Africa News Highlights, 23 July 2025: Nigerian media groups to organize conference on sustainability

Rwanda is renewing its push for clean energy to reduce its significant fuel import costs, as per a report in The New Times. In 2024, petroleum oil imports accounted for 28.4% of the nation's total merchandise import bill, which surpassed $6.88 billion. The initiative aims to enhance the country's energy security and decrease economic vulnerability tied to volatile global fossil fuel prices, aligning with its long-term development strategies and international climate commitments.

The Nigerian Association of Media Independents Practitioners (NAMIP) and the Daily Trust Foundation are organizing a Media Sustainability Conference in Nigeria, according to a report in Premium Times. The event is intended to serve as a platform for knowledge exchange and peer learning among the country's media professionals. The conference will also celebrate the resilience and ingenuity of Nigerian media founders and practitioners.

A detective from Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) testified in court on Tuesday, detailing the investigation into an alleged N5.78 billion fraud that occurred under a former Kwara State governor's administration, Premium Times said in a report. The witness provided insights into the probe during a hearing for the ongoing trial of the former governor and a co-defendant. The testimony is part of the prosecution's case being presented by the anti-graft agency.

A cleric from Nigeria's Plateau State, Katung Jonas, and his associate, Okewole Dayo, are facing accusations from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for an alleged N178 million investment fraud, according to a report in Premium Times. A witness has testified that Jonas allegedly used his position and church platform to persuade individuals to invest in the Covenant Fadama Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society. The EFCC has brought charges against the two individuals for allegedly defrauding investors through this scheme.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) will conduct a phased withdrawal of its mission troops from the conflict-torn eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. The regional bloc reiterated that a political and diplomatic solution is necessary to restore peace and security in the region. The withdrawal of the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) comes as the long-standing UN peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, is also pulling out, raising concerns about a potential security vacuum amid ongoing offensives by armed groups like M23.

A decline in traditional piracy in West Africa's Bight of Biafra has led to a rise in kidnappings for ransom, as criminal groups adapt their tactics in response to enhanced maritime security, ISS Africa said in a report. This has created a growing "ransom economy" in the waters from Nigeria to Gabon, where criminals target individuals for hostage-taking instead of hijacking entire vessels. The trend is reportedly fueled by persistent socio-economic issues like youth unemployment in coastal regions, particularly the Niger Delta, and weak governance that creates a permissive environment for these illicit activities to thrive. The shift impacts international shipping with higher costs and poses significant security risks to seafarers and local communities.

Rwanda's capital, Kigali, is planning to launch its first-ever observation wheel, the Kigali Sky Wheel, by the end of 2025, according to a report in The New Times. The project will introduce a new type of major attraction to the city as part of its ongoing urban development and efforts to enhance its tourism portfolio. The observation wheel is presented as a significant new entertainment feature for residents and visitors in the Rwandan capital.

A lawsuit filed in the UK accuses the international conservation fund Ifaw of negligence related to an elephant translocation project in Malawi, Mail & Guardian said in a report. The legal action alleges that the relocation of the elephants resulted in severe consequences for local communities, including human deaths, injuries, widespread crop destruction, and the displacement of residents from their homes.

A coalition of Catholic bishops from Africa, Asia, and Latin America has issued a demand for climate justice, urging developed nations to take responsibility for the disproportionate impact of climate change on the Global South, according to a report in AP. The bishops argue that the nations least responsible for historical greenhouse gas emissions are the most vulnerable to climate-related disasters such as droughts and floods. Their call aligns with the concept of "climate justice," which frames the issue as an ethical and political matter requiring equitable solutions and reparations for affected communities.

Host nation Morocco has reached the championship match of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Ghana in a penalty shootout on Tuesday, as per a report in AP. The semifinal match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Morocco prevailing 4-2 on penalties after goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi blocked the decisive attempt. Morocco will now face Nigeria, who beat defending champions South Africa 2-1 in the other semifinal, in the tournament final on Saturday.

In Kenya, traditional indigenous greens that were often overlooked as 'weeds' are experiencing a surge in popularity as a food source, according to a report in BBC. This trend is occurring despite the existence of national seed laws that effectively ban farmers from swapping or selling seeds that are not officially registered or certified. The development highlights a growing consumer demand for local and traditional foods and puts a spotlight on the tension between modern agricultural regulations and traditional farming practices that support biodiversity and food security.

Workers are engaged in a rescue effort at a collapsed mine shaft in the Democratic Republic of Congo, attempting to dig out their trapped colleagues, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The incident occurred at a gold mine, with miners on site trying to reach those caught in the collapse.

Gambians living in Belgium have voiced strong opposition to newly implemented rules affecting family reunification, as per a report in The Point. The community is decrying the recent changes to Belgian immigration and asylum laws, which are perceived as creating significant obstacles for diaspora members attempting to bring their relatives to the country.

Former Kenyan Chief Justice David Maraga announced that public donations for his 2027 presidential bid have surpassed Sh 500,000 within two days, Standard Media says in a report. Maraga stated that this initial fundraising success demonstrates a "growing public hunger for change" in the country. The move positions him as an early contender in the race to challenge the incumbent administration of President William Ruto.

The Yoruba Traditional Council has renewed its condemnation of the unauthorized crowning of traditional rulers, known as Obas, in diaspora communities, according to a report in The Point. The council's declaration reinforces its position as the sole legitimate authority for conferring such titles, stating that any coronation performed outside of established protocols and without approval from the paramount rulers in Yorubaland, Nigeria, is invalid. This move aims to protect the sanctity of the traditional institution and challenges the legitimacy of individuals who have been named Obas abroad, asserting the homeland's control over cultural and traditional leadership.

Rwanda implemented a leadership reshuffle last week with new appointments made in major sectors including finance, mining, academia, and governance, according to a report in The New Times.

Rwanda's ten most-imported products during 2024 amounted to a total value of over $1.95 billion, which is equivalent to about Rwf2.8 trillion, according to a report in The New Times. The figures are based on the Trade & Industry Performance 2024 data released by the country's Ministry of Trade and Industry.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed a 'Declaration of Principles' signed between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the AFC/M23 rebel coalition in Doha, Qatar, according to a report in The New Times. The declaration, signed on Saturday, is a new diplomatic effort aimed at resolving the conflict in eastern DRC. Despite the UN's commendation, the AFC/M23 rebels have reportedly stated they will not withdraw their forces from their current positions.

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has expressed his willingness to mediate in Mali's ongoing political crisis, Cameroon Tribune says in a report. The offer comes as Mali continues to be governed by a military-led transitional government that took power following coups in 2020 and 2021. Algeria, which shares a long border with Mali and has significant security interests in regional stability, has previously acted as a key mediator, notably brokering the 2015 Algiers Peace Agreement between the Malian government and northern armed groups.

Gambia's Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG) concluded a weeklong anti-narcotics operation that resulted in the arrest of 23 suspects, The Point says in a report. During the targeted enforcement action, agents seized quantities of both cannabis and ecstasy.

Gambia's U16 basketball team was evacuated via a private jet following a road accident on July 21, The Point said in a report. The evacuation was arranged for the youth sports team after they were involved in the traffic incident. This measure was taken to ensure the safety and transport of the team members from the accident site.

Nigeria advanced to the final of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations after securing a 2-1 victory over South Africa in Casablanca, Morocco, AP said in a report. Michelle Alozie scored the winning goal for the Super Falcons in stoppage time. Nigeria, which has won nine WAFCON titles in the past, will now face the winner of the other semifinal between host nation Morocco and Ghana for the championship title on Saturday.

A U.S. appellate court has upheld the Trump administration's authority to terminate a program that grants temporary deportation protections and work permits to more than 10,000 people from Cameroon and Afghanistan, Africanews said in a report. The ruling allows the administration to move forward with ending the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for these individuals. This decision impacts immigrants who were granted the status due to conditions such as armed conflict or humanitarian crises in their home countries, removing their protection from deportation and their authorization to work.

Russia and Mozambique have reaffirmed their commitment to defence cooperation following a meeting in Moscow between their respective foreign ministers, Sergey Lavrov and Maria Manuela Lucas, as per a report in Africanews. The two diplomats held a joint news conference on Tuesday where they discussed strengthening their partnership. This engagement builds upon historical ties dating back to the Soviet era and occurs as Mozambique continues to address an ongoing Islamist insurgency in its northern Cabo Delgado province.

Egypt has voiced strong opposition to Israel's proposal to establish a so-called 'humanitarian city' on the ruins of Rafah in southern Gaza, as per a report in Africanews. The government in Cairo has warned that such a plan could trigger a mass exodus of Palestinians toward Egypt's border. Egypt stated this development would further destabilize the region and is viewed as a significant national security threat.

A key semi-final match for the 2025 Coupe du Cameroun (Cameroon Cup) is being contested between football clubs Canon Yaoundé and Panthère du Ndé, Cameroon Tribune says in a report. The match is one of the final four games in the prestigious national tournament, attracting significant public attention in Cameroon.

A total of 206 bars across Kigali have been sanctioned following a recent inspection that found them operating in violation of regulations governing the hospitality and entertainment sectors, according to a report in The New Times. The action is part of a broader regulatory enforcement drive by Rwandan authorities to ensure compliance with standards related to urban planning, noise control, and business licensing in the capital city.

Seventeen people, including some pedestrians, were killed in a head-on collision between a minibus taxi and a haulage truck in northeastern Zimbabwe on Tuesday, AP said in a report. Police spokesman Paul Nyathi stated that all victims died at the scene of the crash, which occurred near Chitungwiza, approximately 25 kilometers southeast of the capital, Harare. According to Nyathi, the truck driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer into the opposite lane and strike the minibus.

DAP-K Party leader Eugene Wamalwa accused the Kenyan government of using terror laws to muzzle youth-led protests and silence digital activism, Standard Media says in a report. The accusation follows recent widespread demonstrations, such as the 'Occupy Parliament' movement against the Finance Bill 2024, which were heavily organized on digital platforms. Wamalwa also urged the country's Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to release its roadmap for the 2027 general election and warned against any delays in the process.

Kenyan Members of Parliament have faulted the National Treasury for not implementing recommendations from a parliamentary watchdog committee concerning the E-citizen digital services platform, according to a report in Standard Media. The criticism stems from the Treasury's failure to act on issues originally raised by the Auditor General. The watchdog committee's subsequent recommendations, which were based on the audit findings, have reportedly been ignored, leading to the censure from MPs.

Discussions at the recent Future Hospitality Summit Africa revealed that while investor interest in the continent's hotel sector remains steady and development pipelines are growing, significant challenges are impeding project completion, Hotel News Resource says in a report. Key obstacles identified include misaligned financing structures, foreign exchange (FX) volatility, and policy fragmentation. To improve project delivery rates, summit participants suggested the market must adopt financing instruments better aligned with the hospitality industry and expand lender education across the region.

Authorities in the Central African Republic arrested activists who were participating in a memorial event for students killed and injured in an explosion on June 25, Human Rights Watch said in a report. The human rights organization noted that the incident has led to calls for an official inquiry into the deadly blast that affected the students.

The government of Kenya has announced 4,000 internship opportunities for recent graduates across a wide range of professional disciplines, according to a report in Standard Media. This initiative is a component of the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP), a flagship project of President William Ruto's administration. The program aims to address both the national housing deficit and high youth unemployment by integrating skills development and job creation into the housing plan.

Malian armed forces and allied Wagner Group fighters are accused of carrying out summary executions and enforced disappearances against numerous Fulani civilians, according to a report in Human Rights Watch. The rights group alleges that the abuses, which it classifies as potential war crimes, have targeted the Fulani ethnic community under the pretext of counter-terrorism operations. Citing these grave violations of international law, Human Rights Watch has urged the African Union to pressure Mali's junta to conduct impartial investigations and prosecute those responsible for the atrocities.

Nigeria's economy grew by 3.13% in the first quarter of 2025 after the country rebased its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), as per a report in Africa News. The growth figure was below the 4.9% that analysts had previously forecast. According to officials, the rebasing exercise provides a more accurate assessment of the country's current economic structure. The data reflects the initial impact of economic reforms implemented by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, such as the removal of fuel subsidies. The last time Nigeria rebased its GDP was in 2014.

The foreign ministers of Morocco and North Macedonia held talks in Skopje aimed at deepening the political dialogue and developing partnerships between the two nations, Africa News said in a report. The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in several key sectors, including the economy, tourism, culture, and infrastructure development.

New Zealand secured a comfortable seven-wicket victory over South Africa in a tri-series T20 match in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Tuesday, as per a report in AP. Opening batter Tim Seifert led the chase with an unbeaten 66 runs from 48 balls, guiding the Black Caps to their target of 135 with more than four overs remaining. South Africa's batting lineup struggled on the tricky pitch, setting a modest total that New Zealand successfully chased down.

Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Kipchumba Murkomen, publicly defended the country's Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), stating the agency operates within its legal mandate, according to a report in Standard Media. The statement was made as Murkomen also launched a revamped public call center for the DCI, an initiative aimed at improving the agency's accessibility and responsiveness to citizens. Murkomen's defense addresses public scrutiny and historical allegations that the investigative body has been used for political purposes.

Paramount Global executives informed employees in Africa on Tuesday that the company's offices in the region may be closed as part of a broad strategy review, The Hollywood Reporter says in a report. According to sources familiar with the matter, the review could also lead to the shuttering of local channels and an impact on staff positions. The potential changes are being considered as the company re-evaluates its operations on the continent.

A new developer has assumed control of the Masaka Housing Project in Rwanda, which is planned to deliver 300 homes, according to a report in The New Times. The project is situated near the developing Kigali Medical City. The change in developer marks a new phase for the housing initiative.

The Ethiopian government is urging the private sector to assume a leading role in significant economic activities as part of the nation's ongoing macroeconomic reforms, Capital says in a report. Finance Minister Ahmed Shide stated that the government will concentrate on key development areas while promoting private investment in other sectors. Shide noted that the government cannot engage in all economic areas and is therefore encouraging private sector leadership to drive growth.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has issued an urgent call for action, stating that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are in jeopardy due to the current global political and economic climate, according to a report in Africa News. Progress is being impeded by escalating geopolitical conflicts, a global economic slowdown that has worsened debt crises for many African nations, and the intensifying impacts of climate change across the continent. These factors are diverting attention and resources, limiting the ability of African governments to invest in critical sectors like health, education, and infrastructure. Experts cited in the report emphasize that without significant debt relief, increased development aid, and a renewed commitment to multilateral cooperation, many African countries are on track to miss the 2030 targets.

The Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) campus, located in Rwanda's Bugesera District, has been named the recipient of the 15th Veronica Rudge Green Prize in Urban Design, according to a report in The New Times. The award is conferred by Harvard University's Graduate School of Design and recognizes excellence in urban design that demonstrates a positive impact on the public realm and promotes sustainability.

Morocco's Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) midfielder, Salma Bouguerche, is also a qualified doctor, BBC says in a report. Bouguerche, who stated that medicine "chose her" as a career, qualified as a doctor in 2024 and is now balancing the demands of playing international football for her country with her medical profession.

A team including faculty from the University of Buea (UB) has successfully competed in an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) competition in China, Cameroon Tribune says in a report. The university's representatives were part of a nationally selected "Team Cameroon," indicating official support for their participation in the international event. The competition is noted as a significant opportunity for showcasing talent and fostering ICT skills in the African nation.

Gambia is set to launch a $60 million development project focused on converting waste into fuel, according to a report in The Point. The initiative aims to address the country's long-standing challenges with inadequate waste management infrastructure, overflowing landfills in urban areas, and deficits in its energy sector. This project aligns with Gambia's National Development Plan and broader goals of enhancing environmental sustainability and improving energy security by diversifying away from fossil fuels.

The Gambia's Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) has launched a program to train students as consumer watchdogs to monitor utility services, according to a report in The Point. The initiative aims to empower youth to observe and report on the quality, pricing, and regulatory compliance of public utilities, including electricity, water, and telecommunications. This program is designed to enhance consumer protection, increase the accountability of service providers, and foster greater public awareness of consumer rights.

Authorities in Cameroon seized approximately 2,500 counterfeit jerseys of the national football team, known as the Indomitable Lions, Cameroon Tribune says in a report. The action was reportedly carried out as part of a partnership established by the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fécafoot) to protect its official merchandise and combat the illegal trade of unapproved apparel.

The head of a government probe in Gambia issued a warning to the Director-General of the agency GILMA after their scheduled testimony was delayed due to confusion over the date, according to a report in The Point. The warning was delivered by the probe's chairperson as a result of the scheduling mix-up which postponed the director-general's appearance before the investigative body.

Two new graduating classes of security personnel are now ready for deployment after completing their training at the International School for Security Forces (EIFORCES) in Awaé, Cameroon, according to a report in Cameroon Tribune. EIFORCES is a regional training institution established to train high-level personnel for police, gendarmerie, and penitentiary administrations from various African countries. The graduation signifies the completion of the cohorts' training, preparing them for active duty within their respective national forces or for regional security missions.

Senior security officers in Cameroon are undergoing specialized training organized by the Société Nationale des Hydrocarbures (SNH) to improve the security of national oil and gas resources, according to a report in Cameroon Tribune. The initiative is a response to ongoing regional threats, including piracy and illicit oil theft in the Gulf of Guinea, and aligns with a broader push for African nations to assert greater control over their strategic assets. The training aims to professionalize security forces and equip them with the necessary skills to protect critical energy infrastructure from a range of threats, including theft and sabotage.

A two-day training session for peer educators began in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on Monday as part of the national "Vacances sans sida" (AIDS-free holidays) campaign, according to a report in Cameroon Tribune. The initiative aims to leverage peer-to-peer education to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS prevention among young people during the school holiday period.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and its partners are currently reviewing the progress of The Gambia's national agricultural road map, according to a report in The Point. The evaluation assesses the implementation and effectiveness of the country's strategic plan for the agricultural sector. This road map is a key component of The Gambia's broader national development strategy, which aims to improve food security, support rural communities, and foster economic growth.

Political parties in South Africa have responded to the dismissal of Higher Education Minister Nkabane, with opposition groups describing the move as a crucial step to restore accountability, Mail & Guardian says in a report. The dismissal is reportedly linked to "governance failures" and accusations of "political interference" within the department. Opposition parties stated that the minister's perceived "arrogance" contributed to her removal and that the action validates their long-standing criticism of the government's performance. The event occurs within the context of President Cyril Ramaphosa's stated anti-corruption and accountability initiatives.

An animal order made during the presidency of former Gambian leader Yahya Jammeh remained undelivered and unaddressed for seven years following his removal from power in 2017, The Point says in a report. The issue, which has just come to light, is being reported as a significant oversight failure within The Gambia's Wildlife Department. This discovery highlights the persistent institutional challenges and legacies of the former regime that the country's administration continues to face.

Stephen Munyakho, a Kenyan citizen convicted of manslaughter, has been released after spending more than 10 years on death row in Saudi Arabia, Standard Media Kenya said in a report. The release was officially confirmed by Kenya's Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, Korir Singoei.

The government in South Africa has postponed the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) exams that were scheduled for July 24, with a new date to be announced later, as per a report in Daily Sun. The decision was made after the government publicly declared that all six demands presented by a group referred to as 'Milestone students' were logical. These exams are understood to be the critical final school-leaving examinations, also known as Matric exams.

Cameroon's government has defined the main priorities for its 2026 national budget, according to a report in Cameroon Tribune. The development comes after the conclusion of the formal Budget Orientation Debate (Débat d’orientation budgétaire), a parliamentary process that establishes the broad economic and fiscal policy framework for the upcoming year. This preliminary stage sets the key guidelines and spending priorities before the detailed budget bill is drafted and presented to Parliament for final approval later in the year.

African agricultural experts and farmers have praised the growing adoption of Juncao technology, a Chinese innovation, across the continent, according to a report in The New Times. The technology is primarily being utilized to cultivate mushrooms, providing a new source of income and food. Additionally, it is being used to produce livestock feed, contributing to the modernization of local agricultural practices and enhancing food security.

Students in South Africa clashed with law enforcement at a government secretariat building on Tuesday, according to a report in the Daily Sun. The protest was reportedly triggered by anger over the late-night announcement that the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) exams had been suspended. The students claimed the timing of the announcement was the cause of their demonstration.

Journalism support organizations are working to defend press freedom and promote accountability across West and Central Africa, according to a report in the Global Investigative Journalism Network. Initiatives like the Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN) and its partners provide legal services to imprisoned reporters through a network of lawyers and publish crucial investigations deemed too risky for local newsrooms to undertake. These efforts also focus on training journalists to use Freedom of Information (FOI) laws to fuel accountability-focused reporting and address challenges reporters face, such as safely crossing borders.

In South Africa, the Consensus Commission has declared that a political party's chief cannot concurrently serve as the nation's Prime Minister, according to a report in the Daily Sun. The ruling establishes a separation between the head of a political party and the head of government. However, any party that opposes the declaration is permitted to formally submit a 'note of dissent' within the framework of the national charter.

A geological rift in East Africa is causing the continent to slowly break into two, a process that will eventually lead to the formation of a new ocean, ZME Science says in a report. The cracks, described as being in their very early stages, are expected to widen over millions of years, which would allow the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea to flood into the rift valley. This geological event would create a smaller continent composed of present-day Somalia and parts of Kenya, Ethiopia, and Tanzania. Geologists compare the phenomenon to the past separation of the African and South American continents that formed the Atlantic Ocean.

Zambia's government announced on Monday it has signed an agreement to develop a $1.1 billion crude oil refinery and energy complex in the city of Ndola, as per a report in Business Insider. The project, located in the country's copperbelt region, is intended to decrease Zambia's dependence on imported fuel products.

AfriLabs and the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), an agency of the African Union, have launched a partnership to connect digital innovation hubs throughout Africa, Developing Telecoms says in a report. The collaboration seeks to leverage the expected growth in mobile internet connectivity, including future 5G networks, to foster the development of digital solutions tailored to the continent's diverse markets. The primary objective is to translate the surge in mobile internet use into tangible digital inclusion, supporting local innovators and startups within the existing ecosystem of incubators and accelerators.

Rwanda's ambassador to Japan, Marie-Claire Mukasine, presented her Letters of Credence to Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua on July 20, according to a report in The New Times. This formal act accredits Ambassador Mukasine, who is based in Japan, as Rwanda's diplomatic representative to Thailand. The move signifies a dual accreditation strategy aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.

In Sierra Leone's Banana Islands, divers risk their lives harvesting sea cucumbers at night to supply a high-demand, costly delicacy market in Asia, yet see very little of the financial rewards, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The trade highlights a significant disparity in the global supply chain, where middlemen and international distributors capture the majority of the profits. This unregulated activity is fueled by widespread poverty and a lack of alternative economic opportunities in the West African coastal communities, coupled with weak maritime governance that fails to prevent the exploitation of both human and marine resources. The overharvesting also poses a severe threat to the local marine ecosystem, as sea cucumbers play a vital role in maintaining the health of the seafloor.

The contribution of Nigeria's Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased during the first quarter of 2025, according to a report in Premium Times. Citing data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the report notes the new figure is higher than the 9.25% contribution recorded in the same quarter of 2024. It also represents an increase from the 8.55% the sector contributed in the preceding quarter, Q4 2024.

A Local Government Area (LGA) in Kaduna, Nigeria, has proposed a new policy that would require couples to enroll in a health insurance scheme before they can get married, Premium Times reports. The chairman of the LGA stated the initiative's goal is to ensure that all new families have access to quality healthcare services. Under the proposal, proof of health insurance enrollment would become a mandatory document for couples seeking to marry within the LGA's jurisdiction.

The contribution of Nigeria's mining and quarrying sector to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contracted in the first quarter of 2025, as per a report in Premium Times. The sector experienced a nominal year-on-year decline of 5.33%, indicating a drop in its economic output compared to the same period in the previous year. This data points to a downturn in the solid minerals industry within the Nigerian economy.

Remo Stars celebrated their maiden Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) championship for the 2024/25 season with a gala event on Monday, July 21, according to a report in Premium Times. Two months after securing the historic victory, the club's owner, Kunle Soname, rewarded the players and staff with a total of N25 million and a new SUV to honor their achievement.

Nigeria's agriculture sector grew by 10.04% year-on-year in nominal terms during the first quarter of 2025, according to a report in Premium Times. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicates this represents an increase of 7.87 percentage points compared to the growth recorded in the same quarter of 2024.

Nigeria's Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, addressed a group of protesting retired police officers in Abuja on Monday, as per a report in Premium Times. The aggrieved retirees staged demonstrations at both the police Force Headquarters and the National Assembly to bring attention to their grievances.

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) fell Sh47.3 billion short of its tax collection target for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2025, creating significant fiscal strain for the country, Standard Media says in a report. The revenue gap poses a direct challenge to President William Ruto's 'Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda' by limiting funds for key development projects. This shortfall comes amid existing economic pressures, including high public debt and recent public opposition to new tax measures, potentially impacting Kenya's ability to fund public services and meet conditions for international loans.

The City of Kigali is seeking a new developer to revive the long-stalled Rugarama Park Estate project in the Nyamirambo Sector, according to a report in The New Times. The search for a new partner comes after the city terminated its agreement with the project's initial developer. The failure of this key housing initiative highlights challenges in meeting the high demand for housing driven by rapid urbanization in Rwanda's capital.

The Egyptian government has proposed a scheme to provide free train travel for Sudanese refugees returning to their home country, according to a report in Africanews. The initiative is being introduced as an increasing number of refugees have reportedly started returning from abroad. This trend is linked to reports that fighting in the ongoing conflict has been slowly shifting away from Sudan's capital, Khartoum.

A reported 63% tariff hike in South Africa, linked to an entity or levy referred to as BICDA, is causing significant concern for the nation's exporters, as per a report in Daily Sun. The increase has prompted calls from the export sector for an immediate review of the new tariff. Affected businesses are also demanding stakeholder consultation to address the potential negative impact on their operations and international competitiveness.

Nigeria's Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has postponed the enforcement of new fees and penalties that were originally scheduled to take effect on August 1, 2025, Premium Times says in a report. The commission announced that the new implementation date for the revised charges will now be September 1, 2025.

A university in Nigeria's Enugu State has publicly contradicted a police statement by disowning a man identified by law enforcement as one of its students and the suspect in a woman's murder, as per a report in Premium Times. The police had named the suspect as Emmanuel Gambo and stated he was a student at the institution following an alleged killing in a hotel. The university has since refuted this claim, formally stating the individual is not affiliated with them.

Tensions are reportedly growing within Senegal's new government as supporters of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko criticize President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, according to a report in Africa News. The friction, which is internal to the ruling P.A.S.T.E.F. party, reportedly stems from a perception among Sonko's loyalists that the radical reforms promised during the election campaign are not being implemented quickly enough by President Faye. This dynamic highlights the political complexities of their alliance, which formed after Sonko, who was barred from running, endorsed his close ally Faye for the presidency and was later appointed prime minister following Faye's victory.

Rwanda is looking into three specific biotech crops as a potential solution for farmers facing devastating crop diseases, according to a report in The New Times. The effort aims to curb significant agricultural losses, such as those caused by Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD), which has previously wiped out entire plantations. The introduction of these genetically modified crops is being positioned as a way to enhance food security and protect farmers' livelihoods from widespread plant illnesses.

The government of Rwanda has launched its Urbanisation and Rural Settlement Sector Strategic Plan for 2024–2029, which outlines a new roadmap for national development, according to a report in The New Times. The strategy focuses on creating inclusive, climate-resilient urban growth while also improving living conditions in rural areas. This initiative aligns with the country's broader long-term development goals, including its Vision 2050, which targets the establishment of a green, high-income economy.

Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Mubarakh Muganga, has called for a new, unified era in African military training designed to bridge the digital divide, according to a report in The New Times. Speaking on Monday, July 21, Muganga emphasized the need for African militaries to adapt to modern security challenges, which increasingly involve technology and cyber warfare. The call advocates for standardized, technologically advanced training across the continent to enhance interoperability and counter threats such as cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns.

South Africans are increasingly adopting affordable solar power to maintain electricity for essential needs, such as medical equipment, amid the country's persistent energy crisis and frequent power cuts, according to a report in BBC. The article highlights how citizens are turning to private solar installations as a solution to the erratic national power supply, characterized by scheduled outages known as "load shedding." For some, having a reliable power source from solar has become a crucial, life-sustaining measure, ensuring that critical home medical devices can operate without interruption.

A witness has testified in a Nigerian court that the official records for a property disappeared from the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) after a realtor in Abuja accepted a N62 million payment, as per a report in Premium Times. The testimony also revealed that Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had previously marked the property in question in September 2024 as part of its investigation into the matter. The case highlights alleged corruption and vulnerabilities within the digital land registry system of Nigeria's capital.