Author: WAJ Team

Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have unveiled plans to deploy a unified military force of 5,000 personnel in a coordinated effort to tackle increasing security threats across their borders. The announcement was made by Niger’s Defense Minister, General Salifou Mody, who highlighted the urgency of this move in a region facing mounting instability. The force, which will be operational in the coming weeks, will include a range of aerial, ground, and intelligence capabilities, alongside a specialized coordination system designed to enhance operational efficiency. General Mody confirmed that the joint force, which is nearing readiness, will be a key part of…

In a historic milestone for the global fashion industry, Zimbabwe is set to become the first African nation to host the esteemed World Fashion Week® 2026. The event, themed “Give Your Light to the World – Africa is Now,” will focus on sustainable fashion and the empowerment of women and children across the continent. Scheduled to take place from April 1st to 5th, 2025, at the stunning Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site, World Fashion Week® Zimbabwe 2025/26 aims to promote sustainable global fashion practices. The event will feature a series of fashion shows highlighting sustainability and cultural preservation,…

A new memorial has been unveiled in Cape Town to honor the South African laborers who served during World War I. The Cape Town Labour Corps Memorial, located in the historic Company’s Garden, aims to correct a long-standing historical oversight by providing a much-needed tribute to these overlooked servicemen. The memorial, set against the backdrop of prominent cultural landmarks, serves as a poignant reminder of the significant role played by South African laborers who contributed to the war effort but were often excluded from official recognition. “We are proud to inaugurate this memorial to honor the more than 1,700 South…

Libya’s Minister of Oil and Gas, Khalifa Abdulsadek, has outlined an ambitious roadmap to expand the country’s oil refining capacity and strengthen its position in the global energy market. The announcement was made during the Libya Energy and Economic Summit, where Abdulsadek emphasized the government’s commitment to energy security and sustainability. The minister revealed plans to increase the country’s oil refining capacity from the current 300,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 400,000 bpd. This move is part of a long-term strategy to reduce reliance on imports and enhance local energy production. “Our ultimate goal is to achieve full self-sufficiency in…

Algeria has entered into a significant two-year agreement with US energy giant Chevron to explore potential offshore oil resources in the Mediterranean. Announced on Wednesday by the Ministry of Energy, the collaboration represents a pivotal step in the country’s efforts to expand its hydrocarbon sector and attract international investment. The agreement, signed between Algeria’s national hydrocarbon agency, Alnaft, and Chevron North Africa, focuses on conducting an in-depth study to evaluate offshore oil reserves. According to the ministry, the findings could open doors to large-scale exploration and development projects aimed at boosting Algeria’s energy production. Mourad Beldjehem, president of Alnaft, emphasized…

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has launched a landmark initiative aimed at creating the world’s largest tropical forest reserve in the Congo Basin. This ambitious project, which will stretch over 2,400 kilometers, will serve as a green corridor connecting the eastern Kivu region to the capital city of Kinshasa. The Congo Basin, which spans six Central African nations—Cameroon, Central African Republic, DRC, Congo Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon—houses some of the world’s most critical ecosystems. Approximately 60% of the Basin’s forest is located within DRC, making the country central to any conservation efforts in the region. President Felix Tshisekedi,…

Egypt has unveiled ambitious plans to expand the capacity of Cairo International Airport, increasing its annual passenger handling from 28 million to 40 million. The announcement was made by Civil Aviation Minister Sameh El-Hefny during a recent Senate session, as part of the country’s broader agenda to modernize its aviation infrastructure and enhance its position as a global aviation hub. El-Hefny outlined a multi-faceted approach to achieving this milestone, focusing on upgrading radar systems and airport facilities to align with international standards. These improvements aim to enhance efficiency, attract higher air traffic volumes, and elevate passenger experiences. “We are committed…

Gabon’s transitional government has set April 12 as the date for presidential elections, a significant step in the country’s transition to civilian rule following a military takeover in August 2023. Government spokesperson Seraphin Akure Davain confirmed the date after a cabinet meeting, stating that voting will take place between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm in accordance with existing electoral laws. The announcement follows the adoption of a new constitution in November, which introduced key reforms. These include limiting presidents to two seven-year terms, removing the position of prime minister, and prohibiting the transfer of power within families. The reforms aim…

Morocco is intensifying efforts to enhance its tourism appeal in European markets, particularly Spain, through its participation in the 45th International Tourism Fair (FITUR) held in Madrid from January 22 to 26. The country’s tourism office, the Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT), is showcasing the country’s diverse tourism assets at the fair, with particular emphasis on regions such as Tangier and Errachidia. The Moroccan pavilion has emerged as a focal point, with Spanish King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia visiting it on the fair’s opening day. FITUR, recognized as the second-largest tourism event globally, was inaugurated earlier this week by…

Rwandan President Paul Kagame, accompanied by First Lady Jeannette Kagame, arrived in Ankara on Wednesday for a two-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Rwanda and Türkiye. On Thursday, President Kagame is set to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for a private tête-à-tête, followed by an expanded bilateral session involving delegations from both nations. Key discussions are expected to focus on enhancing collaboration in trade, tourism, and education. The leaders will later address the media at a joint press conference. As part of the visit, President Kagame and the First Lady will pay their respects at Anıtkabir,…

Africa has reached a significant milestone in its battle against malaria, with nearly 10 million vaccine doses administered across the continent in the first year of a routine immunization program, the Gavi Vaccine Alliance confirmed on Wednesday. Malaria, a mosquito-borne disease, remains a leading cause of death in Africa, claiming nearly 600,000 lives annually. Children are particularly vulnerable, accounting for the majority of deaths from the disease, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The initiative follows a successful pilot phase from 2019 to 2023, which saw over two million children in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi vaccinated with the RTS,S…

A devastating crash in the western region of Ivory Coast has claimed the lives of at least 15 people and left 23 others injured. The collision, which occurred on Tuesday in the village of Ponan-Ouinlo, involved a freight truck and a bus carrying 70 passengers. The impact was catastrophic, with the bus sustaining significant damage, including a collapsed roof. Emergency response teams rushed to the scene, rescuing survivors from the wreckage. However, the severity of the crash has left many passengers with life-threatening injuries. The National Office for Civil Protection has confirmed the incident but has not provided any details…

Zambia’s copper production surged by 12% in 2024, marking a significant rebound driven by the recovery of major mining operations. The country’s copper output reached an estimated 820,670 metric tons, up from 732,580 tons in the previous year, signaling positive growth for one of Africa’s leading copper producers. The rise in production comes as the Zambian government continues to prioritize the mining sector as a key pillar of its economic strategy. Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe attributed the increase to the recovery of key mines, including Barrick Gold’s Lumwana mine, which ramped up its output. Vedanta Resources’ Konkola Copper Mines (KCM),…

The United Nations has launched an appeal for $910 million to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in northeastern Nigeria, which has been plagued by ongoing insurgencies since 2009 and was further devastated by flooding last year. The request comes as the region faces severe food insecurity and a growing cost-of-living crisis. According to UN documents obtained by Reuters, approximately 7.8 million people in the states of Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. The UN aims to support 3.6 million of those affected. At an estimated cost of $910 million, this crisis is now recognized as…

Kuvimba Mining House, a leading player in Zimbabwe’s mining industry, is poised to finalize a $270 million lithium project deal with two Chinese companies this month, despite recent declines in global lithium prices. The agreement centers around the construction of a high-capacity lithium concentrator in Sandawana, Zimbabwe, with a planned annual output of 600,000 metric tons. Trevor Barnard, CEO of Kuvimba Mining, expressed confidence in the project’s viability, citing projections that lithium prices will recover in the near future. Experts have suggested that the rebound in prices will be driven by sustained demand from electric vehicle sales in China, along…

Egypt’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Sameh Hefny, has engaged in high-level talks with a UAE delegation to explore opportunities for boosting cooperation within the civil aviation sector. The discussions, which focused on advancing strategic aviation projects, were aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and fostering sustainable growth within the industry. Leading the UAE delegation was Mohammed Abdullah Al-Salami, Chairman of the Fujairah Department of Civil Aviation and Deputy Chairman of the General Civil Aviation Authority’s Board of Directors. The delegation also included Mohammed Abdulla Lengawi, Director-General of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority. The meeting centered on key areas of collaboration, including…