Author: WAJ Editor

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group (WBG) have selected Tanzania as the second country, after Madagascar, to benefit from the Enhanced Cooperation Framework for Scaled-Up Climate Action. This initiative aims to address the severe effects of climate change in Tanzania. A statement released on Thursday highlighted that the IMF’s Executive Board approved the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement in June 2024, alongside the WBG’s active involvement in Tanzania’s climate action efforts. Both institutions emphasized their commitment to supporting Tanzania due to its vulnerability to climate change, which poses risks to its economic stability, fiscal health, and…

On Thursday, Libyan Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity and Head of the Southern Development Authority, Ramadan Abu Janah, met with British Ambassador to Libya, Martin Longden, to discuss key issues including economic cooperation and current political developments. A post on Abu Janah’s Facebook page stated that the meeting highlighted the urgent need for Libyan parties to come together to promote development and reconstruction in the south. They emphasized that this would positively impact the region, given its wealth of natural resources, water, solar energy, and its academic institutions, which could play a key role in creating…

The Government of Namibia has requested assistance from Nigeria’s Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to bolster its fight against corruption. Namibia acknowledged Nigeria’s leadership role in combating corruption across Africa and expressed a desire to learn from its successes. According to a statement on the ICPC’s website, the partnership aims to provide training opportunities and share expertise with the Namibian Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The request was made during a visit by Namibia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Humphrey Geise, to the ICPC headquarters in Abuja. Geise highlighted Nigeria’s prominent role…

Leaders of United Arab Emirates, congratulated President of Equatorial Guinea on Independence Day. President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, have each sent congratulatory messages to President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea in celebration of the country’s Independence Day. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan also sent similar messages to Equatorial Guinea’s Prime Minister,…

Dr. Bright Boafo Boamah, a Medical Doctor and Toxicologist, believes it may take 10 to 15 years to fully restore Ghana’s water bodies contaminated by illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey. Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on October 12, 2024, Dr. Boamah emphasized that the severe environmental damage caused by galamsey requires significant time and effort to repair. He explained that the toxic chemicals used in illegal mining, such as mercury and cyanide, have deeply polluted many water sources, making the restoration process complicated and lengthy. Dr. Boamah also highlighted the serious health risks posed by the contamination, warning that the…

All 23 provinces of Chad have been severely impacted by widespread flooding caused by heavy rainfall, leading to the deaths of over 550 people and the destruction of 210,000 homes. The flooding, which is expected to last through the rainy season until October, has also devastated 432,000 hectares of land and killed 72,000 livestock. This disaster comes after Chad declared a food security and nutrition emergency in February. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), of the approximately 1.9 million people affected, an estimated 85,000 are pregnant women. Many families are now seeking shelter in makeshift camps and schools,…

Dr. Christos Christou, the International President of Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), reported a significant rise in the number of malnourished children in northern Nigeria. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja after visiting Maiduguri, Borno State, Christou revealed that between January and August this year, there was a 51% increase in admissions of children with severe malnutrition compared to the same period last year. He emphasized that northern Nigeria faces extreme challenges, including widespread malnutrition, frequent outbreaks of preventable diseases, and a lack of medical facilities and personnel, all exacerbated by ongoing insecurity. During his visit to Maiduguri,…

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to Taye Atske Selassie on Saturday, celebrating his appointment as President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Xi highlighted the significant and rapid growth in China-Ethiopia relations in recent years, noting the strengthened political trust and fruitful cooperation in various areas. He emphasized the importance he places on advancing China-Ethiopia ties and expressed his willingness to collaborate with President Taye in leveraging the outcomes of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit to further enhance their strategic partnership, bringing greater benefits to both countries’ citizens.

British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abdel Fattah has been awarded this year’s PEN Writer of Courage honor, despite being imprisoned in Egypt at the age of 42. He remains behind bars after completing a five-year sentence for allegedly “spreading false news.” Last month, Alaa’s sister, Sanaa Seif, reiterated that her brother is innocent and should have been released by September 29. The PEN Pinter Prize, awarded annually, allows the recipient to select a writer of courage from a shortlist of international authors known for defending freedom of expression. Arundhati Roy, the 2024 PEN Pinter Prize winner, chose Alaa for this honor. Roy…

International finance actors, policymakers, representatives from the private sector, and civil society have gathered in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire for a summit aimed at supporting the fundraising campaign for the International Development Association (IDA), a World Bank institution dedicated to assisting poor countries. At the opening of the summit, dubbed the Assembly for Africa’s Economic Development, Cote d’Ivoire’s Minister of Economy, Planning, and Development Kaba Nialé stated that the goal is to mobilize 120 billion U.S. dollars for the development of the world’s poorest countries, the vast majority of which are located in Africa. “This effort seeks to support investments in…

The appeal process for 37 individuals sentenced to death in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) began on Thursday. In September, a total of 51 people faced trial for their alleged involvement in a failed coup attempt in May. This coup attempt reportedly began with an armed assault on the home of then-economy minister Vital Kamerhe, who now serves as the national assembly president. During the appeal, those sentenced appeared in yellow and blue prison uniforms. Each person was called to the front of the court to confirm their identity before the judges. Among the 37 sentenced individuals were three…

South African Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille announced she is close to terminating a service level agreement with the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA). De Lille explained that SEFA has failed to grasp the urgency in disbursing funds to small businesses. The agency, which falls under the Department of Small Enterprise led by Minister Stella Ndabeni, has caused delays in releasing funds to SMMEs in the tourism sector. In April, De Lille’s department approved over R50 million for small businesses, intended for 160 SMMEs to participate in both international and domestic trade shows. During a media briefing at Parliament on…

On Friday, Nigerian police announced the rescue of a media crew that had been kidnapped in the southeast while en route to cover an Africa Cup of Nations match between Nigeria and Libya in Akwa Ibom state. The southeast region of Nigeria has been plagued by violence, which the government attributes to a separatist movement advocating for the independence of an area where the Igbo ethnic group is predominant. Tochukwu Ikenga, the police spokesperson for Anambra state, reported that the crew, working for the South African broadcaster Supersport, was abducted by armed men on Wednesday while traveling through Anambra, a…

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) has released its preliminary report on the Presidential, Legislative, and Provincial elections held on October 9, 2024, in Mozambique. Led by Tanzania, the mission included 53 observers from 10 SADC member states and was deployed across all 11 provinces. SEOM noted that the elections were conducted peacefully, with political activities, voting, and security provided despite terrorism concerns in parts of Cabo Delgado province. The mission praised Mozambique’s efforts to improve the electoral framework but raised concerns about late legal amendments and recommended revisiting the composition of the Election Management Bodies…

The United Kingdom and Mauritius have reached a historic agreement to resolve their long-standing sovereignty dispute over the Chagos Archipelago, which includes Diego Garcia, a strategically important island hosting a UK-US military base. Negotiations have been ongoing for decades, but a breakthrough was achieved after 13 rounds of talks, with a treaty still to be finalized. Under the agreement, Mauritius will gain sovereignty over the archipelago, but the UK will retain rights to operate the Diego Garcia base for 99 years to ensure its continued military use. Key issues in the dispute included sovereignty, the rights of the displaced Chagossian…

Emirates Global Aluminium announced on Friday that bauxite exports from its subsidiary, Guinea Alumina Corporation, have been halted by customs, with the company seeking clarification for the suspension. Following the news, three-month aluminium prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) rose by 2.5% to $2,650 per metric ton, while alumina prices on the Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE) hit a record high. Analyst Natalie Scott-Gray from StoneX noted that the disruption caused a surge in SHFE alumina prices, especially given China’s role as the largest bauxite importer globally. Global alumina supply has faced challenges this year, with disruptions in both China…

The Liberian government has signed a licensing agreement with Starlink, a satellite internet company, to provide nationwide internet coverage. The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) formalized this agreement with Starlink, a SpaceX venture, marking a significant step toward expanding internet access across the country, particularly in remote areas. Announced by LTA Acting Commissioner Abdullah Kamara during a press briefing on October 10, this partnership aims to boost high-speed internet connectivity in underserved regions. Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellites bypass traditional infrastructure, offering solutions for areas with limited or unreliable internet. Already deployed in various countries, Starlink’s service is expected to revolutionize internet…

A group of high school students and their driver tragically lost their lives when their vehicle collided with a truck on the N2 highway approximately 100 kilometres northeast of Durban, South Africa. Samantha Meyrick, a spokesperson for IPSS medical rescue, confirmed that all seven teenagers and their driver died in the accident while the truck driver sustained critical injuries. According to the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government transport office, the vehicle carrying the students veered into the oncoming lane and crashed into the truck after the driver lost control. Despite having one of the most advanced road networks on the continent, South…

The Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Government of National Unity of Libya, Taher Al-Baour, confirmed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Congo, Jean-Claude Gakosso, “the unlimited support of the Government of National Unity for the peace and reconciliation process by working with the Presidential Council and other relevant bodies and parties.” Al-Baour received the Congolese Minister of Foreign Affairs at the Cabinet Office in Tripoli on Thursday to discuss a number of issues related to the role of the African Union in Libya. The Ministry said on its Facebook page that the meeting…

Burkina Faso’s Prime Minister, Apollinaire Joachim Kyélem de Tambèla, has accused Ukraine of supporting terrorist activities in Africa’s Sahel region, claiming this is an attempt to undermine Russia’s influence. In a recent interview with Russian media, Kyélem de Tambèla emphasized the strengthening of Burkina Faso’s relationship with Russia, describing it as a key ally in countering other global powers. The two nations are expanding cooperation in military, economic, and cultural sectors, as highlighted at the Burkina Faso Economic Days Forum in Moscow, where long-term business ties were discussed. Cultural links are also growing, with Russia opening a cultural center in…

The Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, has called for a coordinated, multisectoral approach to prioritize girl-child education in the country. Speaking at the International Conference on Girl Child Education in Nigeria, Shettima emphasized the need for collaboration between government, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society, and donors to ensure that every child, regardless of gender, receives quality education. Represented by Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, Shettima warned that failing to educate girls would have long-term negative consequences for the nation’s future, including economic and social instability. He highlighted the importance of education in reducing poverty, improving health outcomes, and enhancing future…

The African National Congress (ANC), South Africa’s ruling party, has reiterated its unwavering support for the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to oppressed groups worldwide. In a statement, the ANC condemned Morocco’s ongoing occupation of Western Sahara, describing it as a “clear violation of international law,” and urged the enforcement of United Nations resolutions that call for a referendum on Sahrawi self-determination. The party emphasized its continued solidarity with the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and its struggle for independence, reaffirming that the ANC has historically aligned itself with oppressed peoples since its founding. It also…

The Nigerian Army (NA) bid a final farewell to Major General Seidu Inaboya Musa, the Director of Legal Services, in a solemn ceremony at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja on Thursday, October 10, 2024. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, along with senior officers, colleagues, family, friends, and sympathizers, gathered to pay tribute to the late general’s distinguished service. In his remarks, General Lagbaja praised Major General Musa for his significant contributions to the military legal system and his steadfast dedication, which, he said, will leave a lasting mark on the NA’s legacy. During a…

The parties to the South Sudan high-level mediation in Nairobi, often referred to as the hold-out groups, are expected to sign the final agreement in November following the completion of nine protocols touching on key agenda items. The revelations from the mediation team signal a revival of the final stages of the talks, which had appeared suspended for the past two months after the government delegation went to Juba for consultations. In an interview with The EastAfrican, the chief mediator, Lt-Gen (Rtd) Lazarus Sumbeiywo, said that negotiations on all but one of the protocols had been completed, indicating that the…

Nigeria’s local journal, Daily Trust’s Assistant Online Editor, Afeez Hanafi, has been named the winner in the print category of the 2nd Emerging Health Technologies Media Award of Excellence. Last year, the paper’s Health Editor, Ojoma Akor, took home the same award in the inaugural edition. The award is organized by the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP), through the Platform for Dialogue and Action on Health Technologies in Africa, in partnership with the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD). Hanafi won with his piece titled “Outages: Non-electric ventilator offers relief in respiratory failure treatment.” The report highlights ShiVent, a medical…

Mahmoud Hamza, the Director of Military Intelligence for the Libyan Army, held discussions with Algerian officials to strengthen cooperation and coordination between the two countries. During his visit to Algeria, Hamza met with the Algerian Army’s Chief of Staff, the Director of Algerian Intelligence, and the head of Algeria’s Counter-Terrorism Agency. The discussions centered on creating a system for sharing information related to counter-terrorism and drug trafficking between Libya and Algeria. Additionally, both sides worked on developing strategic plans to combat smuggling, enhance border security, and establish training programs and mechanisms for exchanging expertise. Brigadier General Mahmoud Hamza, commander of…

Ethiopia’s State Minister of Finance, Eyob Tekalgn, along with Brook Taye, CEO of Ethiopian Investment Holdings, and Hana Teklu, Director General of the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority, held bilateral talks with Nick Dyer, Permanent Under-Secretary at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and British International Investment (BII). During the meeting, Eyob briefed Dyer on Ethiopia’s recent foreign exchange and economic reforms designed to create a more favorable environment for foreign investment. He emphasized the government’s commitment to overcoming key challenges in the investment climate and expressed gratitude for the UK’s valuable support during these reform efforts. Dyer praised…

The European Union, in partnership with UNICEF, has launched training for education stakeholders in Kano state of Nigeria, focusing on school safety, psycho-social support, and climate literacy. Aisha Abdullahi, the education facilitator for Education and Youth Empowerment (EYE), announced at the opening ceremony on Wednesday that the four-year program, running from October 2023 to August 2027, will cover states of Kano, Jigawa, and Sokoto. She highlighted that Kano was selected as a major beneficiary of the EU-funded education and empowerment initiative in Nigeria. Abdullahi explained that the project aims to increase access to safe, inclusive, and relevant learning and skill…

Human rights organization Section27, representing BlindSA, has filed an urgent application with the Constitutional Court against President Cyril Ramaphosa for not signing the Copyright Amendment Bill. BlindSA, works to protect the rights of visually impaired people in South Africa. Two years ago, BlindSA challenged the constitutionality of the Copyright Act, arguing that it violated the rights of blind and visually impaired individuals. The court ruled in favor of BlindSA, ordering Parliament to amend the Act by September 21 this year. The Act required blind or visually impaired individuals to get permission from copyright holders before converting books and other works…

The African Defense Ministers Conference, aimed at strengthening peace, security, and unity across the continent, is set to take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, next week. In an exclusive interview with Ethiopia News Agency, Ethiopian Defense Minister Engineer Aisha Mohammed explained that the conference, hosted at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum, will focus on improving continental security structures and enhancing military cooperation among African countries. She highlighted that key discussions will include combating terrorism, addressing common security concerns, and fostering partnerships in the defense industry by learning from countries with more advanced capabilities. The conference will also emphasize Africa’s critical…

Libyan House of Representatives Speaker Aguila Saleh has denied that Russian forces are officially authorized to operate in Libya by the authorities he represents. In an interview with Alhurra TV during his visit to the U.S., Saleh acknowledged the presence of foreign military forces in Libya, including Italian and Turkish troops, but refuted claims of an official Russian presence. Saleh’s comments contradict international reports suggesting the Russian Wagner Group operates in Libya, allegedly brought in by Khalifa Haftar to support his forces. Haftar relied on these forces during his failed 2019 offensive on Tripoli, which resulted in heavy casualties among…

The bodies of 35 Wagner Group mercenaries killed during fighting in Mali this summer have been returned to Russia, as reported by the state-run news agency. The fighters reportedly faced significant casualties during a two-day battle with an armed Tuareg group near the Algerian border in July, one of the deadliest encounters for Wagner in its overseas operations. The bodies were retrieved during a joint operation by Malian forces and their Russian allies on the night of September 30, 2024. Alexander Ivanov, head of the Officer’s Union for International Security, told that the soldiers would receive full honors upon burial…

The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) and Algeria’s National Civil Aviation Agency have signed a revised air services agreement in Algiers, aimed at boosting economic cooperation and promoting tourism between the two countries. The agreement was co-signed by Mohammed bin Faleh Al Hajri, head of the QCAA, and Hassan Boulfelfel, Director General of Algeria’s aviation agency, during a collaborative meeting. A significant aspect of the discussions was a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that permits Qatar Airways to operate an unlimited number of passenger and cargo flights between Doha and Algiers, further supporting economic collaboration and tourism. The meeting also addressed…

Between 2020 and 2021, U.S. authorities seized 13 ancient Egyptian artifacts at JFK Airport, including a 5,200-year-old vase, according to legal documents filed this month. Homeland Security Investigations agent Aaron Klein’s declaration revealed that the 14 items were confiscated for smuggling. These included a faience amulet of the goddess Hatmehyt from Egypt’s Late Period (664-332 BCE); a wooden canopic jar cover from the New Kingdom Period (19th Dynasty or later, around 1300 BCE); a Cypriot vessel; two painted limestone shabtis; a painted limestone bed figurine from the New Kingdom Period (1549-1075 BCE); two phallic figurines (664-30 BCE); a pre-Dynastic vase…

India’s partnership with Africa is crucial for the development of both India and the Global South, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India. President Droupadi Murmu’s upcoming state visit to three African nations underscores New Delhi’s commitment to strengthening ties with the region. From October 13-19, President Murmu will visit Algeria, Mauritania, and Malawi, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian Head of State to these countries. MEA Secretary (Economic Relations) Dammu Ravi highlighted the significance of the visit, particularly in the context of India’s broader engagement with Africa. The trip comes at a time when the…

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi had a phone conversation with Kais Saied to congratulate him on his re-election as president of Tunisia for another term. Sisi wished Saied success in his new tenure, according to Presidential Spokesman Ahmed Fahmy. During the call, President Sisi highlighted Egypt’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across various sectors to benefit both nations and emphasized the importance of continued close coordination in addressing challenges to Arab national security. In response, President Saied expressed his sincere gratitude for Sisi’s kind gesture and emphasized the longstanding, strong ties between Egypt and Tunisia. Saied also commended the significant…

Mali’s military government is seeking over 300 billion CFA ($512 million) in outstanding taxes and dividends from Barrick Gold as part of a broader effort to increase revenue from mining companies. This move follows an audit of mining contracts and a push to renegotiate agreements under a new mining code, which could see state and private interests in mining projects rise to 35% from 20%, while also reducing tax breaks. Last month, Malian authorities briefly detained four local Barrick employees, and the Canadian mining giant has since been negotiating with the government to resolve claims. Barrick, which operates the Loulo-Gounkoto…

Prison conditions in DR Congo have worsened, with reports of torture and sexual violence emerging from detention centers operated by the intelligence services, according to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Volker Turk stated during a human rights briefing on October 8 that prisoners in DR Congo are held in “disastrous conditions,” lacking access to legal representation and communication with their families. The dire state of DR Congo’s overcrowded, violent, and unsanitary prisons gained attention in September when over 260 female inmates were sexually assaulted during a mass escape attempt at Makala Central Prison in Kinshasa. At least 129…

Zimbabwean Transport Minister Felix Mhona has reassured the public that the government will not abandon its road rehabilitation program following the successful hosting of the SADC Heads of State Summit in Harare in August. The program accelerated ahead of the summit, resulting in significant improvements to many major roads in Harare, including enhancements to traffic islands and greening of traffic circles. Concerns about a slowdown in the program had arisen due to a perceived decrease in the pace of rebuilding the city’s deteriorating road network.While inaugurating a newly rehabilitated section of Solomon Mujuru Drive (formerly Kirkman Drive), Mhona stated that…

The Chinese embassy in South Africa, headed by Ambassador Wu Peng, recently hosted a briefing to discuss the outcomes of the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party. During this event, Li Yunze, Director of the National Financial Regulatory Administration (NFRA), emphasized the importance of China-South Africa relations, describing South Africa as a key partner in mutual assistance and shared goals for national development and international fairness. Looking forward, Li expressed China’s readiness to deepen cooperation with South Africa under the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), helping South…

Rwandan Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ernest Rwamucyo, stated on October 8 that Rwanda should not be blamed for the decades-long security issues in DR Congo, which stem from over 200 armed groups operating in the country’s east. This was in response to accusations from DR Congo’s Foreign Minister, Therese Kayikwamba, during a UN Security Council briefing on peace and security in DR Congo. Rwamucyo emphasized that DR Congo must take responsibility for its own internal problems rather than attributing them to Rwanda. He noted that many of DR Congo’s political and security challenges predate Rwanda’s independence, making it…

Ray McCauley, the influential and controversial founder of Rhema Bible Church South Africa, has passed away at the age of 75. Known for leading one of South Africa’s largest multiracial churches with over 45,000 members, McCauley played a significant role during the apartheid era, speaking out against racial injustice. Tributes have poured in, with President Cyril Ramaphosa offering condolences, praising McCauley as a “remarkable leader.” The South African National Christian Forum and former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela also honored his legacy. McCauley was both admired for his spiritual leadership and criticized for his political involvement and wealth. He allowed former…

Leaders from Hamas and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s Fatah movements are set to hold a new round of unity discussions in Cairo on Wednesday. According to Hamas media adviser Taher Al-Nono, a senior delegation from Hamas, led by chief negotiator Khalil Al-Hayya, arrived in Cairo on Tuesday. The talks will focus on Israeli actions in Gaza and the broader challenges facing the Palestinian cause. This will be the first meeting between the two groups since their talks in Beijing in July, where they agreed on steps toward forming a unity government.

A delegation from Türkiye’s parliament, led by Orhan Ates, president of the Türkiye-Mali friendship group, met with Mali’s transitional leader, Colonel Assimi Goita, on Tuesday to discuss strengthening bilateral relations. The discussions focused on cooperation in economic development and addressing Mali’s security challenges. Ates emphasized Türkiye’s interest in deepening ties with Mali, particularly in security, health, and education, and reiterated Türkiye’s support for Mali’s transition towards stable governance. He highlighted the growing cooperation between the National Transitional Council of Mali and Türkiye’s parliament, facilitated by the Türkiye-Mali parliamentary friendship group. Ates expressed the desire to further enhance trade, investment, and…

In a phone conversation with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi expressed concern over the severe impact of the ongoing regional escalation on the people of the Middle East. He emphasized that the unrest hinders the region’s aspirations for stability and development. Cypriot President Christodoulides commended Egypt’s efforts to restore stability in the region and reiterated Cyprus’ commitment to supporting all initiatives aimed at promoting peace and security, according to a statement from the Egyptian presidency. Egypt has consistently called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, working tirelessly to prevent the escalation into a full-scale war in…

The Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group) has praised the German Government and its development finance institution, Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft (DEG), for their steadfast commitment to promoting impact investing in Nigeria. The NGX Group aims to strengthen partnerships that foster sustainable development with an emphasis on climate action. Temi Popoola, the group managing director of NGX, expressed this appreciation during the DEG impact investing dialogue held in Lagos on Tuesday. Popoola highlighted DEG’s significant contributions to enhancing sustainable finance in Nigeria and boosting confidence in the nation’s economy. “DEG, along with its partners in the German private sector, has…

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, urged DR Congo’s foreign minister, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, to ensure the government remains committed to the Luanda Process, a diplomatic effort aimed at easing tensions with Rwanda. During their meeting on October 7, Thomas-Greenfield stressed the need for DR Congo to uphold its peace agreements, especially the technical de-escalation plan agreed with Rwanda, which is crucial for reducing military and political tensions and promoting regional stability. “We encourage the DRC to stay committed to the Luanda Process and fully implement the de-escalation plan with Rwanda,” she said, emphasizing that continued dialogue between…

Illegal drug trafficking is emerging as a growing global issue, affecting both wealthy and developing nations, including those in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). At the third high-level consultation meeting of the Eastern & Southern Africa Commission on Drugs (ESACD) in Zanzibar, officials expressed concern over the ineffectiveness of current measures to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse. Despite some successes in countries like Tanzania, where policy reforms and preventive campaigns have been implemented, the illegal drug trade continues to thrive. Key speakers at the meeting stressed the need for stronger regional efforts to address the harmful impact of…

BRICS TV has underscored the importance of the Ras El-Hikma development project on Egypt’s northwest coast as a key initiative in bolstering economic ties between Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In a report broadcast on Monday, it was revealed that the total investment in this ambitious project is expected to reach $110 billion by 2045. Egypt is anticipated to receive 35% of the overall profits, positioning the development as a significant economic boost for the country. The Ras El-Hikma project is projected to generate approximately 750,000 direct and indirect jobs, with the city expected to house nearly two…

The US announced sanctions on Tuesday against Algoney Hamdan Daglo Musa, a senior leader of Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), for his role in fueling war and atrocities against civilians. The State Department’s statement said Algoney was sanctioned for assisting the RSF in procuring weapons and military supplies that have enabled the group’s ongoing operations, including their assault on El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur. Algoney’s actions were cited as contributing to the war and RSF-led atrocities, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, and ethnic cleansing. The statement highlighted the RSF’s continued involvement in violence, including sexual assaults…

Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, has called for stronger democratic institutions in West Africa, emphasizing the fragility of the region’s political systems in the wake of recent military coups. Speaking at an event in Abuja, Touray highlighted the challenges facing democracy in the region, particularly the combination of poverty, youth unemployment, and inequality, which has eroded public trust and enabled military interventions. Touray noted that while the region once seemed stable, with no unconstitutional changes in government, recent coups have threatened this progress. He linked this instability to broader geopolitical issues, such as the rise of terrorism in…

At the Africa Cinema Summit in Accra, Idris Elba, the British actor with African roots, took center stage as an advocate for the future of African cinema. Elba, known for his roles in films like “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” and “Beasts of No Nation,” emphasized the untapped potential of African cinema and the need to develop infrastructure, distribution, and audience engagement across the continent. Highlighting the importance of African stories, Elba called for an Africa-first approach, focusing on domestic success before international recognition. He praised grassroots filmmaking efforts but stressed the need for local distribution networks independent of global…

Exim Bank Tanzania recently hosted the ‘Exim Bima Festival 2024,’ a significant event aimed at raising awareness and funds to support mental health services. Marking 27 years of service to Tanzanians, the bank launched the festival under the theme ‘Amsha Matumaini,’ gathering stakeholders such as insurance companies, healthcare professionals, employees, and sports figures at the Gymkhana Grounds in Dar es Salaam. The festival served as both an entertainment platform and a call to action for Tanzanians to support mental health awareness and care. As mental health issues continue to rise in the country, the event presented a unique opportunity for…

Qatar Chamber officials hosted a trade delegation led by Mgala Salim Mvurya, Kenya’s Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, along with his team. The delegation was welcomed by Qatar Chamber’s first vice-chairman Mohamed bin Towar al-Kuwari, in the presence of board member Mohamed bin Ahmed al-Obaidli and Kenyan ambassador Mohamed Noor Aden. The meeting focused on the commercial and economic ties between Qatar and Kenya, highlighting investment opportunities on both sides and encouraging Qatari investors to explore sectors in Kenya. During the meeting, Mvurya praised the strong relations between the two nations and mentioned that numerous agreements have been signed…

On Tuesday, October 8, UNESCO’s Director-General announced that Morocco’s capital, Rabat, has been named the World Book Capital for 2026. This decision follows the recommendation of the World Book Capital Advisory Committee. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, will host the event in 2025. Rabat, home to Africa’s third-largest international book and publishing fair, will begin its year of festivities on April 23, 2026, coinciding with World Book and Copyright Day. Rabat becomes the fifth African city to receive this title, following Alexandria (Egypt), Port Harcourt (Nigeria), Conakry (Guinea), and Accra (Ghana). When chosen as a World Book Capital, a city organizes…

An international conference themed “Innovation for Inclusion,” was held on October 2 and 3 in Mahé, Seychelles. The conference gathered many experts worldwide. Joëlle Perreau, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Seychelles, noted that the conference celebrated the institution’s 15th anniversary, organized in collaboration with Örebro University in Sweden. She stressed the significance of such events in building an inclusive society, fostering partnerships with international researchers, enriching staff and student experiences, and developing global collaborative projects. The second day of the event was held at the Seychelles Institute of Teacher Education (SITE), which celebrated its 10th anniversary. Various speakers addressed topics…

US President Joe Biden was scheduled to visit Angola next Sunday, but postponed his trip due to the Hurricane Milton, which is bearing down on Florida’s Gulf Coast. If he did, it would be the first time an American president has visited Africa since Barack Obama visited Kenya and Ethiopia in 2015. Angola and other African countries are attracting interest from both the United States and other countries because of geopolitical changes and the minerals needed for electric vehicles and other battery technologies. During a meeting with Angolan President João Lourenço at the White House in November 2023, Biden emphasized…

In an exclusive interview with the Daily News, Tanzania’s Ambassador to Japan, Mr. Baraka Luvanda, encouraged Tanzanian farmers to take advantage of the significant economic opportunities in the Asian market, particularly in Japan. Ambassador Luvanda highlighted that Japan imports about 15,000 tonnes of coffee annually, with Tanzanian coffee being highly sought after for its quality. He urged Tanzanians to capitalize on this demand, noting that the Tanzanian Embassy in Japan has already launched successful coffee brands like Kilimanjaro, Tarime, and Black Star, which are performing well in the Japanese market. He also mentioned that Japan consumes around 400 million tonnes…

Burkina Faso’s government has suspended Voice of America (VOA) broadcasts for three months due to its reporting on militant attacks in Burkina Faso and neighboring Mali, according to the state news agency. The country’s media regulator claimed a VOA broadcast in September was aimed at “undermining the morale” of the armed forces in both countries, as reported by L’Agence d’Information du Burkina (AIB) on Monday. Earlier this year, VOA and the BBC were suspended for two weeks after Human Rights Watch (HRW) stated that military forces “summarily executed” 223 civilians, including at least 56 children, in two villages during February.…

Norwegian renewable energy producer Scatec ASA (OSL:SCATC) has secured a EUR 30 million grant from Germany’s PtX Development Fund to help finance its Egypt Green Hydrogen project. This is the first grant approved by the fund, which was established by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and KfW, and is managed by KGAL. Located in Ain Sokhna, Suez Governorate, the Egypt Green Hydrogen project is being developed by Scatec, which is the lead equity investor and provider of EPC services, in partnership with Fertiglobe, The Sovereign Fund of Egypt, and Orascom Construction. The project is expected to…

Experts said that Nigeria can benefit from Africa’s over 1 billion US dollars lottery and gaming industry. This, they noted, can be actualized by evolving more proactive measures by government and stakeholders to liberalize and also regulate lottery and gaming activities in the country. Director General, Cross Rivers State Lottery Gaming Agency Micheal Eja, disclosed this when he unveiled a new initiative being championed by one of the gaming firms in Abuja. Eja disclosed that with the growing population of Nigeria, Lottery and gaming could become a goldmine that will help in building a viable economy outside the oil sector.…