Author: WAJ Editor

Kenyan authorities have ordered TikTok to remove sexually suggestive content involving minors following an investigative report that exposed cases of child exploitation on the platform. The report, published on Monday, revealed that TikTok was profiting from livestreams featuring Kenyan teenagers as young as 15 engaging in explicit acts. In response, the Communications Authority of Kenya announced on Thursday that it had launched a formal inquiry and warned that it “will not hesitate to issue sanctions” if the Chinese-owned social media platform is found in violation of the law. Crackdown on Online Child Exploitation Kenya’s legal framework strictly prohibits the online…

The South Sudan Bar Association announced on March 6, 2025, that 83 lawyers have had their practicing licenses revoked as part of an ongoing effort to reorganize the legal profession in the country. At a press conference in Juba, Advocate Arop Malueth Manoon, the President of the Bar Association, explained that the lawyers were deregistered for failing to meet the required standards, including not possessing the necessary academic qualifications. He further clarified that licenses had been revoked from individuals who had obtained them through unrecognized universities or who were licensed by illegal bodies, following a Supreme Court ruling that dissolved…

In just four years, Cameroonian start-up Tagus Drone has evolved from a defense-focused initiative to a multi-sectoral technological powerhouse. Founded by Borel Taguia, the company initially aimed to support the country’s armed forces in countering terrorism. Today, its drones are widely used in agriculture, healthcare, filmmaking, and transportation, generating an economy around drone technology. Operating from Biyem-Assi Camtel in Yaoundé, Tagus Drone has become a symbol of local innovation. The start-up has already generated over $1.95 million in revenue, a testament to its growing impact. A Vision Taking Flight Inspired by global advancements in drone technology, Taguia sought to create…

The worsening security and humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has led to a surge in mpox patients fleeing treatment centers, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) reported on Thursday. Ngashi Ngongo, head of the Africa CDC’s incident management support team in the DRC, said the number of patients leaving treatment facilities had increased by 500 from the previous week to 605, raising fears of further spread to neighboring Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda. Efforts to track new infections have been hampered by limited testing capacity, logistical challenges and a freeze on U.S. aid…

Microsoft has announced an additional investment of 5.4 billion rand ($296.81 million) to develop its artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure in South Africa, the company’s Vice President and Chairman Brad Smith announced at an event in Johannesburg on Thursday. As part of its commitment to digital development, Microsoft will also fund technical certification exams for 50,000 people, focusing on high-demand digital skills. The investment aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy to expand AI and cloud-based services. In January, the company announced plans to allocate approximately $80 billion in fiscal 2025 to develop data centers that support AI model training and deployment.

Several Libyan banks have launched an interest-free loan initiative in response to directives from the Central Bank of Libya. The program allows eligible customers to borrow up to 60 percent of their basic salary, aiming to provide financial relief amid ongoing economic challenges. The National Commercial Bank has made the loans accessible through its MobiMal app and via text messages, offering a seamless digital application process. Similarly, North Africa Bank has integrated the service into its Nap Mobile app, requiring users to update the application and activate the “Mat7sebhash” service to apply. In contrast, Al-Nouran Bank has chosen an in-person…

Egyptian Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy held high-level talks with top executives from leading German and international tour operators, travel agencies and airlines during the ITB Berlin 2025 tourism fair, which took place from March 4-6. Fathy met with representatives from TUI Group, DER Touristik, Schauinsland Reisen, ITAKA and Edelweiss Air to strengthen partnerships and boost inbound tourism to Egypt. The talks focused on marketing the country’s various attractions, improving tourism infrastructure and exploring investment opportunities, particularly in the North Coast, which is emerging as a luxury travel destination. To further promote Egypt, the minister announced roadshows for industry…

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Ebola outbreak in Uganda has escalated, bringing the total number of cases to 12 from the 10 previously reported. Two deaths from early February are now classified as probable cases. The WHO also confirmed the recent death of a four-year-old child at Mulago, the country’s national referral hospital. The organization’s latest bulletin identified the child’s mother and sibling as probable Ebola cases. The mother died shortly after birth on February 6, while the newborn succumbed to the disease on February 12. Their cases were not initially confirmed because laboratory tests were not…

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a period of deep spiritual reflection, prayer, and fasting observed by Muslims worldwide. In Egypt, this holy month is celebrated with unique customs and traditions that blend religious devotion with rich cultural heritage. During Ramadan, Egyptians fast from dawn until sunset, refraining from eating, drinking, and other physical needs. This practice, known as “sawm”, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and aims to cultivate self-discipline, empathy for the less fortunate, and spiritual growth. The fast is broken each evening with a meal called “iftar”, bringing families and communities…

The head of Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC), Masoud Suleiman, has held separate discussions with British Ambassador Martin Longden and UN Envoy Hanna Tetteh to explore ways to develop the country’s oil sector while maintaining the corporation’s independence. During his meeting with Ambassador Longden, Suleiman outlined prospects for energy cooperation between Libya and the UK, emphasizing the NOC’s latest bidding round for oil and gas exploration. In response, Longden reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to supporting Libya’s oil sector and contributing to the nation’s economic stability. In a separate discussion with UN Envoy Tetteh, Suleiman provided insights into the NOC’s strategies to…

Efforts are underway to repair a gas leak at the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) offshore field, jointly operated by Senegal and Mauritania, British energy company BP confirmed on Wednesday. The leak, discovered on February 19, poses no threat to workers, and the environmental impact is expected to be minimal, according to BP. The GTA field, which began production on December 31, 2024, was developed in partnership with BP, Kosmos Energy, Mauritanian hydrocarbons company SMH, and Senegal’s state-owned Petrosen. The Mauritanian environment ministry announced last week that “low-rate subsea gas bubbles” had been detected at one of the wells. BP has…

Zimbabwe has made significant progress in reducing infant and child mortality, with health authorities crediting routine vaccination as a key factor in this improvement. At an event in Harare to mark the 50th anniversary of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), Minister of Health and Child Care Dr. Douglas Mombeshora highlighted the life-saving impact of vaccines, saying they help prevent six deaths every minute. He noted that neonatal and under-five mortality rates have been steadily decreasing, in part due to vaccinations and improved maternal health services. According to the UN Inter-Agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME), the neonatal…

Kenya has opened tenders for two large-scale solar projects in its southern region, each with a capacity of 40 MW. The Isinya and Makueni solar farms, planned to be developed in Kajiado and Makueni counties, are seeking an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor. The search is being led by Kenya-based consultancy firm Apex. According to a social media announcement, the tender covers the design, procurement, construction, commissioning and maintenance of the solar farms. Interested companies must demonstrate experience in developing solar projects of at least 40 MW, preferably in Africa or similar markets. According to the International Renewable Energy…

As Nigeria positions itself as a key player in the global mineral value chain, concerns are growing over the exploitation of children in mining communities. The country, already a major exporter of oil and gas, is now emerging as a crucial supplier of lithium—an essential component for electric vehicle batteries. With global lithium demand projected to surge, Nigeria has the opportunity to play a vital role in the energy transition. However, the rise of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) presents significant challenges. While ASM provides livelihoods for millions, it also leads to environmental degradation, health risks, and the exploitation of…

South African power utility Eskom has made significant strides in tackling crime through its collaboration with the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) Energy Security and Safety Priority Committee. This partnership has led to multiple arrests, with the financial impact of these crimes estimated at R1.09 million. Of this, R873,000 has already been recovered. In a recent case, an Eskom supplier and his brother were arrested on February 20 for stealing 16 dome valves worth R173,000 from Tutuka power station. The stolen items were identified when the supplier attempted to return them after securing a contract. On January 31,…

Nigeria has officially joined the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) as its 77th shareholder, marking a major step in the country’s economic engagement with global financial institutions. The country submitted its application in April 2024, which was approved by the EBRD’s Board of Governors in May. This follows a decision made at the bank’s 2023 Annual Meeting in Samarkand, where an amendment was passed to allow the gradual expansion of EBRD’s operations into sub-Saharan Africa and Iraq, pending formal ratification by its shareholders. Once the amendment takes effect, Nigeria could transition to recipient country status, granting it access…