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- ???? August 26, 2024 | Zimbabwe’s inflation surges for first time since ZiG launch: Zimbabwe's inflation rose to 1.4% in August, up from a 0.1% decline in July, driven by rising food and beverage prices. This follows the introduction of the ZiG currency in May, aimed at replacing the unstable Zimbabwean dollar. While the currency's stability has eased inflation, a severe drought has increased food prices. The country faces food shortages and must import grain, risking further pressure on the exchange rate. Read more at BNN Bloomberg.
- ?? August 27, 2024 | Where can Africa win medals at the Paralympics? The Paralympics kicked off this week, with 549 gold medals available across 22 sports. Africa, which won 63 medals in Tokyo, aims to improve its performance, especially in track and field events. Notable athletes include Noemi Alphonse of Mauritius (Para-athletics), Brahim Guendouz of Algeria (Para-canoe), Husnah Kukundakwe of Uganda (Para-swimming), Thomas Kure of Nigeria (Para-powerlifting), and Raoua Tlili of Tunisia (Para-athletics). Ten African countries won't participate, while nine will send only one athlete. Check out the BBC for a complete breakdown on the athletes.
- ???? August 28, 2024 | Namibia plans to kill more than 700 animals and distribute the meat: Namibia plans to cull over 700 wild animals, including elephants and zebras, to address food insecurity amid its worst drought in 100 years. The culling aims to reduce wildlife pressure on water and grazing resources, alleviate human-wildlife conflict, and provide meat for those affected by drought. Already, over 150 animals have been culled, yielding 125,000 pounds of meat to support drought relief efforts in the region. Read more on CNN.
- ???? August 29, 2024 | Spain’s PM on West African tour: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Mauritania's President Mohammed Ould Ghazouani agreed to curb migration flows, expanding a seasonal migration program and renewing security cooperation. Spain aims to manage migration by addressing labor needs and combating trafficking networks. Sanchez also signed a similar agreement with Gambia, focusing on managed migration, especially for young people and women, as Spain's aging society requires migrant workers. The Canary Islands have seen a surge in migrant arrivals. Read more on The North Africa Post.
- ???? August 29, 2024 | China’s lending to Africa on the rise: Chinese lenders increased loans to Africa to $4.61 billion in 2023, the first rise since 2016, driven by a shift toward more sustainable lending. China’s new strategy focuses on regional lenders and renewable energy projects while mitigating risks from indebted economies. This change comes amid Beijing’s reduced lending since 2019, affected by COVID-19 and domestic pressures. China's total loans to Africa from 2000 to 2023 reached $182.28 billion. Read more at CNBC Africa.
- ???? Is Kenya failing immigrants and refugees? Kenya plays a significant role in regional integration and protecting emigrants but faces gaps in immigration policy and inconsistent implementation. While it moved up to 29th place in Africa for visa openness in 2023, the country still struggles with issues like the Electronic Travel Authorization system, inconsistent refugee laws, and work permit governance. This article argues that despite its efforts, policies are often ad hoc and lack coherence and that Kenya must improve policy consistency to effectively manage migration and protect migrants' rights. What do you think? Tell us below in the comments, and read more at The East African.
- ???? West Africa’s ‘coup belt’: In August 2020, Malian soldiers overthrew President Aboubakar Keita after protests over corruption and failure to combat northern insurgencies. Colonel Assimi Goita, who led the coup, soon became the country's leader after removing interim President Bah Ndaw in 2021. This coup ended eight years of political stability in Mali, triggering a wave of military takeovers across West Africa. Growing discontent with France and insecurity in the region has led many countries to align with Russia instead. But has it – and other recent coups – changed the region? Read
Shola Lawal
’s full analysis on Al Jazeera.
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??? 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. ??
