Tag Archives: Central Africa

Africa Now – Weekly Newsletter (Week 51, 2022)

Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent – news that matters.

COMMENTARY

Where is Tunisia headed after its latest elections?

A 91 percent abstention rate from Tunisia’s parliamentary elections indicates a growing gap between Tunisians and the North African country’s politics. Click here to read…

A shift in the US perspective on Africa

China was the elephant in the room as the Biden administration sought to regain trust among African leaders gathered in Washington this week. Analysts say the US made some progress to that end. Click here to read…

NEWS

US, Africa seal $15 billion in trade investments during Washington summit

The United States committed to $15 billion worth of two-way trade deals with several countries in Africa during a summit in Washington this week, the White House said on WednesdayClick here to read…

US-Africa Leadership Summit: Nigeria & Rwanda become first African signatories of Artemis Accords on space collaboration

Nigeria and Rwanda became the first African signatories of the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)-led Artemis Accords on space collaboration, according to statement by the US White House December 13, 2022. Click here to read…

Battle for African Union leadership plays out at US-Africa Summit

With East Africa in line to select the AU chairman at its next annual leadership rotation in February, regional powerhouse Kenya is facing off with the island nation of Comoros. Click here to read…

Angola hosts 10th summit of the OACPS, represents 79 states

The Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific group of states, which represents 79 countries, held its penultimate meeting in Angola’s capital Luanda on Friday. Click here to read…

South Africa’s Ramaphosa re-elected as leader of ruling ANC party

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has been re-elected leader of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party despite being mired in scandal and facing calls to step down as president. Click here to read…

Tunisian election, dismissed by Saied critics as charade, draws just 8.8% turnout

Only 8.8% of Tunisian voters cast ballots in Saturday’s parliamentary elections, authorities announced, after most political parties boycotted the vote as a charade aimed at shoring up President Kais Saied’s power. Click here to read…

Nigeria 2023: Will Nigerians see a peaceful transition of power?

Next year, Nigerians will go to the polls in what some regard as the most significant election for decades. Click here to read…

Biden backs African Union becoming permanent G20 member

US also pledges $165m to help support elections and good governance as African nations prepare to hold votes next year. Click here to read…

Biden announces presidential visit to Africa next year

President Biden announced Thursday he would make his first presidential visit to Africa next year as he seeks to convince African leaders that the United States is serious about engaging them in international decisions and countering China’s rising influence in the region. Click here to read…

US Hits Zimbabwe President’s Son With Sanctions

The Biden administration on Monday slapped corruption sanctions on the son of Zimbabwe’s president as the U.S. prepares to host a major summit of African leaders in Washington. Click here to read…

DR Congo floods leave more than 120 dead in Kinshasa

More than 120 people have been killed following the worst floods in years in the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kinshasa, the authorities say. Click here to read…

Uganda to nationalise electricity utility as private contracts conclude

The government of Uganda is to form the Uganda National Electricity Company Ltd after contracts with Eskom and Umeme come to their conclusion. Click here to read…

Sudan, Ethiopia joint committee discusses railway connecting two countries

The Sudanese-Ethiopian Joint Technical Committee held a meeting on Wednesday to discuss the feasibility study of a railway project linking the two neighbouring countries. Click here to read…

North gets lion’s share as Nigeria, US sign energy deal

At least 360 rural communities and 16 others have been earmarked nationwide for the construction of 5,000MW of solar power generation and 2,500MWh of battery energy storage power plants. Click here to read…

1st African Country to Provide Military Support To Ukraine, Morocco Could Send T-72 Tank Spare Parts To Kyiv

Morocco has reportedly decided to send military aid to Ukraine after the US secretly convinced Rabat to transfer spare parts for T-72 tanks to Kyiv. If true, this would make Morocco the first African country to provide military assistance to Ukraine. Click here to read…

Guinea’s ex-military leader denies role in 2009 stadium massacre

Guinea’s ex-military leader Moussa Dadis Camara on Monday denied charges that he was responsible for a 2009 stadium massacre, as he took the stand for the first time in a long-awaited trial. Click here to read…

Libya PM admits role in Lockerbie suspect’s transfer

Libya’s Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbaiba has admitted that his administration was involved in the transfer of Abu Agila Mohammad Masud Kheir al-Marimi, a Lockerbie bombing suspect, to the United States last week. Click here to read…

Burkina Faso aware of the dangers of Wagner force -France

France’s foreign ministry said on Thursday the Burkina Faso government was fully aware of the risks of working with mercenaries from Russia’s Wagner Group after Ghana alleged on Wednesday that Ouagadougou had hired the group. Click here to read…

Uganda army says 11 Islamist militants killed in cross-border raid

A group of 11 Islamist militants based in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo were killed in clashes with Ugandan forces overnight during a cross-border raid, Uganda’s army said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Russian culture center head wounded in Central African Republic assassination attempt

The head of a Russian cultural center in the Central African Republic was taken to hospital in the capital Bangui on Friday after an assassination attempt, the Russian Embassy said. Click here to read…

Two UN peacekeepers shot dead near Timbuktu in Mali

An unidentified gunman has shot and killed two officers from the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Mali while they were on patrol near the city of Timbuktu. Click here to read…

US gifts SAFE International patrol boat to Mozambique

As part of the U.S. commitment to assist Mozambique in stabilizing the conflict-ridden Cabo Delgado province, the U.S. government this week donated a patrol boat to the Mozambican navy. Click here to read…

Botswana Develops Security Strategy to Counter Terrorism Threat

Botswana is developing a national security strategy amid fears of heightened terrorism threats. Click here to read…

Bodies of 27 migrants, including children, found in Chad desert

The bodies of 27 migrants, including four children, have been found in the Chadian desert, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which said they died of thirst. Click here to read…

IMF Approves $3 Billion Loan to Egypt

The International Monetary Fund has approved a deal that will provide a USD 3 billion support package to cash-strapped Egypt over a period of almost four years. Click here to read…

Ghana expects $3 bln IMF loan approval early in 2023

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is poised to lend Ghana $3 billion as the African nation grapples with its worst economic crisis in a generation, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Body of Zambian national killed fighting in Ukraine returns home

The body of Lemekani Nathan Nyirenda, a fighter recruited by the mercenary group Wagner for combat operations in Ukraine, was returned to Zambia on Sunday. Click here to read…

Shell begins drilling offshore Namibia

Shell Upstream Namibia BV, a subsidiary of Shell Plc, is advancing drilling offshore Namibia with delivery of Northern Ocean Ltd.’s Deepsea Bollsta semisubmersible drilling rig. Click here to read…

Bangladesh could import gas from Mozambique

Bangladesh and Mozambique have the opportunities to increase bilateral trade, such as of agricultural products and fish, alongside tourism. Click here to read…

Microsoft targets internet expansion in Africa, longer-term cloud adoption

Microsoft targets internet expansion in Africa, longer-term cloud adoption. Microsoft Corp aims to secure internet access for 100 million more people in Africa by 2025, teaming up with a satellite provider and setting the stage for longer-term cloud adoption. Click here to read…

Visa Pledges to Invest $1 billion in Africa to Accelerate Digital Transformation

During US-Africa Business Forum, Visa outlines pledge to invest $1 billion in Africa by 2027 to scale operations, deploy new innovative technologies and deepen collaboration with partners. Click here to read…

Tunisia judge orders arrest of former prime minister

Ali Larayedh, vice president of opposition Ennahdha party, is arrested days after Tunisia’s legislative elections. Click here to read…

Ruto pitches Kenya Airways sale to Delta

Kenyan President William Ruto reportedly has pitched a plan to Delta Air Lines (DL, Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson) to save Kenya Airways (KQ, Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta) as the government seeks to divest entirely from the struggling carrier. Click here to read…

Sudan strikes deal with UAE firms for $6 billion port

Sudan’s military government signed a $6 billion preliminary agreement with two firms from the United Arab Emirates Tuesday to construct a new port on the Red Sea coast, Sudanese state media said. Click here to read…

In Kenya, Meta sued for $2B for fueling ethnic violence

A lawsuit filed in a Kenyan court on Wednesday accused Meta of fueling political unrest in Africa demanding that the company pay over $2 billion in victims funds and make significant improvements to its service.’ Click here to read…

Egypt: Fake antibiotics kill several children in Egypt

Several children have died in Egypt as a result of the use of fake antibiotics, reports Al-Araby Al-Jadeed. Click here to read…

Fiery violence after France trounced Morocco wasn’t random hooliganism but an obligation

Football, was once with some consideration, described as “socialism without the politics.” Click here to read…

Fresh from World Cup game, France ends Morocco visa restrictions

France’s foreign minister Catherine Colonna said Paris has restored normal consular relations with Morocco following a year-long dispute linked to France’s decision to slash the number of visas for Moroccans visiting France. Click here to read…

France and Algeria mend ties after months long visa row

France said Sunday it had ended months of tensions over a visa dispute with Algeria, just days after Paris and Rabat made a similar announcement. Click here to read…

Kagame defends Africa’s right to a partnership with China

Rwandan President Paul Kagame was a vocal defender of Africa’s quest to expand its economic partnership with China, saying the continent has a right to seek partners and China is filling a gap for investment. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

Serum Institute of India dispatches 40k doses of Ebola vaccine to Uganda

Oxford’s Ebola vaccine candidate has been shipped to Uganda, just 80 days after the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared a Sudan Ebola virus outbreak. Click here to read…

India launches ‘Group of Friends’ to promote accountability for crimes against peacekeepers

India, Bangladesh, Egypt, France, Morocco and Nepal are co-chairs of the ‘Group of Friends to Promote Accountability for Crimes Against Peacekeepers’. Click here to read…

India Making for World! Modern Coach Factory receives order for AC coaches from Mozambique-PHOTOS

Modern Coach Factory (MCF) in Uttar Pradesh’s Raebareli district has received a repeat order for 10 second class AC sitting loco hauled coaches from Mozambique Ports and Railways (CFM), Mozambique. Click here to read…

Banks Looking At Possibility Of Rupee Trade With Bangladesh, African Nations

India imported goods worth USD 3,520.83 million from Egypt, of USD 1,004.24 million from Algeria and USD 2,725.08 million from Angola in the last financial year. Click here to read…

India rupee settlement mechanism draws interest from more nations

India’s rupee trade settlement mechanism, a means of using rupees instead of dollars and other big currencies for international transactions, is attracting interest from more countries. Click here to read…

Africa struggling to reduce dependency on imported Indian rice

Outside Dak village in central Senegal women sing and dance as they scythe through rice stalks with sickle or knife. The harvest is under way in the west African nation, but there will not be enough for everyone. Click here to read…

India contests Africa child death charge

India’s top drug regulator has accused the World Health Organisation of relying on a “premature deduction” to assert earlier this year that contaminated Indian-made cough syrups had caused child deaths in the Gambia. Click here to read…

India says samples taken from pharma firm linked to Gambia deaths meet required standards

India has told the World Health Organization that samples taken from Indian pharmaceutical company Maiden Pharma, whose products were linked to the deaths of children in Gambia, have been found to comply with required specifications. Click here to read…

Gambia child deaths: WHO stands by ‘dangerous’ India cough syrup claim

The WHO has said it stands by its action after India said that four cough syrups linked to child deaths in The Gambia complied with specifications when tested at home. Click here to read…

Senegal struggles to break dependence on imported rice

Around the village of Dak in central Senegal, women cut rice stalks with sickles and knives, singing and dancing. In this West African country, which is a major consumer of the cereal, the current harvest will not cover all needs. Click here to read…

No speedy resolution in sight as Indian businesses await South African visas

Indian High Commissioner Jaideep Sarkar previously assured Indian heads of companies represented in South Africa that the matter was being addressed with that country’s authorities. Click here to read…

Africa Now – Weekly Newsletter (Week 52, 2022)

Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent – news that matters.

COMMENTARY

India-Africa friendship in the emerging new world order

The disastrous effects of the Russia-Ukraine war extended well beyond the borders of the European continent. Click here to read…

Africa emerges as new theatre for China-Russia rivalry to play out

African countries are becoming the new theatre for the rivalry between China and Russia to play itself out, said a report. Click here to read…

How Africa Can Avoid Getting Scrambled

At the conclusion of the Berlin Conference of 1884-85, which notoriously carved up the African continent and apportioned its territories to Europe’s imperial powers of the day. Click here to read…

NEWS

South Africa’s Ramaphosa eyes 2024 election with call to revamp ANC

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa urged his ruling African National Congress (ANC) on Tuesday to improve on the poor delivery of basic services that led to its worst election result in living memory, a day after it re-elected him as its leader. Click here to read…

South Africa’s Ramaphosa clears way for second term

By reelecting Cyril Ramaphosa as party leader, the ANC has shown it trusts him to win the 2024 presidential election. But Ramaphosa faces an uphill struggle to convince voters the ruling party is still their best bet. Click here to read…

Gambia Foils Attempt to Overthrow President, Arrests Soldiers

Gambia has foiled an attempt to overthrow President Adama Barrow, according to the government. Click here to read…

Gambia navy officer behind failed coup bid – government

A navy officer has been named by The Gambia’s government as the alleged ringleader of a failed coup plot. Click here to read…

Comoros to chair African Union in 2023

Comoros will assume the chairmanship of the African Union in 2023, the first time the island nation is being entrusted with the assignment. Click here to read…

Sudanese security forces tear-gas pro-democracy protesters

Sudanese security forces have fired stun grenades and tear gas to disperse thousands of protesters in Khartoum as they mark the fourth anniversary of the uprising that eventually toppled President Omar al-Bashir. Click here to read…

Tunisia: President intensifies crackdown after low turnout

Despite President Kais Saied pursuing an increasingly undemocratic roadmap, the majority of Tunisians continue to be too occupied to protest. That could mean a low turnout for the second round of the election. Click here to read…

Sudan: The Trilateral Mechanism Meets the Signatories to the Political Framework Agreement

The Trilateral Mechanism and the joint delegation of signatories to the Political Framework Agreement held two productive meetings today and yesterday to discuss next steps on the second phase of the political process. Click here to read…

Burkina Faso government expels senior U.N. official

Burkina Faso’s military government in a statement on Friday ordered senior United Nations official Barbara Manzi to leave the country immediately, without giving a reason. Click here to read…

Togo presidency to oversee armed forces amid security woes

Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé will oversee the armed forces as part of a reshuffle amid growing security concerns in the northern regions, according to a decree which has been announced. Click here to read…

Somali Military Takes Al-Shabab’s Last Stronghold in Middle Shabelle

Somalia’s military says it has liberated the last town held by al-Shabab militants in the Middle Shabelle region, killing more than 150 fighters, including five foreigners. Click here to read…

Al Shabaab militants kill two policemen, one civilian in eastern Kenya

Al Shabaab fighters have attacked a police vehicle in eastern Kenya, killing two officers and one civilian, police and the armed group said. Click here to read…

Al-Shabab: 14 Iranian fishermen freed years after abduction

Fourteen Iranian fishermen have returned home after years in captivity by al-Shabab militants in Somalia. Click here to read…

Egypt gov’t HQ to relocate to new capital in January

The Egyptian government will be transferring its headquarters next month to the New Administrative Capital, located 45 kilometres east of the country’s current capital Cairo. Click here to read…

Afreximbank and US EXIM sign $500m MoU

The Afreximbank and the US EXIM have signed and MoU for $500 million to support trade between Africa and the US. Click here to read…

After World Cup run, Morocco shoots at diplomatic gains

Morocco is hoping its unprecedented World Cup exploits can help it win friends and influence people, especially among an Arab public opposed to its 2020 rapprochement with Israel. Click here to read…

Anti-Israel protests held across Morocco against normalization with Tel Aviv regime

Moroccans have staged demonstrations across the North African country to reiterate their unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and voice outrage at the US-sponsored normalization of diplomatic relations with Israel on its second anniversary. Click here to read…

Shell to pay $16m to Nigerian farmers over oil damage

Shell has agreed to pay $16m (£13m) to four Nigerian farmers and their communities to compensate for damage allegedly caused by pollution coming from leaks in its oil pipelines. Click here to read…

Ethiopia, Tigray Rebel Officials Meet to Review Implementation of Peace Deal

Officials from Ethiopia’s federal government and the Tigray region are meeting in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, to discuss the next steps for a peace deal to end two years of war. Click here to read…

DRC: fighting between the M23 and a Congolese self-defense militia renewed

A renewed battle between M23 rebels and members of a community self-defense militia in the troubled Rutshuru region of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has begun, after a few days of calm. Click here to read…

Armed groups in northern Mali pull out of Algiers peace talks

A coalition of armed groups in northern Mali has pulled out of long-running peace talks based on a 2015 Algiers accord because of what they call a lack of political will on the part of the country’s military government. Click here to read…

How Uganda got tangled with Russian arms dealer

Until his arrest in a US sting operation in 2008 in Thailand, Mr Bout was famed for being the McDonald’s of arms trafficking. Click here to read…

Ghana mends fences with Burkina Faso over Wagner claims

Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo has smoothed over a rift with Burkina Faso after allegations that its northern neighbor is the latest African nation to enlist Wagner Group mercenaries to maintain security and counter its terrorism threats. Click here to read…

‘Develop Batteries for Electric Vehicles Here’: Zimbabwe Bans Export of Raw Lithium

Zimbabwe earlier this week stopped the export of raw lithium from its mines and said that it wants cash in on the value addition and also stop losing billions to foreign companies via mineral proceeds, news agencies reported. Click here to read…

Ally of Wagner Group boss hurt in ‘assassination attempt’ in central Africa

A Russian businessman believed to be a close ally of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Wagner Group founder, has been taken to hospital in Central African Republic (CAR) after an “assassination attempt”. Click here to read…

Moscow protests to France over comments about attack on Russian official in Africa

Russia’s foreign ministry in a statement on Wednesday said it had summoned the French ambassador and lodged “a strong protest” over comments about an assassination attempt on a Russian official in the Central African Republic. Click here to read…

Some banks re-open in parts of Ethiopia’s war-torn Tigray

Several banks said they had resumed services in government-controlled areas of Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region for the first time in over a year, following a November truce in a bloody two-year conflict. Click here to read…

Rwanda,the world’s most innovative low-income economy

Rwanda is the most innovative economy among low income countries. According to the latest Global innovation index, the eastern African nation ranks first of its income group before Madagascar and Ethiopia and sits on 9th spot of the sub-Saharan African group. Click here to read…

Libya aborted plan to hand over Gaddafi’s spy chief to US at last minute: Report

Libya aborted a plan to hand over Muammar Gaddafi’s spy chief to the US at the last minute, a report said. The extradition plan was reportedly halted abruptly this week amid fear of public anger.https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/libya-aborted-plan-to-hand-over-gaddafi-spy-chief-us-last-minute-2312648-2022-12-23″ target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

Tanzania signs $2.2bln railway deal with China

Tanzania on Tuesday signed a $2.2-billion contract with a Chinese company to build the final section of a railway line aimed at linking the country’s main port with its neighbours. Click here to read…

Ivory Coast launches construction of metro project

Ivory Coast on Monday commissioned the construction of two major infrastructure projects in the Ivorian economic capital Abidjan- that of a metro and the extension of the international airport. Click here to read…

Egypt’s Suez Canal registers record revenue of $7.9 billion in 2022

Egypt’s Suez Canal registered a record-breaking revenue of $7.9 billion in 2022, authorities said. “The revenues of 2022 are the highest in the SCA’s history,” Osama Rabie, chairman of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), told parliament. The revenue for 2021 was $6.333 billion. Click here to read…

Zambia abolishes colonial-era death penalty law: ‘Huge milestone’

President Hakainde Hichilema, whose party was in opposition for over two decades, had promised that he would scrap the laws if elected to the top job. Click here to read…

Algeria names football stadium after Nelson Mandela

Algerian Sports Minister Abdel Razzak Sabkak announced on Tuesday that the new football stadium currently under construction near Algiers will be named after the late South African leader Nelson Mandela. Click here to read…

China emerges as lead funder for Egypt’s new administrative city

This month, President Xi reaffirmed China’s commitment to the project in a meeting with Egypt’s president on the sidelines of a Saudi summit. But that commitment may be tested in the coming months as Egypt’s loans come due. Click here to read…

Zambia yet to discuss debt restructuring proposals with bilateral creditors

Proposals to restructure Zambia’s debts are yet to be discussed with bilateral creditors under the multilateral Common Framework process, Zambia’s finance ministry said on ThursdayClick here to read…

Total investment of China-Africa Development Fund exceeds $5B

China-Africa Development Fund, an equity investment fund managed by China Development Bank, has invested more than 5 billion U.S. dollars in African countries, the fund said. Click here to read…

Germany planning new strategy in Africa to compete with China

With a new strategy for the African continent, Germany is preparing to compete against China in search of energy, raw materials, and new markets. Click here to read…

‘Türkiye, Senegal determined to deepen cooperation on win-win basis’

Türkiye and Senegal will continue to enhance bilateral cooperation in several areas based on a win-win basis, said President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Wednesday, underlining the close ties between the two countries. Click here to read…

Ukraine eyeing bigger diplomatic footprint in Africa: president Zelensky

Ukraine has been trying to rally African countries to its cause as it fights off Russia’s full-scale invasion, in part by promoting a humanitarian grain initiative to help alleviate hunger in highly vulnerable countries. Click here to read…

Algeria suggests to sell spare electricity capacity to Europe -president

Algeria is offering to Europe its spare electricity capacity, and it is planning a 270 km undersea pipe towards Italy, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune told reporters in an interview on Thursday. Click here to read…

Africa’s green hydrogen potential stands at 1-trillion-euros, says new study

The study said that one-trillion-euro green hydrogen investment can deliver the equivalent of more than one third of Africa’s current energy consumption, boost GDP, improve clean water supply and empower communities. Click here to read…

South Africa fuel tanker blast death toll rises to 15

The death toll from a fuel tanker explosion in a South African city east of Johannesburg has risen to 15, the health minister said Sunday. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

India played crucial role in development of African continent: Ex-Ambassador

Former Indian Diplomat, Ambassador, A. R. Ghanshyam, Thursday said that since independence, India has always played a positive and crucial role in the overall development of the African continent, particularly in the important sectors of education and health. Click here to read…

Indian buyers warm up to Mozambique thermal coal on competitive pricing

Indian buyers are increasingly making space for thermal coal sourced from non-traditional destination Mozambique, as prices have been largely competitive compared with South African or Australian coal, market sources told S&P Global Commodity Insights. Click here to read…

Vikas Lifecare rallies 7% after subsidiary bags order from Africa

The trading and distribution firm’s subsidiary Genesis will also provide the test specialist and will also leverage their O&M experience for renewable power projects at Mali, Africa. Genesis develops service models for India’s upcoming power distribution grid applications to support renewable power projects including battery, solar, and wind power for sustainable rural towns in India. Click here to read…

Indian Millet Park planned in Zimbabwe; large market for Zimbabwean lithium: IETO

Next year has been declared as Year of Millets by the United Nations (UN) and as part of this Indian Millet Park has been proposed to be set up in Zimbabwe, Africa. Click here to read…

India, Germany launches joint projects in Africa to boost local economy

These projects are being implemented based on a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) on implementation of triangular development cooperation projects in third countries signed in May by foreign minister S Jaishankar and German minister for economic cooperation and development Svenja Schulze. Click here to read…

Asian-African Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation to open global secretariat office in Ahmedabad

The Asian-African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AACCI), Foundation, a non-profit organisation, will launch its first global secretariat office in Ahmedabad on Saturday that will guide Indian investors who wish to park investments in African or Asian countries. Click here to read…

India looks at expanding rupee trade to Africa, W Asia to make it stronger

India, which has already been in talks with Russia for a rupee-rouble payment system, is now looking at expanding the rupee trade with other nations as well, including several countries in Africa. Click here to read…

Political transition process in Sudan continues to “face obstacles on ground”: India at UNSC

The governmental modulation successful Sudan that began 4 years agone continues to look obstacles connected the ground, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ruchira Kamboj said. Click here to read…

The agony of endless wait for Indian sailors held in Nigeria

It isn’t unusual for seafarers to be away from their families for Christmas and other festivals. Click here to read…

INTERVIEW

Why Africa should look East

The former executive secretary of the UN Economic Commission on Africa, makes his case as to why Africa should take advice on development politics and knowledge from Asia. Click here to read…

The Major Takeaways from the U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit

The Biden administration wanted to send a clear message of strong re-engagement in Africa. Click here to read…

Africa Now – Weekly Newsletter (Week 51, 2022)

Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent – news that matters.

COMMENTARY

Where is Tunisia headed after its latest elections?

A 91 percent abstention rate from Tunisia’s parliamentary elections indicates a growing gap between Tunisians and the North African country’s politics. Click here to read…

A shift in the US perspective on Africa

China was the elephant in the room as the Biden administration sought to regain trust among African leaders gathered in Washington this week. Analysts say the US made some progress to that end. Click here to read…

NEWS

US, Africa seal $15 billion in trade investments during Washington summit

The United States committed to $15 billion worth of two-way trade deals with several countries in Africa during a summit in Washington this week, the White House said on WednesdayClick here to read…

US-Africa Leadership Summit: Nigeria & Rwanda become first African signatories of Artemis Accords on space collaboration

Nigeria and Rwanda became the first African signatories of the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)-led Artemis Accords on space collaboration, according to statement by the US White House December 13, 2022. Click here to read…

Battle for African Union leadership plays out at US-Africa Summit

With East Africa in line to select the AU chairman at its next annual leadership rotation in February, regional powerhouse Kenya is facing off with the island nation of Comoros. Click here to read…

Angola hosts 10th summit of the OACPS, represents 79 states

The Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific group of states, which represents 79 countries, held its penultimate meeting in Angola’s capital Luanda on Friday. Click here to read…

South Africa’s Ramaphosa re-elected as leader of ruling ANC party

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has been re-elected leader of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party despite being mired in scandal and facing calls to step down as president. Click here to read…

Tunisian election, dismissed by Saied critics as charade, draws just 8.8% turnout

Only 8.8% of Tunisian voters cast ballots in Saturday’s parliamentary elections, authorities announced, after most political parties boycotted the vote as a charade aimed at shoring up President Kais Saied’s power. Click here to read…

Nigeria 2023: Will Nigerians see a peaceful transition of power?

Next year, Nigerians will go to the polls in what some regard as the most significant election for decades. Click here to read…

Biden backs African Union becoming permanent G20 member

US also pledges $165m to help support elections and good governance as African nations prepare to hold votes next year. Click here to read…

Biden announces presidential visit to Africa next year

President Biden announced Thursday he would make his first presidential visit to Africa next year as he seeks to convince African leaders that the United States is serious about engaging them in international decisions and countering China’s rising influence in the region. Click here to read…

US Hits Zimbabwe President’s Son With Sanctions

The Biden administration on Monday slapped corruption sanctions on the son of Zimbabwe’s president as the U.S. prepares to host a major summit of African leaders in Washington. Click here to read…

DR Congo floods leave more than 120 dead in Kinshasa

More than 120 people have been killed following the worst floods in years in the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kinshasa, the authorities say. Click here to read…

Uganda to nationalise electricity utility as private contracts conclude

The government of Uganda is to form the Uganda National Electricity Company Ltd after contracts with Eskom and Umeme come to their conclusion. Click here to read…

Sudan, Ethiopia joint committee discusses railway connecting two countries

The Sudanese-Ethiopian Joint Technical Committee held a meeting on Wednesday to discuss the feasibility study of a railway project linking the two neighbouring countries. Click here to read…

North gets lion’s share as Nigeria, US sign energy deal

At least 360 rural communities and 16 others have been earmarked nationwide for the construction of 5,000MW of solar power generation and 2,500MWh of battery energy storage power plants. Click here to read…

1st African Country to Provide Military Support To Ukraine, Morocco Could Send T-72 Tank Spare Parts To Kyiv

Morocco has reportedly decided to send military aid to Ukraine after the US secretly convinced Rabat to transfer spare parts for T-72 tanks to Kyiv. If true, this would make Morocco the first African country to provide military assistance to Ukraine. Click here to read…

Guinea’s ex-military leader denies role in 2009 stadium massacre

Guinea’s ex-military leader Moussa Dadis Camara on Monday denied charges that he was responsible for a 2009 stadium massacre, as he took the stand for the first time in a long-awaited trial. Click here to read…

Libya PM admits role in Lockerbie suspect’s transfer

Libya’s Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbaiba has admitted that his administration was involved in the transfer of Abu Agila Mohammad Masud Kheir al-Marimi, a Lockerbie bombing suspect, to the United States last week. Click here to read…

Burkina Faso aware of the dangers of Wagner force -France

France’s foreign ministry said on Thursday the Burkina Faso government was fully aware of the risks of working with mercenaries from Russia’s Wagner Group after Ghana alleged on Wednesday that Ouagadougou had hired the group. Click here to read…

Uganda army says 11 Islamist militants killed in cross-border raid

A group of 11 Islamist militants based in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo were killed in clashes with Ugandan forces overnight during a cross-border raid, Uganda’s army said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Russian culture center head wounded in Central African Republic assassination attempt

The head of a Russian cultural center in the Central African Republic was taken to hospital in the capital Bangui on Friday after an assassination attempt, the Russian Embassy said. Click here to read…

Two UN peacekeepers shot dead near Timbuktu in Mali

An unidentified gunman has shot and killed two officers from the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Mali while they were on patrol near the city of Timbuktu. Click here to read…

US gifts SAFE International patrol boat to Mozambique

As part of the U.S. commitment to assist Mozambique in stabilizing the conflict-ridden Cabo Delgado province, the U.S. government this week donated a patrol boat to the Mozambican navy. Click here to read…

Botswana Develops Security Strategy to Counter Terrorism Threat

Botswana is developing a national security strategy amid fears of heightened terrorism threats. Click here to read…

Bodies of 27 migrants, including children, found in Chad desert

The bodies of 27 migrants, including four children, have been found in the Chadian desert, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which said they died of thirst. Click here to read…

IMF Approves $3 Billion Loan to Egypt

The International Monetary Fund has approved a deal that will provide a USD 3 billion support package to cash-strapped Egypt over a period of almost four years. Click here to read…

Ghana expects $3 bln IMF loan approval early in 2023

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is poised to lend Ghana $3 billion as the African nation grapples with its worst economic crisis in a generation, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Body of Zambian national killed fighting in Ukraine returns home

The body of Lemekani Nathan Nyirenda, a fighter recruited by the mercenary group Wagner for combat operations in Ukraine, was returned to Zambia on Sunday. Click here to read…

Shell begins drilling offshore Namibia

Shell Upstream Namibia BV, a subsidiary of Shell Plc, is advancing drilling offshore Namibia with delivery of Northern Ocean Ltd.’s Deepsea Bollsta semisubmersible drilling rig. Click here to read…

Bangladesh could import gas from Mozambique

Bangladesh and Mozambique have the opportunities to increase bilateral trade, such as of agricultural products and fish, alongside tourism. Click here to read…

Microsoft targets internet expansion in Africa, longer-term cloud adoption

Microsoft targets internet expansion in Africa, longer-term cloud adoption. Microsoft Corp aims to secure internet access for 100 million more people in Africa by 2025, teaming up with a satellite provider and setting the stage for longer-term cloud adoption. Click here to read…

Visa Pledges to Invest $1 billion in Africa to Accelerate Digital Transformation

During US-Africa Business Forum, Visa outlines pledge to invest $1 billion in Africa by 2027 to scale operations, deploy new innovative technologies and deepen collaboration with partners. Click here to read…

Tunisia judge orders arrest of former prime minister

Ali Larayedh, vice president of opposition Ennahdha party, is arrested days after Tunisia’s legislative elections. Click here to read…

Ruto pitches Kenya Airways sale to Delta

Kenyan President William Ruto reportedly has pitched a plan to Delta Air Lines (DL, Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson) to save Kenya Airways (KQ, Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta) as the government seeks to divest entirely from the struggling carrier. Click here to read…

Sudan strikes deal with UAE firms for $6 billion port

Sudan’s military government signed a $6 billion preliminary agreement with two firms from the United Arab Emirates Tuesday to construct a new port on the Red Sea coast, Sudanese state media said. Click here to read…

In Kenya, Meta sued for $2B for fueling ethnic violence

A lawsuit filed in a Kenyan court on Wednesday accused Meta of fueling political unrest in Africa demanding that the company pay over $2 billion in victims funds and make significant improvements to its service.’ Click here to read…

Egypt: Fake antibiotics kill several children in Egypt

Several children have died in Egypt as a result of the use of fake antibiotics, reports Al-Araby Al-Jadeed. Click here to read…

Fiery violence after France trounced Morocco wasn’t random hooliganism but an obligation

Football, was once with some consideration, described as “socialism without the politics.” Click here to read…

Fresh from World Cup game, France ends Morocco visa restrictions

France’s foreign minister Catherine Colonna said Paris has restored normal consular relations with Morocco following a year-long dispute linked to France’s decision to slash the number of visas for Moroccans visiting France. Click here to read…

France and Algeria mend ties after months long visa row

France said Sunday it had ended months of tensions over a visa dispute with Algeria, just days after Paris and Rabat made a similar announcement. Click here to read…

Kagame defends Africa’s right to a partnership with China

Rwandan President Paul Kagame was a vocal defender of Africa’s quest to expand its economic partnership with China, saying the continent has a right to seek partners and China is filling a gap for investment. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

Serum Institute of India dispatches 40k doses of Ebola vaccine to Uganda

Oxford’s Ebola vaccine candidate has been shipped to Uganda, just 80 days after the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared a Sudan Ebola virus outbreak. Click here to read…

India launches ‘Group of Friends’ to promote accountability for crimes against peacekeepers

India, Bangladesh, Egypt, France, Morocco and Nepal are co-chairs of the ‘Group of Friends to Promote Accountability for Crimes Against Peacekeepers’. Click here to read…

India Making for World! Modern Coach Factory receives order for AC coaches from Mozambique-PHOTOS

Modern Coach Factory (MCF) in Uttar Pradesh’s Raebareli district has received a repeat order for 10 second class AC sitting loco hauled coaches from Mozambique Ports and Railways (CFM), Mozambique. Click here to read…

Banks Looking At Possibility Of Rupee Trade With Bangladesh, African Nations

India imported goods worth USD 3,520.83 million from Egypt, of USD 1,004.24 million from Algeria and USD 2,725.08 million from Angola in the last financial year. Click here to read…

India rupee settlement mechanism draws interest from more nations

India’s rupee trade settlement mechanism, a means of using rupees instead of dollars and other big currencies for international transactions, is attracting interest from more countries. Click here to read…

Africa struggling to reduce dependency on imported Indian rice

Outside Dak village in central Senegal women sing and dance as they scythe through rice stalks with sickle or knife. The harvest is under way in the west African nation, but there will not be enough for everyone. Click here to read…

India contests Africa child death charge

India’s top drug regulator has accused the World Health Organisation of relying on a “premature deduction” to assert earlier this year that contaminated Indian-made cough syrups had caused child deaths in the Gambia. Click here to read…

India says samples taken from pharma firm linked to Gambia deaths meet required standards

India has told the World Health Organization that samples taken from Indian pharmaceutical company Maiden Pharma, whose products were linked to the deaths of children in Gambia, have been found to comply with required specifications. Click here to read…

Gambia child deaths: WHO stands by ‘dangerous’ India cough syrup claim

The WHO has said it stands by its action after India said that four cough syrups linked to child deaths in The Gambia complied with specifications when tested at home. Click here to read…

Senegal struggles to break dependence on imported rice

Around the village of Dak in central Senegal, women cut rice stalks with sickles and knives, singing and dancing. In this West African country, which is a major consumer of the cereal, the current harvest will not cover all needs. Click here to read…

No speedy resolution in sight as Indian businesses await South African visas

Indian High Commissioner Jaideep Sarkar previously assured Indian heads of companies represented in South Africa that the matter was being addressed with that country’s authorities. Click here to read…

Africa Now – Weekly Newsletter (Week 50, 2022)

Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent – news that matters.

COMMENTARY

Biden aims to narrow trust gap with US-Africa leaders’ summit

President Joe Biden is set to play host to dozens of African leaders in Washington this week as the White House looks to narrow a gaping trust gap with Africa.Click here to read…

Biden tries to reboot US brand in Africa amid China, Russia inroads

When Barack Obama welcomed African leaders to Washington in 2014, many viewed the summit as historic. Click here to read…

Morocco’s World Cup victories overshadow Arab political rivalries

Morocco’s success at the World Cup in Qatar is bringing the Arab people together in a significant way. Click here to read…

NEWS

Angola hosts 10th summit of the OACPS which represents 79 states

The Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific group of states, which represents 79 countries, held its penultimate meeting in Angola’s capital Luanda on Friday. Click here to read…

MWL Conference of African Ulemas Kicks off in Gambia to Promote Moderation

Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL) Dr. Mohammed al-Issa kicked off on Saturday the inaugural conference of African Ulemas in the Gambian capital Banjul. Click here to read…

Gambia, Muslim World League Ink MOU On Development Cooperation

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad of the Republic of The Gambia on Tuesday, 6th December 2022 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Muslim World League (MWL) a ceremony held at the Foreign Ministry headquarters in Banjul. Click here to read…

Tunisians protest against Saied ahead of parliamentary elections

Hundreds of Tunisians have taken to the streets to protest against President Kais Saied a week before parliamentary elections are set to take place under a new constitution. Click here to read…

Junta chief says «fight for total independence» in Burkina Faso has begun

The head of Burkina Faso’s military junta, Ibrahim Traoré, has assured that “the fight for total independence began a few weeks ago”, after denouncing that part of the country “is occupied” due to the deterioration of security due to the operations of jihadist groups. Click here to read…

Chad jails more than 260 people after mass trial over protests

A court in Chad has handed out jail terms of between two and three years to more than 260 people arrested after anti-government protests in October, while defence lawyers have argued that the trial was “illegal”. Click here to read…

M23 says ready to ‘withdraw’ in eastern DRC, yet clashes reported

The M23 rebel group says it is ready to withdraw from occupied territory in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and will support regional peace-making efforts despite not being represented in talks. Click here to read…

DR Congo conflict: M23 rebels executed over 130 civilians – UN

A UN investigation has found that at least 131 civilians in the Democratic Republic of Congo died in a November attack by the M23 rebel group. Click here to read…

Sudan generals and parties sign outline deal, protesters cry foul

Sudanese political parties and the military signed a framework deal on Monday that they said would pave the way for two-year civilian-led transition towards elections and end a sometimes violent standoff triggered by a coup in October 2021. Click here to read…

West Africa Contemplate Setting Up A Regional Peacekeeping Force After Coups In The Region

Leaders of West Africa, concerned by recent military coups in the region, have reportedly decided to set up a regional peacekeeping force. Click here to read…

Ugandan officials snub AU summit

Despite receiving official invitations in advance, Ugandan representatives—including two ministers—did not attend a significant African Union (AU) meeting. Click here to read…

Power back in capital of Ethiopia’s Tigray region

Power services have been restored in Mekelle, the capital of Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region, for the first time in over a year, state-affiliated Fana Broadcast said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

U.S. troops are back in Somalia and scrambling to help its special forces

The U.S. military is scrambling to make up for lost time in Somalia after President Biden this spring reversed his predecessor’s order to pull American soldiers out of the country and returned hundreds of them to the fight against one of al-Qaeda’s most powerful global affiliates. Click here to read…

‘Let the president continue’: Party backs South Africa’s Ramaphosa amid ‘Farmgate’ scandal

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was on Monday given a lifeline by his African National Congress’ (ANC) top executives, who decided to reject a report which found that Ramaphosa had flouted his constitutional obligations. Click here to read…

UN Sec-Gen urges Nigeria to investigate mass abortion report

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on Nigerian authorities to investigate allegations of systemic and coerced abortions reportedly perpetrated by its army, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric has said. Click here to read…

Mauritanian indicted in 3 deadly 2015 terror attacks in Mali

A Mauritanian national suspected of planning and coordinating three lethal attacks in 2015 on Westerners in Mali was arraigned in a New York federal court on Saturday, a day after being transferred to U.S. custody in Mali. Click here to read…

Record number of mosques opened in Egypt this year

A record 1,200 new mosques opened across Egypt this year, according to the Ministry of Awqaf. Click here to read…

Burkina Faso To Raise 150 million Euros For War Fund

The Burkina Faso government has announced plans to raise 152 million euros for a “fund to support the war” against a bloody jihadist insurgency. Click here to read…

Tanzania’s President Cancels Independence Day Celebrations

Tanzania’s president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, has canceled Independence Day celebrations scheduled for Friday and directed that the budget instead be used to build dormitories for children with special needs. Click here to read…

Tanzania’s Samia hints at a government shakeup ahead of 2025 elections

A major shakeup in the Tanzanian government looks imminent as President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who is also the national chairperson of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), seeks to get rid of “detractors” and “languid” individuals ahead of the 2025 elections. Click here to read…

France Seeking to End Political Crisis With Morocco

France is reportedly working to “find appeasement gestures” in an attempt to put an end to the lingering diplomatic crisis with Morocco. Click here to read…

Ghana Cedi posts world’s biggest gain against US dollar

It said the Ghana cedi took the title of the world’s best performer against the dollar last week amid optimism the country was moving closer to unlocking an International Monetary Fund bailout. Click here to read…

Tanzania ranked among best investments destinations in Africa

. Tanzania has been ranked one of the best investment destinations in Africa, thanks to its strong regulatory framework, sound macroeconomic fundamentals and a vibrant financial market. Click here to read…

New Italian-built power plant opens in Tunisia

A new 10 MW photovoltaic plant has started production in Tunisia. The plant, installed by the Italian energy company Eni in the city of Tataouine, will contribute to the country’s decarbonisation process. Click here to read…

Rwanda, Nepal to sign air service agreement

Rwanda and Nepal are expected to sign an air service agreement to operate flights connecting both countries, according to media reports.Click here to read…

Egypt’s pound keeps falling on black market ahead of IMF meeting

The gap between the official rate of the Egyptian pound against the dollar and the price on the black market has widened further, putting pressure on Egypt ahead of a crucial International Monetary Fund board meeting next week. Click here to read…

Sub-Saharan Africa’s debt burden increased to a record $789 billion in 2021, highest since 2010

The world’s poorest countries continued to borrow in 2021 due to the pandemic-induced disruptions to economic activity and supply chains, according to a new World Bank report. Click here to read…

without power for 19 hours a day as Kariba dam runs dry

Zimbabweans are being subjected to 19 hours of power cuts a day, because there is insufficient water in the Kariba dam to drive the nation’s main hydropower plant. Click here to read…

US sanctions ex-Guinea leader, Mali politician for right abuses

The US sanctions freeze assests including those of Guinea’s former President Conde and Mali’s former President Keita’s son. Click here to read…

Mozambique ex-president’s son, 10 others jailed over corruption

A court in Mozambique has sentenced the son of a former president, two ex-spy bosses, and eight others to years in prison for their part in a corruption scandal in which the government sought to conceal huge debts, triggering financial havoc. Click here to read…

Libyan Charged in 1988 Lockerbie Plane Bombing Taken into US Custody

A man accused of making the bomb that killed 270 people after it blew up Pan Am flight 103 over Lockerbie in Scotland in 1988 is in custody in the United States, Scottish and U.S. law enforcement officials said on Sunday. Click here to read…

German aid worker freed after kidnapping in Niger four years ago

A 63-year-old German aid worker, Joerg Lange, has been freed more than four years after he was kidnapped in western Niger near the Malian border, his employer, humanitarian organisation Help. Click here to read…

Niger lawmakers want gay relationships criminalised

A group of lawmakers in Niger has backed a motion seeking to criminalise same-sex relationships in the country. The vast majority of Niger’s population is Muslim, but it has a secular government and there is currently no specific law on same-sex relationships. Click here to read…

Covid boosts heart-related deaths sixfold, Top Africa health insurer says

Africa’s biggest health insurer said the number of heart-related deaths rose more than sixfold during the Covid-19 pandemic among the clients of one of its units. Click here to read…

CHINA IN AFRICA

President Xi Jinping Meets with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi

President Xi Jinping pointed out that as the regional and international environments are undergoing profound and complex changes, the strategic and overarching importance of China-Egypt relations has become all the more evident. Click here to read…

Xi Jinping Meets with President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti

Xi Jinping noted that strategic mutual trust between China and Djibouti has been deepened in recent years, cooperation in various fields has made fruitful achievements, and bilateral friendship has been deeply rooted in people’s hearts.Click here to read…

Xi meets Algerian prime minister

Chinese President Xi Jinping met Algerian Prime Minister Ayman Benabderrahmane here on Friday. Xi Jinping stressed that China and Algeria enjoy traditional friendship and the practical cooperation between the two countries has yielded fruitful results. Click here to read…

Xi says China supports Tunisia’s development path, opposes external interference

China firmly supports Tunisia in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions, and opposes external interference in Tunisia’s internal affairs, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Friday. Click here to read…

China ready to work with Mauritania to elevate friendly cooperation to higher levels, Xi says

China is willing to work with Mauritania to promote bilateral friendly cooperation to higher levels, Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Friday when meeting with Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani. Click here to read…

Xi says China to continue support for Sudan’s political transition

China supports all parties in Sudan in continuing to push for steady political transition through dialogue and consultation, opposes interference by external forces in Sudan’s internal affairs, and will continue to speak up for Sudanese friends on the international stage. Click here to read…

Xi Jinping Meets with Comorian President Azali Assoumani

On the morning of December 9, 2022 local time, President Xi Jinping met with Comorian President Azali Assoumani in Riyadh. Click here to read…

Xi says China supports the Comoros in playing greater role in int’l, regional affairs

China supports the Comoros in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs, and stands ready to work closely with the Comoros to firmly support each other, and safeguard the common interests of developing countries and international fairness and justice. Click here to read…

Chinese Port Projects Along Africa’s Coasts Come with Environmental Costs, Study Finds

China has constructed numerous ports, bridges and other coastal projects throughout the developing world in recent years in what’s been dubbed by Beijing the “21st Century Maritime Silk Road” – part of President Xi Jinping’s greater Belt and Road Initiative to build infrastructure. Click here to read…

Gulf of Guinea Countries Agree to Stop Illegal Chinese Fishing

Chinese boats are decimating West Africa’s fish stocks and fishing communities in the Gulf of Guinea, say environmental groups. Click here to read…

China looking for naval bases near Diego Garcia

There is worry that Mauritius may give China a part of the Chagos islands to get its debt to that country written off. This poses a threat to both India and the US. The island of Diego Garcia in the region is a US military facility. Click here to read…

Mozambican undergraduates win Chinese Ambassador Scholarship

A total of 12 undergraduates from Mozambique’s University Eduardo Mondlane (UEM), were awarded Friday in Maputo this year’s Chinese Ambassador Scholarship. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

India extended ‘soft loans’ worth USD 2bn to Central Africa: Ruchira Kamboj

India extended ‘soft loans’ worth USD 2 billion for projects in Central Africa, India’s Permanent Representative to UN, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj on Thursday, as she underscored the cordial and friendly bilateral relations of New Delhi with the region. Click here to read…

Biden to announce support for African Union joining G20

President Joe Biden next week will announce U.S. support for the African Union’s admission to the G20 group of the world’s largest economies as a permanent member, a White House official said on Friday. Click here to read…

India working for speedy release of cargo vessel crew detained in Nigeria: EAM

The Indian government has been engaged with relevant authorities through the missions in Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria since August for the release of the detained crew membersClick here to read…

Gravita India shares gain on beginning production at recycling plant in West Africa

The company has been sourcing scrap from Togo for the last three years and has set up a strong scrap collection network before establishing the plant. Click here to read…

Ghana, India urged to leverage bilateral relations to boost tourism, culture

The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Mark Okraku Mantey has underscored the need for Ghana to leverage the bilateral relationship it has with India to transform the Tourism, Arts and Culture sector. Click here to read…

India: Parliamentary Delegation from Zimbabwe calls on President

A Parliamentary Delegation from Zimbabwe led by Speaker of the Parliament of Zimbabwe, Advocate Jacob Francis Nzwidamilimo Mudenda, called on President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (07 December 2022). Click here to read…

6 well-known Indian companies in Nigeria

Trade between Nigeria and India has strengthened over the years, resulting in a good number of Indian companies establishing their presence in Nigeria. Click here to read…

DCGI gives nod to SII-manufactured Ebola vaccine for export to Uganda

India’s first Ebola vaccine manufactured by Serum Institute has been approved by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for export to Uganda, official sources said Thursday. Click here to read…

Uganda receives 1,200 doses of Ebola vaccine candidates for trials

Uganda’s health ministry today announced that the country has received 1,200 doses of a candidate Sudan Ebola vaccine from the World Health Organization (WHO) Uganda office, which is slated for use in a clinical trialClick here to read…

Airtel Africa-IFC sign $194 million loan facility

Airtel Africa and the International Finance Corporation (‘IFC’) have signed a new $194 million facility with a sister organisation of the World Bank and a member of the World Bank Group. Click here to read…

What Sweden and India can teach Nigeria about the cashless economy

One of Adedeji Olowe’s financial predictions for 2022 was the possible introduction of an incentive — free transfers — for more Nigerians to adopt electronic banking, thus, promoting financial inclusion. However, the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recent directives on cash withdrawal limits approached the cashless economy conversation in a different and largely unexpected way. Click here to read…

Africa Now – Weekly Newsletter (Week 7, 2022)

Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent – news that matters.

COMMENTARY

Africa has had eight coup attempts in recent months. What’s behind the ‘coup epidemic’?

Last week, soldiers in Guinea Bissau surrounded the government palace, attacking President Umaro Sissoco Embaló during a cabinet meeting. Although the coup attempts ultimately failed, the firefight resulted in numerous fatalities. Only a week earlier, widespread mutinies in Burkina Faso prompted army officers to depose another competitively elected African president. Click here to read…

NEWS

African Union postpones debate on Israel’s observer status

The African Union (AU) has suspended a debate on whether to withdraw Israel’s accreditation as an observer to the bloc, avoiding a vote that risked creating an unprecedented rift in the 55-member body. Click here to read…

African Union to Establish Permanent Mission in Beijing

Following a heads of state meeting in Addis Ababa, the African Union has announced it will open a permanent mission in Beijing this year. The proposal had been set forth by the Council of Ministers in an effort to engage more directly with Africa’s largest trading partner and diplomatic-ally. Click here to read…

Guinea-Bissau arrests ex-navy chief linked to drug trade over failed coup

Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo on Thursday accused a former Guinean navy chief with links to the drug trade and two accomplices of being behind a failed coup in the west African nation on February 1. Click here to read…

UN Security Council calls for release of Burkina Faso President

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has expressed grave concern about Burkina Faso’s “unconstitutional change of government,” and has called for President Roch Marc Christian Kabore and other government leaders to be released and protected. Click here to read…

Sudan’s military rulers step up crackdown, arrest activists

Amira Osman, a Sudanese women’s rights activist, was getting ready for bed a few minutes before midnight when about 30 policemen forced their way into her home in Khartoum last month. Click here to read…

Guinea transitional assembly holds first post-coup session

Guinea’s transitional assembly has held its first session, five months after the military overthrow of democratically elected President Alpha Conde. Click here to read…

Diplomatic flurry as crunch time on Western military role in Mali nears

Western foreign ministers will hold crunch talks on their countries’ future presence fighting Islamist militants in Mali on Monday, four European sources said, with three saying regional and international leaders will also meet on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Libyan parliament elects new PM to replace interim government

The Libyan House of Representatives, on Thursday unanimously voted for Fathi Bashagha as the country’s new prime minister. Click here to read…

Libyan PM survives assassination attempt as car shot: Sources

Assailants struck Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah’s car with bullets early on Thursday but he escaped unharmed, a source close to him said, amid intense factional wrangling over control of the government. Mauritius Presses Claim for Indian Ocean Islands Under ‘Unlawful’ UK Administration

A delegation from Mauritius is set to sail Tuesday to the Chagos Islands to press the country’s claim for the strategically important Indian Ocean archipelago, which is also claimed by Britain and is home to an American military base. Click here to read…

Taiwan to host Somaliland ministers in Africa diplomacy push

Taiwan will host a high-level delegation from Somalia’s breakaway Somaliland region this week, the government said on Monday, as the island pursues diplomacy in Africa in the face of Chinese pressure to limit its international footprint. Click here to read…

Several killed in attack targeting Somalia election delegates

A suicide bomber targeting a minibus full of delegates involved in Somalia’s parliamentary elections killed at least six people in Mogadishu, the ambulance service said, as the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab armed group claimed responsibility for the attack. Click here to read…

Central Africa PM fired amid tensions over Russia-France tug of war

The Central African Republic’s prime minister has been sacked, the presidency confirmed Monday, against the backdrop of tensions between pro-Russian and pro-French factions within the government of the poor, unstable country.Click here to read…

US aims to thwart China’s plan for Atlantic base in Africa

The Biden administration is intensifying its campaign to persuade Equatorial Guinea to reject China’s bid to build a military base on the country’s Atlantic Coast. Click here to read…

AfCFTA Adjustment Fund agreement signed in Cairo

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), signed the $10bn AfCFTA Adjustment Fund on Wednesday in Cairo. Click here to read…

EU unveils €1.6 billion investment in Morocco

It is the first African scheme in the EU’s €300 billion “Global Gateway” infrastructure plan, the bloc’s response to China’s Belt and Road strategy.
https://www.dw.com/en/eu-unveils-16-billion-investment-in-morocco/a-60710607″ target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

French president voices support for Egypt’s regional development and anti-terror efforts

French President Emmanuel Macron said that his country remains committed to the continued enhancement of joint cooperation with Egypt in a number of fields, and to supporting Cairo’s efforts to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development, and combat terrorism and extremist ideology in its region. Click here to read…

Tanzania: Victory for media freedom as ban on four newspapers lifted

The lifting of ban on four newspapers that had been barred from publishing since 2016 and 2017 for exposing alleged corruption and human rights violations is a positive step, but the Tanzanian authorities must do more to guarantee media freedom going forward, Amnesty International said today. Click here to read…

Ethiopia’s telco battle will take place in the mobile money arena

Safaricom opened an office in Ethiopia last month, as Kenya’s largest mobile operator aims to take on one of Africa’s most sought-after telecoms markets. Click here to read…

‘Fragile Five’ Indebted Africa Nations Flagged by Top Lender

Five key African economies will face debt risks over the next two years, according to the continent’s biggest bank, as an era of extraordinary pandemic-induced stimulus and relief for poor nations draws to an end. Click here to read…

UN’s top court orders Uganda to pay $325 million to DR Congo

Delivering its judgement, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) broke down the compensation, awarding the DRC $225 million for damage to persons, which includes loss of life, rape, recruitment of child soldiers and displacement of civilians. Click here to read…

E-levy Ghana: Ghanaians hit streets of Accra to protest against electronic transactions tax way government want to introduce

Protestors for Ghana hit the streets of Accra to register their displeasure with the new electronic transactions tax way government want to introduce. Click here to read…

Deaths Rise To 92 In Madagascar Cyclone, 112,000 In Need of Assistance

The death toll from Tropical Cyclone Batsirai has risen to 92 in Madagascar, authorities said Wednesday, as humanitarian organisations ramped up aid efforts with more than 110,000 people in need of emergency assistance. Click here to read…

Zimbabwe teachers go on strike days after schools’ resume classes

A teachers’ strike has paralyzed learning at many Zimbabwean schools, which opened this week after a prolonged closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to read…

Demand for traditional Chinese medicine in Africa sparks fears for endangered species

Amid the rise in demand for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) products in African countries has sparked fear for poaching of endangered species. Click here to read…

Nigeria Islamic police destroy nearly 4 mn beers

Religious police in northern Nigeria’s city of Kano have destroyed nearly four milllion bottles of beer, on grounds that sale and consumption of alcohol is prohibited in the predominantly Muslim region. Click here to read…

‘White Malice’: How the CIA Strangled African Independence at Birth

In her latest book, historian Susan Williams ruthlessly reveals through factual evidence the unsavoury machinations of the CIA in Africa during the Cold War until the late 1960s. Click here to read…

Explained: Why Africa embraces Huawei tech despite security concerns

Huawei is popular across Africa, but its systems could also appeal to authoritarian regimes hoping to cling to power. Click here to read…

Should Bangladesh Lease Land from South Sudan?

For a long period of time, Bangladesh has been striving to ensure food security at home by planning to shop farmland abroad. Recently, South Sudan, an African country, has expressed interest in leasing a vast area of its fallow land to Bangladesh in order to collaborate in agricultural production, processing, and marketing in the central African countries. Click here to read…

U.S. reaches out to foreign producers in Algeria on gas options -sources

The U.S. government has asked to meet Eni, Total Energies (TTEF.PA) and other energy companies operating in Algeria to see if more gas can be sourced from the country, sources familiar with the matter said. Click here to read…

WHO Chief visits South Africa’s mRNA vaccine technology transfer hub

World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus today visited the groundbreaking mRNA vaccine technology transfer hub in Cape Town and also met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to discuss progress in making Africa self-sufficient in the production of COVID-19 vaccines and related treatments. Click here to read…

China’s StarTimes injects 1.76 mln USD to boost local content in Kenya

Chinese pay television firm, StarTimes on Thursday announced injection of an additional 200 million shillings (about 1.76 million U.S. dollars) to boost development of indigenous content in Kenya. Click here to read…

Zambia on course to launch satellite in 2023

Zambia on Friday said it is on course to launch a satellite in 2023. According to a statement by Science and Technology Minister Felix Mutati, moving to digital technology will enhance digital economic activities and help the government plan ahead in meeting challenges such as climate change, flooding, and health issues. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

Indian envoys hold virtual meeting with Comoros FM to review progress in bilateral ties

Indian envoy to Moroni Abhay Kumar held a virtual meeting with Comoros Foreign Minister Dhoihir Dhoulkamal and reviewed the progress made in bilateral ties between the two countries. … Recently INS Kesari visited Comoros in January 2022 to help repair a Comorian shipClick here to read…

Liaison officer from Mauritius posted at Indian Navy’s Information Fusion Centre

A liaison officer from Mauritius was on Thursday posted at the Indian Navy’s Information Fusion Centre (IFC) which has emerged as a key hub in tracking developments in the Indian Ocean. Click here to read…

Tanzania set to export avocado to India

Tanzania is set to begin exporting avocado to India, as the country seeks to strengthen bilateral trade ties and enable farmers to get higher returns for their produce. Click here to read…

Here is Why this Former PM of Kenya is Grateful to an Ayurvedic Hospital in Kerala

Former Prime Minister of Kenya, Raila Odinka, who was in Kerala recently, thanked Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre in Kerala for restoring his daughter’s eyesight. She had become blind after a stroke in 2017 and had spent two years in total darkness. Click here to read…

Ramaphosa’s hope of making S Africa major cell phone producer dashes as factory owned by Indian-origin entrepreneur shuts

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s hopes of the country becoming a major producer of mobile phones or Africa have been dashed with the closure of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility owned by a Rwanda-based Indian-origin entrepreneur. Click here to read…

Mozambique: Harare, Maputo Deepen Economic Ties

Zimbabwe and the rest of SADC countries are set to benefit from infrastructural development being undertaken by Mozambique, with President Mnangagwa and President Felipe Nyusi committing to facilitate the emancipation of their people through economic development. Click here to read…Stranded in Mali: Relieved, say workers on their return to Jharkhand

Weeks after their distress calls, the first batch of seven Indian workers out of the 33 who were stranded in Mali without their earnings and their passports returned to the country on Saturday. Click here to read…