From mining policy shifts to sporting pride and diplomatic resets, todays headlines from across Africa paint a vivid picture of a continent in flux. South Africa leads with a controversial move to reserve artisanal mining licences exclusively for citizens a decision tied to efforts to curb illegal mining and protect local jobs. Elsewhere, financial, political and infrastructural challenges dominate. The South African Reserve Bank steps in to protect depositors of a struggling co-operative bank, while an ANC councillor is under scrutiny over a R29 billion corruption scandal. Nigeria, too, finds itself juggling crises from police arrests of lawyers and withheld exam results to deadly floods and detentions of prominent activists. But there are also signs of progress and cultural expression: Morocco embraces heritage to bolster tourism, South African women reshape the property market and Ethiopia takes steps to heal diplomatic wounds with Somalia. Stay with us as we track the latest developments and their wider implications across the African continent:
Africa on the go
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
August 8, 2025, 05:05:04 (IST) The former chief executive of Rwandas Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC) Group, Omar Munyaneza, and two other officials have been arrested over corruption allegations, The New Times says in a report. The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has taken the three individuals into custody and is handling the investigation. August 8, 2025, 04:15:02 (IST) The Alliance Fleuve Congo/M23 (AFC/M23) rebel movement has accused the Congolese government of violating a ceasefire with military attacks that it warns could derail the Doha peace process, The New Times says in a report. The groups vow to respond to hostilities heightens the risk of wider conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a region critical for global supplies of minerals such as cobalt and coltan. Increased instability threatens to disrupt mining supply chains, deter foreign investment, and exacerbate the ongoing humanitarian crisis, carrying significant economic implications for the region and international commodity markets. August 8, 2025, 04:09:51 (IST) Guinea-Bissaus president has dismissed Prime Minister Rui Duarte de Barros, who had served since December 2023, and appointed Braima Camara as his replacement, as per a report in AP. This leadership change introduces significant political uncertainty for the West African nation, which has a history of instability. For investors and businesses, such a reshuffle so close to the November general election signals potential shifts in government policy and heightens perceived political risk, which could affect foreign direct investment and the continuity of economic projects. The appointment of Mr Camara, a former coordinator for the Madem G15 opposition party, will be closely watched by international partners for its implications on the countrys political and economic stability leading up to the vote. August 8, 2025, 04:00:19 (IST) An Auditor Generals report in Kenya has uncovered that funds collected via the governments e-Citizen platform were irregularly diverted to unauthorised companies and private entities, according to a report in Standard Media. The scrutiny of the official report revealed a system where billions were funnelled away from designated government accounts. These funds were subsequently paid out to what the report terms alien companies and private entities through a complex and shadowy financial web, raising significant concerns about the oversight and security of public money collected through the digital services portal. August 8, 2025, 03:15:02 (IST) The meeting between Senegals Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Thursday signals a strategic move to deepen economic and political ties, Africa News says in a report. This visit, an early foreign policy initiative by Senegals new administration, is aimed at diversifying the countrys economic partnerships beyond its traditional allies and securing investment for key sectors. For Turkey, the engagement reinforces its long-standing Africa Partnership Policy, which seeks to expand its commercial and geopolitical footprint across the continent, particularly in areas like infrastructure, energy, and trade. The talks represent a mutual effort to forge a stronger economic alliance, potentially opening new markets and investment channels between the two nations. August 8, 2025, 03:09:44 (IST) South Africa has enacted new regulations under the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act, which clarify and enforce the right of undocumented children to receive basic education, The Star says in a report. These regulations operationalise a 2019 Constitutional Court ruling and provide clear admission guidelines for school officials, addressing previous legal ambiguities. The move has significant fiscal implications, prompting expert debate on the potential strain on an already challenged public education system versus the long-term economic benefits of a more educated population. While hailed by human rights advocates as a major step for social inclusion, the policy is set against a backdrop of national tension over immigration and resource allocation, presenting both implementation challenges and political opportunities for opposition parties to critique the governments management of public funds and immigration policy. August 8, 2025, 02:52:59 (IST) Authorities in Kicukiro District, Kigali, have ordered a comprehensive review of the Karama II settlement site, a 306-hectare area in the Kanombe Sector, after finding that many land plots were improperly designed, The New Times says in a report. The decision has created uncertainty for residents and investors with interests in the site and has prompted scrutiny of the citys land management and development oversight procedures. August 8, 2025, 02:50:10 (IST) In South Africa, the Racist Banks Must Fall advocacy movement is pushing for new legislation to counter discriminatory debanking by financial institutions, according to a report in The Star. The campaign has been bolstered by a recent executive order in the United States, initiated by President Donald Trump, which seeks to ban banks from closing customer accounts for political reasons. South African activists are leveraging the US action as a precedent to address what they describe as systemic bias within the nations financial sector and are calling for stronger local regulations. August 8, 2025, 02:49:46 (IST) An increasing number of South African retail traders are demanding higher standards of transparency and service from financial brokers, according to a report in The Star. This trend is largely driven by high unemployment, which is pushing individuals to seek alternative income streams through speculative trading, with some aspiring to make it a full-time profession despite investing small amounts of their income. The shift in client expectations is compelling the brokerage industry to enhance communication and build greater trust to retain market share. This development occurs within a wider context of increased regulatory scrutiny on consumer protection within the nations financial sector. August 8, 2025, 02:48:07 (IST) South Africas consumer food price inflation has surged to a 16-month high, driven primarily by escalating costs for meat, oils, and vegetables, The Star says in a report. This development is raising significant concerns among economic experts and advocacy groups regarding its severe impact on low-income households and the broader economy. The inflationary pressure is exacerbated by domestic challenges, including persistent power cuts (load shedding), which increase agricultural production and logistics costs. Concurrently, the South African Reserve Bank continues to implement interest rate hikes in an effort to contain overall inflation, a policy that adds financial strain to both businesses and consumers. August 8, 2025, 02:46:45 (IST) Ibrahim Musa, a former senator who represented Nigerias Niger North Senatorial District, has died after a protracted illness, according to a report in Premium Times. Musa, who served in the Senate from 2011 to 2015, reportedly passed away in a hospital in the capital city of Abuja. August 8, 2025, 02:42:01 (IST) The Nasarawa state government in Nigeria has announced a plan to target one million children for a malaria intervention programme set for 2025, according to a report in Premium Times. As part of the initiative, an official, Mr Gwamna, has urged residents to ensure they get tested for malaria before seeking treatment. He cautioned against self-medication and noted that not all fevers are indicative of malaria, emphasising the importance of a proper diagnosis. August 8, 2025, 02:32:40 (IST) Nigerias First Lady has commissioned new tuberculosis (TB) diagnostic machines and called for greater domestic funding to address the countrys epidemic, as per a report in Premium Times. The initiative signals a push towards national self-reliance in public health financing and aims to improve healthcare infrastructure. The new machines will be sent to underserved regions to enable faster, more accurate detection of TB, with the stated goal of interrupting transmission and reducing fatalities. August 8, 2025, 02:30:12 (IST) The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has opened new examination centers in its Kuje and Suleja correctional facilities to provide inmates with vocational training and certification, according to a report in Premium Times. The initiative will allow inmates to sit for examinations conducted by the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), a national body for technical and vocational education. The establishment of these centers in the Kuje facility near Abuja and the Suleja facility in Niger State is part of an effort to focus on inmate rehabilitation and skill acquisition to aid their reintegration into society upon release. August 8, 2025, 02:29:09 (IST) Nigerias National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) has announced a provisional fare of N8.5 million for the 2026 Hajj, a decision that underscores the significant economic pressures facing Nigerian citizens, Premium Times says in a report. The fare, set after a meeting to review the 2025 operations, reflects the sharp devaluation of the Naira, as pilgrimage costs are priced in foreign currency. This high cost, a tangible impact of the governments economic reforms, places the religious obligation out of reach for many and highlights the broader challenges of inflation and exchange rate volatility. The announcement also puts pressure on NAHCON to ensure transparent and efficient operations for the upcoming pilgrimage. August 8, 2025, 02:15:09 (IST) Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called for significant legal and policy reforms to establish a sustainable financial framework for Nigerias HIV response programmes, Premium Times says in a report. The governors advocacy centres on creating a durable funding mechanism to ensure long-term public health security. In addition to the financial aspects, Sanwo-Olu urged lawmakers to advance legislation aimed at eliminating stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV, arguing that such measures are crucial for promoting inclusive access to healthcare services. August 8, 2025, 02:04:51 (IST) Seven migrants from Ethiopia have died aboard a vessel en route to Yemen, an incident that underscores the extreme dangers of the Eastern Route migration corridor, Africa News says in a report. The migrants were reportedly traveling across the Gulf of Aden, a common but hazardous path for those fleeing conflict and economic hardship in the Horn of Africa. For many, war-torn Yemen serves as a transit country on the way to seeking opportunities in wealthier Gulf states like Saudi Arabia. This event highlights the life-threatening risks involved in these journeys, which are often facilitated by human smuggling networks. August 8, 2025, 01:56:08 (IST) During a bail hearing for six individuals accused of fraud and corruption, an investigator from Namibias Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) stated the commission has intelligence that businessman Malakia Elindi, one of the accused, has lived in Dubai, The Namibian said in a report. This development in the case involving the state-owned National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) introduces potential complexities regarding international asset recovery and highlights governance challenges within strategic state enterprises. The allegation underscores the potential for illicit financial flows, a significant concern for Namibias economy that could impact investor confidence and the countrys international financial reputation by heightening perceived business risks. August 8, 2025, 01:45:12 (IST) Womens groups led a protest of thousands through Liberias capital, Monrovia, on Thursday, urging President Joseph Boakais government to declare a national emergency over a rampant drug crisis, according to a report in AP. The demonstrators presented a petition to parliament calling for the establishment of a special court for drug-related cases and for increasing the minimum jail sentence for first-degree drug felonies. The protest, directed at the new administration that took office in January 2024, addresses the widespread abuse of synthetic drugs like Kush that has devastated the nations youth. August 8, 2025, 00:39:23 (IST) The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) hosted a briefing for accredited Defence Attach�s on Thursday regarding current internal and regional security dynamics, The New Times said in a report. The meeting was intended to inform the international military representatives about Rwandas perspective on the security landscape within the country and the surrounding Great Lakes region, which is currently marked by tensions with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi. August 8, 2025, 00:34:41 (IST) Following a significant loss, the Sharks XV rugby team is turning to its young talents to seek redemption in South Africas Currie Cup competition, as per a report in The Star. The team intends to rely on players from the Junior Springbok ranks for their next match against the Cheetahs. This strategy aims to reverse their recent fortunes by integrating these promising young athletes into the senior team. August 8, 2025, 00:15:09 (IST) KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane has announced the creation of new healthcare positions in an effort to resolve a provincial staffing crisis, as per a report in The Star. The announcement follows a recent series of protests by unemployed medical professionals demanding action on the issue. However, the promise of new jobs has been met with scepticism by unemployed doctors in the province, who are questioning the credibility of the new commitment to address the healthcare systems employment shortages. August 7, 2025, 23:30:26 (IST) Lawyers in Namibia have affirmed that all traditional chiefs can be arrested and prosecuted if there is credible evidence of criminal activity, reinforcing the principle of equality before the law, as per a report in The Namibian. This legal clarification follows the widespread circulation of a social media video featuring Ondonga chief Fillemon Nangolo. The development underscores that the countrys constitution and criminal statutes supersede any customary or traditional status, ensuring no individual is exempt from the judicial process for criminal conduct. August 7, 2025, 23:30:06 (IST) The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has launched a new initiative via the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) to address a persistent artisan skills shortage, a critical bottleneck for South Africas economic growth, as per a report in The Star. This government programme aims to provide skills training and temporary employment, directly tackling the regions high youth unemployment. In a significant public-private partnership, the department is also collaborating with MTN to improve communication infrastructure in underserved rural communities. This dual-pronged strategy seeks to enhance human capital through vocational training while simultaneously closing the digital divide, which could foster local economic development and improve service delivery. August 7, 2025, 23:28:11 (IST) Namibian political movement Affirmative Repositioning (AR) has cautioned the countrys Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) against being manipulated for internal political battles, according to a report in The Namibian. The warning comes after the recent arrests of Imms Mulunga, the former managing director of the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor), and two business associates. ARs statement suggests the high-profile arrests could be an example of palace politics, where anti-corruption measures are weaponised by competing elite factions. This development raises significant concerns for the business and investment climate, potentially heightening political risk and undermining investor confidence in the governance and impartiality of key state-owned enterprises, particularly within Namibias strategic energy sector. August 7, 2025, 23:20:13 (IST) The Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in Nigeria has announced that 10,000 teachers will undergo competency tests, as per a report in Premium Times. The board has explicitly stated that the assessment is a diagnostic tool to identify skill gaps for targeted training and is not designed to be punitive. This approach distinguishes the initiative from similar tests in other Nigerian states that have previously led to mass dismissals, as the results in Jigawa will not be linked to teacher sackings, promotions, or salary adjustments. The move is framed as an effort to improve the quality of basic education and invest in teacher development within the state. August 7, 2025, 23:18:13 (IST) A lawmaker in Nigerias Cross River State has publicly decried the eight-year suspension of the states scholarship and bursary programs, Premium Times says in a report. The official warned that the prolonged absence of the financial aid initiatives threatens to undermine efforts to develop local manpower through the educational system. The lawmaker urged the states scholarship board to urgently reintroduce the programs to support students access to higher education. August 7, 2025, 23:16:54 (IST) The European Union has allocated �250,000 to provide humanitarian assistance to 2,500 households displaced by recent conflict in Nigerias Benue and Plateau states, according to a report in Premium Times. The funds will be channeled through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to deliver life-saving aid to vulnerable families who have been internally displaced within the last four months due to ongoing insecurity in the region. August 7, 2025, 23:15:09 (IST) South Africas ambition to transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is stalling, with market penetration standing at a mere 1%, far below government targets, according to a report in The Star. Industry experts identify several significant barriers to adoption, including insufficient government policy support and consumer incentives, high vehicle costs, and a lack of reliable charging infrastructure exacerbated by the countrys persistent electricity crisis. This domestic stagnation poses a critical economic threat to South Africas automotive sector, a major contributor to GDP, as its primary export markets in Europe and the UK move to ban internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, making a swift transition to EV manufacturing essential for the industrys survival. August 7, 2025, 23:08:00 (IST) Five people accused in the murder of Malcolm Pather have officially withdrawn their application for bail during a court proceeding in South Africa, The Star said in a report. As a result of this decision, all five accused individuals will remain in custody until their trial. August 7, 2025, 23:04:02 (IST) South African state-owned logistics firm Transnet and manganese producer Hotazel Manganese Mines (HMM) have finalised a 10-year contract under the Manganese Export Capacity Allocation (MECA3) framework, The Star said in a report. This agreement is designed to provide long-term export certainty for HMM and a predictable revenue stream for Transnet, which has faced severe operational challenges, including dilapidated infrastructure and historical corruption allegations that have hampered the countrys commodity exports. The deal is a key component of the South African governments economic recovery strategy, aiming to bolster foreign exchange earnings by stabilising the export logistics for manganese, a critical mineral for which South Africa is a top global producer. August 7, 2025, 23:00:08 (IST) Nigerian national team goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has been nominated for the Yachine Trophy, an award presented by France Football to the worlds best goalkeeper, as per a report in Premium Times. Nnadozie, who plays for the Super Falcons, is one of five goalkeepers shortlisted for the award. The nomination follows her recent transfer from Paris FC to Brighton & Hove Albion. August 7, 2025, 22:57:10 (IST) In Mount Edgecombe, South Africa, the Shree Emperumal Hindu Temple is set to commemorate its 150th anniversary with a celebration that also honours the contributions of women, The Star says in a report. The event is timed to coincide with South Africas National Womens Day, marking a dual celebration of the temples significant cultural heritage and the role of women within the community. August 7, 2025, 22:53:09 (IST) Egypt has sent 800 trucks of humanitarian aid towards Gaza, though the operation is encountering significant delays at the border, Africanews reports. On Wednesday, some trucks were seen returning after their cargo was reportedly rejected by Israeli forces, while numerous others remain queued awaiting clearance. The situation highlights the severe logistical and political bottlenecks that are currently impacting the delivery of humanitarian supplies into the territory. August 7, 2025, 22:50:11 (IST) Four rare Barbary lion cubs are set to be relocated from the Safari Park Dvor Kr�lov� in the Czech Republic as part of a broader international effort to protect the critically endangered subspecies, Africanews says in a report. The Barbary lion, historically native to North Africa, is now considered extinct in the wild. The relocation of these cubs is a key step in the global captive breeding programme aimed at preserving the species and preventing its complete extinction. August 7, 2025, 22:36:39 (IST) South Africas main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), intends to introduce a private members bill that would bar impeached judges and heads of Chapter 9 institutions from standing for election as members of Parliament, provincial legislators, or councillors, according to a report in The Star. The proposal follows the recent historic impeachments of former Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe and former Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane. The DAs bill aims to close a perceived loophole in the countrys accountability framework, which currently does not automatically prohibit such individuals from holding other elected positions after being removed from office for misconduct or incompetence. August 7, 2025, 22:30:11 (IST) Namibias mining sector remains a crucial driver of its national economy, having contributed about 13.25% to the countrys gross domestic product in 2024, as per a report in The Namibian. The figure was announced by Erasmus Shivolo, deputy executive director in the ministry of industries, mines and energy. This official confirmation of the sectors economic significance comes amid ongoing political debates regarding the need for greater local beneficiation of raw minerals and stricter environmental regulations. While the governments statement reassures investors of the sectors stability, analysts note that the heavy reliance on extractive industries presents long-term economic risks, underscoring the need for diversification and robust governance to manage resource wealth effectively and mitigate vulnerability to global commodity price fluctuations. August 7, 2025, 22:16:34 (IST) South Africas Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson has opened a criminal case against suspended Independent Development Trust (IDT) CEO Tebogo Malaka and spokesperson Phasha Makgolane following the emergence of a bribery video, according to a report in The Star. This action is interpreted as part of a wider government push against corruption within state-owned entities, aligning with ongoing efforts to address systemic issues previously highlighted by the Zondo Commission. The scandal carries significant political implications, potentially enhancing Minister Macphersons anti-corruption profile while presenting another governance challenge for the ruling party. For the IDT, the case creates severe reputational damage and increases pressure for significant governance reforms. Governance experts suggest the incident highlights persistent weaknesses in oversight within public entities, while legal analysts note that the case will serve as a key test for the justice systems capacity to prosecute high-level corruption effectively. August 7, 2025, 22:15:08 (IST) A recent incident in Durban where a homeowner was taken into police custody after a knife-wielding intruder was fatally wounded has amplified concerns regarding South Africas security environment and its political ramifications, according to a report in The Star. The event highlights the ongoing public frustration with high violent crime rates and is expected to fuel political debate on the governments effectiveness in maintaining law and order. For businesses and investors, such incidents underscore the persistent security risks, potentially impacting operational costs and long-term investment decisions by contributing to a perception of instability. The case also brings scrutiny upon the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the justice system, key institutions whose perceived effectiveness is crucial for maintaining a stable environment conducive to economic activity. August 7, 2025, 22:02:31 (IST) The South African rand has continued to gain strength against the US dollar, a trend primarily driven by rising global commodity prices, particularly for gold, and a weaker dollar, The Star says in a report. This currency appreciation is occurring despite the looming threat of targeted US trade tariffs on certain South African imports. While the commodity boom provides a significant, albeit potentially volatile, boost to the nations revenues, the strong rand and the impending tariffs pose considerable challenges to the competitiveness of non-commodity export sectors such as manufacturing and agriculture.From mining policy shifts to sporting pride and diplomatic resets, todays headlines from across Africa paint a vivid picture of a continent in flux. South Africa leads with a controversial move to reserve artisanal mining licences exclusively for citizens a decision tied to efforts to curb illegal mining and protect local jobs.
Elsewhere, financial, political and infrastructural challenges dominate. The South African Reserve Bank steps in to protect depositors of a struggling co-operative bank, while an ANC councillor is under scrutiny over a R29 billion corruption scandal. Nigeria, too, finds itself juggling crises from police arrests of lawyers and withheld exam results to deadly floods and detentions of prominent activists.
But there are also signs of progress and cultural expression: Morocco embraces heritage to bolster tourism, South African women reshape the property market and Ethiopia takes steps to heal diplomatic wounds with Somalia.
Stay with us as we track the latest developments and their wider implications across the African continent:
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