Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent - news that matters.
Commentary
The second Russia Africa Summit: Decoding the summit’s achievement
From 27-28 July 2023, the second Russia-Africa Summit took place in Russia’s St Petersburg. Initially, the summit was scheduled in Addis Ababa in October 2022. Click here to read...
Japan’s valuable footprint in Africa
After reassessing its strategic interests, an internationalist-minded Japan has made African relations a higher priority. Click here to read...
Scramble for political power reveals how SA has lost the art of governance
There is a widening disconnect between the political class and the voting public. Click here to read...
How Russia Instrumentalizes Orthodoxy in Africa
Russia will have to defeat the Church of Alexandria if it wants to extend the sphere of influence of Russian Orthodoxy in Africa. Click here to read...
News
The African Union suspends Niger until ‘the effective restoration of constitutional order’
The African Union on Tuesday suspended Niger from all of its institutions and activities “until the effective restoration of constitutional order”. Click here to read...
West African bloc says 'D-Day' set for possible Niger intervention
West Africa's regional bloc, ECOWAS, has set an undisclosed "D-Day" for a potential military intervention to restore democracy in Niger if diplomatic efforts fail, following a coup. Click here to read...
West African bloc meets Niger's ousted president, junta leader in Niamey
A delegation from West Africa's main regional bloc ECOWAS on Saturday met Niger's ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and held talks with junta leader General Abdourahmane Tiani in the capital Niamey. Click here to read...
Niger junta: ousted president could be prosecuted for high treason
The junta that seized power in Niger in a July 26 coup said late on Sunday that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum could be prosecuted for high treason. Click here to read...
Five key issues at stake in the Zimbabwe elections
Ahead of the August 23 election, multiple issues are at stake including Zimbabwe’s long-running economic woes. Click here to read...
Zimbabwe election: Chicken and chips put a taste for democracy to the test
Free fried chicken and an endorsement from an unbeaten former world boxing champion have formed part of the intriguing choreography of election campaigning in Zimbabwe. Click here to read...
President's son seen as Comoros leader in waiting
Young and ambitious, the son of Comoros President Azali Assoumani has all the trappings of a leader in waiting. Click here to read...
Pre-election tension in DRC fuels attacks on reporters covering politics
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is concerned about attacks on journalists covering the run-up to the general elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo in December. Click here to read...
In a bid to unseat the long-ruling ANC, 7 South African parties reach a coalition agreement
Seven opposition parties in South Africa have reached an agreement to form a coalition in a bid to unseat the ruling African National Congress if it fails to win a majority in next year's general election. Click here to read...
Aide to Madagascar leader accused of seeking bribe from UK gemstone miner
Britain’s National Crime Agency arrests Romy Andrianarisoa and associate over alleged approach to Gemfields Click here to read...
Gambian President Suspends Foreign Trips By Govt Officials Including Himself
Gambia’s President Adama Barrow has suspended all foreign travel by officials, including himself, to reduce public spending, a government spokesman announced Saturday. Click here to read...
SLPP must understand international diplomacy and geopolitical realities
Supporters of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party ( SLPP) rejoicing that the change of batons between the boldly speaking Ambassador David Reimer and his successor Bryan D. Hunt will represent a paradigm shift in the United States’ present policies towards Sierra Leone. Click here to read...
More than 20 countries have applied to join BRICS: South African president
More than 20 countries have formally applied to join BRICS, a bloc of emerging economies that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Click here to read...
PM Modi to travel to South Africa for BRICS summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Johannesburg to attend a summit of the BRICS group of nations this month, the Indian government said on Thursday. Click here to read...
President of Brazil has touched down in South Africa for 15th BRICS Summit, Jinping and Modi still expected
The Brazilian President was received by International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor. Click here to read...
China’s Xi flies to South Africa for BRICS summit
China’s President Xi Jinping on Monday flew to South Africa to attend the 15th BRICS summit and co-chair the China-Africa Leaders’ Dialogue, state media reported. Click here to read...
US calls on Rwanda, DR Congo to de-escalate
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Rwanda's leader on Tuesday and pressed for a de-escalation after a new flare-up in tensions with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Click here to read...
Zambia seizes plane with $5.7M cash, weapons
Authorities in Zambia on Tuesday announced the seizure of a private plane carrying $5.7 million in cash, 602 pieces of suspected gold bars, and five pistols with 126 rounds of ammunition. Click here to read...
Tanzania police arrest two, accuse them of organising protests
Tanzanian police have arrested a lawyer and an opposition politician and accused them of incitement and planning to organise nationwide demonstrations aimed at bringing down the government. Click here to read...
Egypt’s President el-Sisi pardons prominent activist Douma, other prisoners
Egyptian activist Ahmed Douma, a leading figure in 2011 uprising, has been granted a presidential pardon, lawyers say. Click here to read...
Ethiopia Amhara: Air strike kills at least 26 in Finote Selam
A suspected air strike in Ethiopia's Amhara region has killed at least 26 people, a hospital official said. Click here to read...
UN forces in Mali speed up withdrawal as security deteriorates
UN’s impending pullout has exacerbated tensions between Mali’s military government and the rebel Coordination of Azawad Movements. Click here to read...
Morocco’s elite relieved as absentee monarch returns to base
When King Mohammed VI of Morocco returned to a busy schedule of public appearances in the spring, many in the royal court probably breathed a sigh of relief. Click here to read...
World Bank halts new loans to Uganda over anti-LGBTQ law
The World Bank has announced it will halt new loans to Uganda over the country’s controversial anti-LGBTQ law. Click here to read...
Kenya reinstates fuel subsidy after months of violent protests
President Ruto removed fuel and maize flour subsidies in September and increased taxes this year. Click here to read...
Kenya to lead modernization of African Textile Industry through ITME Africa & Middle East 2023
18 countries converging in Nairobi from 30th Nov – 2nd December 2023 in order to forge new business partnerships, explore opportunities and network with local textile industry to present fresh custom leads. Click here to read...
Namibia could potentially be among the top 15 oil producers by 2035 – Prime Minister
Namibia’s recent oil discoveries could potentially place the country among the top 15 oil producing nations by 2035, the Prime Minister of Namibia said during the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference 2023 on Wednesday. Click here to read...
Ghana implements 10% tax on betting and lottery winnings
Ghana has introduced a new measure that will see a 10% tax applied to betting and lottery winnings, effective as of Tuesday. Click here to read...
Google to train 20,000 Nigerians in digital skills, provide grants
Google Africa executives said a grant from its philanthropic arm in partnership with Data Science Nigeria and the Creative Industry Initiative for Africa will facilitate the programme. Click here to read...
South Africa, China strike trade agreements worth $2.2bln
Companies from South Africa and China concluded trade deals worth $2.2 billion during a visit to the country last week by Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, Bloomberg reported. Click here to read...
China builds East-West highway in Algeria – report
A China-built 1,216-kilometre highway has opened in Algeria, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin. Click here to read...
China and Russia pursue Eritrea for its strategic location in Africa, resources and transport potential
China and Russia are showing growing interest in Eritrea, a small African country in a strategic location but whose president is being shunned in the West for his autocratic governance. Click here to read...
Sudan war will end with negotiations says army’s second in command
A top Sudanese official has said that a plan should be put in place to end the conflict between the army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) amid the continuing violence in the country. Click here to read...
Truce holds in Libya after clashes kill 55
Tripoli’s worst armed clashes in a year have killed 55 people--------------------- and wounded 146, Libyan media reported Wednesday, after a truce took hold in the capital and air traffic was restored. Click here to read...
Libya militias battle in Tripoli after commander's arrest
Two powerful militias that back Libya's UN-supported government have clashed in the capital, Tripoli, killing 55 people and injuring 146 others, medics say. Click here to read...
Burkina Faso police kill 40 Islamic fighters after ambush
At least, 40 of the Islamist fighters who ambushed a police reconnaissance mission in Koulpelogo province in the north-east of Burkina Faso on Saturday were killed, the military said on Sunday. Click here to read...
Mauritanian migrants explore new routes to the United States
Aissata Sall was scrolling through WhatsApp in May when she first learned about the new route from Mauritania to the United States. Click here to read...
CAF probes Cameroon FA boss Samuel Eto’o for alleged improper conduct
The Confederation of African Football, CAF, is investigating accusations of inappropriate conduct by the president of the Cameroon football federation, Samuel Eto’o Fils. Click here to read...
Somalia orders ban on TikTok, Telegram
Somalia's government announced a ban on TikTok and Telegram and an online betting app, saying they were being used by "terrorists" to spread propaganda. Click here to read...
Somaliland at Crossroads - Confronting the Autocratic Path of President Muuse Biihi
Somaliland, once hailed as a beacon of democracy in Somalia, finds itself at a critical juncture today. Click here to read...
Somaliland Forces Killed Famous Poet Jama Kadiye in Unprovoked Bombardment
A famous Somali poet was killed in an unprovoked bombardment by Somaliland forces in the Sool region on Wednesday, relatives and witnesses said. Click here to read...
Why Turkey's Erdogan sings the same tune with Russia's Putin in Africa
Turkey’s efforts to expand its influence in Africa often align with those of Russia, with both Ankara and Moscow holding back from condemning military coups and seeking to capitalize on post-colonial resentments. Click here to read...
UAE pushing Tunisia to normalise with Israel, Algeria official says
The head of Algeria’s National Construction Movement, Abdelkader Bengrina, has warned that the UAE is dragging Tunisia to normalise ties with Israel. Click here to read...
Angola takes up one year rotating presidency of regional bloc SADC
Angola's President has called on the member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to speed up the ratification of the operationalisation of the Development Fund, a "key tool" for raising finance for the regional industrialisation programme. Click here to read...
SADC extends troop deployment to DRC and Mozambique
The Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) leaders have agreed to deploy troops to the Democratic Republic of Congo, and extended the bloc’s military mission in Mozambique, in a move they said is meant to bring peace to the region. Click here to read...
Migrant boat capsizes off Cape Verde, over 60 feared dead: Senegal ministry
The boat left Senegal on July 10 with 101 passengers on board, and 38 people were rescued on Tuesday, Senegal's foreign ministry said in a statement late on Tuesday. Click here to read...
Gabon finalises first debt-for-nature swap in Africa
Deal worth $500mn funnels cash to conservation in return for lower interest rate on African nation’s debt and longer repayments period. Click here to read...
India in Africa
Expansion of BRICS, use of national currency among key agendas of summit: India's BRICS Sherpa Dammu Ravi
Now, as far as the BRICS agenda is concerned, there are many issues that are being discussed and most importantly the BRICS expansion item on the agenda and second is the use of national currency for trading and economic activity amongst the BRICS countries," Dammu told ANI. Click here to read...
Africa an important partner in India’s rise as economic power: Sherpa for 15th BRICS Summit
Dammu Ravi, the secretary, Economic Relations in the Ministry of External Affairs and the Sherpa for the 15th BRICS Summit, on Tuesday said India will soon be the third largest economy, adding that Africa was an important partner in the country’s emergence as an economic power. Click here to read...
India Aims to Represent Africa And Global South At BRICS After G20
Africa is an important partner in India’s rise as it has many complementaries to the Indian economy, said India's BRICS Sherpa Dammu Ravi. Click here to read...
India's 'critical role' stressed by South Africa's BRICS Sherpa Anil Sooklal ahead of the summit
In the run-up to the 15th BRICS summit hosted by South Africa from August 22nd to 24th, Professor Anil Sooklal, the country's BRICS Sherpa, has highlighted India's "critical role". Click here to read...
'Namaskar Modi ji': South African Cricket Legends Jonty Rhodes, Gary Kirsten Welcome PM Ahead Of BRICS Summit
Ahead of the BRICS Summit, South African cricket legends Jonty Rhodes and Gary Kirsten released video messages welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the country. Click here to read...
Collective clout of BRICS can amplify India and Africa's development initiatives: CII-IBF (SA) President
The collective clout of the BRICS nations can amplify the development initiatives undertaken by India and Africa, ensuring a broader and more inclusive transformation. Click here to read...
Why is the BRICS summit important for India?
Will India and China have the opportunity to have bilateral talks on the Line of Actual Control dispute? How will fruitful discussions have a bearing on the G20 summit in Delhi next month? Will Russian President Vladimir Putin attend the meeting? Click here to read...
Trade, economic relations discussed in 1st India-Angola Foreign Office Consultations
The inaugural Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between India and Angola which was held on 11 August 2023 marked a significant step towards enhancing their diplomatic relationship. Click here to read...
India: ISRO could offer services to Oman and Mauritius, help them build and launch satellites
With Mauritius' Minister for Information Technology, Communication, and Innovation (MITCI), Darsanand Balgobin, the ISRO team discussed the possibilities of an India-Mauritius joint satellite, a microsatellite designed for remote sensing from low earth orbit. Click here to read...
"Mauritius Is Like 'Chhota Bharat', We Have Blood Relations...": Minister Deepak Balgobin
Deepak Balgobin, Minister of Information Technology, Communication, and Innovation, visited the G20-DIA summit in Bengaluru, Karnataka, today. Click here to read...
ITAT Allows Capital Gains Exemption To NSE Investor Under India-Mauritius Tax Treaty
The Delhi bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has allowed the capital gains exemption to NSE investors under the India-Mauritius tax treaty. Click here to read...
Indian eye hospital chain Dr. Agarwal's raises $80 million from TPG, Temasek; shares rise as much as 10.3% after news
Indian eye hospital chain Dr. Agarwal's Health Care has raised $80 million from existing investors Singapore's Temasek and U.S.-based TPG. Click here to read...
Morocco: His Majesty The King Congratulates President Of India On National Day
His Majesty King Mohammed VI sent a congratulatory message to the President of the Republic of India, Droupadi Murmu, on the occasion of her country’s national day. Click here to read...
As tur dal scarcity hits India, Mozambique turns opportunistic
Even as tomato prices have started cooling, daal mein kuch kala hai (as the Hindi phrase goes) as tur prices may well shoot up further. Click here to read...
Chad fines Airtel subsidiary $8 mln for deteriorating network
Airtel Africa is based in the United Kingdom and operates in around a dozen countries in Africa. The company did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Click here to read...
Mahindra to unveil 9 new products at global event in Cape Town, South Africa
Mahindra is all set to unveil multiple products on 15th August or Indian Independence Day at a global event in Cape Town, South Africa. Click here to read...
Maiden Pharmaceuticals: Fury in The Gambia over India cough syrup deaths
In September last year, Ebrima Sajnia watched helplessly as his young son slowly died in front of his eyes. Click here to read...
