographic advantage is clear: 43% of the region’s population is under the age of 15, and nearly 28% is under 30. However, unemployment continues to plague the subcontinent, forcing many young people into perilous migration routes through…

Mohamed Salem Cherkaoui, Director of the Bayt Mal Al Quds Agency, reaffirmed Morocco’s enduring commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause during a press briefing in Rabat on Wednesday. Cherkaoui emphasized the Kingdom’s vital contributions to Palestinian institutions and the holy city of Jerusalem, noting that Morocco has remained a steadfast ally in the face of increasing regional challenges. In his remarks, Cherkaoui acknowledged Morocco’s unwavering support under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, who has consistently directed resources to the agency to ensure it fulfills its mission. “Under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco continues to…

Morocco’s Managem Group has expanded its footprint in West Africa with the complete acquisition of the Karita gold exploration project in Guinea. The deal, which transfers ownership from Canadian mining company IAMGOLD, is seen as a significant move to enhance Managem’s strategic position in the region. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the company described the acquisition as a “strategic” milestone, reinforcing its status as a key player in Guinea’s mining sector. Additionally, Managem announced it had secured two new exploration permits, Doumou and Diagana, located close to the Karita project. These permits are expected to bolster the company’s development…

Several civilians are feared dead and others injured following airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force in Sokoto State, local sources and officials confirmed on Thursday. The airstrikes, which took place on Wednesday, targeted the Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities in the Silame local government area, located near Surame Forest, a known stronghold for armed groups. While the operation aimed at neutralizing these groups, unintended civilian casualties have raised significant concerns. Local sources reported that at least 10 people were killed in the airstrikes. “It was devastating. Many homes were destroyed, and people are in shock,” said a resident from one…

The Algerian government has ramped up its efforts to silence the #ManichRadi (“I’m dissatisfied”) movement, a growing protest against President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. Over the past two days, numerous activists and social media users have been arrested for sharing posts related to the hashtag, with several detainees reportedly taken into custody in public spaces, according to the human rights group Chouaa. The #ManichRadi movement, which has gained significant momentum, especially among young Algerians, has become a symbol of frustration with the government’s failure to address pressing issues such as widespread poverty, high unemployment, and endemic corruption. The hashtag has not only…

Mozambique’s government has initiated a large-scale search operation, with military support, to recapture over 1,500 prisoners who escaped from a high-security prison in Maputo on Christmas Day. As of Wednesday evening, authorities had managed to recapture at least 150 fugitives, though a significant number remain on the run. The prison break occurred during the third day of escalating unrest that has swept the capital, following the confirmation of Frelimo party’s victory in the controversial October presidential elections. The confirmation of the election results, despite widespread allegations of irregularities, has sparked protests across the country. Critics, including opposition leaders, have claimed…

Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto Diocese has condemned the Nigerian government for its failure to effectively address the country’s growing hunger crisis, which he believes has led to the tragic stampedes in Oyo, Anambra, and Abuja. In a statement issued during this year’s Christmas message, the Bishop also lamented Nigeria’s lack of progress despite over six decades of independence, describing the nation as still engulfed in darkness. Bishop Kukah argued that the absence of visible development in Nigeria is a direct result of the government’s failure to embrace transparency and accountability in public service, politics, and societal life. He…

Egypt has expressed profound sorrow and solidarity with Azerbaijan following a devastating crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines flight that occurred near Aktau, Kazakhstan, on Wednesday. In a message sent to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi conveyed his deepest condolences to the people and leadership of Azerbaijan, offering heartfelt sympathy in the wake of the tragedy. President El Sisi, in his communication, extended prayers for divine mercy on the souls of the victims, as well as strength and comfort for the bereaved families. He also expressed his wishes for the swift recovery of those injured in…

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has appealed for calm in Mozambique following the Constitutional Council’s decision to uphold the results of the October 9 presidential election. Mozambique’s highest court confirmed Daniel Chapo of the ruling FRELIMO party as the election winner, revising the final tally to 65% of the vote for Chapo and 24% for opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane, supported by PODEMOS. The ruling sparked protests across the country, leaving at least 151 people dead, according to civil society organizations. SADC Calls for Respect for Rule of Law SADC Chairperson and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa described the court’s decision…

As the term of Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), nears its conclusion in May 2025, a heated race has emerged for the prestigious position, with several high-profile contenders signaling their intentions to succeed him. Adesina, who has led the AfDB since 2015, is widely credited with revitalizing the institution and steering it toward greater investments in infrastructure, climate resilience, and poverty reduction. His leadership was reaffirmed in 2020 with a second term, and his tenure is now set to end in just a few months. The AfDB plays a vital role in financing large-scale development projects…

South Africa has voiced growing concerns over the escalation of protests and violence in Mozambique, calling for urgent dialogue to address the turmoil following the announcement of the country’s election results. On Tuesday, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) issued a statement expressing alarm over the violent protests that erupted after the Constitutional Council of Mozambique declared the final results of the October 9 elections. The unrest has disrupted several regions, particularly near the border. “South Africa is deeply concerned by the violence and ongoing protests in response to the electoral announcement,” DIRCO said, calling for immediate…

As the year 2024 comes to a close, African leaders have shared powerful Christmas messages to their citizens, emphasizing unity, hope, and reflection during a time of economic turmoil. These messages come amid a cost of living crisis that has deeply affected many countries across the continent, leaving millions of people grappling with financial hardship. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called for national solidarity, urging citizens to unite in the spirit of togetherness during the festive season. “As we close a year of significant global and local change, let us unite as families, friends, and neighbors, marking 2024 as a…

Libya has formally joined the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) as its 53rd member state, marking a critical step in the country’s journey toward economic recovery and regional integration. The move positions Libya to expand its role in African trade and strengthen its economic foundation through targeted investments and partnerships. The accession was finalized with the signing of the Afreximbank Establishment Agreement by Libya’s Minister of Finance, Dr. Khaled Al-Mabrouk Abdullah. The agreement outlines areas of collaboration, including trade development, infrastructure projects, and financial initiatives aimed at fostering economic diversification and sustainability. A Platform for Transformation Under the partnership, several high-impact…

The Democratic Republic of Congo has freed 14 of the 17 Chinese nationals who were detained last week on charges of operating an illegal gold mine in the resource-rich South Kivu province. The men, now heading back to China, were arrested during a nationwide crackdown on unlicensed mineral extraction in the country. The remaining three detainees are expected to be released soon. The arrest took place as part of an ongoing government effort to combat illegal mining, which has plagued the region for years, attracting unregulated foreign and local entities seeking to exploit the country’s abundant resources. The 17 Chinese…

Namibia’s Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) has issued an urgent malaria outbreak warning following a significant spike in cases across the country’s northern regions. As of December 15, 2,210 malaria cases have been reported, with 265 of these classified as severe. Tragically, nine people have died due to the disease. Executive Director of the MoHSS, Ben Nangombe, confirmed that the outbreak, which spans from November 4 to December 15, has caused concern in 16 districts where malaria cases have exceeded epidemic thresholds. The districts hardest hit include Eenhana, which recorded 661 cases, accounting for 30% of the total,…