Africa weekly news roundup
December 1-7, 2024
Ghana
13 presidential candidates cleared for elections
Ghana is gearing up for its general elections scheduled for December 7, 2024. Of the presidential aspirants, 13 candidates have been cleared by the Electoral Commission of Ghana to contest the elections and 11 disqualified. The main contenders include: Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP); John Mahama of the National Democratic Congress; Nana Kwame Bediako of the New Force; and former minister of trade Alan John Kyerematen of the Movement for Change Party.
Key issues dominating campaign messages include the economy, healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. All 13 candidates are crisscrossing the country, engaging with voters and outlining their vision for Ghana’s future. The two major parties, NPP and NDC, are scheduled to wrap up their campaign activities in Accra on December 5. Currently, the outcome of the election is uncertain as the main contenders have garnered a lot of followers on social media platforms and large crowds during their rallies. Ghanaians are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to exercise their democratic right and choose their next leader.
Nigeria
Over 100 lives lost in devastating boat Accident
A devastating boat accident occurred on the River Niger resulting in the loss of over 100 lives. The incident occurred when a wooden boat carrying approximately 270 passengers, mostly wedding guests, capsized and split into two. The boat was traveling from a wedding ceremony in a local village to Pategi in the Kwara State, when it encountered strong waves and collided with a tree branch hidden in the water. The impact caused the boat to capsize, sweeping passengers away.
Rescue efforts were launched immediately, with local residents and officials working together to save as many lives as possible. By the end of the rescue efforts, 144 people had been rescued, while at least 108 were confirmed dead. The incident was met with widespread shock and grief, with many prominent Nigerians offering condolences to the affected families. Authorities say an investigation into the cause of the accident has been launched, and officials are working to provide support to the families of the victims.
Kenya
Forex reserves hit 3-year high amid stable shilling
Kenya’s foreign exchange reserves have surged to a three-year high, increasing by US$1.97 billion in the last ten weeks. The Central Bank of Kenya has been buying excess dollars amid increased supply. In the last weeks of November, Kenya’s reserves stood at US$9.323 billion, enough to cover 4.8 months of imports. This is above the four-month statutory requirements and the East African Community’s convergence requirement of 4.5 months of import cover.
The Kenyan shilling has remained stable, ranging within the KSh 129.19 to KSh 129.21 mark for weeks now, amid a strengthening dollar. The Central Bank of Kenya’s efforts to mop up excess liquidity from the market have also helped to limit volatility.
The surge in foreign exchange reserves is a positive development for Kenya’s economy, indicating a stable and resilient financial system. The increase in forex reserves is attributed to increased diaspora remittances, foreign investment, and improved export earnings. This development is expected to boost investor confidence and support economic growth in Kenya.
South Africa
Renewable energy and economic growth to see a boost
Enoch Godongwana, South Africa’s finance minister, recently presented the 2025 fiscal budget. In a move aimed at generating additional revenue for the government, the budget includes a tax on winnings from gambling. The new tax law is expected to have a significant impact on the gaming industry, with many operators expressing concern about the potential effects on their businesses.
The budget focused on the development of renewable energy sources with the allocation of significant funds to support the development of new energy projects, including solar and wind power. This move is expected to help reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate the impact of power outages on businesses and households. The budget also aimed at promoting economic growth and development by allocating funds to support small businesses and entrepreneurs, as well as initiatives to promote tourism and trade.
Liberia
Country mourns the passing of Senator Prince Yormie Johnson
Liberia is in a state of mourning following the passing of Senator Prince Yormie Johnson, a prominent figure in the country’s political arena. Johnson, who was 72 years old at the time of his death, passed away on November 28, 2024. Senator Johnson’s life was marked by controversy as a result of his involvement in Liberia’s civil wars and being accused of war crimes. A significant turning point occurred when Senator Johnson renounced his past actions and became a born-again Christian.
As a senator for Nimba County, Johnson worked tirelessly to promote the interests of his constituents and to contribute to the development of Liberia. His passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes and condolences from across the country, as Liberians come to terms with the loss of a man who played a significant role in shaping the country’s history. Johnson’s funeral is expected to take place in January 2025, and it is likely to be a major event on the nation’s political calendar.
Sierra Leone
National safeguarding initiative launched
In a significant step towards protecting the rights and well-being of vulnerable citizens, Sierra Leone has launched the National Safeguarding Community of Practice. This initiative, which was formally introduced on November 28, 2024, aims to create a robust network of professionals dedicated to preventing the exploitation and abuse of children and adults with disabilities. The launch marks a major milestone in efforts to strengthen its safeguarding systems and ensure that all citizens are protected from harm. The community will bring together a diverse range of stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, and healthcare professionals, to share knowledge, expertise, and best practices in safeguarding.
The community will work to develop and implement effective safeguarding policies and procedures, as well as provide training and capacity-building programmes for professionals working in this field. By launching the National Safeguarding Community of Practice, Sierra Leone is demonstrating its commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens, particularly those who are most vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. This initiative has the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of thousands of people across the country. It is a major step forward in Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts to build a more just and equitable society.
Togo
West African leaders to father for energy cooperation summit
The city of Lomé is playing host to the inaugural West African Energy Cooperation Summit (WA-ECS). The summit is a three-day event that will bring together experts and stakeholders to discuss energy cooperation in West Africa. The summit is organized by EnergyNet Limited in collaboration with the Togolese Government and is supported by the World Bank. The WA-ECS aims to promote regional cooperation and integration in the energy sector and provides a platform for governments, private sector companies, and civil society organizations to come together and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the energy sector in West Africa.
The key objective of the WA-ECS is to explore ways of increasing access to energy in West Africa. The region currently faces significant energy challenges, including a lack of access to electricity, high energy costs, and a reliance on fossil fuels. The summit will discuss innovative solutions to these challenges, including the use of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency measures, and regional energy trade. The WA-ECS has attracted a high-level delegation of participants, including government ministers, CEOs of energy companies, and representatives of international organizations. The summit will feature a range of keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking sessions, providing participants with a unique opportunity to engage with each other and share their experiences and expertise.
Ivory Coast
Former Prime Minister Pascal Affi N’Guessan to run for president
Pascal Affi N’Guessan, Ivory Coast’s former prime minister, has been chosen by the Popular Ivorian Front (FPI) as its candidate in the 2025 presidential election. This decision was made at a congress in Yamoussoukro, where N’Guessan was re-elected president of the FPI with an overwhelming 99.34% of the votes. N’Guessan remains a prominent figure in Ivorian politics, and his candidacy is expected to be a significant factor in the upcoming election.
As part of his campaign, N’Guessan has proposed several key reforms, including the abolition of the senate and the restoration of presidential term limits. These proposals are likely to resonate with many Ivorians who are eager for change.
The 2025 presidential election is expected to be highly contested, with several other candidates also vying for the top spot. President Ouattara, who has been in office since 2010, has not yet indicated whether he will seek a fourth term.
Burkina Faso
African Development Fund approves €156.66 million for road upgrades
The African Development Fund has approved a loan package to improve road connectivity between Burkina Faso, Mali, and Côte d’Ivoire. The €156.66 million loan will fund the upgrading and asphalting of 242 km of cross-border roads. The project aims to enhance regional integration, facilitate trade, and promote economic growth in the two landlocked countries. The improved road network will also increase access to basic social and community services, boost corridor performance, and reduce non-tariff barriers.
The funding will support the upgrading of the 155-km Bobo Dioulasso-Banfora-Côte d’Ivoire border road in Burkina Faso as well as the construction of 18 km of urban roads and 50 km of rural roads. In Mali, the Bank Group’s €73.73 million backing will focus on upgrading the 45-km Bougouni-Garalo section of the Bougouni-Garalo-Manankoro-Côte d’Ivoire border road.
Cameroon
New national animal seed production center to enhance livestock sector
Cameroon is set to establish the National Animal Seed Production Center in Wakwa, Adamawa region, in 2025. Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute announced the plan, which aims to produce 500 doses of cattle semen and 300 embryos annually to enable the insemination of 276,000 cows for milk production. Cameroon currently relies on imports to meet its dairy product needs. In 2023, the country produced 176,000 tons of milk, leaving a gap of 120,000 tons per year to meet national demand.
The Ministry of Livestock estimates that the plan will cost CFA 305 billion. Despite the challenges, Ngute expressed satisfaction with the country’s progress, noting that in 2024, Cameroon produced 235,000 tons of meat, including 94,000 tons of beef and 131,000 tons of milk. The establishment of the National Animal Seed Production Center is a significant step towards achieving the government’s goals and reducing reliance on imports.
Senegal
Sonko to remain in office despite landslide election victory
In a move that will maintain stability in government, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has confirmed that he will remain in his role as prime minister. This decision comes after his party, Pastef, secured a landslide victory in the recent snap parliamentary elections, winning 130 out of 165 seats in the National Assembly. The election, held on November 17, saw Pastef, led by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Sonko, achieve one of the largest majorities ever won by a single party. This victory sparked speculation about whether Sonko should step down as prime minister to lead the National Assembly, in the interests of institutional balance.
However, Sonko has opted to remain in his current role, ensuring continuity in the government’s policies and programmes. His decision is seen as a strategic move to maintain stability and momentum in the government’s agenda. With his party’s overwhelming majority in the National Assembly, Sonko is well-positioned to drive meaningful change and progress in the country. The decision has been welcomed by many, who see it as a sign of stability and continuity in the government. The Prime Minister’s commitment to his role is expected to reassure investors and citizens alike, and to pave the way for further progress and development in the country.
Rwanda
Tensions escalate as DRC accuses neighbour of backing rebel group
Rwanda is facing accusations of backing the M23 rebel group, which has been linked to atrocities against civilians in the conflict-torn region of North Kivu, eastern DRC. Deputy Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs Samuel Mbemba has called this a landmark moment, citing decades of aggression against the DRC, including the pillaging of minerals, rape, and massacres. The case comes four months after the DRC filed a case against Rwanda at the East African Court of Justice, accusing the country of violating its sovereignty, committing atrocities against civilians, and breaking international law in eastern DRC. Despite this, the DRC and Rwanda signed a key agreement in November, aimed at working towards peace in the conflict region.
The Angolan Presidency has announced that the DRC and Rwanda’s respective presidents are set to meet for talks on December 15 at a summit in Luanda. The M23 rebel group has been linked to numerous human rights abuses, including killings, rapes, and forced recruitment. The group’s actions have resulted in the displacement of thousands.
