Africa News Live Updates: Health breakthrough, energy hurdles, legal wins shape continent's this Tuesday

General

General Africa News Live Updates: Welcome to our live blog covering the latest from across Africa. Track the continent’s evolving stance on global affairs and its efforts to tackle internal and external challenges

general Africa News Live Updates: Health breakthrough, energy hurdles, legal wins shape continent's this Tuesday

Welcome to today’s Africa Live Blog, where we bring you the latest developments shaping the continent. One of our lead stories this morning is a major breakthrough in global health: the approval of the first-ever malaria treatment specifically designed for newborn babies. With Africa bearing the brunt of global malaria deaths—particularly among children—this milestone marks a crucial step forward in safeguarding the continent’s most vulnerable.
Elsewhere in South Africa, homeowners are facing mounting costs and regulatory hurdles as they transition to solar power in response to ongoing load shedding. We’re also following a sombre update from Stellenbosch University, where the death of a second-year student has shaken the campus community. In the legal arena, a woman has won a significant court case over her late husband’s Eskom pension, highlighting the complexities of beneficiary rights. And in the housing market, a slow but steady recovery is taking shape amid more favourable economic conditions.
Stay with us for updates, insights, and the latest news from across the continent:

General Africa on the move

Africa News Live Updates: Welcome to our live blog covering the latest from across Africa. Track the continent’s evolving stance on global affairs and its efforts to tackle internal and external challenges

August 5, 2025, 23:18:57 (IST)

Sudan accuses UAE of financing mercenaries to fight in civil war

Sudan’s foreign ministry has accused the United Arab Emirates of sponsoring and financing mercenaries from Colombia and neighbouring African countries to fight alongside the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), AP says in a report. The ministry stated on Monday that it possesses “irrefutable evidence” to support its claim, though it did not publicly share the evidence or specify the other African nations involved. This accusation escalates the diplomatic tensions surrounding the Sudanese civil war, framing it as a potential proxy conflict fuelled by external powers vying for influence and control over Sudan’s strategic resources, such as gold and Red Sea port access. The development heightens geopolitical risk in the Horn of Africa and could invite international scrutiny of the UAE’s role in regional conflicts.

August 5, 2025, 22:44:14 (IST)

Namibia to host national women’s conference on gender-based violence

The second Namibia National Women’s Conference, which aims to find solutions for gender-based violence (GBV), is set to take place in Helao Nafidi in the Ohangwena region, as per a report in The Namibian. The Progressive Men Empowerment Organisation of Namibia (Pmeon) announced the conference will be held at the Helao Nafidi Business Expo Hall. The event is intended to rally support for survivors of GBV.

August 5, 2025, 22:42:43 (IST)

Farmworkers in Rundu, Namibia, report exploitation and hunger

Farmworkers at the 53-hectare Salem Horticultural Farmers’ Cooperative in Rundu, Namibia, have spoken out about facing exploitation and hunger, according to a report in The Namibian. The cooperative, which comprises 43 farmers growing crops such as cabbage, tomatoes, and bananas, is now at the center of a controversy highlighting the plight of its agricultural laborers. The workers’ claims bring attention to wider national issues in Namibia, including ongoing debates about the enforcement of labor laws, the establishment of a living minimum wage, and persistent food insecurity in rural areas.

August 5, 2025, 22:35:05 (IST)

Rwanda arrests two military officers and 20 civilians over alleged misuse of public funds

Two officers from the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and 20 civilians have been arrested in Rwanda over the alleged misuse of public funds, The New Times says in a report. The action is significant given the RDF’s deep involvement in civilian economic and development projects. The arrests align with the Rwandan government’s publicly stated zero-tolerance policy on corruption, reinforcing the nation’s anti-corruption stance.

August 5, 2025, 22:31:10 (IST)

Tinubu urges Nigerian entrepreneurs to blend global practices with local knowledge

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has urged the country’s entrepreneurs to adopt a strategy of ‘thinking globally and acting locally’ to foster national prosperity, Premium Times said in a report. The president’s message emphasises that economic success depends on visionary business leaders who can effectively blend international standards with unique local knowledge and resources. This call to action is situated within the context of Tinubu’s ongoing economic reforms, which include the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange rates, and aligns with his administration’s broader push to attract foreign direct investment and stimulate private sector-led growth to combat domestic economic challenges.

August 5, 2025, 22:25:27 (IST)

Mombasa TikToker arrested over allegedly seditious video

A TikTok content creator based in Mombasa, Kenya, known by the moniker ‘Hon. Mosquito’, was arrested by police on Tuesday morning, as per a report in Standard Media. The arrest was made in connection with a video posted on the individual’s social media account, which police have claimed is seditious in nature.

August 5, 2025, 22:15:13 (IST)

Imo State’s ranking as Nigeria’s most dangerous for journalists poses risk to investment climate

A new report from the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) has ranked Nigeria’s Imo State as the most perilous for journalists, a development that carries significant reputational and economic risks for the region, as per a report in Premium Times. The state was ranked last (37th) among all states and the Federal Capital Territory, which analysts suggest could damage its narrative of restoring order and deter both foreign and domestic investment. This heightened risk profile for media professionals is seen as a symptom of broader insecurity, which directly impacts the business environment and investor confidence in a state grappling with separatist agitations and general lawlessness. The ranking could also influence international donor and foreign policy decisions concerning governance and human rights support for Nigeria.

August 5, 2025, 22:07:19 (IST)

Namibia diamond heist case highlights SOE governance risks

Two suspects, including a former security officer, accused of conducting a deadly armed robbery in January at the head office of Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia), Namibia’s state-owned diamond company, are set for their next court appearance in October, as per a report in The Namibian. The case, involving former employee Joel Angula and his co-accused Sam Shololo, draws attention to the persistent governance and internal security vulnerabilities within state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in the region. The incident and its subsequent legal proceedings are seen as a test of the Namibian government’s ability to protect critical state assets and prosecute serious crime, with potential implications for investor confidence in the country’s vital diamond sector.

August 5, 2025, 22:06:41 (IST)

Littoral Regional Council in Cameroon signs framework agreement for development

Cameroon’s Littoral Regional Council has entered into a framework agreement, a move followed by development promises announced by a council official identified as Kikot-Mbebe, Cameroon Tribune says in a report. The agreement and subsequent commitments are significant steps in the operationalisation of the country’s decentralisation policy. This policy aims to devolve power to newly established regional bodies to foster local economic and social development, with the council’s actions representing a formal commitment to implement its regional mandate.

August 5, 2025, 22:03:09 (IST)

New travel pilot in South Africa allows holiday bookings without deposits or credit cards

A new pilot travel initiative has been launched in South Africa to increase holiday access for residents, particularly those in townships, The Star says in a report. The program allows for travel bookings to be made without the need for a credit card or large upfront deposits. This approach aims to address a significant financial barrier that has traditionally limited access to domestic tourism for many South Africans.

August 5, 2025, 22:00:18 (IST)

Burned body of a woman discovered at train station in Pretoria

The body of a woman, burned beyond recognition, was found at the Watloo train station in the Silvertondale area of Pretoria, The Star said in a report. This discovery follows several other recent incidents, with three other bodies having been found in separate parts of the city in the preceding weeks.

August 5, 2025, 21:58:27 (IST)

ASUU awards scholarships to 18 indigent students at Nigerian university

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has awarded scholarships to 18 indigent students at Nigeria’s Bayero University, Kano (BUK), according to a report in Premium Times. The union, which represents academic staff in Nigerian public universities, stated the initiative reflects their role as “mentors and builders of society.” The scholarships are designated for students who are financially needy and lack the necessary funds to cover their educational and living expenses.

August 5, 2025, 21:57:20 (IST)

Cameroon’s national team prepares for 2025 Men’s AfroBasket tournament

The Cameroon national basketball team, known as the Lions, is currently preparing for the 2025 Men’s AfroBasket tournament which is set to begin in just over a week, according to a report in Cameroon Tribune. The team is focused on honing its skills ahead of the major continental basketball championship.

August 5, 2025, 21:56:29 (IST)

Shell reaffirms commitment to Namibian offshore exploration amid local concerns

Shell intends to press on with its offshore exploration activities in Namibia, specifically within its PEL 39 license area, through 2026 in partnership with QatarEnergy, The Namibian says in a report. This declaration of continued investment comes as industry stakeholders raise significant concerns about the perceived exclusion of local businesses from the sector and the stability of long-term investment frameworks. The company’s commitment follows a series of major oil and gas discoveries in Namibian waters since 2022, which have marked the country as a key emerging hydrocarbon province, creating a dynamic between attracting major foreign capital and ensuring tangible economic benefits for the nation.

August 5, 2025, 21:55:16 (IST)

Workers at Nigerian polytechnic demand rector’s removal

Three staff unions at a federal polytechnic in Nigeria are unanimously demanding the removal of the institution’s rector, Premium Times says in a report. Charles Arogo, the chairman of the polytechnic’s chapter of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP), confirmed the unified stance, which includes the two other major staff unions at the institution.

August 5, 2025, 21:50:33 (IST)

Chadian official found burned to death after expressing fear for his life

A senior Chadian civil servant, Fulbert Mouanodji, has been found dead, having been burned alive with gasoline, prompting calls for an investigation into his death, as per a report in Africanews. The discovery of his body on Saturday followed a social media post from Mouanodji on Friday in which he wrote, “I am in danger, friends,” indicating he feared for his safety. The nature of his death has heightened concerns and led to demands for accountability.

August 5, 2025, 21:46:17 (IST)

Cameroon’s Constitutional Council hears final challenge to 2018 election results

Legal challenges concerning Cameroon’s 2018 presidential election are culminating in a critical review session by the country’s Constitutional Council, according to a report in Africanews. The proceedings, which began on Monday, represent the final legal avenue for opposition leader Maurice Kamto to contest the election results that declared incumbent Paul Biya the winner. The outcome of the council’s review is being closely watched as it is expected to have significant implications not only for Kamto’s political future but also for the perceived credibility of Cameroon’s entire electoral process.

August 5, 2025, 21:40:08 (IST)

Benue State governor condemns deadly attack on travellers

The governor of Nigeria’s Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, has condemned a deadly attack on travellers in the Oju Local Government Area, according to a report in Premium Times. Security reports indicated the victims were travelling by motorcycle when they were attacked and killed. This incident occurs within the context of wider insecurity and persistent farmer-herder conflicts in the state, a key agricultural hub, raising concerns about the disruption of economic activities and the safety of citizens.

August 5, 2025, 21:40:06 (IST)

Student activism in South Africa targets private universities with ‘one-point demand’, raising economic questions for the sector

A ‘one-point demand’ targeting South Africa’s private universities has been announced by a former student leader, signaling a new wave of student activism, according to a report in the Daily Sun. The move is expected to have significant economic implications for the private higher education sector, potentially challenging the financial models of the institutions. The specifics of the demand have not been made public, but the action occurs amid broader socio-economic pressures in the country, including high youth unemployment and household financial strain.

August 5, 2025, 21:38:26 (IST)

Nigerian coach and captain speak ahead of CHAN opener against Senegal

Nigeria’s head coach Éric Chelle and team captain Junior Nduka have issued focused statements ahead of the country’s first match in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) against Senegal, Premium Times says in a report. Both leaders of the squad, which comprises players from Nigeria’s domestic leagues, conveyed their determination to perform well and not disappoint their supporters as they begin the continental tournament.

August 5, 2025, 21:32:05 (IST)

Sierra Leonean WWII hero commemorated with blue plaque in UK

John Henry Smythe, a World War II hero from Sierra Leone, has been commemorated in the United Kingdom with the installation of a blue plaque, according to a report in BBC. The plaque honours Smythe’s legacy, officially recognizing him as a heroic resident for his service and contributions during the war.

August 5, 2025, 21:31:55 (IST)

Nigerians seek constitutional review to give judges power to sign death warrants

There are calls in Nigeria for a constitutional review that would transfer the authority to sign execution warrants from state governors to the judges who pass the sentences, according to a report in Premium Times. The proposal is a response to the long-standing issue of governors’ reluctance to sign death warrants, which has resulted in a de facto moratorium on executions and a large population of inmates on death row. Proponents suggest that since judges are responsible for issuing the death sentence, they should also have the power to authorize its final implementation, thus removing the current bottleneck at the executive level.

August 5, 2025, 21:30:07 (IST)

One migrant dead, another critical after rescue near Canary Islands

At least one migrant has died and another person was left in critical condition during a rescue operation involving more than 100 people. Spanish authorities confirmed on Monday that the individuals were attempting to reach the Canary Islands by sea from Africa when they were intercepted and rescued.

August 5, 2025, 21:29:45 (IST)

Nigerian civil society groups ask electoral commission to halt early 2027 campaigning

A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria has submitted a letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging the body to enforce electoral laws against perceived early campaigning for the 2027 elections, Premium Times says in a report. The CSOs specifically cited activities involving incumbent political figures, including President Bola Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. In their communication, the groups warned that ongoing violations of electoral law, which prohibits campaigning until 150 days before an election, will persist unless INEC and law enforcement agencies take decisive action to ensure compliance.

August 5, 2025, 21:26:23 (IST)

Nigeria’s women’s basketball team promised $100,000 each after Afrobasket win

Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has been promised a reward of $100,000 per player after a victorious weekend, according to a report in BBC. The team secured their seventh Afrobasket championship title, reinforcing their dominance in the sport on the continent. The victory also earned them a qualification spot for the upcoming World Cup.

August 5, 2025, 21:25:28 (IST)

Nigeria’s first lady donates N1bn to disaster victims in Niger state

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has made a donation of N1 billion to support victims of recent disasters in Niger State, Nigeria, as per a report in Premium Times. The financial aid, channelled through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), is designated for individuals and communities affected by floods, fires, boat accidents, and persistent banditry attacks. This humanitarian gesture represents a significant injection of capital for immediate relief in a region grappling with both natural calamities and severe security challenges, which have substantial economic consequences.

August 5, 2025, 21:21:42 (IST)

Nigeria promotes 30 senior correctional service officers

The promotion of 30 senior officers within the Nigeria Correctional Service, including 27 general duty officers, has been announced, Premium Times says in a report. The promotions are a routine administrative function within the government agency, which is responsible for the custody and rehabilitation of offenders in the country’s criminal justice system.

August 5, 2025, 21:18:12 (IST)

Lawmaker’s cemetery project in Zamfara highlights concerns over economic priorities and resource allocation

A Nigerian federal lawmaker, identified as Mr. Maipalace, has directed constituency project funds towards the renovation of 80 cemeteries in Zamfara State, a region grappling with severe insecurity and economic disruption, Premium Times said in a report. While the lawmaker justified the project as providing a dignified final resting place, the expenditure highlights significant concerns among analysts regarding public financial management and economic priorities. The decision to fund cemetery improvements over more pressing needs such as security, infrastructure, or healthcare is seen as an example of resource misallocation that could undermine investor confidence and hinder the economic recovery of the strife-torn state. This type of spending within the controversial constituency project system underscores governance risks for businesses and investors in the region.

August 5, 2025, 21:13:13 (IST)

Nigerian bandit leader Bello Turji surrenders arms after cleric-led dialogue

Notorious Nigerian bandit leader Bello Turji has surrendered his arms and released captives after an intervention by Islamic clerics, Premium Times said in a report. The dialogue was initiated by residents of Shinkafi in Zamfara State, who engaged the clerics to negotiate with Turji to allow them to safely return to their farmlands. According to a cleric involved, the meetings took place multiple times in July in the Fakai forest, culminating in the surrender.

August 5, 2025, 21:10:54 (IST)

South Africa adjusts fuel prices: Petrol costs fall while diesel prices rise

South Africa is implementing a mixed fuel price adjustment, providing some relief for petrol users while simultaneously increasing the price of diesel, as per a report in The Star. While the petrol price decrease benefits private motorists, the hike in diesel costs carries significant economic implications. The increase is expected to raise operational expenses for key sectors such as transport, agriculture, and manufacturing, which rely heavily on diesel for machinery and, increasingly, for generators during power cuts. This rise in input costs is anticipated to contribute to broader inflationary pressures, potentially leading to higher prices for goods and services and exacerbating the ongoing cost-of-living crisis for consumers.

August 5, 2025, 21:06:50 (IST)

New police commissioner appointed to Lagos special fraud unit

Mrs Dung has been named the new Commissioner of Police for the Special Fraud Unit (SFU) in Lagos, Nigeria’s primary economic hub, as per a report in Premium Times. The SFU is a specialised police division responsible for investigating complex financial crimes that affect the region’s business and investment environment. Before this appointment, Mrs Dung served as the Commissioner of Police for Welfare at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja.

August 5, 2025, 21:05:52 (IST)

Ebonyi governor reinstates 81 suspended government officials

The governor of Nigeria’s Ebonyi State has lifted the suspension on 81 government officials, Premium Times says in a report. The reinstatement follows the governor’s decision on July 28 to suspend a total of 87 officials, which included 25 commissioners, 14 senior special assistants, 24 special assistants, and 22 permanent secretaries. Following the latest development, six of the originally suspended officials remain out of their posts.

August 5, 2025, 21:04:38 (IST)

Siwelele FC to focus on youth development to revive Bloemfontein football

Lehlohonolo Seema is leading an initiative to revive football in Bloemfontein by focusing on youth development through Siwelele FC, leveraging SuperSport’s academy structure, The Star says in a report. The effort is aimed at building a competitive team for the 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign, South Africa’s top professional league. This strategy is centred on cultivating local talent to restore the city’s sporting prominence, aiming to rebuild the community spirit associated with the former Bloemfontein Celtic club, which was popularly known as ‘Siwelele’.

August 5, 2025, 21:02:31 (IST)

Village chiefs in Cameroon oversee construction of new community house

Village chiefs in the Bonambela area of Cameroon are actively involved in the construction of a new community house, according to a report in Cameroon Tribune. A delegation of the traditional leaders visited the construction site to inspect the progress of the project, which involves a ‘Case communautaire’—a multi-purpose building intended to serve as a central hub for local meetings, social events, and other community activities. The involvement of these leaders highlights a model of integrating traditional authority into local development initiatives.

August 5, 2025, 21:01:26 (IST)

Aga Khan Fund announces internal restructuring of its Nation Media Group holding

The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) has announced its intention to transfer its 54.08 per cent majority stake in Nation Media Group Plc to another entity it fully owns, according to a report in The New Times. This move constitutes an internal corporate reorganisation within the broader Aga Khan Development Network, rather than a sale to an external third party. The restructuring concerns one of East Africa’s largest publicly listed media conglomerates, with significant operations in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The decision is understood to be a strategic re-evaluation aimed at streamlining AKFED’s extensive investment portfolio and optimising the long-term operational and financial structure of its media assets in the region.

August 5, 2025, 21:00:16 (IST)

Police re-invite Nigerian activist Omoyele Sowore, who sets conditions for compliance

Nigerian police have issued a new invitation to activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore to appear for questioning on Tuesday, Premium Times says in a report. This follows a previously scheduled invitation that was cancelled by the authorities. In response to the new summons, Sowore has expressed his willingness to appear but has stipulated certain conditions before he will comply with the request.

August 5, 2025, 20:45:14 (IST)

Rwanda launches eight technical training centres to boost human capital

The Rwanda TVET Board, in partnership with the Government of South Korea, initiated a project on Tuesday to establish eight Centres of Excellence in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), The New Times says in a report. This initiative is a core component of Rwanda’s long-term strategy, which seeks to transform the country into a knowledge-based, high-income economy. By focusing on practical skills development, the project aims to create a more skilled workforce to support industrialisation, address youth unemployment, and attract further investment.

August 5, 2025, 20:34:41 (IST)

Kenyan police ranked most corrupt, raising concerns over rule of law and investment climate

The Kenyan police force is perceived as the country’s most corrupt public service, according to the 2024 National Ethics and Corruption Survey from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), as per a report in Standard Media. This finding places significant pressure on President William Ruto’s administration to implement tangible anti-corruption measures, as failure to do so could erode public trust and deter foreign investment. The report underscores the systemic governance challenges that undermine the rule of law, a critical factor for business operations and investor confidence. For businesses and investors, such widespread corruption within law enforcement signals heightened operational risks and reinforces Kenya’s challenging position in global corruption indices, potentially impacting international donor support for governance reforms.

August 5, 2025, 20:31:32 (IST)

Mercedes-Benz wins six-year legal battle to repossess vehicle in South Africa

In a ruling with significant implications for creditor rights and contract law in South Africa, a court has authorised Mercedes-Benz Financial Services to repossess a R1.6 million vehicle after a protracted six-year legal battle, The Star said in a report. While the final verdict reinforces the enforceability of contracts and may bolster investor confidence by affirming that legal recourse is available, the lengthy duration of the case has drawn attention to ongoing concerns regarding the efficiency and backlogs within the country’s judicial system. The case highlights the tension between corporate and consumer rights and the practical challenges of credit enforcement in the South African economy.

August 5, 2025, 20:22:49 (IST)

Five people now charged in Malcolm Pather murder case in South Africa

Three more suspects, one of whom is a woman, have been implicated and charged in the murder of Malcolm Pather, bringing the total number of individuals facing charges to five, according to a report in The Star. The new charges represent a development in the case, which is currently proceeding through the Atlantis Court in South Africa.

Elsewhere in South Africa, homeowners are facing mounting costs and regulatory hurdles as they transition to solar power in response to ongoing load shedding. We’re also following a sombre update from Stellenbosch University, where the death of a second-year student has shaken the campus community. In the legal arena, a woman has won a significant court case over her late husband’s Eskom pension, highlighting the complexities of beneficiary rights. And in the housing market, a slow but steady recovery is taking shape amid more favourable economic conditions.

Stay with us for updates, insights, and the latest news from across the continent:

End of Liveblog