Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent – news that matters.
COMMENTARY
Africa’s dilemma in the Russia-Ukraine crisis
On February 24, as Russia began its air and missile assaults in Ukraine’s Donbas area, it escalated into a full-fledged war. Most western countries condemned the attack, and economic measures were imposedClick here to read…
Hidden costs of Chinese projects in key African state of Kenya
Although Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta has defended the country’s strategy, many Kenyans have alleged that the China-funded projects are secretive, high cost and debt creating. While these projects have put extra burden on the people, these assets are at risk due to failure in debt servicing. Click here to read…
NEWS
Ethiopia men queue up to volunteer for Russia’s fight in Ukraine
Ethiopians with military records line up outside Moscow’s embassy in Addis Ababa in the hope to join the Russian army amid rumours $2,000 will be paid to each volunteer. Click here to read…
Rwanda jails Chinese national for torturing mine workers
The Chinese embassy in Rwanda said in a statement that it had ‘taken note’ of the ruling. Click here to read…
Western Sahara: Algeria Sets Conditions for Ambassadors Return to Spain
Algeria is attempting to put further pressure on Spain after Sanchez’ government changed its position to favour Morocco’s Autonomy Plan. Click here to read…
Niger approves hosting more European forces amid Mali withdrawal
President Momahed Bazoum proposed hosting more troops, a move opposed by some groups weary of foreign involvement. Click here to read…
Denmark in talks with Rwanda on transfer of asylum-seekers
Denmark is in talks with Rwanda about setting up a new procedure for transferring asylum seekers to the East African nation, mirroring a similar move by Britain announced last week. Click here to read…
Nigeria: U.S. Approves $1 Billion Arms Sale Despite Human Rights Concerns
The United States has approved a nearly $1 billion weapons sale to Nigeria after lawmakers had put a hold on the deal over concerns about possible human rights abuses by the Nigerian government. Click here to read…
France says Russian mercenaries staged ‘French atrocity’ in Mali
Russian mercenaries buried bodies near a Malian military base to falsely accuse France’s departing forces of leaving behind mass graves, the French military has claimed. Click here to read…
De Mistura plans tour in new quest for Western Sahara settlement
UN envoy to Western Sahara Staffan de Mistura announced his intent to undertake a second tour in the region for talks with the parties involved in the Western Sahara dispute. Click here to read…
Italy Signs Gas Deals in Angola, Congo to Cut Russia Ties
Italy struck new deals to boost natural gas imports from Angola and the Republic of Congo as Mario Draghi’s government rushes to cut energy dependence on Russia. Click here to read…
Algeria struggles to meet rising demand for its gas after Russian invasion of Ukraine
This could have been Algeria’s moment: Europe’s efforts to wean itself off Russian gas should have provided the north African country with a golden opportunity to maximise exports and carve out a bigger share of the continent’s energy market. Click here to read…
Libya oil company says field closed amid political impasse
Libya’s national oil company said Sunday it was forced to shut down an oil field amid a political impasse that threatened to drag the North African nation back into armed conflict. Click here to read…
Tunisian President Saied seizes control of electoral commission
Tunisia’s president has seized control of the country’s election commission, saying he would replace most of its members in a move that will entrench his one-man rule and cast doubt on electoral integrity. Click here to read…
Cameroon signs agreement with Russia in further boost to military ties
Cameroonian Defence Minister Joseph Beti Assomo has signed a military cooperation agreement in Moscow with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Choigou, as Wagner mercenaries are boosting Russia’s influence in West Africa. Click here to read…
Sudan: Anti-coup voices being silenced to subdue the resistance
The international community should not turn a blind eye to the ongoing human rights crisis in Sudan. Click here to read…
Somalia: At least six killed in Mogadishu attack near beach
Six people have been killed in a blast at a seaside restaurant in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu, an ambulance service official said. Click here to read…
Nigeria to hold 1st census in 17 years after security delay
Nigeria’s first census in 17 years will be conducted in 2023 in order to try to accurately survey its population, estimated at more than 200 million and the largest in Africa, the head of the national population agency announced Thursday. Click here to read…
MSF worker, dozens of civilians killed in fighting in South Sudan
Dozens of civilians, including a Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) worker, have been killed in the ongoing fighting in South Sudan’s Unity state, the medical charity has confirmed. Click here to read…
South Africa’s EFF leads peaceful protests at Eswatini borders
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), South Africa’s third-largest political party, has organised peaceful protests along the country’s borders in the KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga provinces with the neighbouring Eswatini. Click here to read…
East African Nations Agree on Force to Fight Congo Armed Groups
Leaders from four East African nations and the Democratic Republic of Congo agreed to form a regional force that will fight armed groups in eastern Congo. Click here to read…
Africa’s Last Absolute Monarchy Revives Airline After 23 Years
Eswatini, Africa’s last absolute monarchy, is set to launch a flag-carrier airline almost a quarter of a century after the previous one ceased operation in the country formerly known as Swaziland. Click here to read…
South Africa allocates $67 mn in relief for Durban flooding; 443 dead
Declaring a national state of disaster, South Africa has allocated $67 million to help those hit by floods that have killed at least 443 people in the eastern city of Durban and the surrounding Kwazulu-Natal province. Click here to read…
Google to Set Up Its First Africa Product Development Centre in Kenya
Alphabet Inc’s Google is investing in its first ever Africa product development centre in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, it said, as it positions itself to serve a growing base of internet users on the continent. Click here to read…
Mali junta says sticking to two-year transition
Mali’s ruling junta has announced the launch of a two-year transition “process” before elections are held, in defiance of West African bloc partners. Click here to read…
Ivory Coast: Achi reappointed PM, regional bank chief named VP
President Alassane Ouattara accepted the resignation of his entire cabinet last week ahead of a government reshuffle. Click here to read…
Chad: How Much Longer Will the Military Council Stay
One year ago, Chadian President Idriss Deby Itno was killed in clashes between rebels and government forces in Western Kanem province. Click here to read…
Two Morocco, Japanese Trade Agreements Enter into Force on Friday
Morocco’s embassy in Tokyo, Japan, celebrated on Friday the official start of two trade agreements that Morocco and Japan had originally signed in January 2020Click here to read…
Former Guinea president Conde released from house arrest
Guinea’s deposed president Alpha Conde has been released from house arrest and can receive visitors, including family members, the ruling military government announced. Click here to read…
ICC entreat Guinea-Bissau Membership
The president of the International Criminal Court urges Guinea-Bissau to become a member as proof of the unstable West African nation’s commitment to peace. Click here to read…
Former Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki dies at 90
Former Kenyan president Mwai Kibaki, who led the country from 2002 to 2013, has died at 90. Click here to read…
Former Botswana president faces criminal charges
Former Botswana president Ian Khama was summoned to appear before a court on Thursday to face multiple criminal charges. Click here to read…
Malawi solar mini-grid shows promise as way of electrifying rural Africa
Development experts say village-level solar power is a more promising way of bringing electricity to Africa’s remotest areas than conventional grids, which often do not reach them, tend to prioritise more privileged neighbourhoods and are often powered by polluting fossil-fuel generation. Click here to read…
Egyptian students enjoy broader chances to learn Chinese
In Egypt, the ways to learn Chinese have become increasingly diverse and considerate towards local youngsters who are willing to challenge themselves with the language famed for profoundness and splendid culture. Click here to read…
The African Union Must Ask What Space Can Do for Africa
The African outer space programme is a means to meet the ends of other flagship programmes in Agenda 2063 and needs more attention from the African Union. Click here to read…
Chinese envoy arrives in Zambia as another debt crisis looms for Lusaka
Zambia’s debt troubles will be the biggest headache for the new Chinese ambassador to Lusaka, who arrived on Sunday with a promise to “strengthen the friendly ties the two countries have enjoyed over the years”.Click here to read…
Morocco, Mauritania Keen to Consolidate Diplomatic, Economic Relations
Morocco and Mauritania have reiterated their commitment to advance diplomatic and economic relations to address issues of shared interest. Click here to read…
Tanzania, US sign investment agreements worth Sh11.7 trillion
Tanzania and the US have on Friday April 22, signed Seven agreements for business projects which are set to be implemented in Tanzania by investors and companies from the United States of America. Click here to read…
New Ebola case confirmed in Congo’s west Equateur province
A new Ebola case has been confirmed in Congo’s northwest Equateur Province in the city of Mbandaka, Congo health authorities said Saturday, declaring an outbreak nearly four months after the last one ended in the central African nation. Click here to read…
Russian mercenaries accused of human rights abuses in Central African Republic
When reports emerged that mercenaries from the Russian security company the Wagner Group were being sent to Ukraine, the people of the Central African Republic knew just what that meant. Click here to read…
INDIA IN AFRICA
UP CM Yogi Adityanath and Mauritius PM meet in Varanasi, discuss areas of cooperation
In an almost hour-long discussion held between the two, the CM promised Jagannath cooperation in helping natives of Mauritius with Indian origins connect to their roots. He also invited Mauritian investors to invest in the state as well as participate in the Global Investors Summit proposed to be held in the state soon. Click here to read…
UP can play prime role in economies of India, Mauritius: Yogi to Jugnauth
Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, at Hotel Taj here on Friday. Click here to read…
EAM S Jaishankar calls on Mauritius PM Pravind Kumar Jugnauth
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Saturday called on the Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, who is on an eight-day visit to India to strengthen bilateral ties, in New Delhi. Click here to read…
Symbiosis School of International Studies launches M.A. programme in African Studies (Geo-economics and Foreign Policy)
Symbiosis School of International Studies (SSIS) has launched a Masters of Arts in African Studies (Geo-economics and Foreign Policy) that offers a holistic understanding of the African continent and its relation with major countries in the world. Click here to read…
Navy chief pays 3-day visit to Seychelles
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar has held extensive talks with the top civilian and military brass of Seychelles to further boost bilateral maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. Click here to read…
Indian Navy Conducts Sail Training Capsule for South Africa Navy Officers
Indian Navy conducted a Sail Training capsule of three weeks duration for officers’ trainees (Sub Lieutenants) of Republic of South Africa Navy (RSAN) at Ocean Sailing Node (OSN) of Indian Navy at INS Mandovi, Goa from 28 Mar 22 to 16 Apr 22. Click here to read…
Chief Election Commissioner urges members of Indian Community to register as overseas voters
Chief Election Commissioner of India, Sushil Chandra urged Indian Community living in South Africa and Mauritius to register as overseas voters. Click here to read…
Kenyan Envoy Seeks Investment from India
Ambassador of Kenya, Willy Bet on Tuesday sought Indian investments to the African country in various sectors ranging from oil to healthcare. Click here to read…
Ghana Invites Indian Companies to Explore Investment Avenues In Mineral Refining
West African nation Ghana has invited Indian companies to invest in mineral refining capacity including gold, bauxite, lithium, diamond, crude oil and manganese. Click here to read…
At AYUSH summit, PM Modi tells how Ayurveda helped ex-Kenyan PM’s daughter regain eyesight
“It has been a struggle since I lost my vision in 2017. I have been to China and other countries and undergone various treatment modalities like acupuncture. Nothing seemed to have helped,” says Rosemary Odinga, daughter of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Click here to read…
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Hari Kumar visits the Seychelles to boost bilateral defence cooperation
Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral R. Hari Kumar, now on his maiden overseas visit since taking over the mantle of the CNS, visited the Indian Ocean archipelago of Seychelles on a three-day visit starting April 21. Click here to read…
Postal ballot facility for NRIs being contemplated: Chief Election Commissioner
Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra urged Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to register as overseas electors and told them about a proposal on postal ballots for NRIs being contemplated during a recent visit to South Africa and Mauritius, the Election Commission (EC) said on Friday. Click here to read…
Bolloré Africa Logistics acquisition expands MSC’s India presence
The acquisition gives MSC presence at Dakshin Bharat Gateway Terminal secures it a “growth-oriented” container-handling foothold on India’s east coast. Click here to read…
Watch video: How Indian Railways Modern Coach Factory is giving boost to Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India
The Modern Coach Factory got an order to manufacture as many as 90 rail coaches for Mozambique. Click here to read…
Tanzania: Mwinyi Appreciates India’s Support to Isles Development
President Hussein Mwinyi has commended the efforts taken by the Indian Embassy in Tanzania in supporting Zanzibar to implement its development projects, including the improvements of water supply for domestic use in the islands. Click here to read…
‘Earlier I couldn’t see, now I can’: Ex Kenya PM’s daughter praises Ayurveda
The comment came in the backdrop of the World Health Organisation launching its Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM) in Jamnagar in Gujarat a day ago. Click here to read…
African Swine Fever: Tripura to order culling of pigs in Sepahijala farm
After African Swine Fever cases were reported in a breeding farm in Sepahijala district, the Tripura government on Wednesday decided to go in for mass culling of infected pigs at the farm. Click here to read…
Indian Embassy in Madagascar holds plantation drive on Earth Day
Indian Embassy in Madagascar organised a plantation drive with over 200 saplings of native trees to mark the 52nd Earth Day on Friday. Click here to read…
Cheap Indian wheat faces quality checks, high freight cost for Egypt export
Indian wheat could offer a cheaper option for top importer Egypt but will have to overcome quality controls set by the country’s agriculture ministry as well as higher freight costs. Click here to read…
After her recovery, India repatriates Seychelles Coast Guard sailor who had mid-sea medical emergency
India has repatriated a woman sailor of the Seychelles Coast Guard, for whom India provided mid-sea assistance and medical evacuation during an emergency, while she was off India’s Western coast, near Lakshadweep. Click here to read…
Powering Electric Two- and Three-Wheelers with Rural Minigrids in Nigeria and India
Imagine a future where a restauranteur in rural Nigeria flips on her shop lights and pulls cold beers from the fridge as the evening crowd trickles inClick here to read…
Five held in Seychelles: Fishers want MEA to intervene
International Fishermen Development Trust (INFIDET) President P Justin Antony sent a representation to the Indian External Affairs Minister on Wednesday requesting a diplomatic talk between India and Seychelles for the release of five fishing captains and their vessels. Click here to read…