Welcome to the African Weekly Roundup, presented by CGO, where we bring you the most impactful news and deep-dive analysis from across Africa.
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- January 22, 2025 | Kenya eases travel requirements for nearly all African visitors: Kenya has announced a visa-free policy for nearly all African nations, dropping the prior Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement, except for Somalia and Libya due to security concerns. The move aims to promote tourism, regional integration, and ease of travel. Citizens of most African countries can stay visa-free for up to two months, while East African Community members can stay for six months. Enhanced pre-screening and security measures will also be implemented. Read more on BBC.
- January 22, 2025 | Water crisis looms over South Africa’s business landscape: South Africa faces a growing water crisis, disrupting businesses and threatening economic recovery. Johannesburg has begun "water shedding," with outages lasting up to 86 hours. Mismanagement, infrastructure decay, and illegal connections exacerbate the issue. The manufacturing and automotive sectors are particularly vulnerable. Short-term solutions include monitoring usage and buffer tanks, but long-term measures, like groundwater replenishment and partnerships with Lesotho, face delays. Political instability and corruption further hinder progress. Read more on African Business.
- January 23, 2025 | WCF Africa Summit Officially Launched:?The WCF Africa Summit 2025, launched at Nairobi's JW Marriott Hotel, will host over 4,500 participants and 350 exhibitors from 70+ countries at the KICC from April 9-11, 2025. It aims to showcase African chambers of commerce driving sustainable growth under AfCFTA, with Kenya positioned as a key investment hub. Key speakers emphasized cross-border trade, regional value chains, and global investor interest, highlighting Kenya as a gateway to Africa's $3.4 trillion AfCFTA market. Read more on the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
- January 23, 2025 | Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, on the verge of issuing biometric passports: The Alliance of the Sahel States (AES) will introduce biometric passports for Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger starting January 29, 2025, as part of their separation from ECOWAS. Expired passports remain valid but can be exchanged for AES-labeled ones. This initiative aims to simplify travel and standardize documentation within the AES region. ECOWAS has expressed concerns over regional fragmentation and economic impacts. Read more on Business Insider.
- January 24, 2025 | End of military rule in sight as Gabon schedules presidential elections: Gabon will hold presidential elections on April 12, 2025, marking an end to military rule after a 2023 coup ousted Ali Bongo and ended over 50 years of Bongo family leadership. Concerns remain over election fairness, as interim President General Brice Oligui Nguema is allowed to run despite transitional leaders being barred. A recent constitutional referendum introduced a two-term limit to support democratic transition. Read more on Business Insider.
- Mapping Africa’s Green Mineral Partnerships: This new publication from APRI examines bilateral and multilateral agreements between African states and global powers for access to critical minerals vital for green energy and digital transitions. Driven by growing demand, supply chain concerns, and geopolitical tensions, Africa's mineral wealth has attracted strategic partnerships from countries like China, the U.S., and the EU. The report maps nearly 100 agreements, analyzing their scope, transparency, and implications. Key findings reveal diverse agreement types, ranging from direct state cooperation to private sector investment, with varying social and environmental standards. It highlights resource diplomacy's geopolitical dynamics, emphasizing Africa's agency in governing extraction. The report calls for greater transparency to align agreements with public interests and promote sustainable, equitable resource governance. Check out the full report on APRI.
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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. ??
