Africa News Live Updates: Nigeria labour tensions, Kenya child exploitation, a hard week begins for the continent

Nigerian energy company Eterna Plc announced a pre-tax profit of N1.6 billion for the first half of 2025, a result the firm attributed to enhanced operational execution and strategic market positioning, according to a report in Premium Times. The company’s performance is situated within a reformed economic environment in Nigeria, following major policy shifts by the Tinubu administration. Key factors influencing the sector include the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the exchange rate, both implemented in 2023, which have altered the operating dynamics for energy marketers by enabling market-based pricing.

An Abuja pastor facing rape charges has returned to his ministry just days after being released from a five-week detention, Premium Times says in a report. A video circulating on social media shows the pastor ministering to his congregation, who gave him an ecstatic welcome upon his return to the pulpit. The legal proceedings concerning the rape charges are ongoing, and his release from custody is a procedural step, not an acquittal.

The chairperson of a Nigerian regional development commission (NNDC) has proposed significant constitutional reforms, including the official recognition of such commissions, Premium Times says in a report. The proposal advocates for a major restructuring of the country’s federal system by transferring legislative authority in key economic and security sectors—specifically minerals, agriculture, policing, and prisons—from the federal government to state governments. This call for devolution, which would have substantial economic implications for resource control and investment, aligns with ongoing national debates in Nigeria concerning fiscal federalism and security sector reform.

Nigeria’s Lagos State Government has published a list of 176 real estate estates it deems illegal for operating without the required ‘Layout approvals’, issuing an ultimatum for developers to regularise their status, Premium Times said in a report. The government notice stated that these unapproved developments compromise the state’s ‘Sustainable Lagos’ initiative, which aims to ensure planned and resilient urban growth. This regulatory action presents significant financial and operational risks for the involved developers and creates uncertainty for property owners. The move could disrupt the local real estate market, potentially slowing new construction and increasing compliance costs, which may influence future property prices in a city already facing a housing affordability crisis.

Aradel Holdings Plc, a prominent Nigerian energy company, announced strong unaudited financial results for the first half of 2025, with revenue climbing 37.2% to ₦368.1 billion and profit after tax rising 40.2% to ₦146.4 billion, Premium Times says in a report. This performance is viewed by analysts as a reflection of Nigeria’s evolving economic landscape, significantly influenced by market-driven fuel pricing following the 2023 subsidy removal and favourable currency effects from the Naira’s devaluation on dollar-denominated earnings. The results also underscore the positive impact of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and government policies promoting local content, which benefit indigenous firms. For investors, Aradel’s growth signals resilience and profitability within Nigeria’s energy sector, potentially bolstering confidence despite the country’s broader macroeconomic challenges.

Rwanda’s parliament passed a significant healthcare services bill on Monday, August 4, which introduces new regulations for surrogacy and legally permits access to contraceptives for individuals as young as 15, according to a report in The New Times. The legislation is described as a landmark move aimed at formally regulating the practice of surrogacy while also expanding reproductive health options for adolescents within the country’s healthcare framework.

Members of Parliament in Rwanda are urging the government to allocate a specific quota for green jobs as part of its national strategy to create 1.2 million decent and productive jobs by 2029, according to a report in The New Times. This legislative push aligns with the country’s long-term economic goals, such as Vision 2050, and its commitments under the Paris Agreement to reduce emissions. The proposal highlights potential investment opportunities for the private sector in green industries like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and eco-tourism. Successful implementation would necessitate a significant government focus on expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes to equip the workforce with the required skills for these emerging sectors, potentially attracting international development aid for Rwanda’s green transition.

A significant ‘turf war’ is underway in Kenya’s education ministry, where Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba is reportedly being marginalised by his Principal Secretaries, Standard Media says in a report. The conflict highlights structural tensions within the Kenyan government, where Principal Secretaries, as administrative heads responsible for budgets and day-to-day operations, can have direct loyalty to the President, potentially bypassing their politically appointed Cabinet Secretary. This infighting threatens to create policy paralysis and disrupt service delivery within the education sector, raising concerns about governance and the effective implementation of the ministry’s agenda.

South Africa’s Electoral Commission (EC) is expected to announce a definitive timeline this week for the upcoming national elections, signalling that preparations are nearing completion, as per a report in Daily Sun. This development is significant for financial markets, as a fixed and credible electoral schedule can reduce political uncertainty, which is generally viewed as positive for investor confidence and economic planning. The announcement follows key preparatory phases, including voter roll audits and discussions around electoral laws, and will set firm deadlines for political parties to finalise candidate nominations. While a February election is seen as a strong prospect, the main economic impact will depend on the perceived fairness of the process and the potential for post-election stability.

The Nigerian film ‘My Father’s Shadow’ will have its premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, a significant milestone for the nation’s prolific film industry, Nollywood, according to a report in CNN. This selection is seen as a major boost for the industry’s global visibility, potentially attracting increased foreign investment, new collaborations, and wider international distribution agreements. The event aligns with the Nigerian government’s long-term policy of economic diversification away from oil, highlighting the creative sector’s potential for job creation and GDP contribution. The premiere also serves as a key exercise in cultural diplomacy, enhancing Nigeria’s ‘soft power’ and challenging international perceptions of the country and the African continent.

A new museum in Lagos, Nigeria, is actively challenging the traditional ‘Eurocentric’ model of curation by centering African perspectives and narratives, according to a report in CNN. The initiative is part of a broader continental movement demanding the repatriation of cultural artifacts and asserting cultural sovereignty. This development carries significant business and economic implications, positioning Nigeria to enhance its international soft power and attract cultural tourism. The museum is also expected to stimulate the local creative industries, fostering job creation for artists and curators and contributing to economic diversification.

South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, is facing a high risk of returning to civil war as the key provisions of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict remain unimplemented, according to a report in CNN. The primary drivers of the escalating tension include the failure to unify armed forces under a single command and establish a permanent constitution. This political stalemate is compounded by a severe economic crisis, characterised by hyperinflation, food insecurity, and widespread corruption, particularly concerning the nation’s substantial oil revenues. The instability has significant implications for neighbouring countries such as Sudan, Uganda, and Kenya, which face the prospect of increased refugee flows and disruptions to regional trade and security. The crisis represents a critical challenge for mediators like the African Union and IGAD, as well as for the United Nations, which is grappling with a worsening humanitarian situation affecting millions of South Sudanese.

The first-ever malaria drug developed for newborns and young infants is anticipated to be approved for use in Africa within weeks, CNN says in a report. This development marks a significant step in combating the disease, which is a leading cause of mortality among children on the continent. The approval would provide a crucial new tool to protect one of the most vulnerable populations from malaria.

A deadly fire at a central telecommunications building in Cairo has resulted in four fatalities and triggered widespread disruptions to internet and telephone services, CNN says in a report. The incident has significant economic implications, halting business operations that depend on reliable connectivity for daily transactions and communications. From an investor perspective, the event highlights the operational risks associated with the vulnerability of Egypt’s highly centralised critical infrastructure, where a single point of failure can cause extensive national disruption. The government’s response to the outage serves as a key test of its crisis management capability and its capacity to support business continuity.

A significant escalation in rape and sexual violence, particularly against children, is being reported from the conflict-torn eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo, CNN says in a report. This surge in atrocities is linked to the intensified offensive by the M23 rebel group and other armed factions, leading to mass displacement and a severe humanitarian crisis. From an economic perspective, the violence is a deliberate tactic in the conflict over the control of strategic resources, including coltan, gold, and cassiterite, which are vital for global supply chains. The escalating instability severely hinders investment, destroys livelihoods, and disrupts any potential for sustainable economic development, highlighting profound governance failures and posing a significant risk to regional stability and the operations of businesses reliant on the DRC’s mineral wealth.

Two female tourists, one from the UK and one from New Zealand, were killed by an elephant in a national park in Zambia, according to a report in CNN. The incident places immediate pressure on the Zambian government to review and enhance safety protocols for its wildlife tourism industry, which is a significant contributor to the country’s foreign exchange revenue and employment. The event has raised concerns over its potential impact on international traveller confidence and prompted calls for a review of travel advisories. Furthermore, the tragedy has reignited complex debates within Zambia and the wider conservation community regarding effective strategies for managing human-wildlife conflict.

Prince Harry has traveled to Angola to support ongoing landmine clearance initiatives, following in the footsteps of his late mother, Princess Diana, who brought global attention to the issue with her visit nearly three decades ago, according to a report in CNN. His visit highlights the continued danger posed by landmines left over from Angola’s 27-year civil war, which ended in 2002. The effort, in collaboration with organizations like the HALO Trust, aims to make land safe for local communities, which is critical for agriculture and economic development in areas still recovering from the conflict.

A deepening schism between the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) and the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) within the Azimio la Umoja opposition coalition is threatening to split the vote in the upcoming Malava by-election, Standard Media says in a report. The division has been highlighted by a public call from Cleophas Malala, Secretary General of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), for opposition candidate Panyako to step down. This manoeuvre is viewed as a strategy by the ruling Kenya Kwanza Alliance to exploit the opposition’s internal disunity, a recurring issue since the 2022 general election, and consolidate its legislative power. Analysts note that such political instability at a local level can heighten economic uncertainty and negatively impact business confidence in the constituency.

Students at a school in Namibia’s Kavango East region have started a protest against a new ban on wearing boxer pants, as per a report in The Namibian. The localised dispute, concerning the school’s internal dress code, is seen by analysts as a reflection of broader discussions in Namibia on student rights and the balance between school discipline and pupil welfare. The protest carries direct implications for the school’s administration and could prompt Namibia’s Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture to review guidelines on student conduct policies. While the event has negligible direct economic impact, observers note that such grassroots challenges to authority can serve as indicators of local governance effectiveness and the mechanisms for resolving civil grievances.

A three-vehicle crash on Kenya’s Nakuru-Eldoret highway on Monday evening resulted in the deaths of five people, Standard Media reports. All five victims, one of whom was an infant, were traveling together in a single private car involved in the collision.

The Western Cape Education Department has reported that schools in the province sustained over R1 million in damages from burglaries and vandalism during the June/July holiday period, The Star says in a report. The incidents have prompted calls from officials and community members for increased security measures, including stricter policing and greater community involvement to protect school properties.

An operative from Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has absconded from duty while under investigation for extortion, Premium Times said in a report. The official reportedly denied the allegation and refused to submit his bank account statements for the probe before disappearing from his post.

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has withheld the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results for students sponsored by several Nigerian state governments over unpaid fees, according to a report in Premium Times. This action, which directly impacts students’ ability to apply for tertiary education, stems from significant indebtedness by the states to the examination body. The issue highlights persistent fiscal challenges within these states, as a similar situation occurred in 2023 when eight states were reported to be in debt to WAEC, with Zamfara and Niger identified as the largest debtors. The failure to meet these financial obligations underscores broader problems of fiscal mismanagement and prioritisation at the state level, affecting critical sectors like education.

Senators in Rwanda are urging the government to improve the reintegration process for ex-convicts who served sentences for their roles in the 1994 genocide, The New Times says in a report. The call to action focuses on the necessity of preparing both the former prisoners for their return to society and the local communities that will receive them. This legislative push addresses the ongoing social challenges arising from the release of individuals sentenced by the Gacaca community courts, which concluded their work in 2012. From an economic perspective, this initiative is seen as a critical step towards reinforcing long-term social cohesion and national stability, which are foundational for a secure investment climate and sustained economic development.

The Lagos state government has urged residents to remain calm as heavy rainfall overwhelms drainage systems, leading to flash floods across the commercial capital, according to a report in Premium Times. The recurring event highlights persistent infrastructure deficits and urban planning challenges in the low-lying coastal megacity. The flooding is expected to cause significant economic disruption, including damage to property, interruptions to business operations, and loss of productivity. This situation places pressure on the state government to address the systemic issues that lead to annual economic losses from flooding, moving beyond reactive crisis management to long-term investment in resilient infrastructure.

A court in Lagos, Nigeria, has mandated the final forfeiture of luxury assets, including a Bentley and a Toyota Venza, seized from a suspected internet fraudster by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Premium Times said in a report. This action aligns with the Nigerian government’s stated policy of intensifying its campaign against corruption and recovering illicitly acquired wealth. Whilst the case itself involves a single individual, it carries broader economic implications, serving as a signal of the country’s commitment to strengthening the rule of law and addressing international concerns over financial crime. Analysts note that such enforcement actions are crucial for improving investor confidence, although they also highlight that these measures must be complemented by policies that address the root socio-economic issues, such as high youth unemployment, which contribute to the prevalence of such crimes.

Women who have fled the besieged city of el-Fasher in Sudan’s North Darfur region report that Rapid Support Forces (RSF) fighters committed killings and rapes during their escape, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The testimonies from these women, who are now displaced and struggling for survival in the town of Tawila, describe atrocities perpetrated by the RSF. This situation is part of the wider conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces that began in April 2023, which has led to a severe humanitarian crisis and mass displacement, particularly in the Darfur region.

Malian authorities announced the seizure of inflatable cars that they allege were destined for armed groups operating in the country, as per a report in Africanews. The government claims the rebels planned to use these fake vehicles as decoys to mislead surveillance and attack drones. The tactic is reportedly designed to make the military waste expensive, precision-guided missiles by firing at the low-cost inflatable targets, representing an adaptive strategy by the groups in the ongoing conflict.

Rwandan opposition figure Victoire Ingabire has appealed the decision by the Kicukiro Primary Court to remand her in custody while she awaits trial, The New Times said in a report. The appeal, lodged on Monday, cites eight reasons that Ingabire believes justify her release on bail.

KwaZulu-Natal’s Premier, Thami Ntuli of the Inkatha Freedom Party, is facing a legislative investigation into the costs of a trip to the United States made in 2024, The Star said in a report. The probe serves as a significant early test for the province’s newly formed Government of National Unity (GNU), with its handling of the matter likely to influence business and investor confidence. For the opposition, it presents an opportunity to scrutinise the new administration’s commitment to fiscal prudence, while for the public, the outcome will be a key indicator of the GNU’s stance on accountability and the use of public funds, a persistent concern for stakeholders in the South African economy.

A criminal complaint has been filed against John Nauta, the long-time personal assistant to former Namibian president Sam Nujoma, and businessman Tjeripo Hijarunguru, The Namibian says in a report. The charges, brought by the board of trustees of the Indira Gandhi Health Centre, concern an alleged financial irregularity involving N$100 million. The clinic, located in the Omusati region, was founded by Nujoma in the 1990s with the mission of providing free maternity healthcare services.

Rwanda has expanded eligibility for surrogacy to include single people who are unable to have children for medical reasons confirmed by a doctor, as per a report in The New Times. The amendment is part of a broader legislative reform aimed at modernising the country’s family and health laws. This policy change is part of Rwanda’s stated goal to enhance its healthcare sector by increasing access to specialised reproductive services. The new legislation necessitates the development of a robust regulatory framework and ethical guidelines to oversee the practice.

Jennifer Hamukwaya, a former finance executive at the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor), has denied receiving N$1.45 million in payments from fuel companies that conducted business with the state-owned enterprise, as per a report in The Namibian. Hamukwaya made the denial during a bail hearing at the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court. The allegations concern payments from fuel firms, including Enercon Namibia, that had business dealings with Namcor.

Former Kenyan Lands Commissioner Sammy Mwaita has been charged over an alleged Sh300 million land fraud case involving a property in Nairobi, Standard Media reports. Mwaita faces an additional charge of providing false information to police in connection with the investigation.

Namibian police have raised concerns over sophisticated cross-border crime syndicates after more than 258 vehicles were stolen countrywide and smuggled into Angola during 2024, according to a report in The Namibian. The syndicates primarily target Toyota sedans, double cabs, station wagons, and rental vehicles, creating significant economic repercussions for Namibia’s tourism and investment climate. The prevalence of this organised crime places pressure on the insurance sector and car rental businesses, whilst also testing bilateral security cooperation with Angola and challenging broader regional security protocols within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

A South African court has reserved its judgment in a case concerning the repatriation of the remains of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu, The Star says in a report. The dispute places the current Zambian government, which is pursuing a broad anti-corruption agenda under President Hakainde Hichilema and demands the body’s return, against the wishes of Lungu’s family for a burial in South Africa. Activists are supporting repatriation, arguing it would set a critical precedent against impunity for African leaders accused of crimes. The outcome is being closely watched for its potential impact on investor perceptions of the rule of law in Zambia and for the legal precedent it will set in South Africa regarding how it handles politically sensitive requests from other African nations.

A new report details a massacre of civilians in Sudan, attributing the attack to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), The Washington Post says in a report. The event is part of the wider conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) that began in April 2023. The attack exacerbates the nation’s severe humanitarian crisis, which has already displaced over 10 million people and created near-famine conditions, and highlights the continued failure of international mediation efforts to halt the violence.

The Embassy of Nicaragua in Pretoria, South Africa, held an event to commemorate the 46th anniversary of the Sandinista Popular Revolution, Mail & Guardian says in a report. The event was attended by diplomats from Cuba, Venezuela, Russia, Iran, the Sahrawi Republic, and Vietnam. Also present were representatives from South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC), its alliance partner the South African Communist Party (SACP), and South African youth organizations.

South Africa’s health department has allocated an additional R622 million to support the country’s HIV treatment programme following a reduction in foreign aid, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. This new funding, however, addresses only about one-fifth of the total estimated funding gap, which is approximately R3.1 billion. The shortfall raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of the treatment programme, which has seen high rates of patient adherence to antiretroviral (ARV) medication.