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 across sectors
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Political tremors and economic signals are shaping headlines across Africa today. In Nigeria, leadership talks and a show of unity follow a minor accident involving a state governor, while inflation dynamics in South Africa raise hopes for interest rate cuts. Meanwhile, the continent faces growing democratic strain—mass protests erupt in Togo over constitutional reform, Burkina Faso’s junta claims to foil a coup plot, and a new report links atrocities in Sudan to illicit paramilitary funding. Stay with us for updates from across the region.
Here’s what making news in Africa today
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 across sectors
July 25, 2025, 05:07:35 (IST)
Rwanda mandates operating licences for all new tourism and hospitality businesses
Rwanda is enforcing a directive requiring all new tourism and hospitality establishments to apply for and obtain a tourism operating licence (TOL) before they can begin operations, as per a report in The New Times. This measure is based on the country’s 2014 tourism law, which is now being strictly implemented to ensure regulatory compliance across the sector. The government’s move aims to professionalise the industry and ensure all businesses, including accommodation and tour services, adhere to national standards from their inception.
July 25, 2025, 05:03:10 (IST)
Nigerian president directs state governors to address economic hardship at grassroots level
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has publicly acknowledged widespread “complaints at the grassroots” and directed state governors to increase support for local communities and deliver “progressive change,” as per a report in Premium Times. The directive comes amid severe economic hardship in Nigeria, exacerbated by the administration’s policies since 2023, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the devaluation of the naira. These measures have contributed to significant inflation and a high cost of living, fuelling public discontent. The call highlights the responsibility of state governments to implement more effective economic relief measures and improve service delivery to alleviate the financial strain on citizens.
July 25, 2025, 05:00:01 (IST)
Nigeria’s main opposition party sets national convention for November
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of Nigeria’s main opposition party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has scheduled its next national elective convention for November 15 and 16, Premium Times said in a report. The event, where delegates will elect new national officers for the party, will be held in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
July 25, 2025, 04:53:47 (IST)
Rwanda leverages capital markets for Vision 2050 development plan
Rwanda is working to leverage its capital markets as a key driver for long-term investment to realise its national development strategy, Vision 2050, according to a report in The New Times. The plan aims to transform the nation into a high middle-income economy. This focus on capital markets, including the Rwanda Stock Exchange, is part of a broader effort to deepen the financial sector, attract foreign direct investment, and reduce the country’s dependence on foreign aid, building on previous development initiatives.
July 25, 2025, 04:51:02 (IST)
Nick Barigye appointed new deputy governor of Rwanda’s central bank
Nick Barigye was appointed as the new Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda on 24 July, as per a report in The New Times. He succeeds Justin Nsengiyumva in the position. The Deputy Governor role is integral to the leadership of the central bank, which is responsible for directing monetary policy, managing inflation, and ensuring financial sector stability. Leadership changes at the central bank are typically monitored by investors and the business community for potential shifts in economic policy.
July 25, 2025, 04:49:45 (IST)
Katsina state governor congratulates new national legal adviser for Nigeria’s ruling party
Governor Dikko Radda of Nigeria’s Katsina state has congratulated Mr. Kankia on his appointment as the new National Legal Adviser for the country’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party, Premium Times said in a report. Governor Radda noted that he considers Mr. Kankia’s extensive experience in public service and the legal field to be a strong qualification, making him the right person for the key party position.
July 25, 2025, 04:45:27 (IST)
WFP aid suspension threat in Nigeria signals deepening economic and fiscal crisis
The World Food Programme’s (WFP) warning that it may halt food aid in Nigeria without an urgent injection of $130 million underscores the country’s precarious economic and humanitarian situation, as per a report in Premium Times. This potential suspension of support, intended to last through 2025, comes as Nigeria grapples with the severe economic fallout from recent reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira, which have triggered soaring inflation and pushed more citizens towards food insecurity. The funding shortfall places immense fiscal and political pressure on the Nigerian government, potentially impacting social stability and investor sentiment. For international donors, it highlights the strain on global humanitarian budgets amid multiple competing crises, while for Nigeria, it reveals a critical dependency on external aid that belies its status as Africa’s largest economy, pointing to deep-seated structural challenges that could affect its long-term economic outlook.
July 25, 2025, 04:37:57 (IST)
Botswana Defence Force player wins Letlhakane table tennis open
Tshireletso Samuel of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) emerged victorious in the men’s final of the Phoenix Letlhakane Open table tennis tournament, as per a report in the Botswana Gazette. In a dramatic five-set encounter, Samuel defeated his BDF teammate Bakang Maloka. The final score of 11/6, 6/11, 11/5, 2/11, 11/8 reflected a closely contested match with significant shifts in momentum.
July 25, 2025, 04:35:30 (IST)
Rwanda consolidates oversight of mining and conventions under development board
As part of an ongoing government review aimed at enhancing institutional efficiency, Rwanda is placing its Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB) and its Convention Bureau (RCB) under the direct supervision of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), as per a report in The New Times. This strategic consolidation significantly expands the RDB’s mandate, reinforcing its position as the central state agency for driving economic growth and attracting foreign direct investment. The move is intended to create a more integrated ‘one-stop-shop’ for investors and better align the critical mining and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism sectors with national development strategies for economic diversification.
July 25, 2025, 03:30:02 (IST)
Rwanda to launch youth investment facility for entrepreneurs
The government of Rwanda is set to establish and operationalise a Youth Investment Facility (YIF) to foster entrepreneurship among young people over the next five years, according to a report in The New Times. The initiative is a component of the country’s broader National Strategy for Transformation, which prioritises job creation and youth empowerment. The facility aims to provide targeted support to young entrepreneurs as part of national efforts to address youth unemployment and stimulate economic growth.
July 25, 2025, 03:09:30 (IST)
Nigerian environmental agency halts quarry operations in Abuja following protests
Nigeria’s National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has halted operations and sealed a quarry site in Abuja operated by Dai Jin Jia Investment, as per a report in Premium Times. The regulatory action was taken after residents of the adjacent ACO Estate held a protest on July 19, raising concerns about the environmental impact of the company’s activities.
July 25, 2025, 03:06:12 (IST)
Nigerian court convicts former health insurance chief for $2.2 million fraud
A Nigerian court has convicted the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Olufemi Thomas, along with a bureau de change (BDC) operator, in connection with a $2,198,900 fraud, according to a report in Premium Times. The conviction, resulting from a case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), found Thomas guilty of transacting with large sums of cash that exceeded the legal threshold without processing them through a formal financial institution. This action constitutes a violation of the country’s anti-money laundering regulations.
July 25, 2025, 03:05:40 (IST)
Rwandan President Paul Kagame appoints new cabinet with four new members
Rwandan President Paul Kagame appointed a new, slightly changed cabinet on Thursday, introducing four new faces to his administration, according to a report in The New Times. A large number of ministers from the previous government were retained in their positions. The appointments were announced on July 24.
July 25, 2025, 03:05:20 (IST)
Nigerian court affirms Bolt as VAT collection agent for platform vendors
A Nigerian court has affirmed a tax tribunal’s decision that designates the ride-hailing and food delivery company Bolt as a collection agent for the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), as per a report in Premium Times. The ruling mandates Bolt to collect and remit VAT on behalf of the independent food vendors and drivers operating on its platform. This legal decision strengthens the Nigerian government’s efforts to increase non-oil tax revenue by formalising the tax obligations of participants in the country’s expanding digital and gig economy, setting a significant precedent for other platforms.
July 25, 2025, 03:04:32 (IST)
Nigerian legal body appoints 57 lawyers to the rank of Senior Advocate
Nigeria’s Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has approved a list of 57 lawyers for promotion to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Premium Times says in a report. The decision was made during the committee’s 169th plenary session, chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola. This development is significant for Nigeria’s investment and business environment, as SANs constitute the elite tier of legal practitioners who often lead high-stakes commercial, political, and electoral litigation. The expansion of this rank impacts the legal landscape for corporate entities and investors, influencing the perceived stability of the rule of law and the resolution of major disputes.
July 25, 2025, 03:02:03 (IST)
Development Bank of Namibia seeks N$29 million repayment from corruption-accused Elindi brothers
The Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) has initiated legal action to recover N$29 million in defaulted loans from brothers Peter and Malakia Elindi and their company, Enercon Namibia, The Namibian says in a report. This civil claim coincides with the brothers’ ongoing detention related to separate allegations of corruption at the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor). The case highlights the financial repercussions of alleged graft and places the governance and risk management practices of Namibia’s state-owned enterprises, particularly DBN’s lending protocols and Namcor’s internal controls, under significant scrutiny.
July 25, 2025, 03:00:14 (IST)
Nigeria reports 127,000 new cancer cases annually
Nigeria is facing a significant public health challenge with 127,000 new cancer cases recorded annually, Premium Times says in a report. An official highlighted that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cancer represent one of the fastest-growing contributors to the country’s overall disease burden. This situation has substantial economic implications, including catastrophic out-of-pocket health expenditures for families, which can lead to poverty, and significant losses in national productivity. The high incidence rate places pressure on the government’s underfunded healthcare system and may influence future policy, budget allocations, and international donor priorities towards addressing NCDs.
July 25, 2025, 02:52:46 (IST)
New judge takes over ex-governor Obiano’s money laundering case in Nigeria, new trial date set
The money laundering trial of former Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano has been taken over by a new judge, requiring the legal proceedings to start afresh, according to a report in Premium Times. Due to the judicial change, Obiano is expected to enter a new plea before the court. Furthermore, the prosecution, led by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), will have to re-invite all witnesses who had previously testified to present their evidence again before the new presiding judge.
July 25, 2025, 02:52:07 (IST)
Namibian councils in Zambezi region advance affordable housing projects via PPPs
In Namibia’s Zambezi region, the Katima Mulilo Town Council and the Bukalo Village Council are making progress in providing affordable housing through public-private partnerships (PPPs), according to an announcement by regional governor Dorothy Kabula, as per a report in The Namibian. Speaking during her maiden state of the region address, the governor highlighted that the Katima Mulilo Town Council has contributed to the initiative by donating land. This strategy reflects a model of leveraging private sector collaboration to address public infrastructure needs within the region.
July 25, 2025, 02:36:21 (IST)
OAU management addresses proposed new student dress code
Management at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Nigeria has addressed a new student dress code that is currently trending on social media, Premium Times says in a report. A copy of the proposed regulations indicates the university plans to implement several restrictions on student appearance. These include banning heavy make-up, dreadlocks, nose rings, and coloured hairstyles. The code also specifically targets male students, proposing a ban on hair braiding.
July 25, 2025, 02:18:03 (IST)
SADC announces troop withdrawal from eastern DRC, increasing security and investment risks
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is set to begin a phased withdrawal of its military mission (SAMIDRC) from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as per a report in Mail & Guardian. This decision, which follows the recent departure of other UN and regional forces, heightens concerns over a potential security vacuum in the mineral-rich region, where armed groups such as the M23 rebellion remain active. The withdrawal is reportedly driven by a combination of the mission’s financial unsustainability and the DRC government’s policy to have its national army, the FARDC, assume full security responsibilities. For businesses and investors, particularly in the mining sector, this development significantly elevates operational and political risk, as the ability of the FARDC to secure the area and contain violence is a primary concern.
July 25, 2025, 02:03:46 (IST)
Former Namcor MD denies N$3.2m car bribe allegation in court
Imms Mulunga, the former managing director of the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor), testified in court denying allegations that he corruptly accepted an Audi Q8 valued at N$3.2 million as a bribe, The Namibian says in a report. The state alleges the vehicle was a form of gratification from fugitive fuel firm owner Victor Malima in August 2022. The high-profile case places further scrutiny on the governance and internal controls of Namcor, a key state-owned enterprise, amid a broader anti-corruption drive within the country.
July 25, 2025, 02:01:47 (IST)
Gulf states channel billions into Africa as China adapts financial strategy
Gulf states are significantly increasing their financial commitments in Africa, directing billions into key s