Africa News Live Updates: Welcome to our live blog covering the latest from across Africa
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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:
Catch the Africa pulse here
Africa News Live Updates: Welcome to our live blog covering the latest from across Africa
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 m