Africa News Live Updates: Nigeria, South Africa and DRC confront US cuts, cholera threat, digital gaps

Residents of the Ilaje community in Lagos, Nigeria, have rejected the renaming of a local bus stop in their area after musician King Sunny Ade, according to a report in Premium Times. The community’s opposition highlights a recurring issue in Nigerian urban centres where the naming of public spaces becomes a point of contention over local heritage and identity. The Ilaje, a distinct Yoruba sub-group, reportedly perceive the honoree as not being directly connected to their specific community. This incident underscores the political implications of such decisions, affecting community relations and the perception of local government authorities, who face criticism for a perceived lack of public consultation.

Nigeria’s national association of nurses has denied reports that its ongoing nationwide strike has been called off, Premium Times says in a report. The union confirmed that its seven-day warning strike, which commenced on 29 July, continues as planned. The industrial action is driven by demands for improved welfare and better working conditions amid widespread economic hardship and a significant ‘brain drain’ of healthcare professionals from the country.

Nigerian thought leader Mfon Ekpo has been honoured with the University of Southampton’s Outstanding Contribution Alumni Award, as per a report in Premium Times. The award from the UK-based university recognizes its former students for significant post-graduation achievements and leadership.

Almost 1,000 former Botswana migrant mineworkers have received a collective payment exceeding P82 million from the Tshiamiso Trust for historical health damages, Botswana Gazette said in a report. This compensation addresses long-overdue claims for silicosis and tuberculosis contracted under hazardous conditions in South African gold mines. The payout stems from a landmark 2018 class action lawsuit settlement involving 32 gold mining companies, which led to the establishment of the trust. This development represents a significant financial injection into affected communities in Botswana and a partial redress for the historical injustices of the regional migrant labour system.

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed a new chairperson for the Governing Council of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), according to a report in Premium Times. The change was made to relieve the former appointee, Mr. Gawuna, of his duties at the university. This decision enables Mr. Gawuna to concentrate exclusively on his position as the head of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), addressing the issue of him previously holding two significant federal appointments simultaneously.

A dispute has emerged in Namibian football after Young African FC owner Marley Ngarizemo publicly condemned a recent media statement from the Namibia Football Association (NFA) as ‘misleading and misplacing facts’, as per a report in The Namibian. The NFA’s statement had announced an alignment between the association and Namibia Premier Football League clubs to advance a new self-managed league structure. However, Ngarizemo’s criticism is reportedly supported by the clubs, which have since reaffirmed their commitment to the existing NFA management model, highlighting a significant disagreement over the future governance of the sport in the country.

Rwandan Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa, met with Abdullah Kh. Almusabeeh, President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), on 31 July to discuss potential collaboration on developing smart cities and fostering private sector growth, as per a report in The New Times. The discussions covered potential funding for projects that align with Rwanda’s long-term economic strategy, Vision 2050, which aims to transform the nation into a knowledge-based, high-income economy by modernising its infrastructure and attracting foreign investment.

The government of Rwanda is integrating the Business Development Fund (BDF) into the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) in a strategic move to streamline business financing, The New Times says in a report. This consolidation merges BDF, which primarily offered financial guarantees to de-risk lending for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with BRD, the national development bank focused on larger, long-term project financing. The government’s stated objective is to improve efficiency, reduce administrative duplication, and create a single, more robust public institution for development finance, aligning with the country’s long-term economic transformation goals.

A court petition in Kenya is challenging the legality of an alleged KSh 1 billion in disbursed ’empowerment’ funds, creating political and financial uncertainty around the government’s economic programmes, according to a report in Standard Media. The lawsuit, which levels allegations of bribery and abuse of office against the Deputy President’s entourage, directly questions the transparency and source of capital for key government initiatives. This legal scrutiny could impact investor confidence and public trust in the administration’s financial management, potentially affecting the stability and perception of its economic empowerment agenda, such as the Hustler Fund, which is central to its policy platform.

Africa’s capacity for electricity generation is reflective of the continent’s overall economic landscape, with efforts to expand energy access being crucial for regional economic development, according to a report in The African Exponent. Key examples highlighted are South Africa, which maintains a significant reliance on coal-fired power generation, and Ghana, which utilises its substantial hydropower resources. Both nations’ strategies exemplify the broader continental objective of using primary energy sources to improve electricity supply and stimulate economic growth.

The National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) announced the launch of a retail Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Ideathon, inviting individuals, fintech companies, and startups to contribute to the development of its upcoming digital currency, according to a report in The New Times. This initiative is a preparatory research and design phase, not the formal launch of the currency itself. The move aligns with Rwanda’s broader national strategy for digital transformation and aims to modernise the country’s payment systems, enhance financial inclusion, and improve the efficiency of its monetary framework. This positions Rwanda alongside other African nations, such as Nigeria and Ghana, that are actively exploring or have already implemented digital versions of their national currencies.

Shareholders of Nigerian pharmaceutical firm Fidson Healthcare Plc have approved a capital raise of N30 billion, Premium Times said in a report. The approval coincides with significant leadership changes, as the company’s founder has retired after three decades. Additionally, the Board Chairman, Segun Adebanji, has also stepped down from his position upon the completion of his tenure.

Insurgents killed two drivers and abducted one person on a road in Nigeria’s Borno State after the victims refused to stop at an illegal checkpoint, Premium Times says in a report. The establishment of such roadblocks is a known tactic by insurgent groups active in the region, such as Boko Haram and ISWAP, to extort travellers and assert territorial control. These frequent attacks on major transport routes continue to disrupt commerce and the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has called on the country’s social media influencers to promote national unity and focus on creating employment through their platforms, Premium Times says in a report. The president urged influencers to build job-creating businesses and use their platforms to spread positive values. This appeal is part of a stated government effort to leverage the digital economy to address socio-economic challenges, including youth unemployment and economic hardship, and to steer social media’s influence towards national development and stability.

The Kenyan government, through Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, has pledged to address youth grievances that fuelled recent nationwide protests, a move with significant economic and market implications, as per a report in Standard Media. This statement follows President William Ruto’s withdrawal of the contentious Finance Bill 2024, a decision forced by widespread public dissent against proposed tax hikes. For investors, this development introduces a period of policy uncertainty. While the de-escalation of social unrest is a positive signal for market stability in the short term, the government’s next steps are critical. Economists note that addressing demands for jobs and a lower cost of living will require a clear and sustainable fiscal plan, as the withdrawal of the finance bill creates a budgetary gap. The government’s ability to balance public demands with fiscal responsibility will be closely watched by markets and could influence Kenya’s credit outlook and foreign investment flows.

An adviser in South Africa named Mahfuz has announced that a policy document referred to as the ‘July charter’ is set to be revealed by 5 August, the Daily Sun says in a report. The announcement has drawn the attention of business and investor communities, who are awaiting the charter for clarity on South Africa’s future economic policies, particularly concerning potential reforms and their impact on investment confidence and market stability.

The Kenyan government will begin disbursing student loans and scholarships through the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) from August 15, according to a report in Standard Media Kenya. The move provides financial relief to university students and is a key operational step under the government’s new, needs-based funding model. This action addresses widespread previous delays that had caused significant financial hardship for students and their families, leading to difficulties with fee payments and living expenses. The timely release of funds is also expected to improve the financial stability of universities by reducing student fee arrears. For future applicants, the application portal will remain open until August 31, 2025.

Kutlwano Tatolo, the newly-elected president of the Botswana Chess Federation (BCF), has laid out an ambitious four-year vision to develop the sport within the nation, according to a report in the Botswana Gazette. The strategy aims to transform the BCF into a “dynamic and inclusive force” in the country. A key objective of the plan is to elevate Botswana’s players to achieve ratings that are competitive at a continental level.

On August 1, the Parliament of Rwanda issued a formal statement rejecting accusations from the Democratic Republic of Congo concerning the conflict in the eastern part of the country, The New Times says in a report. The statement from the Rwandan legislative body described the allegations, made by the speaker of the Congolese parliament, as “unfounded” and expressed its disapproval of the claims. This public dismissal represents the latest development in the ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two neighbouring African nations over the conflict in the DRC.

A new financing model aimed at accelerating household water connections has been officially launched in the Huye District of Rwanda, The New Times said in a report. The initiative is a collaborative effort between World Vision Rwanda, Vision Fund International, the Rwandan Ministry of Infrastructure, the state-run WASAC Group, REDEC Ltd, and the Huye District administration. This project seeks to address affordability issues and expand access to clean water for households, aligning with the country’s national development strategies.

Rwanda’s government has introduced a Rwf49 billion (approximately USD $37.7 million) five-year youth sector strategic plan for 2024–2029, according to a report in The New Times. The initiative aims to address youth unemployment by focusing on job creation, skills development, and entrepreneurship. This plan is a component of Rwanda’s broader national development strategies, including the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1) and Vision 2050, which prioritise human capital development. The strategy is expected to create opportunities for private sector collaboration in job creation and skills training, addressing a significant socio-economic challenge prevalent across the continent.

The East African Community (EAC), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the African Union (AU) have agreed to merge their mediation efforts for eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) into a single, unified peace process, according to a report in Standard Media Kenya. This new, consolidated African-led initiative will be coordinated by the African Union Commission, which will also be responsible for managing resources and the distribution of aid related to the peace mission.

AngloGold Ashanti reported a 151% increase in its second-quarter profits, driven by record-high gold prices and increased production levels, according to a report in The Star. The performance resulted in an increase in its share price and higher dividend payouts for investors. The results highlight favourable market conditions for gold producers and have economic implications for South Africa, impacting government tax revenues and forming a key factor in upcoming wage negotiations with mining unions.

The Chinese embassy in Pretoria has hosted a reception to mark the 98th anniversary of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, an event which highlighted the ongoing partnership between China and South Africa, as per a report in The Star. The function was attended by military officials from South Africa as well as other international representatives, serving to underscore the diplomatic and military ties between the two nations.

A new anti-poaching initiative in South Africa involves making rhino horns radioactive to combat illegal wildlife crime, BBC says in a report. The scheme, described as the latest innovation in conservation efforts, entails injecting a small and harmless quantity of radioactive material into a rhino’s horn. This process does not harm the animal but makes the horn easily detectable by radiation scanners at international border crossings and ports. The goal is to devalue the horns and significantly increase the risk for traffickers, thereby disrupting the supply chain for poaching syndicates that have severely impacted the country’s rhino population.

Amnesty International has stated that accountability remains elusive a year after 24 people were killed during cost-of-living protests in Nigeria, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The human rights organization is calling for the perpetrators of the killings to be identified and held responsible for their actions. The continued lack of prosecution for these deaths raises ongoing concerns about impunity and the state of human rights within the country.

Scientists in Africa are implementing a new anti-poaching measure by injecting rhino horns with a low-level radioactive isotope, a strategy aimed at disrupting the economics of the illicit wildlife trade, Al Jazeera says in a report. The technique is intended to devalue the horns by making them undesirable to end consumers and significantly increase the risk for traffickers by ensuring the horns are detectable by radiation scanners at international borders. This approach targets the financial viability of the poaching industry, which is fuelled by high demand in some East Asian markets where the horn is erroneously valued for medicinal purposes and as a status symbol. The initiative represents a technological shift in conservation efforts, moving to devalue the asset itself rather than relying solely on physical protection.

A delegation of eighteen students and faculty members from the Sri Lanka Defence Services Command and Staff College is currently in Rwanda for a study tour, according to a report in The New Times. The visit by the senior Sri Lankan military personnel was confirmed in a statement released by the Rwanda Defence Force.

Nigerian political economist Prof. Kingsley Chiedu Moghalu has left his role as President and Vice Chancellor of the Kigali-based African School of Governance (ASG), according to a report in The New Times. His departure initiates a leadership transition for the Pan-African institution. Prof. Moghalu is a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and was a presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2019 general election.

In the run-up to Cameroon’s presidential election, candidates are significantly increasing their use of the internet and social media to engage with voters, Cameroon Tribune says in a report. This digital shift in campaigning comes as a candidate vetting process is underway to determine the final list of contenders for the election scheduled for “the 12th” of an upcoming month. This trend towards digital campaigning has direct business and economic implications, necessitating investment in digital infrastructure and data analytics by political parties. For the wider market, this heightened online political activity presents both opportunities for the technology sector and risks for businesses, including potential internet disruptions and cybersecurity threats that could affect investor sentiment and operational stability during the electoral period.

Recent tariff relief for African nations is being viewed by economists as a hopeful development, but one that is insufficient on its own to foster sustainable economic progress, as per a report in the Daily Sun. The consensus among analysts is that for countries to fully capitalise on improved market access, such as that offered by programmes like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), they must simultaneously pursue deeper, more fundamental internal reforms. These essential reforms extend beyond fiscal policy to include strengthening governance, implementing robust anti-corruption measures, improving institutional capacity, and investing in critical infrastructure. Without addressing these underlying structural issues and non-tariff barriers, the benefits of tariff reductions may prove to be limited and short-lived for the continent’s businesses and overall economy.

Growing ambiguity in Nigerian court judgements is raising concerns among stakeholders about the reliability of the rule of law, a key factor for investment and economic stability, as per a report in Premium Times. The lack of clear and consistent judicial rulings, particularly noted in the aftermath of the 2023 election petitions, undermines legal certainty. This unpredictability in the legal system is seen as a significant risk for businesses and investors, potentially deterring foreign direct investment and complicating contract enforcement. The erosion of public trust in the judiciary fuels calls for reforms to ensure a more transparent and predictable legal framework, which is considered essential for the country’s economic development.

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) has commenced its fifth season, solidifying its presence as a key professional sports entity on the continent, as per a report in Mail & Guardian. The league, a partnership between the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), has objectives that extend beyond sport, explicitly aiming to stimulate economic growth, infrastructure investment, and youth development. This initiative aligns with a broader trend of rising investment in Africa’s creative and sports economies and is also viewed as a significant vehicle for US commercial interests and soft power. For participating African nations, the league presents opportunities for job creation and youth engagement, while also fostering a sense of pan-African integration.

Gulf states are channelling billions of dollars into Africa, marking a significant shift in the continent’s investment landscape, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. This influx of capital from nations such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia coincides with a strategic pivot by China, which is revamping its long-standing financial model in Africa. The change in China’s approach involves moving from a primary focus on large-scale, state-backed infrastructure loans towards a more diversified and commercially viable strategy, partly in response to global scrutiny over debt sustainability. This evolving dynamic presents African nations with new and diversified sources of funding and partnerships.

South Africa’s Constitutional Court has dismissed a direct access application from former President Jacob Zuma and his uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party, which sought to challenge President Cyril Ramaphosa, as per a report in Mail & Guardian. The ruling prevents Zuma and the MK party from bypassing lower courts to bring their case directly to the nation’s highest court. The application was filed following the recent formation of a Government of National Unity and sought to challenge the legitimacy of the post-election government.

A significant consensus has been achieved among South Africa’s major political parties, marking a critical step in solidifying the Government of National Unity (GNU) formed after the May 2024 general election, the Daily Sun says in a report. This agreement, facilitated by a body referred to as a ‘Consensus Commission’, is viewed by economic analysts as a positive signal for financial markets. The consensus is expected to reduce political gridlock and increase policy predictability, which could bolster investor confidence and improve the country’s economic outlook. While the agreement reportedly paves the way for significant policy reforms, the specific details of these changes have not yet been fully clarified.

South Africa’s Constitutional Court has reserved judgment in a legal challenge by the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party against President Cyril Ramaphosa’s suspension of the police minister, introducing a period of political uncertainty that could affect investor confidence, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. The case is being closely watched by markets as a key test of the country’s institutional stability and the rule of law following the recent general election. The eventual ruling on the scope of presidential authority will have significant implications for governance and could influence perceptions of political risk in South Africa, potentially impacting asset valuations and foreign direct investment.

Nigerian actress Omotola Odunsi, who appeared in several films including ‘Lisabi: The Uprising’, has died, Premium Times said in a report.

US President Donald Trump has lowered the tariff rate on goods from Lesotho to 15 percent, a significant reduction from the 50 percent threatened in April, according to a report in Africa News. While the move provides immediate relief for Lesotho’s economy, which is heavily dependent on its textile and garment sector exporting to the US under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), substantial economic damage has already occurred. The period of uncertainty led to cancelled orders and disrupted supply chains, and there are concerns that even with the lower tariff, lost business may not return immediately, leaving many workers facing unemployment.