Africa News Live Updates: From Rwanda's telecom trouble, Congo's oil row to South Africa's gun syndicate crackdown

A minister in Nigeria’s Tinubu administration has publicly committed to resolving the persistent strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) that frequently disrupt the nation’s higher education sector, Premium Times said in a report. The official also issued an apology to tertiary institution staff for delays experienced in salary payments in previous months. This development carries significant economic implications, as resolving the long-standing dispute over funding and conditions of service is crucial for fostering human capital development and reducing the socio-economic uncertainty caused by prolonged academic disruptions.

Reflecting a shift in its Belt and Road Initiative, China is directing significant investment towards Africa, with a new focus on agreeing to local mineral beneficiation, according to a report in the Mail & Guardian. Driven by intense global competition for critical minerals needed for green energy and technology, Chinese investors are increasingly accepting demands from African governments to process raw materials on the continent rather than exporting them raw. This development aligns with the African Union’s industrialisation goals and is bolstered by a growing trend of resource nationalism, giving African nations greater leverage in negotiations. The shift represents an evolution of China’s overseas investment strategy, moving towards what it terms ‘high-quality’ development that is more responsive to the host countries’ economic priorities.

Rwanda’s Higher Education Council (HEC) has announced plans to complete the digitisation of its equivalence issuance process by the end of 2025, as per a report in The New Times. The initiative is designed to streamline the recognition of academic qualifications from foreign institutions, a critical step for individuals seeking employment or further education in the country. By improving the speed and transparency of this process, the government aims to facilitate labour mobility, attract skilled international and diaspora talent, and enhance the ease of doing business, which aligns with Rwanda’s broader national strategy for digital transformation.

Rwanda will launch a new WhatsApp chatbot called IROZA in October to enhance the fight against breast cancer by providing accessible information and support, according to a report in The New Times. The tool, which is primarily focused on women, aligns with the country’s broader ‘Smart Rwanda’ digital transformation agenda. This initiative represents a strategic use of widely available technology to improve public health outcomes and advance the government’s focus on combating non-communicable diseases through early detection and awareness.

The Kenyan government is considering a new financing model that involves the securitisation of future tax revenues to accelerate project development, as per a report in Standard Media. A government minister has championed the model as a way to fast-track key initiatives. However, the proposal has elicited significant concern from public finance economists and governance experts, who warn that pledging future income could severely constrain the nation’s fiscal space, increase contingent liabilities, and potentially lead to unsustainable debt if revenue projections are not met or if the funded projects fail to generate sufficient returns. Critics argue the strategy is high-risk and could mortgage the country’s future economic stability, raising questions about parliamentary oversight and intergenerational equity.

Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema (Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo), intends to launch a major political outreach programme targeting ‘all wards and villages’ across the country, Africa News says in a report. This development follows the recent decision by President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration to lift a ban on political rallies, which had been in place since 2016 under her predecessor, the late John Magufuli. The lifting of the ban is a significant political reform that is expected to reduce political risk and enhance investor confidence in the East African nation. By allowing for greater political competition and freedom of assembly, the move signals a shift towards a more stable and predictable policy environment, which could prove attractive for foreign direct investment and positively impact Tanzania’s economic outlook.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has approved the retirement of nine generals from the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), according to a report in The New Times. The decision was made in his official capacity as the Commander-in-Chief of the nation’s army. The move affects senior leadership within the Rwandan military.

Significant shifts were recorded in recent South African ward by-elections, signalling a potential political realignment, according to a report in Daily Maverick. The Patriotic Alliance (PA) secured a notable victory against the Democratic Alliance (DA) in a traditional DA stronghold in Paarl, Western Cape, breaching what is often called the party’s ‘blue wall’. Concurrently, the African National Congress (ANC) won back a seat in Kimberley, Northern Cape. These results highlight a fragmentation of the opposition vote and the growing influence of smaller, community-focused parties, pointing towards more complex coalition negotiations in future elections.

Paul Rusesabagina, the humanitarian whose actions during the 1994 Rwandan genocide inspired the film ‘Hotel Rwanda’, has arrived in Qatar following his release from a Rwandan prison, according to a report in Africa News. Rusesabagina, a vocal critic of Rwandan President Paul Kagame and a U.S. permanent resident, had been serving a 25-year sentence on terrorism-related charges since his conviction in 2021. His release follows sustained international diplomatic pressure, particularly from the United States. Rusesabagina was apprehended in 2020 in what his supporters described as a kidnapping, and his subsequent trial was widely criticized by human rights organizations as politically motivated.

Nigeria is grappling with a severe economic crisis following major policy reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu’s administration in 2023, The Washington Post said in a report. The removal of a long-standing fuel subsidy and the unification of the exchange rate have resulted in a sharp increase in petrol prices and a significant devaluation of the naira. These measures, while intended to improve fiscal stability, have had profound consequences for the populace, fuelling rampant inflation, particularly for food. The rising cost of living and diminished purchasing power are acutely felt in rural villages, where the higher cost of essential imports and agricultural inputs has exacerbated food insecurity and economic hardship.

A main opposition hopeful has abandoned their campaign for the upcoming Egyptian presidency, a move that clears a path for the re-election of incumbent President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Africa News says in a report. This development occurs within a challenging economic context for Egypt, which is currently grappling with high inflation and substantial debt. From a market perspective, some analysts view the withdrawal as a move that prioritises political stability and continuity, a key consideration for the government and investors as the country navigates its economic difficulties, even as it prompts concern from international observers regarding the state of democratic competition.

The first-ever therapeutic treatment for malaria in newborn babies has received approval, a significant milestone in global public health, the Washington Post says in a report. This development is particularly critical for the World Health Organisation’s Africa region, which bore the vast majority of the 597,000 global malaria deaths recorded in 2023, with children under five representing 76 percent of those fatalities. The new treatment, distinct from the preventative RTS,S vaccine, is viewed by development economists as a strategic investment in Africa’s human capital, with the potential to boost long-term economic growth by reducing infant mortality. However, its success hinges on the implementation capacity of African governments and sustained financing from international partners like the Global Fund, placing pressure on health ministries to ensure effective and equitable distribution.

An al-Qaeda affiliate, Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM), has grown to become the most powerful militant force in the Sahel with up to 6,000 fighters, the Washington Post says in a report. The group’s expansion across Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger has been facilitated by security vacuums left by recent military coups and the withdrawal of Western forces. This escalating insurgency poses a severe threat to regional economic stability, jeopardising foreign direct investment, particularly in the mining and resource sectors, while disrupting critical supply chains and increasing security risks for businesses. The growing instability undermines regional bodies like ECOWAS and fuels a severe humanitarian crisis, placing further strain on international aid and national budgets.

Felix Tshisekedi has been inaugurated for a second presidential term in the Democratic Republic of Congo following a contested election, according to a report in Africa News. The inauguration proceeded despite widespread allegations of irregularities and fraud during the December 2023 vote, which were detailed by local and international observers. Leading opposition figures, including Moïse Katumbi and Martin Fayulu, have rejected the outcome and called for the election to be annulled. However, the country’s Constitutional Court validated the results, legally cementing Tshisekedi’s victory but failing to resolve the political crisis and the questions surrounding the legitimacy of his mandate, which analysts note could hinder foreign investment and national stability.

Zimbabwe’s main opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa, has announced his departure from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party, stating it has been ‘hijacked’ by state-sponsored elements, Africa News says in a report. This follows a series of post-election recalls of CCC Members of Parliament and councillors, initiated by a figure not recognised by Chamisa’s faction, which significantly weakened the opposition’s legislative presence. Chamisa’s exit effectively dismantles the primary challenge to the ruling ZANU-PF party, creating a more fragmented and weakened opposition landscape. For businesses and investors, this development heightens political risk by signalling a further erosion of democratic checks and balances, potentially impacting long-term policy stability and international investor sentiment towards Zimbabwe.

An attack by an armed group on a military base in Dargo, northern Burkina Faso, on Monday has resulted in the deaths of about 50 soldiers, AP says in a report. The al-Qaeda-affiliated group, Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), is suspected of carrying out the assault. This event represents a significant blow to the military junta, led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, which justified its seizure of power in 2022 on the promise of quelling the escalating jihadist insurgency. The attack underscores the persistent instability in the Sahel region and raises questions about the effectiveness of the government’s security strategy, particularly following the withdrawal of French forces and a pivot towards new international security partners.

Lucas Ribeiro Costa of Mamelodi Sundowns won four accolades at the 2024/25 Premier Soccer League (PSL) Awards, The Star said in a report. The ceremony recognised the top performers from the recently concluded South African professional soccer season, and Ribeiro’s four awards made him the most decorated individual of the event.

Ahead of their upcoming Currie Cup clash, Bulls coach Phiwe Nomlomo stated his team will not be fooled by the Sharks’ recent poor performance, as per a report in The Star. Nomlomo cautioned against underestimating the Sharks, even though they recently suffered a significant defeat, emphasizing that the Bulls must remain prepared for a tough opponent.

Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of Xoliseka Lali, the Chief Whip of Emalahleni Local Municipality, who was shot dead on July 21, 2025, in Komani, South Africa, according to a report in The Star. The arrests mark a significant development in the investigation into the killing of the local political official.

Rwanda’s Chamber of Deputies has formally ratified a US-brokered peace agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo aimed at de-escalating regional tensions, according to a report in The New Times. The agreement was originally signed in Washington, D.C., on June 27. The ratification is a formal legislative step by Rwanda to commit to the deal, which addresses the ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo, particularly involving the M23 rebel group. For the agreement to become fully effective, it must also be ratified by the DR Congo’s parliament.

At a summit of African liberation movements, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula warned of renewed threats to the continent’s sovereignty, according to a report in The Star. Mbalula denounced what he described as “foreign interference, neocolonialism, and digital imperialism” as key challenges confronting African nations.

Burkina Faso has rejected Ivory Coast’s official statement that pro-junta activist Alain Faso died by suicide while in Ivorian custody, a development that significantly escalates diplomatic tensions between the two West African nations, as per a report in BBC. The dispute adds to an already volatile political environment, marked by Burkina Faso’s 2022 military coup and its subsequent withdrawal from the regional bloc ECOWAS. This incident is expected to heighten political risk for businesses and investors in the region, potentially disrupting cross-border trade and chilling investment sentiment. Furthermore, the diplomatic fallout could undermine crucial security cooperation between the neighbouring countries as they both contend with extremist threats in the Sahel.

The government of Rwanda has deployed a team to implement a water rationing plan to alleviate shortages currently affecting various parts of the capital, Kigali, as per a report in The New Times. This measure is a response to water scarcity brought on by the ongoing dry season, while the government simultaneously works on establishing a long-term solution to the city’s water supply issues.

South Africa is preparing for cold weather conditions on Wednesday, with varied forecasts across the country, according to a report in The Star. While some regions are expected to have clear skies, others will see increasing cloud cover. The forecast also includes showers and strong winds for certain areas.

A photojournalist has presented new evidence in the case of Rex Masai, a protester killed during Kenya’s anti-Finance Bill demonstrations in June 2024, Standard Media Kenya says in a report. The evidence, which includes five photographs and a video clip, reportedly identifies an individual named Murangiri as the person responsible for the fatal shooting. This submission marks a significant development in the ongoing calls for accountability regarding police conduct during the widespread protests.

South African club AmaZulu FC is implementing a significant strategic shift towards a more youthful team for the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season, as per a report in The Star. Club president Sandile Zungu confirmed the new direction, which includes several new player signings, was directly influenced by a recent critical analysis from former player Teko Modise. Zungu acknowledged that Modise’s candid assessment “sent shivers down our spines” and served as a catalyst for the club to re-evaluate its approach and invest in younger talent for its future.

Kenyan officials have acknowledged a widespread doping problem within the country’s elite running community, where the practice is driven by a complex mix of ambition and economic desperation, The New York Times says in a report. For many athletes, performance-enhancing drugs are seen as a high-stakes gamble to secure a way out of severe poverty, with the potential earnings from a successful career representing a path to basic necessities. This socio-economic pressure adds a challenging dimension to the issue, intertwining the pursuit of athletic glory with a fundamental struggle for survival.

The memorial lecture for the late Namibian liberation figure and anti-apartheid activist Anton Lubowski is set to be held in Namibia this year, as per a report in The Namibian. The announcement was made by Lubowski’s family ahead of the 36th anniversary of his assassination, which occurred on 12 September 1989.

Significant financial stress is impacting a large segment of Namibia’s workforce, with data from the Old Mutual Financial Monitor indicating that 40% of individuals earning N$3,000 or more per month are affected, The Namibian says in a report. This development points to underlying economic pressures, such as a high cost of living relative to wages, which could have broader implications for consumer spending and domestic economic stability. Experts cited in the report also highlight a growing correlation between this economic hardship and public health concerns, specifically a rise in anxiety and depression, which can affect workforce productivity.

The United States military has raised concerns about jihadist groups and drug cartels operating near Namibia’s borders following high-level talks, according to a report in The Namibian. US Africa Command (Africom) Lieutenant General John Brennan met with Namibian Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs Frans Kapofi last week to discuss the security situation. Brennan stated that jihadist groups are active along the periphery of the region, prompting the security-focused dialogue.

Bangladesh and Djibouti are looking to enhance their bilateral ties, with a focus on boosting economic and diplomatic cooperation, according to a report in Daily Sun. This move aligns with Bangladesh’s strategy to diversify its economic partners and access African markets, and with Djibouti’s ambition to solidify its position as a key logistics and maritime hub in the Horn of Africa. The potential partnership underscores the growing trend of South-South cooperation, where developing nations forge direct economic links to create new trade and investment opportunities.

Namibia Post Limited (NamPost), a state-owned enterprise, is investigating an alleged fraud case where employees reportedly swindled a 75-year-old pensioner out of approximately N$20,000 between January and July, according to a report in The Namibian. The incident, brought to public attention by a social activist, has drawn scrutiny to the governance and internal controls at the public company. This case reflects broader concerns about corruption and mismanagement within Namibia’s state-owned enterprises, raising questions about the security of public funds and the protection of vulnerable citizens.

Namibia’s Minister of Works and Transport, Veikko Nekundi, has issued a directive to e-hailing service providers, including Yango, InDrive, and Lefa, to ensure all their drivers are properly licensed by 30 September 2025, as per a report in The Namibian. The ministry warned that any company failing to comply with the deadline will be labelled a facilitator of illegal transport operations. This move represents a significant regulatory clampdown on the gig economy’s transport sector within the country.

Attacks by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in el-Obeid, the capital of Sudan’s North Kordofan state, Al Jazeera said in a report. The city is a vital logistical and commercial hub, and its control is critical for economic leverage and military supply lines in the ongoing conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), which began in April 2023. The fighting has severely disrupted the region, leading to critical shortages of food, water, and medicine, widespread population displacement, and the collapse of essential public services.

An inmate at the Oluno Correctional Facility in Ondangwa, Namibia, has filed a N$7.35 million lawsuit against the state after allegedly being assaulted by correctional officers, The Namibian says in a report. Samuel Mbango has initiated two civil claims against the Namibian Correctional Service (NCS) and the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security. The lawsuit states that the alleged assault left him with permanent injuries.

Flash flooding in Nigeria’s northeastern Adamawa state has killed at least 25 people and left 11 others missing since Sunday, AP said in a report. The country’s National Emergency Management Agency stated on Tuesday that the floods, which affected five communities in the Yola area, have displaced 5,560 people. A temporary camp has been established at Aliyu Musdafa College in Yola to provide basic necessities for those affected.

South Africa’s national women’s rugby team, the Springbok Women, are preparing for their final warm-up game against the Black Ferns XV at Athlone Stadium, according to a report in The Star. The team is reportedly shifting its focus from experimentation in previous games to execution for this match. The objective is to secure a victory that will serve as a significant confidence boost ahead of upcoming fixtures.

South Africa’s national rugby team coach, Rassie Erasmus, has recalled the Springboks from their break ahead of schedule to prepare for the upcoming Rugby Championship, according to a report in The Star. The decision was made to allow the coaching staff to concentrate on streamlining the squad and to work on individual player development. This move signals an intensified focus on preparation as the team finalises its strategy for the tournament.

A political standoff between KwaZulu-Natal’s MEC for Cooperative Governance, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, and the Umkhanyakude District Municipality’s Speaker, Solomon Mkhobo, has resulted in a complete halt of essential services for residents, as per a report in The Star. The governance crisis highlights significant political risk and operational instability in the region, which could deter investment and disrupt local economic activity. The event reflects a wider trend of dysfunctional municipalities across South Africa, often caused by political infighting, which can lead to costly provincial or national interventions to restore basic functionality. The disruption directly impacts businesses and households, undermining investor confidence in the provincial government’s ability to ensure a stable operating environment.