Author: WAJ Team

Senegal has decided to halt mining along the Falémé River, which marks part of its southeastern border with Mali, to protect both the environment and public health. However, enforcing this ban will be difficult. The Kédougou region, through which the Falémé River flows, has experienced a boom in artisanal gold mining. Over the past two decades, miners from 19 African countries have flocked to the area in pursuit of gold. The gold extraction methods, which use mercury, lead, and cyanide, have polluted the river. This contamination threatens thousands who depend on the river for farming and livestock. Studies have found…

The President has highlighted that Africa is a pivotal focus of South Africa’s foreign policy. He emphasized the nation’s commitment to enhancing the African Union (AU) as a key force for peace, stability, integration, and development across the continent. He outlined South Africa’s significant roles, including chairing the Presidential Infrastructure Champion Initiative and serving as the AU Champion on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response. These statements were made during a session in the National Assembly in Cape Town on Thursday. A Member of Parliament from uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) questioned the President about the alignment of the Republic’s foreign policy, suggesting…

South Africa’s decision to phase out the breeding of captive big game and prohibit the commercial use of lions has left many big-cat breeders anxious about their business futures. A task force, appointed by the previous Environment Minister, recommended shutting down the breeding sector in December 2022 but did not offer financial support for those affected by the ban. Although the government adopted these recommendations in April, no deadline has been set for ending the breeding activities. There have been no updates to this policy since the national elections in May, which resulted in a new unity government and a…

Ghana, Africa’s top gold producer, is poised to inaugurate its first large-scale greenfield mine in more than ten years this November. The new Cardinal Namdini mine, operated by Cardinal Resources—a unit of Shandong Gold—received its license in 2020 and is expected to produce over 350,000 ounces of gold annually. Despite being the world’s second-largest cocoa producer, Ghana has seen a decline in gold exploration over the past decade, leading to fewer new projects and reduced output from major miners. However, the Minerals Commission’s CEO, Martin Ayisi, revealed plans for three additional mines, including a lithium project, set to launch by…

A pioneering initiative, BEAT-Tuberculosis, has emerged as the first global program targeting drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) across all demographics, significantly impacting the World Health Organization’s international treatment policies. Dr. Francesca Conradie, who spearheaded the study, highlighted that the research successfully demonstrated the safety and efficacy of a new, shorter oral regimen for key populations, marking a major step toward more equitable TB healthcare. Conradie remarked, “The BEAT-Tuberculosis study introduces a groundbreaking approach by including pregnant women and children in clinical trials, broadening our understanding of TB treatment across various demographics.” The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a novel six-month…

Health officials in Uganda have advised against relying on information from border health workers regarding the mpox outbreak. A recent case involved a child initially suspected to have chickenpox, but the diagnosis revealed mpox, a virus spreading rapidly from eastern DRC into Uganda and other regions. This new strain, which differs from the 2022 variant that spread mainly through sexual contact, now transmits quickly through close daily interactions, affecting both adults and an increasing number of children. Despite conflicting reports from various sources, it is clear that children are disproportionately affected. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund, 84% of…

The 2024 Paralympic Games officially commenced in Paris on August 28, with Team Nigeria sending a formidable group of 35 athletes, eager to surpass the country’s previous successes. The competition will unfold over 11 days, running from August 28 to September 8, featuring 549 events across 22 Para sports. Nigeria’s athletes will compete in four disciplines: Para-athletics, Para-badminton, Para-powerlifting, and Para-table tennis. The team includes five in athletics, two in badminton, nine in powerlifting, and eight in table tennis. Nigeria’s Paralympic journey began with its debut at the 1992 Summer Paralympics in Barcelona and has since earned a total of…

On Thursday, Libya’s oil output was significantly reduced, with over half of the production, around 700,000 barrels per day, being shut down, and exports were suspended at several key ports. This situation arose from a political deadlock between competing factions over the control of the central bank and oil revenue, threatening to disrupt a four-year period of relative stability. The conflict over the Central Bank of Libya could lead to renewed instability in the country, which remains divided between eastern and western groups. Ports in the oil-rich Oil Crescent region, including Es Sidra, Brega, Zueitina, and Ras Lanuf, ceased export…

Senegal’s Foreign Minister Yassine Fall engaged in high-level discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on Thursday, aiming to deepen ties between the two nations. During a joint press briefing, Fall emphasized the commitment of Senegal and Russia to enhance collaboration across multiple sectors, including mineral exploration, energy, agriculture, scientific research, hydrocarbon workforce development, and fisheries. She extended an invitation to Russian entrepreneurs to explore investment opportunities in Senegal, underlining the potential for fruitful partnerships between the two countries. “We are keen to see greater cooperation in vital areas that can significantly benefit both our nations,” Fall stated,…

Water scarcity is a major issue in South Africa, where the dry climate and limited freshwater resources exacerbate the problem. Water storage tanks have become an essential tool in the country’s efforts to manage and conserve water. These tanks are vital for collecting and storing rainwater and other water sources, helping to lessen the impact of drought and providing a consistent water supply for various applications. Tackling Water Shortages Extended droughts, population growth, and urban development have intensified South Africa’s water crisis. Water storage tanks offer a viable solution by capturing and storing rainwater for use during dry spells. This…

Nigeria and Niger have decided to strengthen their security cooperation, the Nigerian military reported on Thursday, despite ongoing tensions following last year’s coup in Niger. On Wednesday, the defense chiefs of both nations signed a memorandum of understanding in Niamey, Niger’s capital, reaffirming their dedication to revitalizing their partnership to promote regional stability and security. The relationship between Nigeria and Niger became strained after the July 2023 coup that removed Mohamed Bazoum from power, leading to divisions within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and raising concerns about the fight against Islamist insurgency in the region. In response…

Ghana is preparing to invite investors holding its Eurobonds to participate in a debt exchange program, according to Finance Minister Mohammed Amin Adam’s announcement on Thursday. This initiative involves offering new bonds to replace existing ones, with the goal of resetting the country’s relationship with the international bond market. The exchange program will span 21 days, during which the government hopes for comprehensive participation from all bondholders. This step is part of Ghana’s broader strategy to stabilize its financial standing and enhance investor confidence. In a related move, the Ghanaian government will also seek funds through a syndicated loan and…

Namibia is gearing up to finalize its sovereign wealth fund by 2025, a move that aligns with the anticipated approval of the nation’s first offshore oil project. This development is seen as a significant step for the country, which has yet to begin oil or gas production but has recently emerged as a prime destination for energy exploration. According to government officials, a comprehensive law is being crafted to regulate how the fund will be managed, including the rules for withdrawals and investments. The legislation is expected to be presented to parliament by early next year, with full operational status…

Two exciting China-Africa film collaborations are set to captivate audiences with stories from Mauritius and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), while promoting film industry cooperation. Filming for these projects is slated to begin next year, with locations in both China and Africa. Luc Bendza of the African Film Association in China reports that the production is expected to last between two to three months, and efforts to secure funding are ongoing. The productions include “Love in Mauritius,” a romance film, and “Terres D’Acier, Ames De Cristal” (Land of Steel, Souls of Crystal), set in the DRC. Both films will…

A comprehensive report reveals that Africa’s rising population is driving an increased demand for processed foods. According to Ousmane Badiane, co-chair of the Malabo Montpellier Panel, the expanding middle class is seeking African foods with modern conveniences, such as enhanced packaging and ready-to-eat options. “As the population grows, along with incomes and urbanization, a substantial middle class has emerged,” Badiane said. “This demographic continues to prefer traditional foods but desires more contemporary ways to enjoy them.” For example, Forna Health Foods in Uganda produces a composite flour made from a blend of 12 different flours, used to prepare porridge suitable…

Rwanda’s lithium exploration has now reached an advanced phase, with companies preparing to start core-drilling. This essential process involves using hollow cylindrical drills to extract subsurface samples for analysis to determine the presence, concentration, and distribution of minerals. While core-drilling for lithium has previously occurred in Rwanda—achieved by Trinity Metals in 2023—the country’s exploration activities have expanded. Last August, Rwanda initiated a major exploration project through a joint venture involving multiple partners. This agreement facilitates the exploration and development of lithium and its by-products on 2,750 hectares in Southern Province, where 19 pegmatite zones containing lithium, cesium, and tantalum have…