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
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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:
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 6, 2025, 06:10:00 (IST)
Nigerian politician Valentine Ozigbo leads procession in defiance of police order in Anambra
Nigerian politician Valentine Ozigbo, also known as VDM, led a candlelight procession in Awka, Anambra State, on Tuesday in defiance of a police warning, according to a report in Premium Times. The procession, which began at Aroma Junction, was staged despite an order from the state’s Police Command against the gathering. Ozigbo was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2021 Anambra State governorship election, and the event highlights ongoing political tensions in the region concerning the right to assembly and state security directives.
August 6, 2025, 06:03:40 (IST)
Nigeria’s FCC seeks legislative backing to enforce equity in governance
Nigeria’s Federal Character Commission (FCC) is requesting stronger legislative support to better enforce its mandate of ensuring equity and inclusiveness in government operations, as per a report in Premium Times. The commission stated that its work is being hindered by a lack of cooperation from some federal agencies and state governments that resist its oversight. The FCC, which is responsible for implementing Nigeria’s ‘federal character’ principle, aims to secure more authority to compel compliance with rules designed for equitable representation in public appointments and resource distribution.
August 6, 2025, 06:02:18 (IST)
Cameroon’s constitutional council bars opposition leader from presidential election
Cameroon’s Constitutional Council has officially barred opposition leader Maurice Kamto from the country’s October presidential election, Africanews said in a report. The council delivered its ruling on Tuesday, rejecting Kamto’s appeal on the grounds that it was “lacking legal justification”. This decision effectively removes a key challenger to incumbent President Paul Biya.
August 6, 2025, 05:58:44 (IST)
Over 20 socially owned renewable energy projects identified in South Africa
Research has identified over 20 socially owned renewable energy projects operating across South Africa, despite the absence of an official government registry for these initiatives, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. These projects, distinct from state-owned or large private ventures, are typically managed by community groups or non-profits as a decentralised response to the country’s severe and ongoing energy crisis. While their current contribution to the national energy supply is minor, they represent a growing model of local empowerment and energy self-reliance.
August 6, 2025, 05:50:56 (IST)
Charity Commission criticises Prince Harry for public dispute at Sentebale
The UK’s Charity Commission has criticised Prince Harry, chair Sophie Chandauka, and other trustees of the Sentebale charity for allowing an internal dispute to “play out publicly,” according to a report in The Guardian. The public disagreement occurred earlier in the year following Prince Harry’s resignation as a patron of the African charity he co-founded. While the watchdog rebuked all parties for their public conduct, its report also cleared Prince Harry of racism allegations that had arisen from the row.
August 6, 2025, 05:49:34 (IST)
Former Nigerian president calls for support for traditional medicine and a continental health fund
A former Nigerian president has urged for increased support for traditional medicine and the creation of a continental health fund for Africa, according to a report in Premium Times. The call to action was made during a summit that convened current and former heads of state, along with global health advocates and development partners, to discuss health-related issues on the continent.
August 6, 2025, 05:04:18 (IST)
Gabon cave discovery sheds light on 27,000 years of human adaptation
Archaeologists working in Gabon have unearthed significant artifacts, including tools, pottery, and teeth, from forest caves that date back to approximately 25,000 BC, as per a report in France 24. The discovery provides new insights into 27,000 years of human history in the region. These findings are considered important for understanding how ancient human populations adapted to significant climate shifts during prehistoric times.
August 6, 2025, 04:15:14 (IST)
Nigeria’s EFCC appeals partial acquittal of former health insurance chief in $2.2m money laundering case
Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has appealed the partial acquittal of a former National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) chief, Mr Thomas, in a $2.2 million money laundering case, Premium Times reports. The EFCC has petitioned the Court of Appeal to overturn the lower court’s judgment and convict the former official on five specific counts—1, 2, 3, 4, and 7—on which he had been acquitted.
August 6, 2025, 04:09:06 (IST)
Nigeria’s petroleum authority unifies regulations for midstream and downstream sectors
Nigeria’s Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has initiated a consolidation of regulations to streamline the country’s petroleum sector, according to a report in Premium Times. This strategic move, which builds upon the framework of the 2021 Petroleum Industry Act, aims to eliminate operational complexities and inconsistencies, thereby creating a more predictable and attractive environment for investment. The unification is seen by analysts as a critical step following the recent removal of fuel subsidies, intended to enhance transparency and efficiency. For industry operators, this could reduce compliance costs and bureaucratic hurdles, although it will also function alongside new fee structures like the Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Fees Regulations 2024. The success of the reform is considered contingent on robust and transparent implementation to effectively tackle long-standing governance issues within the sector.
August 6, 2025, 04:04:47 (IST)
Police in Nigeria arrest suspects in rape, cultism, and armed robbery case
Police in Nigeria have arrested multiple suspects for their alleged involvement in rape, cultism, and armed robbery, Premium Times said in a report. The arrests are connected to an incident where a female lodging in a guest house was allegedly raped by the suspects.
August 6, 2025, 03:59:55 (IST)
Nigeria reports 155 deaths from Lassa fever in 2025 as fatality rate exceeds 2024 level
Nigeria is facing a significant Lassa fever outbreak in 2025, with 155 deaths recorded from 822 confirmed cases, as per a report in Premium Times. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) stated that the disease has spread across 21 states and 105 Local Government Areas. The data indicates a worsening situation, as the case fatality rate for the current year has now surpassed that of 2024.
August 6, 2025, 03:56:10 (IST)
Nigeria wins 25 medals at inaugural African School Games, secures 2027 hosting rights
Nigeria won a total of 25 medals at the inaugural African School Games and secured the hosting rights for the 2027 edition of the event, according to a report in Premium Times. The country’s medal tally for the Olympic-styled competition included 6 gold, 10 silver, and 9 bronze medals across 10 different sports.
August 6, 2025, 03:45:10 (IST)
Lagos exclusive breastfeeding rate reaches 57.4 per cent, officials note low early initiation
The exclusive breastfeeding rate in Lagos State has reached 57.4 per cent, a development with positive implications for the region’s long-term economic health, Premium Times said in a report. An official, Ms Ogunyemi, confirmed the figure but also highlighted a significant challenge: the rate of early breastfeeding initiation within the first hour of birth remains low at 14 per cent. The state government has affirmed it is working to address this gap. From an economic perspective, improvements in breastfeeding rates are linked to reduced public healthcare expenditure due to lower childhood illness and contribute to the development of a more productive future workforce, justifying investment in maternal and child health programmes.
August 6, 2025, 03:18:20 (IST)
US senate considers review of Kenya’s major non-NATO ally status
The United States Senate has been formally asked to review Kenya’s designation as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA), a status granted in May 2024, according to a report in Standard Media. The request is based on allegations that President William Ruto’s government has engaged in human rights abuses and has connections to “rogue armed groups.” This development puts the strategic partnership between the US and Kenya under scrutiny, potentially jeopardising the military and economic benefits associated with MNNA status. A review could strain bilateral relations, impacting joint counter-terrorism efforts and future economic cooperation.
August 6, 2025, 03:05:04 (IST)
New investigation into Tunisian opposition leader heightens economic uncertainty
Tunisian authorities have opened a new investigation into Rached Ghannouchi, leader of the prominent opposition party Ennahdha, further intensifying the country’s political crisis and amplifying economic headwinds, as per a report in Africanews. This legal action is the latest step in a broader consolidation of power by President Kais Saied, which began in mid-2021 with the suspension of parliament. From a market perspective, the persistent targeting of opposition figures deepens political instability, a key factor that deters foreign direct investment and complicates Tunisia’s relationship with international lenders and Western partners. The move signals an increasingly unpredictable business environment, which could harm vital sectors and undermine efforts for economic recovery. This development reinforces concerns among investors about democratic backsliding and the erosion of the rule of law, further clouding Tunisia’s sovereign risk profile and its ability to secure necessary foreign aid.
August 6, 2025, 03:03:53 (IST)
Tanzania’s political liberalisation seen boosting investor confidence as opposition plans nationwide rallies
Following the lifting of a political rally ban by President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government, Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, has announced plans for a comprehensive outreach campaign intended to reach every ward and village in the country, Africanews says in a report. This move is viewed by economic analysts as a significant step towards reducing political risk and improving the business climate. The increased political openness, a clear departure from the more restrictive policies of the previous administration, is expected to bolster investor confidence and potentially attract greater foreign direct investment by signalling a return to a more stable and predictable political environment.
August 6, 2025, 02:53:34 (IST)
Main opposition hopeful in Egypt withdraws from presidential race
The main opposition hopeful in Egypt has abandoned the presidential race, a move that significantly clears the path for the re-election of incumbent President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Africanews said in a report. The withdrawal is a major setback for Egypt’s fragmented opposition and occurs within a political climate characterised by a sustained crackdown on dissent since 2013. This development reinforces the government’s control over the political landscape, a situation which international observers and human rights groups view as evidence of a deteriorating democratic space. The event is consistent with past elections where potential challengers have withdrawn, citing pressure and an uneven playing field, further cementing a political environment that prioritises stability over open competition amidst ongoing economic difficulties.
August 6, 2025, 02:52:27 (IST)
Gabon’s President Ali Bongo delays announcement for third presidential bid
President Ali Bongo of Gabon has postponed the announcement of his candidacy for a third presidential term, creating a climate of political uncertainty that could affect investor confidence in the oil-dependent nation, Africanews says in a report. The delay raises questions about stability, particularly given the Bongo family’s rule since 1967, a history of contentious elections, and the president’s past health issues. For the Gabonese economy, which relies heavily on oil revenues, analysts note that prolonged ambiguity or a contentious electoral process elevates the risk of political instability, a key concern for foreign direct investment and overall market sentiment.
August 6, 2025, 02:40:01 (IST)
Zimbabwean opposition leader Nelson Chamisa departs from CCC party citing infiltration
Prominent Zimbabwean opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has left the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party, which he founded in 2022, as per a report in Africanews. Chamisa asserted that the party has been “hijacked” and contaminated by the ruling ZANU-PF party. This decision follows a period of internal turmoil, most notably the controversial recalls of numerous CCC Members of Parliament and councillors initiated by Sengezo Tshabangu, who claimed the title of the party’s interim secretary-general. These recalls, which Chamisa’s faction deemed illegitimate, significantly weakened the opposition’s presence in parliament following the disputed 2023 general elections.
August 6, 2025, 02:32:19 (IST)
Tanzanian opposition official dies after acid attack
An opposition official in Tanzania has died after being targeted in an acid attack, Africanews says in a report. The fatal assault is being viewed as a significant escalation of political violence and occurs within a context of what observers have described as a shrinking democratic space and increased pressure on opposition figures in the country. The attack contributes to a climate of fear and highlights the risks faced by political activists in the nation.
August 6, 2025, 02:30:07 (IST)
Tunisian political tensions rise as opposition decries pre-election restrictions, raising stability concerns
Opposition parties in Tunisia have denounced political restrictions ahead of legislative elections, escalating concerns over the country’s political stability and its potential impact on investor confidence, according to a report in Africanews. The denunciation points to a challenging political environment under President Kais Saied, which analysts suggest is eroding democratic institutions and creating uncertainty. For businesses and investors, this democratic backsliding signifies heightened political risk, potentially impacting foreign investment and the country’s relationship with international financial partners. The restrictions are seen as a move to consolidate power, which could lead to further public discontent and delegitimise the election’s outcome, posing a significant risk to Tunisia’s economic outlook.
August 6, 2025, 01:58:17 (IST)
Namibia moves towards an independent football league for 2026/27 season
Namibia is advancing plans to establish an autonomous top-tier football league, with a target launch for the 2026/27 season, The Namibian says in a report. Following a meeting between the Namibia Football Association (NFA) and club representatives, NFA spokesperson Isack Hamata confirmed there is an “urgency” to grant the Namibia Premier Football League operational and financial independence. This strategic shift aims to professionalise the league by giving clubs direct control over commercial operations, governance, and revenue generation. The move is seen as a cr