Africa News Live Updates: Nigeria begins training camp for 2024 African Nations Championship
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• July 9, 2025, 06:17:20 IST
Africa News Live Updates: Welcome to our live blog covering the latest from across Africa. Follow real-time updates on political transitions, security and peacekeeping operations, regional integration efforts, economic innovation, climate impacts, migration trends and grassroots activism. Track the continent’s evolving stance on global affairs and its efforts to tackle internal and external challenges across sectors
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Following Africa as it happens. Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons
Welcome to today’s live news updates from across Africa. From a landmark approval of the first malaria drug tailored for infants to Nigeria’s human rights watchdog sounding the alarm over a surge in complaints, we’re tracking key developments shaping public health, politics, tech and infrastructure. Stay with us for real-time insights, top headlines and emerging stories making waves on the continent
Live Updates
Africa News Live Updates: Welcome to our live blog covering the latest from across Africa. Follow real-time updates on political transitions, security and peacekeeping operations, regional integration efforts, economic innovation, climate impacts, migration trends and grassroots activism. Track the continent’s evolving stance on global affairs and its efforts to tackle internal and external challenges across sectors
July 9, 2025, 06:17:20 (IST)
Rwanda Revenue Authority unveils plan to meet Rwf3.6 trillion target
The Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) has announced its plan to meet a revenue target of Rwf3,628 billion (approximately Rwf3.6 trillion), as per a report in The New Times. This figure, which is to be collected from both tax and non-tax sources, represents 53 per cent of Rwanda’s national budget for the current fiscal year. The target is part of the country’s broader strategy to finance its development goals primarily through domestic resources, aiming to reduce dependency on external aid.
July 9, 2025, 06:16:15 (IST)
Dangote refinery reduces petrol price again
Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery has once again lowered its petrol price, even as global crude oil prices have been on the rise, according to a report in Premium Times. The price cut comes despite both Brent and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude reaching their highest closing levels since late June, signaling the refinery’s move to maintain price stability in the domestic market.
July 9, 2025, 06:15:09 (IST)
Zamfara state government clears N13.9bn gratuity backlog from 2011
The government of Zamfara State in Nigeria, under Governor Dauda Lawal, has paid N13.9 billion to clear a backlog of gratuities owed to retired civil servants since 2011, according to a report in Premium Times. To address the systemic issue and prevent future arrears, Governor Lawal also inaugurated a Contributory Pension Implementation Committee. This committee is tasked with establishing a sustainable pension system for the state, marking a significant step towards pension reform.
July 9, 2025, 06:15:09 (IST)
Katsina governor calls on accountants to embrace integrity and transparency
Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda urged accountants to uphold integrity and transparency in the management of public funds, Premium Times said in a report. The governor made the statement during an event attended by senior officials from the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), government officials, and accountants from across Nigeria, highlighting the need for fiscal probity.
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July 9, 2025, 03:02:18 (IST)
Nigerian government to revoke licenses of educational institutions for illegal admissions
Nigeria’s federal government intends to revoke the operating licenses of tertiary institutions that conduct illegal student admissions, Premium Times says in a report. The government reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing strict compliance with the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS), an online platform introduced by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in 2017. This measure aims to regulate admission procedures, eliminate human interference, and ensure transparency in the process, aligning with a broader agenda for institutional reform and anti-corruption.
July 9, 2025, 03:01:13 (IST)
Nigeria has issued 3.5 million passports since August 2023
Nigeria has issued approximately 3.5 million passports since August 2023, a government minister announced, as per a report in Premium Times. The figures include 3,080,141 passports issued within Nigeria and another 466,117 processed for citizens living in the diaspora. The announcement highlights a significant volume of passport processing in the period following August 2023.
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July 9, 2025, 03:01:13 (IST)
US reduces visa validity to three months for most Nigerian applicants
The United States has implemented a new policy, effective immediately, that reduces the validity for most non-immigrant and non-official visas issued to Nigerian citizens, according to a report in Premium Times. The new terms restrict these visas, which include those for tourism and business, to a single entry with a three-month validity period. This marks a significant reduction from the multi-year, multi-entry visas that were often previously available. The US government reportedly cited reciprocity, aiming to align its visa policy with the terms Nigeria offers to US citizens, as the official reason for the adjustment.
July 9, 2025, 03:00:05 (IST)
Six Nigerian institutions win N710 million prize for admission compliance
Six tertiary institutions in Nigeria have been awarded a total of N710 million by the country’s Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for their adherence to admission guidelines, according to a report in Premium Times. The prize is part of an annual initiative, which began in 2018, to reward institutions for their compliance with the board’s central admission processing system and other regulations designed to ensure fairness and transparency.
July 9, 2025, 02:48:24 (IST)
Nigerian Senate considers bill for stricter disciplinary measures on lawmakers
The Nigerian Senate is moving forward with a new bill aimed at enforcing tougher disciplinary actions against its members, according to a report in Premium Times. The proposed legislation seeks to introduce more stringent penalties for lawmakers found guilty of misconduct. It also intends to streamline the existing disciplinary process to enhance accountability within the legislative body.
July 9, 2025, 02:47:19 (IST)
Nigeria becomes first African country to regulate tobacco and ritual portrayal in media
Nigeria is now the first country in Africa to regulate the depiction of tobacco use and rituals in its media content, Premium Times says in a report. The regulation, which was approved in 2024 under the direction of Culture Minister Hannatu Musawa, extends to films, music videos, and online skits. The government’s stated objectives for the new rules are to safeguard public health and uphold the nation’s cultural values.
July 9, 2025, 02:47:19 (IST)
Nigeria loses N200bn annually from ineffective sugar tax, says advocacy group
An ineffective tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) is causing Nigeria to lose an estimated N200 billion (approx. $130 million) in potential revenue annually while exposing its citizens to significant health risks, according to a report in Premium Times. The advocacy group Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) stated that the unrealised funds could be used to support essential public services, including the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, the National Health Insurance Authority, and various school feeding programmes, addressing both public health and fiscal shortfalls.
July 9, 2025, 02:46:14 (IST)
South Africa's University of KwaZulu-Natal to build mini solar power stations for energy independence
The University of KwaZulu-Natal is moving forward with its goal to become South Africa’s first university powered mainly by renewable energy through a new high-tech project, according to a report in the Mail & Guardian. This initiative involves establishing mini solar power stations to achieve energy independence. The project is a direct response to South Africa’s severe and persistent energy crisis, known as load shedding, which has driven many institutions to seek alternative, self-generated power solutions.
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July 9, 2025, 02:46:14 (IST)
EFCC arraigns Bigibet promoter and firm for alleged N855m investment fraud in Nigeria
Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned the promoter of Bigibet and the firm for an alleged investment fraud totaling N855 million, according to a report in Premium Times. The anti-graft agency accuses the defendants of defrauding potential investors by soliciting funds under the pretext of raising capital for equity in a new lottery and gaming business.
July 9, 2025, 02:45:05 (IST)
Ghana's president launches task force to combat illegal gold mining
Ghana’s President John Mahama has launched a special task force to combat illegal gold mining, an issue that was a major concern during last year’s election campaign, AP says in a report. The new GOLDBOD Task Force was inaugurated on Tuesday to tackle the chronic challenge of unregulated mining, known locally as “galamsey.” The issue prompted protests and criticism against the previous government, and President Mahama stated the creation of the task force “signals our readiness to act decisively.”
July 9, 2025, 02:16:11 (IST)
Impeachment motion against Isiolo governor fails to advance in senate
An impeachment attempt against Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo has failed after the Kenyan Senate voted to halt the proceedings, according to a report in Standard Media Kenya. The effort to remove the governor was stopped when 12 senators voted against a preliminary motion that sought to advance the case for a full hearing or investigation. This outcome effectively ends the impeachment process, which was initiated by the Isiolo County Assembly, before a formal trial on the charges could begin.
July 9, 2025, 02:15:04 (IST)
Rwanda's producer prices increased by 6.3% in May
Producer prices for goods and services in Rwanda increased by 6.3% in May, according to a report in The New Times. The rise was primarily driven by the manufacturing industry, which saw its prices increase by 7.7% on a year-on-year basis.
July 9, 2025, 00:48:23 (IST)
Solar minigrid brings electricity to Goma neighborhood, offering a model for the DRC
A new solar minigrid has brought electricity to a neighborhood in Goma, a city in the conflict-ridden eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to a report in AP. The project serves as a potential blueprint for expanding energy access in a country with one of the world’s lowest electrification rates, where instability often hinders the development of traditional, large-scale national grid infrastructure. These standalone minigrids are seen as a viable solution for providing essential services and fostering economic opportunities in remote or insecure regions.
July 9, 2025, 00:48:23 (IST)
Mechanics in South African townships unite to boost their businesses
Mechanics in South Africa’s townships are uniting to form business collectives, pooling resources and expertise to overcome significant economic hurdles, as per a report in AP. This grassroots movement is a response to the country’s high unemployment rate, which drives many into the informal sector for their livelihood. By working together, these entrepreneurs are better able to navigate challenges such as persistent power cuts (load shedding) and inadequate infrastructure, demonstrating a model of community self-reliance that operates alongside, and sometimes in place of, formal government support programs for small enterprises.
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July 9, 2025, 00:47:18 (IST)
World Bank approves $1.5 billion loan for South Africa's infrastructure and green energy transition
The World Bank has approved a $1.5 billion loan for South Africa aimed at upgrading national infrastructure and facilitating the country’s transition to green energy, according to a report in AP. The funding is intended to help address the nation’s severe and long-standing energy crisis, which involves frequent power outages known as load shedding. The loan will support modernising the national grid, improving electricity transmission and distribution, and developing renewable energy sources as part of South Africa’s broader commitment to decarbonise its economy.
July 9, 2025, 00:47:18 (IST)
Russia to host world assembly on humanitarian cooperation in September
Russia is set to host the first World Assembly on Humanitarian Cooperation this September, an event that builds on previous Russia-Africa summits, according to a report in Cameroon Tribune. The assembly is seen as part of Russia’s broader diplomatic strategy to build and solidify alliances with nations in the Global South, including those in Africa, amid its ongoing isolation from Western countries. For many participating African nations, the event aligns with a policy of strategic autonomy, offering an opportunity to diversify international partnerships beyond traditional Western allies.
July 9, 2025, 00:46:13 (IST)
US reduces humanitarian funding for Somalia amid shifting global priorities
Humanitarian aid from the United States to Somalia is being significantly reduced, creating a critical funding gap for emergency relief, as per a report in AP. The decision is linked to a strain on global aid budgets due to other international crises and a re-prioritisation of US foreign policy and domestic budget considerations under the current Trump administration. This reduction in funding, which primarily supports emergency food and relief, coincides with Somalia’s ongoing struggle against severe drought and internal conflict with groups like al-Shabaab, exacerbating the risk of widespread hunger and social instability for vulnerable populations.
July 9, 2025, 00:45:05 (IST)
Boko Haram militants kill 9 people and injure 4 in northeastern Nigeria, authorities say
Authorities in northeastern Nigeria have confirmed that an attack by Boko Haram militants resulted in the deaths of nine people and left four others injured, according to a report in AP. The incident highlights the persistent security threat posed by the insurgency in the region. This attack is part of a long-running conflict that has led to a severe humanitarian crisis and the displacement of millions of people across the Lake Chad Basin.
July 9, 2025, 00:45:05 (IST)
Suicide attack at Somali military recruitment center kills 13
A suicide attacker killed 13 people at a military recruitment center in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, as per a report in AP. The attack occurs as the Somali government, under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, continues a major offensive against the al-Qaeda-linked group al-Shabaab. This incident underscores the security challenges facing the country, particularly as the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) proceeds with its planned withdrawal and handover of security responsibilities to Somali forces. Al-Shabaab has a history of targeting such facilities to disrupt government recruitment drives aimed at strengthening the national army.
July 9, 2025, 00:32:20 (IST)
Ekiti governor denies plan to defect to African Democratic Congress
The governor of Nigeria’s Ekiti State has publicly denied allegations that he is planning to defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as per a report in Premium Times. The denial comes amid heightened political maneuvering across Nigeria as parties and politicians begin positioning themselves for the 2027 general elections. The rumors are seen in the context of internal struggles within Nigeria’s major political parties and the ADC’s effort to establish itself as a significant ‘third force’ in the country’s political landscape.
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July 9, 2025, 00:31:15 (IST)
Nigeria's data protection agency fines MultiChoice N766m for privacy violations
Nigeria’s Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has imposed a N766 million fine on MultiChoice, a major multinational pay-TV company, for significant data privacy violations, Premium Times said in a report. This regulatory action is one of the first major enforcements under the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) of 2023, which established the commission and its authority to penalise non-compliant organisations. The substantial fine against the operator of DStv and GOtv signals a stricter enforcement environment for data protection in Nigeria and serves as a significant precedent for corporate accountability regarding the handling of consumer data across Africa.
July 9, 2025, 00:31:15 (IST)
Catholics in Congo honour anti-corruption figure beatified by Vatican
Catholics in the Democratic Republic of Congo are holding events to honour an anti-corruption figure who has been newly beatified by the Vatican, according to a report in AP. The beatification, a step towards sainthood in the Catholic Church, elevates a person killed for upholding moral principles rooted in faith, in this case, integrity and justice. This event underscores the significant influence of the Catholic Church in the DRC, where it often serves as a powerful moral voice on issues of governance and social justice, and puts a spotlight on the country’s persistent challenges with systemic corruption.
July 9, 2025, 00:16:12 (IST)
Lawsuit targets conservation groups over deadly elephant translocation in Malawi
A lawsuit is targeting large international conservation organizations, often referred to as ‘Big Conservation’, following a deadly elephant translocation in Malawi, Mail & Guardian says in a report. The legal action raises questions about the operational ethics, accountability, and community engagement strategies of these powerful non-governmental organizations. This incident occurs amid a broader critique of traditional ‘fortress conservation’ models and growing demands from African communities for more transparency and a greater role in managing local natural resources.
July 9, 2025, 00:16:12 (IST)
Nigerian government launches dedicated passport office for senior officials
Nigeria’s government has inaugurated a special passport office dedicated solely to serving senior public officials, Premium Times says in a report. The facility is designed to streamline the passport application and issuance process for top government functionaries. This initiative has been launched against a backdrop of widespread public complaints about significant delays, corruption, and difficulties in obtaining passports at the regular offices serving the general population.
July 9, 2025, 00:15:05 (IST)
Man arrested at Kano airport with large sum of undeclared cash
A man has been arrested at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Nigeria for attempting to travel with a large sum of undeclared foreign currency, as per a report in Premium Times. The suspect was found in possession of $420,900, £5,825, and 3.95 million CFA Francs. This arrest is in line with the enforcement of Nigeria’s strict regulations against money laundering and illicit financial flows, which legally require individuals to declare any foreign currency amounts that exceed the equivalent of $10,000.
July 9, 2025, 00:00:09 (IST)
Moses Kuria resigns as senior economic advisor to Kenya's President Ruto
Moses Kuria has resigned from his role as Senior Economic Advisor to Kenyan President William Ruto, Standard Media says in a report. In his resignation, Kuria expressed gratitude to President Ruto for the opportunity to serve in the government. This development follows his previous appointment as Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, from which he was moved during a cabinet reshuffle in October 2023.
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July 8, 2025, 23:17:24 (IST)
Nigerian government officially adopts 16 as minimum age for tertiary admissions
The Nigerian government has officially adopted 16 as the minimum age for admission into the country’s tertiary institutions, as per a report in Premium Times. This decision marks a reversal of a policy proposed last year by the former education minister, Tahir Mamman, who had set the minimum age at 18. The previous 18-year-old minimum age requirement had reportedly raised concerns among stakeholders.
July 8, 2025, 23:16:19 (IST)
Farmers in Nigeria's Kaduna state shift from grains to vegetables
Farmers in Nigeria’s Kaduna state, a significant agricultural region, are increasingly shifting from cultivating staple foods like maize and other grains to growing vegetables, according to a report in Premium Times. This change in cultivation patterns is reportedly driven by a combination of factors, including widespread insecurity that makes long-term grain farming risky and economic pressures from high food inflation, which pushes farmers toward more immediately profitable crops. The development raises concerns about Nigeria’s national food security, as a reduction in domestic grain production could lead to a greater dependence on foreign imports to meet the country’s needs for staple foods.
July 8, 2025, 23:16:19 (IST)
Nigerian senate cites need for thoroughness in delaying house bills
Nigeria’s Senate has addressed the issue of delays in giving concurrence to legislation passed by the House of Representatives, stating the primary reason is to ensure a thorough review process is conducted in the national interest, according to a report in Premium Times. This justification frames the delay as a matter of legislative due diligence, where the upper chamber is meticulously vetting bills before granting its approval, which is a required step for a bill to become law.
July 8, 2025, 23:15:08 (IST)
Nigerian court to rule on former governor Yahaya Bello's request for UK medical trip
A Nigerian court is set to rule on an application by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to travel to the United Kingdom for medical reasons, a request that is being contested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Premium Times says in a report. Bello, who is currently on bail while facing charges of money laundering and fraud allegedly committed during his tenure, argued through his lawyer that the travel application is in line with the court’s previous bail directive. The EFCC has formally opposed the request, leading the court to schedule a future date to deliver its decision on whether the former governor will be permitted to leave the country.
July 8, 2025, 23:00:04 (IST)
Maktown and Amazon win FIBA Africa Zone 3 basketball academies tournament
The Maktown and Amazon basketball academy teams have been crowned champions at the conclusion of the FIBA Africa Zone 3 Basketball Academies Tournament in Nigeria, Premium Times said in a report. The event, which took place from July 5 to July 8, involved 21 youth teams from various parts of the country. The tournament was organised to highlight emerging basketball talent from the region.
July 8, 2025, 22:45:05 (IST)
Rwandan MPs urge City of Kigali to accelerate community road projects
Members of Parliament in Rwanda have officially called on the City of Kigali’s administration to accelerate the construction of roads funded by local communities, The New Times says in a report. The MPs highlighted significant delays in these infrastructure projects, specifically noting issues in the Kicukiro and Nyarugenge districts within the capital. The call to action stems from concerns over the slow progress of projects for which residents have already contributed funds.
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July 8, 2025, 22:45:05 (IST)
Kigali to build over 100km of drainage to combat flooding
City authorities in Kigali, Rwanda, have identified the construction of 112 kilometres of drainage infrastructure as an urgent priority to combat severe flooding, according to a report in The New Times. The project is a direct response to the increasing frequency and severity of floods affecting the capital, which have been intensified by rapid urbanization and climate change. The initiative aims to enhance the city’s resilience and mitigate damage caused by heavy rainfall.
July 8, 2025, 22:01:11 (IST)
Guinea's junta accused of escalating disappearances and creating a 'climate of terror'
Amnesty International has accused Guinea’s military authorities of intensifying repression through forced disappearances, creating a “climate of terror” to silence dissent, according to a report in Africanews. The human rights organization stated that the junta, which seized power in a September 2021 coup, is targeting individuals and groups who are demanding elections and a return to civilian governance. This campaign of intimidation is seen as an effort by the military leadership, led by Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, to suppress opposition and consolidate power, undermining previous commitments for a transition back to constitutional order.
July 8, 2025, 22:01:11 (IST)
Cameroonian regulator imposes nearly €4 million fine on MTN and Orange
The telecommunications regulatory agency of Cameroon (ART) has imposed a significant financial penalty totalling nearly €4 million on the local operations of multinational telecom firms Orange and MTN, Africanews said in a report. The fine was issued due to unspecified violations by the two major network operators.
July 8, 2025, 22:00:05 (IST)
Kenyan whistleblower faces lawsuit and death threats over alleged $2bn airport deal
A whistleblower in Kenya is reportedly facing a lawsuit and death threats after publicly exposing alleged corruption related to a $2 billion airport deal, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. The incident is considered a significant challenge to President William Ruto’s administration’s public commitment to fighting corruption. The case also brings attention to the effectiveness of whistleblower protection legislation in the country and raises concerns about judicial independence as legal action against the individual proceeds.
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