Africa event news

World

Africa needs its own AI solutions, not borrowed ones, says expert

Africa should focus its use of technology on solving its own real challenges rather than copying the systems and priorities of other parts of the world.

World

Sudan’s farmers are ready to return – private investment could get them there

The war in Sudan has devastated the economy and agricultural production, but a UN-backed plan aims to mobilise private sector investment to help farmers return to their fields.

Nigeria faces the world’s highest projected death toll from super El Niño heat: what could save lives

The super El Niño could cause 31,400 extra heat deaths in Nigeria alone. Heat warnings, cooling centres and worker protections could help save lives.

Heavy fighting, internet disruption as Ethiopia conflict rages

Ethiopian forces battled overnight to repel an assault by Tigray rebels in the Afar region, a humanitarian source said Friday, with reports of an internet blackout in the north of the country

Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Dangote to build $660m petroleum pipeline

The 120km link, due to operational within 18 months, will connect Damerjog port in Djibouti to a distribution facility in Dewele, Ethiopia.

Aliko Dangote, Ethiopia and Djibouti to build $600m fuel pipeline

The pipeline would strengthen energy security in landlocked Ethiopia, while creating jobs at Djibouti's port.

DR Congo: Young doctor dies of Ebola as cases surge beyond epicentre

Victor Kingombe died at an Ebola treatment centre in Kisangani, three months after Tshopo province first reported cases.

Moroccan voters call for action after election results

Morocco’s ruling coalition has dominated parliamentary elections marked by low turnout and a stronger showing from the Islamist opposition. But beyond the results, voters are focusing on what comes next.

Nigeria busts another Mexican cartel-linked meth lab

It is Nigeria’s fourth major meth lab bust since May, with authorities saying all four operations were linked to Mexican nationals.

Niger signs deal with Australian group to relaunch uranium project

Niger authorities said Wednesday they have signed a new agreement with the Madaouela Mining Company, which is 60% owned by the Australian Atomic Eagle group, to relaunch a uranium mining project in the north of the country.

Tigray capital Mekelle 'out of cash' as fighting escalates in Ethiopia

A resident of Mekelle says the city is calm but people are stressed after the outbreak of fighting in the region.

Maps can be misleading – on purpose – and their story becomes history. The case of Ethiopia

Political groups use social media ‘maptivism’ to spread exaggerated regional maps to stake a claim to territory.

Fighting intensifies in northern Ethiopia as Tigray rebels declare full-blown war

Ethiopia’s army says its forces have killed 272 Tigrayan fighters and wounded 260 during a counter-offensive in Amhara. The press says the figures could not be independently verified.

Climate

Mass sardine die-off pits survival of South Africa’s penguins against fishers’ livelihoods

Known as the ‘energy bars of the sea’ the fish are a key food source for many species, but closing fisheries to allow numbers to recover would cost millions

South Africa’s green building upgrades are rising – but major cities still dominate, study finds

Green ratings are growing in South Africa, mainly for upgraded older buildings, but some low scores suggest buildings may appear greener than they are.

Street names carry stories with them. What they tell us about Gauteng in South Africa

Rather than telling a single story, street names preserve several layers of public memory.

Morocco’s deadly wall across Western Sahara: why the 2,700km Berm was built and the damage it does

The wall in Western Sahara marks the practical frontline of a conflict most of the world has stopped watching.

Vaccination rates are falling in Africa, but a new strategy aims to turn things around. Five things it needs to get right

There are five priorities African countries must pursue to achieve vaccination success.

Nigeria prison deaths: Inside the cell where 33 inmates lost their lives

The BBC goes inside the prison where prisoners were trapped in stifling, cramped conditions.

South Africa’s minibus taxi industry has lessons for policymakers on how informal systems work

South Africa’s minibus taxi industry contains extensive knowledge, organisation and social practices developed by the people who work in and depend on it.

Ethiopia’s armed opposition unites against Abiy Ahmed: 5 reads on the country’s political struggles

A culture of solving political differences with conflict has led to persistent disagreements about the Ethiopian state.

Tatjana Smith: South African swimmer comes out of retirement

South Africa's most successful Olympian Tatjana Smith explains why she has reversed her decision to retire from competitive swimming.

A decade on, Somalia’s federal pact benefits elites and al-Shabaab – but it fails the people

Somalia’s status quo profits the elite while bringing questionable benefits to the majority of the public.

Agnes Ngetich breaks women-only half-marathon record

Kenya's Agnes Ngetich breaks the world record for a women-only half marathon as she wins gold at the World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen.