Author: WAJ Team

During the 10th BRICS Working Group on Astronomy meeting held in Kazan, Russia, from September 9-13, Takalani Nemaungani, Chief Director of Astronomy at South Africa’s Department of Science and Innovation, outlined his country’s prominent role as the secretariat in driving forward international cooperation and innovation in the field of astronomy. Nemaungani emphasized that while each BRICS member nation—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has a rich history and significant achievements in astronomy, their collaborative efforts can amplify these successes. He highlighted that by working together, BRICS countries can push the boundaries of space science and exploration even further. A core…

AngloGold Ashanti, a prominent South African gold mining company, is set to acquire Centamin, a British gold miner, in a substantial $2.5 billion deal. This acquisition prominently features Centamin’s Sukari mine in Egypt, which stands out as North Africa’s largest and first modern gold mine. Under the terms of the agreement, Centamin’s total share capital is valued at approximately £1.9 billion, equivalent to $2.5 billion. This strategic move is expected to significantly enhance AngloGold Ashanti’s production capabilities. The addition of the Sukari mine is projected to increase the company’s annual gold output by around 450,000 ounces, pushing its total production…

The Paris 2024 Paralympics marked a pivotal moment for African para-sports, with the continent achieving a total of 64 medals, slightly surpassing the 63 medals won at Tokyo 2020. This increase, though modest, reflects a continued upward trend in performance. Of the 23 gold medals awarded to African athletes, eight different nations contributed to this total, and two other countries also secured medals. Para-athletics and para-powerlifting were the primary sources of success, with 43 and 11 medals respectively. However, the achievements were not limited to these two disciplines, as athletes from the continent also excelled in eight additional sports. Morocco…

In a recent ambush during a sandstorm in Mali, numerous Wagner mercenaries, including Russian veterans with extensive combat experience in Ukraine, Libya, and Syria, are feared dead. This information, gathered from interviews with relatives and social media analysis, highlights the significant risks faced by Russian mercenaries in the Sahel region. The confrontation near Tinzaouaten, close to the Algerian border, has raised concerns about Russia’s ability to manage its mercenary operations effectively. With the Russian defense ministry integrating many Wagner fighters into its forces, doubts have emerged about whether Russia can achieve better results than Western and U.N. troops who were…

Former Cameroonian Prime Minister Philemon Yang has officially taken on the presidency of the General Assembly, delivering a strong call for international cooperation to address critical global challenges, including climate change, poverty, and conflicts. Yang, who served as Cameroon’s prime minister from 2009 to 2019, outlined his vision for the year ahead during his inaugural address on Tuesday. Speaking to the 193-member assembly, Yang acknowledged the growing skepticism around nations’ ability to work together in these uncertain times but emphasized that collective efforts remain the most effective means of tackling the world’s most pressing issues. “Despite doubts, we must prove…

Vandalism to rail infrastructure is incurring a staggering cost of nearly R5 billion annually, highlighting a significant challenge for the country’s transportation sector. This ongoing issue directly impacts the efficiency and volume of freight transported by the national rail network. Transport Minister Barbara Creecy addressed these concerns during a recent briefing to the National Council of Provinces, where she outlined the pressing challenges faced in infrastructure development. She emphasized that the rail system should ideally handle between 220 and 250 million tons of freight each year to effectively support economic growth and job stability in key sectors such as mining.…

Joe Ajaero, a prominent labor union leader in Nigeria, was released by the secret police on Tuesday after being detained and interrogated for several hours. The detention took place on Monday at Abuja airport as Ajaero was preparing to travel to the United Kingdom for a labor conference. Ajaero’s arrest has sparked significant backlash from various quarters, with many viewing it as part of a broader campaign to stifle dissent against the Nigerian government. Known for his vocal criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Ajaero was questioned by the Department of State Services (DSS) about alleged connections to British national…

The Democratic Alliance has expressed serious concerns that an education bill, which President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to sign into law within the week, could jeopardize the stability and future of the current unity government. This warning signifies the emergence of significant tension among the coalition partners. The Democratic Alliance, which had aligned with Ramaphosa’s African National Congress (ANC) and several smaller parties earlier this year, did so after the ANC lost its parliamentary majority. This coalition was formed despite substantial ideological differences among the parties, and the recent dispute over the education bill underscores the fragility of their political…

Rwanda is embarking on an ambitious plan to secure over $1.68 billion in investments to advance its agricultural and livestock sectors, focusing on avocados, chillies, and poultry. This strategic move was announced during the 2024 Africa Food Systems Forum, which concluded on September 6 in Kigali. The investment drive is a key element of the “Rwanda Legacy Program,” designed to create sustainable and profitable opportunities within the agricultural sector. The program aims to enhance food security, generate employment for youth and women, and build resilience in Rwanda’s agricultural practices. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), the…

African central banks are increasingly investing in gold as a safeguard against economic and geopolitical uncertainties. This shift aims to diversify their financial assets and stabilize local currencies amid global volatility. Gold prices have surged from $1,900 per ounce in September 2023 to $2,500 a year later. Despite the high costs, experts anticipate a continued rise in demand for gold over the coming months due to its status as a safe-haven asset. Carlos Lopes, a professor at the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, explains that the move towards gold is driven by low returns on other investments and ongoing…

Rwanda is experiencing increased air pollution primarily driven by industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and inadequate waste management practices, including the burning of biomass. In the recent presentation of the 2021-2023 Air Quality Status report, the Minister of Environment underscored the growing urgency to tackle these sources of pollution. The report details how these pollutants are adversely affecting both public health and the environment. The Minister emphasized that as Rwanda strives for sustainable development, it is imperative to invest in and implement effective measures to improve air quality. This includes adopting cleaner technologies, enhancing waste management practices, and promoting policies that…

Floodwaters from an overflowing dam have inundated thousands of homes in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State in northeastern Nigeria, creating a severe humanitarian emergency. Officials are raising alarms that the disaster could intensify, as rescue operations struggle to keep pace with the rapidly worsening situation. Aerial footage and images provided by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) show entire neighborhoods submerged in water, with only rooftops visible in some areas. The floodwaters have left many residents stranded, with critical infrastructure, including roads and communication lines, severely impacted. Maiduguri, a city that has endured more than a decade of insurgent…

Niamey, the capital of Niger, has launched a major mosquito control campaign aimed at tackling the widespread issue of malaria. The campaign, which began on Monday at 7 p.m. local time, is a strategic effort to curb the transmission of malaria, a disease primarily spread by mosquitoes. The operation focuses on eliminating mosquito breeding sites, particularly in areas with stagnant water and unsanitary conditions. Municipal authorities have emphasized the importance of this initiative and are urging residents to take protective measures, such as covering their food and drinks during the control activities to ensure their safety. Malaria continues to be…

Engie Energy Access Rwanda, a subsidiary of the internationally recognized energy leader ENGIE, has introduced an advanced solar energy system designed to cater to substantial energy demands across various sectors. This new system, named “MySol Boss,” is tailored to provide reliable and sustainable power for commercial businesses, educational institutions, and residential properties with high energy requirements. The launch of MySol Boss took place during the Energy Week Conference and Exhibition 2024, an event hosted in Kigali and running for the next three days. This significant event, organized by the Rwanda Energy Private Developers (EPD), serves as a platform for showcasing…

Israel is reportedly urging the United States to exert pressure on South Africa to withdraw its legal actions against Israel at the UN International Court of Justice. These actions pertain to allegations of “genocide” in Gaza. According to a leaked cable from the Israeli Foreign Ministry, Israel is asking US legislators to threaten trade sanctions if South Africa does not abandon these cases. The cable, which was sent to the Israeli Embassy in Washington, urges US lawmakers, governors, and Jewish organizations to apply significant pressure on South Africa. It emphasizes that continued support for Hamas and the advancement of anti-Israeli…

Trade between China and Africa expanded by 2.7% to $192.44 billion from January to August 2024, according to China’s General Administration of Customs. This growth reflects a robust economic partnership between the two regions. Detailed figures show a 2.1% decrease in Chinese exports to Africa, totaling $112.97 billion. In contrast, imports from Africa to China increased by 10.4%, reaching $79.47 billion. This rise in imports highlights Africa’s growing importance as a trade partner for China. On September 5, during the 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China’s commitment to deepening its engagement with Africa. He emphasized…