Africa News Live Updates: Gulf states increase investment in Africa as China alters financial strategy

Gulf states are channeling billions of dollars in investments into Africa, focusing on sectors like logistics, ports, and agriculture, as per a report in Mail & Guardian. This influx of capital coincides with a strategic shift by China, which is revamping its financial model for the continent. This change in Chinese strategy is seen as a move away from its previous large-scale, state-backed loan models, which had raised concerns about debt sustainability in several African nations. The developments indicate growing geopolitical and economic competition for influence in Africa, with nations on the continent seeking to diversify their international partnerships.

A new community play park has been opened in the Extension 12 area of Helenvale, a township in Gqeberha, South Africa, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. The facility is an intervention of the 'Safety and Peace Through Urban Upgrading' programme, which aims to improve public spaces and provide safe recreational areas for youth. This project is part of broader efforts to address urban development and crime prevention in historically disadvantaged communities.

A revamped multi-purpose venue known as the 'World of Windows' has been unveiled within the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, South Africa, Mail & Guardian says in a report. The updated space is equipped to host a variety of functions, including live entertainment, conferences, exhibitions, and product launches.

The US Supreme Court has allowed the Trump administration to proceed with the deportation of eight men to South Sudan, overturning a lower court ruling that had blocked their removal, The Guardian says in a report. The men have been held at an American military base in Djibouti. The article notes that South Sudan is a war-torn country and that almost none of the men have ties there; only one is from South Sudan, while the others are from nations including Vietnam, South Korea, Mexico, Laos, Cuba, and Myanmar.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen to discuss strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations, Africa News said in a report. The meeting, described as a sign of improving relations, focused on their countries' diplomatic and economic relationship.

The Nigerian government has set a deadline for foreign nationals residing in the country to regularize their expired visas, according to a report in Premium Times. Officials clarified that this directive is aimed at ensuring all residents comply with existing immigration laws and does not require affected individuals to apply for Nigerian citizenship. The measure, based on Nigeria's Immigration Act, applies to all non-diplomatic foreigners with expired residency permits.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has said that Africa must prepare to take its place in a new world order, whether the continent is ready or not, according to a report in The New Times. Speaking on Friday, he emphasized the necessity for the continent to actively position itself within the shifting global landscape.

African governments are undertaking a significant advocacy effort to place universal school meal programs on the agenda ahead of the upcoming G20 summit, Daily Maverick says in a report. This continent-wide initiative, likely coordinated through the African Union, aims to secure political and financial backing from major world economies. The goal is to establish programs that provide meals to all schoolchildren, regardless of their family's socioeconomic status, thereby improving nutrition, health, and educational outcomes in line with global development goals.

Uganda has secretly deployed up to 1,000 troops to the Democratic Republic of Congo's Ituri province without authorization from the government in Kinshasa, according to a report in Africanews. Citing UN experts, the report states the forces have been sent to Bunia and the Mahagi and Djugu territories. Ugandan authorities claim the deployment's purpose is to counter the threat posed by the armed group CODECO. This alleged unilateral action contrasts with the previously authorized 'Operation Shujaa,' a joint Uganda-DRC military offensive that began in late 2021 to target other militant groups in the region.

The CEO of South Africa's Independent Development Trust (IDT) is facing scrutiny over an alleged R22 million asset splurge on items including cash-purchased properties and new SUVs, according to a report in Daily Maverick. In response, Democratic Alliance Member of Parliament Kevin Macpherson has called for lifestyle audits into the IDT's leadership. Macpherson also requested an update on a separate investigation into delayed oxygen plants, linking the allegations to broader concerns about corruption and the misuse of public funds within state entities.

A study of 108 consumers in South Africa has found that eco labels on products are largely ineffective due to low recognition and widespread confusion, as per a report in The Conversation. The research showed that while consumers want to shop sustainably, they cannot reliably identify which products are environmentally friendly. For instance, a legitimate South African label, the Afrisco Certified Organic symbol, was recognized by only 22% of respondents, while many participants mistook fictional labels for real ones. This contrasts with successful government-backed systems in places like the European Union, Germany, and Japan, where high visibility and public education have led to better consumer understanding. The study recommends that for eco labels to be effective in South Africa, businesses, government, and non-profits must work to make them clearer, more visible, and more trustworthy through consumer education and the use of credible, third-party certified labels.

Rwandans and "friends of Rwanda" in China held a celebration in Beijing on Friday, July 4, to mark the 31st anniversary of the country’s liberation, an event known as Kwibohora31, according to a report in The New Times. This annual commemoration marks the day in 1994 that the Rwandan Patriotic Front ended the Genocide against the Tutsi.

Farmers in Nigeria have indicated that tomato prices are remaining high, despite previous predictions that they would decrease following the recent Sallah celebration, Premium Times says in a report. The persistent high costs are being attributed to a combination of factors, including increased transportation expenses following the 2023 removal of fuel subsidies, the rising cost of imported agricultural inputs like fertilizer due to the Naira's devaluation, ongoing insecurity in key farming regions that disrupts production, and the impact of unpredictable weather patterns on harvests.

Zambia has officially declared an end to its most recent cholera outbreak after five weeks with no new infections, Africanews says in a report. Health Minister Elijah Muchima confirmed the declaration, noting that the final wave of the outbreak resulted in 496 cases and 9 fatalities. The last recorded case was in May in the Kabwe District of Central Province.

Former Nigerian national football coach Samson Siasia is facing a N250 million legal threat over an alleged defamatory statement, according to a report in Premium Times. The legal action was initiated by the former agent of footballer John Mikel Obi in response to recent remarks Siasia made during a widely circulated interview on Elegbete TV, where he reportedly made a bribery claim involving the agent.

A doctor in Nigeria, who was granted bail in March over a child theft allegation, has been arrested again in connection with another child theft case, according to a report in Premium Times. The new accusation involves the doctor allegedly purchasing a boy for N700,000 and subsequently re-selling the child for N2.3 million. The re-arrest highlights ongoing concerns regarding child trafficking and the effectiveness of the judicial bail system in the country.

A court in Lagos, Nigeria, has jailed a group of eight Chinese nationals for charges of cyberterrorism and internet fraud, Premium Times said in a report. The judgment was handed down after the defendants entered guilty pleas to the charges brought against them. The report notes this is "another set" of individuals to be convicted for such crimes, indicating it is not an isolated incident.

Nigerian Army troops have uncovered and foiled a terror plot by discovering 56 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted on a bridge in Borno State, according to a report in Premium Times. In a statement, the army attributed the plot to insurgents from either Boko Haram or the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The discovery highlights the ongoing security operations against the long-running insurgency in Nigeria's North-East region.

Ghanaian footballer Thomas Partey has been charged in the UK with five counts of rape involving two women, according to a report in BBC. The former Arsenal player also faces one count of sexual assault in relation to a third woman. The charges were formally brought by UK authorities, initiating legal proceedings.

South African universities are publicly defending their practice of hiring foreign staff in the face of growing criticism linked to the country's high unemployment rate and rising anti-immigrant sentiment, Mail & Guardian says in a report. The institutions argue that hiring foreign academics is essential for filling critical skills gaps in specialized fields, maintaining global competitiveness, and enhancing research and innovation. This defense comes amid significant political pressure for policies that prioritize local job seekers, highlighting a conflict between national employment concerns and the universities' need for international talent.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has reiterated his country's commitment to self-reliance and national sovereignty, stating that Rwanda cannot depend on the shifting interests of external powers, according to a report in The New Times. The statement underscores the nation's policy of pursuing its own development path and making decisions based on its own interests, independent of external influence or pressure.

In South Africa, there are increasing calls to address the educational challenges and marginalization faced by boys, as per a report in Mail & Guardian. This emerging issue is noted against a backdrop of decades-long initiatives focused on improving girls' access to education. Concerns are being raised that a relative lack of targeted support for boys is contributing to poorer educational outcomes, including higher dropout rates. This trend is also being linked to broader societal problems such as high youth unemployment and potential social instability, prompting discussions about re-evaluating gender-focused policies within the education system.

Officials from South Africa's uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party are scheduled to discuss what has been termed the 'errant behaviour' of Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, and the party's national spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, Mail & Guardian says in a report. The meeting addresses internal party discipline following the MK Party's significant performance in the recent elections, where it became the third-largest party in the country. This internal review of high-profile members' conduct comes as the party navigates its new role as a major force in South African politics.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA) is supporting the implementation of a new structured program for contractor development approved by South Africa's Construction Industry Development Board (cidb), according to a report in Mail & Guardian. The initiative is designed to assist contractors by formally assessing their prior learning and experience, a process known as APL, and then providing targeted top-up training to address any identified skill gaps. This program aims to bolster the capabilities of contractors within the region's construction sector.

Native fish species in South Africa are facing significant threats from widespread pollution, habitat destruction, and the proliferation of invasive species, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. The country's rivers are deteriorating due to multiple factors, including failing wastewater treatment plants leading to sewage contamination, and pollution from mining and industrial activities. The ongoing electricity crisis further disrupts water treatment operations, worsening the situation and placing immense pressure on the survival of indigenous aquatic life.

The government of Namibia has suspended all state funerals until April 2026 in response to public criticism regarding their significant expense, according to a report in BBC. This measure is intended to curb public expenditure amid concerns that the funds could be better allocated to essential services. The policy, however, includes a clause that allows the nation's president to grant an exception and authorize a state funeral in special cases.

Somali influencers residing in Germany have been using social media platforms to spread radical content and encourage violence in Somalia, a joint investigation by DW and German public broadcaster ARD found, as per a report in Deutsche Welle. These individuals, described as 'war influencers,' are also allegedly using their online presence to raise money for the purchase of arms and to glorify the ongoing conflict in the Horn of Africa nation.

Westlands MP Timothy Wanyonyi has been endorsed by several Members of Parliament from Bungoma County for the 2027 gubernatorial race, according to a report in Standard Media. Wanyonyi, who currently represents a Nairobi constituency and is a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, is the brother of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula. The endorsement positions him as an early contender, creating a potential challenge for the incumbent governor, Kenneth Lusaka, who is part of the same broader political coalition.

A man in The Gambia has been ordered by a court to be held in custody over the alleged rape of a four-year-old girl, as per a report in The Point. The legal action, known as being 'remanded', means the suspect will be detained while the investigation continues or until a trial takes place, and does not imply a conviction. This case occurs as The Gambia continues to implement judicial and legal reforms focused on strengthening the rule of law.

The Agikuyu Council of Elders has formally endorsed National Liberal Party (NLP) leader Augustus Kyalo Muli for his 2027 presidential campaign, Standard Media Kenya says in a report. The endorsement grants Muli the council's backing to seek political support within the influential Mt. Kenya region, a key voting bloc in Kenyan politics. This development marks an early political move ahead of the country's next general election.

The upcoming Durban July horseracing event is expected to inject an estimated R700 million into the local economy of the eThekwini Municipality in South Africa, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. The major annual event is anticipated to drive significant spending in sectors such as hospitality, retail, transport, and entertainment. This figure represents the total estimated spending by attendees and associated business activities. The local government provides supportive services for the event, including security and traffic management.

Former Nigerian Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi has announced his intention to contest the country's 2027 presidential election, according to a report in Premium Times. The declaration by Amaechi, who previously served as the Governor of Rivers State and was an aspirant in the 2023 All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries, comes amid national debates on power rotation between Nigeria's northern and southern regions. Amaechi also reportedly spoke on the topics of forming a political coalition and the constitutional term limits for the presidency.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) has appointed Mr. Adejumo, the former president of the National Industrial Court, to lead the National Judicial Institute (NJI) as its new administrator, according to a report in Premium Times. The CJN's office stated that Mr. Adejumo's appointment is based on his experience and deep understanding of judicial administration.

An investigative body in Gambia, referred to as the LGCI, has initiated a probe into suspected land fraud within the Banjul City Council (BCC), according to a report in The Point. The investigation centers on alleged malpractices related to the administration and allocation of public land within the jurisdiction of the capital city, Banjul.

World-renowned Gambian kora player and vocalist Sona Jobarteh has been appointed as a Roaming Ambassador for the Gambia Tourism Board, according to a report in The Point. In this promotional and goodwill role, Jobarteh will use her international platform to promote The Gambia as a tourist destination, leveraging her cultural authenticity to enhance the nation's global image. The appointment is part of a broader government strategy to boost the country's key tourism sector, which is a major contributor to the national economy and is recovering from the impacts of past political instability and the global pandemic.

A discrepancy amounting to 1.2 billion Gambian Dalasi (D) has been identified in the financial statements of The Gambia's government accounts, as per a report in The Point. The discovery of the inconsistency, a substantial sum within the context of the nation's economy, has raised concerns about public financial management. While a 'discrepancy' can refer to accounting errors, mismanagement, or potential malfeasance, the finding has triggered calls for a thorough and independent investigation to determine the cause and ensure accountability.

The Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC) of the Gambian Parliament has issued a 'red flag' regarding significant issues at what is believed to be the Banjul Medical Centre Hospital (BMCH), according to a report in The Point. The committee's concerns focus on the safety of drugs, as well as the management of the hospital's assets and funds. This action indicates serious irregularities have been identified, suggesting potential mismanagement, non-compliance with regulations, or fraud that warrants immediate and further investigation.

Guinea's transitional government has presented a draft for a new constitution that will be submitted to a public referendum in September, according to a report in Africanews. The proposed text includes the creation of a Senate and a significant change to the presidential term, increasing it from five to seven years, renewable once. The current government came to power following a military coup in September 2021 which overthrew then-President Alpha Condé.

Gambia's Minister of Youth and Sports has seen off a delegation of 40 Gambian youths traveling to China for a development program, The Point said in a report. This initiative is part of the growing bilateral cooperation between the two countries, which has significantly increased since Gambia and China re-established diplomatic relations in 2016. The program aligns with the Gambian government's stated policy focus on youth empowerment and providing young people with skills and opportunities.

The Episcopal Church has announced it is terminating its refugee resettlement partnership with the United States government, The Washington Post says in a report. The church stated its decision is a direct response to the Trump administration's perceived focus on resettling white South Africans, a policy the church views as providing 'preferential treatment.' This move follows past controversy surrounding President Donald Trump's 2018 comments about alleged farm seizures and violence against white farmers in South Africa.

In an effort to combat poaching, conservationists across South Africa are implementing a strategy of dehorning rhinos, which has successfully reduced rhino deaths by 78 percent in affected areas, according to a report in The Washington Post. The practice involves preemptively removing the horn, the primary target for poachers, to make the animals less valuable to illegal hunters. While the tactic has proven effective in saving rhino lives, the report notes it has also raised questions about altering the fundamental nature of the animal.

Gambia’s deputy Speaker has called for the establishment of a unified African security front to counter escalating threats across the continent, The Point said in a report. The call to action is a response to growing instability, particularly the expansion of jihadist groups in the Sahel, a recent wave of military coups, and transnational organized crime. This push for greater African self-reliance in security matters comes amid a security vacuum created by the recent withdrawal of some international peacekeeping forces from key areas, increasing the urgency for a coordinated, African-led response.

Gambia's Minister Tangara has tendered his resignation from President Adama Barrow's cabinet to take up a new role within the African Union, according to a report in The Point. The move creates a vacancy in the Gambian government that will require a new appointment by President Barrow.

Mayor Lowe in The Gambia has launched the municipality's first Voluntary Local Review (VLR) to assess local progress on the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to a report in The Point. The initiative aims to enhance local governance, transparency, and accountability by creating a framework for reporting on development targets at the sub-national level. This move aligns with The Gambia's national commitments to the 2030 Agenda and is part of a growing global trend of cities localizing SDG implementation.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a significant increase in the prize money for the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with the winner's prize being doubled, according to a report in Premium Times. The total prize pool for the tournament has risen by 45% to USD 3.475 million. The prize money is awarded to the winning national federation and is funded by CAF's commercial revenues from sponsorships and broadcast rights.

Nigerian telecom operators MTN and 9mobile have launched a three-year national roaming agreement, according to a report in Premium Times. The deal enables 9mobile subscribers to access services using MTN Nigeria's network, which is intended to extend 9mobile's coverage footprint and improve service quality for its customers. This development is a key operational step for 9mobile, which previously underwent significant restructuring following a past debt crisis.

Rwanda's Minister of Education, Joseph Nse..., has declared that creating equity between the country's public and private schools is a critical national priority, The New Times says in a report. The minister stressed that closing this gap is essential to properly prepare all Rwandan students for the demands of a competitive job market. This focus aligns with the nation's broader development goals, such as Vision 2050, which prioritize human capital as a cornerstone of economic growth and aim to address challenges like youth unemployment.

South African retailers across all sectors must prepare for new regulations under the country's recently enacted Climate Change Act, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. The legislation, signed into law in June 2024, establishes a legal framework for the government to set specific greenhouse gas emission targets for various economic sectors. This will require retailers to measure, report, and actively reduce emissions from their operations and supply chains to achieve compliance with the forthcoming national net-zero objectives.

A Nigerian governor has publicly called for the implementation of a rotational presidency and the creation of a new state for the country's South-east region, Premium Times says in a report. This demand aligns with long-standing calls from leaders in the South-east, who argue the measures are necessary to address perceived political marginalization. Proponents of the move state that the region's five states, the lowest number among Nigeria's six geopolitical zones, result in inequitable federal representation and resource allocation.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame is holding a live media session on Friday, July 4, a date that marks the country's Liberation Day, The New Times says in a report. The event, titled "Conversation with President Paul Kagame and Media," takes place a year after the 2024 presidential election. Rwanda's Liberation Day commemorates the end of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

Officials in Senegal have confirmed that the planned $6 billion futuristic city project backed by singer Akon has been abandoned, according to a report in BBC. The original ambitious concept for 'Akon City' will not proceed; instead, a more realistic development is planned for the designated site.

The Government of Rwanda has put new instructions into force to guide the settlement, management, and transfer of house ownership for vulnerable citizens who receive government housing support, The New Times says in a report. These revised rules, which are now in effect, are designed to formalize the process for beneficiaries of state-provided housing, including those who have been resettled.

Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi has requested that a three-judge High Court bench recuse itself from hearing petitions against Chief Justice Martha Koome and six Supreme Court judges, Standard Media Kenya says in a report. Havi's application for their removal from the cases is based on allegations of conflict of interest and bias.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has formally condemned an agreement by the administration of President Bola Tinubu to export Nigerian doctors to the Caribbean nation of Saint Lucia, Premium Times said in a report. The professional body's opposition is based on the stark pay difference, highlighting that doctors sent to Saint Lucia would earn an annual salary of N40.8 million, whereas the maximum annual earning for a doctor in Nigeria is N11.9 million. This government-facilitated move has been criticized by the NMA as exacerbating the country's existing 'brain drain' crisis, where skilled medical personnel are already leaving in large numbers for better opportunities abroad.

Zenith Bank has retained its position as Nigeria's top bank by Tier-1 capital for the 16th year in a row, as per a report in Premium Times. The ranking was published by The Banker, a publication of the Financial Times Group, in its 2025 Top 1000 World Banks’ list. Tier-1 capital is a core measure of a bank's financial strength.

Gauteng's Education MEC, Matome Chiloane, has stated that the province needs 200 new schools to cope with infrastructure shortages and overcrowding, Mail & Guardian says in a report. The announcement highlights the significant pressure on public services in South Africa's most populous province, a situation driven by rapid urbanization and population growth. This demand for new educational facilities addresses a long-standing issue regarding insufficient school infrastructure to meet the needs of the growing population.

Irish business leaders view Africa as essential for boosting global agriculture and food production, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. Their assessment highlights that the continent imported more than $55 billion worth of food last year. This figure is projected to double to $110 billion in 2025, underscoring the significant potential for growth and investment in Africa's agricultural sector to meet rising demand.

A recent report from the African Development Bank (AfDB) points to significant growth, reforms, and investment booms across Africa, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. A key development highlighted is a burgeoning refinery sector in West Africa, which is beginning to reshape the regional energy landscape. This boom is reportedly boosting local processing capacity, thereby decreasing the area's long-standing dependence on imported refined fuel products.

Security at Ethiopia's Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa is under scrutiny for being a transit point for drug trafficking, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. The issue is highlighted by the case of a Kenyan citizen who faced execution in Vietnam after allegedly being used to transport drugs through the airport. The incident points to significant security vulnerabilities and lax screening procedures at what is considered one of Africa's busiest aviation hubs, raising concerns about its role in facilitating transnational organized crime.

South Africa's Democratic Alliance (DA) will not withdraw from the Government of National Unity (GNU) or table a motion of no confidence against President Cyril Ramaphosa, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. The decision follows internal party discussions prompted by the recent firing or blocking of Dr. Nicholas Whitfield's appointment as an advisor. This incident had created significant tension within the power-sharing arrangement between the DA and the African National Congress (ANC), which was formed after the 2024 general election, but the DA's choice signals a commitment to maintaining stability within the coalition government.

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) has launched its fifth season, continuing its mission to grow professional basketball across the continent, as per a report in the Mail & Guardian. The pan-African league, which is a partnership between the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), features clubs from various African nations competing for the championship. The BAL serves as the NBA's first collaboration to operate a league outside of North America and aims to provide a platform for African talent while contributing to economic growth and youth development in the region.

A cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe has now spread to eight districts, with the source of the public health crisis linked to failing infrastructure, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. At the epicentre of the outbreak, burst pipes that had reportedly been left in a state of disrepair for months are spewing human waste into the streets, leading to the spread of the waterborne disease.

A previously successful public health program in eSwatini, which had reportedly reduced deaths from snakebites to zero, is now under threat, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. The country's primary treatment center for snakebites faces potential closure following a funding freeze from the United States Agency for International Development (USAid). This development jeopardizes the significant gains the nation had made in preventing fatalities from snakebites.

Former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho has made a significant political shift by launching campaigns in support of President William Ruto in Kenya's Coast region, as per a report in Standard Media. Joho is now publicly urging coastal communities to rally behind the president. This marks a dramatic turnaround from his position during the 2022 election, when he was a key ally of opposition leader Raila Odinga and had pledged to seize a farm owned by Ruto if their coalition won.

Benin is hosting the Cyber Africa Forum to address digital resilience, cotton industry transformation, and new market strategies, as per a report in Africanews. The event is a key part of the government's long-term agenda, which began in 2016 under President Patrice Talon, to leverage digital technology for economic diversification. Discussions at the forum cover strengthening the country's defenses against cyber threats and moving its economy beyond raw cotton exports toward value-added processing. These efforts are in line with broader continental goals set by the African Union to develop a unified digital economy and respond to increasing cybersecurity risks in the region.

Sudan has been in a state of conflict since 2023 following the outbreak of a power struggle between the country's army and a paramilitary group, according to a report in BBC. The war, which began over a year ago, has thrown the nation into disarray as the two factions continue to fight for control.

The Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA) has published its latest Economic Impact Assessment Report, detailing the effects of urban renewal initiatives in key precincts within South Africa's Nelson Mandela Bay municipality, according to a report in the Mail & Guardian. The MBDA is a municipal entity focused on urban regeneration in areas such as Gqeberha and Kariega, with the goal of attracting investment, improving public spaces, and creating employment. The report assesses the outcomes of these comprehensive efforts, which involve infrastructure upgrades and various initiatives to stimulate the local economy.

The blue crane, South Africa's national bird, has been uplisted to a 'vulnerable' conservation status due to a significant drop in its population, particularly in the Overberg region, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. The primary threats contributing to the decline of the species include habitat loss from land use changes, collisions with powerlines and fences, and instances of poisoning.

A potent cancer-fighting compound has been discovered within a marine worm in South Africa, Mail & Guardian says in a report. The finding is a preliminary scientific discovery of a compound and not a market-ready drug. This discovery highlights the potential value of the nation's marine biodiversity, which is protected by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), the body responsible for regulating bioprospecting.

Retailers in South Africa are increasingly targeting the country's 26.5 million gamers, with a particular focus on the mobile and esports sectors, as per a report in Mail & Guardian. The growing market represents a significant commercial opportunity, prompting businesses to engage with this large demographic through strategies centered on mobile gaming platforms and the expanding competitive esports scene.

Mali's military leader, General Assimi Goïta, who seized power in coups in 2020 and 2021, has been granted a five-year term that will keep him in power until at least 2030, according to a report in BBC. The decision, made by the ruling junta, allows for his term to be renewed indefinitely and formalizes another significant delay to previously promised elections. This move is a direct defiance of regional bodies like ECOWAS and the African Union, which have pushed for a return to democratic rule.

A bill to provide free internet access in public places has been advanced by Nigeria's House of Representatives, as per a report in Premium Times. The proposed legislation, which has passed an initial legislative stage and is not yet law, is designed to benefit underserved and disadvantaged citizens, with a particular focus on those in rural areas. The initiative aims to bridge the country's digital divide and promote greater digital inclusion.

A Nigerian Senate committee reviewing the constitution has received 49 separate requests for the creation of new states and Local Government Areas (LGAs), according to a report in Premium Times. The panel is initiating a series of public hearings to deliberate on these proposals. The two-day zonal hearings are scheduled to be held simultaneously across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones on July 4 and 5.

The Governor of Nigeria's Katsina State, Dikko Radda, paid a condolence visit to the influential Dantata family following the death of one of its members, Premium Times says in a report. During the visit, Governor Radda offered special prayers for the soul of the late businessman, joining the family in asking for his shortcomings to be forgiven and for him to be granted eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus.

Following the African Union's (AU) admission as a permanent member of the G20 in September 2023, the continent has outlined its key priorities for the group, focusing on climate action and the reform of the global financial system, according to a report in Daily Maverick. The agenda centers on securing increased climate finance for adaptation and mitigation, as well as pushing for structural changes in international financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank. These reforms aim to address pressing issues such as the growing debt burden faced by many African nations and to create more equitable access to global finance.

Authorities in South Africa pursuing an asset seizure against an individual named Lotus Kamal, linked to state capture investigations, discovered that the target's bank accounts had been emptied before the action could be executed, according to a report in Daily Sun. This development highlights challenges for the National Prosecuting Authority's Asset Forfeiture Unit in securing liquid assets swiftly. While the funds were moved, Kamal's significant real estate empire has reportedly not yet been seized by the state.

Mohamed Traoré, a prominent critic of the ruling military junta in Guinea, has reportedly been abducted and tortured, Human Rights Watch says in a report. The rights group is calling for an impartial investigation into the alleged abuses against Traoré. This incident occurs within a context of what the organization describes as increasing repression against dissent since the National Rallying Committee for Development (CNRD), led by Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, seized power in a September 2021 coup.

There has been a surge in child abductions by the armed insurgent group Ansar al-Sunna (ASWJ) in Mozambique's northern Cabo Delgado province, Human Rights Watch said in a report. This development marks a concerning escalation in the ongoing conflict that began in 2017 and has already caused a severe humanitarian crisis with over one million people displaced. The abductions are being used as a tactic by the group, also known locally as Al-Shabaab, highlighting the risks to children in the region and prompting calls for their protection and reintegration.

Amid a lack of formal employment in Zimbabwe, numerous individuals are turning to the dangerous work of collecting scrap metal from illegal dumpsites around the capital, Harare, for income, AP says in a report. People like Ezekiel Mabhiza spend hours sifting through mounds of trash, often with bare hands, to find metal pieces they can sell. This informal recycling sector, born out of economic necessity, provides a crucial supply of raw materials for the country's steel industry while also highlighting the significant public health risks and systemic failures in municipal waste management.

A proposal to establish a new UNESCO World Heritage site along the shared coastline of South Africa and Mozambique is being complicated by the prospect of coal industry development in the area, Daily Maverick said in a report. The plan, which is still in the proposal stage and not yet a final designation, creates a policy challenge for the governments of both nations as they attempt to balance international environmental commitments with domestic energy security and economic development goals. The situation highlights a conflict between conservation efforts, which could foster sustainable tourism, and resource extraction, which promises more immediate jobs and revenue.

Nsimbi Mining Services in Mozambique has announced it has secured a new, unidentified equity partner, according to a report in Daily Maverick. The announcement comes at a time when the company is experiencing significant labor unrest, including ongoing worker strikes and layoffs. The identity of the new partner has not been publicly disclosed, creating uncertainty within the country's mining sector.

The leader of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) is visiting Botswana at a time when the church is reportedly facing significant internal conflict, according to a report in Daily Maverick. The infighting is described as severe enough to potentially fracture the major Southern African religious institution, which has a large following in both Botswana and South Africa. The visit occurs against the backdrop of these internal power struggles.

Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has received 12 new applications from associations seeking to be registered as political parties, Premium Times said in a report. The applications were reportedly submitted to the electoral body between June 23 and July 2, 2025. The receipt of applications is the initial step in a detailed vetting process and does not guarantee official registration.

Nigeria's Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has launched a verbal attack against a group of political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, and former minister Rotimi Amaechi, Premium Times says in a report. Wike dismissed their potential coalition, characterizing them as individuals who are "angry because they left power." He questioned their credibility and cautioned Nigerians against their political maneuvers, suggesting their motives are purely self-serving.

Tanzania's Prime Minister will step down from his position in a surprise move, as per a report in BBC. In Tanzania's presidential system, the Prime Minister is appointed by the President and is subordinate to the head of state, making the departure a notable change within the government led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has approved a proposal to use 10% of the internally generated revenue (IGR) from the area's six councils to settle outstanding payments owed to striking primary school teachers, as per a report in Premium Times. The industrial action was initiated by the teachers who accused the council chairpersons of failing to implement the new national minimum wage and other previously settled agreements. This measure is intended to resolve the ongoing strike and address the teachers' financial grievances.

New video footage from a national park in Uganda shows various predators feeding on and dispersing fruit bats, which are known carriers of infectious diseases, offering new insights into how viruses can leap between species, according to a report in The New York Times. The video captured a sequence of predatory animals consuming and scattering the bats, which are established natural reservoirs for several viruses. This observation provides visual evidence of a potential pathway for zoonotic spillover, where pathogens move from animal hosts to other species.