There has been much talk of a perceived slowdown in BRI lending, but African leaders are still looking to China to advance development goals. Click here to read… [2]
The future of what was billed as a game-changing trade agreement between Africa and the US is up for discussion in the South African city of Johannesburg over the next few days, with calls for it to be turned into a much longer-term pact, despite some criticism of the deal. Click here to read… [3]
As the United States seeks to deepen its relationships with African nations and counter the influence of rivals like Russia and China, it confronts a tricky question. Click here to read… [4]
Mozambique can only capitalize on its offshore energy potential if it maintains political stability and reduces the threat of terrorism. Click here to read… [5]
Ghana's ruling party elected Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia as its candidate Saturday for the 2024 presidential election. Click here to read… [6]
The move comes as Sonko remains hospitalized because of a hunger strike he began earlier this month and as he awaits a decision from a West African regional court. Click here to read… [7]
Police used tear gas to disperse demonstrators headed to an opposition rally in Madagascar’s capital Saturday less than two weeks before a presidential election, AFP journalists saw. Click here to read… [8]
Cameroonian President Paul Biya is marking on Monday (Nov. 06) his 41 year-rule over the central African nation. Click here to read… [9]
For Moroccan diplomat Omar Hilale and his Algerian counterpart Amar Bendjama, the UN has become a boxing ring to exchange legal and rhetorical jabs over the disputed territory. Click here to read… [10]
Zambia's government has withdrawn retirement benefits and privileges from former President Edgar Lungu following his decision to return to active politics. Click here to read… [11]
Tunisia's interior minister dismissed on Tuesday the two heads of intelligence services after Islamist prisoners escaped from a prison near the capital, the ministry said in statement. Click here to read… [12]
Rwanda announced Thursday that it will allow Africans to travel visa-free to the country, becoming the latest nation on the continent to announce such a measure aimed at boosting free movement of people and trade to rival Europe’s Schengen zone. Click here to read… [13]
The nearly 2,000-kilometre-long oil pipeline will allow Niger -- one of the world's poorest countries -- to sell its crude on the international market for the first time, via the Benin port of Seme. Click here to read… [14]
The heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), on Saturday, November 4, held an extra-ordinary summit where they discussed a number of issues including the bloc’s forthcoming military deployment to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). Click here to read… [15]
In a significant move, U.S. President Joe Biden announced plans to remove Uganda, Gabon, Niger, and the Central African Republic from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) trade program, effective from January 1, 2024. Click here to read… [16]
Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition Ebrahim Patel has reiterated the continent’s call for a 10-year renewal of the US trade programme, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Click here to read… [17]
Algeria has decided to send a new ambassador to Spain and mend its relations with the European country, according to Spanish outlet El Confidencial. Click here to read… [18]
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's visit to Nigeria and Ghana in West Africa, his third trip to Africa in two years, had the aim of deepening economic ties between Germany and the two African nations. Click here to read… [19]
The German president has expressed "shame" for the colonial atrocities his country inflicted on Tanzania. Click here to read… [20]
King Charles, on the second day of his trip to Kenya, said he has “deepest regret" for colonial abuses in Kenya during the British rule and acknowledged there are “no excuses" for the past but stopped short of an apology. Click here to read… [21]
In the mini-documentary How the US Can Rival China in Africa, we show how the energy transition is fueling a new struggle between Washington and Beijing. Click here to read… [22]
This week, the U.S. State Department confirmed that Washington’s plan to refurbish and extend the Lobito Corridor — a railway that will run through mineral-rich Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo to an Atlantic port in Angola — is moving full steam ahead. Click here to read… [23]
A massive untapped iron ore mine in West Africa has shot up China’s list of belt and road priorities as it pushes to cut reliance on Australia and Brazil for the mineral essential to steel production. Click here to read… [24]
The pact was signed in Beijing, the capital of China, where the China-Africa digital capacity-building cooperation forum was held. Click here to read… [25]
On the first day of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Safety Summit, held at Bletchley Park near London, the United Kingdom, in collaboration with its international partners, announced an £80 million project designed to finance global AI initiatives, with more emphasis on Africa. Click here to read… [26]
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi is visiting South Africa on Tuesday as Tehran seeks to deepen its partnerships across the African continent while it is under heavy US economic sanctions. Click here to read… [27]
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna was visiting Nigeria, current chair of the Economic Community of West African States, to discuss bilateral cooperation and also regional security. Click here to read… [28]
The United Nations says 15 U.N. peacekeepers in a convoy withdrawing from a rebel stronghold in northern Mali were injured when vehicles hit improvised explosive devices on two occasions this week. Click here to read… [29]
Amnesty researchers say the jihadists have prevented residents in besieged areas from farming their land and grazing cattle, while also limiting their access to health and education, forcing tens of thousands of people to leave their homes. Click here to read… [30]
The rifles will provide essential firepower as the country continues its fight against the scourge of terrorism and strives for a more secure and stable future. Click here to read… [31]
Russia is moving to expand its military presence in eastern Libya, a plan that could lead to a naval base, giving it a significant foothold on Europe’s southern doorstep. Click here to read… [32]
The Russian President Vladimir Putin has met with Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, who arrived in Moscow on an official visit on Thursday. Click here to read… [33]
The Algerian Parliament has voted to allow President, Abdel Madjid Tebboune, to enter the Israel-Palestine war. Click here to read… [34]
South Africa on Monday called for the United Nations to deploy a rapid protection force to protect civilians in the Palestinian enclave of Gaza from further bombardment as Israel steps up its retaliation for a deadly attack by militant group Hamas. Click here to read… [35]
The Tunisian parliament has started debating a bill that would criminalise any normalisation of ties with Israel as the bombardment of Gaza intensifies and the death toll surpassed 9,000. Click here to read… [36]
Nigeria's state oil firm NNPC Ltd will supply the new 650,000 barrel-per-day Dangote oil refinery with up to six cargoes of crude oil in December to be used in test runs, three industry sources with knowledge of the matter said. Click here to read… [37]
Zimbabwe earned $209 million from lithium exports in the first nine months of 2023, nearly treble last year's earnings, Mines Minister Zhemu Soda said on Wednesday, as Chinese-driven mining and processing projects take off. Click here to read… [38]
The Botswana Government and the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) will convene the second edition of the Facets Conference in Gaborone, Botswana, on 24-25 October, 2023. Click here to read… [39]
Uganda plans to hand over exclusive rights for supply of all petroleum products to a unit of global energy trader Vitol and end a system that sources the oil products through neighbouring Kenya, Uganda's energy minister said. Click here to read… [40]
International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff on Wednesday reached a preliminary agreement with Somalia that will allow for the release of $100 million in funding under a new 36-month credit programme, the fund said. Click here to read… [41]
The International Monetary Fund and Gambian authorities have reached a staff-level agreement on a new three-year support package. Click here to read… [42]
The self-appointed civilian army patrolling the streets in South Africa's Soweto Township had one aim only: To drive out foreigners. Click here to read… [43]
Fighting and serious rights abuses persist in northern Ethiopia a year after the signing of the cessation of hostilities agreement, Human Rights Watch said today. Click here to read… [44]
More than 20 people were killed Sunday after shells hit a market in a suburb of the Sudanese capital Khartoum, a committee of pro-democracy lawyers said in a statement. Click here to read… [45]
Moroccan archaeologists said on Friday they uncovered a Roman-era site in Rabat containing a port district, a bath and a cemetery dating back to the second century. Click here to read… [46]
In a post shared on X, Hardeep Singh Puri stated, "We also discussed ways to further enhance the bilateral hydrocarbons trade, including LNG, between & which has already increased more than two & half times in the last 5 years from US$ 687.71 million in FY 2018-19 to US$ 1821.39 million in FY 2022-23." Click here to read… [47]
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras became the first Indian Institute of Technology to set up an international campus, by launching a campus in Tanzania on Monday. India and the East African nation had recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU). Click here to read… [48]
History was in the air as a Uganda Airlines flight took off from Entebbe on October 7 to arrive in Mumbai five and a half hours later, making it the first direct connection between India and the East African country in over 50 years. Click here to read… [49]
NITI Aayog will be organising Feeder Thematic Workshops on varied themes which were discussed in the G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration (NDLD). Ten Feeder Thematic Workshops are being organised from November 1, 2023 to November 9, 2023. Click here to read… [50]
Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL) is reportedly making moves to convince operators in Angola, Gambia and Mauritius to buy telecoms equipment from Indian companies. Click here to read… [51]
India to modernize Telecom Networks on Angola, Gambia and Mauritius, replacing Chinese gear. This will be a major setback for Chinese companies like Huawei and ZTE who have dominated the markets for years. Click here to read… [52]
ONGC Videsh, the overseas arm of India’s ONGC, and other Indian state-owned energy companies hold a total stake of 30% in the Mozambique LNG project. Click here to read… [53]
If you want to experience South Africa's charms, here's great news. South Africa's Tourism Minister, Patricia De Lilli, is lobbying for visa regulations to be changed or waived for Indian citizens Click here to read… [54]
The military base New Delhi built in Agaléga Island of Mauritius, the proposed signing of the space cooperation deal & the visit of the Indian Navy’s INS Sharda to Port Louis are all intended to project India’s power in the Indian Ocean. Click here to read… [55]
Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy, RK Singh, while addressing the sixth assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), announced that the ISA plans to share India's successful solar energy practices with developing nations. Click here to read… [56]
An alliance of nations that push for more solar power worldwide are set to announce nearly $35 million for projects such as mini grids and rooftop installations, mainly in Africa, according to the group’s director general. Click here to read… [57]
Bharti Airtel's Africa business reported a net profit (after exceptional items) of $138 million for the fiscal second quarter, an 8.8% decline from a year ago, reflecting a full quarter's impact of the Nigerian naira devaluation. Click here to read… [58]
In a boost towards its fight against Boko Haram militants, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has acquired the first batch of two TAI T-129 ATAK attack helicopters from Turkey. Click here to read… [59]
[63]
Links:
[1] https://www.vifindia.org/2023/november/09/africa-now-weekly-newsletter-week-45
[2] https://thediplomat.com/2023/11/what-did-the-3rd-belt-and-road-forum-mean-for-africa/
[3] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-67284812
[4] https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/03/world/africa/us-africa-agoa-suspensions.html
[5] https://www.gisreportsonline.com/r/terrorism-mozambique-future/
[6] https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/ghana-ruling-party-picks-vp-bawumia-presidential-candidate-2023-11-04/
[7] https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20231101-senegal-electoral-commission-says-opposition-leader-sonko-should-be-given-sponsorship-forms
[8] https://www.macaubusiness.com/madagascar-police-use-tear-gas-to-disperse-opposition-rally/
[9] https://www.africanews.com/2023/11/06/cameroon-paul-biya-marks-41-years-in-power/
[10] https://www.theafricareport.com/326556/western-sahara-at-the-heart-of-fierce-battle-at-the-united-nations/
[11] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-67294418
[12] https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/tunisia-sacks-heads-intelligence-services-after-prisoners-escaped-prison-2023-10-31/
[13] https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/rwanda-travel-visa-free-africa-schengen-b2442207.html
[14] https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/oil-and-gas/niger-commissions-oil-pipeline-to-benin/104905901
[15] https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/12096/news/africa/sadc-leaders-discuss-military-deployment-in-dr-congo
[16] https://politicstoday.org/us-to-remove-uganda-gabon-niger-and-the-central-african-republic-from-agoa-trade-program/
[17] https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/patel-reiterates-africas-calls-for-10-year-renewal-of-agoa/
[18] https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2023/11/358755/algeria-mends-relations-with-spain-appoints-new-ambassador
[19] https://www.dw.com/en/scholzs-africa-visit-germany-looks-to-boost-economic-ties/a-67270177
[20] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-67285182
[21] https://www.livemint.com/news/world/king-charles-has-deepest-regret-for-british-colonial-abuses-in-kenya-but-stops-short-of-apology-11698825870483.html
[22] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-11-02/china-s-grip-on-africa-s-minerals-sparks-a-us-response
[23] https://www.voanews.com/a/u-s-takes-up-china-s-infrastructure-mantel-in-africa/7340560.html
[24] https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3239571/why-chinese-interest-soaring-west-african-guineas-simandou-iron-ore-reserves
[25] https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-china-sign-pact-to-boost-internet-access-4417772
[26] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/uk/uk-pledges-80-million-pounds-to-finance-global-ai-initiatives-especially-in-africa/articleshow/104893347.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
[27] https://www.bundle.app/en/breakingNews/south-africa-what-would-closer-ties-with-iran-look-like-739bdd93-548f-4b54-b8ad-0101fadb070d
[28] https://www.zawya.com/en/economy/africa/france-backs-wafrica-bloc-efforts-to-restore-democracy-in-region-vmwg2p8j
[29] http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/104957403.cms?from=mdr&utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
[30] https://www.rfi.fr/en/africa/20231104-dozens-of-towns-in-burkina-faso-besieged-by-jihadists-rights-group-warns
[31] https://www.military.africa/2023/11/burkina-faso-equips-its-army-with-serbian-made-assault-rifles-to-combat-jihadists/
[32] https://english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2023/11/05/Putin-s-move-to-secure-Libya-bases-is-new-regional-challenge-for-US-European-allies
[33] https://www.russia-briefing.com/news/moscow-continues-african-expansion-as-equatorial-guinea-holds-talks.html/
[34] https://www.hindustantimes.com/videos/algeria-to-join-israel-gaza-war-parliament-votes-in-favour-of-military-support-to-palestine-101699028622731.html
[35] https://ddnews.gov.in/international/south-africa-calls-un-force-protect-civilians-gaza
[36] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/2/tunisias-parliament-deliberates-on-anti-israel-normalisation-bill
[37] https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/nigerias-nnpc-supply-crude-dec-dangote-refinery-test-runs-2023-11-02/
[38] https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/zimbabwe-lithium-export-earnings-treble-projects-take-off-2023-11-01/
[39] https://gjepc.org/solitaire/botswana-to-host-facets-2023-diamond-industry-conference/
[40] https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/uganda-plans-hand-over-exclusive-petroleum-supply-deal-vitol-2023-11-01/
[41] https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/somalia-imf-reach-preliminary-deal-100-mln-new-funding-2023-11-01/
[42] https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/imf-gambia-agree-new-100-mln-support-package-2023-11-01/
[43] https://www.dw.com/en/south-africa-faces-growing-xenophobia-problem/a-67305882
[44] https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/11/02/ethiopia-atrocities-mar-ceasefire-anniversary
[45] https://www.arabnews.com/node/2403961/middle-east
[46] https://theprint.in/world/morocco-unearths-roman-era-second-century-site-in-rabat/1831244/
[47] https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/oil-and-gas/union-minister-hardeep-singh-puri-mozambique-economy-minister-discuss-ways-to-further-enhance-collaboration-in-energy-projects/104845464
[48] https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/iit-madras-establishes-first-international-campus-in-tanzania-s-zanzibar-123110600630_1.html
[49] https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/african-carriers-set-course-for-india/article67470088.ece
[50] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1973561
[51] https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-business/operator-news/15740-tcil-woos-angola-gambia-and-mauritius-with-indian-telecoms-gear.html
[52] https://telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/tcil-may-modernise-telecom-networks-in-angola-gambia-mauritius-replacing-chinese-gear/104943563
[53] https://www.naturalgasworld.com/india-mozambique-discuss-early-restart-of-20bn-lng-project-107992
[54] https://www.outlooktraveller.com/whats-new/south-africa-considers-easing-visa-restrictions-for-indians
[55] https://www.deccanherald.com/india/military-base-india-built-in-mauritius-ready-for-asset-deployment-indian-navy-ship-visits-port-louis-space-deal-likely-2750683
[56] https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/renewable/isa-to-adopt-indias-solar-practices-eyes-investment-in-africa-r-k-singh/104871404
[57] https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/india-led-alliance-set-to-fund-solar-projects-in-africa-in-a-boost-to-the-renewable-energy-transition
[58] https://telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/airtel-africa-turns-to-profit-in-fyq2-vs-fyq1-loss-nigeria-currency-impact-weighs/104823392
[59] https://www.eurasiantimes.com/keeping-indian-offer-on-backburner-nigeria-acquires-1st-batch/
[60] http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?title=Africa Now - Weekly Newsletter (Week 45, 2023)&desc=&images=&u=https://www.vifindia.org/2023/november/09/africa-now-weekly-newsletter-week-45
[61] http://twitter.com/share?text=Africa Now - Weekly Newsletter (Week 45, 2023)&url=https://www.vifindia.org/2023/november/09/africa-now-weekly-newsletter-week-45&via=Azure Power
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[63] https://www.vifindia.org/author/Samir-Bhattacharya