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
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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:
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 5, 2025, 06:22:16 (IST)
Nigerian opposition leader Peter Obi pledges to serve a single presidential term
Nigerian opposition leader Peter Obi announced he would only serve a single presidential term if elected, stating that effective leadership is measured by the quality of service, not years in office, Africanews said in a report. This declaration, made on the social media platform X, is seen as a strategic move following his participation in the 2023 presidential election. From an economic perspective, the pledge aims to signal a departure from long-term political entrenchment, potentially appealing to investors and a public concerned with governance and economic progress. The statement implicitly pressures the current administration of President Bola Tinubu to deliver tangible results, framing impactful, short-term performance as a key metric for leadership and potentially influencing voter expectations regarding political accountability and economic reform in future electoral cycles.
August 5, 2025, 05:45:24 (IST)
Eterna Plc reports N1.6 billion pre-tax profit for H1 2025
Nigerian energy company Eterna Plc announced a pre-tax profit of N1.6 billion for the first half of 2025, a result the firm attributed to enhanced operational execution and strategic market positioning, according to a report in Premium Times. The company’s performance is situated within a reformed economic environment in Nigeria, following major policy shifts by the Tinubu administration. Key factors influencing the sector include the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the exchange rate, both implemented in 2023, which have altered the operating dynamics for energy marketers by enabling market-based pricing.
August 5, 2025, 05:44:40 (IST)
Abuja pastor facing rape charges returns to pulpit after release from detention
An Abuja pastor facing rape charges has returned to his ministry just days after being released from a five-week detention, Premium Times says in a report. A video circulating on social media shows the pastor ministering to his congregation, who gave him an ecstatic welcome upon his return to the pulpit. The legal proceedings concerning the rape charges are ongoing, and his release from custody is a procedural step, not an acquittal.
August 5, 2025, 05:38:09 (IST)
Nigerian development commission chair calls for devolution of powers
The chairperson of a Nigerian regional development commission (NNDC) has proposed significant constitutional reforms, including the official recognition of such commissions, Premium Times says in a report. The proposal advocates for a major restructuring of the country’s federal system by transferring legislative authority in key economic and security sectors—specifically minerals, agriculture, policing, and prisons—from the federal government to state governments. This call for devolution, which would have substantial economic implications for resource control and investment, aligns with ongoing national debates in Nigeria concerning fiscal federalism and security sector reform.
August 5, 2025, 05:36:47 (IST)
Lagos State Government issues ultimatum to 176 illegal real estate developments
Nigeria’s Lagos State Government has published a list of 176 real estate estates it deems illegal for operating without the required ‘Layout approvals’, issuing an ultimatum for developers to regularise their status, Premium Times said in a report. The government notice stated that these unapproved developments compromise the state’s ‘Sustainable Lagos’ initiative, which aims to ensure planned and resilient urban growth. This regulatory action presents significant financial and operational risks for the involved developers and creates uncertainty for property owners. The move could disrupt the local real estate market, potentially slowing new construction and increasing compliance costs, which may influence future property prices in a city already facing a housing affordability crisis.
August 5, 2025, 05:30:53 (IST)
Aradel Holdings reports 37.2% rise in H1 2025 revenue to ₦368.1bn
Aradel Holdings Plc, a prominent Nigerian energy company, announced strong unaudited financial results for the first half of 2025, with revenue climbing 37.2% to ₦368.1 billion and profit after tax rising 40.2% to ₦146.4 billion, Premium Times says in a report. This performance is viewed by analysts as a reflection of Nigeria’s evolving economic landscape, significantly influenced by market-driven fuel pricing following the 2023 subsidy removal and favourable currency effects from the Naira’s devaluation on dollar-denominated earnings. The results also underscore the positive impact of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and government policies promoting local content, which benefit indigenous firms. For investors, Aradel’s growth signals resilience and profitability within Nigeria’s energy sector, potentially bolstering confidence despite the country’s broader macroeconomic challenges.
August 5, 2025, 05:15:37 (IST)
Rwandan parliament passes bill allowing surrogacy and contraceptives for 15-year-olds
Rwanda’s parliament passed a significant healthcare services bill on Monday, August 4, which introduces new regulations for surrogacy and legally permits access to contraceptives for individuals as young as 15, according to a report in The New Times. The legislation is described as a landmark move aimed at formally regulating the practice of surrogacy while also expanding reproductive health options for adolescents within the country’s healthcare framework.
August 5, 2025, 05:05:28 (IST)
Rwandan MPs push for green jobs quota in national employment target
Members of Parliament in Rwanda are urging the government to allocate a specific quota for green jobs as part of its national strategy to create 1.2 million decent and productive jobs by 2029, according to a report in The New Times. This legislative push aligns with the country’s long-term economic goals, such as Vision 2050, and its commitments under the Paris Agreement to reduce emissions. The proposal highlights potential investment opportunities for the private sector in green industries like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and eco-tourism. Successful implementation would necessitate a significant government focus on expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes to equip the workforce with the required skills for these emerging sectors, potentially attracting international development aid for Rwanda’s green transition.
August 5, 2025, 05:00:39 (IST)
Kenya’s education ministry faces turmoil amid internal power struggle
A significant ‘turf war’ is underway in Kenya’s education ministry, where Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba is reportedly being marginalised by his Principal Secretaries, Standard Media says in a report. The conflict highlights structural tensions within the Kenyan government, where Principal Secretaries, as administrative heads responsible for budgets and day-to-day operations, can have direct loyalty to the President, potentially bypassing their politically appointed Cabinet Secretary. This infighting threatens to create policy paralysis and disrupt service delivery within the education sector, raising concerns about governance and the effective implementation of the ministry’s agenda.
August 5, 2025, 04:45:02 (IST)
South Africa’s electoral commission to finalise election timeline this week
South Africa’s Electoral Commission (EC) is expected to announce a definitive timeline this week for the upcoming national elections, signalling that preparations are nearing completion, as per a report in Daily Sun. This development is significant for financial markets, as a fixed and credible electoral schedule can reduce political uncertainty, which is generally viewed as positive for investor confidence and economic planning. The announcement follows key preparatory phases, including voter roll audits and discussions around electoral laws, and will set firm deadlines for political parties to finalise candidate nominations. While a February election is seen as a strong prospect, the main economic impact will depend on the perceived fairness of the process and the potential for post-election stability.
August 5, 2025, 03:53:14 (IST)
Nigerian film ‘My Father’s Shadow’ to premiere at Cannes Film Festival
The Nigerian film ‘My Father’s Shadow’ will have its premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, a significant milestone for the nation’s prolific film industry, Nollywood, according to a report in CNN. This selection is seen as a major boost for the industry’s global visibility, potentially attracting increased foreign investment, new collaborations, and wider international distribution agreements. The event aligns with the Nigerian government’s long-term policy of economic diversification away from oil, highlighting the creative sector’s potential for job creation and GDP contribution. The premiere also serves as a key exercise in cultural diplomacy, enhancing Nigeria’s ‘soft power’ and challenging international perceptions of the country and the African continent.
August 5, 2025, 03:52:38 (IST)
Lagos museum challenges traditional Eurocentric model
A new museum in Lagos, Nigeria, is actively challenging the traditional ‘Eurocentric’ model of curation by centering African perspectives and narratives, according to a report in CNN. The initiative is part of a broader continental movement demanding the repatriation of cultural artifacts and asserting cultural sovereignty. This development carries significant business and economic implications, positioning Nigeria to enhance its international soft power and attract cultural tourism. The museum is also expected to stimulate the local creative industries, fostering job creation for artists and curators and contributing to economic diversification.
August 5, 2025, 03:51:35 (IST)
South Sudan on brink of renewed civil war amid economic and political instability
South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, is facing a high risk of returning to civil war as the key provisions of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict remain unimplemented, according to a report in CNN. The primary drivers of the escalating tension include the failure to unify armed forces under a single command and establish a permanent constitution. This political stalemate is compounded by a severe economic crisis, characterised by hyperinflation, food insecurity, and widespread corruption, particularly concerning the nation’s substantial oil revenues. The instability has significant implications for neighbouring countries such as Sudan, Uganda, and Kenya, which face the prospect of increased refugee flows and disruptions to regional trade and security. The crisis represents a critical challenge for mediators like the African Union and IGAD, as well as for the United Nations, which is grappling with a worsening humanitarian situation affecting millions of South Sudanese.
August 5, 2025, 03:48:53 (IST)
First malaria drug for newborns and infants expected to be approved in Africa within weeks
The first-ever malaria drug developed for newborns and young infants is anticipated to be approved for use in Africa within weeks, CNN says in a report. This development marks a significant step in combating the disease, which is a leading cause of mortality among children on the continent. The approval would provide a crucial new tool to protect one of the most vulnerable populations from malaria.
August 5, 2025, 03:45:24 (IST)
Fire at Cairo telecommunications building kills four, disrupts internet and phone services
A deadly fire at a central telecommunications building in Cairo has resulted in four fatalities and triggered widespread disruptions to internet and telephone services, CNN says in a report. The incident has significant economic implications, halting business operations that depend on reliable connectivity for daily transactions and communications. From an investor perspective, the event highlights the operational risks associated with the vulnerability of Egypt’s highly centralised critical infrastructure, where a single point of failure can cause extensive national disruption. The government’s response to the outage serves as a key test of its crisis management capability and its capacity to support business continuity.
August 5, 2025, 03:34:30 (IST)
Escalating conflict and violence in eastern DRC threaten regional stability and critical mineral supply chains
A significant escalation in rape and sexual violence, particularly against children, is being reported from the conflict-torn eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo, CNN says in a report. This surge in atrocities is linked to the intensified offensive by the M23 rebel group and other armed factions, leading to mass displacement and a severe humanitarian crisis. From an economic perspective, the violence is a deliberate tactic in the conflict over the control of strategic resources, including coltan, gold, and cassiterite, which are vital for global supply chains. The escalating instability severely hinders investment, destroys livelihoods, and disrupts any potential for sustainable economic development, highlighting profound governance failures and posing a significant risk to regional stability and the operations of businesses reliant on the DRC’s mineral wealth.
August 5, 2025, 03:30:22 (IST)
Two tourists killed by elephant in Zambia, raising concerns for tourism sector
Two female tourists, one from the UK and one from New Zealand, were killed by an elephant in a national park in Zambia, according to a report in CNN. The incident places immediate pressure on the Zambian government to review and enhance safety protocols for its wildlife tourism industry, which is a significant contributor to the country’s foreign exchange revenue and employment. The event has raised concerns over its potential impact on international traveller confidence and prompted calls for a review of travel advisories. Furthermore, the tragedy has reignited complex debates within Zambia and the wider conservation community regarding effective strategies for managing human-wildlife conflict.
August 5, 2025, 03:18:52 (IST)
Prince Harry visits Angola to support landmine clearance efforts
Prince Harry has traveled to Angola to support ongoing landmine clearance initiatives, following in the footsteps of his late mother, Princess Diana, who brought global attention to the issue with her visit nearly three decades ago, according to a report in CNN. His visit highlights the continued danger posed by landmines left over from Angola’s 27-year civil war, which ended in 2002. The effort, in collaboration with organizations like the HALO Trust, aims to make land safe for local communities, which is critical for agriculture and economic development in areas still recovering from the conflict.
August 5, 2025, 03:00:02 (IST)
Political rift in Kenya’s opposition deepens ahead of Malava by-election
A deepening schism between the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) and the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) within the Azimio la Umoja opposition coalition is threatening to split the vote in the upcoming Malava by-election, Standard Media says in a report. The division has been highlighted by a public call from Cleophas Malala, Secretary General of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), for opposition candidate Panyako to step down. This manoeuvre is viewed as a strategy by the ruling Kenya Kwanza Alliance to exploit the opposition’s internal disunity, a recurring issue since the 2022 general election, and consolidate its legislative power. Analysts note that such political instability at a local level can heighten economic uncertainty and negatively impact business confidence in the constituency.
August 5, 2025, 02:57:23 (IST)
Students in Namibia’s Kavango East protest school ban on boxer pants
Students at a school in Namibia’s Kavango East region have started a protest against a new ban on wearing boxer pants, as per a report in The Namibian. The localised dispute, concerning the school’s internal dress code, is seen by analysts as a