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Good morning, Africa — here’s what’s unfolding today. From Borno’s push to rebuild schools after years of insurgency, to a public health alert over a new mosquito-borne disease, Nigeria is seeing major developments in education, health and security. Across the continent, South Africa confronts the near-extinction of the Taita falcon, Mediterranean nations grapple with mounting environmental threats and Lagos tightens safety checks on ride-hailing services. We’re also tracking moves to boost financial inclusion, a cybercrime-arms arrest with big investment implications, and the latest from BBNaija 10. Follow along for live updates as the day develops:
Africa News Live Updates: Nigeria rebuilds schools, South Africa fights extinction, Mediterranean faces climate strain
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• August 12, 2025, 04:57:22 IST
Africa News Live Updates: Stay tuned to our live coverage bringing you the pulse of Africa as it happens. We’re tracking unfolding political shifts, peace and security developments, regional cooperation milestones, breakthroughs in business and technology, the effects of climate change, population movements and community-led change. Watch how nations across the continent engage with the world and confront challenges at home and abroad across every sphere of life
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Good morning, Africa — here’s what’s unfolding today. From Borno’s push to rebuild schools after years of insurgency, to a public health alert over a new mosquito-borne disease, Nigeria is seeing major developments in education, health and security. Across the continent, South Africa confronts the near-extinction of the Taita falcon, Mediterranean nations grapple with mounting environmental threats and Lagos tightens safety checks on ride-hailing services. We’re also tracking moves to boost financial inclusion, a cybercrime-arms arrest with big investment implications, and the latest from BBNaija 10. Follow along for live updates as the day develops:
Live Updates
Africa News Live Updates: Stay tuned to our live coverage bringing you the pulse of Africa as it happens. We’re tracking unfolding political shifts, peace and security developments, regional cooperation milestones, breakthroughs in business and technology, the effects of climate change, population movements and community-led change. Watch how nations across the continent engage with the world and confront challenges at home and abroad across every sphere of life
August 12, 2025, 04:57:22 (IST)
Four injured as gas and fuel tankers collide in Zaria, Nigeria
Four people were injured following a collision between a gas tanker and a fuel tanker in Zaria, a major city in Kaduna State, Nigeria, Premium Times said in a report. The impact of the crash triggered a significant explosion that sent plumes of smoke into the air and caused panic among local residents and commuters.
August 12, 2025, 04:45:32 (IST)
Six new political parties approved in South Africa, increasing prospects of coalition rule
South Africa’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has cleared six more political parties for official registration, a development that underscores the country’s trend towards greater political fragmentation, according to a report in the Daily Sun. This expansion of the political field ahead of future elections increases the probability of coalition governments, as dominant parties find it harder to secure outright majorities. From a market perspective, this trend introduces a higher degree of policy uncertainty and potential for political instability. Investors may view the prospect of complex and potentially fragile coalition negotiations as a risk, which could hinder long-term economic planning and impact confidence in South African assets.
August 12, 2025, 04:40:06 (IST)
Nigeria records 155 Lassa fever deaths in 2025 with fatality rate on the rise
Nigeria has recorded 155 deaths from Lassa fever so far in 2025, with the case fatality rate now higher than that of the same period in the previous year, according to a report in Premium Times. The figures from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention come as Cross River State reported one death from the disease at mid-year.
August 12, 2025, 04:37:08 (IST)
Nigeria retains key WHO rating, boosting pharmaceutical investment outlook
Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has retained its World Health Organization (WHO) Maturity Level 3 (ML3) status, an achievement praised by President Bola Tinubu, Premium Times says in a report. This classification signifies that Nigeria maintains a stable, well-functioning, and integrated regulatory system for medical products. From a business perspective, the retained status enhances investor confidence and is expected to attract foreign direct investment into the country’s pharmaceutical sector by signalling a predictable and trustworthy regulatory environment. Nigeria is one of only four African nations to hold this rating, alongside Tanzania, Ghana, and Egypt, positioning it as a potential hub for drug manufacturing and export in West Africa amid a broader continental push for pharmaceutical self-sufficiency.
August 12, 2025, 04:31:59 (IST)
Tinubu reconstitutes HYPREP’s governing council and board of trustees
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has reconstituted the Governing Council and Board of Trustees for the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), the federal body responsible for cleaning up oil pollution in Ogoniland and the wider Niger Delta, Premium Times says in a report. This administrative overhaul of HYPREP, which was established based on a 2011 UN report, is seen as a move by the Tinubu administration to address long-standing criticisms of the project’s slow progress and alleged mismanagement. The reconstitution has significant economic implications, as an effective cleanup could stimulate local economies through job creation and improve conditions for agriculture and fishing. For oil companies operating in the region, the new leadership could result in renewed pressure for funding contributions and increased scrutiny of environmental practices. The new council includes two representatives from the nine oil-producing states, a key stakeholder group directly impacted by hydrocarbon pollution.
August 12, 2025, 04:00:02 (IST)
Nigerian forces kill more than 100 'bandits' in northwest Zamfara state
Nigerian forces killed over 100 ‘bandits’ in a combined air and ground raid in Zamfara state on Sunday, France 24 said in a report citing a conflict monitoring document produced for the United Nations. The operation follows a recent deadly attack by the same gang on Adabka village. The military action addresses an ongoing conflict in northwest Nigeria, where organised crime and resource disputes have contributed to worsening regional instability, widespread displacement, and malnutrition.
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August 12, 2025, 03:03:20 (IST)
De Beers executive highlights challenges from synthetic diamonds and shifting China demand
De Beers is facing one of its most difficult market periods in two years, driven by the dual pressures of rising competition from synthetic diamonds and a significant shift in China’s role as a consumer market, the Botswana Gazette said in a report. Paul Rowley, a vice president at the diamond company, outlined these challenges, which have substantial economic implications for diamond-producing nations in Africa, particularly Botswana. The situation underscores the vulnerability of economies dependent on single commodities to global market fluctuations and evolving consumer preferences.
August 12, 2025, 02:48:00 (IST)
Botswana's transport sector revenue falls in first quarter
Botswana’s transport and infrastructure sector saw a decline in performance during the first quarter, with both rail and air traffic reporting drops in revenue and volume, according to the Botswana Gazette. The report, citing data from Statistics Botswana, notes that rail freight revenue was P47.5 million. The downturn is viewed as a challenge to the nation’s economic diversification efforts and its role as a regional transit hub, and may reflect broader economic shifts within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
August 12, 2025, 02:30:28 (IST)
Botswana's public pension fund flags risk from early withdrawals
The Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund (BPOPF) has raised concerns over an increasing trend of members making early withdrawals, the Botswana Gazette said in a report. The fund highlights that while these withdrawals are often used to finance new business ventures or settle debts, a high failure rate of these enterprises is leaving pensioners financially exposed.
August 12, 2025, 01:45:06 (IST)
Budget airline suspends pilot following misconduct allegations in Cape Verde
A budget airline has suspended a pilot after he was allegedly seen ‘drunk and naked’ in a hotel in Cape Verde, BBC says in a report. The pilot was grounded following complaints made by hotel guests regarding his conduct while off-duty. The airline has initiated disciplinary action in response to the allegations.
August 12, 2025, 01:34:24 (IST)
Wallabies feel battle-hardened for upcoming match against Springboks
Australia’s national rugby team, the Wallabies, feel prepared for their upcoming opening Rugby Championship match against South Africa’s Springboks on Saturday, according to a report in The Star. Australian hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa commented that the team feels battle-hardened after participating in a gruelling home series against the British & Irish Lions. This recent challenging experience is viewed within the Australian camp as ideal preparation for facing the Springboks.
August 12, 2025, 01:31:11 (IST)
South African students develop AI robot for plastic pollution, reach global prize final
Two students from Adams College in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, have been selected as finalists for the international Stockholm Junior Water Prize for their AI-powered robot, the AquaCrusader, The Star reports. The robot is designed to collect microplastics from aquatic environments.
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August 12, 2025, 01:30:02 (IST)
Father of victim in Ekweremadu organ trafficking case dies
The father of the victim in the high-profile organ trafficking case involving former Nigerian Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu has died, Premium Times said in a report. This development follows the March 2023 conviction of Ekweremadu, his wife Beatrice, and a doctor by a UK court for conspiracy to facilitate organ harvesting. The continued public attention on this case, which involved a senior political figure, underscores persistent concerns regarding governance, elite impunity, and the rule of law in Nigeria, factors that can influence international investor perceptions of political risk in the country.
August 12, 2025, 01:19:25 (IST)
ANC accuses IFP of municipal mismanagement and service delivery failures in South Africa
Political tensions have increased in South Africa as the African National Congress (ANC) has publicly accused the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) of mismanaging the UThukela District Municipality, according to a report in The Star. The ANC alleges that the IFP-led municipality has failed in its service delivery responsibilities and has not fulfilled its financial obligations. These accusations highlight the intense political rivalry between the two parties over local governance in the KwaZulu-Natal province.
August 12, 2025, 01:12:38 (IST)
KwaZulu-Natal committee promises action on poor water quality
The portfolio committee on the department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, has promised to engage the department regarding the province’s poor state of water quality, The Star said in a report. The commitment from the provincial oversight body is a direct response to the critical water situation in the region.
August 12, 2025, 01:09:55 (IST)
Nigerian president appoints Rinsola Abiola to new government position
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Rinsola Abiola to an unspecified new government position, as per a report in Premium Times. Abiola, who is an expert in strategic communication and government relations, previously served in the administration as a Senior Special Assistant to the President. The specific details of her new role were not disclosed in the announcement.
August 12, 2025, 01:08:29 (IST)
Remo Stars' Daniel Arierhi named top scorer in NPFL Youth League
Daniel Arierhi of Remo Stars has emerged as the top scorer in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) Youth League tournament held in Ikenne, according to a report in Premium Times. Arierhi scored four of the tournament’s 39 total goals, which were recorded over 15 games. The NPFL Youth League is a key developmental platform and feeder system for Nigeria’s main professional football league, representing an investment in talent identification and human capital for the country’s professional sports sector.
August 12, 2025, 01:06:29 (IST)
Tinubu reappoints Dankaka as FCC chairman, names new secretary and commissioners
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reappointed Dr. Muheeba Dankaka to her position as Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), according to a report in Premium Times. The president also approved the appointment of Mohammed Musa as the new secretary for the commission, along with several other new commissioners.
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August 12, 2025, 01:05:06 (IST)
Detention of Nigerian opposition figure Tambuwal raises political risk concerns
The detention of prominent Nigerian opposition figure and former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) introduces a layer of political risk that could concern investors, according to a report in Premium Times. While the action is framed as part of the government’s anti-corruption drive, its timing and the targeting of a high-profile opposition member could be interpreted as political instability or the use of state institutions against political rivals. Such developments can impact investor sentiment by increasing perceived country risk, potentially affecting foreign direct investment and capital market stability, as the business community monitors for signs of selective justice versus a genuine, broad-based commitment to the rule of law.
August 12, 2025, 00:45:30 (IST)
Namibian government addresses safety concerns over school HPV vaccine program
The government of Namibia has publicly addressed safety concerns and what it calls “conspiracy theories” surrounding the national rollout of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for girls in schools, as per a report in The Namibian. Following the distribution of parental consent letters by schools, Penda Ithindi, the current executive director of health and social services, sought to reassure the public by stating the government “cannot conspire to kill its own people.”
August 12, 2025, 00:34:49 (IST)
DA proposes overhaul of South Africa's economic empowerment laws
Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen has introduced a six-point plan aimed at overhauling South Africa’s key economic legislation, including the Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) policies, as per a report in The Star. The proposal has reignited a national debate on economic transformation and its impact on the country’s high unemployment and slow growth. For the business sector, the proposed reforms could signal a significant shift in economic policy, potentially leading to reduced regulatory compliance costs but also creating uncertainty for local and international investors. The debate centres on whether the DA’s approach can foster a more competitive economy and create jobs, versus concerns that it could undermine efforts to redress historical economic inequalities.
August 12, 2025, 00:31:46 (IST)
OK Zimbabwe secures $20 million lifeline, seeks up to $30 million amid retail challenges
Retailer OK Zimbabwe has secured a $20 million capital lifeline and intends to raise as much as $30 million in total to bolster its struggling operations, according to a report in The Star. The capital injection is aimed at navigating the country’s challenging retail landscape, which is marked by significant economic headwinds. The company is a major player in Zimbabwe’s retail sector, where it competes with other established brands including Pick n Pay and Spar.
August 11, 2025, 23:55:44 (IST)
Rwanda's nationwide storm alert highlights climate risks for agriculture and infrastructure
Rwanda’s national meteorology agency, Meteo Rwanda, has issued a nationwide alert for rainfall and thunderstorms for the evening of August 11, as per a report in The New Times. This public safety warning underscores significant economic risks for the nation, particularly for its largely agrarian economy, where such events can damage crops and affect food security. The alert also brings into focus the country’s long-term development strategies, testing the resilience of urban drainage, transport infrastructure, and construction projects against the increasing frequency of severe weather events linked to climate change.
August 11, 2025, 23:53:58 (IST)
Former lawmaker calls for Nnamdi Kanu's pardon to address economic disruption in Nigeria
A former Lagos lawmaker has called on Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to pardon and release Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Premium Times says in a report. The plea is positioned as a political solution to the persistent insecurity and economic instability, including disruptive ‘sit-at-home’ orders, that have impacted Nigeria’s Southeast region. Kanu has been held since June 2021 on terrorism charges following his controversial repatriation from Kenya. His release is seen by supporters as a critical step towards de-escalation and regional reconciliation, which could improve the investment climate, though a presidential pardon bypassing the judiciary also raises questions about the rule of law for the business community.
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August 11, 2025, 23:52:12 (IST)
Service delivery dispute in Namibian port city signals political risk ahead of elections
Sophia Shaningwa, secretary general of Namibia’s ruling Swapo party, has been accused of politicising a community meeting concerning poor municipal service delivery in the key port city of Walvis Bay, The Namibian said in a report. The incident, where Shaningwa was to receive a petition from a residents’ association, underscores growing public discontent with governance, a factor that could create uncertainty for businesses and investors. For a city that serves as Namibia’s primary commercial port and a significant economic hub, persistent issues with service delivery and the perception of political maneuvering over substantive solutions may be viewed as a risk to the local business environment, particularly with general elections scheduled for late 2024.
August 11, 2025, 23:51:37 (IST)
Former Namibian president urges officials to stop stealing public funds
Former Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba has publicly called on leaders and officials to stop stealing public resources amid a series of corruption scandals, according to a report in The Namibian. Speaking during a visit from Ohangwena Governor Kadiva Hamutumwa at his homestead, Pohamba’s remarks are a direct response to ongoing issues such as the ‘Fishrot scandal,’ which has implicated high-ranking officials in corruption and led to arrests. The former leader specifically urged members of the ruling SWAPO party to be content with their government salaries and cease the misappropriation of public funds.
August 11, 2025, 23:50:27 (IST)
South Africa ends Guinea's unbeaten record with 2-1 victory in CHAN match
South Africa’s national football team, Bafana Bafana, secured a 2-1 victory over Guinea, ending the latter’s long-standing unbeaten record, according to a report in The Star. The win occurred during a Group C match of the African Nations Championship (CHAN), which was held in Kampala. The report notes that the South African team showcased a strong performance to achieve the result.
August 11, 2025, 23:50:06 (IST)
South Africa's opposition DA backs 4,000MW nuclear plant, raising fiscal and energy policy questions
South Africa’s opposition Democratic Alliance (DA), through its Shadow Minister of Finance Dion George, has backed a proposal for a new 4,000-megawatt nuclear power plant, a significant policy stance amid the nation’s severe energy crisis, as per a report in Mail & Guardian. This development signals a potential shift in the political approach to solving chronic power shortages, but it also triggers immediate economic and fiscal concerns. Environmental groups and economic analysts have warned of the project’s high capital costs, the risk of construction delays and budget overruns seen in past projects, and the potential impact on South Africa’s national debt. The proposed 4,000MW capacity notably exceeds the 2,500MW allocated for nuclear energy in the current Integrated Resource Plan (IRP 2019), suggesting a major revision to the country’s long-term energy strategy would be required.
August 11, 2025, 23:47:05 (IST)
Abia state government announces start date for 2025 leadership academy
The government of Abia State in Nigeria has announced the official start date for the first group of participants in the 2025 Abia Leadership Academy, as per a report in Premium Times. The initiative, under the administration of Governor Alex C. Otti, is designed to train young residents of the state for leadership positions. This programme is presented as part of the governor’s broader agenda, which focuses on human capital development within the state.
August 11, 2025, 23:45:56 (IST)
Nigeria's $21.5bn borrowing plan faces calls for transparency amid rising debt concerns
Following the Nigerian Senate’s approval of a $21.5 billion external borrowing plan for 2025-2026 proposed by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, a civil society group has urged the government to ensure complete transparency regarding the loans and national debt, according to a report in Premium Times. The approval comes as Nigeria grapples with significant economic challenges, including high inflation and a large existing public debt portfolio, which stood at approximately N97.34 trillion as of December 2023. The call for transparency underscores concerns about debt sustainability and the effective utilisation of the new funds, which the government intends to use for critical infrastructure and to stimulate economic growth.
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August 11, 2025, 23:45:33 (IST)
Nigeria's Akwa Ibom state targets diaspora for tourism investment to diversify economy
The governor of Nigeria’s Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, has made a strategic call for the state’s diaspora to champion tourism and cultural preservation in a move to diversify the regional economy beyond oil revenues, Premium Times says in a report. Governor Eno extended a formal invitation to the Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria (USA), Inc. (AKISAN) to hold its 2026 convention in the state capital, Uyo. The governor urged the association to begin immediate planning with the state government for the event, which is part of a broader strategy to leverage diaspora engagement for economic development.
August 11, 2025, 23:43:00 (IST)
Death toll rises to 13 after Adamawa communal clash
The death toll from a recent communal clash in Adamawa State, Nigeria, has now reached 13, Premium Times says in a report. The conflict, which was reportedly over farmlands, had initially led to 10 confirmed fatalities. In response to the initial outbreak of violence in July, the state government imposed a curfew in the affected area.
August 11, 2025, 23:42:49 (IST)
Zulu King Misuzulu moves annual Reed Dance ceremony to new palace
Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has decided to relocate the annual Reed Dance (Umkhosi woMhlanga) ceremony to Mashobeni palace, The Star says in a report. This decision is seen as a strategic manoeuvre to assert and consolidate his authority following a heavily contested succession to the throne. The relocation from the traditional venue of Enyokeni Palace, associated with his late father, to Mashobeni, which is linked to his mother, Queen Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu, is interpreted as a way to distance the key cultural event from contested spaces and royal rivals. While the Zulu monarch holds no direct executive power, his cultural influence is substantial, and this decision has political implications for the stability of the KwaZulu-Natal province, a key consideration for regional business and investment.
August 11, 2025, 23:39:20 (IST)
Shooting Stars assistant coach Akin Olowokere has died
Akin Olowokere, the assistant coach for the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) team Shooting Stars, has passed away, according to a report in Premium Times. Olowokere had only recently joined the Ibadan-based club to serve as an assistant under the newly appointed Technical Adviser, Nurudeen Aweroro.
August 11, 2025, 23:36:49 (IST)
Protest causes traffic gridlock around Lagos airport
A protest organised by the Farmcraft Centre for the Blind is causing significant traffic disruption around Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, Nigeria, according to a report in Premium Times. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) issued a public notice advising passengers and the general public of the ongoing demonstration. FAAN warned that the protest may affect vehicular movement to and from the airport.
August 11, 2025, 23:29:25 (IST)
Internal dissent in Namibia's SWAPO party highlights governance risks
Leaders of Namibia’s ruling SWAPO party in the Okahandja district face allegations of corruption, financial mismanagement, and irregular leadership appointments from their own members, according to a report in The Namibian. Tensions reportedly escalated after members locked the party’s district office in protest. The dispute points to broader concerns regarding internal party democracy and accountability, which are significant for political stability and investor confidence, particularly in the context of previous national corruption scandals that have affected Namibia’s business environment.
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August 11, 2025, 23:21:50 (IST)
South Africa names netball squad for New Zealand and Australia tour
South Africa’s national netball team, the Proteas, has named its squad for an upcoming tour of New Zealand and Australia, The Star says in a report. This tour is considered a crucial element of the team’s preparations for two major future events: the next Commonwealth Games and the Netball World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in 2027.
August 11, 2025, 23:16:30 (IST)
Namibian fishing industry faces job risks amid delay in pilchard quota allocation
Namibia’s fishing industry is concerned about potential job losses due to a delay in the allocation of a recently approved 10,000-tonne pilchard quota, The Namibian says in a report. Although Namibia’s Cabinet approved the total allowable catch (TAC) two weeks ago for the remainder of the 2025 season, the industry is still awaiting the final allocation. The delay is critical as the pilchard stock is currently migrating north towards Angolan waters, threatening to move the resource out of reach of Namibian fishers and risking the economic benefits of the quota.
August 11, 2025, 23:15:37 (IST)
Police in Nigeria arrest suspected IPOB member with stolen vehicle
Police in Nigeria have arrested a man they identify as a suspected member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in connection with a stolen vehicle, Premium Times said in a report. The arrest was made on Sunday in Anambra State, where authorities recovered a vehicle that had been reported stolen from the neighboring Imo State.
August 11, 2025, 23:14:37 (IST)
Namibian political leader criticises N$1-million parliament budget for 'tea and roses'
Job Amupanda, leader of Namibia’s Affirmative Repositioning (AR) movement, has questioned a N$1-million budget allocated for flowers and refreshments for the country’s National Assembly, according to a report in The Namibian. Amupanda criticised the expenditure, highlighting that it comes amid a lack of basic supplies like parliamentary stationery. He alleges the budget was secretly allocated to the Office of the Speaker and has formally addressed his concerns in a letter to National Assembly secretary Esther Kaapanda.
End of Liveblog