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:
- ???? June 15, 2024 | Niger lifts immunity of deposed President Mohamed Bazoum: Niger's highest court has lifted the immunity of deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, who has been under house arrest since a military coup last summer, enabling the junta to prosecute him for alleged high treason. Bazoum's detention and the proceedings have been criticized by Human Rights Watch and his lawyer for serious irregularities and violations of his legal rights. The coup disrupted Niger's status as a key security partner for the West in the Sahel, leading to a shift towards Russian assistance and the planned withdrawal of U.S. forces by September. Read more on Africanews
- ???? June 14, 2024 | ANC and DA agree on South Africa unity government : South Africa's governing African National Congress (ANC) and the main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) have agreed to form a government of national unity after the ANC lost its parliamentary majority for the first time in 30 years. This unprecedented alliance paves the way for ANC leader Cyril Ramaphosa to remain president, with the DA securing cabinet positions and the deputy speaker role in parliament. The deal also includes the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and the Patriotic Alliance (PA), but excludes former President Jacob Zuma's MK party and Julius Malema's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). Read more on BBC
- ???? June 13, May 30, 2024 |FBI chief visits Kenya to bolster security collaboration: FBI Director Christopher Wray concluded a five-day visit to Kenya, pledging continued cooperation with Kenyan security agencies to combat terrorism and enhance regional stability. Wray emphasized the importance of collaboration across borders to tackle threats, including terrorism, human trafficking, and cybercrime. The visit included meetings with Kenyan officials to discuss countering corruption, money laundering, and economic crimes, and highlighted the success of the Joint Terrorism Task Force, a partnership initiated in 2020 to improve coordination among Kenyan security agencies. Read more on VOA
- ???? June 13, 2024 | Rwanda appoints new finance, foreign ministers: Rwanda has appointed Yusuf Murangwa as the new finance minister and Olivier Nduhungirehe as the new foreign minister. Murangwa was previously the director-general of the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda, while Nduhungirehe served as Rwanda's ambassador to the Netherlands. These appointments were part of a broader cabinet reshuffle, including changes in the ministries of public service and labour, gender and family promotion, and the environment, ahead of the presidential election on July 15. Read more on CNBC AFRICA
- ???? June 11, 2024 | Malawi’s vice president and 9 others are confirmed dead after their plane’s wreckage is found: Malawi's Vice President Saulos Chilima and nine others died in a plane crash in a mountainous region near Mzuzu. The plane, operated by the Malawian armed forces, crashed in bad weather while attempting to reach Mzuzu's airport despite being advised to turn back due to poor visibility. President Lazarus Chakwera confirmed the tragic incident and highlighted Chilima's service and dedication to the country. Read more on AP
- Why a science-based strategy is key in Africa’s agricultural transformation | A science-based agricultural strategy is essential for Africa to restore soil fertility, boost crop yields, and tackle environmental challenges, thereby enhancing food security and reducing poverty. Investments in tailored fertilizers, conservation agriculture, and research are crucial to transforming agriculture into a more productive and sustainable sector. Collaborative efforts among governments, private sectors, and development partners will pave the way for economic prosperity across the continent. Read more on The World Economic Forum
- ???? Top 5 countries Nigeria imported from the most in Q1 2024 | In Q1 2024, the top five countries from which Nigeria imported the most goods were:
China: Nigeria's largest import partner, providing a significant volume of consumer products, machinery, and technology.
India: A major source of pharmaceuticals, machinery, and agricultural products.
United States: Supplying Nigeria with machinery, vehicles, and technology-related products.
Netherlands: Known for exporting refined petroleum products and machinery to Nigeria.
Belgium: Exporting pharmaceuticals, machinery, and chemicals to Nigeria.
These countries contributed significantly to the total import value of ?12,643.23 billion in Q1 2024, marking substantial growth from previous quarters. Read more on Business Insider Africa
??? 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. ???
