Africa News Live Updates: From inflation in South Africa to coup fears in Burkina Faso, a hard day for the continent

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has publicly acknowledged widespread “complaints at the grassroots” and directed state governors to increase support for local communities and deliver “progressive change,” as per a report in Premium Times. The directive comes amid severe economic hardship in Nigeria, exacerbated by the administration’s policies since 2023, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the devaluation of the naira. These measures have contributed to significant inflation and a high cost of living, fuelling public discontent. The call highlights the responsibility of state governments to implement more effective economic relief measures and improve service delivery to alleviate the financial strain on citizens.

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of Nigeria’s main opposition party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has scheduled its next national elective convention for November 15 and 16, Premium Times said in a report. The event, where delegates will elect new national officers for the party, will be held in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

Rwanda is working to leverage its capital markets as a key driver for long-term investment to realise its national development strategy, Vision 2050, according to a report in The New Times. The plan aims to transform the nation into a high middle-income economy. This focus on capital markets, including the Rwanda Stock Exchange, is part of a broader effort to deepen the financial sector, attract foreign direct investment, and reduce the country’s dependence on foreign aid, building on previous development initiatives.

Nick Barigye was appointed as the new Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda on 24 July, as per a report in The New Times. He succeeds Justin Nsengiyumva in the position. The Deputy Governor role is integral to the leadership of the central bank, which is responsible for directing monetary policy, managing inflation, and ensuring financial sector stability. Leadership changes at the central bank are typically monitored by investors and the business community for potential shifts in economic policy.

Governor Dikko Radda of Nigeria’s Katsina state has congratulated Mr. Kankia on his appointment as the new National Legal Adviser for the country’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party, Premium Times said in a report. Governor Radda noted that he considers Mr. Kankia’s extensive experience in public service and the legal field to be a strong qualification, making him the right person for the key party position.

The World Food Programme’s (WFP) warning that it may halt food aid in Nigeria without an urgent injection of $130 million underscores the country’s precarious economic and humanitarian situation, as per a report in Premium Times. This potential suspension of support, intended to last through 2025, comes as Nigeria grapples with the severe economic fallout from recent reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira, which have triggered soaring inflation and pushed more citizens towards food insecurity. The funding shortfall places immense fiscal and political pressure on the Nigerian government, potentially impacting social stability and investor sentiment. For international donors, it highlights the strain on global humanitarian budgets amid multiple competing crises, while for Nigeria, it reveals a critical dependency on external aid that belies its status as Africa’s largest economy, pointing to deep-seated structural challenges that could affect its long-term economic outlook.

Tshireletso Samuel of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) emerged victorious in the men’s final of the Phoenix Letlhakane Open table tennis tournament, as per a report in the Botswana Gazette. In a dramatic five-set encounter, Samuel defeated his BDF teammate Bakang Maloka. The final score of 11/6, 6/11, 11/5, 2/11, 11/8 reflected a closely contested match with significant shifts in momentum.

As part of an ongoing government review aimed at enhancing institutional efficiency, Rwanda is placing its Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB) and its Convention Bureau (RCB) under the direct supervision of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), as per a report in The New Times. This strategic consolidation significantly expands the RDB’s mandate, reinforcing its position as the central state agency for driving economic growth and attracting foreign direct investment. The move is intended to create a more integrated ‘one-stop-shop’ for investors and better align the critical mining and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism sectors with national development strategies for economic diversification.

The government of Rwanda is set to establish and operationalise a Youth Investment Facility (YIF) to foster entrepreneurship among young people over the next five years, according to a report in The New Times. The initiative is a component of the country’s broader National Strategy for Transformation, which prioritises job creation and youth empowerment. The facility aims to provide targeted support to young entrepreneurs as part of national efforts to address youth unemployment and stimulate economic growth.

Nigeria’s National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has halted operations and sealed a quarry site in Abuja operated by Dai Jin Jia Investment, as per a report in Premium Times. The regulatory action was taken after residents of the adjacent ACO Estate held a protest on July 19, raising concerns about the environmental impact of the company’s activities.

A Nigerian court has convicted the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Olufemi Thomas, along with a bureau de change (BDC) operator, in connection with a $2,198,900 fraud, according to a report in Premium Times. The conviction, resulting from a case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), found Thomas guilty of transacting with large sums of cash that exceeded the legal threshold without processing them through a formal financial institution. This action constitutes a violation of the country’s anti-money laundering regulations.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame appointed a new, slightly changed cabinet on Thursday, introducing four new faces to his administration, according to a report in The New Times. A large number of ministers from the previous government were retained in their positions. The appointments were announced on July 24.

A Nigerian court has affirmed a tax tribunal’s decision that designates the ride-hailing and food delivery company Bolt as a collection agent for the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), as per a report in Premium Times. The ruling mandates Bolt to collect and remit VAT on behalf of the independent food vendors and drivers operating on its platform. This legal decision strengthens the Nigerian government’s efforts to increase non-oil tax revenue by formalising the tax obligations of participants in the country’s expanding digital and gig economy, setting a significant precedent for other platforms.

Nigeria’s Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has approved a list of 57 lawyers for promotion to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Premium Times says in a report. The decision was made during the committee’s 169th plenary session, chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola. This development is significant for Nigeria’s investment and business environment, as SANs constitute the elite tier of legal practitioners who often lead high-stakes commercial, political, and electoral litigation. The expansion of this rank impacts the legal landscape for corporate entities and investors, influencing the perceived stability of the rule of law and the resolution of major disputes.

The Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) has initiated legal action to recover N$29 million in defaulted loans from brothers Peter and Malakia Elindi and their company, Enercon Namibia, The Namibian says in a report. This civil claim coincides with the brothers’ ongoing detention related to separate allegations of corruption at the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor). The case highlights the financial repercussions of alleged graft and places the governance and risk management practices of Namibia’s state-owned enterprises, particularly DBN’s lending protocols and Namcor’s internal controls, under significant scrutiny.

Nigeria is facing a significant public health challenge with 127,000 new cancer cases recorded annually, Premium Times says in a report. An official highlighted that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cancer represent one of the fastest-growing contributors to the country’s overall disease burden. This situation has substantial economic implications, including catastrophic out-of-pocket health expenditures for families, which can lead to poverty, and significant losses in national productivity. The high incidence rate places pressure on the government’s underfunded healthcare system and may influence future policy, budget allocations, and international donor priorities towards addressing NCDs.

The money laundering trial of former Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano has been taken over by a new judge, requiring the legal proceedings to start afresh, according to a report in Premium Times. Due to the judicial change, Obiano is expected to enter a new plea before the court. Furthermore, the prosecution, led by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), will have to re-invite all witnesses who had previously testified to present their evidence again before the new presiding judge.

In Namibia’s Zambezi region, the Katima Mulilo Town Council and the Bukalo Village Council are making progress in providing affordable housing through public-private partnerships (PPPs), according to an announcement by regional governor Dorothy Kabula, as per a report in The Namibian. Speaking during her maiden state of the region address, the governor highlighted that the Katima Mulilo Town Council has contributed to the initiative by donating land. This strategy reflects a model of leveraging private sector collaboration to address public infrastructure needs within the region.

Management at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Nigeria has addressed a new student dress code that is currently trending on social media, Premium Times says in a report. A copy of the proposed regulations indicates the university plans to implement several restrictions on student appearance. These include banning heavy make-up, dreadlocks, nose rings, and coloured hairstyles. The code also specifically targets male students, proposing a ban on hair braiding.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is set to begin a phased withdrawal of its military mission (SAMIDRC) from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as per a report in Mail & Guardian. This decision, which follows the recent departure of other UN and regional forces, heightens concerns over a potential security vacuum in the mineral-rich region, where armed groups such as the M23 rebellion remain active. The withdrawal is reportedly driven by a combination of the mission’s financial unsustainability and the DRC government’s policy to have its national army, the FARDC, assume full security responsibilities. For businesses and investors, particularly in the mining sector, this development significantly elevates operational and political risk, as the ability of the FARDC to secure the area and contain violence is a primary concern.

Imms Mulunga, the former managing director of the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor), testified in court denying allegations that he corruptly accepted an Audi Q8 valued at N$3.2 million as a bribe, The Namibian says in a report. The state alleges the vehicle was a form of gratification from fugitive fuel firm owner Victor Malima in August 2022. The high-profile case places further scrutiny on the governance and internal controls of Namcor, a key state-owned enterprise, amid a broader anti-corruption drive within the country.

Gulf states are significantly increasing their financial commitments in Africa, directing billions into key sectors such as agriculture, logistics, and energy to advance their own economic diversification and food security objectives, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. This surge in investment from the Gulf coincides with a strategic adaptation by China, which is revamping its financial model on the continent to focus on smaller, more sustainable projects rather than the large-scale infrastructure that characterised its earlier Belt and Road Initiative. The dual developments are intensifying geopolitical competition, offering African nations a wider array of financing partners but also highlighting the need for robust governance and transparency to manage these new economic relationships effectively.

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) is developing in its fifth season, becoming a significant feature in Africa’s growing sports and entertainment sector, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. The league, a joint venture between the US-based National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), is seen as a vehicle for youth empowerment and aligns with the African Union’s long-term development goals. This initiative also reflects a broader trend of using sports for cultural diplomacy on the continent, complementing traditional economic engagements and stimulating investment in sports infrastructure. While the BAL provides professional pathways for African talent, its ownership and strategic direction remain with its international parent organisations.

A new report has found that 26% of Africa’s freshwater fish species are threatened with extinction, highlighting a significant environmental crisis with broad economic implications, as per a report in Mail & Guardian. The decline in fish populations, described as an ‘aquatic version of the canary in the coalmine’, signals a wider degradation of the continent’s vital water systems. This poses a direct threat to the livelihoods and food security of local communities dependent on fishing and could impact national economies by affecting industries such as tourism and agriculture.

Hunting tourism in South Africa generates an estimated R44 billion for the economy and is responsible for about 95,000 jobs, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. The findings come from a new study conducted by researchers Peet van der Merwe and Andrea Saayman from North-West University, which quantifies the economic impact of the sector on the country.

The African Development Bank’s Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) is backing an initiative to expand electric cooking across three African nations, according to a report in AllAfrica. This project aims to improve public health by reducing indoor air pollution from traditional biomass fuels and to advance climate goals by curbing deforestation. The initiative aligns with the AfDB’s ‘Light up and Power Africa’ strategy and supports national and continental goals for universal energy access.

South Africa’s poultry sector is showing signs of recovery following the significant highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in 2023, and prices for consumers are not expected to rise, Mail & Guardian says in a report. This stabilisation provides a measure of relief for households amid a persistent cost of living crisis and high food inflation. The sector’s rebound comes after a challenging period last year marked by the mass culling of millions of birds, which led to severe shortages and sharp price increases for poultry and eggs, a staple protein source in the country.

The appointment of a new Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Finance in the City of Johannesburg is being held up by internal party politics within the African National Congress (ANC), as per a report in Mail & Guardian. Citing regional party sources, the report indicates the position is highly contested because it is perceived as a critical stepping stone to becoming the city’s mayor. This has led to a struggle between two internal factions vying for the influential role, a situation that comes as the party prepares for its Johannesburg regional conference scheduled for September.

Advocacy is increasing in South Africa to address the growing marginalisation of boys within the education system, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. These calls highlight specific challenges such as higher dropout rates, lower academic performance, and disengagement, which are increasingly linked to broader societal issues like youth unemployment and social instability. This development represents a potential shift in education policy, broadening the focus on gender to include the specific difficulties faced by boys, which are distinct from the historical barriers encountered by girls.

An investigation by South Africa’s Special Investigating Unit (SIU) into widespread corruption at the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) has been significantly hampered by a 15-month delay from the presidency in approving an expanded mandate, Mail & Guardian said in a report. The SIU’s current authority is limited by the narrow terms of its original presidential proclamation, and despite applying for an amendment to broaden its scope of inquiry, the unit remains unable to fully pursue all leads. This bureaucratic delay is seen as undermining the country’s anti-corruption initiatives and prevents the SIU from effectively carrying out its mandate to investigate the alleged fraudulent diversion of lottery funds intended for good causes.

A new study has revealed that antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, specifically lopinavir and efavirenz, are prominent pollutants in South Africa’s rivers, largely stemming from inadequately managed wastewater treatment plants, according to a report in the Mail & Guardian. The contamination is a direct consequence of the country’s massive ARV programme—the world’s largest—combined with systemic failures in municipal infrastructure, where ageing and underfunded facilities are unable to filter out complex pharmaceutical compounds. The findings highlight significant environmental risks, potential impacts on aquatic ecosystems, and broader public health concerns about water quality and antimicrobial resistance. This places pressure on the government to address infrastructure deficits and could have financial implications for municipalities and the pharmaceutical sector through calls for enhanced regulation and producer responsibility schemes.

A mine collapse has caused a tragedy in the African village of Lomera, which is experiencing a massive gold rush, as per a report in BBC. The village’s population has surged from 1,500 to 12,000 in less than a year as people migrate to the area for artisanal and small-scale mining. This rapid influx has reportedly put immense strain on local infrastructure and services, leading to unregulated and dangerous mining operations.

Leaders in the Horn of Africa have called for women and youth to take a central role in peacebuilding efforts amid ongoing regional conflicts, Standard Media said in a report. The call to action, involving figures such as a Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Gender and the head of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), aims to address widespread instability in the region. These conflicts are reportedly instigated by war, climate-related crises, and political turmoil, and the initiative seeks to formally engage women and young people as key participants in creating lasting peace.

The government of Botswana is pushing to acquire a controlling stake in De Beers, signalling a major shift in the country’s long-standing partnership with the diamond giant, the Financial Times says in a report. This development comes at a critical time, as Anglo American, which currently holds an 85% stake in De Beers, is preparing to accept bids for its diamond business as part of a wider strategic divestment. Botswana, which already owns 15% of De Beers and is a 50% partner in the highly productive Debswana mining joint venture, is seeking greater control over its most critical national resource. The move is seen as part of a broader trend of resource nationalism and a push for greater local beneficiation, aiming to capture more value from its diamonds domestically and enhance its economic sovereignty.

Namibia’s Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) must campaign effectively to regain the trust of the electorate ahead of the November local and regional council elections, its secretary-general stated, according to a report in The Namibian. Speaking on Tuesday at a party leadership training event in Otjiwarongo, Secretary-General Manuel Ngaringombe said the PDM faces a significant challenge. He emphasized that the party needs to perform well during its campaign to win back voter confidence for the upcoming polls, which he noted will not be easy.

Illicit logging of valuable teak forests in South Sudan is being carried out by soldiers and smugglers who are taking advantage of the country’s persistent instability, as per a report in Daily Maverick. This illegal activity, which thrives due to a fragile peace process and weak governance, provides funding for various armed groups, including rogue elements within the military. This exploitation of natural resources undermines the government’s authority, fuels corruption, and has severe environmental and economic consequences for local communities who lose vital livelihoods. The operation is described as involving sophisticated, often transnational, criminal networks with ties to political and military figures.

Namibia’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is launching targeted sensitisation campaigns in the Kavango West region due to a low rate of corruption reporting, The Namibian says in a report. The commission’s initiative specifically focuses on engaging young people, who are considered the region’s future leadership. As part of this effort, the ACC held an engagement session in the town of Nkurenkuru on Tuesday to encourage residents to report corrupt activities.

Over 3,400 farmers in Namibia’s Kavango East region have benefited from subsidised inputs and services aimed at enhancing food production and agricultural resilience, according to a report in The Namibian. The support was provided under the government’s Dry Land Crop Production Programme and the Cereal Value Chain initiative. Kavango East governor Hamunyera Hambyuka revealed the development, stating it is part of the government’s broader efforts to boost agriculture in the region.

Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe and Internal Security Minister Vincent Biruta met with Huang Xia, the United Nations Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, on Thursday, July 24, to discuss peace initiatives for the conflict-ridden eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to a report in The New Times.