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 26, 2024 | South Africa appoints a woman as chief justice for the first time: South Africa has appointed Mandisa Maya as its first female chief justice, starting on September 1, 2024, following the retirement of Chief Justice Raymond Zondo. Maya, previously the judge president of the Supreme Court of Appeal and later its president, has been a trailblazer as the first Black woman in these roles. Her appointment is seen as a significant milestone for the country's judiciary. Read more on AP
- ???? July 26, 2024 | Nigeria to launch $500 million diaspora bond in economic growth push:? Nigeria is set to issue a $500 million diaspora bond in the third quarter of 2024, aiming to attract investment from Nigerians abroad and bolster the economy. This initiative, announced by Finance Minister Olawale Edun, is part of President Bola Tinubu's economic reform agenda, which includes cutting fuel and electricity subsidies and devaluing the naira currency. The bond issuance seeks to showcase the economy's strength and resilience while promoting inclusive growth and attracting both domestic and foreign investments. Read more on CNBC Africa
- ???????????? July 24, 2024 | US, Saudi Arabia invite Sudan’s warring factions to peace talks? : The United States and Saudi Arabia have invited Sudan's warring factions to peace talks in Switzerland, set to begin on August 14. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leader of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, has accepted the invitation, though there has been no response yet from the Sudanese Armed Forces. The talks aim to end the 15-month conflict between the two factions, which has caused significant casualties and displacement, with representatives from the UAE, Egypt, the African Union, and the United Nations attending as observers. Read more on VOA
- ??????July 23, 2024 | Most new HIV infections occurred outside sub-Saharan Africa for the first time – UN report : For the first time, most new HIV infections occurred outside sub-Saharan Africa, according to a UNAids report. While African countries have significantly reduced infections, there has been a rise in cases in regions like Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and North Africa. UNAids highlights the need for urgent global action, citing challenges like human rights issues, funding shortfalls, and unequal access to new HIV treatments, to meet the goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Read more on The Guardian?
- ???? July 21, 2024 | Mali's 'king of kora' Toumani Diabate dies at 58: Toumani Diabate, Mali's celebrated "king of kora," passed away at the age of 58 following a brief illness, as announced by his family on social media. Diabate, a master of the kora—a traditional West African stringed instrument—died at a private clinic in Bamako. Born into a family of griots, he was renowned for his exceptional skill and innovative fusion of traditional Malian music with contemporary elements, leaving a significant legacy in the music world. Read more on AfricaNews
- ???? Climate change imperils drought-stricken Morocco’s cereal farmers and its food supply | In Morocco, a six-year drought has severely impacted the agricultural sector, particularly for cereal farmers, leading to reduced wheat production. This year's harvest is expected to be smaller, which could result in increased imports and government subsidies to stabilize staple food prices. The situation highlights the broader issue of climate change, which is affecting crop yields and food security in North Africa and other vulnerable regions. Read more on AP
- ???? Namibia turns the visa tables on Western nations | Namibia will require visas for citizens from countries that impose similar requirements on Namibians, such as Canada, the US, and the UK, starting next April. This policy aims to ensure fairness and reciprocity, addressing the frustrations many Namibians face with stringent visa processes for Western countries. While the tourism industry expresses concerns, some believe it won't significantly deter visitors as visas can be obtained on arrival. 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. ???
