Browsing: Africa news

The governments of Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso, all currently ruled through recent military coups, may potentially withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), according to a CNBC report. This move could unbalance the region, giving rise to significant economic ramifications as well as instability.

The 30th edition of the illustrious Pan African Film Festival commenced on February 28, 2022, in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. As one of the largest and most prestigious black film festivals globally, the festival is set to feature more than 150 films from over 40 countries, including Nigeria, Sudan, and Somalia.

In an exciting development for the energy sector, Swire Energy Services has successfully finalized the acquisition of South African offshore support services provider, Manifold Offshore. Although the financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed, the move is expected to greatly consolidate Swire’s service offerings in the oil and gas maintenance industry across Africa.

The Director of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) African Department, Abebe Aemro Selassie, expressed significant optimism about Africa’s economic recovery from the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic during a recent media roundtable discussion.

A global nature conservation group, African Parks, has committed to investigating allegations of human rights abuses at one of its parks in the Congo. The accusations were held by The Rainforest Foundation UK and Resource Matters, which presented strong claims of unlawful evictions, intimidation, harassing incidents, and misuse of force against park residents.

Namibia mourns the loss of its long-standing leader and president, Hage Geingob, following an announcement from the presidency confirming his death at the age of 82 years old.

The growing influence of the internet as a tool for economic development cannot be underestimated, especially in light of its role in transforming Africa’s socio-economic landscape. The assertion hinges on several research studies, underscoring the undeniable significance of affordable and reliable internet access for businesses and households alike on the continent.

In a compelling address on World Cancer Day 2024, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, stated that approximately one-third of cancer cases in Africa can be prevented. Furthermore, she emphasized that an additional third can be fully cured if identified at an early stage and treated effectively.

In a strategic move aimed at curbing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, Microsoft tycoon Bill Gates, in partnership with his charitable foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has launched an innovative COVID-19 surveillance system. This groundbreaking measure will primarily be focused on sub-Saharan Africa.

South Africa has imposed an 8.5% increase in the national minimum hourly wage, enhancing it to $1.46. Predicted to impact the lives of the country’s 6.44 million workers who earn the minimum wage, the decision comes amidst tracking inflation rates, currently recorded at 5.7% according to the National Department of Employment and Labour.