Africa News Live Updates: South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Mozambique in focus amid political and economic shifts

In the eastern Congolese city of Goma, a basketball academy continues to operate as a vital lifeline for young people despite the persistent threat of war, violence, and abduction, The New York Times says in a report. The academy offers a chance for teenagers to find a sense of normalcy amid the chaos caused by the resurgence of rebel groups, which has created a severe humanitarian crisis in the region. The report highlights how these youths brave bombings and the risk of being captured by rebels to participate in the sport, underscoring the academy’s role as a symbol of resilience in a city heavily impacted by prolonged conflict.

At a United Nations conference, South Africa’s Minister of Justice, Ronald Lamola, made an urgent appeal for more nations to formally recognize Palestinian statehood, according to a report in Daily Maverick.

The South Africa Champions, a team comprised of former professional cricketers, has won the World Championship of Legends, as per a report in Mail & Guardian. The victorious squad, which included six players from the 2015 national team, was reportedly led by an outstanding performance from AB de Villiers. This tournament is a competition specifically for retired or former professional cricketers, distinct from the main ICC World Cup.

Business leaders from G20 nations have voiced concerns that high capital costs are severely impeding Africa’s economic growth and infrastructure projects, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. During a recent forum, it was highlighted that elevated borrowing costs, exacerbated by rising global interest rates and perceived investment risks, undermine the continent’s ability to finance critical development outlined in plans such as the African Union’s Agenda 2063. The call to action puts pressure on G20 governments and international financial institutions to accelerate debt relief measures and reform lending policies to prevent further debt distress in African nations, which could in turn create a more stable investment environment.

Prosecutors in Chad are seeking a long jail term for former prime minister and opposition leader Succes Masra, who is accused of disseminating xenophobic messages, criminal conspiracy, and murder, according to a report in Africanews. The legal action against Masra, head of the Transformers Party, follows the contentious May 2024 presidential election. Masra, who had briefly served as prime minister in a transitional government before resigning to run, was the main opposition candidate against President Mahamat Déby Itno and disputed the election results which declared Déby the winner.

South Africa and Algeria played to a 1-1 draw in their opening qualification match for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), as per a report in The Star. The match marks the beginning of the qualification stage for the tournament. The CHAN is distinct from the Africa Cup of Nations as it exclusively features players who compete in their respective home countries’ domestic leagues, a rule designed to promote and strengthen local football talent.

South Africa’s environment department has proposed a ban on plastic microbeads, a move that would affect the cosmetics and plastics industries while aligning the country with global environmental standards, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. The department cited risks to public health and the accumulation of the microplastics in food chains as key reasons for the proposed legislation. This policy aligns South Africa with a growing number of countries, including the US and UK, that have already implemented similar bans. The measure is expected to create significant compliance costs for local manufacturers, requiring product reformulation and investment in alternatives, and fits within the country’s broader environmental commitments and its ‘Operation Phakisa’ ocean economy initiative.

In South Africa, a new generation of girls is fighting back against forced marriage, a practice that continues to make them vulnerable despite the country’s progressive laws, the Mail & Guardian says in a report. The persistence of forced and child marriages is attributed to a combination of entrenched patriarchal societal norms and significant economic hardship. While South Africa has a robust legal framework designed to protect children and require consent for marriage, a substantial gap exists between these laws and their effective implementation and enforcement on the ground.

A man in Eldorado Park, South Africa, faces murder and rape charges following the death of his four-year-old daughter, The Star says in a report. Police confirmed the girl died in hospital from injuries allegedly sustained during a beating and sexual assault by her father. Authorities have officially charged the father in connection with the child’s death.

During a speech commemorating the African Day of Decentralisation, Local Governance and Local Development in Gobabis, Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate advocated for the country’s decentralisation policy, The Namibian said in a report. He stated that the call for decentralisation is about restoring dignity and history, and is necessary to change the mindset of children who believe that opportunities are only available for those living in the capital city.

The United States government will undertake a full-scale, 180-day review of Kenya’s designation as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA), a move prompted by Washington’s concerns over the East African nation’s growing relationship with China, Africanews says in a report. This re-evaluation is a direct result of the escalating strategic competition between the US and China for influence in Africa. For Kenya, a key recipient of Chinese investment under the Belt and Road Initiative, losing its MNNA status could jeopardise critical US military aid, intelligence sharing, and access to advanced technology, which are vital for its counter-terrorism operations. From a financial perspective, a diplomatic downgrade could also signal increased risk to foreign investors and potentially affect Kenya’s standing with international financial institutions, adding pressure to its delicate balancing act between its two major global partners.

Songezo Zibi, the leader of the South African political party Rise Mzansi, has claimed the organisation lost millions of rands in funding due to its stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict, Daily Maverick says in a report. Zibi attributed the financial loss directly to the party’s position on the issue. Rise Mzansi is a new political party that contested its first general election in 2024.

The Makana Municipality in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province is under scrutiny for alleged fraud and corruption after a water pump worth R2.6 million went missing, as per a report in the Daily Maverick. These allegations emerge within a broader context of systemic governance failures in South African municipalities and a national water crisis exacerbated by decaying infrastructure. The incident highlights the potential misuse of public funds intended for critical services, which carries significant economic implications by undermining investor confidence in public sector management and impacting the delivery of essential resources vital for local communities and economic stability.

South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) secured a victory in a ward by-election in the Motherwell township, defeating challengers from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) Party, according to a report in the Daily Maverick. Whilst a win, the result highlights the ANC’s continued erosion of support, as its share of the vote decreased compared to previous polls in what is considered a traditional stronghold. For investors and businesses, this outcome serves as a micro-indicator of the broader political risks facing South Africa. The result reinforces the narrative of a fragmenting political environment following the 2024 general election, which necessitated a Government of National Unity (GNU). Continued weakening of the ANC’s electoral base, even in victory, could heighten policy uncertainty and raises questions about the long-term stability of the GNU, which is critical for market confidence and economic reforms.

A bus crash in southwestern Kenya on Friday evening killed at least 21 people after the vehicle, carrying mourners home from a funeral, overturned and fell into a ditch, AP said in a report. The bus was en route from the western town of Kakamega to the city of Kisumu, where the accident occurred. Peter Maina, a regional traffic enforcement officer, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while approaching a roundabout at high speed.

The Central African Republic will hold its general elections on 28 December 2025, the country’s electoral authority announced on Thursday, as per a report in Africanews. The announcement formalises the timeline for the upcoming national vote.

South African football club AmaZulu will begin their Betway Premiership season against newcomers Orbit College at the municipally-owned Princes Magogo Stadium, as per a report in The Star. Beyond the match itself, the event underscores the wider economic and social significance of professional sport in the country. The operation of the league, supported by corporate sponsorship, contributes to local economies through match-day activities and aligns with national government objectives concerning youth development and the utilisation of public sports infrastructure. The financial health of such leagues and their clubs reflects broader economic conditions and corporate investment trends within South Africa.

South African billionaire Magda Wierzycka is considering relocating to South Africa from London due to significant changes in UK tax legislation, The Star says in a report. Her decision is prompted by the British government’s move to abolish the non-domicile tax status, which is set to take effect in April 2025. This policy change will substantially increase the tax burden on long-term UK residents with foreign income and assets, making continued residency less financially viable for individuals like Wierzycka. The potential return of such a high-profile business figure is notable for South Africa, which has historically contended with a ‘brain drain’ of skilled professionals and capital flight.

The Johannesburg High Court has ruled that the arrest of attorney Shaun Jacobs at a police roadblock was unlawful, awarding him R250,000 in damages, according to a report in The Star. The judgement stems from an incident where Jacobs was arrested after questioning the legality of the police operation. This ruling is seen as a significant affirmation of citizens’ constitutional rights to dignity and freedom, and it reinforces the principle that law enforcement actions must remain within legal bounds. The case highlights the role of the judiciary in holding state bodies, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), accountable for their conduct.

South Africa’s Umkhonto we Sizwe Party (MKP) has expelled its former secretary-general, Floyd Shivambu, amid a public dispute over the party’s finances, The Star reports. The party leadership alleges that Shivambu left the MKP with a debt of R28 million. In response, Shivambu has made counter-allegations of improper monthly withdrawals of R7 million from party accounts. The MKP has appointed Dr. Bongani Mncwango as the new secretary-general.

ASP Isotopes Inc is preparing to start uranium enrichment operations at the Pelindaba nuclear facility in South Africa, working in collaboration with the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa), as per a report in The Star. The initiative is aimed at the production of advanced nuclear fuel. In a parallel strategic move to fund and expand its operations, the company is also set to pursue a listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE).

Johannesburg’s administration is under pressure from South Africa’s National Treasury, which has threatened to withhold crucial grants unless a viable financial recovery plan is submitted, Mail & Guardian says in a report. This development has heightened tensions within the city’s multi-party governing coalition, with a focus on Dada Morero, a senior African National Congress official holding a key financial portfolio. The potential loss of funding represents a significant risk to the city’s ability to deliver services and could further destabilise the local political environment, impacting residents and the business community.

The City of Windhoek has reserved two public open spaces, Erf 7146 in Olympia and Erf R/4247 in Windhoek West, for the development of new parks, according to a report in The Namibian. This action follows a 2024 city council resolution that encourages council members to voluntarily adopt and champion such community projects. Windhoek City Council members Illse Keister and Clemencia Hanases will adopt the new parks in their respective areas.

Golden Arrows are preparing to challenge Siwelele FC in their return to top-flight soccer during the opening of the Betway Premiership season, according to a report in The Star. In another opening match, Richards Bay FC is aiming to secure a victory in their first game against Marumo Gallants. These fixtures mark the start of the new season for South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL).

South Africa’s home ministry is introducing a multiple-entry visa (MEV) facility for workers from Bangladesh, as per a report in the Daily Sun. The country’s immigration department will coordinate the new visa system at international entry points for Bangladeshi nationals who hold valid passports. This policy will allow workers to enter South Africa multiple times without needing to reapply for a visa for each visit.

A major manhunt has been launched in the Roodepoort area of Johannesburg, South Africa, after two police detectives were shot and killed while transporting a suspect, The Star says in a report. The incident is being investigated as a possible planned ambush intended to free the suspect.

VeldBridge Holdings, a foreign investment company, has made an offer to acquire the entire shareholding of Quinton van Rooyen, the founder and chief executive of Namibian conglomerate Trustco, according to a report in The Namibian. The proposed transaction notably includes N$5 billion in debt held by the founder’s family, a key detail indicating the deal’s role in a significant financial restructuring for the company. In a statement, Trustco said the acquisition would grant it access to new financing, addressing capital access challenges and potentially stabilising a significant local employer facing substantial debt.

A new report on the world’s five rhino species presents mixed results, with Black rhino populations showing growth due to conservation efforts, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. However, the findings also highlight a concerning rise in poaching in South Africa, which is home to the world’s largest rhino population. This increase in illegal killings, primarily for rhino horns, is contributing to what the report describes as an existential threat for other rhino species, creating a complex and challenging conservation landscape on the continent.

The eThekwini Municipality in South Africa has been granted approval to proceed with developing new electricity generation capacity, a significant move to counter the effects of the national energy crisis, as per a report in The Star. This development, stemming from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2022 Energy Action Plan, enables municipalities to generate their own power, thereby reducing reliance on the strained national utility, Eskom. For the regional economy, securing an independent power supply is anticipated to reduce business operational costs, improve productivity, and boost investor confidence by mitigating the impact of frequent loadshedding. The initiative represents a critical step in the broader decentralisation of South Africa’s energy sector, empowering local governments to address service delivery shortfalls directly.

Rwanda’s National Identification Agency (NIDA) initiated a nationwide awareness campaign on 7 August for its upcoming digital ID system, The New Times says in a report. The launch is a key component of the country’s long-term national development strategies, which prioritise digital transformation and e-governance. This initiative aims to modernise public services and create a comprehensive digital identity infrastructure for citizens to access both government and private sector services, which is intended to support growth in the digital economy.

Gauteng police have arrested three women who are members of the group Operation Dudula, The Star said in a report. The arrests followed an incident where the women allegedly stormed a medical care centre in Diepkloof, Soweto, and demanded identity documents from patients in an attempt to verify their nationality.

The qualifier for the CAF Women’s Champions League for the Southern African region will take place in Johannesburg from 22–31 August, The Namibian reports. Ten of the top women’s club teams from the COSAFA region will compete at the UJ AW Muller Stadium. The winner of the tournament will earn the right to represent COSAFA at the continental finals later in the year.

Children abducted by an ISIL-affiliated insurgency in Mozambique’s northern Cabo Delgado province are returning with severe psychological trauma, highlighting the deep humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflict, Al Jazeera says in a report. The insurgency, led by a group locally known as Ahlu Sunnah Wa-Jamah, has been active since 2017 in the resource-rich province. This persistent violence and instability not only create a severe humanitarian challenge but also pose a direct threat to multi-billion dollar natural gas projects, which have been repeatedly disrupted. The situation underscores the significant political and business risks for the Mozambican government and international investors, despite ongoing military interventions by regional forces from SADC and Rwanda aimed at restoring security.

Namibia’s Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, has called on the country’s regional councils to ensure their decision-making processes are inclusive to better address widespread economic challenges, according to a report in The Namibian. The remarks were delivered on his behalf by Deputy Minister Evelyn !Nawases-Taeyele during an Africa Day event at Gobabis. The minister emphasized that incorporating diverse community perspectives is crucial for effective development and tackling issues faced by both urban and rural populations.

Namibia’s capital, the City of Windhoek, has dropped its water-saving demands after more than a year of facing a severe threat of water scarcity, The Namibian says in a report. According to the city council, current water reserves are now sufficient to sustain the city’s needs for at least the next two rainy seasons. This policy change occurs despite a prior failure to achieve conservation targets, as consumption had reportedly soared by 10% instead of the intended 10% reduction.

South Africa’s National Defence Force (SANDF) has justified the R34 million cost of a charter flight to repatriate students from Cuba, citing logistical, security, and protocol needs that commercial options could not meet, as per a report in The Star. The expenditure has prompted outrage from the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA), which views it as wasteful. This controversy unfolds against a backdrop of significant budgetary constraints for the SANDF and heightened public scrutiny of government spending and accountability. The incident raises questions about the fiscal discipline of state entities and the financial implications of South Africa’s long-standing diplomatic ties with Cuba, potentially impacting public and investor confidence in the government’s financial management.

In South Africa, political parties and the influential South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) have responded to the recent publication of regulations for the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act, according to a report in The Star. The Act, which amends key education laws from the 1990s, is designed to centralise power with provincial education departments over school admissions and language policies, reducing the autonomy of School Governing Bodies. The new regulations also formalise the oversight of homeschooling. The reactions are politically significant, with SADTU’s stance potentially affecting labour stability within the education sector and opposition parties scrutinising the regulations as a point of contention against the ruling government’s policies.

A collective wedding festival has taken place in Morocco’s Nif region, an area understood to be part of the historically distinct Rif region, with organisers stating the event’s purpose is to preserve cultural heritage and promote shared values, Africa News said in a report. Analysts, however, view the festival within the broader context of the Moroccan government’s strategy of ‘cultural statecraft’. Such events are seen as a form of soft power to reinforce national unity, project stability, and integrate regional identities into the national narrative. From an economic perspective, while these festivals can provide a temporary boost to local commerce and tourism, experts suggest that for long-term regional stability, they must be accompanied by substantive economic development and investment.

A significant political dispute has emerged in South Africa’s parliament, where Defence Minister Angie Motshekga and the ruling ANC are being challenged by the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) over the handling of public funds, The Star says in a report. The controversy centres on an alleged R813 million in unaccounted-for allowances designated for South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The DA has accused the minister of evading parliamentary accountability for the funds, which are intended for troops participating in the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC). The issue raises questions about government transparency, fiscal discipline, and the financial oversight of foreign military operations.