Author: WAJ Editor

The African Development Fund (ADF) has granted a $14.15 million loan to Guinea-Conakry to strengthen institutional capabilities for industrial development and bolster the resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This funding will fuel a program aimed at enhancing public service quality for SMEs, alongside a growth and resilience initiative specifically designed for their needs. The loan’s terms include a 50-year repayment period with a 10-year grace period, during which Guinea-Conakry will pay a 1% service fee on funds disbursed and a 0.75% commitment fee on undisbursed funds.

With digitalization on the rise worldwide, Ethiopia is setting ambitious goals for its digital economy. A recent report by GSMA, in partnership with Ethio Telecom, forecasts that Ethiopia’s digital sector could add 1.3 trillion ETB (around $10.8 billion) to GDP by 2028. Titled “Driving Digital Transformation of the Economy in Ethiopia: Opportunities, Policy Reforms, and the Role of Mobile,” the report links this growth to telecom reforms and investments in mobile tech, which are expected to boost agriculture, manufacturing, and public services. The report anticipates these advancements will create over a million jobs and bring in 57 billion ETB in…

Digitalization is becoming a key driver for improving service efficiency and drawing in investment, with governments aiming to modernize essential sectors to foster growth and optimize resource use. Gabon’s Ministry of Mines and Ministry of Digital Economy announced a strategic partnership to develop a digital platform to manage the country’s mining sector. This unified system will facilitate the mapping, monitoring, and regulation of mining operations across Gabon. “The agreement focuses on creating tailored, locally-developed solutions for managing mining permits, which helps avoid outsourcing costs. Gabon has the skills and knowledge needed to implement this,” said Mines Minister Gilles Nembe. The…

Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national carrier, announced the addition of a fourth daily flight between Abu Dhabi and Cairo starting March 27, 2016. This popular route has strengthened ties between the two capitals and offers more travel options, particularly for Egypt’s large expatriate population in the UAE. The new flight timings cater to business and leisure travelers with flexible choices throughout the day, providing improved connections for those traveling onward from Cairo to the GCC, South and Northeast Asia, and India. Etihad, along with partner Jet Airways, now operates over 250 weekly flights to 15 destinations across India. Since its…

Six children who tragically died earlier this month in a South African township had consumed a chemical compound typically found in pesticides, as confirmed by the country’s health minister on Monday. Reports indicate that the children fell ill after eating snacks purchased from a local spaza shop in Soweto, near Johannesburg. Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi announced that toxicology tests identified the cause of death as organophosphate, a substance commonly used in agriculture and pesticides. Health officials are currently awaiting results from swabs taken from informal shops in Soweto to trace the source of the organophosphate. Motsoaledi suggested that these shops…

During a phone conversation with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi discussed the escalating situation in the Middle East, highlighting the urgent need for the international community, particularly influential European nations, to intervene and de-escalate tensions. El-Sisi called for renewed efforts to pursue a two-state solution and the establishment of a Palestinian state in accordance with international resolutions, asserting that these steps are crucial for restoring regional stability and ensuring sustainable security for all nations involved. The leaders also explored ways to strengthen bilateral relations, particularly in economic cooperation and mutual investment opportunities. On Sunday, El-Sisi…

Regional collaboration and proactive measures are essential to tackle the challenges posed by the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and other climate-related crises in Africa. This message was emphasized during a roundtable discussion on Thursday at the 9th Africa Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in Namibia. The event, titled “Strategic Policy Directions on El Niño: Transformative Disaster Risk Reduction in Eastern and Southern Africa,” underscored the severe impacts of ENSO events in the region, exacerbated by climate change. Organized by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), in collaboration with the UN Development Programme’s Resilience Hub for Africa,…

The tragic story of Raphael, a 12-year-old boy from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) who worked in a cobalt mine to support his family, highlights the severe issues surrounding child labor in the region. At 15, Raphael was killed in a tunnel collapse, prompting his family to join a lawsuit in the U.S. against major tech companies like Google, Apple, and Tesla, which they accused of benefiting from forced labor and child exploitation. However, a federal appeals court dismissed the case in May 2024, a setback for advocates fighting against child labor in global supply chains. The cobalt…

The Senate’s proposal to establish the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship in Bama, Borno State, was met with broad support from stakeholders at a public hearing on Monday. Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan (APC, Borno Central), who sponsored the bill, emphasized that the university would be Africa’s first of its kind, focusing on agriculture and entrepreneurship to address Nigeria’s unemployment crisis. The hearing, organized by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFUND, underscored the urgent need for this specialized institution. Senator Lawan highlighted that the university would equip youth with entrepreneurial skills to turn opportunities into viable businesses, fostering…

London-based Solarcentury Africa has commenced construction of a 20 MW solar power plant in Namibia’s Otjozondjupa region. The $20 million project, co-developed with Namibia’s Sino Energy, is funded by Solarcentury’s parent company, BB Energy. Set to be the region’s first fully merchant independent power producer, the plant will generate 51 GWh annually, selling electricity directly on the Southern African Power Pool. Solarcentury Africa CEO Jason De Carteret highlighted that the merchant model enables direct trading into the regional grid without the need for long-term power purchase agreements, offering faster deployment and flexibility. The project, which has received the necessary licenses…

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, Kenya, has been awarded the title of Africa’s Leading Airport at the 2024 Africa Gala Ceremony of the World Travel Awards. The prestigious event, held at Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort in Diani Beach, celebrated top achievers in African travel, tourism, and hospitality. This recognition reflects JKIA’s advancements in infrastructure, service excellence, and operational efficiency, positioning it as a premier aviation hub in East Africa. JKIA has become a gateway for international travel, connecting Africa to global destinations with upgraded facilities and modern technology. Recent enhancements, including an expanded Terminal 1A and…

The Zimbabwean government is considering dispatching a senior parliamentary delegation to the US Congress to advocate for the repeal of the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Amendment Act (ZDERA). First enacted in 2001 under President George W. Bush, ZDERA has served as the basis for US sanctions, which Zimbabwe asserts have significantly hampered its economic growth and foreign investment opportunities. In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Justice, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi revealed that Parliament is pushing to send legislators to Capitol Hill to address the sanctions’ negative impact. “Parliament is working to engage their US counterparts…

Ghana is set to issue its inaugural transfer of Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs)—carbon credits representing verified emission reductions. Expected in late 2024 or early 2025, the issuance marks a milestone under Ghana’s climate strategy and the 2020 cooperative carbon credit agreement with Switzerland. Speaking at a recent event in Accra, organized by the Klik Foundation and Ghana’s Carbon Market Office, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ophelia Mensah Hayford, outlined that the first ITMOs will come from a project distributing 180,000 improved charcoal cookstoves. Subsidized by carbon funds, these cookstoves will benefit rural and peri-urban smallholder farmers, aiming…

Over the past decade, diaspora remittances to Zimbabwe have surged to $16.3 billion, as Zimbabweans abroad increasingly send money home to support family and community needs amid economic challenges. With an estimated three million Zimbabweans living abroad, many having left due to deteriorating economic conditions, these funds have become a crucial lifeline, contributing significantly to foreign currency inflows and economic stability. Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare Minister July Moyo emphasized the role of diaspora remittances in poverty alleviation, entrepreneurship support, and overall economic growth. South Africa is the largest contributor, accounting for 47% of remittances, followed by the UK…

AfriForum, a South African civil rights organization, announced it will soon release findings from independent water quality tests in Stellenbosch after experiencing resistance from the town’s municipality. The tests, commissioned from an accredited lab, are investigating allegations of untreated sewage being discharged into the Veldwagters and Eerste Rivers. AfriForum filed a formal request for information on water quality and sewage management in October 2023 under the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) after complaints from locals. However, the municipality cited confidentiality to withhold information, despite an earlier statement declaring Stellenbosch’s drinking water safe. AfriForum subsequently conducted its own tests,…

In the spirit of encouraging more Ugandans to take up loans, Bank of Uganda has reduced its central bank rate by 25 basis points to 9.75 per cent in the desperate hope that commercial banks can take note and do the same with their interest rates on loans. The drop in the central bank rates which largely influences the direction of commercial bank interest rates comes at a time when many Ugandans are complaining about scarcity of money. Bank of Uganda feels that more injection of money from banks into the economy will not trigger an upward movement of inflation…

Farmers in South Sudan’s Ruweng Administrative Area (RAA) are grappling with a severe fuel shortage and devastating bird infestations, putting their livelihoods and food security at risk. “We have a fuel crisis. We recently purchased a 250-liter barrel of diesel for 2,400,000 South Sudanese pounds,” said Mading Chol, secretary-general of the farmers’ union in Ruweng. The high fuel costs and limited supply are restricting farmers’ ability to transport their crops to markets and access vital agricultural inputs. Adding to these difficulties, swarms of quelea birds are ravaging crops, worsening the situation for farmers. “We urge donors and our government to…

Nigeria’s central bank has signed a landmark agreement with the International Finance Corp. (IFC) to support local-currency financing, aiming to strengthen demand for the naira and reduce exchange-rate risks for Nigerian businesses borrowing in foreign currencies. The IFC aims to significantly expand its financing in Nigeria, with plans to provide over $1 billion across critical sectors in the coming years, according to a joint statement issued on Monday. This partnership will enable the IFC to manage currency risks more effectively, thereby increasing its investments in naira across priority sectors such as agriculture, housing, infrastructure, and energy, the statement noted. The…

Indonesia’s national oil company, Pertamina, will be represented at the upcoming African Energy Week (AEW) conference from November 4-8 in Cape Town, as the company sets its sights on new investment opportunities in African oil and gas markets. Pertamina’s delegation, led by Senior Vice President of Business Development Wisnu Medan Santoso, aims to advance Indonesia’s goal of diversifying energy imports by connecting with African energy partners. Indonesia, which once played a major role as an oil exporter, has seen a decline of 33% in production since 2010 due to aging oilfields. This shift has prompted Pertamina to pursue partnerships abroad,…

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to arrive in Morocco on Monday afternoon, where he will be met by both nationalist parades and pro-Palestine demonstrations critical of France’s stance on Israel’s actions in Gaza. On October 28, large flags lined Rabat’s main streets, marking Macron’s first visit in three years after a period of diplomatic strain with Morocco. His visit will start at 5 p.m. with an official welcoming ceremony at the royal palace, hosted by King Mohammed VI. By midday, crowds had already gathered by the barricades, eager to see Macron and King Mohammed VI, who were previously at…

Adel Jumaa, the Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs in Libya’s Tripoli-based government, spoke to Italian media, with his statements shared by several Libyan news sites. He noted that the Italian-Libyan Business Forum, scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, October 28-29 in Tripoli, marks a significant step towards deepening strategic ties with Italy. Jumaa expressed Libya’s hope that this forum will serve as a foundation to strengthen collaboration, with agreements expected to be signed in four major sectors at both public and private levels: energy, infrastructure, health, and agriculture. Hosted by the Tripoli International Fair, the forum will focus on energy…

Egypt’s Attorney General Mohamed Shawky Ayyad launched an immediate investigation on Friday following a food poisoning incident affecting 89 female students at Al-Azhar University’s dormitory in Luxor. The students, experiencing symptoms like vomiting, severe cramps, and diarrhea, were taken to Karnak Hospital after consuming meals from the university campus. The Public Prosecution collected student testimonies and food samples to identify the source of the poisoning. University spokesperson Ahmed Zare reported that 60 students have been discharged, with others still under treatment. A week-long committee was formed to oversee food safety measures, and an inspection of the campus kitchen was conducted…

The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project, valued at $5 billion, is facing debt financing challenges, prompting stakeholders like TotalEnergies and CNOOC to inject additional funds to keep the venture on track. This pipeline, designed to transport oil from Uganda’s Lake Albert reserves to Tanzania’s port of Tanga, has sparked controversy, with environmentalists and some international observers warning of environmental damage and community displacement. As a result of these concerns, six Western banks, including BNP Paribas, Société Générale, and Barclays, declined to finance the project. In response, Uganda’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa, recently traveled to…

Namibia’s transitional president, Nangolo Mbumba, has announced that the country will hold its presidential and parliamentary elections on November 27, 2024. In a statement released late Friday, the Namibian Presidency confirmed that President Mbumba has declared this date a public holiday to facilitate the elections for the President and members of the National Assembly. Mbumba, who has served as transitional leader since February following the death of Hage Geingob, stated that he will not seek re-election, opting instead to support his deputy’s campaign for the presidency. In his announcement, Mbumba encouraged all eligible voters to take part in the elections…

Victoria Mann, the founder of AKAA (Also Known as Africa), notes, “Today, Africa is present in all art events,” highlighting the growing significance of African artists and their themes in the global art landscape. Contemporary African art is experiencing notable expansion internationally, supported by increased visibility from various events like AKAA, which took place in Paris from October 18 to 20. This edition featured over 100 artists, emphasizing its dedication to showcasing the diversity of African art. AKAA has become a vital hub for collectors, artists, and art enthusiasts, hosting 41 galleries, including five from Africa, and providing a comprehensive…

Garowe (Mogadishu24) – Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni has firmly opposed a map issued by Somalia’s Ministry of Mineral and Natural Resources that suggests a territorial dispute between Puntland and Galmudug over the Mudug region. The map, which has gained traction on social media, highlights areas where the Turkish seismic survey vessel, Oruç Reis, is set to conduct gas exploration, igniting controversy. President Deni stated that although Mudug was historically a unified region before the collapse of Somalia’s central government, it is currently divided between Puntland and Galmudug. He insisted that “there is no dispute between the two states,”…

In Algeria’s Sahara Desert, the temporary lake Sebkha el Melah has emerged, providing scientists a rare chance to study historical climate trends in the region. Created by a cyclone that brought heavy rains to northern Africa in September, this ephemeral lake transformed the dry desert landscape into an unusual aquatic habitat, key for exploring the Sahara’s long-term climatic shifts. Historical Context and Satellite Observation NASA’s Landsat 9 satellite, through its Operational Land Imager-2 (OLI-2), has been tracking the lake’s formation, now spanning about 74 square miles (191 square kilometers) with a depth of 7.2 feet (2.2 meters). The appearance of…

China has urged Western countries, particularly the United States, to lift their longstanding sanctions on Zimbabwe. Speaking at a routine press briefing, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian responded to Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s recent appeal for the removal of what he termed “unwarranted” and “cruel sanctions” by the U.S. and its allies. Lin highlighted the Anti-Sanctions Day initiative established by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in 2019, which designated October 25 as a day to protest sanctions on Zimbabwe. He noted that Zimbabwe, as the current SADC chair, is holding events to mark the initiative’s fifth anniversary and…

South Africa has quietly amended its national health research guidelines to potentially allow heritable genome editing, becoming the first country to outline policies that could enable genetically modified children. This change, published in May, has placed the nation in a controversial position on the global ethical landscape regarding genetic modification. Heritable human genome editing, a contentious field largely due to its profound societal and ethical implications, gained international attention in 2018 when a Chinese scientist used CRISPR technology to create the first gene-edited babies. His experiment aimed to make the children resistant to HIV, but it was widely criticized as…

Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has been appointed Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations. Leaders of the 56-member Commonwealth, presided over by Britain’s King Charles, selected the Ghanaian diplomat on the closing day of their summit in Samoa, attended by both King Charles and Queen Camilla. Representatives from former British colonies gathered for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which began on Monday in the Pacific island nation. Key issues, including the legacy of slavery and climate change, were central topics of discussion. The Commonwealth announced Botchwey’s appointment on social media, noting her current role as Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and…

A growing number of U.S. Republican lawmakers have criticized South Africa’s decision to expel Taiwan’s liaison office from Pretoria. Despite increasing calls for comment, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has declined to address the issue publicly, insisting instead on using formal diplomatic channels. Prominent Republican figures have voiced strong opposition. Senator Tom Cotton condemned the move, calling it “deeply disturbing” and attributing it to pressure from the Chinese Communist Party. Congressman Michael McCaul, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, expressed concern on social media, urging South Africa to honor its nonaligned foreign policy and reconsider…

Starlink terminals have quickly sold out in key cities across Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, reflecting a strong demand for its satellite internet services in Africa. High-speed internet packages from Starlink have sold out in cities like Harare, Lusaka, Nairobi, and several Nigerian cities, including Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Warri. According to Starlink, no new orders can be placed in these areas due to “service unavailability” as the current capacity for residential plans has been reached, as seen in Harare. Starlink has not yet announced a timeline for increasing capacity in these regions. In Zimbabwe, Starlink’s popularity surged…

Kenyan President William Ruto attended the groundbreaking ceremony for a new 35MW geothermal power plant in Nakuru County, located about 200km northwest of Nairobi. The $90 million Orpower 22 project is a collaboration between Kenya and the Shanghai-based Kaishan Group, according to Xinhua news agency. The plant is expected to be completed in 17 months. Orpower 22 is Kaishan Group’s second geothermal facility in Kenya, following the 35MW Sosian Menengai plant, which began supplying electricity to Kenya’s grid in June 2023. With ambitions to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2030, Kenya is focusing on its 10GW geothermal potential, aiming to…

Eritrea’s Civil Aviation Authority has filed a lawsuit against Ethiopian Airlines, seeking $3 million in compensation for the loss of 450 pieces of luggage. Local media in Asmara, Eritrea’s capital, reported on the case, though the exact filing date remains unspecified. Additionally, Eritrea is claiming $570,000 for services provided to Ethiopian Airlines 25 years ago that allegedly remain unpaid, according to the Eritrean news source TesfaNews. Ethiopian Airlines has not commented on the lawsuit, and it is unclear whether they have been formally notified. Earlier this September, Ethiopian Airlines suspended flights to Eritrea, citing difficulties after the Eritrean government reportedly…

The African Development Bank Group’s Asia External Representation Office, in partnership with the Korea-Africa Foundation, Seoul National University’s Asia Africa Center, and the African Development Institute (ADI), is organizing a policy seminar on October 29th, focused on “Strengthening Africa’s Resilience: Continuous Skill Building and Capacity Enhancement for Development Challenges.” This seminar will leverage Korea’s development experiences in various sectors, examining how these successes can inspire strategies for skill building and capacity strengthening in Africa to address its development challenges. A diverse group of participants is expected, including development experts, government officials, academics, civil society representatives, and private sector leaders. Coming…

Today in Kampala, Dr. Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, met with Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, General Jeje Odong, to express gratitude for Uganda’s exceptional support of refugees. Held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters, the meeting highlighted Uganda’s notable role as one of the world’s leading hosts of displaced populations. Dr. Grandi praised Uganda’s inclusive refugee policies, acknowledging its longstanding commitment to providing refugees with shelter and support. Recognizing Uganda’s large refugee population, he emphasized the country’s humanitarian leadership and its welcoming stance towards those in need. In response, Minister Odong reaffirmed Uganda’s open-door…

South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) is currently working to secure loan guarantees from international partners to unlock $9.3 billion in funding aimed at shifting the country from coal dependence to renewable energy sources. The International Partners Group (IPG) supporting this climate initiative includes the U.S., EU, UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Denmark. The absence of these guarantees has delayed the release of significant funds intended to support South Africa’s green transition, essential for reducing carbon emissions. Joanne Yawitch, who leads the project management unit for JETP within the South African presidency, indicated that discussions on loan guarantees…

On “World Polio Day,” Nuzhat Rafique, Director of UNICEF’s Bauchi State Field Office, voiced her concern about the severe impact polio can have on children’s lives and well-being. Rafique emphasized the urgent need for vaccinations, noting that over 2.3 million children in Nigeria remain unvaccinated, leaving them vulnerable to the disease. Highlighting the role of vaccination campaigns in preventing child fatalities and lifelong disabilities caused by polio, Rafique stated, “We are steadfast in our commitment to stopping polio outbreaks. For polio to be fully eradicated, every child in every household must be vaccinated.” The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that…

In early 2024, Madagascar launched the “Big Catch-up,” a national initiative aimed at closing vaccination gaps, particularly targeting over a million unvaccinated children. Supported by Gavi, UNICEF, and WHO, the campaign seeks to prevent disease outbreaks like measles and polio, especially in isolated areas. The campaign has seen significant successes, such as in Andranotsimaty, a remote gold-mining village where regular vaccination visits are now the norm. In the Ambatolampy district of Vakinankaratra, meticulous planning and strong partnerships have led to 100% vaccination coverage for the pentavalent vaccine. Efforts are supported by USAID’s ACCESS program, which has provided bicycles to health…

Nigerian President Tinubu spoke at the two-day “Livestock Reforms Consultation” held in the capital Abuja. Tinubu expressed concern over Nigeria’s dependence on imports for dairy products and the critical state of local production. Stating that Nigeria spends about $1.5 billion on milk and dairy product imports every year, Tinubu stressed the need for urgent reform in the livestock sector. Tinubu said that the long-standing neglect of the livestock sector has become a major burden on the country’s import bill, adding, “A country with a population of over 200 million cannot provide a glass of milk per day to its children…

Tanzania’s new electric railway, linking the commercial hub of Dar es Salaam to the capital Dodoma, is now open, marking a major milestone in the country’s transport infrastructure. The route, part of the 2,560km Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) network, reduces travel time to under four hours, providing a faster, safer alternative to road travel. The railway’s Dar es Salaam terminal, inspired by the tanzanite gemstone, and the Dodoma station, designed to blend with surrounding rocky landscapes, showcase Tanzania’s blend of natural heritage and modern design. Since opening in August, the line has been popular, with 7,000 daily passengers using its…

Religious leaders in Mauritius have called on citizens to embrace peace, integrity, and accountability as the country approaches its General Elections set for November 10. In a statement released on October 23, the Council of Religions (CoR) urged Mauritians to uphold core values rooted in the nation’s religious heritage, encouraging active participation in shaping the country’s future. “This is a pivotal moment for our nation,” the religious leaders stated, “and the Council of Religions cannot stay silent without promoting values that form part of our religious heritage.” They emphasized the duty of every citizen to vote, stressing that civic engagement…

Egypt’s Finance Minister, Ahmed Kouchouk, highlighted the urgent need to accelerate Africa’s economic transformation, urging for stronger collaboration with international partners and increased private sector engagement. Kouchouk emphasized the importance of integrated, stable economic policies across African nations, geared toward attracting investment and fostering partnerships. In a discussion with representatives, including Mavis Owusu-Gyampfi of the African Center for Economic Transformation, at the IMF and World Bank annual meetings in Washington, he advocated for reforms within multilateral institutions to increase representation of African and emerging economies. This, he noted, would ensure these organizations better serve the unique needs of these regions.…

Human Rights Watch has urged the United Nations and African Union member states to begin planning the deployment of a civilian protection mission in Sudan, where millions are displaced and face famine after 18 months of brutal armed conflict. This call follows a report from UN Secretary-General António Guterres, outlining steps that member states should take to safeguard civilians and press the warring Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) to halt ongoing atrocities. The UN Security Council is set to discuss Guterres’ report on October 28, as fighting intensifies in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, and in El Gezira…

Unitaid, a global health agency funded by the UK, has launched an innovative initiative aimed at improving access to medical oxygen in sub-Saharan Africa through the region’s first-ever manufacturing program. The program, backed by a US$22 million investment, will support three oxygen manufacturers in Kenya and Tanzania, significantly boosting medical oxygen production in East and Southern Africa. The initiative aims to increase oxygen production by 300% and reduce costs by up to 27%, making it more affordable for healthcare systems across the region. The new facilities in Kenya and Tanzania are expected to provide oxygen treatment to thousands more patients…

Hama Amadou, Niger’s former Prime Minister, passed away in a hospital in the capital, Niamey, at the age of 74 after enduring years of health issues, according to a former deputy and close friend. The cause of death was not disclosed. Amadou served as prime minister twice, from 1995 to 1996 and again from 1999 to 2007, and held the position of speaker of Parliament from 2011 to 2014. He was a prominent political figure who unsuccessfully ran for president in 2011, 2016, and 2020. As the founder and leader of the Nigerien Democratic Movement for an African Federation (MODEN/FA),…

Beninese President Patrice Talon issued a decree on Wednesday to implement legal aid across the country, aimed at ensuring equal access to justice for all citizens. The initiative, as outlined in the minutes of the Council of Ministers, seeks to eliminate discrimination in accessing legal services, regardless of factors such as illiteracy, lack of legal knowledge, ethnicity, gender, religion, social or economic status, or disability. The new decree ensures that individuals, regardless of their financial means or legal knowledge, can now have their rights defended by legal professionals. All Beninese citizens will have access to legal assistance in court and…

Top officials from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Kampala, accompanied by representatives from Uganda’s Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, visited farmers and agribusinesses in northern Uganda’s Lira District on October 15-16, 2024. The delegation reviewed the progress of the STAR Project, led by the International Trade Centre (ITC), aimed at fortifying small businesses against climate change. During the visit, the delegation met with local officials, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and business support organizations to discuss the STAR project’s initiatives. The project, active in 10 districts including Lira, assists 60 small businesses—12 of them based in…

The Southern African kingdom of Eswatini, which has maintained diplomatic ties with Israel for over 50 years, is reportedly considering hosting an Israeli diplomatic mission once again. The Israeli Embassy in Eswatini’s capital, Mbabane, was closed in 1994, with relations managed from Pretoria, South Africa. Local media reports suggest ongoing high-level consultations could lead to the embassy’s return. This move comes as Israel faces global isolation due to its military actions in Gaza and Lebanon. While Eswatini officials, including Foreign Ministry Secretary Newman Ntshangase, view the potential embassy reopening as positive, critics, such as Thokozane Kunene of the Communist Party…

Tunisian opposition politician Ayachi Zammel, who ran against President Kais Saied in recent elections, has had his prison term extended, his lawyer revealed on Tuesday. This brings the total prison time against him to over 30 years. Zammel, one of only two candidates allowed to run against Saied earlier this month, was detained in early September, coinciding with the approval of his candidacy by electoral authorities. On Monday, a court in Kairouan sentenced Zammel to an additional five years for falsifying ballot endorsements for the October 6 election, according to his lawyer, Abdessatar Messaoudi. Messaoudi stated that Zammel was given…

The Mozambican National Electoral Commission (CNE) announced Daniel Chapo, the candidate of the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo), as the winner of the October 9, 2024, presidential election with 70.67% of the vote. Chapo will succeed Filipe Nyusi as Mozambique’s fifth president, pending final validation of the results by the Constitutional Council. Chapo’s victory was decisive, securing more than 50% of votes in all constituencies. Venâncio Mondlane, candidate of the Optimist Party for the Development of Mozambique (Podemos), finished second with 20.32%, while Renamo’s Ossufo Momade garnered 5.81% of the vote. In fourth place was Lutero Simango of the Democratic…

At the 2021 UN Climate Summit, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley called for greater utilization of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), an IMF reserve asset, to support climate-vulnerable nations, especially in Africa. SDRs, while not a currency, provide countries with liquidity and can be exchanged for foreign currencies or used to repay IMF loans. African nations, grappling with debt and economic strain, received $33 billion in SDRs during the pandemic, a lifeline that didn’t worsen their debt burdens. African economies are facing severe financial challenges due to rising external debt, inflation, and the impacts of global crises such as COVID-19 and…

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso during the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, on Thursday. The meeting was held privately, with discussions involving key Turkish officials, including Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar and senior presidential advisor Akif Cagatay Kilic, who focuses on foreign policy and security. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the summit, where global leaders gathered to discuss international cooperation and economic issues.

South Africa plans to simplify visa requirements for tourists from India and China within days in an effort to attract more visitors from the world’s two most populous nations, who have been discouraged by bureaucratic hurdles. While travellers from many Western countries, such as the US and UK, don’t need visas for short stays in South Africa, tourists from India and China — both part of the BRICS group — must currently secure authorization before traveling. This has served as a deterrent for many potential visitors. Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber announced that, starting in January, a “Trusted Tour Operators”…

In celebration of Zambia’s 60th Independence Day, President Hakainde Hichilema pardoned 859 prisoners as part of the national commemoration. This act of clemency included 840 ordinary inmates, nine elderly individuals, seven women with children, and three foreign nationals. Of those pardoned, 808 were men and 51 were women, according to Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu. The president also honored Zambia’s liberation icon, Kenneth Kaunda, by laying wreaths at his grave, as well as at the Freedom Statue in Lusaka, in memory of the nation’s fallen heroes. Additionally, Hichilema attended a ceremony recognizing individuals for their sacrifices…

Around 7 million people in the Democratic Republic of Congo remain displaced due to ongoing conflict and natural disasters, according to the UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM). The agency’s report, covering the period from June to August, estimates that 6.9 million people are internally displaced across the country. The IOM report provides an updated overview of the displacement crisis in DR Congo. It highlights that the situation is driven by a complex mix of factors, with armed conflict in the eastern provinces being the primary cause of long-term mass displacement. According to the report, 87% of displaced persons are…

Libya Libya condemned the terror attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) as a serious threat to regional and global security, urging international cooperation against terrorism. Egypt Egypt denounced the terrorist attack on Turkish Aerospace, expressing solidarity with Türkiye and extending condolences to the victims’ families. Somalia Somalia condemned the terror attack on Turkish Aerospace, calling it a threat to global peace and expressing solidarity with Türkiye in the fight against terrorism. Algeria Algeria strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries in Ankara, and expressed full solidarity with Türkiye’s government and people during this challenging time.

The United States has allocated $458 million to help Zambian farmers access both regional and global markets. The funds, provided through the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), complement US investments in the Lobito Corridor, a key logistical route connecting Angola, Zambia, and Tanzania, and linking the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. In addition to the $4 million Washington has pledged for the Lobito project, China has committed $1 billion for the rehabilitation of the Tazara railway, a crucial link between Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Kapiri Mposhi, Zambia. This underscores the competition between the US and China for influence in the region’s…

Angola has initiated a public consultation for its draft National Gas Master Plan (NGMP), marking a significant step in the nation’s energy policy development. This consultation allows the public to provide feedback, suggestions, and critiques on the plan. The NGMP, accessible on the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Petroleum, and Gas’ website for 30 days, aligns with Angola’s goal to increase natural gas’s share to 25% in its energy mix by 2025. The plan acts as a roadmap for guiding investments in the gas sector, with a focus on expanding infrastructure, attracting investments, and boosting domestic production. José Barroso, Angola’s Secretary…

The Nigerian government has contributed 1,000 doses of mpox vaccines to Rwanda to aid in controlling an outbreak of the disease. These vaccines are part of the 10,000 doses of Jynneos vaccines that Nigeria received from the United States in August. According to Muyi Aina, executive director of Nigeria’s National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Nigeria has not experienced an active outbreak yet but decided to assist Rwanda due to their more urgent need, as they are currently grappling with infections. Rwanda had no immediate access to vaccines, prompting Nigeria to lend support. Aina mentioned that Nigeria will soon distribute…

The “Africa Zone” at Boulevard World has become a major highlight of Riyadh Season 2024, offering visitors a deep dive into authentic African culture. One of the zone’s most celebrated features is the traditional “Ethiopian Coffee” experience, symbolizing hospitality and cultural heritage. Prepared using methods unique to various regions of Africa, Ethiopian coffee stands out for its high-quality beans and rich flavors. Visitors can witness the manual roasting and grinding of coffee beans, a process that adds a distinctive taste to the beverage, served in an atmosphere reflective of African traditions. The zone also hosts live performances of African arts…