Africa News Live Updates: Nigeria labour tensions, Kenya child exploitation, a hard week begins for the continent

General

General 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

Good morning. Tensions are running high across parts of the continent today, with DRC President Felix Tshisekedi calling for a formal genocide declaration in the country’s conflict-ridden east — a move that risks deepening regional instability. Meanwhile, issues of governance, labour rights and diaspora identity are also in sharp focus across Nigeria, Kenya and Rwanda. Stay with us for updates and insights throughout the day:

General Africa throughout the day today

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 4, 2025, 21:20:26 (IST)

EFF introduces bill to increase parliamentary oversight of South Africa’s foreign loans

South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party is advancing a Private Member’s Bill designed to strengthen parliamentary oversight of the government’s foreign loan agreements, The Star says in a report. This legislative initiative comes against a backdrop of increasing national debt, recent credit rating downgrades, and financial strain at state-owned enterprises, which often necessitate foreign borrowing. The proposed bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability in how national debt is incurred. From a market perspective, while the move could be seen as promoting fiscal discipline, it may also introduce additional political complexity for the National Treasury when negotiating financing and could be perceived by international lenders, such as the IMF and World Bank, as a new layer of political risk, potentially affecting future loan terms.

August 4, 2025, 21:15:25 (IST)

Activist launches initiative to fight period poverty in rural Namibia

In Namibia, activist Ndapewa Ndongo has launched Project 10K, a humanitarian initiative designed to tackle period poverty for schoolchildren in rural areas, The Namibian says in a report. The project’s primary aim is to restore dignity and support underprivileged schools by providing sanitary pads to girls who do not have access to essential menstrual hygiene products. This initiative highlights the ongoing challenge of period poverty, which can act as a significant barrier to education and well-being for young women in the region.

August 4, 2025, 20:57:39 (IST)

IRC Ethiopia issues invitation for bid for humanitarian programs

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has issued an invitation for bids related to its ongoing humanitarian and development programs in Ethiopia, Capital Ethiopia said in a report. The IRC, which has operated in the country since 1999, is implementing community-managed programs focused on improving livelihoods and emergency response for populations affected by disasters. The organization’s work spans several regions, including Gambella, Benishangul Gumuz, Tigray, SNNPR, Sidama, and Somali.

August 4, 2025, 20:53:15 (IST)

City of Windhoek refuses to write off debts for elderly residents

The City of Windhoek has announced it cannot write off municipal debts owed by elderly residents, citing potential financial instability, according to a report in The Namibian. In a response to the Khomas Ratepayers and Residents Association, Windhoek CEO Moses Matyayi stated that forgiving the debts could create financial problems for the municipality. The association had raised concerns regarding debts owed by the elderly, along with issues of housing, infrastructure development, and service delivery. Matyayi urged elderly residents to address their outstanding accounts with the city.

August 4, 2025, 20:45:31 (IST)

Over 3,000 criminal cases recorded in Namibia’s Kavango West region since January 2024

Namibian Police have recorded over 3,000 criminal cases in the Kavango West region between January and July 2024, as per a report in The Namibian. The statistics were announced by Namibian Police Chief Joseph Shikongo during a community address in Rundu on Friday. The figures include 1,367 incidents of theft, 719 cases of housebreaking, and 282 reports of domestic violence.

August 4, 2025, 20:42:20 (IST)

UNICEF Ethiopia seeks suppliers for humanitarian aid contracts

UNICEF Ethiopia has initiated an automated Expression of Interest (EOI) process to identify potential suppliers for essential programme supplies and Non-Food Items (NFIs), as per a report in Capital Ethiopia. The agency is seeking to build a roster of capable manufacturers, authorised distributors, and traders to ensure the timely and efficient procurement of high-quality goods. This initiative aims to support UNICEF’s commitment to upholding the rights and well-being of children in the country by establishing a reliable supply chain for its humanitarian programmes.

August 4, 2025, 20:39:36 (IST)

Nadine Roos to continue in versatile backline role for Springbok Women

South Africa’s Springbok Women’s performance coach, Swys de Bruin, plans to continue utilising the versatility of player Nadine Roos by deploying her across various positions in the backline, as per a report in The Star. This strategy will see Roos’s playing time split between the scrum-half, full-back, and fly-half roles, leveraging her adaptability for the national team.

August 4, 2025, 20:21:24 (IST)

Court session on pre-electoral petitions commences in Cameroon

A court session to hear pre-electoral petitions has officially begun in Cameroon, according to a report in Cameroon Tribune. The proceedings are being handled by the country’s Constitutional Council, which serves as the highest judicial body for electoral disputes. These petitions are legal challenges concerning alleged irregularities related to past electoral processes, such as the senatorial elections held in March 2023. The rulings made by the Constitutional Council on these matters are final and binding.

August 4, 2025, 20:18:05 (IST)

Gambian official admits to ‘blindly’ selling assets of former president

The Sheriff of the High Court in The Gambia has admitted to selling cattle belonging to former President Yahya Jammeh without full knowledge of their value or following transparent procedures, The Point says in a report. This admission highlights significant procedural failings within the state’s asset recovery programme, which was established to manage assets forfeited by the former regime under the recommendations of the Janneh Commission. The incident raises serious questions regarding governance, transparency, and the rule of law under President Adama Barrow’s administration, potentially undermining public trust and investor confidence. The mismanagement of these recovered assets could also impact the broader justice and reparations agenda for victims of the previous authoritarian rule.

August 4, 2025, 20:15:44 (IST)

Namibia explores data-driven tariff model for healthcare sector

Namibia’s healthcare sector is analysing a structured, data-driven methodology for establishing benchmark tariffs, aiming to create a transparent pricing framework for medical services, as per a report in The Namibian. The approach focuses on balancing ‘economic realism’—reflecting the operational costs and investment needs of private providers—with affordability for patients and health insurance schemes. This initiative is part of a broader trend across African nations to regulate essential services amid ongoing debates on healthcare accessibility. The tariff-setting process involves collaboration between government bodies, private healthcare providers, and insurers, directly impacting the financial viability of providers and the premium structures of medical aid funds.

August 4, 2025, 20:11:11 (IST)

Rwandan senators summon prime minister over missed clean cooking targets

Rwanda’s Senate has summoned the Prime Minister to provide new strategies for reducing the country’s reliance on wood fuel after the government failed to meet its 2024 clean cooking targets, The New Times says in a report. The failure to transition households from traditional biomass fuels has significant economic implications, perpetuating health and financial burdens on citizens, particularly in rural areas. This legislative summons highlights the challenges in implementing Rwanda’s environmental policies, which are part of the broader National Strategy for Transformation, and underscores the economic barriers, such as the high cost of cleaner alternatives like LPG and improved cookstoves, that have hindered widespread adoption.

August 4, 2025, 20:09:35 (IST)

Cameroonian poet Béatrice Mendo recognised for work with Japanese influence

Cameroonian poet Béatrice Mendo is featured in the latest issue of an international quarterly publication, according to a report in Cameroon Tribune. The recognition highlights her poetry, which is described as having a ‘Japanese accent,’ signifying an artistic influence from Japan that brings international attention to Cameroon’s cultural scene.

August 4, 2025, 20:08:51 (IST)

KwaZulu-Natal service providers to detail alleged tender rigging in school nutrition programme

Service providers for the National School Nutrition Programme in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province plan to hold a media briefing to publicly detail allegations of tender rigging and corruption within the programme, according to a report in The Star. The suppliers intend to expose how individuals with political connections have allegedly benefited from the government initiative, which is designed to provide meals to schoolchildren. This development follows a major crisis in 2023 when the KZN nutrition programme failed to deliver food to schools, leaving many children without meals.

August 4, 2025, 20:05:19 (IST)

Namibian town’s subsidised land deal aims to tackle housing crisis, places onus on state enterprise

In a move with significant political and economic implications for Namibia’s housing sector, the Ongwediva Town Council will allocate more than 260 plots in Efidi Extension 6 to the state-run National Housing Enterprise (NHE) for the nominal price of N$5.50 per square metre, The Namibian says in a report. This substantial subsidy is a direct response to the national housing shortage and aligns with the ruling SWAPO party’s pledges to provide affordable land. While the initiative is politically advantageous for the local council and the ruling party by addressing a key voter concern, it places considerable pressure on the NHE, which has previously faced criticism over its delivery capacity. The deal’s success will depend on the NHE’s efficiency in construction and the final pricing of the homes, whilst also raising questions about the long-term impact of such subsidies on municipal revenues and the wider property market.

August 4, 2025, 20:03:21 (IST)

Marc Brys starts as Cameroon coach amid power struggle with football federation

Belgian coach Marc Brys has officially started his role as head coach of the Cameroon national football team, known as the Indomitable Lions, as per a report in Cameroon Tribune. His tenure begins under a cloud of significant administrative conflict, as his appointment by the government’s Ministry of Sports directly challenges the authority of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), led by its president, Samuel Eto’o. This power struggle over control of the national team, a key national symbol, carries substantial financial and business risks. The ongoing dispute could deter corporate sponsorships and jeopardises the federation’s standing with FIFA, which prohibits government interference in football association affairs and could impose sanctions, including suspension from lucrative international competitions.

August 4, 2025, 20:00:41 (IST)

Crime in Namibia’s Oshana Region falls by 12 percent

Overall crime in Namibia’s Oshana Region has fallen by 12 percent, with 12,484 total cases reported during the period under review, The Namibian says in a report. The data also indicates a 7.1 percent decrease in cases of rape and domestic violence, which accounted for 39 and 130 reported incidents, respectively.

August 4, 2025, 19:53:33 (IST)

South African ministers to hold briefing on 30% US tariffs

South Africa’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Parks Tau, and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, are scheduled to hold a press briefing in Pretoria on August 4, 2025, as per a report in Reuters. The briefing will address the imposition of a 30% tariff on South African goods by the administration of US President Donald Trump.

August 4, 2025, 19:41:31 (IST)

Namibia selects South African nuclear reactor for planned oil refinery

Namibia has chosen a South African-developed small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) to provide power for a planned oil refinery in Walvis Bay, according to a report in The Namibian. The selection, announced in a statement by technology provider Stratek Global, is aligned with the Namibian government’s stated green energy ambitions. This development is a key part of Namibia’s strategy to add value domestically to its significant recent offshore oil and gas discoveries, rather than solely exporting crude oil. The project, managed by a special purpose vehicle named Dune 7, also signifies a notable instance of regional technological cooperation within the Southern African Development Community.

August 4, 2025, 19:38:44 (IST)

Proteas women’s captain Laura Wolvaardt ready to challenge for World Cup with new players

Laura Wolvaardt, the captain of South Africa’s national women’s cricket team, the Proteas, stated she is excited by the youthful energy being added to the squad with the inclusion of new stars ahead of the World Cup later this year, according to a report in The Star. She indicated the team is ready to challenge for the championship, which the article metaphorically refers to as the ‘Holy Grail’ of the sport.

August 4, 2025, 19:35:44 (IST)

Namibia and South Africa advance hydrogen pipeline with N$30 million for master plan

The Namibia-South Africa green hydrogen pipeline project is progressing, with N$30 million earmarked for the development of a conceptual master plan between mid-2025 and mid-2026, according to a report in The Namibian. This development follows the successful completion of a cross-border pre-feasibility study in December 2024, which affirmed the project’s potential. The initiative is a significant step towards regional economic integration within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and aligns with a broader continental strategy to leverage renewable energy resources for the global clean energy transition. For Namibia, it represents a key part of its economic diversification strategy, while for South Africa, it offers a potential long-term solution to its energy challenges and supports industrial decarbonisation efforts.

August 4, 2025, 19:34:27 (IST)

Gender pay gaps persist in South Africa’s logistics sector

A report has highlighted persistent gender-based pay disparities within South Africa’s logistics industry, with nearly 50% of women in the sector suspecting they earn less than their male counterparts, The Star says in a report. The findings indicate significant inequities not only in remuneration but also in the representation of women in leadership positions. This situation exists despite South Africa’s Employment Equity Act, which is designed to prevent such discrimination, pointing to challenges in the law’s implementation and enforcement within a key sector of the nation’s economy.

August 4, 2025, 19:33:35 (IST)

Kenya to mandate biometric identification for national health insurance access

Kenya is rolling out a mandatory biometric identification system for all citizens seeking care under the new Social Health Authority (SHA), according to an announcement by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Standard Media says in a report. The new system will replace the use of One-Time Passwords (OTPs) for verification. This move is a core component of sweeping reforms that transition the country from the former National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the SHA, as legislated by the Social Health Insurance Act of 2023. The policy aligns with the Kenyan government’s broader digital transformation agenda and is intended to enhance security, reduce fraudulent claims, and improve efficiency within the country’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) framework, thereby impacting the financial sustainability and administration of the national healthcare scheme.

August 4, 2025, 19:30:30 (IST)

Namibia extends income tax return deadline for certain taxpayers

The Namibia Revenue Agency (Namra) has extended the deadline for income tax return submissions to 31 October, The Namibian says in a report. This extension specifically applies to taxpayers who have faced difficulties with the implementation of Section 21 of the Income Tax Act, 1981. The announcement was made by Yarukeekuro Ndorokaze, Namra’s chief of strategic communications and support engagements, to provide relief to individuals and businesses struggling with compliance.

August 4, 2025, 19:29:30 (IST)

Cameroon allocates additional 30 billion CFA francs for local development

The government of Cameroon has announced an additional allocation of 30 billion CFA francs (approximately £40 million) for local development projects within its municipalities, Cameroon Tribune says in a report. This new funding follows two previous phases of a national programme aimed at bolstering local governance and is a key component of the country’s ongoing decentralisation strategy. The capital injection is expected to finance the development of essential public infrastructure, such as roads, schools, and health facilities, which could in turn stimulate local economic activity and create opportunities for construction and service-sector businesses. The implementation and fiscal transparency of this third phase will be closely monitored by both domestic stakeholders and international development partners to assess its impact on grassroots economic growth.

August 4, 2025, 19:22:54 (IST)

Kaizer Chiefs to face Stellenbosch in season opener under new coach

South African football club Kaizer Chiefs is set to kick off its Betway Premiership season against Stellenbosch FC on Sunday, according to a report in The Star. The match will be a significant test for the team under the new leadership of head coach Nasreddine Nabi. Nabi is reportedly determined to guide the team to an improved performance over what was achieved in the previous season.

August 4, 2025, 19:21:37 (IST)

Namibia keeps fuel prices unchanged for August, citing over-recoveries

Fuel prices in Namibia will remain unchanged for August, providing a measure of economic stability for the nation’s businesses and households, The Namibian says in a report. The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy announced that petrol will stay at N$20.37 per litre, while diesel 50 parts per million (ppm) and 10ppm will remain at N$19.92 and N$20.02 per litre, respectively. The decision is supported by accumulated ‘over-recoveries’, indicating the government is utilising its fuel price stabilisation fund to absorb international price fluctuations and shield the domestic market, a significant policy for a country dependent on refined fuel imports.

August 4, 2025, 18:47:53 (IST)

KwaZulu-Natal NCOP delegation meets police commissioner over policing challenges

A delegation from the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) representing KwaZulu-Natal is meeting with Police Commissioner Mkhwanazi to address significant policing challenges, resource gaps, and public safety concerns within the province, The Star said in a report. The meeting is focused on the NCOP’s oversight responsibilities and will not address the separate, ongoing parliamentary investigation into allegations of political interference within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

August 4, 2025, 18:44:02 (IST)

South African business group calls for trade crisis committee amid US tariff hike

Amid concerns over potential job losses following a new 30% tariff hike imposed by the US on South African exports, Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) has publicly called for President Cyril Ramaphosa to form a national Trade Crisis Committee to coordinate a response, The Star says in a report. In a related move, South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition has already established an Export Support Desk to assist affected businesses as the government faces pressure to mitigate the economic impact.

August 4, 2025, 18:42:20 (IST)

Cameroonian opposition leader Ateki Seta Caxton unveils new political project

Ateki Seta Caxton, leader of Cameroon’s Parti de l’alliance libérale (PAL), has unveiled a new political project for the party, as per a report in Cameroon Tribune. This move positions the minor opposition party and its leader ahead of the country’s scheduled 2025 presidential and legislative elections. The project is presented as a comprehensive plan for national governance, contributing to the ongoing political discourse in a landscape dominated by President Paul Biya’s ruling party. Caxton is a political figure from Cameroon’s Anglophone regions who previously attempted to run for president in 2018.

August 4, 2025, 18:37:43 (IST)

Mamelodi Sundowns coach addresses player transfer speculation after MTN8 win

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has commented on the future of his players amid ongoing transfer rumours, The Star says in a report. Following a decisive win in the MTN8 quarter-final, Cardoso addressed speculation that grew after several key players were notably absent from the match. The coach’s statements come as the South African football club navigates the implications of potential player moves while competing in the domestic cup competition.

August 4, 2025, 18:35:43 (IST)

Egyptian senate election seen as consolidating executive power with limited market impact

Egypt commenced a two-day election for its 300-seat Senate on Monday, a body that is largely advisory and was re-established following 2019 constitutional amendments, AP says in a report. While presented as a democratic step, the election is viewed by many analysts as a mechanism to further entrench executive authority, particularly as the president will appoint 100 of the 300 members. From a market perspective, the formation of this compliant legislative body is expected to ensure policy continuity and stability for the ruling establishment’s agenda. However, its limited powers mean it is unlikely to introduce significant economic reforms or act as a check on fiscal policy, suggesting a neutral to minimal direct impact on investor sentiment or business conditions in the short term. The process occurs within a political environment noted for its restrictions on opposition, reinforcing the perception of a highly controlled state apparatus.

August 4, 2025, 18:17:33 (IST)

NiMet warns of thunderstorms and flood risk in key Nigerian states

Nigeria’s official meteorological agency, NiMet, has issued a forecast for thunderstorms and rain, with specific warnings for potential flooding in several states, as per a report in Premium Times. The alert highlights prospects of rainfall in the central region, including Benue, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger, Kogi, and Nasarawa states. The warning carries significant economic implications, as the affected areas include the nation’s administrative capital (FCT) and major agricultural hubs like Benue and Kogi, often called Nigeria’s ‘food basket’. Potential flooding in these regions could disrupt agricultural output, impact food security, damage critical infrastructure, and affect local commerce, testing the government’s disaster preparedness and response capabilities.

August 4, 2025, 18:15:28 (IST)

South African artist Tyla announces Asia tour

South African artist Tyla has announced an expansion of her ‘We Wanna Party’ tour to Asia, The Namibian says in a report. The artist revealed the new tour dates on her social media, scheduling the first performance for Tokyo on 11 November. Additional stops on the tour include Bangkok on 14 November and Hong Kong.

August 4, 2025, 18:15:15 (IST)

New application launched in Cameroon to combat currency counterfeiting

An application has been introduced in Cameroon to combat the circulation of counterfeit currency, allowing the public to verify the authenticity of CFA franc banknotes, Cameroon Tribune says in a report. This technological solution addresses a significant economic challenge in the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) region, where counterfeiting erodes public trust, fuels illicit financial flows, and increases operational costs for the central bank. The initiative is expected to improve the security of cash transactions, particularly within the large informal sector, and bolster investor confidence by demonstrating a commitment to financial integrity and modernisation. However, experts note that its effectiveness will depend on widespread public adoption, cybersecurity measures, and its ability to overcome the region’s digital divide.

August 4, 2025, 18:15:07 (IST)

Nigerian president commends BUA chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu on his 65th birthday

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has publicly commended Abdul Samad Rabiu, the chairman of BUA Group, on his 65th birthday, describing him as a ‘builder of industry’ and a key partner in national development, Premium Times said in a report. In the commendation, the president praised Rabiu’s significant investments in key sectors such as manufacturing and his ‘belief in Nigeria,’ highlighting his contributions to the nation’s economic growth and industrialisation. The public statement serves as a high-level political endorsement of BUA Group and its role in the country’s economy.

August 4, 2025, 18:11:01 (IST)

Tunisian swimmer Ahmed Jaouadi secures second gold at world championships with 1500m victory

Tunisian swimmer Ahmed Jaouadi has won the 1500m freestyle gold medal, achieving a double victory at the ongoing world championships, according to a report in Africanews. This accomplishment marks a significant moment for Tunisian swimming on the global stage. The back-to-back wins are being highlighted as a source of national pride and an inspiration for a new generation of athletes throughout the Arab world.

August 4, 2025, 18:09:21 (IST)

Cameroon and Germany announce new cultural research project

Cameroon and Germany have announced a new joint research project as part of their cultural cooperation, focusing on the shared history between the two nations, according to a report in Cameroon Tribune. The initiative is part of a broader cultural engagement effort and is expected to involve academic and cultural institutions from both countries. The research will explore the historical ties that stem from Germany’s colonial period in Cameroon, which lasted from 1884 to 1916.

August 4, 2025, 18:06:30 (IST)

Namibia Dairies and union agree on wage deal for 367 workers

Namibia Dairies and the Namibia Food and Allied Workers Union (Nafau) have concluded a wage agreement for 367 dairy workers that will be effective from July 2025 to June 2026, as per a report in The Namibian. Wynard Oosthuizen, managing director of Namibia Dairies, stated that the successful negotiation is a testament to the company’s commitment to positive labour relations.

August 4, 2025, 17:54:28 (IST)

Flood warnings issued for 15 areas in Nigeria’s Niger State, threatening economic stability

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has identified 15 of the 25 local government areas in Nigeria’s Niger State as being at high risk for severe flooding, prompting government calls for evacuation, Premium Times says in a report. The warning highlights significant economic risks for the region, which is a major agricultural hub, threatening crop yields, food security, and local livelihoods. The potential for widespread damage to infrastructure, property, and businesses presents a considerable financial challenge for both the state and federal governments and could lead to increased pressure on insurance providers and humanitarian aid budgets. For investors, this recurring environmental threat underscores the escalating climate-related risks affecting the agricultural sector and infrastructure investments in Nigeria.

August 4, 2025, 17:52:24 (IST)

US reaffirms backing for Moroccan plan in Western Sahara, signalling policy continuity

US President Donald Trump has officially reaffirmed Washington’s support for Morocco’s autonomy plan for the disputed territory of Western Sahara, a move that signals clear policy continuity from his first administration, Africanews says in a report. This stance solidifies the US position first taken in 2020 as part of the Abraham Accords, which saw Morocco normalise diplomatic relations with Israel in exchange for US recognition of its sovereignty over the territory. The reaffirmation is expected to bolster Morocco’s diplomatic and economic standing but is also likely to escalate geopolitical tensions with neighbouring Algeria, the primary backer of the Polisario Front independence movement. For businesses and investors, the decision provides policy certainty but also highlights the ongoing political risks in the Maghreb region, particularly for sectors such as energy and natural resources, given the territory’s contested status under international law and the UN’s call for a self-determination referendum.

End of Liveblog