insert_link Africa Ivory Coast Dismisses Ammonium Nitrate Safety Fears Ivory Coast port authorities have downplayed concerns over a vessel carrying 20,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate docked in Abidjan. BBC Africa reports indicate that while residents worry about potential risks, officials emphasize the compound is commonly used as fertilizer despite its explosive properties. A portion of the same shipment was dumped off England’s coast last year after fuel oil contamination. today8 January, 2025
insert_link Africa Business and Economics Researcher Urges Action to Close Namibia’s Economic Gaps According to business and economics researcher Josef Kefas Sheehama, Namibia is aiming to reduce its productivity gap and enhance economic resilience in the coming years. Key recommendations include tackling corruption, improving governance, and shifting focus to high-productivity sectors like manufacturing. Sheehama also stresses the importance of diversifying the economy and increasing domestic revenue generation to address inequality and improve living standards. With the African Continental Free Trade Area presenting new […] today7 January, 2025
insert_link Africa Niger Military Government Takes Control of Orano’s Uranium Mine France's Orano reported that Niger's military government has taken operational control of its Somair uranium mining subsidiary, following a coup in July 2023. And according to Al Jazeera, the company stated that the Nigerien authorities were refusing to halt production and were preventing the export of uranium, which has affected local communities and workers. The move comes after the ECOWAS imposed sanctions on Niger, halting all exports, including uranium. today7 January, 2025
insert_link Africa Zimbabwe Seeks Bids for Energy Storage to Tackle Power Shortages The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission & Distribution Company has invited bids to install energy-storage systems to combat the nation’s chronic power shortages. The project will establish battery storage at four locations, each delivering 600 megawatts for three hours during peak demand. Severe drought conditions have reduced hydropower output, forcing miners to rely on imported electricity from Mozambique. today7 January, 2025
insert_link Africa Ghana now permits visa-free entry to citizens of all African countries Ghana now permits visa-free entry to citizens of all African countries, following president Nana Akufo-Addo's approval last month. This landmark decision, pledged during the Africa Prosperity Dialogues, aims to strengthen continental ties and boost tourism, trade and travel. Previously, Ghana offered visa-free access to 26 African nations and visas on arrival to 25. Ghana joins Rwanda, Seychelles, Gambia and Benin as the fifth African nation with a continent-wide visa-free […] today6 January, 2025
insert_link Africa M23 Rebels Seize Strategic Town Near Goma in Eastern Congo Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have captured a key town near the provincial capital Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo, local politicians reported on Sunday, Reuters says. The Tutsi-led M23 group has been carrying out a renewed insurgency in eastern Congo since 2022. Congo and the United Nations allege that Rwanda supports the rebels with troops and weapons, a claim Rwanda denies, insisting its actions are defensive. today6 January, 2025
insert_link Africa Eastern Congo Farmers Laud U.N. Peacekeeper Support Farmers in the conflict-ridden Djugu territory of eastern Congo rely on U.N. peacekeepers for protection as they tend their fields under challenging conditions. Reuters reports that despite criticism of the U.N. mission MONUSCO, displaced farmers near Dhendro village express strong support for its presence. Many seek refuge in camps close to U.N. bases, finding a measure of security amid ongoing violence. today20 December, 2024
insert_link Africa Blinken Urges Action to Address Sudan Conflict U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivered a direct appeal to nations aiding Sudan's warring factions or benefiting from the conflict. Reuters says that he called on them to shift their focus toward alleviating Sudanese suffering and using their influence to bring the war to an end. Addressing the United Nations Security Council, Blinken emphasized the need for concrete action to demonstrate genuine concern for Sudan's future. today20 December, 2024
insert_link Africa African Union Commission Chair Candidates Debate Key Issues Raila Odinga (Kenya), Mahmoud Ali Youssouf (Djibouti), and Richard Randriamandrato (Madagascar) outlined their visions in a historic debate for the African Union Commission chair election. Broadcast from AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, the debate on December 13 addressed security, economic integration, and AU reforms. According to DW TV, this marks a significant step toward transparency in the election process. today19 December, 2024
