Africa

Gulf investors likely to keep funding Africa renewables despite Iran war

Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds and state-backed companies are unlikely to scale back renewable energy investments in Africa despite disruptions from the Iran war, analysts say, given the strong long-term economic and strategic reasons driving such funding. Investors made wealthy by the Gulf region's abundant oil and gas increasingly are turning to Africa's clean energy sector, attracted by rising electricity demand, rapid urbanization and the continent's growing role in global supply chains tied to critical minerals and manufacturing. A report released last month by the Clean Air Task Force found that more than $101.9 billion had flowed into Africa's renewable energy sector from Gulf countries by end of 2024, led by the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain. Much of the investment has been concentrated in North Africa, Southern Africa and parts of East Africa, while West Africa has attracted relatively limited funding. "Africa remains one of the few ..

Seif al-Islam, son of late Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi, shot dead

Seif al-Islam Gadhafi, the son and one-time heir apparent of Libya's late dictator Moammar Gadhafi, was killed in the northern African country, Libyan officials said Tuesday. The 53-year-old was killed in the town Zintan, 136 kilometers (85 miles) southwest of the capital, Tripoli, according to Libyan's chief prosecutor's office. The office said in a statement that an initial investigation found that Seif al-Islam was shot to death, but did not provide further details about the circumstances of his killing. Khaled al-Zaidi, a lawyer for Seif al-Islam, confirmed his death on Facebook, without providing details. Abdullah Othman Abdurrahim, who represented Gadhafi in the U.N.-brokered political dialogue which aimed to resolve Libya's long-running conflict, also announced the death on Facebook. Seif al-Islam's political team later released a statement saying that "four masked men" stormed his house and killed him in a "cowardly and treacherous assassination." The statement said that h

AFCON 2025 Round of 16 schedule, timings and live streaming details

Several star players, including Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, Achraf Hakimi, and Victor Osimhen, continue their quest for AFCON glory with their respective teams.

Cancer crisis intensifies globally, hitting low-resource countries hardest

Once seen as a disease of the wealthy, cancer now affects all regions, with a growing share of cases and deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries

Rising flood risks threaten fastest-growing megacities in Asia, Africa

The monsoon belt from Southeast Asia to West Africa is at the same time the swath of the globe that is urbanising fastest, and the one where catastrophic rainfall is set to increase most dramatically

Africa's hidden stillbirth crisis: New report exposes policy, data gaps

The burden of stillbirths in Africa is staggering. Africa accounts for half of all stillbirths globally, with nearly eight times higher rates than in Europe

South Africans are flourishing more than you might expect: Here's why

Insights from South Africa could offer clues about how to support the well-being of people living in places that are going through significant social and structural challenges

'Abu Dhabi enables Indian firms get access to middle east Africa, new mkts'

Indian companies are increasing their presence in Abu Dhabi, which has enabled them to access key markets across the middle east Africa and beyond, Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, said on Thursday. Speaking at the CII-ADF Summit here, Al Zaabi, who is also chairman of Abu Dhabi's International Financial Centre and free economic zone ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market), said the emirate believes in partnerships and not transactional relationships. "India has always been an important part of our growth. That role tells a powerful story of confidence in Abu Dhabi's vision. Indian companies are increasing their presence in Abu Dhabi with an annual compounded growth rate (CAGR) of 38.4 per cent between 2019 and 2024. And they are more enabled than ever before to access key markets across Middle East Africa and beyond," he said. Describing India as a nation whose energy, talent and ambition inspire the whole world, he said, "The geographic .

Prez Murmu arrives in Botswana for 3-day visit; India to get 8 cheetahs

President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Botswana on Tuesday on the final leg of her two-nation visit to Africa, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and finalising an agreement on the translocation of eight Kalahari desert cheetahs to India. Murmu, who took off from Angola's capital Luanda early in the day, arrived at the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Botswana's capital Gaborone, and was received by President Duma Gideon Boko. She was accorded a 21-gun salute and a guard of honour at the tarmac. The two heads of state later witnessed a performance by the traditional dance troupe at the airport. This is the first-ever visit of an Indian President to Botswana, like Angola. Murmu is on a six-day state visit to the two countries. During her three days in the landlocked southern African country, Murmu will hold delegation-level talks with President Boko, and senior officials from both sides will exchange some Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) aimed at enhancing bilateral ...

What's happening in Sudan? Inside the conflict that left over 150,000 dead

The fall of El Fasher to the Rapid Support Forces marks a turning point in Sudan's civil war, intensifying fears of genocide, partition, and regional destabilisation amid global neglect

Africa stands out as a hotspot of China's rising global influence

China's growing influence in Africa is boosting its popularity, securing access to critical minerals, and investing in EV battery production, outpacing Western rivals in the resource race

Singapore seeks African carbon credits as rivals chase critical minerals

The Southeast Asian city-state aims to increasingly tap African countries for carbon credits as part of a drive to boost trade with the continent and meet its own net zero ambitions

At least 193 passengers killed in 2 boat accidents in northwestern Congo

Two separate boat accidents this week in northwestern Congo killed at least 193 people dead and left scores missing, authorities and state media reported Friday. The accidents happened on Wednesday and Thursday, about 150 kilometres apart in the Equateur province. One boat with nearly 500 passengers caught fire and capsized Thursday evening along the Congo River in the province's Lukolela territory, Congo's humanitarian affairs ministry said in a report. The report said 209 survivors were rescued following the accident, involving a whaleboat near the village of Malange in Lukolela territory. A day earlier, a motorised boat capsized in the Basankusu territory of the province, killing at least 86 people, most of them students, state media reported. Several people were missing, but the reports did not give a figure of how many. It was not immediately clear what caused either accident or whether rescue operations were continuing Friday evening. State media attributed Wednesday's accid

Indus Towers to enter Nigeria, Uganda and Zambia in African expansion

Indus Towers board has approved its foray into African markets, starting with Nigeria, Uganda and Zambia, leveraging Airtel Africa's presence to diversify revenue streams

India, Africa should look at doubling bilateral tarde by 2030: Goyal

India and Africa should look at doubling bilateral trade by 2030 from the current level of USD 82 billion, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday. He also called for increasing cooperation in areas like critical minerals, agriculture, technology and manufacturing . The two-way trade increased from USD 56 billion in 2015-16 to USD 82 billion (India's exports stood at USD 42 billion and imports were USD 40 billion) in 2024-25. This is suboptimal trade despite huge opportunities, he said, adding "we should look at doubling the trade by 2030. It is a bold target but achievable". The numbers show that there is a huge untapped potential between the two regions. "Looking at the current situation across the world, this is an ideal opportunity for us to relook at our engagement," Goyal said at an industry chamber event. He also said that India can supply high quality milk products to Mauritius, which can help cool inflation of this commodity in the island nation. Goya

India-Africa trade surpassed $100 bn in 2024-25: MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh

Union minister Kirti Vardhan Singh on Wednesday said India-Africa trade has crossed USD 100 billion and New Delhi has emerged as one of the top-five investors in the continent. Addressing the inaugural session of the 20th CII India-Africa Business Conclave in the national capital, Singh said India has extended concessional loans worth over USD 12 billion and USD 700 million in grant assistance for projects across Africa, apart from offering 50,000 scholarships for African youth, of which more than 42,000 have already been utilised. "This year's theme is different as we have decided to move from project partnership and growth partnership to the spirit of 'Co-creating a Shared Future', which signifies the sentiment attached to this remarkable journey," the minister said. "India's bilateral trade with Africa has crossed the magical figure of USD 100 billion in 2024-25 compared to USD 56 billion in 2019-2020. With cumulative investments over USD 75 billion from 1996-2024, India is among

Govt targets 50 countries including West Asia, Africa to boost exports

The government is working on measures to boost India's exports, including targeting 50 countries in regions such as the Middle East and Africa, amid the heavy tariffs imposed by the US on Indian goods, an official said on Monday. These 50 countries account for about 90 per cent of India's exports. The official said that the commerce ministry is working on four pillars including export diversification, import substitution, and export competitiveness "Detailed analysis is underway on these pillars. The ministry is working product by product," the official said. The commerce ministry was already focusing on 20 countries and now 30 more have now been included in the strategy. India's exports remained flat at USD 35.14 billion in June due to global economic uncertainties, while the trade deficit narrowed to a four-month low of USD 18.78 billion during the month. During April-June 2025-26, exports increased 1.92 per cent to USD 112.17 billion, while imports rose 4.24 per cent to USD 17

Brazil, Poland, Africa may offer export opportunities for auto parts makers

Indian manufacturers can significantly expand their exports, particularly in the independent aftermarket segment amid US tariffs, says EY report

US imposes $15,000 visa bond on Zambians, Malawians to curb overstays

The measure adds to steps taken by the US government to limit the arrival of people that it deems undesirable