Welcome to our African Weekly Roundup, where we bring you the most impactful news and deep-dive analysis from across Africa. Here’s a snapshot of the key events from the past week:?
- ????? Nov 14, 2023 | Mali army seizes key rebel northern stronghold Kidal: Mali's army, reportedly supported by Wagner group mercenaries, has successfully seized the key northern stronghold of Kidal from ethnic Tuareg rebels after a three-day battle. Mali's interim president, Col Assimi Goita, emphasized that the mission to ensure the country's territorial integrity is not yet complete, urging calm among civilians in Kidal, while the rebel alliance stated that they left the town for strategic reasons, emphasizing that the fight continues. Read more on BBC
- ???? Nov 15, 2023 | Historic deal: Ethiopian Airlines makes largest-ever Boeing jet purchase in African history | Ethiopian Airlines has made history with its largest-ever airplane order, purchasing 11 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 20 Boeing 737 MAX planes, marking the largest-ever Boeing jet purchase in African history. The deal, announced at the Dubai Airshow, includes an option for an additional 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 21 737 MAX planes. The airline is acquiring eco-friendly 787-9 Dreamliners, aiming to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by 25%, and 737-8 models that cut fuel consumption and emissions by 20%, contributing to environmental sustainability and passenger comfort. Read more on Business Insider Africa?
- ???? Nov 16, 2023 | Malawi’s president suspends foreign travel for himself and cabinet members: Malawi's President Lazarus Chakwera has implemented stringent austerity measures, including the suspension of all foreign trips for government officials, himself included, in a bid to address the country's economic challenges. Chakwera, who has faced criticism for frequent foreign travel, announced a range of measures such as a 50 percent reduction in fuel entitlements for ministers, a directive for ministers abroad to return home, and a suspension of foreign travel until March next year. The economic crisis in Malawi, marked by fuel shortages and a devalued currency, prompted these measures, with Chakwera pledging to lead by example in curbing excessive spending. Read more on Aljazeera
- ???? Nov 17, 2023 | Senegal's highest court blocks opposition leader Sonko from presidential run: Senegal's Supreme Court has overturned a decision reinstating detained opposition leader Ousmane Sonko to the 2024 presidential race, ruling for a retrial and effectively blocking his candidacy. The court's decision, following an appeal by the state, returns the case to the Dakar high court, while Sonko, who faced charges of corruption and inciting protests, has recently been returned to a Dakar jail after a hunger strike and unsuccessful appeal to the regional ECOWAS court. Read more on Le Monde
- ???? Nov 17, 2023 | Liberia President George Weah concedes election defeat to Joseph Boakai: Liberia's President George Weah graciously concedes defeat to opposition leader Joseph Boakai, marking a significant win for democracy in West Africa. Boakai's victory, with 50.9% of the vote, signals a stark turnaround from the 2017 elections and sets the stage for Liberia's second democratic transfer of power in over seven decades. As the nation faces major challenges, including high poverty rates, Boakai emphasizes a message of peace and reconciliation, expressing gratitude for citizens' approval and the opportunity to bring positive change. Read more on Reuters
- How Afrilabs is powering Africa’s tech revolution through community | AfriLabs, a key player in Africa's tech ecosystem for over a decade, has been driving change and innovation through its annual gatherings, such as the recent event in Kigali, Rwanda, where more than 400 innovation hubs convened to strengthen the continent's tech ecosystem. With ambitious plans, including initiatives like AfriLabs Connect and RevUp Women, the organization aims to empower women-led enterprises, bridge the gender gap, and create a holistic ecosystem for innovation, supported by innovative financing models like the Catalytic Africa Programme. Read more on CNN
- COP28 must not repeat the mistakes of the Africa Climate Summit | Climate activists and civil society are sounding the alarm ahead of COP28, urging the conference to learn from the mistakes of the recent Africa Climate Summit. Worries persist that lobbyists from wealthier nations may influence policies that prioritize their interests, leaving poorer nations in the Global South to bear the brunt of climate change. The Africa Climate Summit, held in Nairobi, faced criticism for allowing lobbyists to push false solutions, emphasizing carbon credits and trading over crucial issues like loss and damage compensation, climate mitigation, and equitable climate finance for African nations. The call is clear: say no to carbon markets, prioritize climate justice, and ensure climate finance comes without strings attached. Read more on Aljazeera
- Digital Marketing Conference, Cape Town, South Africa | The Digital Marketing Conference is designed to help you build traffic, create brand awareness, improve customer service, and develop better use of digital tools internally to drive better communications, marketing and more productive business outcomes. This conference will act as a discovery and learning that will help contribute to your quest for digital marketing success and mastery.The different speakers will share information and best practices on the latest digital and internet technologies and applications available to better market your business.They will share insights on how online and digital marketing can help build brand awareness, improve lead generation, increase sales and drive consumer engagement.
??? Which story do you think will have the biggest impact on the continent in the weeks and months to come? Feel free to share your insights in the comments below. ???
