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 24, 2024 | Mali, Russia start work on major solar plant: Mali and Russia have started constructing West Africa's largest solar power plant in Sanankoroba, expected to increase Mali's electricity production by 10% and cost over 200 million euros. The 200-megawatt plant will significantly alleviate the country's electricity shortage and will be fully controlled by Mali's Ministry of Energy after 10 years. This project marks a growing cooperation between Mali and Russia, enhancing ties in energy, agriculture, and mining sectors. Read more on VOA
- ???????? May 23, 2024 | Biden welcomes Kenya's leader as US under pressure in Africa: Kenyan President William Ruto's state visit to the US, the first by an African leader in over 15 years, is an opportunity for President Joe Biden to show commitment to Africa amid rising competition from Russia and China. Despite previous charges by the International Criminal Court, Ruto is now seen as a key partner for the US, highlighting Kenya's role as a stable democracy and regional leader. This visit underscores the broader strategic challenges the US faces in Africa, balancing security and democratic values while countering the influence of other global powers. Read more on BBC
- ???? May 23, 2024 | Idriss Déby sworn in as president following disputed elections: Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno has been sworn in as Chad's president following the disputed 6 May election, where he secured 61% of the vote. The ceremony in N'Djamena, attended by several regional leaders, marks his formal transition from de facto leader to elected president. Déby, who took power three years ago after his father Idriss Déby's death, had initially promised elections within 18 months but postponed the poll. Opposition leader Succes Masra, who garnered 18.5% of the vote, contested the results, which international NGOs criticized as neither credible nor free. Masra resigned as Prime Minister and did not attend the inauguration. Chad's elections are notable as it was the first in a series of regional coups to return to a form of electoral process.? Read more on Africanews
- ??May 22, 2024 | At international energy conference, delegates push to make clean cooking accessible to all: At the International Energy Agency’s 9th annual conference on energy efficiency, delegates urged governments to provide incentives and subsidies to make clean cooking accessible, aiming to reduce reliance on polluting fuels like charcoal and kerosene. The conference, held in Nairobi, emphasized that strong government policies are crucial to unlocking private sector investment and achieving the goal of universal clean cooking by 2030. Successful examples, such as Indonesia’s transition from kerosene to LPG, highlight the importance of affordability and regulation in scaling up clean cooking solutions. Read more on Reuters
- ???? May 20, 2024 | DRC army says it stopped attempted coup involving three US citizens: An attempted coup in the Democratic Republic of Congo on May 19, 2024, led by opposition leader Christian Malanga, resulted in several deaths and involved American citizens. Malanga was killed during a firefight with presidential guards, while the US State Department is investigating the involvement of other Americans. The DRC government praised its security forces' prompt response, and the African Union condemned the coup attempt. Read more on The Guardian
- ???? Africa’s richest man says he needs 35 visas to travel in Africa – way more than a European visitor | Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, has highlighted the excessive red tape he faces when traveling within Africa, requiring 35 visas despite being a prominent investor across the continent. This issue underscores a broader frustration for many Africans, who often encounter more travel restrictions within Africa compared to Europeans, reflecting disparities in visa-free access and the complications of cross-border movement. The African Union has aimed to promote visa-free travel and facilitate mobility, but progress has been slow, with many African nations maintaining stringent visa requirements due to concerns over migration and security. Read more on CNN
- ???????? A new military era for the US and Kenya, kind of ? | The Biden administration has elevated Kenya to a major non-NATO ally, highlighting its strategic military partnership. This move facilitates Kenya's access to U.S. military technology but doesn't include new defense agreements or security commitments. Despite some skepticism about the significance of the designation, it underscores the U.S. effort to bolster its influence in Africa amid increasing competition from Russia and China. Read more on Politico
??? 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. ??
