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

COMMENTARY

Indo-Africa: The Rising Relationship

The foreign policy of India is visible from the increasing number of high-level visits from both the sides, which primarily concerns areas related to cooperation in various fields. Today, the bilateral trade between the two has increased from $34 billion in 2009 to $69 billion in 2019. Click here to read…

Raksha Mantri’s Visit to Egypt: Significance for India–Africa Defence Cooperation

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh’s visit to Egypt from 18 to 20 September 2022 has opened new avenues for defence cooperation. The visit signifies India’s growing defence ties with the African region. Click here to read…

Africa’s next wannabe third-term presidents must be stopped

If the presidents of Senegal and the Central African Republic are planning constitutional coups, the AU must step in. Click here to read…

NEWS

Lesotho election body says it made a mistake over parliament seats

Electoral authorities in Lesotho have said they incorrectly allocated parliamentary seats after an Oct. 7 election, asking the country’s top court to amend the allocations and halt the legislature’s first sitting, court papers showed on Saturday. Click here to read…

Tigray peace talks to start on Monday, says Addis Ababa

The African Union (AU) has set October 24 as a new date for the start of direct talks between Tigray and the Ethiopian government. Click here to read…

Ethiopia, seeking to control Tigray airports, takes a town

Ethiopian authorities said Monday they are aiming to get immediate control of airports and other infrastructure in Tigray, a statement of their war intentions that was followed by the capture of a town in the embattled northern region. Click here to read…

Ibrahim Traore sworn in as Burkina Faso interim president

Ibrahim Traore has been sworn in as interim president of Burkina Faso, several weeks after Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba was removed in a coup. Click here to read…

Sudan’s civilian coalition presents vision for military exit from politics

Sudan’s main political coalition on Monday presented its vision for a fully civilian-led authority to lead a transition to elections; following stepped up efforts to end an 11-month-old stalemate between the ruling military and pro-democracy forces. Click here to read…

South Africa vows ‘unapologetic’ support for Western Sahara independence from Morocco

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has vowed his government’s “unapologetic” backing for the partially recognised Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic in Western Sahara. Click here to read…

Western Sahara: Morocco Hits Back at South Africa’s Hostile Position

The Moroccan FM recalled that half of African countries have opened representations in the southern provinces, reflecting their unwavering support for the country’s territorial integrity. Click here to read…

Guinea junta agrees return to civilian rule in two years

West African leaders had last month suspended Guinea from the bloc and imposed sanctions on a number of individuals following a military coup. Click here to read…

Tripoli-based PM Dbeibah rejects ‘sovereign positions’ deal in Libya

Abdul Hamid Mohammed Dbeibah, the prime minister of Libya’s Tripoli-based unity government, rejected a deal with the east Libya-based parliament on changing the heads of the country’s sovereign positions. Click here to read…

Tunisian protesters denounce ‘coup’, demand president steps down

Thousands of Tunisians have demonstrated in the capital Tunis, denouncing President Kais Saied’s moves to consolidate political power and demanding accountability for the country’s long-running economic crisis. Click here to read…

Togo’s flag raised at Marlborough House to mark admission into the Commonwealth

The flag of Togo was raised for the first time at the Commonwealth Headquarters in London, formally marking the country’s entry into the 56-member association. Click here to read…

Attack on hotel in Somalia’s Kismayo ends with 9 civilians dead

An attack on a hotel in the centre of the port city of Kismayo in southern Somalia killed nine civilians on Sunday before security forces killed the gunmen. Click here to read…

Several killed in suspected ‘insurgency attack’ in western Niger

An attack on three Lorries and a motorcycle in western Niger near the border with Mali has killed 11 people, local sources have said, calling it a suspected insurgency attack. Click here to read…

DR Congo troops clash with M23 rebels, 4 civilians killed

Fresh clashes between the army and M23 rebels have erupted in eastern DR Congo, officials said Sunday, with at least four civilians killed and dozens more wounded in the fighting. Click here to read…

60 killed as anti-government protests intensify in Africa’s Chad

At least 60 people were killed in Africa’s Chad after security forces opened fire on anti-government demonstrators. This came amid demonstrations in the central African nation against interim leader Mahamat Idriss Deby’s two-year extension of his power. Click here to read…

Hundreds Flee Attacks in Mozambique’s Ruby Mining Region

This week, suspected Al-Shabab fighters attacked precious gem-rich areas of Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province, closing at least two mining operations and causing hundreds of people to flee villages in Ancuabe and Montepuez districts. Click here to read…

US hits al-Shabab finance facilitators with sanctions

The Treasury Department said Monday that it has sanctioned a group of high-ranking members of the Somalia-based al-Shabab militant group, who act as key middle men between the group and local companies in Somalia. Click here to read…

Saudi Arabia and South Africa sign 17 MoUs worth more than $15 billion

On the occasion of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to the Kingdom, both countries agreed to strengthen their bonds in several fields by signing MoUs worth above 15 billion. Click here to read…

At least 150 killed in two days of fighting in Sudan’s Blue Nile

At least 150 people were killed during two days of fighting in the latest ethnic clashes over land disputes in Sudan’s southern Blue Nile state. Click here to read…

Walmart doubles down on Africa despite a decade of frustration`

The strategy – according to nine analysts, investors and sources with direct knowledge of Walmart’s plans – is firstly to build Massmart into a force able to see off its brick-and-mortar rivals and then win a looming battle against Amazon for the future of African e-commerce. Click here to read…

Ethiopia, Djibouti eye strong electricity connectivity

The governments of Ethiopia and Djibouti have expressed the need to augment electricity connectivity to spur socio-economic ties among the two neighboring countries. Click here to read…

Ghana and Zambia race to secure IMF bailouts

Runaway inflation and soaring food prices have compelled Ghana and Zambia to seek bailouts from the International Monetary Fund. This week, traders across Ghana closed shop to protest the worsening economy. Click here to read…

Germany Allocates €38 Million For Morocco’s First Green Hydrogen Plant

Germany has vowed to allocate €38 million (MAD 408 million) to support the construction of Morocco’s first green hydrogen plant amid bilateral efforts to consolidate diplomatic and economic ties between Rabat and Berlin. Click here to read…

Burundi: $23 million from the African Development Bank Group to Develop the Agro-Pastoral Sector for the Youth and Women

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group has greenlighted the award of a $23.26 million grant to Burundi to implement the Agro-Pastoral Entrepreneurship and Professional Development Project for the Youth and Women. Click here to read…

China may seize Kenyan assets, external debt reaches more than USD 36 billion

The default occurred a year after Kenya requested a six-month extension of the debt repayment moratorium from bilateral lenders, including China. However, the lenders, particularly the Exim Bank of China, refused to consider Kenya’s application. Click here to read…

China launches first-ever intermodal service to Africa

China set in motion a new intermodal service connecting the country with Africa via Europe. The rail part of the service will run between Chengdu, in southwest China, with Hamburg, in Germany, via the China-Europe Railway Express. From there, goods are shipped to Casablanca, in Morocco, by sea. Click here to read…

Cop 27: Uganda-Tanzania oil pipeline sparks climate row

Uganda and Tanzania are set to begin work on a massive crude oil pipeline a year after the International Energy Agency warned that the world risked not meeting its climate goals if new fossil fuel projects were not stopped. The two East African countries say their priority is economic development. Click here to read…

Fire breaks out at Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro, locals help firefighters tackle blaze

Firefighters work to extinguish a fire at Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro that was spread due to heavy winds overnight. They were assisted by the police and the locals. Click here to read…

UN Agencies Say Rains Have Flooded Two-Thirds of South Sudan

The United Nations refugee agency says that South Sudanese flood victims are in desperate need of international support. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

MoS V Muraleedharan to visit Senegal 24-25 October

V. Muraleedharan, Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, will visit the Republic of Senegal during 24-25 October. Muraleedharan will participate in the Dakar Forum on Peace and Security. Click here to read…

India-Africa Defence Dialogue held on the sidelines of DefExpo 2022 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat

The India-Africa Defence Dialogue (IADD) was held on the sidelines of DefExpo 2022 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on October 18, 2022. The dialogue successfully brought out various aspects of the IADD’s theme ‘Adopting Strategy for Synergizing and Strengthening Defence and Security Cooperation’. Click here to read…

Rajnath Singh meets African counterparts ahead of India-Africa Defence Dialogue

Ahead of the India-Africa Defence Dialogue which is scheduled for Tuesday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held fruitful discussions with defence ministers of various African nations. Click here to read…

India committed to provide all-round support to African nations: Defence Minister

Addressing the delegates from 43 African countries during ‘India-Africa Defence Dialogue’ (IADD) in Gandhinagar today, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh put forth India’s stand as committed partner to provide support in all arenas to African countries, for fulfilling their aspirations for peace and stability in the region. Click here to read…

India to showcase arms to Africa, Indian Ocean Region nations

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who is holding bilateral talks with his counterparts from several African nations including Mauritania, Gambia and the Central African Republic (CAR) at the sidelines of the show, said India’s target is to achieve exports worth ‘35,000 crore by 2025, up from last year’s Rs 13,000 crore. Click here to read…

To counter China’s influence, India seeks to boost defence cooperation with African countries

Underlining that India does not believe in making another country a “client” or “satellite state”, New Delhi is aspiring for deeper defence cooperation with African countries in the form of training and sale of equipment like attack choppers, drones, missiles, patrol vessels and small arms, among others. Click here to read…

‘India-Africa Security Fellowship Programme’ at MP-IDSA launched during India-Africa Defence Dialogue on the sidelines of DefExpo 2022

During the IADD, in keeping with the new proposals of the Gandhinagar Declaration, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh launched the ‘India-Africa Security Fellowship Programme’ and released its brochure by handing it over to Director General, Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA). Click here to read…

India remains steadfast in supporting people of Mali in seeking peace

India remains steadfast in supporting the people of Mali in their quest for seeking enduring peace, security and development. Click here to read…

Jaishankar meets Botswana’s Foreign Minister

In a continuation of India’s deepening engagement with Africa, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Lemogang Kwape, Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation of Botswana on 19 October 2022. Click here to read…

International Solar Alliance approves funding facility

The payment guarantee mechanism is expected to stimulate investments into solar projects through two financial components — a Solar Payment Guarantee Fund and Solar Insurance Fund. Click here to read…

INS Tarkash Arrives for IBSAMAR-VII in South Africa

INS Tarkash reached Port Grequhrea (also known as Port Elizabeth) in South Africa to participate in the seventh edition of IBSAMAR, a joint multinational maritime exercise among Indian, Brazilian and South African Navies from October 10-12. Click here to read…

Mudurunu receives an order in Gabon

Mudunuru has received orders worth US$355,395 for a project to implement the SmartPort solution for the mining port of Gabon (Central Africa). According to the filing, the order was received from Owendo Mineral Port (OMP). And it concerns the people and resources monitoring and management system for the Owendo mining port. Click here to read…

Billionaire Adani to Target Europe with Huge Morocco Clean Energy Project

Gautam Adani, Asia’s richest person, is in exploratory talks for a giant renewables project in Morocco, which would aim to supply electricity and emissions-free fuel to Europe. Click here to read…

The importance of the India-Africa defence dialogue

India is taking steps to increase its defence exports and emerge as a hub of defence production in the Indo-Pacific region. It is useful for building up a domestic defence-industrial-technological base, creating local capabilities and, in the long run, will reduce weapons imports. Click here to read…

2 missing Indians part of Kenyan President’s campaign killed: Report

A close aide of Kenyan President William Ruto has claimed that the two Indians, who went missing in July, have been killed. Zulfiqar Ahmed Khan and his friend Mohammed Zaid Sami Kidwai were part of President Ruto’s digital campaign team. Click here to read…

Ekta Kapoor contacts Ministry of External Affairs and Kenya Red Cross to find the ex-COO of Balaji Telefilms after he goes missing in Nairobi

The owner of Balaji Telefilms, Ekta Kapoor recently took to social media to share a post regarding one of her friends and her colleagues who went missing during a recent trip. Zulfikar Ahmad Khan, who was the COO (Chief Operating Officer) of Balaji Telefilms and also a former journalist, recently took off to Nairobi and has been missing since the past three months. Click here to read…

Africa Now – Weekly Newsletter (Week 42, 2022)Welcome toAfrica Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent – news that matters.

COMMENTARY

Harnessing the Trade Winds: History of Indian Traders in Eastern Africa

Imagine someone telling you, Indians knew the monsoon winds much before European sailors. Imagine someone claiming that Indians started sailing long before the European explorers of the 14th century; even before Hippalus.Click here to read…

How death of Gambian children will affect India’s African outreach

FROM THE INDIAN perspective, Bangladesh and The Gambia may be worlds apart. But, there are a couple of commonalities between the western African country and India’s eastern neighbour. First is India’s diplomatic outreach. Click here to read…

Why Russia is cheering on the Burkina Faso coup

The latest coup in Burkina Faso saw young people waving Russian flags in the streets of the capital, Ouagadougou – something that must have warmed hearts in the Kremlin. Click here to read…

NEWS

Millionaire businessman turns tables to win Lesotho polls

Revolution for Prosperity (RFP), a party set up only six months ago by a 64-year-old businessman Sam Matekane, won 56 out of 120 seats in parliament. Click here to read…

Lesotho populist party wins most seats in election, falls short of majority

A Lesotho party led by a diamond magnate won the most seats in last week’s election, but fell short of an overall majority, the election commission said on Monday, raising the prospect of more political gridlock. Click here to read…

Lesotho’s RFP party forms coalition government with other opposition after election win

Lesotho’s newly formed party Revolution for Prosperity (RFP), which won the most seats in last week’s election but fell short of an overall majority, has formed a coalition government with two other opposition parties. Click here to read…

Burkina Faso geared for political change following coup unrest

Political parties, social and religious groups and representatives of the security forces gather Friday to chart the next phase in Burkina Faso’s future after the country’s latest coup. Click here to read…

Burkina Faso’s latest coup leader named transition president

Burkina Faso’s latest coup, announced on September 30 on state television, has raised fears that the country’s political chaos could result in more violence from the region’s Islamic extremists. Click here to read…

Sudan ‘close’ to a national consensus: army chief

Head of Sudan’s ruling Sovereign Council, General Abdel Fattah al Burhan, has said the country’s political groups are close to reaching a national consensus. Click here to read…

Mali’s new draft constitution bolsters president’s power

The draft of a new constitution handed to Mali’s military ruler bolsters the powers of the future president and rules out extensive autonomy for the country’s north. Click here to read…

Chadian prime minister resigns to pave way for new government

Chad’s Prime Minister, Albert Pahimi Padacke, has resigned to pave the way for a new government after the Central African country pushed back elections by two years. Click here to read…

Chad names opposition politician Saleh Kebzabo as new PM

Chad’s transitional government on Wednesday named opposition politician Saleh Kebzabo as the new prime minister after the former prime minister resigned to pave way for a new administration. Click here to read…

Tunisia: Thousands from rival political parties protest against President Kais Saied

Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of Tunisia’s capital to demonstrate against the president. Parallel demonstrations by political movements who are deeply opposed to each other were held in Tunis. Click here to read…

Angola’s President gives first National Assembly speech since re-election

Angolan President Joao Lourenço delivered his first speech before the National Assembly since his re-election admitting to devoting all his strength and attention to the search for the best conditions for the population. Click here to read…

Botswana President reaffirms continuous support to Sahrawi people right to self-determination and independence

President of Botswana, Mr. Mokgweetsi Masisi, has reaffirmed his country’s historical position in support of the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination, liberation and independence. Click here to read…

Somalia Warns Traders Not to Pay off Islamist Militants

Somalia’s government Saturday threatened to sanction businesses that pay extortion money to al-Shabab, looking to choke a lucrative cash pipeline the Islamist militants use to fund a deadly insurgency. Click here to read…

China’s CRRC Qiqihar branch exports largest railway flat wagon to Tanzania

A railway flat wagon, with a maximum capacity of 200 tons, which will be exported by CRRC Qiqihar Rolling Stock Co. has been loaded for shipment to Tanzania at Tianjin port, North China, on Saturday. Click here to read…

Kenya denies defaulting on China railway debt

Kenya on Thursday denied it had defaulted on interest repayments on a loan advanced by China for the construction of a railway line from the port city of Mombasa that opened in 2017. Click here to read…

Zambia finance minister eager to renegotiate debt, awaits China’s team

Zambia’s finance minister said on Saturday it is still unclear who will be leading talks for renegotiating its nearly $6 billion debt with China, the largest bilateral creditor of the first African sovereign default in 2020 after the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Click here to read…

Palestinian factions sign reconciliation agreement in Algeria

Rival Palestinian factions meeting in Algiers for talks mediated by the Algerian government have agreed on a reconciliation deal that aims to resolve 15 years of discord through new elections in the occupied Palestinian territories. Click here to read…

Nigeria election: Dangers of being religious in a religious nation

Religious intolerance – in one of the most religious countries in Africa if not the world – is one of the issues dominating debate ahead of next year’s elections. Click here to read…

Inter-Parliamentary Union condemns coups in Africa

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) on Tuesday condemned the increasing coups on the African continent. Much of Africa’s Sahel region has been battling growing unrest which has prompted a spate of coups in Mali, Guinea and Chad since 2020. Click here to read…

‘Our problems are our problems,’ South Africa, Botswana and Mozambique have sent a strong message to the West

African countries have decided that their internal security crisis can be resolved only by them and not by any external player.Click here to read…

Sudan, Ethiopia agree to resolve border issues peacefully

The head of Sudan’s Sovereignty Council and the country’s de-facto leader Gen. Abdel Fattah Burhan and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed agreed to resolve border issues peacefully, the office of the Sudanese leader said on Saturday. Click here to read…

Nigeria dismisses terrorism charges against separatist leader

Charges against a Nigerian separatist leader accused of terrorism and instigating violence in the country’s southeast have been discharged by a local court, his lawyer told The Associated Press. Click here to read…

Ethiopia restricts use of foreign currency

Ethiopia has ordered banks to deny foreign currency to businesses importing non-priority goods, in an effort to shore up dwindling foreign reserves in one of Africa’s major economies. Click here to read…

With the help of Israel, Morocco is the first African country to enter the drone manufacturers club

Morocco has entered the club of drone manufacturers by virtue of the recent deal it concluded with Israel, according to which Morocco will manufacture Israeli war drones. Click here to read…

Zimbabwe inks deal to manufacture lithium-ion batteries

Zimbabwe entered into a deal with an unnamed foreign investor to manufacture lithium batteries, Deputy Mines Minister Polite Kambamura said on Sunday. Click here to read…

New commercial shipping service between France, Spain and Morocco

The French company CMA-CGM will put into service the transport of containers between France, Spain and Morocco with a stopover in Algeciras and Barcelona Click here to read…

Europe turns to Africa in bid to replace Russian natural gas

A new liquefied natural gas project off Africa’s western coast may only be 80% complete, but already the prospect of a new energy supplier has drawn visits from the leaders of Poland and Germany. Click here to read…

Mauritania boosts its industrial investments after finding new gas reserves off the country’s coasts

The Mauritanian country has accelerated the pace of awakening gas reserves on its Atlantic coast with the award of new exploration contracts, under the watchful eye of the European Union. Click here to read…

A $1 billion investment by Google in Africa is rooted in the ‘spirit of Ubuntu’

Pan-Africanism was meant to be centred on the Ubuntu principle, but it has been difficult to implement because some African nations are pushing for protectionist policies even under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (Afcfta.) Click here to read…

Botswana’s first indigenous bank to launch in early 2023

Botswana’s BBS Limited will launch as the country’s first indigenous commercial bank early next year after the central bank issued it a full banking licence. Click here to read…

6th Africa Agri Expo to kick off in Kenya next year in February!

Africa’s rich agribusiness, fertile untapped land, and enormous underlying prospects have always paved the way for such events that connect the continent’s agribusiness to the rest of the world – while also providing exclusive networking and brand-building opportunities for global agricultural industry players. Click here to read…

Africa’s longest oil pipeline takes shape in Niger

With a projected length of nearly 2,000 kilometres (1,240 miles) – including 1,250 km in Niger itself – the pipeline will connect oil wells in the eastern region of Agadem, a zone troubled by deadly jihadist incursions, with the Beninese port of Seme. Click here to read…

Africa’s airline industry to return to profit in 2024, IATA official says

Those problems were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic as national airlines sought government bailouts while others were liquidated when passenger seats plummeted during strict lockdowns. Click here to read…

Mauritius becomes a model for innovation-driven development in Africa

Despite a turbulent year of inflation fuelled both by the war in Ukraine and the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, Mauritius has retained its crown as Africa’s most innovative country, besting the likes of South Africa, Kenya, and Senegal. Click here to read…

Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia on edge as Africa fraught with default risks

The months-long Ukraine war and other global headwinds have left Africa’s largest economies struggling with relentless fiscal pressures and default risks, with soaring yields on the continent barely reversing an exodus of non-resident investors to developed nations. Click here to read…

Africa’s Only G-20 Member Wants to Reform Its Debt Framework

Africa’s only member of the Group of 20 nations is working with its continental peers to propose reforms to the forum’s mechanism for countries to restructure unaffordable debt. Click here to read…

Turkish ship suspected of carrying weapons arrives in Misrata, 444 militia start movement south

The movement of the 444 militia south of Misrata to Bani Walid on Friday took place after the Turkish container ship MATILDE A docked at the Port of Misrata on Wednesday around 1:30 pm, which continued unloading its cargo until Friday. Click here to read…

Jihadis Kill 11 in Burkina Faso Ambush, Security Sources Say

Jihadi militants killed at least three soldiers and eight civilian auxiliaries in an attack Saturday in Burkina Faso’s volatile north, security sources told AFP. Click here to read…

Blast in Central African Republic kills 3 Bangladesh UN peacekeepers

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres “conveys his deepest condolences to the families of the peacekeepers and the people in government of Bangladesh,” he added. Click here to read…

11 killed, dozens injured in bus blast in central Mali

The bus hit an explosive device while travelling the road between Bandiagara and Goundaka, in the Mopti area, known as a hotbed for jihadist violence. Click here to read…

Mozambique jihadi violence spreads despite military effort

The 5-year wave of jihadi violence in Cabo Delgado province has killed more than 4,000 people and scuppered international investments worth billions of dollars. Click here to read…

Villagers brutally massacred in DRC’s eastern Ituri province

Unidentified militants have killed 12 civilians in a village in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a region which has been plagued by violence perpetrated by armed groups for years. Click here to read…

DR Congo colonels get death penalty for murder of Chinese workers

Six people, including two army colonels, sentenced to death while four others were jailed for 10 years in connection with the March killing. Click here to read…

Chinese investors dogged by controversy with gross human rights violations of Zimbabwean workers

Chinese-run companies in Zimbabwe have been dogged by controversy with gross human rights violations and safety norms for mining workers. Click here to read…

Chinese peacekeeper to South Sudan (Wau) awarded UN Peace Medals

An award ceremony was held on October 11 local time at the Chinese engineering camp in the Super Camp of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in Wau. Click here to read…

Head of Africa CDC alleges mistreatment at German airport

The acting director of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention alleged he was “mistreated” upon his arrival at Germany’s Frankfurt Airport on Saturday and had decided to return to Africa. Click here to read…

Ebola in Uganda: Three-week lockdown announced for two districts

A three-week lockdown has been declared in two districts of Uganda as the country battles an Ebola outbreak. Bars, nightclubs, places of worship and entertainment venues will be closed in Mubende and neighbouring Kassanda, and a curfew will come into force. Click here to read…

From Shining Shoes in Africa to a Seat in Italy’s Parliament

When Aboubakar Soumahoro was a child in his West African home country of Ivory Coast, he cleaned people’s shoes to make money. He also had a dream to go to Italy. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

Visit of External Affairs Minister to the Arab Republic of Egypt (October 15-16, 2022)

At the invitation of H.E. Mr. Sameh Hassan Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, will pay an official visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt from 15-16 October 2022. Click here to read…

Jaishankar begins his first bilateral visit to Egypt

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar began his visit to Egypt visit in the capital city of Cairo on Saturday where he met eminent personalities in the field of foreign policy. Click here to read…

Jaishankar meets Egyptian president, says both countries promote global peace

India foreign minister S. Jaishankar on Sunday met the Egyptian president Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. Describing both the countries as “independent-minded” nations, in a series of tweets, Jaishankar said both the countries contribute towards global discourse and promote the cause of peace, progress and development. Click here to read…

In Egypt, EAM Jaishankar talks Ukraine, Indo-Pacific

External affairs minister S Jaishankar met his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry in Cairo on Saturday and the two leaders discussed regional developments and exchanged views on the Ukraine conflict and the Indo-Pacific. Click here to read…

India, Egypt to now explore opportunities in renewable energy, trade: Jaishankar

Addressing a joint news conference with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry following their meeting in Cairo, Jaishankar said bilateral trade had recorded the highest-ever figure of $ 7.2 billion last year. Click here to read…

India, Egypt to collaborate on premier higher educational institutes like IIT

A committee was constituted by the Union education ministry after IIT-Delhi submitted a proposal last year for opening centres in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Click here to read…

EAM Jaishankar thanks diaspora for shaping India’s image in Egypt

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar thanked the Indian business community in Egypt for advancing national interests and shaping the country’s image in the region. Click here to read…

Visiting Egypt very much on PM Modi’s mind: EAM Jaishankar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has very good personal relationship with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and he has been wanting to visit the key north African country for some time, but the Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted the travel schedule, India’s top diplomat has said. Click here to read…

Partnership with Africa a top priority for India: Ruchira Kamboj at UNSC

Ruchira Kamboj, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, held that terrorist outfits like armed groups merit the attention of the Council. While addressing the council meet on October 11, Ruchira Kamboj said, “Terrorist outfits like armed groups deserve the attention of the council in their response to addressing security threats confronting Africa today. Click here to read…

African defence ministers to attend India-Africa Defence Dialogue in Gujarat next week

As many as 13 African defence ministers will be travelling to India to participate in the India-Africa Defence Dialogue that will take place on October 18 on the sidelines of the 12th DefExpo in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Click here to read…

Defence exports to cross Rs. 13,000 cr, Gujarat to get 5th airbase

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will chair the second India-Africa defence dialogue and a conclave of defence ministers of over 25 countries during the DefExpo 2022, scheduled to begin in Gandhinagar on October 18. Click here to read…

Indian Naval Ship Tarkash Reaches South Africa for IBSAMAR VII

INS Tarkash reached Port Grequhrea which is also known as Port Elizabeth in South Africa. INS Tarkash will participate in the seventh edition of IBSAMAR, a joint multinational maritime exercise. Click here to read…

INS TARKASH PARTICIPATES IN IBSAMAR VII

The 7th edition of IBSAMAR, a joint multinational maritime exercise, among the Indian, Brazilian and South Africa navies was held at Port Gqeberha (also known as Port Elizabeth), South Africa from 10 to 12 Oct 22. The Indian Navy was represented in it by the guided missile frigate, INS Tarkash, a Chetak helicopter and MARCOS Special Forces. Click here to read…

Former media executive among 2 missing in Kenya for over 80 days, friends seek PM Modi’s help

An Indian national and former senior executive at Star and Balaji, Zulfiqar Khan, has been missing in Kenya since July 21 this year. His friends say that there has been complete silence since then. Click here to read…

India pushes for settlement of international trade in rupee with Sudan

India has reached out to Sudan towards settlement of international trade in rupee as part of its push towards internationalisation of the domestic currency. Click here to read…

Airtel and Cellulant Plan to Increase Their Customer Base in Zambia

In order to increase their position in the Zambian market, operator Airtel Africa and payments provider Cellulant have made announcements. The Lusaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and Cellulant Zambia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to provide digital payments to the LCCI’s member companies. Click here to read…

From obscure bank to a fintech darling: The curious case of SBM

What do fintech competitors Slice, Uni and Lazypay have in common? And we are not talking of their ambition to outrace each other in the digital lending space. The answer: State Bank of Mauritius (SBM) India.Click here to read…

Doon School Srinagar bags award of excellence from Mauritius Govt

The Doon International School (DIS) Srinagar has received a prestigious award in excellence in School Education Awards- 2022. Click here to read…

Cough Syrup death case: Death toll rises to 70, Gambia begins probe

As the world turns their eyes tot he cough syrup deaths of children, the Gambian government has informed that the death toll has risen to 70 from a previous toll of 69. Click here to read…

Nigeria, Liberia flag Maiden syrups after Gambia deaths

The head of India’s apex pharma export promotion body warned of rising “negativity” over the Maiden Pharma controversy after Nigeria and Liberia issued alerts over four Maiden-manufactured cough syrups linked to the deaths of 69 Gambian children. Click here to read…

Jaishankar: Deepest condolences to Gambia over death of children

“In a telecon with Gambian FM Dr Mamadou Tangara, conveyed our deepest condolences on the deaths of young children recently. Underlined that matter is being seriously investigated by appropriate authorities; we agreed to remain in touch,” Jaishankar tweeted. Click here to read…

The Gambia deaths | India seeks more data

India has sought more information from the World Health Organization on the deaths in the Gambia linked to contaminated cough syrups made by Maiden Pharma in India. Click here to read…

The cough syrups linked to child deaths in Africa: a wake-up call for India’s drug regulators

The World Health Organisation says cough syrups supplied by an Indian company are linked to the deaths of 66 children in Africa’s Gambia. The incident puts the spotlight on India’s weak drug regulatory system, which experts say has acquired a reputation and has been often found lacking due to a history of corruption. Click here to read…

India halts production of cough syrups suspected of links to child deaths

Indian health authorities have halted production at a pharmaceutical company in New Delhi after the World Health Organization (WHO) said its cough and cold syrups may be linked to the deaths of dozens of children. Click here to read…

Murder charge against Indian-origin doctor in South Africa over patient’s death after surgery

35-year-old Dr Avindra Dayanand surrendered before the police after his patient died following gall bladder surgery, according to a report in the Sunday Times. Click here to read…

Of drug quality, Gambia and India: an interview with the authors of The Truth Pill

The Truth Pill, by Dinesh Singh Thakur and Prashant Reddy Thikkavarapu investigates the challenges of drug regulation in India. It looks at why enforcement by authorities is lax; and how this sows the seeds for incidents such as the deaths of 66 children in The Gambia. Click here to read…

India has great potential in athletics, a champion from the country will come soon: Haile Gebrselassie

New Delhi is hosting legendary athlete Haile Gebrselassie. The Ethiopian won the 10,000m gold in successive Olympics and eight World Championships in his 25-year storied career. Click here to read…

Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent – news that matters.
Week 41, 2022

COMMENTARY

Coups d’état as Instrument of France Non-grata in Africa: The Cases of Mali and Burkina Faso

Very few African countries had an independent status before 1960. These countries included Ethiopia in East Africa, Liberia and Ghana in West Africa. When many of the dependent countries began to accede to both national and international sovereignty in the 1960s, coup-making was generally presented as an instrument to achieve better governance and not necessarily for good governance. Click here to read…

For the second time this year soldiers stage a coup in Burkina Faso

At first glance the images of soldiers in a television studio on September 30th, some of them masked and bristling with guns were almost indistinguishable from those broadcasts in Burkina Faso in January, when the army overthrew an elected president, Roch Kaboré. Click here to read…

vWho is Peter Obi, and why is he making the Nigerian establishment so nervous?

It is not easy to get 2 000 Nigerians to sing the national anthem as if they mean it. On a Monday evening earlier this month, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, Peter Obi did exactly that. He was there to give a speech on the role of the Nigerian diaspora in civic leadership, as part of his global tour. Click here to read…

NEWS

Ibrahim Traore declared Burkina Faso president after coup

Captain Ibrahim Traore has been appointed as president of Burkina Faso after Paul-Henri Damiba was removed in the West African country’s second coup in less than nine months. Click here to read…

Who is Ibrahim Traore, the soldier behind Burkina Faso’s latest coup?

As a heavily armed convoy drove through a cheering crowd in Burkina Faso’s capital on Sunday morning, the boyish face of the country’s latest military ruler, Captain Ibrahim Traore, emerged from the turret of an armored personnel carrier. Click here to read…

Pro-Russia demonstrators rally in Burkina after coup

Several dozen protestors waving Russian flags rallied in Burkina Faso’s capital Ouagadougou on Tuesday as West African delegates arrived on a fact-finding mission following the country’s second coup in less than nine months. Click here to read…

Protesters attack French Embassy in Burkina Faso after coup

Protesters in Burkina Faso’s capital have attacked the French Embassy after the military junta in charge accused France of sheltering the ousted interim president. Click here to read…

Burkina Faso coup supporters gather near regional mediation

Protesters waving Russian flags gathered in Burkina Faso’s capital where West African regional envoys were meeting on Tuesday to press the country’s latest coup leaders to swiftly return the country to civilian rule. Click here to read…

Burkina Faso’s new military government meets West Africa bloc

Burkina Faso’s new military leaders met with representatives of West Africa’s main political and economic bloc ECOWAS on Tuesday to discuss plans for a democratic transition after the country’s second coup this year, the interim presidency said. Click here to read…

vOusted Burkina Faso Leader Leaves Country for Togo

Burkina Faso’s ousted coup leader Lt. Col. Paul Henri Sandaogo Damiba left the country for Togo Sunday two days after he himself was overthrown in a coup, while the new junta urged citizens not to loot or vandalize. Click here to read…

AU invites Tigray, Ethiopia leaders for peace talks in South Africa

Ethiopia’s government on Wednesday said it has accepted an invitation from the African Union to take part in peace talks aimed at ending a nearly two-year-long ongoing civil war in the country’s northern Tigray region. Click here to read…

Junta set to stay in power after Chad delays elections by two years

Chad has adopted resolutions that push back democratic elections by two years and allow interim leader Mahamat Idriss Deby to stay in power and be eligible to run for president in the eventual vote. Click here to read…

Lesotho votes in election with political crisis still unresolved

Lesotho citizens were due to vote in an election on Friday, after years of political instability that the southern African mountain kingdom’s lawmakers have yet to resolve. Click here to read…

Gabon Takes the UN Security Council Hot Seat, Sticking to African Views

Naturally enough, Gabon is focusing on Africa as the country leads the United Nations Security Council this month. Gabon’s UN ambassador, Michel Xavier Biang, detailed his country’s plans for the rotating presidency, elaborating on a climate change agenda as well as counterterrorism, alignment of UN and African Union interests plus strengthening women’s resilience in conflicts. Click here to read…

Uganda president apologizes to Kenya for son’s ill-advised invasion tweets

President Yoweri Museveni has apologized to Kenyans over tweets posted by his son Muhoozi Kainerugaba that had repeatedly threatened to invade Uganda’s East African neighbor. Click here to read…

Two Including Russian Pilot Killed in Mali Plane Crash

A Russian pilot and a member of ground crew staff died Tuesday when a plane that Russia recently delivered to Mali’s armed forces crashed near the northern city of Gao, an official and the military said. Click here to read…

Sudan’s democracy groups approve charter opposing army rule

More than 50 Sudanese pro-democracy groups have agreed on a new draft constitution, in one of the largest shows of unity from the country’s opposition since the 2019 popular uprising. Click here to read…

Malawi: Political crisis looms as VP Chilima graft scandal unfolds

A report by Malawi’s anti-corruption body has landed Vice President Saulos Chilima in hot water. With pressure from President Lazarus Chakwera, his second-in-command might be tried in court at some point, a scenario that could lead to a political deadlock. Click here to read…

DR Congo appoints new army chief as part of military reforms

The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi has replaced the head of the country’s armed forces as part of broader military reforms aimed at boosting efficiency. Click here to read…

Lawmakers in breakaway Somaliland extend president’s term

The House of Elders in Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland has extended the term of office of President Muse Bihi Abdi by two years, a decision expected to cause more unrest by opposition groups. Click here to read…

Tunisian labour union warns of strikes as IMF talks loom

Tunisia’s powerful UGTT labour union has no deal with the government on reforming subsidies and publicly owned companies and will lead street protests over any “painful” changes, it said on Monday, potentially complicating foreign bailout talks. Click here to read…

Nigeria Discovers Huge Pipeline Used for Oil Theft

The head of Nigeria’s petroleum company told a legislative committee this week that a 4-kilometer pipeline from the Forcados export terminal has been used to steal oil for nine years, resulting in the theft of hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil per day. Click here to read…

Ghana Cedi is worst performing currency against US dollar – World Bank report

The World Bank has ranked the Ghana cedi as the worst-performing currency in Africa since the beginning of the year with a depreciation of 60 per cent against the United States dollar. Click here to read…

Somalia, Ethiopia sign deal to strengthen ties

Somalia and Ethiopia say they will work together to protect each other’s territories, including requesting the UN Security Council to lift an age-old arms embargo on Mogadishu. Click here to read…

South Africa’s phoenix president Zuma wants to rise from the ashes

Popular wisdom dictates that you will not die as long as you stay in politics, which means that every leading politician does their best to remain in the local political landscape, just like 86-year-old Silvio Berlusconi, who was seen during Italy’s election weekend. Click here to read…

Cameroon’s Biya Orders Enforcement of Bilingualism Law

Cameroon’s president has ordered officials to enforce a 2019 law on bilingualism and make life easier for English speakers in the French-speaking majority country. Click here to read…

Youth are vital for Sudan’s post-coup stability

Sudanese youth drove the demonstrations and uprising that toppled former president Omar al-Bashir’s nearly 30-year-long rule. They were instrumental in mobilising and creating a social movement urging the military to eventually step in to remove al-Bashir from power in a popular coup in April 2019. Click here to read…

US airstrike killed an al-Shabaab leader in Somalia on Saturday

A US airstrike in Somalia killed an al-Shabaab militant leader on Saturday in coordination with the Somali government, US Africa Command said in a statement. Click here to read…

‘Ma’awisley’ Militias in Central Somalia Mobilizing Against al-Shabab

For years, Somali clans and villages have tried to resist demands from the Islamist group al-Shabab, which can include taxes called “zakat,” plus livestock, weapons and boys they can turn into fighters. Click here to read…

Blast in Central African Republic kills 3 Bangladesh UN peacekeepers

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres “conveys his deepest condolences to the families of the peacekeepers and the people in government of Bangladesh,” he added. Click here to read…

Mozambique Marks Five Years of Extreme Violence in Cabo Delgado

Mozambique marks five years since extreme violence erupted in northern Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province, forcing nearly 1 million people to flee during that time in October. Click here to read…

Regional court dismisses Maasai eviction case against Tanzania government

A regional court on Friday dismissed a case brought by a group of Maasai villagers claiming the Tanzanian government used violence to evict them from their ancestral lands in the north of the country. Click here to read…

Rwanda, IMF agree on $310m deal on climate financing

Rwanda has secured $310 million (approximately Rwf318 billion) loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) to tackle climate change. Click here to read…

In Kenya, green parties struggle for votes

In August, Kenya held its fifth general elections since the introduction of multiparty politics in 1991. Four of the 93 registered political parties were green parties. Click here to read…

Amid climate politics, Uganda presses on with oil pipeline

Uganda’s ambitions of joining the oil producer’s club almost entirely rest on a pipeline being built between the oil fields in the Lake Albert region and the Tanzanian port of Tanga on the east African coast. Click here to read…

Zimbabwe is poised to become Africa’s largest steel producer

Zimbabwe is poised to become Africa’s largest steel producer and one of the biggest steel players in the world. A multi-billion steel plant is being constructed in Manhize, central Zimbabwe, that has the potential to meet all of the country’s requirements plus that of most countries in Africa and beyond. Click here to read…

Namibia, Zambia sign deal to develop oil, gas pipeline

Namibia and Zambia on Thursday inked an agreement in Swakopmund, Namibia, to facilitate a private sector-led infrastructure development project. Click here to read…

Nigerians mark independence anniversary ahead of key poll

Nigerians celebrated the 62nd anniversary of their independence Saturday with the country’s leader acknowledging the economic and security hardships citizens are facing as they prepare to vote for a new president in four months. Click here to read…

Botswana turns 56: From one of the poorest countries to an upper middle-income economy

Botswana celebrates 56 years of independence on Friday after attaining self-government in 1965, following 80 years as the British protectorate Bechuanaland. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

MoS Muraleedharan meets Gabon FM, conveys wishes on UNSC Presidency

On the sidelines of the UNSC High-Level debate at New York, MoS for External Affairs V Muraleedharan met with the foreign minister of Gabon Michael Adamo and held discussions on various aspects of bilateral relations. Click here to read…

‘Terror outfits enhancing their finances and presence by exploiting natural resources in Africa’: Indian minister V Muraleedharan at UNSC

V Muraleedharan said terrorist organisations were exploiting resources to bolster their finances. “These regions have remained vulnerable to money laundering and terrorist financing. Click here to read…

India and Nigeria hold Foreign Office Consultations

New Delhi played host to the second round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between India and Nigeria on 29 September 2022. Click here to read…

INS Tarkash visits Namibia’s Port Walvis Bay

Indian Navy warship, INS Tarkash visited Port Walvis Bay at Namibia from Oct 3-6 as a part of an ongoing extended-range operational deployment, the Indian Navy said in an official statement. Click here to read…

INS Sunayna participates in combined maritime forces exercise in Seychelles

The Indian Naval Ship Sunayna participated in the capacity-building exercise Operation Southern Readiness conducted by Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) at Seychelles during September 24-27, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement. Click here to read…

India in talks with Angola, Algeria for LNG supplies

India is in talks with Angola and Algeria to procure liquefied natural gas (LNG) on long-term contracts, said two officials aware of the development, amid concerns of a global gas shortage fuelled by the Ukraine crisis. Click here to read…

Togo govt plans to sign MoU with Andhra University on IT, space

Togo’s minister of education and research, Dr Wateba said that they will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Andhra University and will work in various fields. Click here to read…

‘A Hell Of A Fighter’ – Why India’s Joint Collaboration With Egypt Failed To Develop A Supersonic Warplane – The Helwan 300?

With the recent visit of the Indian defense minister to Egypt, the two nations are boosting their security cooperation. However, their defense ties stretch back to the 60s, when India played a pivotal role in Egypt’s attempts to develop a supersonic aircraft. Click here to read…

Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal: India’s export restrictions complicate rice supply

New Delhi’s rice export restrictions herald higher prices for many West African countries, including big rice importers Nigeria, Senegal and Ghana. Click here to read…

Tunisia runs out of sugar, to import from Algeria and India

Tunisian sugar reserves have run out, according to the secretary general of the Ben Arous regional office of the tourism, trade and industry federation of the UGTT trade union Souhail Boukhris. Click here to read…

Gambia deaths: 4 states had red-flagged Maiden Pharma

Several Indian states and at least one foreign country have red-flagged the quality of medicines manufactured by Maiden Pharmaceutical, whose contaminated cough syrups has reportedly led to the deaths of more than 60 children in The Gambia, in west Africa, prompting the WHO to issue an alert. Click here to read…

India-made cough syrups and deaths in Gambia: what we know so far

The World Health Organisation has issued an alert about four Indian-manufactured cough syrups that it said could have caused 66 deaths in Gambia. What do we know about the cough syrups? Are they sold in India? Should you be worried? Click here to read…

Why Bhagwat brought up East Timor, South Sudan & Kosovo in speech about ‘population imbalance’

In his annual Vijayadashmi speech in Nagpur, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat called for a comprehensive population control policy, citing “religion-based population imbalance”. Click here to read…

India Community in Ghana commemorates Gandhi’s 153 anniversary

The India Community in Ghana has commemorated the 153 anniversary of Mohandas Mahatma Gandhi, late leader and the foremost campaigner for India’s independence, in Accra. Click here to read…

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

COMMENTARY

Strategy and ambition: In Wang Yi visit, China’s long Africa game

For a dozen years, China has been Africa’s biggest trading partner. Two-way trade in 2020 was $187 billion. The balance of trade is heavily in favour of China. Click here to read…

NEWS

Six people killed in blast in Somalia’s capital

Six people were killed on Wednesday in a car bomb explosion in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu, a security official and witnesses said. The attack was claimed by the Al-Shabaab jihadist group, which said in a brief statement that it was targeting “foreign officers”.Click here to read…

US Africa envoy to visit Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Ethiopia

The US special envoy for the Horn of Africa will visit Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Ethiopia next week amid ongoing crises in the two African nationsClick here to read…

Mozambique kicks off first offshore gas project

A floating plant for liquefying natural gas arrived in Mozambican waters on January 3 after a seven-week maritime voyage from South Korea. Click here to read…

Violence erupts, police use water cannon on Tunisian protesters

Tunisian police used water cannon and sticks to disperse more than 1,000 protesters trying to reach central Tunis on Friday to demonstrate against the president in defiance of COVID-19 restrictions. Click here to read…

Ethiopia raps WHO chief for ‘supporting’ rebellion Tigray forces

Ethiopia has accused the World Health Organisation (WHO) chief of supporting the rebellious Tigrayan forces who are fighting the government.Click here to read…

Cameroonian senator and soldier killed in restive anglophone regions

A prominent opposition figure and a soldier have been killed in separate attacks in Cameroon’s restive anglophone regions, intensifying security concerns as the country hosts the Africa Cup of Nations football tournament. Click here to read…

Kenya ports authority receives Turkey-built tugboat

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPS) said Wednesday that the previous day it received a modern Turkish-built tugboat with fire-fighting (Fi-Fi) capabilities that will offer supplementary protection to port facilities and ships. Click here to read…

Nigeria lifts 7-month ban on Twitter

The human rights group Amnesty International said Wednesday night that the Twitter ban had been “illegal” and described it as an attack on Nigerians’ basic freedoms, including freedom of expression. Click here to read…

Malians rally after army calls for protests over ECOWAS sanctions

Thousands protest across Mali in support of ruling military after West Africa bloc-imposed sanctions over delayed vote.
Click here to read…

Uganda to destroy over 400k doses of expired Covid vaccines

Uganda is set to destroy more than 400,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccines after they expired before being administeredClick here to read…

DRC forces launch offensive against ADF forces in eastern Congo

Armed forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo have launched a series of attacks against the positions held by Allied Democratic Forces in Virunga National Park in the east of the country.Click here to read…

Russia, China block UN support for ECOWAS sanctions on Mali

The draft council statement endorsing the sanctions failed to be approved during closed-door consultations. Click here to read…

5G buzz continues with launches in Zambia and Lithuania

There’s been no let-up in 5G activity lately, with Zambia’s MTN announcing the country’s first 5G launch and Telia highlighting a dynamic spectrum sharing-based 5G launch now underway in Lithuania. Click here to read…

MTN Uganda introduces overdraft facility as it steps up competition in digital lending space

Africa’s mobile-money sector remains the most active of any region in the world, according to GSM Association (GSMA), an umbrella body representing the interests of players in the telecommunications industry.
https://techcrunch.com/2022/01/12/mtn-uganda-introduces-overdraft-facility-as-it-step-ups-competition-in-digital-lending-space/” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

Uganda’s schools reopen, ending world’s longest lockdown

Uganda’s schools reopened to students on Monday, ending the world’s longest school disruption due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Click here to read…

Tanzania launches Chinese financed project to enhance civil aviation safety

Tanzanian authorities on Friday launched the enhancement of the civil aviation safety oversight systems project financed by the Chinese government for 1 million U.S. dollars grant. Click here to read…

Zimbabwe’s scrap metal rush creates a circular economy, and headaches for authorities

Small steel companies are paying scrap collectors and filling a production gap left by the country’s collapsed industry. But the rush for scrap has led to vandalism and theft. Click here to read…

Egyptian parliament to approve new law on status of Christians

Egypt’s parliament is set to approve new legislation drafted in collaboration with local Christian Churches regarding on the personal legal status of Christians in the country. Click here to read…

China helps advance technology in Africa

China has set a milestone in its technological commitments to Africa, with tech giant Huawei working with Zambia’s mobile telecom operator MTN in a pilot program to roll out the African nation’s first 5G network. Click here to read…

Sudan expresses desire to further strengthen ties with Turkey

Sudan’s Sovereign Council on Thursday hailed Turkey’s supportive stance toward the country and its keenness to strengthen ties between Ankara and Khartoum. Click here to read…

Namibia: 178 Pharmacies ‘Guilty of Price-Fixing’

NAMIBIA’S competition regulator says it will institute legal action against more than 170 pharmacies that have been found guilty of contravening the competition law by manipulating trading conditions to fix the price of medicines. Click here to read…

China applies brakes to Africa lending

Beijing has signalled a more cautious approach amid warnings that several African countries could struggle to repay debtsClick here to read…

“No Way to Censor”: How Africa’s WhatsApp-Only Newspaper Went Viral

Even though it’s published as a PDF file and distributed on WhatsApp, The Continent feels like an old-fashioned newspaper: Catchy headlines, short stories, reported pieces and interviews. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

India’s POWERGRID to set up first Independent Power Transmission (IPT) in Kenya

India has signed an agreement with the Government of Kenya to develop a Power transmission project in Kenya on a public-private partnership basis (PPP). The project entails the development, financing, construction, and operation of the 400kV Lessos – Loosuk and 220kV Kisumu – Musaga transmission lines under a public-private partnership (PPP) framework, said a senior officer of the Power Ministry. Click here to read…

Kenya Police inducts 100 made-in-India Mahindra Scorpio Getaway pick-up trucks

The pick-up SUV supplied to the Kenya Police is a single-cab model and is based on the current-generation Mahindra Scorpio sold in India. Click here to read…

India’s development partnership with Mali: Making difference on the ground

One such example is the ongoing construction of 393 kilometres of high voltage (225 kV) double circuit transmission line from Sikasso to Bamako, Mali’s capital city, to Sikasso, the second largest city of Mali and capital of its eponymous and southern-most region. Click here to read…

Rama Steel Tubes hit record high on signing a deal with Hong Kong-based Huihai Group

RST lndustries (RSTIL) signed a new annual contract with Huihai Group, Hong Kong for procuring 15,000 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) with an exclusive arrangement for Nigeria. Click here to read…

Indian Navy hands over interceptor craft to Mozambique

The Indian Navy has handed over two Solas Marine fast interceptor craft to Mozambique and provided military training during a port visit by the tank landing ship INS Kesari. Click here to read…

Vijay Construction to rebuild Seychelles’ health studies school as donation

Vijay Construction will bear the cost for the rebuilding of the National Institute of Health and Social Studies (NIHSS) following an agreement concluded by the company’s director and the Seychelles health minister on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Vedanta puts $12-bn price tag on privatisation-bound Bharat Petroleum

Vedanta Group is willing to spend $12 billion to acquire India’s state-owned refiner Bharat Petroleum Corp., an asset sale that’s among the nation’s biggest and which has faced delays in completion. Click here to read…

Madagascar Prime Minister reviews bilateral ties with India

Indian Ambassador on Tuesday attended a review meeting over the progress on bilateral ties between New Delhi and Antananarivo. Click here to read…

India to invest in Tanzania’s energy sector

The government of Tanzania has announced the country has opened its doors to India and its investors to explore opportunities in the country’s energy sector. ‘Click here to read…

Indian Embassy in Madagascar celebrates ‘World Hindi Day 2022’

World Hindi Day was celebrated at the Embassy of India in Antananarivo on 10th January 2022. The event was graced by members of ITEC, ICCR alumni, the Indian community, and the families of the Embassy officials. Click here to read…

Keywords: Africa, Cameroon, China, Covid, Coup, Ethiopia, Horn of Africa, Indian Navy, India in Africa, Madagascar, Mahindra Scorpio, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Tigray, Uganda, Vedanta, World Hindi Day 2022

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

COMMENTARY

Africa: Looking Back at 2021 and Likely Trends in 2022

For the second year in a row, countries across the world battled to cope with the negative economic impacts of covid. Though African continent handled the initial impacts of Covid-19 relatively well, in 2021 it suffered immensely from Covid-19 outbreaks and the resulting lockdowns. While governments across the continent took several measures including complete economic lockdown to stop the spread of the mutating virus, people struggled to come up with the devastating loss of life and livelihoods.Click here to read…

NEWS

Russian Troops Deploy to Timbuktu in Mali After French Withdrawal

Russian soldiers have deployed to Timbuktu in northern Mali to train Malian forces at a base vacated by French troops last month, Mali’s army spokesperson said Thursday. Click here to read…

China plans peace envoy for conflict-riven Horn of Africa

China said on Thursday it would appoint a special envoy to foster peace in the turbulent Horn of Africa and wanted to shift focus on the continent to trade over infrastructure. Click here to read…

Morocco and China agree to implement the Belt and Road initiative

Morocco and China have enhanced their cooperation as they signed on Wednesday the joint Belt and Road implementation plan. Click here to read…

Why Equatorial Guinea May Host China’s First Atlantic Naval Base

Since mid-2021, U.S. defence officials have warned that China is considering whether to build a naval base in the Central African nation of Equatorial Guinea. If built, it would be China’s second such facility in Africa and its first in the Atlantic. Click here to read…

Chinese, Comorian FMs hold talks over bilateral relations

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday met with Comorian Foreign Minister Dhoihir Dhoulkamal in Moroni, capital of the Comoros.
Click here to read…

Wang Yi’s Kenya trip shows importance of bilateral ties, offsets US’ ’empty checks’ and ‘politicized schemes’

Concluding a visit to Eritrea, where Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi signed a joint statement on opposing hegemonic interference, Wang’s new year trip moved on to Kenya. Click here to read…

Fire burns South Africa’s Parliament building in Cape Town

Firefighters battled a blaze at South Africa’s national Parliament complex on Sunday that sent a dark plume of smoke and flames into the air above the center of Cape Town. Click here to read…

Ethiopia releases several political prisoners

Ethiopia released several political prisoners on January 7 in a bid to jumpstart a “national dialogue” amid a gruelling civil war. The unexpected move to release political prisoners, including some from Tigray, the region whose forces are at odds with the federal government in Ethiopia, comes amid a pause in the conflict. Click here to read…

What next for Sudan after PM Hamdok’s resignation?

Amid mounting unrest, analysts expect ruling military to co-opt new civilian figure to avoid missing out on crucial foreign aid.’ Click here to read…

Three Chinese nationals abducted in Nigeria, police say

Police in Nigeria said gunmen abducted three Chinese nationals working in the country’s north central region, the latest incident in a cycle of violence in Africa’s most populous nation. Click here to read…

Morocco has advanced weaponry, so Algeria wants a Chinese defence system

The Algerian army has bought a sophisticated Chinese electronic warfare system because Morocco has obtained advanced weapons systems from Turkey and other sources. The Chinese system is capable of blocking enemy communications and detecting radar at a range of hundreds of kilometres. Click here to read…

Two years of COVID-19 in Africa: lessons for the world

In the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, Africa’s rapid and coordinated response, informed by emerging data, was remarkable. Now, in 2022, as vast vaccination campaigns have enabled the global north to gain some control over the pandemic, Africa lags behind.Click here to read…

Foundation stone laid for $1.1bn deep water port in Senegal

Macky Sall, the president of the West African country, laid the foundation for the 300ha facility on Monday. The ceremony follows a concession agreement signed in December 2020 between the Dubai-based logistics company and the government of Senegal. Click here to read…

Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana and UAE join Security Council

Albania is joining for the first time while Brazil is taking an 11th turn. Gabon and Ghana each have been on the council three times before and the UAE once. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

Egyptian, Indian FMs discuss furthering cooperation, urge boosting coordination on int’l issues

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and his Indian counterpart, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, discussed continuing to boost and expand bilateral cooperation between the two countries. Click here to read…

Agri trade is booming this fiscal, but April-Oct basmati exports fell 23% since last year

APEDA says basmati exports have dipped due to stock pile-up. But a top industry leader says high freight charges and issues over maximum residue levels in pesticides are to blame. Nepal, Bangladesh and African nations like Benin, Senegal and Togo were top importers for India’s non-basmati rice. Click here to read…

Indian Navy Ship lands in Comoros to provide technical assistance

Indian Naval Ship Kesari arrived at the port of Moroni, Comoros on Friday to extend technical assistance to the Comorian Coast Guard. Click here to read…

Congo Hold-Up: A Group of Indians in Spotlight for Illicit Money Transfers

Some of the chief operators of the alleged illicit money transfers are persons of Indian origin based in Congo, according to analysis of a data leak by Radio France International. Click here to read…

Karnataka: Ugandan national caught carrying Rs 1.5 crore worth drugs in Cerelac boxes

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has arrested a Uganda national and have seized methamphetamine worth Rs 1.5 crore in Karnataka on Friday.Click here to read…

India, Somalia and Madagascar may join to become one continent in 200 million years: Study

The collision will lead to the ‘formation of a long mountain range along the modern west coast of India’ which the team named ‘Somalaya’. Click here to read…