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:?
- ???? May 17, 2024 | Mass wedding for Nigeria orphans sparks outcry: A planned mass wedding for about 100 orphans in Niger state, Nigeria, scheduled for May 24, has sparked significant outrage due to concerns over the potential involvement of underage girls. The orphans, who lost their parents to bandit attacks, are reportedly being married off with the support of local religious leaders and the Niger State Assembly Speaker. Nigeria's Women's Affairs Minister, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has filed a court order to halt the ceremony, asserting that the girls deserve better opportunities such as education and training. Critics worry about the ages and consent of the girls involved, and human rights activists have launched a petition, garnering 10,500 signatures, to stop the wedding. Read more on BBC
- ???? May 16, 2024 | Chad's constitutional council confirms Déby winner of presidential election: Mahamat Idriss Deby secures a decisive victory in Chad's presidential election, garnering more than 61% of the vote and avoiding a runoff. Nevertheless, the election is overshadowed by allegations of election rigging, violence, and political unrest, as Deby's main rival, Prime Minister Succes Masra, refuses to accept the results and accuses the government of manipulating the outcome. The outcome underscores ongoing challenges to democracy in Chad, raising concerns about the credibility of the electoral process and the stability of the country. Read more on Le Monde
- ??????May 17, 2024 | Qatar Airways to invest in an airline in southern Africa, CEO says: Qatar Airways is set to announce an equity investment in an airline in southern Africa, aiming to expand its network on the continent, according to CEO Badr Mohammed Al Meer. This strategic move is in the final stages and is expected to be revealed in the next two to three weeks. Qatar Airways has previously invested in African aviation, including a 60% stake in a new Rwandan airport and code-sharing agreements with several African airlines. Read more on CNBC
- ???? May 15, 2024 | Morocco prepares for its EV era: Morocco’s automotive industry has rapidly expanded over the past two decades, becoming Africa’s largest and outpacing major producers like China, India, and Japan in supplying cars to Europe. With an annual production capacity of 700,000 vehicles, the sector, driven by infrastructure investments and business incentives, now represents 22% of Morocco's GDP and $14 billion in exports. As global auto production shifts towards electric vehicles (EVs), Morocco aims to stay competitive by leveraging its established industry, skilled workforce, and strategic investments in EV projects, despite facing challenges from rising protectionist policies in major markets like the U.S. and Europe. Read more on AP
- ???? May 14, 2024 | South Africa's president signs major health bill just before election: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act into law, aiming to provide universal health coverage and address longstanding healthcare inequalities just two weeks before a critical election. The Act, which intends to create a new public fund and limit the role of private insurance, has been met with significant opposition, with critics planning legal challenges and concerns about its financial sustainability. While supporters see it as a step towards a more equitable healthcare system, its implementation is expected to take years amid lawsuits and fiscal constraints. Read more on Reuters
- ???? South Africa’s election could bring a defining moment — and new complications. Here’s what to know | South Africa's May 29 election will test the public's discontent with the ruling African National Congress (ANC), which faces potentially losing its majority for the first time since apartheid ended. President Cyril Ramaphosa's ANC is expected to win the largest share of votes but may need a coalition to govern, complicating efforts to address issues like high unemployment, poverty, and frequent power outages. With over 70 parties and numerous independent candidates, the fragmented opposition landscape reflects a diverse political picture, making the election outcomes highly uncertain. Read more on AP
- The Horn of Africa's deep groundwater could be a game-changer for drought resilience| The Horn of Africa, plagued by severe droughts, holds vast deep groundwater reserves that could revolutionize water access and drought resilience if effectively tapped. Despite the potential, accessing these resources requires a cohesive regional strategy, overcoming financial, political, and technical challenges, and ensuring sustainable use to avoid overexploitation. With increasing drought forecasts and the urgent need for resilient water solutions, the region could benefit significantly from a strategic network of deep boreholes, aligning with high-level calls for sustainable groundwater development to achieve broader development goals. Read more on The World Economic Forum
??? 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. ??
