Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent - news that matters.
Commentary
Bharat’s G20 Presidency: An Ode to India-Africa Friendship
Under the framework of the Group of Twenty (G20) presidency, India hosted the final summit on September 9 and 10 in the presence of more than 40 world leaders, including the G20 Heads of State or their representatives.Click here to read…
African participation in UNGA: Beyond speeches, verbal onslaught
On Sept. 18-19, the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly took place in New York.Click here to read…
How to fix Zimbabwe’s broken politics
The recent Zimbabwe election impasse was predicted – manifestly unfair process, uneven playing field, contested outcome.Click here to read…
News
Eswatini, Africa's last absolute monarchy, votes for parliament
More than 500,000 people are registered to vote in the impoverished southern African nation, where King Mswati III wields absolute power.Click here to read…
Elections in Burkina Faso ‘not a priority,’ junta leader says
Elections in Burkina Faso are “not a priority” compared to “security,” the country’s military leader Capt. Ibrahim Traore said on state TV, almost a year to the day after coming to power in a coup.Click here to read…
Mali crisis: Fierce fighting erupts after Tuareg rebels kill 'more than 80 soldiers'
Fierce fighting has broken out in northern Mali with Tuareg rebels saying they have taken control of the town of Bamba from the army.Click here to read…
Extremist attack kills at least 12 soldiers in Niger as jihadi violence increases post-coup
An attack by Islamic extremists in western Niger killed at least a dozen soldiers and wounded seven others, the West African nation’s military junta said.Click here to read…
Thousands celebrate departure of French ambassador from Niger
Thousands of Nigerians gathered near France’s military base in Niamey to celebrate the departure of Paris’ ambassador earlier this week, about a month after the military junta ordered him to leave.Click here to read…
Madagascar: opposition rally denied
In Madagascar, a collective of 11 presidential candidates was prevented from holding a pre-campaign launch rally at the Palais des Sports in the capital Antannanarivo.Click here to read…
Imprisoned Tunisian opposition leader Ghannouchi starts hunger strike
The 82-year-old opposition leader has been in jail since last April on charges of incitement against Kais Saied’s rule, which he denies.Click here to read…
Ghana: Ex-trade minister quits governing party to contest presidential vote
Ghana’s former trade minister said on Monday he would resign from the governing party and run as an independent candidate during the next presidential election.Click here to read…
DR Congo opposition figure Martin Fayulu to stand in presidential election
Martin Fayulu, a key figure in the main Lamuka opposition coalition in the Democratic Republic of Congo, confirmed Saturday that he would stand in the country's upcoming presidential election.Click here to read…
New Gabon president gets show of support in Congo trip
Gabon's transitional president, who ousted the leader of the central African country at the end of August, received a show of support from neighboring Republic of Congo.Click here to read…
Gabon charges wife of ousted president with 'money laundering'
Sylvia Bongo Ondimba Valentin, the wife of Gabon's ousted president Ali Bongo Ondimba has been charged with "money laundering" and other offences, the public prosecutor said Friday (Sep. 29) a month after a coup toppled her husband.Click here to read…
Burundi: a former prime minister faces trial
A former all-powerful prime minister of Burundi, Alain-Guillaume Bunyoni, appeared in court on Thursday (sept 28th), accused of undermining national security and insulting the president, a judicial source and witnesses reported.Click here to read…
Second round of negotiations on Ethiopia’s mega-dam wrap up
Protracted negotiations over the dam have failed to bring about an agreement between Ethiopia and its downstream neighbours Sudan and Egypt.Click here to read…
Algeria, Morocco spar over Western Sahara at UN
Moroccan and Algerian representatives to the United Nations sparred over the fate of Western Sahara on Tuesday, with Algiers calling for the revival of a long-stalled referendum on the fate of the former Spanish colony.Click here to read…
Somaliland rejects talk of unification with Somalia after Museveni comment
Somaliland says it has no plans to discuss unity with Somalia despite the willingness of Uganda’s president to act as mediator.Click here to read…
South African anti-migrant ‘vigilantes’ register as party for next year’s polls
An anti-migrant vigilante organisation in South Africa has registered as a political party and plans to contest seats in next year’s general elections.Click here to read…
Malawi’s populist crackdown on refugees betrays its legacy
Historically, Malawi is one of Africa’s friendliest host nations for refugees fleeing strife in its neighbourhood.Click here to read…
East African Countries Request Delay of Troop Withdrawal From Somalia
The five nations contributing troops to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia, or ATMIS, are urging the U.N. Security Council to allow a 90-day pause in the drawdown of some 3,000 peacekeepers stationed in the East African country.Click here to read…
US imposes fresh round of sanctions over instability in Sudan
The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on two companies, including one based in Russia, and one person it accused of exacerbating instability in Sudan as fighting has killed thousands and displaced millions of civilians.Click here to read…
US Senator threatens to block military aid to Egypt on human rights ground
US Senator Ben Cardin said Egypt must show progress in efforts to accelerate the release of political prisoners and "provide space" for human rights defenders, civil society advocates, political opposition and independent media.Click here to read…
How Angola is using space technology to meet development goals
The Angolan space agency, which was established in 2013, is using space technology to map United Nations' sutainable development goals across the country.Click here to read…
AfDB unveils country-by-country report on Africa’s green financing needs
The African Development Bank(AfDB) Group has unveiled a country-by-country economic reportson Africa’s climate change and green growth financing needs.Click here to read…
Tanzania: five million birds killed to protect rice fields
A total of five million Quelea Quelea, small red-billed birds, have been exterminated in Tanzania to protect rice fields, notably using drones, the national plant and pesticide monitoring agency said on Wednesday.Click here to read…
Zimbabwe aims to shake off election criticism with new debt deal
Zimbabwe’s president is preparing to restart talks on $14bn of unpaid debt as deep divisions persist over disputed elections in the southern African country.Click here to read…
Marrakech hosts the II African Conference on Health Risk Reduction
Marrakech is hosting the 2nd African Conference on Health Risk Reduction from 27-29 September under the patronage of Morocco's King Mohammed VI.Click here to read…
World Bank approves $365 million for advancing girls, women empowerment in Western, Central Africa
The Sub-Saharan Africa Women's Empowerment and Demographic Dividend Plus project (SWEDD+) has the potential to directly benefit over 2 million vulnerable girls aged between ten to 19 years old.Click here to read…
ECOWAS is undoubtedly in trouble, but it still has potential
In the past three years, four countries from the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have experienced a military coup and an unlawful change of leadership.Click here to read…
US defense chief ends Africa tour in Angola, pledges stronger partnerships
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin pledged stronger partnerships with African countries during a visit to Angola on Wednesday.Click here to read…
US-South Africa Relations Remain Strong, Ambassador Says
Diplomatic relations between the America and South Africa remain sound, despite recent tensions over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, according to Reuben Brigety, the US ambassador to Pretoria.Click here to read…
US and Kenya sign defence deal ahead of possible Haiti mission
The United States and Kenya have signed a defence agreement that will see the East African nation get resources and support for security deployments.Click here to read…
Haiti crisis: Can Kenyan police officers defeat the gangs?
Kenya has pledged to lead a multinational security force in Haiti in response to a plea from the Caribbean nation's prime minister for help restoring order.Click here to read…
US backs Pacific undersea internet cable amid China competition
The United States is backing a new undersea internet cable connecting several Pacific islands, according to a plan for the project seen by Reuters, boosting Washington's interests in a region where it is vying for influence with China.Click here to read…
Credit Suisse, Mozambique secure out-of-court 'tuna bond' settlement
Credit Suisse has reached an 11th-hour out-of-court settlement with Mozambique over the decade-old $1.5 billion-plus "tuna bond" scandal, the Swiss bank's new owner UBS (UBSG.S) said on Sunday, drawing a line under a damaging dispute it inherited.Click here to read…
AFC secures $300 million trade development loan from China Exim Bank
Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) announced yesterday it has reached a $300 million financing deal with the Chinese Export-Import Bank (CEXIM).Click here to read…
Uganda's $5 Billion oil pipeline negotiations continue with China after Western banks caved in
After pressure from activists caused several Western banks to back out of the project, Uganda is in advanced discussions with Chinese export credit agency SINOSURE to offer funding for its crude oil pipeline.Click here to read…
Activists Worried About Uganda's China-Backed Oil Pipeline
Thousands of families displaced, wildlife habitats — home to vulnerable species such as elephants and chimpanzees — threatened, and carbon emissions increased.Click here to read…
Zambia set for a fuel pipeline upgrade
Zambia's heavy reliance on fuel is clearly evident on any given day, as thousands of wheels criss-cross the country's busy roads.Click here to read…
Chinese loans to continent slump but West Africa takes larger share
The number and value of Chinese loans to Africa has decreased significantly compared to pre-pandemic levels, but Beijing is placing a greater emphasis on investments in West Africa.Click here to read…
Chinese lending to Africa remains below $2bn for second consecutive year
Chinese lending to African nations has remained below $2 billion for the second year in a row, according to data from Boston University’s Global Development Policy Centre’s Chinese Loans to Africa (CLA) Database.Click here to read…
Can China be a more attractive security partner for Africa?
As China offers Africa an alternative to traditional Western partnerships, its deepening multilateral engagements could considerably impact the continent, particularly on governance, human rights and regional cooperation.Click here to read…
Report: China Holds the Key to Fixing Illegal Fishing in West Africa
Researchers at the U.S. think tank Stimson Center believes that China - the world's top sponsor of distant-water fishing vessels - could take the lead in addressing illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in West Africa.Click here to read…
Mozambique-China Cultural Center inaugurated
Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi on Thursday inaugurated the Mozambique-China Cultural Center, which was donated by the Chinese government as part of bilateral cooperation in the cultural sector.Click here to read…
Taiwan ready to collaborate on Tinubu’s promise to turn South-East into ‘Taiwan of Africa’
Taiwanese government has promised to assist President Ahmed Tinubu to achieve his promise of turning the entrepreneurial capacity of the South East Nigeria into global competitiveness.Click here to read…
Nigeria’s best example of democracy in West Africa – Liu, Taiwanese Envoy
Taiwan’s Ambassador to Nigeria and Representative, Taipei Trade Office, Andy Yih-Ping Liu, has described Nigeria as the best example of democracy in West Africa.Click here to read…
New allies for Russia? Putin meets South Sudan’s leader to discuss closer ties
Russia’s Vladimir Putin and the president of South Sudan appear to have strengthened their relationship following a meeting in Moscow.Click here to read…
Growing Diplomacy: Israel and Morocco sign agriculture agreement
In a significant move toward expanding agricultural collaboration, Israel’s Minister of Agriculture, Avi Dichter, and his Moroccan counterpart, Mohammed Sadiki, have signed a declaration to bolster agricultural cooperation.Click here to read…
UK govt red-faced after Rwandan diplomat's migration criticism
Britain has insisted Rwanda is one of the safest countries in the world to send asylum-seekers and refugees, despite evidence of consistent rights abuses.Click here to read…
Algeria expands English-language learning as France’s influence ebbs
More than a year after Algeria launched a pilot program to teach English in elementary schools, the country is hailing it as a success and expanding it in a move that reflects a widening linguistic shift underway in former French colonies throughout Africa.Click here to read…
Somali president hails Türkiye for its continued support
Somalia has “deep appreciation” of Türkiye for its continued support of the African nation’s development, security and humanitarian needs, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said Monday.Click here to read…
UAE President meets with President of Comoros
President Sheikh Mohamed on Thursday discussed efforts to strengthen ties between the UAE and Comoros during talks with the island country's President in Abu Dhabi.Click here to read…
Flights resume between Libya and Italy after decade-long hiatus
The European Union in 2014 halted flights operated by Libyan airlines and banned them from entering member states' airspace, as the war-torn North African country was mired in intense fighting.Click here to read…
Air Senegal signs MOU with Royal Air Maroc
Air Senegal on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding for a strategic partnership with Royal Air Maroc, expected to consolidate cooperation between the two airlines.Click here to read…
Total Energies sells 40% stake in Block 20 offshore Angola for $400m
French energy company Total Energies has closed the sale of a 40% stake in Block 20 in the Kwanza Basin in Angola to Petronas Angola E&P LTD (PAEPL), a unit of Petronas, for $400m (€380.7m).Click here to read…
De Beers Moves Forward on Botswana Diamond Deal
De Beers and Botswana have signed a “heads of terms” document, the next step in hashing out a new contract for their joint Debswana mining venture.Click here to read…
India in Africa
Jaishankar meets Mauritius President Roopun at UNGA
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met the President of Mauritius, H.E. Mr. Prithvirajsing Roopun at the UNGA, New York.Click here to read…
Eye on China, Army chief heads for Tanzania as part of Africa outreach
Continuing with India's military outreach to the African continent where China has made deep strategic inroads, Army chief General Manoj Pande is now headed for a four-day visit to Tanzania.Click here to read…
India to post more military attaches in Africa
In a major step towards boosting India- Africa ties, the government has taken the decision to post more Defence Attaches (Das) in African nations.Click here to read…
Vivek Johri is the New NSA to Mauritius: India’s Ties with the Island Nation | EXCLUSIVE
India’s intelligence officer Vivek Johri is set to take charge as the new National Security Advisor (NSA) to Mauritius, as part of the traditional arrangement between the two countries.Click here to read…
Expanding global influence of India in Traditional Medicine
After joining G20 bloc under India's 2023 presidency, the African Nations are all set to explore the power of Indian Systems of Traditional Medicine and Integrative health care. On Tuesday, a 15-member group of High Commissioners and Ambassadors of East and Southern African Countries visited All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi.Click here to read…
Diplomats from East, Southern African countries visit All India Institute of Ayurveda in Delhi
The 15-member delegation of diplomats and representatives from East and Southern African countries visited the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi.Click here to read…
Cabinet approves signing of an MoU between India and Sierra Leone
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister approves the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 12th of June 2023 between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Information and Communications of the Republic of Sierra Leone on Cooperation in the field of sharing successful Digital Solutions implemented at Population Scale for Digital Transformation.Click here to read…
Epsilon Carbon exports liquid coal tar pitch to South Africa and Mozambique
Epsilon Carbon partnered with Anagha Refineries, a state-of the art oil refinery, to build 10,000 tonnes of dedicated liquid pitch tanks, the company said.Click here to read…
Africa’s Standard Bank taps India’s TCS for security settlement operations
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India's largest information technology (IT) services firm by market cap, on Monday announced that it has expanded its partnership with Africa’s Standard Bank Group (SBG).Click here to read…
‘Lagos Free Zone in talks with Tata, TVS, Bajaj for investments’
The Lagos Free Zone (LFZ), a privately owned free trade zone in Nigeria, is in talks with Indian conglomerates, including Tatas, TVS and Bajaj, for investments.Click here to read…
CEC Rajiv Kumar signs MoU with Seychelles to expand 'cooperation'
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Electoral Commission Chairperson of Seychelles Danny Lucas on 'Electoral Cooperation' in the capital of Seychelles.Click here to read…
Bank of Mauritius Says Work on Digital Rupee at Advanced Stage
The Bank of Mauritius said plans to launch a central bank digital currency are making strides and it will begin a pilot project in the next couple of months.Click here to read…
Uganda Airlines' Mumbai route to balance trade with India
The Entebbe-Mumbai direct route becomes the second international route that the Uganda Airlines takes on after Dubai.Click here to read…
Côte d’Ivoire asks India to source cocoa directly from it
The West African country said it is going to send a high-powered team to India in November to negotiate with the Indian government.Click here to read…
“We want to thank India…” Lesotho High Commissioner on African Union becoming permanent member of G20
Diplomats of East and Southern African countries visited All India Institute of Ayurveda in Delhi on September 26.Click here to read…
India may import cheetahs from northern Africa, say officials
India is considering importing cheetahs from northern Africa due to concerns that these big cats from Namibia and South Africa have developed a winter coat in the Indian summer.Click here to read…
India eyes north African cheetahs after Kuno big cats grow winter coat in summer
India is considering importing cheetahs from northern Africa due to concerns that these big cats from Namibia and South Africa have developed a winter coat in the Indian summer.Click here to read…
