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:?
- ???? July 6, 2024 | Nigeria beats rivals for bid to host new Africa Energy Bank: Nigeria has been selected to host the newly formed Africa Energy Bank (AEB), beating out Algeria, Benin, and Ghana for the bid. This decision, reached by the Council of Ministers of the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO), positions Nigeria at the forefront of Africa’s energy future, supported by a $100 million investment approved by President Bola Tinubu. The AEB, a partnership between Afrexim Bank and APPO, aims to fund energy projects and support the continent's energy transition, with an initial budget of $5 billion. Read more on CNBC Africa
- ???? July 5, 2024 | Kenya's Ruto proposes spending cuts after nationwide protests: Kenyan President William Ruto has proposed spending cuts and increased borrowing to address a nearly $2.7 billion budget shortfall caused by the withdrawal of planned tax hikes following nationwide protests. In a televised address, Ruto announced austerity measures including the dissolution of 47 state corporations, a 50% reduction in government advisers, and suspension of non-essential travel for public officials. Despite these measures, protests continue with demonstrators demanding his resignation, and Ruto faced sharp criticism during a live audio forum on X for police brutality, corruption, and economic policy. Read more on Reuters
- ???????? July 4, 2024 | Haiti’s prime minister says Kenyan police are crucial to controlling gangs, early days are positive: Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille has lauded the deployment of Kenyan police as crucial for combating gang violence and progressing towards democratic elections in February 2026. Since their arrival on June 25, the 200 officers have received positive feedback and commenced joint operations with Haiti's national police, with Kenya set to contribute a total of 1,000 officers to a 2,500-strong international force. The mission aims to address the gang control that has surged since President Jovenel Mo?se's assassination, displacing 580,000 people and worsening food insecurity for over 4 million Haitians. Read more on AP
- ???? June 1, 2024 | Mauritania president re-elected in stable outlier in turbulent region: Mauritania's President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani has been re-elected with over 56% of the vote, securing a second five-year term. Seen as a stable figure in the volatile Sahel region, his victory prevents a runoff and solidifies his leadership as the country prepares to become a gas producer. Despite claims of fraud by his main rival, Biram Dah Abeid, Ghazouani's supporters celebrated the win, while the results await confirmation by the Constitutional Council. Read more on VOA
- ???? July 1, 2024 | South Africa's President Ramaphosa unveils new cabinet: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has unveiled a new cabinet featuring an unprecedented power-sharing agreement with seven different parties after the African National Congress (ANC) lost its parliamentary majority in the recent election. Ramaphosa reappointed Paul Mashatile as his deputy president and kept ANC officials in key ministries, while also giving the Democratic Alliance (DA) six ministerial positions, including making DA leader John Steenhuisen the minister of agriculture. The new multiparty cabinet, comprising 11 parties, faces significant challenges in addressing South Africa's deep socio economic issues, including high unemployment, inequality, and violent crime. Read more on Africanews
- ???? How young Kenyans are calling for change | In recent weeks, images of Gen Z confronting Kenyan police with tear gas, water cannons, and live rounds have captured headlines, marking a significant youth-led uprising against the political elite. This movement, initially sparked by opposition to a proposed finance bill on social media, has escalated into fatal nationwide protests, despite President William Ruto's withdrawal of the bill. Kenya's economic woes, combined with high youth unemployment among the educated demographic, continue to drive discontent, indicating that the youth movement is just beginning. Read more on Aljazeera
- ???? The ex-gangster who has become South Africa's sports minister | Former gangster and bank robber Gayton McKenzie, now leader of the Patriotic Alliance (PA), has been appointed South Africa's minister of sports, arts, and culture by President Cyril Ramaphosa. McKenzie, who spent seven years in prison and later became a motivational speaker and businessman, is known for his outspoken and direct style, which resonates with his supporters. His appointment comes despite controversy and ongoing investigations, including accusations of financial mismanagement during his tenure as mayor of Central Karoo. Read more on BBC
??? 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. ??
