Africa News Live Updates: Nigeria, South Africa and DRC confront US cuts, cholera threat, digital gaps

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General Africa News Live Updates: Welcome to our live blog covering the latest from across Africa

general Africa News Live Updates: Nigeria, South Africa and DRC confront US cuts, cholera threat, digital gaps

Welcome to today’s Africa Liveblog, where we’re tracking key developments across the continent. From strategic shifts in global investment to urgent public health concerns, today’s updates highlight how African nations are responding to both local and international pressures and forging new paths forward:

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Africa News Live Updates: Welcome to our live blog covering the latest from across Africa

August 1, 2025, 14:34:35 (IST)

Man found dead in Namibia in suspected hippo attack

The body of a 47-year-old man, believed to have died in a hippo attack, was found in Katima Mulilo, Namibia, on Thursday, as per a report in The Namibian. The man, identified as Nelson Siyayo, was discovered in the bushes near a hotel in the Zambezi region. Chief inspector Kisco Sitali, the head of community policing for the Zambezi region, confirmed that officers attended the scene.

August 1, 2025, 14:25:18 (IST)

South African court strikes down City of Tshwane’s R194 cleansing levy

The Gauteng High Court in South Africa has nullified the City of Tshwane’s R194 monthly cleansing levy, which was charged to households that use private waste collection services, The Star said in a report. The court declared the fee “unlawful and invalid” following a legal challenge brought by the civil rights organisation AfriForum. The levy was contentious as it effectively charged residents for a municipal service they were not receiving, leading to accusations of double taxation. This ruling occurs amid broader financial challenges for many South African municipalities and a rise in litigation by civil society groups over service delivery and governance issues.

August 1, 2025, 14:24:45 (IST)

Nigeria’s federal mortgage bank reports N18.9bn in loan recoveries for 2024

The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) collected N18.9 billion in loan repayments throughout 2024, while also significantly increasing its lending activities, according to a report in Premium Times. The bank approved N71.5 billion in new loans, marking an almost 80% increase compared to the N39.7 billion approved in the previous year. This expansion in the mortgage sector’s activity aligns with the Nigerian government’s ‘Renewed Hope’ housing agenda, which aims to improve access to affordable housing. The figures suggest a move towards greater fiscal prudence and improved financial health for the state-owned institution, potentially stimulating the construction industry and related economic sectors.

August 1, 2025, 14:22:37 (IST)

Namibia reports six human trafficking cases, including victims repatriated from Myanmar

Namibian Police Inspector General Joseph Shikongo announced that six cases of human trafficking were identified in the country between June 2024 and June 2025, with five victims having been repatriated from Myanmar, according to a report in The Namibian. The statement was made in Rundu during an event commemorating the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

August 1, 2025, 14:18:22 (IST)

Nigerian president moves national mapping agency to presidential oversight

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has transferred the administrative oversight of the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation directly to the Presidency, a move confirmed by a government minister, Premium Times says in a report. The agency, which is responsible for all official surveying, mapping, and the provision of critical geospatial data, will now bypass its previous reporting lines through ministries and report directly to the executive office. This administrative restructuring is viewed as a strategic decision to centralise control over data vital for national security, infrastructure development, land administration, and resource management. For the business and investment community, this action could potentially streamline decision-making for major national projects but also introduces risks associated with the politicisation of a technical body responsible for sensitive national data.

August 1, 2025, 14:17:24 (IST)

Abdulrahman to coach Nigeria’s D’Tigers at AfroBasket 2025 in Angola

Abdulrahman has been named the head coach for Nigeria’s national men’s basketball team, the D’Tigers, for the AfroBasket 2025 tournament set to take place in Angola, according to a report in Premium Times. This appointment follows his successful leadership during the final qualifying window in Tripoli last year, where he guided the team through an undefeated run. The Nigeria Basketball Federation’s (NBBF) decision retains him in the head coaching role as the team prepares to compete for the continental championship.

August 1, 2025, 14:15:29 (IST)

Nigerian women’s basketball team reaches AfroBasket 2025 semifinals

Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, known as D’Tigress, has advanced to the semifinals of the AfroBasket 2025 championship following a commanding quarterfinal win against Cameroon, according to a report in Premium Times. Beyond the sporting result, the victory is viewed as significant for Nigeria’s soft power and national brand on the continent. Analysts suggest such successes bolster the case for increased public and private investment into sports development, particularly for women, framing it as a strategic investment in human capital that can yield indirect economic benefits such as enhanced tourism and global recognition. The event also underscores the nature of healthy, competitive rivalries between African nations that coexist with diplomatic and security cooperation in other domains.

August 1, 2025, 14:15:07 (IST)

Tinubu endorses ward-based development strategy for Nigeria’s 8,809 wards

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has endorsed a new ward-based development strategy aimed at the country’s 8,809 electoral wards, according to a report in Premium Times. Authorities state this decentralized approach is a key component of the administration’s broader ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’. The overarching goal of this agenda is to grow Nigeria’s economy to $1 trillion by the year 2030.

August 1, 2025, 14:07:56 (IST)

Ghana expands visa-free travel for Global South nations amid tightening US border policies

Ghana is expanding its visa-free travel policy for countries in the Global South, positioning itself as a hub for tourism and business while contrasting with stricter border measures in Western nations, according to a report in Africa News. The policy supports the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), headquartered in Accra, and strengthens South-South cooperation. This initiative is a continuation of a long-standing national ambition, which was also a stated goal during the past administration of former President John Dramani Mahama, to enhance the global value and accessibility of the Ghanaian passport.

August 1, 2025, 14:04:11 (IST)

Nigerian president approves N712.3 billion for Lagos airport overhaul

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has approved a N712.3 billion (approx. £350-375 million GBP) investment for a comprehensive overhaul of the Lagos airport, a move the government has termed the largest coordinated aviation upgrade in the nation’s recent history, Premium Times says in a report. The project aligns with the Tinubu administration’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda, which prioritises infrastructure development to attract foreign investment and boost economic productivity. This approval directly addresses long-standing criticisms regarding the dilapidated state of Nigerian airports, particularly Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA). The significant expenditure comes amidst Nigeria’s current economic challenges, including high inflation and a substantial national debt, raising questions about funding and fiscal priorities.

August 1, 2025, 13:52:56 (IST)

First malaria treatment for newborns receives approval, focusing attention on funding and access in Africa

A new malaria treatment, the first of its kind for newborn babies, has received regulatory approval, a critical step towards reducing child mortality in Africa, The Washington Post said in a report. Malaria was responsible for 597,000 deaths globally in 2023, with children under five in the WHO’s Africa region accounting for 76% of those fatalities. While a major public health achievement, the approval initiates significant economic and logistical challenges. Economists project substantial long-term benefits, including reduced healthcare burdens and increased productivity. However, the development also intensifies debates around pharmaceutical pricing, intellectual property rights, and equitable access. The effective rollout now depends on securing international funding, establishing robust supply chains, and the capacity of African governments to integrate the treatment into their national health systems.

August 1, 2025, 12:59:50 (IST)

Sudan massacre highlights extreme sovereign risk and economic collapse

A report on a recent massacre in Sudan highlights the severe economic fallout and escalating sovereign risk associated with the nation’s ongoing civil war, The Washington Post says in a report. The conflict, a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has led to a catastrophic breakdown of the state, decimating infrastructure and human capital. The event underscores the RSF’s strategy of using terror tactics while funding its operations through the control of illicit economies, such as gold mining and drug trafficking. For investors and businesses, this signifies an environment of extreme operational and reputational risk, where national economic assets are plundered to fuel the conflict, crippling prospects for legitimate commerce and long-term development while profoundly destabilising the wider region.

August 1, 2025, 12:52:18 (IST)

East Africa kicks off African Nations Championship after stadium delays

The African Nations Championship (CHAN), a tournament exclusively for locally-based players, is scheduled to kick off in East Africa on Saturday after overcoming severe delays in stadium renovations, Standard Media Kenya reports. The tournament, which is being co-hosted by several nations in the region, will proceed following the completion of the required infrastructure.

August 1, 2025, 12:48:43 (IST)

Namibian local rugby season to kick off with inaugural JSB Gold Cup

Local rugby is scheduled to return in Namibia with the launch of the inaugural JSB Gold Cup and Silver Cup competitions, according to a report in The Namibian. The new tournaments are expected to feature intense competition as local players aim to secure a place on the national team, which is currently seeking qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The events also offer significant prize money for the participating teams.

August 1, 2025, 12:46:33 (IST)

Suspects to appear in court for murder of seven-year-old in South Africa

A couple accused of the rape and murder of seven-year-old Lolitha Kowa in South Africa are scheduled for a court appearance as the victim’s family prepares for her funeral, according to a report in The Star. The report also notes that disturbing details are emerging from the case.

August 1, 2025, 12:45:31 (IST)

Prince Harry visits Angola to support landmine clearance efforts

Prince Harry is in Angola to support and bring renewed attention to landmine clearance efforts, according to a report in CNN. The visit holds historical significance as it follows a high-profile trip made by his mother, Princess Diana, in 1997, which helped galvanize support for the international Ottawa Treaty to ban anti-personnel mines. Angola is still dealing with the legacy of millions of landmines left from its long civil war, which ended in 2002. The ongoing clearance, supported by organizations like the HALO Trust, is critical for the nation’s post-conflict recovery, enabling safer access to land for agriculture and community development.

August 1, 2025, 12:44:01 (IST)

Cairo telecom building fire disrupts services, highlights infrastructure risks

A fire at a key telecommunications facility in Cairo has resulted in four fatalities and triggered substantial disruptions to both internet and phone networks across the region, as per a report in CNN. The outage is causing significant operational challenges for businesses reliant on digital connectivity and financial transactions. This incident underscores the economic risks associated with vulnerabilities in Egypt’s critical national infrastructure, potentially raising concerns for international investors regarding service reliability and the resilience of the country’s digital economy. The widespread impact from a single point of failure highlights a material risk to business continuity.

August 1, 2025, 12:39:01 (IST)

Solar backpack initiative addresses energy poverty and educational barriers in Africa

An initiative is tackling energy poverty and its impact on education in parts of Africa by distributing backpacks with integrated solar panels, as per a report in CNN. The backpacks provide a light source for students to study after dark in areas lacking reliable electricity, a key infrastructural deficit. This development represents a decentralised, small-scale solution to improve educational outcomes and literacy, which are foundational for future economic productivity and human capital development in the region. The project highlights a practical application of renewable energy technology to address critical social and economic challenges.

August 1, 2025, 12:35:12 (IST)

Fatal elephant attack in Zambia raises concerns for tourism sector and conservation funding

An elephant attack that resulted in the deaths of two female tourists from the UK and New Zealand in a Zambian national park has highlighted the significant economic risks facing the country’s tourism-dependent economy, CNN says in a report. The incident is expected to place Zambia’s government under considerable pressure to review and reinforce safety protocols within its national parks to prevent reputational damage and a potential decline in tourist arrivals, which are a critical source of foreign exchange. The event also brings into focus the broader challenges of escalating human-wildlife conflict across Africa and sparks renewed debate among conservationists and economists about the sustainability of wildlife tourism, the adequacy of park funding, and the delicate balance between economic development and conservation mandates.

August 1, 2025, 12:34:16 (IST)

More than 50 children swim from Morocco to Spanish enclave of Ceuta

More than 50 children swam from Morocco to reach the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, a European Union territory on the coast of North Africa, according to a report in CNN. Ceuta, along with Melilla, is one of the EU’s only land borders with Africa. Under international and Spanish law, unaccompanied minors who arrive in Spanish territory are granted special protection and cannot be immediately deported.

August 1, 2025, 12:31:22 (IST)

South Africa’s Treasury announces R1.8 billion credit guarantee vehicle for infrastructure

South Africa’s Treasury has announced the creation of a new Credit Guarantee Vehicle to address the nation’s estimated R3.5 trillion infrastructure gap, according to a report in The Star. Deputy Minister of Finance David Masondo stated that the vehicle will launch with an initial investment of R1.8 billion. The initiative is designed to attract further private capital to fund major infrastructure projects.

August 1, 2025, 12:30:33 (IST)

Brazil offers to help Namibia secure its coastline amid major oil discoveries

Outgoing Brazilian ambassador to Namibia, Vivian Loss Sanmartin, affirmed her country’s commitment to assisting Namibia in safeguarding its coastline, particularly in light of recent major offshore oil and gas discoveries, The Namibian said in a report. The offer, made during a farewell visit to Namibian Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Thursday, is economically significant as it aims to enhance security for the nation’s burgeoning energy sector. This cooperation is crucial for securing the large-scale foreign investments from international oil companies that are developing the new fields.

August 1, 2025, 12:26:45 (IST)

Kaizer Chiefs release defender Bongani Sam after one season

South African soccer club Kaizer Chiefs has parted ways with defender Bongani Sam, according to a report in The Star. The decision follows an injury-plagued season for the player, who had transferred to the club from Orlando Pirates in July 2024.

August 1, 2025, 12:19:51 (IST)

Surge in sexual violence against children reported in conflict-torn DRC

Accounts from child survivors in the Democratic Republic of Congo are shedding light on a surge in rape and sexual violence being used as a systematic weapon of war, according to a report in CNN. The escalation is linked to intensified conflict, particularly the resurgence of the M23 rebel group, which has increased displacement and instability. Contributing factors include security vacuums created by the phased withdrawal of the UN’s MONUSCO peacekeeping mission and a widespread humanitarian crisis that has left millions in vulnerable situations. The crisis is further compounded by a persistent lack of accountability, with very few perpetrators from armed groups or state security forces facing justice for these crimes.

August 1, 2025, 11:46:10 (IST)

Rwanda allocates over 8% of its 2025-26 budget to climate action

Rwanda’s government has earmarked over 8% of its 2025-26 fiscal year budget for combating climate change and protecting the environment, as per a report in The New Times. This substantial allocation is a concrete step towards fulfilling the country’s ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, which target a 38% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Analysts view the decision as a strategic move to enhance Rwanda’s reputation as a leader in climate action, potentially attracting greater international climate finance and foreign direct investment. The funding also serves as a proactive measure against the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in East Africa. However, the significant investment raises questions among economists about the opportunity costs for other critical sectors and highlights the need for transparent and effective implementation to deliver tangible results.

August 1, 2025, 11:35:20 (IST)

Namibia T20 franchise cricket series returns in Windhoek

The Namibia T20 Franchise cricket series returns for its sixth edition, with four teams set to compete in a double round-robin format in Windhoek, The Namibian says in a report. The event’s return is seen as a significant indicator of Namibia’s post-pandemic social and economic recovery, contributing to public morale and national stability. Analysts note that the tournament, which relies on private sponsorship, aligns with the government’s strategy to diversify the economy by encouraging private sector investment in non-traditional sectors like sports and entertainment. While the direct economic impact may be modest, the league is expected to stimulate local business activity and create niche employment, supporting broader economic development goals.

August 1, 2025, 11:33:51 (IST)

South African church kidnapping highlights rising security risks and economic pressures

Armed suspects disrupted a church service in Klipfontein, Witbank, kidnapping worshippers and stealing their belongings, The Star said in a report. The event is indicative of a wider trend of rising violent crime in South Africa, as confirmed by recent police statistics, which is intensifying public and political pressure on the ruling ANC government to improve security. From an economic perspective, such brazen attacks, particularly on perceived safe havens like places of worship, amplify concerns for investors regarding country risk and political stability. The incident highlights the significant security challenges that can impact business operations and necessitate increased security expenditure. Experts note that these events are often rooted in deep socio-economic issues like unemployment and inequality, which pose long-term challenges to the nation’s economic environment.

August 1, 2025, 11:30:38 (IST)

South African court denies spousal permit in complex identity case

A Nigerian man’s application for a spousal permit in South Africa has been denied by the High Court after a two-year waiting period, The Star said in a report. The dismissal of the permit was linked to the applicant’s complex identity, as he had also identified as a Zimbabwean national. This ruling occurs within a broader context of South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs implementing stricter immigration controls and more rigorous scrutiny of applications, particularly those involving potential documentation or identity discrepancies. The decision highlights the legal and administrative challenges facing foreign nationals in the country amid a political climate of heightened enforcement and rising anti-immigrant sentiment.

August 1, 2025, 10:46:59 (IST)

Dangote Cement announces new plant in Côte d’Ivoire as part of pan-African expansion

Dangote Cement will establish a new manufacturing plant in Côte d’Ivoire as part of a wider pan-African expansion strategy aimed at increasing its production capacity and market presence, Business Insider reports. The new facility represents a significant foreign direct investment for Côte d’Ivoire and is expected to contribute to the country’s industrialisation goals. The project also aligns with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and economic integration efforts within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

August 1, 2025, 10:45:02 (IST)

France monitors US plan to destroy $9.7 million in contraceptives intended for Africa

The French government has stated it is closely monitoring a plan by the administration of US President Donald Trump to destroy $9.7 million worth of contraceptives, which were likely destined for Africa, The Guardian said in a report. The contraceptives, mostly long-acting methods such as IUDs and birth control implants, were originally purchased for public health programs run by the US Agency for International Development (USAID). The plan to potentially move the supplies to France for incineration has sparked outrage from French feminist organizations and family planning groups, who describe it as a wasteful attack on women’s rights.

August 1, 2025, 10:15:02 (IST)

Operation Dudula to campaign for ban on undocumented foreign children in South African schools

The South African civic movement Operation Dudula intends to launch a campaign in late December 2025 and early January 2026 aimed at preventing undocumented foreign children from enrolling in the nation’s public schools, as per a report in The Star. The group’s stated goal is to prioritise South African children for school placements, only admitting legally documented foreign children if space is available. This planned action occurs within a context of rising anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa, fuelled by high unemployment and economic inequality. Analysts note the move could heighten social instability and create long-term economic challenges by potentially forming a marginalised, uneducated population, whilst also placing significant legal and administrative pressure on the government and the public education system.

August 1, 2025, 08:49:59 (IST)

Senegal’s prime minister to present economic recovery plan amid private sector alarm

Amid significant concern from Senegal’s private sector regarding a ‘tired’ economy, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko is scheduled to unveil a ‘recovery plan’ on August 1st, as per a report in Jeune Afrique. The new government, led by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Sonko, faces pressure to address pressing economic challenges, including high youth unemployment and rising living costs, which have been exacerbated by recent political instability. The forthcoming plan is highly anticipated by both the domestic business community and international investors, as it is expected to outline the administration’s strategies on fiscal policy, investment, and structural reforms to revitalise the nation’s economy.

August 1, 2025, 08:45:52 (IST)

Prosecutor seeks one-year prison term for former DRC security chief in conspiracy case

The prosecutor in the Democratic Republic of Congo has requested a one-year prison term for Francois Beya, the former special security advisor to President Félix Tshisekedi, who is on trial for “conspiracy against the head of state”, as per a report in Jeune Afrique. Beya, a key figure in the nation’s security apparatus, was arrested in February 2022 in a case widely seen as a measure of political stability and judicial independence. The request for a relatively short sentence for such a serious charge is prompting analysis regarding potential political influence over the judiciary, which carries significant implications for investor perceptions of political risk and the rule of law in the country.

August 1, 2025, 08:32:03 (IST)

Cameroonian opposition leader Cabral Libii sets conditions for unified candidacy

Cabral Libii, a member of parliament and president of the Cameroonian Party for National Reconciliation (PCRN), has confirmed his candidacy for Cameroon’s upcoming presidential election in October, according to a report in Jeune Afrique. While promoting his own platform, Libii stated he is not opposed to the idea of a single, unified opposition candidate to challenge the long-standing rule of President Paul Biya. However, he has laid out specific conditions that must be met for him to join and support such an alliance.

August 1, 2025, 07:49:22 (IST)

South Africa allocates R132 million to support research affected by US funding cuts

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) has launched a R132 million (US$7.3 million) funding initiative to support domestic research projects, as per a report in Research Professional News. The intervention is a direct response to recent US federal government funding cuts that impacted local projects. This move by the government-backed SAMRC is aimed at ensuring the continuity of critical scientific work, promoting self-reliance in the country’s research sector, and mitigating the economic impact of dependency on fluctuating international financial support.

August 1, 2025, 07:27:10 (IST)

CJID launches Nigeria’s first Openness Index Report

The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) has launched Nigeria’s inaugural Openness Index Report, a new study designed to measure the state of civic space in the country, Premium Times said in a report. The report is structured around two main indices: ‘enablers,’ which are elements that support press freedom and public expression, and ‘inhibitors,’ which are factors that suppress these freedoms. The index aims to provide a data-driven tool for assessing and advocating for greater transparency and democratic accountability in Nigeria.

August 1, 2025, 07:25:41 (IST)

Experts call on Nigerian government to incentivise digital health innovators and bolster primary care with local tech

Experts in Nigeria are urging the government to provide incentives for digital health innovators and use local technological solutions to strengthen the nation’s Primary Healthcare Centres, according to a report in Premium Times. The call to action highlights that co-creation between the public and private sectors, the implementation of ‘smart regulation’, and investment in local infrastructure are essential for building a sustainable digital health ecosystem. These measures are seen as critical for improving healthcare access, particularly in underserved areas, and for fostering economic growth by supporting Nigeria’s domestic technology sector, which aligns with the country’s broader digital economy strategy.

August 1, 2025, 07:25:19 (IST)

Cholera threatens 80,000 children in West and Central Africa amid heavy rains

An estimated 80,000 children are at severe risk from a cholera outbreak sweeping across West and Central Africa, exacerbated by heavy rains that are contaminating water sources, Africanews says in a report. The situation is particularly acute in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Nigeria, prompting fears of the disease spreading across national borders. This public health crisis places significant pressure on the governments of affected nations to manage the response and allocate resources effectively. The outbreak highlights the economic costs of recurrent health crises, which impact productivity, strain healthcare systems, and can deter foreign investment, while also increasing demand for international humanitarian aid.

August 1, 2025, 07:21:11 (IST)

Chinese EV maker BYD boosts investment in Africa amid Western trade barriers

In response to growing protectionism and potential tariffs from European and US markets, Chinese automaker BYD is strategically pivoting to Africa with substantial new investments, as per a report in Jeune Afrique. The world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer is actively strengthening its presence on the continent by forming partnerships with local companies. This business strategy is seen as a direct consequence of Western trade policies, including anti-subsidy investigations, compelling Chinese firms to seek alternative high-growth markets. The move aligns with China’s broader economic objectives in Africa, presenting opportunities for technology transfer and industrialisation for African nations, whilst also intensifying geopolitical competition for market influence on the continent.

August 1, 2025, 07:19:31 (IST)

Kenyan court orders exhumation of mass graves at Shakahola massacre site

A Kenyan court has ordered the exhumation of suspected mass graves near the site of the Shakahola massacre, Jeune Afrique says in a report. The judicial order is connected to the ongoing investigation into the events of 2023, when more than 400 followers of a religious sect were discovered dead. The victims are believed to have fasted to death as part of the cult’s activities.

End of Liveblog