Central on African Updates

Vote Counting Begins in Guinea After Legislative and Municipal Elections

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Vote counting was underway in Guinea on Monday following legislative and municipal elections seen as an important stage in the country’s ongoing political transition under President Mamadi Doumbouya.

The polls, held across the West African nation on Sunday, were part of efforts to restore constitutional governance after the 2021 military takeover that brought Doumbouya to power.

More than seven million registered voters were eligible to elect 147 members of parliament as well as local municipal representatives in a nationwide ballot closely watched across the region.

Mali Defence Minister Sadio Camara Killed in Coordinated Attacks

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Mali’s Defence Minister, General Sadio Camara, has been killed during a series of coordinated attacks on military targets across the country, according to an official government statement.

Government spokesperson Issa Ousmane Coulibaly confirmed that Camara died after armed assailants attacked his residence in the garrison town of Kati on Saturday. The attack was part of a wider offensive carried out simultaneously in multiple regions.

Kati, located about 15 kilometres northwest of the capital Bamako, is considered one of Mali’s most secure military strongholds. Despite this, fighters linked to the al-Qaeda-affiliated group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), alongside Tuareg rebels from the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), managed to breach the area.

Khartoum Shows Signs of Recovery One Year After Military Recapture

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

As Sudan’s civil war enters its fourth year, the capital, Khartoum, is beginning to show tentative signs of recovery. Yet despite limited progress, the scale of destruction and humanitarian need remains severe.

Three years into the conflict and one year after the city was retaken by the Sudanese army much of Khartoum remains subdued. Large sections of the capital still bear the scars of intense fighting, with major buildings heavily damaged or destroyed. Among them is the Corinthia Hotel Khartoum, one of the city’s most prominent landmarks, which stands gutted after sustaining significant damage during the الحرب.

African Farmers Push Agro-Processing to Tackle Hunger at IATF 2025

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The African farmer is moving from subsistence to business. This message came out strongly at the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2025) in Algiers, where Agro-processing companies from Malawi and Nigeria presented their work.

The National Bank of Malawi PLC joined the exhibition to show how local banks are backing small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The bank is supporting farmers in rice, tea, macadamia, honey, potatoes, and chili processing.

“We finance the whole value chain, from production to processing and finally to market,” said Mr. Chimweme Chijere, Business Development Manager at National Bank of Malawi. He added that African banks must play a big role in food security by giving farmers access to funds and trade tools.

Rwandan Exhibitors Overcome Packaging Hurdles at IATF 2025 in Algiers

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2025) is underway in Algiers, Algeria. The fair started on 4 September and will end on 10 September 2025. It is the 4th edition, bringing together all African countries in one place.

At the previous IATF 2023 held in Cairo, Rwanda faced challenges with packaging. Their products were often more expensive compared to others. This was due to Rwanda’s ban on single-use plastics, which made packaging harder to find.

AfCFTA and Afreximbank Leaders Chart Africa’s Trade Future at IATF2025 in Algiers

Sat, 06 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A fireside chat at the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) on Saturday brought together two leading voices shaping Africa’s trade landscape; H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, and Prof. Benedict Oramah, outgoing President and Chairman of Afreximbank.

The session, held under the theme “The First Mile to the Future: Reflections on IATF, AfCFTA, and the Power of Partnership,” explored how African partnerships, policy, and finance are driving the continent’s trade transformation.

IATF2025: Algeria Hosts Historic Trade Fair, Pushing Africa's Economic Future

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A new era for Africa’s economy was announced today as leaders, visionaries, and businesses gathered for the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2025. This wasn’t just a business event; it was a symbol of African unity and the big dreams of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The opening ceremony was a lively event, attended by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and the other heads of state including President of Tunisia Kais Saied, President of Tchad Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno , President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania, and President Daniel Chapo of Mozambique. Their presence, along with representatives from other African countries, showed a shared commitment to bringing the continent closer through business. The IATF has become Africa’s main business meeting place, where plans become real partnerships and deals get made.

Africa: Innovating for a Secure and Stable African Future

Wed, 28 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Kigali, Rwanda from 19th - 20th May 2025, leaders and companies focused on safety met in Kigali. AfricanUpdates talked to some of them. Everyone agreed: for Africa to be safer, countries need to make more of their own security gear. They also need to use new tools and work together better.

Africa faces many tough challenges. Today, over 37 million people in Africa have fled their homes because of fighting. Millions more are displaced inside their own countries. Sudan, Congo, and the Sahel region still see lots of trouble. This shows how much more security is needed. Still, some places are quite safe. Rwanda, for example, has made big strides since its past troubles. Countries like Ghana and Botswana are also known for being peaceful.

Kigali Summit Calls for African-Led Security Solutions

Tue, 20 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A high-level gathering convened in Kigali on 19th May, 2025, as the International Security Conference on Africa (ISCA) opened its doors, drawing a diverse and influential audience. The conference is poised to redefine the narrative around African security.

President Paul Kagame declared the forum “long overdue,” emphasizing the need for the continent to chart its own course in peace and security.

The event attracted key figures from across Africa and beyond. Notably, the Secretary-General of La Francophonie joined the assembly, alongside prominent members of security forces, including top-ranking army and police officials. Delegates filled the Kigali Convention Centre, signaling the weight of the issues at hand.

The Role of Accountants in Creating African Value Digitally

Sat, 10 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Friday, on 9th of May 2025, in Kigali, Rwanda, the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Rwanda (ICPAR) celebrated the launch of its new building, an event that drew attendees from across the continent who were also present for the Africa Congress of Accountants (ACOA) 2025. Against the backdrop of this milestone, a crucial question took center stage: the pivotal role of accountants in achieving Africa’s aspiration of ‘creating value for Africa,’ and the ways in which ICPAR is championing technology to realize this vision.

Rwanda: Tech, Training, and Growth Highlighted by ACOA Exhibitors

Thu, 08 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The bustling city of Kigali became a central point for the future of African finance as the 8th Africa Congress of Accountants (ACOA) unfolded. With a rising number of individuals pursuing higher education across Africa, the congress provided a vital platform for exhibitors to showcase innovations and build crucial connections within the accountancy sector. The growing demand for skilled financial professionals, driven by economic expansion and increasing regulatory complexity, was evident as companies presented their solutions and visions for the continent.

Over 2,000 Accountants Unite in Rwanda for ACOA 2025

Tue, 06 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

KIGALI, Rwanda Over 2,000 professional accountants and key stakeholders from more than 65 countries have gathered in Kigali for the 8th Africa Congress of Accountants (ACOA). The event, taking place from May 6th to 9th, 2025, at the Kigali Convention Center (KCC), is hosted by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Rwanda (ICPAR) in collaboration with the Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA). This landmark event is designed to foster connection, learning, and innovation within the accountancy ecosystem.

Unlocking Trade in Landlocked Countries via SEZs and AfCFTA

Sat, 03 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Landlocked countries in Africa, like Rwanda, have historically faced significant hurdles in international trade. Geographic limitations often translate to higher transportation costs, longer transit times, and reduced competitiveness in the global market. However, a new era of opportunity is dawning, fueled by the rise of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). These initiatives hold the promise of transforming these disadvantages into springboards for economic growth and diversification.

Djibouti: Africa Focuses on Infrastructure for Trade Boost

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Djibouti City, Djibouti - in the Regional Conference on Special Economic Zones in Djibouti on April 22, 2025, focused on the development of infrastructure and trade corridors across Africa, recognizing their vital role in enhancing connectivity and integration.

Discussions centered on initiatives like the Trans-Africa Land Bridge and the challenges and opportunities in developing the continent’s infrastructure.

Mr. Denis Muganga, Director of Private Sector Investment at the Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority (NCTTCA), highlighted the ambitious Trans-Africa Highway project, spanning 18 to 30 countries with a planned 60,000-kilometer network. “I’m sure most of us have heard about this project, considered as one of the major projects of the century,” Muganga stated. However, he also pointed out the slow progress and challenges hindering infrastructure development in Africa.

In Picture: Day 1 of the Regional Conference on Special Economic Zones- Djibouti

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Day 1 of the Regional Conference on Special Economic Zones in Djibouti highlighted the critical role of the AfCFTA in driving African trade and economic integration. Discussions emphasized the importance of innovation, technology, and skills development for the success of SEZs, with a key panel session focusing on these drivers of growth.

[caption id=“attachment_31947” align=“alignnone” width=“1024”] Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the AfCFTA[/caption]

Djibouti Hosts Regional Conference, Emphasizes AfCFTA's Role in African Trade

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Djibouti City, Djibouti - The Regional Conference on Special Economic Zones commenced its first day on April 21, 2025, in Djibouti, drawing officials and delegates from across Africa. The event highlighted Djibouti’s strategic importance in driving African trade and the critical role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in the continent’s economic integration.

The Minister of Trade and Tourism in Djibouti, Mohamed Warsama Dirieh, extended a warm welcome, emphasizing the collaborative spirit of the conference. Minister Dirieh underscored Djibouti’s historical and ongoing commitment to economic integration.

Djibouti: Skills and Technology for Special Economic Zones Growth

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A compelling afternoon panel session at the Regional Conference on Special Economic Zones in Djibouti focused on the critical role of innovation, technology, and skills development in driving the success of SEZs and broader economic growth across Africa.

The discussion centered on how these three elements can be leveraged to transform SEZs into dynamic hubs of economic activity and contribute to the overall prosperity of the continent.

Njoroge Francis Gitau, Manager of Special Economic Zones in Kenya, emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to innovation. “It is very critical they don’t see innovation only but also it’s right in the whole sector. Innovation, science, and technology are critical aspects,” Gitau stated. He highlighted Kenya’s commitment to developing its human capital, noting, “We offer training to the youth in Kenya, we understand the issue around capacity building, we ensure we have centers for where to offer trainings.”

Africa Peace Run: A Collective Step Toward Unity and Stability Across the Continent

Sun, 26 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

On a mission to promote peace and unity across Africa, the Africa Peace Run initiative has gained significant momentum under the leadership of the Global Election Observation Mission (GEOM). This initiative seeks to bridge divides and address the underlying issues of violence and political unrest by engaging the continent’s most valuable resource, its youth.

The idea behind the Africa Peace Run was born from the understanding of Africa’s history and the challenges it continues to face. Kaikare Ronald, the Head of Programs at GEOM and Director of Africa Peace Run, shared his thoughts on why this initiative is so crucial for the continent.

CAR: Rwandan female peacekeepers on campaign against Gender-Based Violence (GBV)

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The Female Engagement Team of Rwanda Battle Group VI, serving under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), launched a 16-day campaign against gender-based violence (GBV) in Bria, Haute-Kotto Prefecture.

The campaign, which began on Monday, November 25 as part of the global 16 Days of Activism, was held in collaboration with local communities, other UN peacekeepers, and national and international NGOs.

It aims to eliminate all forms of GBV, including sexual violence, rape, physical and psychological abuse, and harmful traditional practices.