Welcome to our African Weekly Roundup, where we bring you the most impactful news, deep-dive analysis and consultancy opportunities from across Africa. Here’s a snapshot of the key events from this week:?
- ???? April 26, 2024 | DRC accuses Apple of using illegally exploited minerals from conflict-torn east: The Democratic Republic of Congo accuses Apple of using minerals illegally extracted from conflict-torn eastern Congo in its products, prompting a formal cease and desist notice. Apple denies the allegations, citing due diligence efforts and stating no reasonable basis for the accusations. The DRC's lawyers claim that Apple's sourcing efforts are insufficient, highlighting concerns over the ethical supply chain of minerals crucial for electronic devices. Read more on LeMonde
- ???????? April 26, 2024 | Engie to divest from Morocco's Safi coal plant before 2027: Engie plans to divest from Morocco's largest coal plant in Safi by January 2027, aligning with its focus on renewables and energy infrastructure. The company's North Africa director highlighted the commitment to sell Engie's 33% stake in the plant and mentioned interest from potential buyers. Engie is exploring green ammonia as an option to decarbonize the coal plant while investing in renewable energy projects like wind parks and desalination plants in Morocco, including partnerships with local energy companies. Read more on Reuters
- ???????? April 25, 2024 | US official announces business partnership with Kenya: US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Kenyan Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano announced a partnership aimed at leveraging artificial intelligence and digital upskilling in Kenya, marking a significant step in bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The partnership includes private-sector deals involving prominent companies such as the
National Basketball Association (NBA)
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思科
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辉瑞
, and
高通
, along with grants from the US Trade and Development Agency for semiconductor fabrication and fiber network construction in Kenya. The announcement came during the fourth American Chamber of Commerce summit in Nairobi, where Kenya's President William Ruto emphasized his country's readiness for business and highlighted its potential as a destination for investors, particularly in renewable energy initiatives. Read more on VOA
- ???????? April 23, 2024 | U.K. Approves Bill That Would Send Asylum Seekers to Rwanda: The United Kingdom has passed a contentious bill to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, despite opposition and legal challenges. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak aims to implement the law quickly, with deportation flights to Kigali expected to begin soon. The House of Lords initially resisted the bill but eventually relented after Sunak's insistence, although concerns about the plan's legality and human rights implications persist. The legislation, which faced demands for additional safeguards, is set to become law after receiving Royal Assent. Read more on Al Jazeera
- ???? April 21, 2024 | Ethiopia to build a new ￡2 billion airport in Addis Ababa: Ethiopia is undertaking a groundbreaking project to construct the New Addis Ababa International Airport, estimated to cost between ￡1.6-2.5 billion. The new airport aims to alleviate congestion and accommodate the rapid growth of the aviation sector, with plans for four runways and a capacity to handle up to 120 million passengers annually. Additionally, the project envisions transforming the airport vicinity into a vibrant urban center, featuring hotels, shopping malls, offices, and residential apartments. Read more on Express
- Britain must develop a partnership of equals with Africa | This article highlights the need for a fundamental shift in UK foreign policy towards Africa, emphasizing honesty, respect, and equality in partnerships. It criticizes past policies seen as shortsighted and untrustworthy, advocating for a radical and holistic approach that acknowledges historical injustices, supports African self-sufficiency, and promotes shared objectives. The author, former UK diplomat Tim Cole, argues that such a reset is essential given Africa's growing importance and its potential to shape global security and sustainability. Read more on The Guardian
- ???? South Africa remembers an historic election every April 27. Here’s why this year is so poignant| South Africa commemorates the 30th anniversary of its first democratic election on April 27, 1994, known as "Freedom Day," marking the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new era of democracy. Despite significant progress, the country still grapples with deep socio-economic challenges, including widespread poverty and inequality, prompting a shift in political dynamics as the upcoming national election suggests a potential loss of parliamentary majority for the ANC. As South Africans reflect on Mandela's legacy and the ideals of freedom, they are increasingly seeking alternative paths toward addressing the nation's persistent issues. Read more on AP
??? 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. ???
