Tag Archives: Morocco

Africa Now – Weekly Newsletter (Week 34, 2022)

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

COMMENTARY

The Impact of the Marikana Massacre: ‘Plus ca change, plus c’est la même chose’

This August 2022 will be the 10th year of the Marikana Massacre. After a week of protracted protest, on August 16, 2012, South African Police shot at labourers of a platinum mine, resulting in 34 fatalities and 78 injuries. Click here to read…

The Marikana Massacre: 10 Years On

I do not remember much of my ninth year. In fact, it was perhaps the year in which I shed most (not all) of my naive ways of looking at the world and began to grow into consciousness. I had just turned nine years old when, on Aug. 16, 2012, the South African police shot dead 34 striking mine workers in what we now call the Marikana Massacre. Click here to read…

NEWS
Kenya election 2022: Raila Odinga likely to go to court, as others celebrate

Kenya has held one of its most nail-biting and controversial elections since one-party rule ended in 1991, as candidates vied for a plethora of seats. Here, we look at some of those who succeeded, and some who failed, in their quest for power. Click here to read…

Unequal and divided, Angola braces for tense election

Angolans head to the polls next week in what is likely to be a tense standoff between a ruling party in power for nearly five decades and an opposition with growing appeal to a frustrated, impoverished youth. Click here to read…

What is at stake for investors in Angola’s elections?

Angolan voters will choose next Wednesday between a party that’s been in power for nearly five decades and its main opponent for even longer, in what looks like the closest ever election in Africa’s second-biggest oil producer. Click here to read…

Tunisia constitution giving president wider powers comes into effect

Tunisia’s new constitution giving the president far greater powers is to come into effect after the official electoral commission announced final results on Tuesday for last month’s referendum. Click here to read…

France has withdrawn its final troops from Mali

In january 2013 French forces swooped into Mali to halt columns of northern separatists and jihadists that were threatening Bamako, the capital. Click here to read…

Sierra Leone’s main opposition party demands probe over deadly protest

Sierra Leone’s main opposition party is calling for an independent probe into last week’s deadly clashes and ensuing police raids that killed one of its well-known members. Click here to read…

Ethiopia plans referendum to create 12th region

Ethiopia’s House of Federation, or the upper house of Parliament, has approved a resolution to hold a referendum on the creation of the East African country’s 12th region. Click here to read…

Denmark in talks with Rwanda on UK-style transfer of asylum seekers

Denmark is in talks with Rwanda about setting up a UK-style scheme to transfer asylum seekers to the country. Click here to read…

South African Opposition Considers Joint Campaign for 2024 Vote

South African opposition parties that formed coalitions to wrest control of a number of towns from the governing African National Congress in last year’s municipal elections, are now considering campaigning jointly ahead of a national and provincial vote in 2024Click here to read…

U.N.’s Congo peacekeeping mission pulls out of major eastern city

The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Democratic Republic of Congo has pulled out of one of the largest cities in the country’s east after deadly protests against its failure to protect civilians. Click here to read…

Zanu PF determined to win at all costs

AS Zimbabweans ready themselves for the crunch polls expected next year, there is a feeling that the elections will be largely characterised by violence, of similar magnitude to the one seen in 2008. Click here to read…

SADC needs a firmer strategy for the spiralling Eswatini crisis

The Eswatini crisis is descending into violent conflict, with the bombing of state institutions and attacks against security forces on the rise. At the same time, brutal repression of protests and apparent abductions of civil society members continue. Click here to read…

Peru cuts ties with Western Sahara area after talks with Morocco

Lima snaps relations with the Polisario-run area of Western Sahara, saying it “respects” territorial integrity of Morocco, which claims the entire disputed territory and controls nearly 80 percent of it. Click here to read…

Rebel leader Timan Erdimi returns to Chad after 17 years in exile

One of Chad’s most prominent rebel leaders, Timan Erdimi, has returned to the country after 17 years in exile, days ahead of the start of national talks aimed at paving the way for elections after the military seized power last year. Click here to read…

Burkina Faso lashes ‘ethnic cleansing’ calls on social media

Burkina Faso’s government on Thursday lashed calls on social media to attack the country’s Fulani minority, describing them as a campaign for “ethnic cleansing” similar to the Rwanda genocide. Click here to read…

Senegal says keeping troops in Mali after opposition lashing

Senegal’s army says it is standing by the country’s commitments to the UN’s peacekeeping mission in neighboring Mali, after an opposition leader suggested it was withdrawing. Click here to read…

African Leaders Quick to Address US-China Tensions Over Taiwan

A spike in tensions between China and the United States over Taiwan has not gone unnoticed in Africa and has prompted responses that underscore the continent’s tilt toward Beijing. Click here to read…

At the US-Africa Leaders Summit, launch ‘Process Africa’

Several weeks ago, President Biden announced that he will host a U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington in December. It’s about time. This is the first U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit since 2014, and just the second such meeting ever. Click here to read…

SADC leaders criticise US law seeking to punish African countries that trade with Russia

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) says the United States’ plan to implement measures to punish African countries that trade with Russia was in bad taste. Click here to read…

China-Africa Ties: Wang Yi: Implementation of FOCAC goals progressing well

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended a virtual conference on Thursday to discuss progress following last November’s Forum on China-Africa Cooperation summit in Senegal. Known by the acronym FOCAC, it’s a high-level forum between China and nearly all the African countries. CGTN’s Gao Ang brings us the latest. Click here to read…

Emirates airline suspends all flights to Nigeria as it struggles to repatriate funds

Nigeria’s aviation ministry says it is “working hard” to release trapped funds to the Emirates airline after the carrier suspended flights to Nigeria beginning from next month. Click here to read…

Nigerians May Use Togo, Ghana Airports for International Travels As More Airlines Will Suspend Services To Nigeria – Foreign Airlines Association

The President of the Association of Foreign Airlines and Representatives in Nigeria, Kingsley Nwokeoma, has said the Emirates Airlines’ suspension of its flights to Nigeria over trapped forex is just the beginning as more international carriers would join soon if nothing was done to address their concerns. Click here to read…

Al-Shabaab attacks hotel in Somalia’s Mogadishu, casualties reported

The assault on the Hayat Hotel triggered a fierce gunfight between security forces and gunmen from the jihadist group who are still holed up inside the building, a security official said. Click here to read…

Ethiopia denounces WHO head for saying crisis ignored because of Tigrayans’ skin color

Ethiopia’s government is criticizing as “unethical” the statement by the World Health Organization’s director-general that the crisis in the country’s Tigray region is “the worst disaster on Earth” and his assertion that the lack of attention from global leaders may be due to Tigrayans’ skin color. Click here to read…

Botswana to Become the Latest Target of Biden State Department’s Ideological Colonialism

It seems Biden’s State Department has decided it must do even more to shame countries into normalizing same-sex relations. It announced a new grant to “promote greater social acceptance of LGBTQI+ persons” in a small African country using U.S. tax dollars. Click here to read…

Ivorian troops arrested in Mali charged with undermining state security

Dozens of Ivorian soldiers held in Mali and accused of being mercenaries have been charged with attempting to harm state security and remanded in custody, judicial sources told AFP on Sunday. Click here to read…

Nigerian President Marks Humanitarian Day in War-Impacted Borno State

Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has formally opened resettlement houses for people internally displaced by the 13-year conflict with Islamist militants in the country’s northeastClick here to read…

A cybersecurity regional hub will soon be built in Lomé, Togo

Togo will soon host a regional cybersecurity hub: the African Cybersecurity Center. The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) will help the country build the facility. Click here to read…

Ghana delivers biggest rate hike ever at emergency meeting

Ghana’s central bank on Wednesday delivered its biggest rate hike ever, a 300 basis point increase to 22% (GHCBIR=ECI), at an emergency meeting to address the economy’s rapid deterioration amid crippling inflation. Click here to read…

Egypt Seeks “Exceptional” Treatment by the IMF

Egypt is seeking a new loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to address the fallout from a sharp increase in prices that has had devastating impacts on people’s economic rights. Click here to read…

Arab Monetary Fund Forecasts 1% Economic Growth in Morocco

After 2021’s staggering 7.9% growth in Morocco’s economy, adverse international economic conditions are causing the economy to slow down again, prompting experts to speculate the country’s economic growth is set to average 1% in 2022. Click here to read…

Tanzania installs internet on Mount Kilimanjaro for Insta-ascents

Tanzania has installed high-speed internet services on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, allowing anyone with a smartphone to tweet, Instagram or WhatsApp their ascent up Africa’s highest mountain. Click here to read…

Torrential rain, floods in Sudan kill 77 and destroy 14,500 homes

Flooding in Sudan has killed scores of people and destroyed an estimated 14,500 homes as seasonal rains pound the country, causing rivers to flood and destroying property. Click here to read…

Wildfires across Algeria kill at least 37 people

Wildfires have killed at least 37 people and injured dozens more across northern Algeria, with the fires continuing to rage in several areas of the North African country. Click here to read…

Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, Zimbabwe….15 must-read books this summe

For those in the Northern Hemisphere, the summer is a great time to recalibrate from a fast-paced year. Regardless if you are at a holiday destination or holed up in the comfort of your home, it’s a moment to catch up on literature, especially from Africa and Africans in the Diaspora. Click here to read…

All aboard Botswana’s Elephant Express

Botswana’s eastern Okavango panhandle has as many elephants as it does people, leading to conflict where they both live in close quarters. Can a solution as simple as a bus help? Click here to read…

How English is becoming a popular option in Algeria

The three main streets of the centre of the Algerian capital all radiate from the Grande Poste, a neo-Moorish edifice which sits above the city’s majestic bay. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

MoS Muraleedharan to visit Nigeria, address Nigeria-India Business Council meet

Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan will pay an official visit to Nigeria from August 22-23 and address the Nigeria-India Business Council (NIBC) meeting. Click here to read…

Egypt releases Postage Stamp celebrating 75th Anniversary of diplomatic ties with India

The two nations became even more closer in the 1950s and concluded a historic Friendship Treaty in 1955. During the last couple of years, the traditionally strong bilateral relations enjoyed by the two countries have received an impetus with regular exchange of high-level meetings and contacts between the two sides. Click here to read…

Jaishankar extends wishes to Egypt on 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday extended his wishes to his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry, the government and the people of Egypt on the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Click here to read…

Ghana-India Trade Bounces Back To $2.7b After COVID-19 Slowdown – High Commissioner

Trade between Ghana and India is on the path of recovery after plummeting in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to read…

India @ 75: Amrit Mahotsav in Mali strengthens India-Mali Relationship

The celebration of 75 years of India’s Independence and ongoing Amrit Mahotsav has led to deepening of India-Mali relationship. In particular, numerous events held in various parts of Mali have reinforced the people-to-people relationship between India and Mali and expanded the goodwill for each other and awareness about the growing potential for win-win partnership between the two countries. Click here to read…

Exclusive Satellite Pics: China’s New ‘Mission Indian Ocean’ Targets India

China’s naval base in Djibouti is its first overseas military base, built at a cost of $590 million and has been under construction since 2016. Click here to read…

An Expert Explains: Why a stable Kenya is in the interest of Africa and the world

Africa, and the world as a whole, could do without a meltdown in Kenya. The country is in transition, with a different tribal and class coalition, and new kinds of engagement. Click here to read…

Salesians in Zambia invite Indian film experts to train students

Salesian missionaries in Zambia have invited filmmaking experts from India to train youth who are passionate about filmmaking. Click here to read…

Africa Now – Weekly Newsletter (Week 33, 2022)

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

COMMENTARY

Navigating India-Africa relations in a post-pandemic world

India has traditionally prioritised Africa in its foreign policy. However, the current administration of Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi has shown an extraordinary determination to strengthen India’s longstanding ties to the African continentClick here to read…

Civil War in Ethiopia: Why India can’t let Africa’s second-most-populous country go Yugoslavia’s way

India should be more assertive and play an active role in helping the conflicting political factions to navigate towards a political settlement peacefully. Click here to read…

NEWS

Kenya election result: William Ruto wins presidential poll

Deputy President William Ruto has been declared the winner of Kenya’s presidential election amid dramatic scenes. Click here to read…

Kenya Elections 2022: Raila Odinga and William Ruto in tight race for president

Logistical delays and a failure of the identification kit in some parts of the country marred a largely peaceful election day in Kenya. Polls are now officially closed but voting has been extended in places which opened late. Click here to read…

East Africa won’t sleep well until Kenya counts the votes

On August 9, the cultural politics of East Africa could be reshaped in ways it hasn’t been in 37 years. Either Deputy President William Ruto or veteran opposition leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will become the fifth president of Kenya. Click here to read…

Ethiopia completes third filling of Blue Nile mega-dam reservoir

Ethiopia has completed the third filling of its mega-dam reservoir on the Blue Nile, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has announced, a development that could raise further tensions with downstream neighbours Egypt and Sudan. Click here to read…

France completes troop withdrawal from Mali

The last soldiers belonging to France’s Barkhane operation in Mali have now left the African country, the French chiefs of staff said on Monday. Click here to read…

German military mission to Mali suspended

Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht has announced that Germany’s military mission in Mali would be halted until further notice. France is withdrawing a larger force from Mali, as the junta has hired Russian mercenaries. Click here to read…

Sierra Leone president says protests aimed to overthrow the government

Sierra Leone’s president, Julius Maada Bio, said on Friday that this week’s anti-government protests, which led to the deaths of six police officers and at least 21 civilians, were an attempt to overthrow the government. Click here to read…

Angola enters final stretch of electoral campaigns

Angola has entered the final stretch of the electoral campaign, in the upcoming general elections on the 24th of August. Click here to read…

Guinea dissolves leading opposition group amid political unrest

Guinea’s junta-appointed government has dissolved the country’s leading opposition movement, the National Front for the Defence of the Constitution (FNDC), under a decree authenticated by AFP on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Hundreds rally in Sudan to support military-backed initiative

Hundreds of Sudanese rallied outside a Khartoum conference hall in a show of support for a political initiative backed by army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who last year led a military coup. Click here to read…

Chad military gov’t, opposition groups sign peace deal in Qatar

At least 40 groups sign a deal with the government to launch a national reconciliation dialogue, but the main rebel group refuses to take part. Click here to read…

‘Stakeholders’ reject extension of South Sudan’s transitional period

A group of “like minded” South Sudanese stakeholder have “categorically” reject the extension by the parties of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) period. Click here to read…

Burundi sends troops into Congo as part of East African force

Burundian troops entered the Democratic Republic of Congo on Monday as the first deployment of an East African regional force aiming to quell rebel violence, Congo’s army said. Click here to read…

UN Security Council to hold session for the appointment of Libya Special envoy

The UN Security Council is expected to hold a session on Libya this Monday, with the appointment of a new head of UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on top of the agenda, Libya Update reports. Click here to read…

Strategic importance of Djibouti

Djibouti occupies a very strategic maritime location at the mouth of the Red Sea and serves as an important transshipment location for goods entering and leaving the east African highlands. It is strategically positioned near the world’s busiest shipping lanes and acts as a refueling and transshipment center. Click here to read…

US Airstrike in Somalia Kills 14 al-Shabab Militants

Officials in central Somalia say a U.S. airstrike against al-Shabab militants has killed 14 fighters, the deadliest strike against the terrorist group in months. Click here to read…

UK pushes ahead with Rwanda migrant scheme as small boats keep coming

Housed in a detention centre in southern England, Aladeen says he risked his life to travel thousands of miles from his homeland of Syria to escape being forced to fight in the military of President Bashar al-Assad. Click here to read…

USA invests $ 2 billion in Africa, might impact Africa’s future

The US state Secretary Antony Blinken announced a 10-year program to strengthen democratic governance in sub-Saharan regions of Africa. The program is going to have a budget of 2 billion US dollars. Click here to read…

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in South Africa on Africa tour

Blinken’s visit to Africa is seen as part of a competition between Russia and Western powers for support from African countries over the war in Ukraine. Click here to read…

Blinken arrives in Africa ‘to counter Russian influence’ on the continent

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives in South Africa on Sunday to kick off a three-country tour that will also take him to DR Congo and Rwanda, aimed at “developing a strategy to counter Russian efforts to undermine democracy in Africa”, according to a France-based political scientist. Click here to read…

US Says New Africa Strategy Will Engage Leaders, Rethink Military Role

The White House on Monday unveiled broad new policy goals for sub-Saharan Africa, with administration officials seeking to tie the region’s democratic, economic and security progress to US national security. Click here to read…

Secretary of State Antony Blinken says U.S. is “equal partner” with African countries

The United States sees Africa’s 54 nations as “equal partners” in tackling global problems, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in South Africa Monday. Click here to read…

China Critical of Blinken’s Africa Offensive

We’re not in competition: That was the line from both the United States and China as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Africa this week, but analysts said the trip was indeed aimed at, among other things, countering Beijing’s massive influence on the continent. Click here to read…

China Backs $640 Million Sudan Rail Revamp Amid Economic Crunch

Sudan secured Chinese backing to begin a $640 million restoration of its railway network, pressing ahead with the ambitious project despite an economic crisis worsened by last year’s coup. Click here to read…

Moroccan ambassador: Morocco adheres to one-China policy

Moroccan Ambassador to China Aziz Mekouar recently reiterated the Kingdom of Morocco’s adherence to the one-China policy as the foundation of relations between the two friendly countries. Click here to read…

How the US lost Africa to China over new disease control centre in Addis Ababa

Just south of Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, the US$80 million new African disease control headquarters, built and funded by China, is nearing completion amid disquiet in Washington. Click here to read…

Uganda Boosted Fuel Buffer to 10 Days Ahead of Kenyan Election

Landlocked Uganda increased its fuel buffer to 100 million liters ahead of Kenya elections to avoid potential supply disruptions, as was the case in 2007 when voting-related violence erupted in Kenya, which is a main conduit for its imports. Click here to read…

The founding head of al-Qaeda is dead. But radicalism continues to thrive in Egypt.

When US President Joe Biden announced the killing of al-Qaeda leader Ayman al- Zawahiri on August 1, his family members in Cairo received news of his demise with shock and dismay. Click here to read…

Congo tests boundaries of democracy, climate action during Blinken visit

America’s top diplomat on Wednesday was hoping to showcase the potential for democracy and climate action here in one of Africa’s largest countries. But backsliding reality got in the way. Click here to read…

Ennahdha needs to change to save itself, and Tunisia’s democracy

Ennahdha is perhaps the only force remaining in Tunisia that can realistically act against President Saied’s autocratic regime – but to succeed, it needs to reform itself. Click here to read…

Police kill 3 in Somaliland opposition protests over vote

Police in Somaliland said they fired on opposition protesters Thursday amid tensions over an upcoming election, killing three people and wounding 27. Click here to read…

Tanzania, Zambia cross-border railway unlocks trade ties

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her Zambian counterpart, Haikande Hichilema, have agreed to upgrade the cross-border railway connecting the two countries to speed up economic progress as part of a broader push to strengthen ties. Click here to read…

Security expert warns UN Africa could be future IS caliphate

The Islamic State has expanded its influence beyond measure in Africa, with at least 20 countries directly experiencing the extremist group’s activity, said African security expert Martin Ewi. Click here to read…

Again, Angola Overtakes Nigeria in Oil Production

Angola has again produced more crude oil than Nigeria for the third consecutive month, as Africa’s biggest economy lost 74,000 barrels per day in July compared with the previous month of June. Click here to read…

African countries seek to revive Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline dream

Nigeria, Algeria and Niger — keen to benefit from EU efforts to wean itself off Russian gas — are renewing efforts to implement a decades-old plan. But is there enough political will and funding for the project? Click here to read…

Fire At Church in Egypt’s Cairo’s Kills 41

A fire at Coptic Church in Egypt’s Cairo killed 41 and injured 16 others. The fire broke out in an air conditioning unit in the church, Egypt’s Interior Ministry said. Egypt’s Coptic community and churches have been a target of religious-based violence in the past, reported CNN. Click here to read…

15 Soldiers Killed by Twin Blasts in Burkina Faso

At least 15 Burkinabe soldiers were killed when their vehicle hit several landmines in the northern region of the country. The number of those killed includes a rescue team that hit a second explosive while attempting to help the first vehicle. Click here to read…

Central African Republic President Says Successful Launch of Sango Coin a Key Milestone

According to Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, his country’s launch of the “Sango coin” currency, as well as the call for the creation of a common digital currency by the regional central bank, represent two key achievements for his country and all of Africa. Click here to read…

Electric cars changing the face of tourism in Tanzania

The advent of electric cars on the Tanzanian market has changed the way tourists visit National parks in Arusha and the whole of the Northern tourist circuit, the cars are silent and do not emit any carbon dioxide. Click here to read…

More than 150 endangered vultures poisoned in South Africa, Botswana

Birds died after feeding from carcass of buffalo, which appeared to have been laced with poison, conservationist says. Click here to read…

Tiny African kingdom enjoys some rare snow as Europe reels under heatwave

Visitors enjoy the snow at the Afriski ski resort near Butha-Buthe, Lesotho, Saturday July 30, 2022. While millions across Europe sweat through a summer of record-breaking heat, Afriski in the Maluti Mountains is Africa’s only operating ski resort south of the equator. Click here to read…

Ivory Coast rains raise farmers’ hopes for cocoa crop

Above-average rains last week in most of Ivory Coast’s cocoa regions could pave the way for an early and strong start to the October-to-March main crop if the weather remains favourable next month, farmers said on Monday. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

India highlights the importance of Africa to the International Community in UN

India’s Charge d’affairs to the United Nations, R Ravindra highlighted the importance of the African Continent to the international community on the 9th of August 2022 (Monday) in a UN briefing. Click here to read…

India urges international community to pay ‘close attention’ to Africa

Extending its support to peacebuilding in Africa and establishing capabilities and capacities, India on Monday urged the international community to pay close attention to the African voice and wisdom. Click here to read…

Egypt hands India COP27 invitation

Ambassador of Egypt to India Wael Hamed, handed the Indian Minister for External Affairs Vellamvelly Muraleedharan, President Abdel Fattah al Sisi invitation for the Indian Prime Minster Narendra Modi to participate in the UN Climate Change Conference [COP27] expected in November at Sharm al Sheikh. Click here to read…

Jaishankar wishes people of Chad on country’s Independence Day

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday extended greetings to the government and people of the Republic of Chad on the occasion of their Independence Day. Click here to read…

Jaishankar wishes people of Central African Republic on their Independence Day

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday extended greetings to the Government and people of the Central African Republic on their Independence Day. Click here to read…

Namgya Khampa appointed India’s High Commissioner to Kenya

Namgya C. Khampa has been appointed as the High Commissioner of India to Kenya, a press release by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. Click here to read…

India woos Africa with trade, tech and investment

India is trying to strengthen its long-standing ties to countries on the continent as New Delhi attempts to catch up with China, which has emerged as Africa’s largest trading partner. Click here to read…

India pledges commitment to end insecurity in Nigeria

The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Shri Balasubramanian, on Monday, pledged his country’s readiness to provide the needed support to end insecurity in Nigeria. Click here to read…

Trilateral Cooperation in Africa gets moving

Faced with China’s BRI and aggressive strategic intent, individual countries could not fulfil the challenge for an alternative to China. Thus, the concept of trilateral cooperation emerged. Click here to read…

Airtel Africa signs up for $125-mn credit pact with America’s Citi

Airtel Africa has signed up for a USD 125 million revolving facility from American banking major Citi. Click here to read…

ONE adds Kenya to Middle East – India – Africa service

Ocean Network Express (ONE) has introduced a new port call in Mombasa, Kenya to its Middle East – India – Mozambique (MIM) service. Click here to read…

50 Indian companies invest total $3.15bln in Egypt: Ambassador Gupte

The major Indian investments in Egypt include TCI Sanmar Chemicals (with the largest investment of $1.5bln), Alexandria Carbon Black Company, Kirloskar Group, Dabur, FLEX P. FILMS, Scib Paints, Godrej, Mahindra, and Monginis. Click here to read…

After vandalism during unrest in South Africa, India-based Cipla reopens Durban manufacturing site

Indian generic drug manufacturer Cipla revealed that one of its plants in South Africa has reopened more than a month after it was vandalized during a period of civil unrest that claimed the lives of more than 300 and caused an estimated $3.3 billion in economic losses. Click here to read…

Mahatma Gandhi founded 3 football clubs in South Africa

It may appear that our dusty history books have done their part to enlighten us about Mahatma Gandhi’s magnificent figure — the lawyer, the anti-colonial resistance leader, and the political campaigner — all of which add to his reputation as the Father of the Nation. Click here to read…

Africa Now – Weekly Newsletter (Week 32, 2022)

Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent – news that matters.
Week 32, 2022

COMMENTARY

Tracing the Future of India-Africa Defence Cooperation

In his address to the Ugandan Parliament in July 2018, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi enunciated the ten guiding principles of India’s engagement with Africa and elucidated the importance of each principle. Click here to read…

Burundi at 60 is the poorest country on the planet: a look at what went wrong

Co-opted administrative and economic bureaucracies have appropriated power and wealth by force, first for the benefit of a Tutsi and then of a Hutu eliteClick here to read…

NEWS

Senegal’s ruling party, opposition both claim victory after legislative vote

Senegalese President Macky Sall’s ruling party and the opposition both claimed victory after legislative elections on Sunday, while awaiting the release of official results. Click here to read…

Tunisia civil society groups raise questions over referendum data

Amid complaints over data management, election authority maintains the results of constitutional referendum are valid. Click here to read…

Media on the spot as Angola’s vote looms

The tone of the Angolan electoral campaign has risen again, with the Electoral Commission warning parties to avoid messages that can incite violence and division. Click here to read…

South Sudan extends transitional govt by 2 yrs

South Sudan’s parties to the unity government on Thursday extended the transitional period by two years. Click here to read…

Mali agrees to integrate 26,000 ex-rebels into army

Ex-combatants will be merged in “two tranches of 13,000” fighters, says junta-appointed government, a move billed to help restructure the national army and better represent northern Tuareg region. Click here to read…

Egypt categorically rejects Ethiopia’s unilateral filling of GERD in letter to UN Security Council

The letter stressed that this is a clear violation of the 2015 Declaration of Principles agreement and a serious violation of the applicable rules of international law, which oblige Ethiopia, as an upstream country, not to harm the rights of downstream countries. Click here to read…

Ramaphosa scolds ruling ANC for losing South Africans’ trust

In a sombre address to an ANC national policy conference in Johannesburg, Ramaphosa urged delegates to come up with ways to tackle the corruption, persistent poverty, unemployment and poor public services. Click here to read…

UN relaxes arms embargo on Central African Republic

The U.N. Security Council voted Friday to relax the arms embargo against the Central African Republic, a disappointment to its government, which sought a complete lifting of the ban on the sale or transfer of weapons and ammunition. Click here to read…

Detentions loom over Egypt’s political dialogue

After nine years of sweeping crackdowns on dissent, Egypt is set to launch a carefully choreographed political dialogue, but the main Islamist opposition movement is excluded and critics say a parallel move to release prisoners is proceeding too slowly. Click here to read…

Social Media Platforms Under Scrutiny Ahead of Kenyan Elections

Authorities in Kenya have given Facebook a week to comply with regulations related to hate speech after a report found the social media giant had failed to address the issue ahead of elections next month. Click here to read…

Russia eyes Port Sudan as key naval hub

On July 31, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree approving the country’s new Maritime Doctrine. This conceptual document redefines the goals and objectives of maritime policy, emphasizes the oceanic purpose of the Russian navy and strengthens the confrontation with the United States and NATOClick here to read…

China allegedly deploying huge no of ex-PLA personnel in Africa

In the beginning of the 21st century, China’s presence in Africa in terms of trade and investment was almost negligible. By 2009, it had overtaken the US in Africa by becoming its largest trading partner and by 2020, under the Belt and Road Initiative, it invested in Africa more than $60 billion of the total $139 billion it pumped in for projects across the world. Click here to read…

Guinea junta slammed over use of force, urged to hold dialogue after deadly banned demos

A coalition of political parties, trade unions and other bodies, demanded ‘the immediate opening of a framework for inclusive dialogue’ in Guinea and threatened new demonstrations from 15 August. Click here to read…

Zambia cancels US$1.6 billion Chinese loans and halts infrastructure projects in move to avoid debt crisis

Zambia has cancelled US$1.6 billion in agreed upon but not-disbursed Chinese loans, mostly from China Exim Bank and the Industrial Commercial Bank of China, to help manage its debt woes. Click here to read…

Morocco king favours restoration of diplomatic ties with Algeria

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has called for a restoration of diplomatic ties with neighbouring Algeria, which broke off diplomatic relations with Rabat last year. Click here to read…

From al-Shabab to the cabinet: Somalia’s move fuels debate

Somalia’s appointment of a former al-Shabab leader to the cabinet is fuelling debate. Click here to read…

Rwanda backing M23 rebels in DRC: UN experts

A UN group of experts finds ‘solid evidence’ that Kigali is supporting M23 fighters despite repeated denials. Click here to read…

After years of hostility, Turkey forges ties with eastern Libya

Turkey’s hosting of the head of Libya’s eastern-based parliament sets a meaningful landmark in its bid to reshape its Libya policy. Click here to read…

1st Deployment Of S-350 Missiles? Leaked Satellite Image of Russian-Made ‘Vityaz SAM’ Surfaces Online

Algeria appears to have deployed its Russian-made S-350 ‘Vityaz’ air defense system near the border with Morocco, per recent media reports and satellite images doing the rounds on social media. The deployment reportedly comes in response to the recent Moroccan-Israeli rapprochement. Click here to read…

More than 600 hostages of the Islamic State freed in northern Mozambique

A joint Rwandan military contingent, with their Mozambican counterparts and forces of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), have liberated more than 600 hostages in the Province of Cabo Delgado, in northern Mozambique. Click here to read…

10 killed by suspected rebels in DR Congo

Suspected fighters from a notorious rebel group have killed 10 civilians in an attack in Ituri in eastern DR Congo, local officials said Saturday, as fighting continued. Click here to read…

12 security personnel killed in attacks in Burkina Faso

Suspected militants in northern Burkina Faso have killed three soldiers and nine civilian auxiliaries, local and security sources said on Friday. Click here to read…

Mob attacks illegal miners after rapes shock South Africa

Thousands of angry residents in the South African city of Krugersdorp attacked a group of illegal miners with machetes, golf clubs and hammers after a gang rape last week shocked the nation. Click here to read…

Forgotten Zimbabwe City of Bulawayo Gets a Dam as Vote Looms

A $42-million dam a century in the making could end water shortages for more than half a million Zimbabweans — and win votes for the ruling party in an opposition stronghold that may decide next year’s presidential election. Click here to read…

Mauritania passes controversial bill on national languages in primary school

Mauritania’s National Assembly passed a new law introducing national languages into primary education, but the text has been heavily criticized by the black Mauritanian community, which fears that Arabic will be imposed on them. Click here to read…

Benin joins the electric motorcycle revolution

Two-wheelers are sought after in many sub-Saharan African cities. The vehicles often charge less than cars for a ride. In Cotonou, Benin’s capital, there are more than 250,000 motorcycle taxi drivers, known as zemidjan. Click here to read…

Africa observes Women’s Day to affirm social, economic status of women in Continent

Africa is observing Women’s Day on Sunday, a day earmarked to recognise and affirm the role of women’s organising in achieving the political freedom of Africa and advancing the social and economic status of women on the continent. Click here to read…

Uganda LGBT rights: Government shuts down key advocacy group

Sexual Minorities Uganda (Smug) has been ordered to shut down with “immediate effect” for not registering properly with authorities. Click here to read…

BOOK REVIEW: NoViolet Bulawayo’s novel is an allegory of Zimbabwe politics

In Zimbabwean author NoViolet Bulawayo’s new novel Glory — longlisted for the Booker Prize 2022 — animals take on human characteristics. Through this she explores what happens when an authoritarian regime implodes, using characters who are horses, pigs, dogs, cows, cats, chickens, crocodiles, birds and butterflies. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

India-Gabon Relations: Building on Opportunities

Last week a bevy of diplomats and high-level ministers from several African countries descended in capital for a two-day business summit. This was 17th edition of the conclave launched by CII-Exim Bank on India-Africa Growth Partnership, seventeen years ago in 2005. Click here to read…

India, South Africa hold 11th Foreign Office Consultations, review ties

India and South Africa held the third round of the 11th Round of Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi on Wednesday where both sides reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations. Click here to read…

Abu Dhabi, India firms set to invest in Tanzania ports

The government’s pro-business policies are increasingly attracting investors to Tanzania with the latest entrants being Abu Dhabi Ports PSJC (AD Ports Group) and India’s largest integrated ports and logistics company, Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd. Click here to read…

India, Mauritius to include provisions in trade pact to deal with sudden rise in imports

India and Mauritius have agreed to include provisions related to the automatic trigger safeguard mechanism in their trade pact to deal with a sudden increase in imports, the commerce ministry said on Thursday. Click here to read…

Leyland ties up with Kenya bank

Ashok Leyland’s authorised distributors – Deluxe Trucks and Buses in Kenya have signed a partnership agreement with Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) to jointly promote the Ashok Leyland brand of vehicles. Click here to read…

INS Tarkash visits Dakar, Senegal

INS Tarkash visited Port Dakar, Senegal, from 31 July to 01 August 2022 and was received at Dakar by officials of the Embassy of India, Senegal and Senegal Navy. Click here to read…

India’s ONGC Videsh, Indian Oil weigh stake in Tullow’s $3bn Kenya project

ONGC Videsh and Indian Oil Corp are in talks to acquire a stake in Tullow Oil Plc’s $3.4 billion project in Kenya, according to people with knowledge of the matter. Click here to read…

India to source Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) from Senegal in West Africa

As part of the self-reliant India initiative to promote self-sufficiency in Fertilisers, Government of India has been advising and supporting the Indian fertiliser companies to strengthen their backend supply chain. Click here to read…

AD Ports Group and India’s Adani Ports to explore investment opportunities in Tanzania

AD Ports Group, the operator of industrial cities and free zones in Abu Dhabi, and India’s Adani Ports have signed a preliminary agreement to explore joint investment opportunities in Tanzania. Click here to read…

Mauritius Telecom CEO, who leaked Indian team visit, under lens for China links

The country’s Central Criminal Investigation Department Special Cell has questioned Sherry Singh for three possible offenses: Breach of Information & Communication Technologies Act (Icta), Diffusion of False News and Criminal Defamation. Click here to read…

Africa Now – Weekly Newsletter (Week 31, 2022)

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

COMMENTARY

Forging a New Path for India-Africa Relations

As the world transitions to post-pandemic optimism, India and Africa have emerged as twin centres of growth and are poised to transform their multi-faceted economic relationship. Click here to read…

Islamic State’s Expansion in Africa and its Implications for Southeast Asia

Will the group’s call for hijrah (migration) to Africa prompt Southeast Asian Muslims to join the struggle? Click here to read…

France still not paid for humanitarian crimes committed in Africa

It is now a known fact that colonialism, which has been adopted by the West, particularly in France, as an “innocent ideology of helping socially, economically and politically underdeveloped nations adapt to the civilized world.” Click here to read…

NEWS

Tunisia’s Saïed consolidates power with new constitution

Tunisian voters have approved a new constitution by referendum vote, one that further consolidates power for President Kaïs Saïed despite concerns from the political opposition over the future of the country’s democracy. Click here to read…

West Africa bloc chair says Guinea accepts two-year transition

The chair of the West African regional bloc has said Guinea will cut the timeline of its planned transition to civilian rule from three to two years. Click here to read…

Angola’s campaigns gain momentum as political parties call for peace

The first week of the election campaign in Angola went more smoothly. The political tensions of the pre-election period dropped considerably and the tone of the candidates has also become more positive. Click here to read…

The ‘Hustler-in-Chief’ or the veteran ‘Baba’ politician, who will be Kenya’s next president?

On August 9, Kenyans head to the polls and with soaring food and fuel prices, high unemployment and post-pandemic stagnation, a change in leadership could not come at a more critical time for East Africa’s largest economy. Click here to read…

Algeria, Niger and Nigeria sign MoU for Saharan gas pipeline

Algeria, Nigeria and Niger have signed a memorandum of understanding to build a natural gas pipeline across the Sahara Desert. Click here to read…

Blinken to Visit South Africa, DR Congo and Rwanda

U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will travel to three African countries from August 7 to 12 with visits to South Africa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and RwandaClick here to read…

Has the UN’s peacekeeping mission in DR Congo failed?

Several killed in violent protests calling for UN peacekeepers to leave. At least 12 civilians and three members of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) have been killed in days of anti-UN protests. Click here to read…

Egypt protests against Ethiopia’s plan to fill Nile dam reservoir

Cairo lodges its protest at UN Security Council, objecting to Addis Ababa’s unilateral filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam without a binding deal with downstream countries including Sudan. Click here to read…

In Mali, ‘risks of political and military escalation’ between the government and ex-rebels of the north

The last time that relations were this tense between the former Tuareg rebel groups and the Malian government was in 2015 when the peace process was launched in Algiers. Click here to read…

Al Shabab attacks military base on Somalia-Ethiopia border

Al Shabab militants have attacked a military base on the Somalia-Ethiopia border, triggering fierce fighting that caused an unknown number of casualties, security officials said. Click here to read…

Ethiopian Authorities to Create Buffer Zone Inside Somalia

A local Somali official has welcomed a plan by Ethiopia’s Somali state to create a buffer zone along the border inside Somalia to fight militant group al-Shabab. Click here to read…

Zimbabwe yearns for real change

NOVEMBER 17, 2017 marked the end of the late former President Robert Gabriel Mugabe’s reign, who had tormented the people of Zimbabwe since 1980. Click here to read…

Burkina Faso’s Compaoré apologises to family of murdered Sankara

Burkina Faso’s former president Blaise Compaoré, sentenced in absentia to life in jail for the 1987 assassination of revolutionary icon Thomas Sankara, has apologised to the ex-leader’s family. Click here to read…

Senegal legislative poll tests ruling party ahead of 2024 vote

Senegal’s main opposition coalition is vying to gain clout in legislative polls on Sunday that will set the scene for a presidential election in 2024 – which could see President Macky Sall run for a controversial third term. Click here to read…

Malawi President Launches Anti-Corruption Campaign to Fight Graft

Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera launched a nationwide anti-corruption campaign Tuesday at the end of a two-day conference on graftClick here to read…

Nigerian senators urge Buhari impeachment over insecurity

Parliament is controlled by the ruling APC and any move to impeach Buhari would require support from two-thirds of the 109 senators. Click here to read…

Tunisians vote to expand president’s powers

Tunisians voted to drastically expand the president’s powers and critics warn the referendum could usher in a dictatorship. Click here to read…

Civilians in crossfire as shifting alliances spark Libya violence

Fathi Bashagha, one of Libya’s two rival prime ministers, is from Misrata – as is his rival, Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, whose internationally recognised government sits in Tripoli. Click here to read…

Power line kills 4 at anti-UN protest in eastern Congo

Four people participating in demonstrations against the United Nations peacekeeping mission in eastern Congo were killed Wednesday when a high-voltage power line fell on them, officials said. Click here to read…

France’s Macron heads to Africa for three-nation trip

The four-day visit to Cameroon, Benin and Guinea-Bissau is the French leader’s first diplomatic trip outside of Europe since winning re-election, showing how Africa is high on the list of priorities for the former colonial power. Click here to read…

Russia’s reengagement with Africa pays off

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is on a four-nation tour to Africa. The trip is part of Russia’s ongoing charm offensive on the continent to shore up support. Click here to read…

Macron says France will stand by Africa on security issues

French President Emmanuel Macron has wrapped up a meeting with Paul Biya, his counterpart in Cameroon, the first port of call on his three nation tour. He reiterated that France would continue to support Africa’s security needs. Click here to read…

French president wraps up Africa tour in Guinea-Bissau

French President Emmanuel Macron wrapped up a three-country Africa tour in Guinea-Bissau Thursday that saw him pledge funding for education and economic development as well as military support to fight extremism in West and Central Africa. Click here to read…

Benin marks Macron visit by releasing 30 jailed opposition politicians

This week’s visit to Benin by French President Emmanuel Macron was marked by the release of 30 opposition figures, imprisoned during the April 2021 election campaign. Click here to read…

Israel Reaffirms Support for Morocco’s Sovereignty Over Western Sahara

Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Gideon Sa’ar reaffirmed on Wednesday his country’s support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara. Click here to read…

Russia is plundering gold in Sudan to boost Putin’s war effort in Ukraine

Days after Moscow launched its bloody war on Ukraine, a Russian cargo plane stood on a Khartoum runway, a strip of tarmac surrounded by red-orange sand. Click here to read…

Uganda: Lavrov visit to Museveni creates headache for Washington

Uganda welcomed its highest-ever ranking visit from a Moscow official on 26 July. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov got a warm welcome from President Yoweri Museveni. Click here to read…

Zambia commissions China-financed project to improve water supply in Zambian capital

Zambia on Friday commissioned a project financed by China aimed at improving water supply and sanitation in Lusaka, the Zambian capital. Click here to read…

Central African Republic’s digital coin finds few buyers

The sale of Central African Republic’s first digital coin got off to a slow start, with just over 5% of the target bought in the hours after its launch, amid questions about the project’s transparency and a wider downturn in the industry. Click here to read…

Tanzania, Zambia Sh1.4 trillion power line to start in 2023

The Coordinator of the Tanzania-Zambia Project (Taza) – which involves the construction of electricity transmission infrastructure between the two countries – Mr Elias Makunga, said yesterday that actual execution of the project will start in January, 2023. Click here to read…

Mozambique LNG: Saipem says work will not restart in 2022 and original EPC contract will be revised

Force majeure will not be lifted until 2023 at earliest, while contract to build LNG trains will be revamped to account for higher costs. Click here to read…

Egypt cancels contracts for 240,000 T of stranded Ukrainian wheat

Egypt has cancelled contracts for a total of 240,000 tonnes of Ukrainian wheat that were booked by its state grains buyer for February and March delivery but never loaded due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Click here to read…

Burundi secretly sent troops to DR Congo – rights group

Burundi has secretly sent hundreds of troops and members of a youth militia into neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo since the end of 2021 to fight an armed rebel group, a Burundian human rights group said Wednesday. Click here to read…

Wildfires in northern Morocco, a villager prosecuted

A villager was charged for involuntary fire in the northern Moroccan province of Larache, the region most affected by violent forest fires, a judicial source said. Click here to read…

Mali and Burkina Faso: Did the coups halt jihadist attacks?

Widespread anger at chronic insecurity in the West African countries of Mali and Burkina Faso paved the way for military men to kick out failing governments over the past two years. Click here to read…

As Zimbabwe struggles with daily blackouts, Zambia declares huge 1,000MW electricity surplus

ZAMBIA’S integrated power utility ZESCO has declared that the country how has surplus capacity of about 1,000 megawatts (MW) at a time the country is also enjoying an economic rebound. Click here to read…

Chinese-built highway inaugurated in southwestern Cameroon

A major Chinese-built highway in southwestern Cameroon was inaugurated on Friday. Click here to read…

Rwanda on course to grow electric mobility market

Five years ago, Rwanda announced plans to introduce environmentally friendly transport services as part of the efforts to prioritise a climate resilient low carbon economy. Click here to read…

Africa Protected Areas Congress: Continent gets $200 billion conservation fund

A $200 billion trust fund has been initiated to conserve around 8,600 protected areas covering 26 million square kilometres in Africa. Conservationists have called for global contributions to it. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

India extends 222 LoCs worth $14.07 bn in Africa, 37 LoCs to neighbours

The LoCs projects in African nations are spread across sectors roads, railways, power, ports and shipping, education, telecom, health, and aviation. Click here to read…

The 17th CII-EXIM Bank Conclave on India

The CII-EXIM Bank Conclave in India, which was held recently, focused on enhancing India-Africa relations through entrepreneurial initiatives and trade. Click here to read…

32,000 Africans earn scholarships from India

Some 32,000 African students have benefited from Indian government scholarships since 2015, part of the 50,000 opportunities the country had pledged to give African students over a 10-year period. Click here to read…

Egypt signs $8 billion agreement with India for Suez Canal Economic Zone

Egypt and an Indian company have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to construct a green hydrogen factory in the Suez Canal Economic Zone. Click here to read…

ReNew Power eyes green hydrogen projects in Africa

NASDAQ-listed ReNew Power Ltd is looking to foray into Africa by developing green hydrogen projects in Egypt and Morocco. Click here to read…

Zambia attracts $5B investment from India

Indian investment amounting to $5 billion is in the pipeline for Zambia, targeting sectors such as health, agriculture, and infrastructure development, the Zambian deputy president announced on Wednesday. Click here to read…

India to invest $700m in Egypt

India looks forward to pumping additional investments into Egypt amounting to about $700 million in the coming few years, New Delhi’s ambassador in Cairo has said. Click here to read…

INS Tarkash commences Atlantic deployment by exercising with Morocco Navy

Indian Navy on Friday said its guided missile frigate, INS Tarkash, completed her Mediterranean deployment and entered the Atlantic to continue with her long-range voyage. Click here to read…

LS Speaker Om Birla and Esperanca Bias sign MoU of Cooperation between Parliaments of India and Mozambique

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla held a bilateral meeting with the Speaker of the Assembly of Mozambique, Esperanca Laurinda Francisco Nhiuane Bias at Parliament House Complex today. Click here to read…

India, COMESA trade stands at $15bn

THE value of trade between India and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) member states stood at US$15 billion in 2021. Click here to read…

PM Modi calls for speedy probe in Congo attack

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, discussed with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres the recent attack on UN mission personnel in Congo, in which two Indian peacekeepers were killed, and called for an expeditious investigation to bring the perpetrators of the incident to justice. Click here to read…

President Ramaphosa welcomes Serum Institute of India’s $2.5 million pledge to boost Africa’s healthcare

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday welcomed the Serum Institute of India’s (SII) pledge to provide an initial 2.5 million U.S. dollars to support the African Union (AU) COVID-19 Commission to improve healthcare systems on the continent. Click here to read…

Mozambique Parliamentary delegation calls on President Droupadi Murmu

A Parliamentary delegation from Mozambique called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday. Click here to read…

Will India Try Again for a Military Base in Seychelles?

India’s previous efforts to secure a base on Assumption Island were rebuffed. As China gains ground, will New Delhi make another offer? Click here to read…

India Calls for UN Security Council Meeting After Attack in DR Congo

India had called for a meeting of the United Nations Security Council after an attack on the UN mission in Congo killed Indian and Moroccan peacekeepers and also ensured that a strong-worded statement is issued by the 15-nation body that calls for accountability for the killing of the Blue Helmets. Click here to read…

IIT-Madras considers setting up campus in Tanzania; Nepal, Lanka too send requests

An offshore campus of IIT Madras in Tanzania is among the options on the government’s table as it works on a plan to ensure the country’s premier engineering institutes have a presence on the world map. Click here to read…

Grand Hindu Temple in Madagascar’s Capital City

India’s Ambassador to Madagascar and Comoros, Abhay Kumar, yesterday inaugurated a grand Hindu temple in Madagascar’s capital city Antananarivo. Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the statues of the deities were unveiled amidst hymns and devotional songs. The temple, the first of its kind in the city, is built by the Hindu Samaj. Click here to read…

Indian Overseas Center inaugurated in Madagascar

The Foreign Minister of Madagascar, an East African country, Richard Randriamandrato, inaugurated the Indian Diaspora Center ‘Indian Dhow’ in Antananarivo on Friday. Click here to read…

South African Tourism launches digital campaign for India

South African Tourism has announced the launch of a digital campaign for India in partnership with Air Seychelles. Click here to read…

Airtel’s Africa business reports net profit of $178 million in Q1FY23, a 25% on-year jump

Revenue for the quarter ended June 2022 rose 13%-on year and 2.8% sequentially in reported currency, to $1.257 billion, the company said Thursday. Average revenue per user (ARPU) was up 0.6% on quarter and 4.4% on year, at $2.9. Click here to read…

Ongc Videsh, Indian Oil weigh stake in $3 billion Kenya project

ONGC Videsh and Indian Oil Corp. are in talks to acquire a stake in Tullow Oil Plc’s $3.4 billion project in Kenya, according to people with knowledge of the matter. Click here to read…

How fears of Chinese digital espionage ‘got RAW involved in Mauritius, led to snooping scandal’

Allegations that Mauritius PM Pravind Jugnauth allowed Indian tech team to install equipment for intercepting internet traffic have snowballed into growing political scandal. Click here to read…

Africa Now – Weekly Newsletter (Week 30, 2022)

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

COMMENTARY

India’s Economic Imperatives in Africa

Africa has a combined GDP of over $2 trillion and a population base of more than 1 billion. With this consolidated GDP accompanied by a large market, Africa is slowly becoming an important stakeholder in different global platforms. Click here to read…

Uganda 50 years after the expulsion of Indians

August marks an important anniversary for two nation-communities; Ugandans and Ugandan diaspora Indians. 2022 marks the 50th year since the expulsion of the Indian community from Uganda in August 1972, when then-president Idi Amin gave them 90 days to either leave the country or face unknown consequences. Click here to read…

NEWS

Mauritius, Ghana and The Gambia are the top 3 most peaceful countries in Sub-Saharan Africa

The 2022 Global Peace Index (GPI) has ranked Mauritius, Ghana and The Gambia as the top three most peaceful countries in sub-Saharan AfricaClick here to read…

Biden to host African leaders for Dec summit in Washington

President Joe Biden announced Wednesday that he’ll host African leaders for a summit in Washington in mid-December. Click here to read…

Togo opens consulate general in Dakhla

The inauguration ceremony was chaired by Togo’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Togolese Abroad, Robert Dussey, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Abroad, Nasser Bourita. Click here to read…

Lesotho’s general elections scheduled on October 7

Lesotho says it will hold its general elections on October 7, in the latest round of polling in the landlocked southern African country. Click here to read…

Kenya beefs up security ahead of August 9 elections

Kenyan police have pledged increased security in advance of the August 9 national elections. A total of 150,000 policemen selected from partner security agencies will be deployed during the elections. Click here to read…

French president to visit Cameroon, Benin and Guinea-Bissau

French President Emmanuel Macron will tour sub-Saharan Africa from July 25 to 28, taking him to Cameroon, Benin and Guinea-Bissau, the Élysée Palace announced Thursday. Click here to read…

African Union hails landmark Russia-Ukraine grain deal

The African Union (AU) on Saturday hailed a landmark deal between Ukraine and Russia that will allow Kyiv to resume exports of grain through the Black Sea and relieve a global food crisis. Click here to read…

Mixed reactions as Nigeria’s state oil firm goes private

After more than half a century in existence as a government monopoly, Nigeria’s oil company, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), is set to open up its capital to private investors. Click here to read…

Chad rebels restart peace-building talks with interim military authorities

Chad rebels said on Friday they would renew their participation in peace-building talks with the interim authorities, after breaking off negotiations last week. Click here to read…

Somalia makes fresh appeal to join EAC

The President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has rekindled his country’s request to join the East African Community (EAC). Click here to read…

Parliament approves $750 million loan agreement with Afrexim Bank for infrastructure, budget support

The loan is part of a $1 billion dollar facility, the government is seeking to shore up its reserves as well as to pay for several infrastructure projects across the country. Click here to read…

Arab spring torchbearer Tunisia returning to autocracy?

On Monday, Tunisians will vote on a new constitution supported by a president who is accused by his detractors of attempting to reimpose tyranny in the country that gave birth to the Arab SpringClick here to read…

Morocco and Israel continue to get closer

Israel and Morocco strengthen military ties. Israel’s army chief Aviv Kohavi’s who arrived in Morocco on Monday met with the Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Belkhir El Farouk, an Israeli statement confirmed. Click here to read…

Omani delegation visits Tanzania to review investment opportunities

A joint team consisting of personnel from Oman Investment Authority, Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development and Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa visited Tanzania. Click here to read…

China eyes military base in Indian Ocean region in Madagascar

High level visits have been taking place between the defence forces of China and Madagascar and a military base could be set up by Beijing in the island, ET has reliably gathered. Click here to read…

Mauritania, Spain aim to expand cooperation

Mauritania’s president and Spain’s foreign minister discussed ways to expand cooperation between their two countries Wednesday. Click here to read…

Senegal protests poke holes in its longstanding image of stability

Senegal is often lauded in international circles as a beacon of stability in the region – with a notable lack of military coups and a history of peaceful presidential transitions – but its reputation is at risk of slipping. Click here to read…

Clashes erupt on outskirts of Libya’s Misrata

Clashes erupted between rival groups on the outskirts of the Libyan city of Misrata on Saturday, before being halted by the intervention of another armed force. Click here to read…

Clashes in Sudan’s Blue Nile leave thousands stranded without aid

Tribal fighting in Sudan’s Blue Nile state has forced thousands of people from their homes after violence broke out earlier in July over a land dispute between the Birta and Hausa ethnic groups. Click here to read…

Attack reported near ruby mine in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado

Precious gem producer Gemfields has reported an attack close to its ruby mine in Mozambique’s northern Cabo Delgado province, but said operations have not been halted. Click here to read…

Attack on Base in Mali Brings Conflict to Doorstep of Capital

Insurgents used two booby-trapped vehicles full of explosives in the raid, the West African nation’s military said. The uptick in violence has come as French troops prepare to leave the country. Click here to read…

Somalia’s Al-Shabab Militants Launch Attack in Ethiopia; Heavy Casualties Reported

Al-Shabab militants from Somalia launched a cross-border attack into Ethiopia’s Somali region Thursday, triggering gunbattles with Ethiopia’s paramilitary Liyu police that caused an unknown number of casualties. Click here to read…

Jihadist blow up two crucial bridges in Burkina Faso

Two bridges were blown up by armed groups in Burkina Faso on Friday night by suspected Jihadists in the West African nation. Click here to read…

South Africa’s Energy Crisis Escalates

Behind rolling power cuts loom deep-seated socio-economic issues worsened by the rich countries of the world. Click here to read…

Italy signs energy deals with Algeria in bid to sidestep Russia
The Italian government has sealed a series of agreements with Algeria, as European countries ramp up their push to disengage from Russia after it invaded Ukraine and secure alternative energy supplies. Click here to read…

Malawi government, Huawei commission national data center

The Malawian government and Chinese information and communications technology (ICT) company Huawei have commissioned Malawi’s first-ever National Data Center. Click here to read…

Construction of Chinese-built hydropower plant in Zambia nears completion

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema speaks after touring the Kafue Lower Gorge Power Station in Southern Province, Zambia, July 21, 2022. Click here to read…

Mulk International’s $500m Zim Cyber City project launched in Zimbabwe

Zim Cyber City, a $500 million mixed-use hi-tech park at the outskirts of Zimbabwe’s capital city Harare, was launched on Wednesday. Click here to read…

South Africa’s Mbeki Sees Danger of Arab Spring-Like Protests

South Africa’s former President Thabo Mbeki warned that the country faces the danger of protests similar to those that toppled governments in the Arab world a decade ago unless it addresses growing lawlessness and inequality. Click here to read…

Russia Will Support Africans To ‘complete The Process Of Decolonisation’: FM Sergey Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Thursday that Russia has always supported Africans in their struggle for liberation against colonial tyranny. Click here to read…

Tunisia is the sole survivor of the Arab Spring. It was nice while it lasted.

On July 25, Tunisians return to the polls for a historical vote: a referendum on whether to repeal the democratically-drafted constitution of 2014 and replace it with a new charter immaculately conceived by President Kais Saied. Click here to read…

ICJ: The Gambia’s Myanmar genocide case can proceed

Judges at the United Nations’ highest court on Friday dismissed preliminary objections by Myanmar to a case alleging the Southeast Asian nation is responsible for genocide against the Rohingya ethnic minority. Click here to read…

Rwanda says it can only bring in 200 migrants from UK under controversial deportation scheme

The Rwandan government has defended the controversial asylum agreement but said it only has the capacity to hold 200 migrants currently. Click here to read…

DRC to auction oil and gas permits in endangered gorilla habitat

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has announced it will auction oil and gas permits in critically endangered gorilla habitat and the world’s largest tropical peatlands next weekClick here to read…

Adopt community-led initiatives for conservation: Africa Protected Area Congress

Community-led interventions always tend to support conservation measures, said experts at the first Africa Protected Areas Congress (APAC). Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

India-African trades reached a record US$89.5 bln in FY2020/2021

Trade between India and Africa reached a new record in the 2020-2021 fiscal year that ended on March 31, 2021. Click here to read…

Africa Plays Important Role In India’s Foreign Policy: EAM Jaishankar

The African continent plays an important role in India’s foreign policy outlook and the two-way engagement has seen a major upswing in the last eight years, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

India among top five investors in Africa: Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday said that India is among the top five countries that have invested in the African continent. Click here to read…

India, Africa partners in progress; solar, drinking water key areas. says Industry Minister Goyal

“The geopolitical situation in certain parts of the world have disrupted supply chains to the extent that it started hurting our economic interests, but I do believe that the economic outlook in the long run is surely going to be very promising both for the African continent and India because this is where the markets and future opportunities are,” he said. Click here to read…

Union Minister Piyush Goyal emphasizes Need For India-Africa Trade and Investment Agreement

Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textile Piyush Goyal has emphasized upon the need for a trade and investment agreement between India and Africa. Click here to read…

India Wants Partnership That Will Be Comfortable And Beneficial For Africa: Goyal

Goyal said that we believe that the destiny of nearly 3 billion people is in our hands as India and Africa offer future opportunities that are unparalleled. Click here to read…

Time is ripe for India to explore trade deal with AfCFTA: Commerce Secy

With the signing of the world’s largest free trade area–African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)–the time is right for India to explore a trade with the union, commerce secretary BVR Subrahmanyan said on Wednesday. Click here to read…

India, Africa may soon start talks for trade pact

India is likely to soon start talks for a trade and investment agreement with African nations to further bolster bilateral commerce, an official source told FE. Click here to read…

Time for India, Africa to talk of trade pact: trade secretary

Commerce secretary BVR Subrahmanyam on Wednesday said that the time has come for India and Africa to start talking to engage in a Comprehensive Economic Partnership or a free trade agreement (FTA). Click here to read…

India’s Digital Initiatives Like UPI, ONDC Can Benefit Africa Immensely: Piyush Goyal

Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal has said that India’s digital initiatives like Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) can immensely benefit Africa. Click here to read…

Goyal calls for deepening trade ties with Africa; exploring solar energy, startup ecosystem

Solar energy, infrastructure, military cooperation and startup ecosystem are four critical areas where India can be a valuable partner to African nations, Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

India Seeks Better Use Of Market Access SOPs By African Nations, CII Hints At $200 Billion Trade By 2030

The government has called for diversification of the trade basket between India and Africa and for deeper cooperation in bilateral investment. Click here to read…

Indian investments in Africa can go up to $ 150 billion by 2030: CII

The CII report said that since April 1996, India has invested $74 billion in Africa; however, these flows are concentrated in Mauritius and are majorly by public sector companies for energy and raw material assets. Click here to read…

India-Africa trade ties offer huge potential but challenges remain

As India and Africa weigh the feasibility of a broad trade and investment agreement, the potential of scaling up bilateral commerce remains huge but negotiators have to traverse substantial challenges as well to clinch a win-win deal. Click here to read…

NTPC Signs MoU With Moroccan Agency For Sustainable Energy For Cooperation In Renewable Energy

India’s largest integrated energy company, NTPC signed a MoU with MASEN (Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy) for cooperation in renewable energy sector during the 17th CII EXIM Conclave on India Africa Growth Partnership held in New Delhi from 19th-20th July 2022. Click here to read…

Morocco’s agency for sustainable energy, India’s largest energy conglomerate sign MoU on renewable energy projects

The Moroccan Agency for sustainable energy (MASEN) and India’s National thermal power corporation (NTPC) signed a memorandum of understanding, providing for carrying out of joint projects in the field of renewable energy. Click here to read…

Need diversification of India-Gabon trade basket, deeper investment cooperation

Minister of state for commerce and industry Anupriya Patel on Wednesday highlighted the need for diversification of trade basket and deeper cooperation in bilateral investment between India and Gabon during a meeting with her Gabon counterpart Pacome Moubelet-Boubeya. Click here to read…

India, Egypt, others seek fairer WTO trading system amid food woes

At a meeting of the Committee on Agriculture at the WTO on Thursday, India said that a permanent solution for food security is a long overdue mandate and insisted on a solution that the General Council can approve without waiting for the next ministerial conference of the multilateral trade body. Click here to read…

India and Mauritius to work with other countries on matter of Food Security

In the meeting, Shri Tomar said that India’s relations with Mauritius have been very strong and these relations are not only political and commercial, but also cultural and spiritual. Click here to read…

India, Madagascar join hands to amp up bilateral ties

India’s Ambassador to Madagascar and Comoros, Abhay Kumar, has called on the Prime Minister of Madagascar Christian Ntsay and took note of the progress made in the bilateral relations between both countries during the past three years. Click here to read…

India, Ghana hold Foreign Office Consultations to strengthen bilateral ties

India and Ghana held the third round of Foreign Office Consultations on Friday to discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral relations covering political, economic, defence, cultural and capacity-building matters. Click here to read…

Loyola College inks pact with Ethiopia

Loyola College has signed an agreement with the Ministry of Innovation and Technology, Ethiopia, for research and partnership. Click here to read…

Indian Air Force team concludes Tactical Leadership Programme in Egypt

Bolstering the defense cooperation, the Indian Air Force contingent deployed to Egypt has successfully completed the Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP) where the participants from both nations shared their knowledge of operational tactics. Click here to read…

Govt notifies five ports for imports of pulses from Myanmar, Mozambique & Malawi

To meet domestic shortfall, the government has notified imports of 0.6 million tonne (MT) of tur and urad annually under bilateral agreements with Myanmar, Mozambique and Malawi, through five ports. Click here to read…

Africa Now – Weekly Newsletter (Week 29, 2022)

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

COMMENTARY

Simplifying peace-making in a complex world

Three former heads of state of Nigeria, South Africa, and Ethiopia reflect on what it takes to end conflict in a meaningful way. Click here to read…

At 20, African Union Has Achieved Much but The Work Goes On

The launch of the African Union on July 9, 2002, was met with great optimism. The AU has since accomplished much to unlock Africa’s potential and secure prosperity, but there is more to do. Click here to read…

NEWS

Biden, Egypt’s al-Sisi discuss cooperation, global supplies of food, energy

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and US President Joe Biden discussed cooperation between the two countries, the repercussions of the global food crisis, and the disruption of energy supplies. Click here to read…

French, Nigerien Ministers Meet, Discuss Security

A French delegation led by Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna and Minister for the Armed Forces, Sebastien Lecornu, met with Niger President Mohamed Bazoum in Niamey. Click here to read…

Congo-Brazzaville Ruling Party Wins Parliamentary Vote

The Republic of Congo’s ruling party won a majority in last week’s parliamentary election, based on provisional results seen by AFP on Saturday as opposition groups alleged electoral fraud. Click here to read…

Algeria to provide Italy with additional gas, official source says

Algeria will provide Italy with an additional four billion cubic metres (bcm) of gas this year, on top of the 21 bcm planned previously, an official source told Reuters. Click here to read…

Libya oil chief says full output to resume after deal

Libyan oil output will resume from all shuttered fields and ports, the Tripoli government’s newly installed head of National Oil Corporation (NOC) said on Friday after meeting groups that have blockaded the facilities for months. Click here to read…

Egypt to withdraw troops from Mali peacekeeping mission: UN

Cairo’s decision comes after seven Egyptians peacekeepers were killed in Mali since the start of this year. Click here to read…

In Kenya, elections have lost their shine

The country may now appear to be caught in the grip of election fever, but there is little expectation for real and sustainable change after next month’s polls. Click here to read…

Zambia plans to cancel over $2 billion projects to rein in debt

Zambia is cancelling more than $2 billion worth of projects financed by commercial loans to reduce the risk of accumulating more non-concessional debt. Click here to read…

Mozambique Receives US$300 Million from the World Bank to Promote Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Recovery

The World Bank Board of Directors approved today a US$300 million grant in support of the Mozambique Institutions and Economic Transformation Development Policy Financing (DPF) operation. Click here to read…

Nigeria’s Tinubu picks Muslim senator as presidential running mate

The move by Tinubu, who is also Muslim, breaks with past practice where presidential candidates from major political parties have chosen running mates from a different religion in a bid to foster unity in the country. Click here to read…

South Africa police say 14 killed in bar shooting

A mass shooting at a tavern in Johannesburg’s Soweto township has killed 14 people and left three others in critical condition, according to police. Click here to read…

Angola’s José Eduardo dos Santos, once one of Africa’s longest-serving rulers, dies

José Eduardo dos Santos, once one of Africa’s longest-serving rulers who during almost four decades as president of Angola fought the continent’s longest civil war and turned his country into a major oil producer as well as one of the world’s poorest and most corrupt nations, died Friday. He was 79. Click here to read…

Top Chinese diplomat meets Zimbabwe President, hopes to make inroads in Africa

Top Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi met with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa where both the leaders spoke of cooperation in expanding their partnership to a new high, reports said. Click here to read…

‘I will not get intimidated’, says South African President Ramaphosa as Opposition calls for impeachment

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has said that he will not get ‘intimidated or bullied into submission,’ after the Opposition party announced that it would seek his impeachment in Parliament over allegations of corruption. Click here to read…

Ethiopia holds first meeting of peace committee

A body charged by the Ethiopian government to look into possible peace negotiations with Tigrayan rebels has held its first meeting, a top aide to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said. Click here to read…

Kenya’s Uhuru Kenyatta hosts Guinea Bissau, Somalia presidents

Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta is hosting two visiting presidents on diverse agenda. As he received the Guinea Bissau leader Umaro Sissoco Embaló at State House on Friday, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), his first official visit to Kenya since he was elected in May. Click here to read…

Zimbabwe’s gold coins available from July 25

In a statement, the Central Bank Governor, Dr. John Mangudya announced the features and characteristics of gold coins which are to be introduced soon. Click here to read…

Congo Republic’s ruling party dominant in legislative elections

The Congolese Labour Party of President Denis Sassou Nguesso won nearly 110 seats out of 151, according to provisional results published by the minister of territorial administrationClick here to read…

Gambian court hands down death sentences for Jammeh-era murder of political activist

A Gambian court on Wednesday sentenced five former members of the intelligence service to death for the murder of a political activist during the rule of ex-dictator Yahya Jammeh. Click here to read…

Authorities Target ‘Mafia’ to End Power Outages in South Africa

South Africa is set to tackle “mafia” groups that have compromised power utility Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd.’s operations and contributed to nationwide blackouts. Click here to read…

Chad sets August for national dialogue including armed groups

The Chadian government has said it will hold a national dialogue starting from August 20, a precursor to elections promised by interim president Mahamat Idriss Deby who ascended to power following his father’s death last year. Click here to read…

Algeria-Tunisia border crossings reopen after 2 years of closure

Several cars and signs celebrating Tunisian-Algerian friendship marked the reopening on Friday of land borders between the two countries, more than two years after they closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Click here to read…

Somali military trainees officially appear for the first time in Eritrea

The Eritrean government has for the first time officially announced providing military training to thousands of Somali national army members. Click here to read…

The Ivorian power triangle shuffling the presidency for 30 years

President Alassane Ouattara, 80, and his predecessors Laurent Gbagbo, 77, and Henri Konan Bédié, 88, meet for the first time in 12 years in gathering which could define the next chapter in Ivorian politics. Click here to read…

A Chinese port in Nigeria will change the world economy

In November 2010, little-known Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping gave a speech in South Africa promoting the creation of “a new type of China-Africa strategic partnership for a better future.” Click here to read…

Sudan tribal clashes near Ethiopia border leave 31 dead

At least 31 people have been killed in clashes this week between two tribes in Sudan’s Blue Nile state bordering Ethiopia, the security services said on Saturday. Click here to read…

AU deploys 160 new police officers to beef up security in Somalia

The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) said Thursday it has deployed some 160 police officers from Nigeria to support stabilization efforts in the country. Click here to read…

US Withdraws from Peace Monitoring Groups in South Sudan

The United States has pulled out of the systems that monitor the peace process in South Sudan because of the country’s failure to meet reform milestones, the State Department said Friday. Click here to read…

Kohavi to visit Morocco on Monday, in first official trip by Israeli military chief

Israel Defense Forces chief Lt. Gen. Aviv Kohavi will travel to Morocco on Monday, in a first-ever official trip by an Israeli military head to the north African nation. Click here to read…

Algeria Stirs Backlash for Attempting to Hijack Rwanda’s Bid to Host African Medicines Agency

The Algerian regime is again at the center of a controversy for challenging an AU vote that granted Rwanda the rights to host the African Medicines Agency. Click here to read…

Central African Republic launches ‘Sango Coin’ cryptocurrency amid industry rout

Central African Republic will start selling a cryptocurrency it says will be worth $21 million next week, it said on Friday, amid a wider rout in the industry and scepticism over the project’s feasibility in a poorly connected, war-torn country. Click here to read…

Moroccan firm donates 15,000 tonnes of fertilisers to Rwanda

Moroccan firm, OCP Group, has donated 15,000 tonnes of Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertilisers, a development that will support the country’s fertiliser use and increase farm productivity efforts. Click here to read…

Jihadists kill dozens across northern Togo

Over the last three days, almost 30 people have been killed by suspected jihadists in attacks on five separate villages in northern Togo. A sixth attack, a reported improvised explosive device (IED), was also recorded in the littoral West African country. Click here to read…

Jihadist blow up two crucial bridges in Burkina Faso

Two bridges were blown up by armed groups in Burkina Faso on Friday night by suspected Jihadists in the West African nation. Click here to read…

Six people killed in rare attack near Malian capital Bamako

Six people have been killed in Mali, including two gendarmes and a police officer, in a rare attack near its capital Bamako, the security ministry has said. Click here to read…

Gabon and Togo Commonwealth entry is latest dent to French influence

The Anglophone pivot comes on the back of successive coups in Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso to remove pro-French leaders. Click here to read…

Japan seeks a hearing by Africa

On Tanzania’s much venerated national holiday; ‘’SABA SABA DAY’’ (the 7t day of the 7th month), His Excellency Matsunaga Kazuyushi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, treated me to a generous dialogue in his Office at the Embassy of Japan in Abuja.
Click here to read…

Women in Tunisia: Has a female prime minister changed Tunisia?

Tunisia has seen a marked shift in attitudes towards women political leaders since Najla Bouden became the first female prime minister in the Arab world. Click here to read…

Firefighters struggle to contain wildfires in northern Morocco

Firefighters and the military struggled on Friday to contain three wildfires in northern Morocco that have killed at least one person, as hundreds of residents evacuated their homes because of flames that ravaged large swaths of pine forests. Click here to read…

Mysterious Ebola-Like Disease Kills 3 In Tanzania, Probe Launched

Three people have died from a mysterious Ebola-like disease in Africa’s Tanzania, prompting the government to dispatch a team of doctors to investigate it.
Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

African leaders to visit Delhi next week for key investment meet

A slew of African leaders will be in Delhi for a key investment meet next week that will be inaugurated by India’s Vice President Venkaiah Naidu in presence of External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Trade Minister Piyush Goyal. Click here to read…

India explores upgrade of Zimbabwe railways; NRZ team in South Asian nation

INDIA says it is currently exploring possibilities of partnering the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) in training, capacity building and upgrading of the railway system. Click here to read…

India, Madagascar sign MoU on tele-education

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Madagascar government and Telecommunications Consultants India Limited [TCIL] for participation in the e-VBAB (e-VidyaBharati and e-AarogyaBharati) network project on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Huge business potential for Indian companies in Ivory Coast: India’s Envoy

It is the largest economy with 40 percent GDP of West African Economic & Monetary Union (WAEMU 8 countries) and remains Francophone West Africa’s economic hub with significant influence in the region. Click here to read…

Lt Gen M. Subramanian appointed Force Commander of UN Mission in South Sudan

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Wednesday announced the appointment of Lt Gen Mohan Subramanian of India as Force Commander of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). Click here to read…

India-Egypt Defence Ties: Why Modi Is Rekindling a Friendship Started by Nehru

Ties between India and Egypt had blossomed in the heydays of the non-aligned movement (NAM). Click here to read…

Nigeria’s Crown Flour Mills to Import 500,000 mt of Wheat from India

The milling company has also received government support for its request, as the ministry has written to the High Commissioner of India in Abuja on its behalf to consider the business’ importation request.
Click here to read…

After vandalism during unrest in South Africa, India-based Cipla reopens Durban manufacturing site

Indian generic drug manufacturer Cipla revealed that one of its plants in South Africa has reopened more than a month after it was vandalized during a period of civil unrest that claimed the lives of more than 300 and caused an estimated $3.3 billion in economic losses. Click here to read…

SRM University-AP Organized Embassy Connect with 14 Countries

The office of International Relations and Higher Studies at SRM University-AP organized an Embassy Connect Programme, in which ambassadors, education attaches, cultural attaches of more than 14 countries and joint secretaries, and deputy secretaries of various regions from the Ministry of External Affairs participated. Click here to read…

Snooping Storm Brews in Mauritius Over Indian Team Accessing Internet Landing Station

Mauritius’s political climate is currently seeing heated debate due to a major developing controversy that has brought into focus India’s close strategic relations with the Indian Ocean Island nation, especially New Delhi’s intimate ties with the current prime minister in Port Louis. Click here to read…

Eid Al Adha: Indian PM Sends ‘Warm Greetings’ to King Mohammed VI

Morocco and India have enjoyed flourishing bilateral cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1957. Click here to read…

Planning a Maasai Mara Safari from India Now Easier Than Ever

Recently, the governments of Kenya and India agreed to strengthen the relationship and collaboration between the two countries. Click here to read…

Ankita Konwar merges ancient knowledge of both worlds in Egypt, works on balance

In the middle of decayed temples and chapels, Ankita chose to merge ancient Indian knowledge of yoga with Egypt. She performed two yoga asanas in Karnak temple. Click here to read…

Africa Now – Weekly Newsletter (Week 28, 2022)

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

COMMENTARY

The Gambian Voting System: An Ode to Simplicity

On 4th December 2021, The Gambia, the smallest country in mainland Africa, held its presidential election. The successful election and transfer of power were a powerful message toward Gambia’s successful transition into a democratic society. Click here to read…

Food crisis starts to bite Africa amid Russia-Ukraine war

Disruptions in food shipments after the Russian invasion of Ukraine are pushing up prices of food staples in Africa, making an already alarming situation worse. With food insecurity and acute hunger set to increase, affecting 174 million people, Africa is on the brink of a humanitarian crisis. Click here to read…

NEWS

African leaders mourn ex-Japan PM Shinzo Abe

Several African leaders have expressed shock and anguish following the assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday, who they have described as a friend of Africa. Click here to read…

West Africa leaders lift sanctions on 2 junta-led neighbours

West African leaders attending a regional summit agreed Sunday to lift sanctions on two neighbours led by military governments that are now promising a return to democratic rule. Click here to read…

Jihadis attack jail in Nigeria’s capital, 600 inmate escape

At least 600 inmates escaped in a jailbreak in Nigeria’s capital city, officials said Wednesday, blaming the attack on Islamic extremist rebels. Click here to read…

Tunisia: President Kais Saied publishes new constitution draft

Tunisia’s President Kais Saied published on Friday in the official gazette a new draft of the proposed constitution that included minor amendments and did not affect his power. Click here to read…

Kenya’s 9 August elections: Presidential candidates Odinga and Ruto differ on voter register

Kenya’s two frontrunners for the August presidential election, William Ruto and Raila Odinga, have differed on whether the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission should use a manual register to identify voters during the polling day. Click here to read…

Is South Africa’s Ramaphosa Headed the Same Way as UK’s Johnson?

President’s re-election as ruling party leader not guaranteed. Ruling Party Treasurer-General could enter race for top job. Click here to read…

Two Ex-presidents Attend Meeting Called by Junta Leader on Burkina Faso Future

Two former presidents of Burkina Faso attended a meeting called by the country’s Junta leader Lt. Col. Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba to discuss the situation in the West African country on Friday. Click here to read…

What is behind the protests rocking Libya?

Protesters take to the streets in east and west Libya, as anger rises over political deadlock and living conditions. Click here to read…

Sudan protesters sceptical military will step aside

Appearing on television late on Monday, Sudan’s coup leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan announced that the military would step aside and allow civilian forces to assume power, appearing to concede to the demands of the country’s mass pro-democracy movement. Click here to read…

Authorities in Guinea arrest members of the opposition

Authorities in Conakry have arrested three members of an opposition organization, including its national coordinator Fonike Mangue also known as Oumar Sylla. Click here to read…

Clashes continue in DRC despite de-escalation pact with Rwanda

An M23 rebel spokesman said there was an exchange of fire after Congolese troops attacked a rebel position in the east. Click here to read…

Why Ghana has returned to the IMF

Hundreds took to the streets of Ghana’s capital Accra last week to protest over its deteriorating economy. Days later, the government of one of West Africa’s most prosperous nations announced it would begin formal talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for support. Click here to read…

Zimbabwe to mint gold coins to tackle rising prices

Zimbabwe says it will introduce gold coins later this month as it tries to curb soaring inflation amid a slump in its currency. Click here to read…

Uganda Discovers Over 31 million Tonnes Of Gold Ore

Uganda, a country in Eastern Africa, has recently announced the discovery of a deposit of 31 million tonnes of gold ore, with extractable pure gold estimated to gross 320,000 tonnes worth over $12.8 trillion. Click here to read…

Angola boosts fuel production with refinery expansion

The new plant will bump up Angola’s fuel production to 1,580,000 litres a day, contributing to a 15 percent reduction in annual imports. Click here to read…

Egypt hopes Gulf mediation will help resolve Nile dam dispute

Egypt has intensified its contacts with Gulf countries to mobilize support in the GERD file, although statements and public support may not be enough to pressure Ethiopia back to the negotiation table. Click here to read…

EU agrees to improve migration cooperation with Morocco after Melilla tragedy

Morocco and the European Union have agreed to cooperate more closely in combatting human trafficking after at least 23 migrants died during an attempted mass border crossing from Morocco into the neighboring Spanish enclave of Melilla. Click here to read…

Namibia and EU ink seven-year partnership programme

National Planning Commission executive director Wilhencia Uiras and the European Union’s ambassador to Namibia, Sinikka Antila, launched a seven-year partnership programme between the EU and Namibia on Thursday. Click here to read…

Oil and Gas Multinational TOTAL Is Making a Mess in Mozambique

TOTAL is creating a social and economic disaster in Mozambique, consulting the same playbook it uses in Myanmar and Yemen where it extracts resources and silences communities. Click here to read…

2 UN peacekeepers from Egypt killed, 5 wounded in Mali

A U.N. armored vehicle hit a mine Tuesday in central Mali, killing two Egyptian peacekeepers and seriously wounding five others in another deadly incident targeting the U.N. mission in the West African nation that has faced a decade-long Islamic insurgency. Click here to read…

Fresh clashes in DR Congo as rebels dash ceasefire hopes

Fresh clashes between M23 rebels and soldiers erupted in eastern DR Congo on Thursday, officials said, as the militia declared that it was not bound by a ceasefire agreement. Click here to read…

IDF participates in African Lion drill in Morocco for the first time

For the first time, IDF officers and officials from Israel’s Defense Ministry took part in the large-scale African Lion, the largest annual military exercise held on the African continent, alongside Morocco and several African nations. Click here to read…

Palestinian president and Hamas chief hold rare meeting in Algeria

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh — who officially last met face-to-face in Doha in October 2016 — were brought together in a meeting with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. Click here to read…

Burundi vows to ‘eradicate’ begging as police sweep streets in raids

Authorities in Burundi on Thursday said a police operation rounding up beggars in the main city of Bujumbura would not stop until they had been “totally eradicated” from the streets. Click here to read…

Ties with Somalia prove Africa’s importance for Turkey: Erdoğan

Somalia is the main example that shows the importance Turkey attaches to the economic development, social peace and stability of the African continent, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Wednesday. Click here to read…

Chinese Communist Party opens school in Tanzania to train party officials from region

The Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Leadership School, for which China provided a support of $40 million in funding, was opened early this year and inaugurated by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and several other neighbouring countries’ leaders. Located in Kibaha, near the port city of Dar-e-Salaam. Click here to read…

African Heads of State to Convene to Champion a Strong Start to IDA20 Implementation for A Robust Recovery

The Republic of Senegal and the World Bank Group will host a high-level meeting on July 7, 2022, with African leaders to leverage the powerful voice of African countries in implementing the IDA20 program. Click here to read…

Turkey detains Russian ship Ukraine says is full of stolen grain in part of Putin’s plan to use starvation as a weapon

Turkish authorities detained a Russian ship carrying grain stolen from Ukraine, Ukrainian officials said. Click here to read…

Libya’s power cuts enrage citizens, spurring protest

When the power cut out in Libya’s Benghazi last week, Haitham al-Ghoul dashed into the street with his five-year old son Othman to find somewhere to plug in a respirator the child needs to ease asthma attacks. Click here to read…

Togo now has a development agency for MSMEs

Togo now has a national agency for the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The related decree was issued on July 7, 2022, during the council of ministers. Click here to read…

‘No sign of rain’: Citizen’s despair as drought devastates Somalia

The UN says nearly 7.1 million Somalis, almost half of the country’s population, face acute levels of food insecurity. Click here to read…

Ethiopia: Abiy Vows to Defeat OLA Militants Following Recent Attacks

In a July 7 address to parliament, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed vowed to defeat the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) after blaming the militant group for two major attacks against ethnic Amharas. Click here to read…

Angola’s former President José Eduardo dos Santos dies at 79

Angola’s former president José Eduardo dos Santos, who ruled Africa’s second biggest oil producer for nearly four decades, has died aged 79. Click here to read…

China wishes to penetrate Africa’s political landscape with its ‘debt-trap’ diplomacy: Report

After offering loans to countries to Africa, China is leveraging the “debt trap” to strategically penetrate the continent’s political landscape. Click here to read…

History of the Pan-African flag, target of a flamethrower attack in the US

A Pan-African flag, flying outside the headquarters of a Black socialist group in Florida, was set on fire using a flamethrower Saturday. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

Reframing India-Africa Relations in Post-pandemic World

Africa has always been a foreign policy priority for India. However, the new Government under PM Narendra Modi has displayed unprecedented eagerness to deepen its age-old relationship with the African continentClick here to read…

Jaishankar wishes South Sudan on its 12 Independence Day

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar extended wishes to the government and people of South Sudan on their 12th Independence Day. Click here to read…

Jaishankar agrees to take forward India-Senegal ties

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday met his Senegalese counterpart Aissata Tall Sall and agreed to take forward ties in various fields including agriculture, health, and fertiliser production. Click here to read…

India, Mozambique review ties, exchange views on global developments

India and Mozambique on Monday reviewed the multi-faceted bilateral relationship including political exchanges, development partnership projects, defence and security cooperationClick here to read…

M23 — why armed African group Indian soldiers helped defeat in 2013 is back in the news

Resurgence of M23, a rebel group thought to be defunct until last year, has led to blame game between Rwanda and Democratic Republic of the Congo, although peace efforts are under way. Click here to read…

Morocco Ambassador to India Mohammed Maliki Visits SOA In Bhubaneswar

Morocco’s ambassador in India Mohammed Maliki made a courtesy call on Prof (Dr) Manojranjan Nayak, founder president of Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA) in Odisha capital on Friday. Click here to read…

India expanding defence partnership with its key African partner Egypt

The destroyer also participated in a PASSEX in which it closely cooperated with the Egyptian Navy. India’s Ambassador in Cairo Ajit Gupte visited the INS KOCHI to meet with the fleet commander and the crew. The ship’s visit is part of the ongoing intensified defence exchanges between India and Egypt. Click here to read…

2nd Foreign Office Consultations between India and Mozambique

The 2nd round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between India and Mozambique were held in New Delhi on 4 July 2022. The Indian side was led by Shri Puneet R. Kundal, Joint Secretary (East & Southern Africa) and the Mozambican side was led by Mr. Ismael Valigy, Director for Asia and Oceania in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Mozambique. Click here to read…

Egypt, Malaysia looking to replace their ageing fleets with India’s Tejas fighter jets

In a bid to replace their ageing fleets, Malaysia and Egypt are looking to buy India’s Tejas fighter jets. Click here to read…

Airtel Africa clears dues worth $450 mn, purchases notes via tender offer

The company had issued a tender offer to purchase USD 300 million worth of its 5.35 per cent guaranteed senior notes of $1 billion due 2024. Click here to read…

Kenya-based cargo airline Astral Aviation to enter Indian skies

In a new development for the aviation sector in India, a new Kenya-based cargo airline Astral Aviation is going to enter the market under Pradhaan Air brand with an A320F plane. Click here to read…

Lt Gen M. Subramanian appointed Force Commander of UN Mission in South Sudan

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Wednesday announced the appointment of Lt Gen Mohan Subramanian of India as Force Commander of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). He succeeds Lt Gen Shailesh Tinaikar also from India. Click here to read…

Cobalt, copper, China: India should pay more attention to the savage violence in Congo

Leaving security to mercenaries is a path to proxy wars, colonial-era savagery. Democracies like India with an economic stake can’t remain sidelined. Click here to read…

Chennai gets direct flight to Africa

It was celebration on Sunday at Chennai airport when Tamil Nadu finally got one of its most awaited air links — a direct flight to Africa. Click here to read…

Little Africa in the Indian jungles in Western Ghats

Nestled on the foothills of the Western Ghats, Yellapur is a small town in Karnataka known for its thick forests and forest-dwellers. Click here to read…

Woman living in India for 50 years seeks citizenship, approaches Bombay HC

A 66-year-old woman living in India for over 50 years without any citizenship documents or an Indian passport approached the Bombay High Court on Friday seeking the government grant her citizenship. Click here to read…

Niraamaya Retreats goes International, introduces its private residence collection in Seychelles

Niraamaya Retreats, known for its distinctive luxury hospitality and bespoke wellness, has partnered with Petit Amour Villa and is set to open its 1st international private residence in the beautiful island nation of Seychelles. Click here to read…

Africa Now – Weekly Newsletter (Week 27, 2022)

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

COMMENTARY

Reframing India-Africa Relations in Post-pandemic World

Africa has always been a foreign policy priority for India. However, the new Government under PM Narendra Modi has displayed unprecedented eagerness to deepen its age-old relationship with the African continent. Click here to read…

Why Is There So Much Turmoil in Eastern Congo?

More than 120 militia groups are wreaking terror in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which now accuses neighboring Rwanda of backing one particularly violent group. Click here to read…

NEWS

Kenya elections: Ruto, man of the people, vs Odinga, king-in-waiting

Can five times Presidential candidate Raila Odinga defeat William Ruto, the champion of Kenya’s “hustler nation”, in the country’s 9 August election? Click here to read…

Angola Election 2022: ‘Dirty tricks’ as election nears

Barely two months before the Angolan elections, the opposition has criticized the ruling MPLA party for seeking to weaken it with the help of the secret services. Click here to read…

Mali’s transition govt sets February 2024 for presidential election

The Malian government has adopted an electoral calendar for the transition three days before a summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which is due to consider the tough sanctions imposed on the junta in January. Click here to read…

West African states Gabon and Togo join Commonwealth

Gabon and Togo joined the Commonwealth on Saturday, becoming the latest nations with no historic ties to Britain to enter the English-speaking club headed by Queen Elizabeth II. Click here to read…

UN urges Libya’s rivals to agree on elections this week

The U.N. political chief urged Libya’s rival factions on Monday to agree on measures governing the transition to elections, Click here to read…

Drought, Famine-Like Conditions Mar Somalia’s 62nd Birthday

Somalis across the world marked 62 years of independence Friday with little jubilation and much concern about a future blackened by drought, food shortages, and inflation. Click here to read…

Tunisia’s draft constitution – what’s new, and why now?

Tunisia has published a draft constitution that would further expand the president’s powers and limit the role of the parliament, raising fears of the prospect of one-man rule in the country. Click here to read…

Ethiopian Government and TPLF Wrangle Over Peace Talks Mediation

Ethiopia’s ruling party said this week it wants the African Union, partnering with the United States, to mediate any peace talks to end the war with Tigrayan forces. Click here to read…

Sudan security forces skirmish with demonstrators after protest deaths

Sudanese security forces fired tear gas at protesters on Friday near the presidential palace in Khartoum, a day after nine people were reported killed during the largest anti-military rallies for months. Click here to read…

African Union urges calm in Ethiopia-Sudan border dispute

The African Union says it is deeply concerned by “the escalating military tension” between Ethiopia and Sudan after seven Sudanese soldiers and a civilian were killed in a border dispute. Click here to read…

MONUSCO calls on Rwanda, DR Congo to calm tensions fueling security crisis

The head of MONUSCO, the United Nations mission in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has appealed to both Rwanda and the DR Congo to calm tensions, Click here to read…

UN keeps peacekeepers in Mali as Russia and China abstain

The U.N. Security Council voted Wednesday to maintain the U.N. peacekeeping mission in turmoil-wracked Mali. Click here to read…

China’s pivotal role under scrutiny as Zambia seeks debt relief

Within months of his election last year, Zambia’s president Hakainde Hichilema had succeeded in negotiating a $1.4bn IMF bailout for the debt-stricken southern African country. Click here to read…

Nigerian governor lets residents carry guns for self-defense

A Nigerian governor has ordered the issuing of licenses so citizens can carry guns to defend themselves against armed groups, a first among the measures drawn up to defeat gunmen blamed for the deaths of thousands in the West African country’s troubled northern region. Click here to read…

Maasai plight in Tanzania shows ‘colonial’ roots of conservation

Violence broke out between protesters and security forces in Tanzania in recent weeks as the government moved in to implement a controversial plan for a game reserve. Click here to read…

More than 20 Migrants Die in Effort to Enter Spanish Enclave in Africa

The deaths occurred during an attempted mass crossing by 2,000 people over border fences into Melilla. Several human rights groups have called for an investigation. Click here to read…

Cameroon’s separatists suspected of rural attack killing 30

Suspected separatist rebels in western Cameroon attacked rural villages, killing at least 30 people, say health workers in the Akwaya district. Click here to read…

Polish citizen kidnapped in eastern province of Burkina Faso freed

The Ministry of Defense was able to free a hostage of Polish origin who was kidnapped on the Matiakoali-Kantchari (east) road on April 27, 2022 (…) while on his way to Niger,” Kaboré said at the end of the council of ministersClick here to read…

Egypt makes largest wheat purchase in 10 years as food insecurity increases

According to Bloomberg, the country’s grain buyer, the General Authority for Supply Commodities (GASC), bought 815,000 tonnes of wheat yesterday, taking advantage of a recent price slump. Click here to read…

Angolan President Vows Big Infrastructure Projects Ahead of Vote

Angolan President Joao Lourenco has pledged to erect big infrastructure projects, including multi-billion dollar solar parks, if he gets re-elected at the helm of Africa’s second-biggest oil producer. Click here to read…

Ghana to make U-turn and ask IMF for help for its economy

Until now, Ghana had refused to seek IMF support to rescue an economy crippled by the pandemic, rampant inflation and a depreciating currency. Click here to read…

Nigeria gets new chief justice amid ‘all-time’ low judicial trust

Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has sworn in a new acting chief justice, barely hours after the resignation of the previous one. Click here to read…

Mozambique: Thousands flee violence in Cabo Delgado

Hundreds of families have been displaced as Islamist insurgents step up attacks on villages in northern Mozambique. DW correspondent Adrian Kriesch visited the Cabo Delgado region and spoke to civilians fleeing the ongoing violence. Click here to read…

DRC buries murdered independence hero Lumumba’s remains

The family of Democratic Republic of Congo’s murdered independence hero Patrice Lumumba has buried his only known remains, a tooth, in the capital Kinshasa, 61 years after his death at the hands of Belgian-backed secessionist rebels. Click here to read…

De Beers, Botswana extend diamond sales deal by a year

De Beers Group said on Wednesday that it had agreed with the government of Botswana to extend by one year an agreement for the sale of rough diamonds from their joint venture, Debswana. Click here to read…

Russia’s Wagner group in Mali spurs refugee spike in Mauritania

Malians are fleeing to nearby Mauritania to escape from bandits, fighters, the army and now Russian operatives. Click here to read…

Why Rwanda doesn’t celebrate Independence Day

On July 1, Rwanda marks 60 years of independence from Belgium. Unlike other African countries that celebrate with pomp and festivities, Independence Day in Rwanda is a somewhat muted affair. Click here to read…

Burundi celebrates 60 years of independence in Bujumbura

Burundi celebrated the 60th anniversary of its independence in Bujumbura with a military parade and guests of honor from around the world. Click here to read…

Independent Algeria turns 60, but colonial-era wounds remain

Algeria marks 60 years of independence from France on Tuesday, but rival narratives over atrocities committed during more than a century of colonial rule still trigger bitter diplomatic tensions. Click here to read…

Four goals for Africa at Japan’s TICAD8 in Tunis

“Africa, a shining continent full of dynamic growth, is no longer a recipient of ‘aid’,” former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe said in a 2014 speech from Addis Ababa. Click here to read…

Germany hands over two Benin bronzes to Nigeria

Germany has physically handed over two Benin bronzes and put more than 1,000 other items from its museums’ collections into Nigeria’s ownership. Click here to read…

70-yr British colonial rule left Botswana in a humiliating position: Prez

In remembrance of Sir Seretse Khama, the founding President of Botswana, President Mokgweetsi Masisi has urged the southern African nation to cherish the values of unity, freedom and peace that he strived and stood for. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

President of India greets Madagascar on its 62nd Independence Day

On the occasion of Madagascar’s 62nd Independence Day, the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind greeted President Andry Nirina Rajoelina on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Ethiopia to Rwanda, Senegal to Mozambique — India deepens its commitment to African continent

India’s diplomatic outreach to Africa continues with the ongoing visit of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to Rwanda for the 26th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Click here to read…

India plans to build HAL Tejas fighter jet manufacturing line in Egypt

Besides offering Tejas Mk1A to Egypt, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has also introduced its range of indigenous helicopters such as the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and Light Combat Helicopters (LCH). Click here to read…

India and Egypt work towards building strategic relationship with focus on defence & security

From holding joint military exercises to exporting wheat as Russia and Ukraine stop supplies, New Delhi and Cairo are redrawing their relationship as geopolitical tensions rise. Click here to read…

India Lesotho Business Council launched

India Lesotho Business Council has been launched by the Indian Economic Trade Organization and the High Commission of Lesotho to accelerate the trade relationships between both countries. Click here to read…

Mauritius regulator clarifies cap gains booked by PEs in India won’t be taxed

MRA clarified that any income which is distributed by a foreign “fiscally transparent entity” will retain its initial character in Mauritius. Thus, capital gains booked by a PE Fund in India, where a Mauritius vehicle has invested, will remain capital gains when funds are distributed by the PE to the Mauritius entity. Click here to read…

Renowned Entrepreneur & Producer Krishna Pimple To Boost Indian & Tanzania’s Relationship With Music

Known for producing films like Abhi Abhi, Choukat, Gharat, Krishna Pimple entered the film industry with ISIS: Enemies of Humanity. He is now gearing up for the release of as many as 11 upcoming short films and movies which include names like ‘Kashmir: The Final Resolution’. Click here to read…

Africa Now – Weekly Newsletter (Week 26, 2022)

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

COMMENTARY

United States of Africa: Ultimate Dream of a Pan-Africanist

Every year on May 25, the world celebrates Africa Day. It was on May 25, 1963, that the first organisational body of Africa, the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), was established in Ethiopia. Click here to read…

Mozambique’s Reversal of Fortune

Just a year ago, the news from Mozambique was rather glum. The security crisis in the northern region of Cabo Delgado had displaced hundreds of thousands of people, created a humanitarian crisis. Click here to read…

NEWS

As election season nears, Kenyans brace for unrest and hope for peace

A fleet of shiny SUVs descended on the dusty city of Wajir in northeast Kenya on a spring afternoon. Click here to read…

Tunisia’s president plans to omit ‘Islam’ from new constitution

The secularist Kais Saied is putting the constitution to a referendum on July 25 in the hope of overhauling the country’s legal, political and economic structures and granting himself more powers. Click here to read…

Somalia parliament endorses new Prime minister

Somalia’s parliament on Saturday unanimously endorsed Hamza Abdi Barre as new prime minister, paving the way for the creation of a new government for the troubled Horn of Africa nation. Click here to read…

Mali strongman Goita adopts electoral law, key to civilian rule

Mali’s strongman ruler on Friday signed into law election legislation adopted by parliament a week ago, paving the way for polls and a return of civilian rule, according to a presidential decree. Click here to read…

World Bank to provide war-torn Ethiopia with $715 mln

The World Bank on Friday agreed to provide $715 million in grants and loans to Ethiopia, which has been ravaged by drought and a devastating conflict, the country’s government said. Click here to read…

Tanzania’s Masaai demand Indigenous rights in UN framework

Tanzania’s Maasai people, resisting government pressure to leave their ancestral homes in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, have presented their demands for Indigenous land rights to negotiators in Nairobi finalizing the proposed U.N. global biodiversity framework. Click here to read…

UK names new envoy for Horn of Africa

Britain has named a new envoy for the Horn of Africa and Red Sea., strategic region beset by multiple security and humanitarian crises. Click here to read…

Shaked heads to Morocco on Monday, in 3rd visit by government minister

Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked will travel to Morocco for a diplomatic visit on Monday, becoming the third government minister to do so. Click here to read…

China Says It Is Willing to Help End Conflict in Horn of Africa

China’s special envoy to the Horn of Africa, Xue Bing, has said Beijing is ready to help the region’s countries find peace and get rid of what he called external interferenceClick here to read…

Qatar’s emir makes first visit to Egypt since thaw in ties with Doha

Qatar’s emir arrived in Cairo late Friday for talks with Egypt’s president, his first visit to the country following years of frayed ties and a boycott of Doha by four Arab states, including Egypt. Click here to read…

Sheikh Mohamed reaffirms UAE’s support for Somalia during meeting with president

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has affirmed the UAE’s continuous, all-out support for Somali people to achieve their aspirations for development, stability, prosperity. Click here to read…

Window of opportunity closing for South Sudan, on road to lasting peace

With eight months remaining, the window of opportunity is closing for South Sudan to meet critical benchmarks required to complete its transition away from long-running civil conflictClick here to read…

Algeria, Niger, Nigeria resume talks on Trans-Sahara gas pipeline

Algeria, Niger and Nigeria held talks this week on the revival of a decades-old project to pipe gas across the Sahara, a potential opportunity for Europe to diversify its gas sources as Russia’s war in Ukraine continues. Click here to read…

Burkina Faso: 14 days to evacuate before vast army operation

Burkina Faso’s army has given civilians two weeks to evacuate vast areas in northern and southeastern regions of the country in advance of military operations against rebel fighters. Click here to read…

Morocco: 18 migrants die in attempt to enter Spain’s Melilla

Moroccan authorities said that 18 migrants were killed and dozens of migrants and police officers were injured in a “stampede” of people trying to cross into the Spanish North African enclave of Melilla. Click here to read…

Attacks in Sudan’s Darfur bring new surge in people fleeing their homes

Violence in western Sudan this month alone has displaced more than 84,000 people, doubling the number of those driven from their homes so far this year, according to UN reports. Click here to read…

Libya’s Interior Ministry condemns deadly clashes in Tripoli

Libya’s Interior Ministry has condemned the deadly clashes that broke out between armed groups in the capital Tripoli. Click here to read…

Suspected Jihadists ‘Systemically’ Slaughter Over 130 People in Western Africa’s Mali

Suspected jihadists massacred more than 130 civilians over the weekend in neighbouring central Mali towns, the latest mass killings in the Sahel regionClick here to read…
Click here to read…

Morocco, US launch annual ‘African Lion’ military exercise

Morocco and the US kicked off the annual African Lion military exercises on Monday, which will last until the end of the month. The exercises include 7,500 personnel from ten nations, among them Brazil, France and BritainClick here to read…

Commonwealth heads call for climate action at Rwanda meeting

Leaders of Commonwealth nations are calling for increased climate action at a meeting in Rwanda this week, ahead of the United Nations climate change summit in Egypt later this year. Click here to read…

Eight UN peacekeepers wounded in Mali blast

Eight UN peacekeepers were wounded Thursday in a mine explosion in Mali’s Timbuktu region, the United Nations said. Click here to read…

M23 rebels ask Congolese refugees in Uganda to return home

Rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) have asked refugees fleeing the conflict torn North Kivu province of the nation to return home. Click here to read…

DR Congo welcomes deployment of regional force to fight rebels

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has welcomed Kenya’s proposal to deploy a regional force to fight the M23 rebel group in the east of the country, but said it won’t accept neighbour Rwanda’s participation. Click here to read…

Commonwealth meet draws attention to Rwanda’s human rights record

Commonwealth leaders met in Kigali on Friday to discuss cooperation on topics from trade to health to climate, against a backdrop of criticism of host Rwanda’s human rights record and of a British policy to deport asylum seekers thereClick here to read…

Cameroon Deploys Hundreds of Troops to Protect 40,000 People Displaced by Boko Haram

Cameron has deployed hundreds of troops along its border with Nigeria after attacks by Boko Haram militants forced more than 40,000 villagers over the past two months to flee the area. Click here to read…

Saudi Arabia, Djibouti sign joint cooperation agreement on maritime transport

Saudi Arabia, represented by the Transport General Authority (TGA), has signed a joint maritime transport cooperation agreement with the Department of Maritime Affairs in Djibouti. Click here to read…

Gabon eyes Commonwealth entry to advance economic diversification

Gabon, a French-speaking country in Central Africa that has been seeking membership in the Commonwealth, is awaiting the final decision made at the Commonwealth summit currently held in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. Click here to read…

African court orders Kenya to pay $1.3 million as reparations to indigenous Ogiek people

The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, an international court established by members of the African Union, ordered the Kenyan government June 23, 2022, to pay $1.3 millionClick here to read…

Chinese fugitive wanted for racist videos of Malawi children arrested in Zambia

A fugitive Chinese national wanted in Malawi for filming children singing racist chants in Chinese has been arrested in neighbouring ZambiaClick here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

EAM Jaishankar meets several leaders, counterparts in Rwanda

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday called on Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong here and also met several leaders and his counterparts from the Commonwealth nations to discuss bilateral ties and geopolitical trends. Click here to read…

Jaishankar discusses growing defence ties with Tanzanian counterpart

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Friday (local time) met with the Tanzanian Foreign Minister Liberata Mulamula and discussed strengthening defence and security ties between the two countries. Click here to read…

Jaishankar meets Mauritius PM, discusses thriving relations between nations

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Friday (local time) met with the Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth in Rwanda and discussed the thriving relations between the two countries. Click here to read…

EAM Jaishankar meets counterparts from Tanzania, Solomon Islands; discusses bilateral cooperation

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has met his counterparts from Tanzania and the Solomon Islands here and discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in various sectors. Click here to read…

External affairs minister S Jaishankar interacts with Indian community in Rwanda

External affairs minister S Jaishankar lauded the Indian community in Rwanda for its contribution towards strengthening bilateral ties and spoke about India’s progress. Click here to read…

EAM Jaishankar calls Rwanda ‘important’ friend of India

External Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar who is on his first visit to Kigali described Rwanda as the most progressive, business-friendly, and socially inclusive societies. Click here to read…

Indian embassy in Madagascar begins free Hindi classes for language enthusiasts

The Indian embassy in Antananarivo on Thursday began free Hindi language classes for all language enthusiasts in Madagascar, Indian Ambassador to Madagascar, Abhay Kumar said. Click here to read…

Senegal, India Renew Alliances with 3 MoUs

This month saw Indian Vice President Venkaiah Naidu in Dakar, received by Senegalese President H.E. Macky Sall and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Aissata Tall Sall. Click here to read…

Indian Embassy in Madagascar celebrates 8th International Day of Yoga

The 8th International Day of Yoga celebrations took place at the University of Antananarivo, organised by Indian Embassy in Madagascar on June 21st 2022. The theme for this year’s International Day of Yoga is “Yoga for Humanity” Click here to read…

Airtel Africa issues tender offer to clear $300 mn debt

Bharti Airtel International (Netherlands) BV, which manages Airtel’s Africa business, has issued a tender offer to buy back up to USD 300 million (about Rs 2,348 crore) of senior notes. Click here to read…

Africa Now – Weekly Newsletter (Week 25, 2022)

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

COMMENTARY

Africa: Requiem for a continent

Every year on May 25, the world celebrates Africa Day. It is to commemorate May 25, 1963, when 30 independent African leaders signed the founding charter of the OAU (Organization of African Unity). Click here to read…

Africa Day 2022: An Odyssey of a Continent

Every year on May 25, the world celebrates Africa Day. On May 25 1963, 30 independent African leaders signed the founding charter of the OAU (Organization of African Unity). Click here to read…

Kenya’s political titans gear up for electoral fight

After 10 years of outgoing president Uhuru Kenyatta’s rule, a faltering economy and rising prices, shopkeeper Betty Kagwiria wants to vote for change in this year’s elections in Kenya. Click here to read…

NEWS

CHOGM 2022: Commonwealth heads to assemble in Rwanda

From June 20 to 27, Rwanda will host the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). What exactly is the Commonwealth? What is the point of this international summit? Click here to read…

Ethiopian government and Tigrayan forces move towards negotiations

The Ethiopian government has formed a committee to negotiate with forces from the Tigray region, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said in a televised speech to parliament on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Kenya’s political titans gear up for electoral fight

After 10 years of outgoing president Uhuru Kenyatta’s rule, a faltering economy and rising prices, shopkeeper Betty Kagwiria wants to vote for change in this year’s elections in Kenya. Click here to read…

Somali president nominates Hamza Abdi Barre as prime minister

Somalia’s president has nominated Hamza Abdi Barre, a former chairman of the Jubbaland state election commission, as prime minister. Click here to read…

Voters head to polls in Nigeria’s key local election

Voters in Nigeria’s Ekiti state have started casting their ballots to elect a new governor in what could be a bellwether for who wins next year’s presidential election. Click here to read…

Tunisians protest against constitution referendum as opposition grows

Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Tunis on Saturday in opposition to a referendum on a new constitution called by President Kais Saied that would cement his hold on power. Click here to read…

South Sudan’s President hails bilateral relations with Israel

South Sudan President Salva Kiir on Wednesday held discussions with the Israeli ambassador to the country, Gershon Kedar during which he hailed the strong bilateral relations between the two countries. Click here to read…

Is Uganda heading for a dynastic succession?

He is the son of the president and a vainglorious Twitter user. He is also a belligerent general whose soldiers are accused of kidnapping and torturing opponents. Click here to read…

‘Farmgate’ threatens Cyril Ramaphosa’s South Africa re-election bid

The South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa, is facing the most serious personal challenge of his four years in power after claims he tried to cover up the theft of millions of US dollars hidden at his game farm. Click here to read…

Algeria is increasingly aligned with Russia, Spanish minister says

Algeria’s decision to suspend a friendship treaty with Spain last week was not surprising because Algiers is increasingly aligning itself with RussiaClick here to read…

What DRC brings to the EAC table

The DR Congo, a sub-Sahara’s largest country, became the seventh member state of the East African Community (EAC) on March 29, joining Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Click here to read…

IMF bailout alone will not solve Zambia’s debt crisis

As Zambia began talks with its creditors to resolve its debt crisis, Hannah Ryder, the CEO of China-based African consultancy Development Reimagined, spoke to African Business about the country’s chances of obtaining an IMF bailout and its prospects for economic growth. Click here to read…

Egypt boosts ties with Tanzania amid ongoing Nile dam dispute

Egypt is boosting ties with the Nile Basin countries while Ethiopia inches toward the third filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam without an agreement with the downstream countries. Click here to read…

Rights groups condemn Tanzanian police violence against Maasai

Human rights organisations have accused Tanzanian police of using violence to evict members of the Masaai Indigenous community in Loliondo, in the country’s northern district of Ngorongoro. Click here to read…

Russian Mercenaries in Mali Base Days After France Pullout: Sources

Russian mercenaries arrived in the Malian town of Menaka on Wednesday just days after France’s military pullout from the site, sources briefed on the matter told AFP. Click here to read…

U.K. vows more Rwanda deportation flights after legal setback

The British government vowed Wednesday to organize more flights to deport asylum-seekers to Rwanda, after a last-minute court judgment grounded the first plane due to take off under the contentious policy. Click here to read…

Gambia: Officials Accused of Crimes Under Jammeh to Be Suspended

The Gambian government has announced this week that it would order suspensions for state employees accused of crimes under the former Yahya Jammeh regime, one of the recommendations of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC). Click here to read…

State controls just 60 percent of Burkina Faso: ECOWAS mediator

Authorities in Burkina Faso control just 60 percent of the country and the remaining territory is outside state control, a mediator from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has said. Click here to read…

DRC closes Rwanda border after soldier is shot dead during attack

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has closed its border with Rwanda after a Congolese soldier was shot dead while attacking border guards inside Rwandan territory. Click here to read…

France says it has captured Islamic State bigwig in Mali

French troops operating at the border between Mali and Niger have arrested a senior figure of the Islamic State in Greater Sahara (ISGS) armed group, authorities in Paris have said. Click here to read…

Libya Has Another Chance at Democracy

Libya was founded as a democracy. It is not too late to be a democracy again. Click here to read…

Clashes in Sudan’s Darfur Kill More Than 100

Clashes in Sudan’s Darfur between Arab and non-Arab groups have killed more than 100 people, adding to a toll of hundreds in the region over recent months. Click here to read…

Forty fighters ‘neutralised’ in drone strikes in Niger

French drone strikes have killed nearly 40 fighters earlier travelling on motorcycles near Niger’s border with Burkina Faso, France’s military said on Thursday. Click here to read…

Kenya calls for immediate deployment of regional force to eastern Congo

Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday called for the immediate deployment of a new regional military force to try to stop rebel violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Click here to read…

Thousands flee as jihadist attacks resume in Mozambique

At least seven people have died in a spate of jihadist-related violence in northern Mozambique, local sources said Tuesday, as the UN said 10 000 people had fled their homes. Click here to read…

Somalia: Security Forces Kill Nearly 70 Al-Shabab Terrorists In Galmudug Region

Somalia’s state forces, on Friday, killed 67 Al-Shabab terrorists and inflicted injuries on several others. The clashes happened in the Galhaduud. Click here to read…

One-third of Sudan’s population faces hunger crisis: UN

Aid groups warn food insecurity may dramatically increase to ‘unprecedented levels’ and lead to more conflict and displacement unless Sudan receives ‘robust agriculture support’. Click here to read…

Egypt localizes environment-friendly transport ahead of COP27

Egypt has developed a future strategy to introduce electric means of transport into public transport. This comes as the state is only 138 days away from hosting the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference, referred to as (COP27). Click here to read…

In Zimbabwe, reporter’s conviction sparks fears of renewed abuse

For the first time in more than a year, Jeffrey Moyo, reporter for The New York Times in Zimbabwe, is breathing rather easy. Click here to read…

Urgent support needed for 14,000 who fled following Burkina Faso massacre

In Burkina Faso, UN humanitarians on Friday appealed to the international community for help, after attacks by armed groups forced thousands to flee their homes in the east of the country. Click here to read…

Spain Resumes Operation Crossing the Strait with Morocco

Following a closure that lasted for two years, Spain has yesterday resumed Operation Crossing the Strait, which will allow movement between the continent of Europe and Africa for three months. Click here to read…

Cameroon, Central African Republic Agree to Demarcate Border

Cameroon and the Central African Republic have agreed to demarcate several hundred kilometers of their shared border. Click here to read…

Chad rebels threaten to pull out of Doha talks

Chad rebels due to take part in landmark talks with opposition groups and the military government on Saturday threatened to pull out citing “provocations and attempted aggression” by the government. Click here to read…

Zimbabwe breaks ground on $300 million lithium project

Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa oversaw the groundbreaking of a 300 million U.S. dollar spodumene project at the Bikita Minerals mine. It’s hoped the spodumene project will ramp up lithium production and extend the life of Zimbabwe’s oldest mine. Click here to read…

Angola to become Germany’s first supplier of green hydrogen
Angola is set to become Germany’s first supplier of green hydrogen from renewable energy after its state-owned energy company Sonangol signed a letter of intent to build a factory with two German engineering firms on WednesdayClick here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

African Union is India’s 4th largest trading partner

The African Union is India’s fourth largest trading partner after the United States, China and the United Arab Emirates, propped up by diversification in Indian exports to the continent. Click here to read…

Egypt looks to India for wheat to make up losses from Ukraine war

A potential deal between Egypt and India to import 500,000 tons of Indian wheat in exchange for Egyptian fertilizers is in the works amid ongoing global wheat shortages. Click here to read…

India, Tanzania hold foreign office consultations

India and Tanzania on Thursday reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations including political, economic and defence at the second round of Foreign Office Consultations between the two countries. Click here to read…

Vedanta starts iron ore mining in Liberia via subsidiary

Vedanta Iron & Steel sector has ventured into International Iron ore mining operations in Liberia, West Africa through its subsidiary Western Cluster Limited (WCL). Click here to read…

BCG Digital Ventures Launches New Innovation Centers in India and Morocco

BCG Digital Ventures (BCGDV), the corporate innovation and business-building arm of Boston Consulting Group (BCG), is opening innovation centers in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Casablanca. Click here to read…

Lessons for India: How Benin got its bronzes back

Formal requests began in the 1960s and were ignored. Nigeria persisted, lobbied the international community, kept the pressure up. Now, countries one by one are returning the treasures. Click here to read…

Muslim Conference of Ghana demands apology from India over insulting comments by two politicians

The National Muslim Conference of Ghana has joined Muslims across the world to call on the Indian government to render an unconditional apology for insulting comments made by two political figures. Click here to read…