Africa: AfDB Approves New Program to Help African Countries Turn Energy Promises Into Power for Millions

[African Development Bank (AfDB)] The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a new USD 3.9 million, two-year technical assistance project to support African countries in the implementation of their National Energy Compacts into action under Mission 300, the AfDB-World Bank initiative to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030. Source

Nigeria: Boko Haram/Iswap Attack - Ndume Condoles Troops, Families of Fallen Soldiers

[Vanguard] Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South) has commiserated with the troops of Theatre Command North East Joint Task Force 'Operation Hadin Kai' (OPHK), members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and families of those killed during an encounter with Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Sabon Gari village. Source

Africa: Guinea Worm Disease Reaches All-Time Low: Only 10 Human Cases Reported in 2025

[Carter Center] Atlanta -- Only 10 human cases of Guinea worm were reported worldwide in 2025, the lowest number ever recorded, bringing the ancient disease closer than ever to eradication. The Carter Center announced the historic provisional figure following the one-year anniversary of the passing of the Center's founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. Source

South Africa: South Africa Expels Top Israeli Diplomat for 'Violations of Diplomatic Protocol'

[allAfrica] Cape Town -- South Africa has declared Israel's top diplomat in the country persona non grata, ordering him to leave within 72 hours following what officials described as repeated breaches of diplomatic norms. Source

South Africa: Israeli Chargé d'Affaires Declared Persona Non Grata

[Govt of SA] The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has informed the Government of the State of Israel of its decision to declare Mr. Ariel Seidman, the Chargé d'Affaires of the Israeli Embassy, persona non grata. Source

Africa: Barbadian PM Hails GERD As Model for Ending Africa's Energy Poverty

[ENA] Addis Ababa -- Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has hailed Ethiopian Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as a powerful symbol of African self-determination, declaring it a living proof that the continent can defeat energy poverty even when locked out of international financing. Source

South Africa: Parents Fear for Children As 94% of Gauteng School Transport Fails Tests

[Scrolla] Inspectors found 94% of scholar transport vehicles in Gauteng failed roadworthiness tests at Jabulani testing station in Soweto last week. Johannesburg Metro Police Department impounded about 50 unroadworthy taxis in Alexandra on Friday morning, bringing school transport services to a complete standstill. Source

South Africa: Teen Can't Get Smart ID Because System Won't Accept Click Sounds in His Name

[Scrolla] Lesle Jansen says her son !Khūboab Lawrence cannot get a smart ID because the system does not process the special characters in his name. The characters are click sounds used in Khoekhoegowab, the Nama people's language, and are an important part of Lawrence's name. Source

Nigeria: Pastor Chris Okafor Recounts 58-Day Kidnap Ordeal, Credits Survival to God's Grace

[Leadership] The founder of Grace Nation International, Pastor Chris Okafor, has narrated his abduction by kidnappers alongside his personal assistant in 2012, describing the experience as a life-threatening ordeal he survived by divine intervention. Source

Africa: The 99% Don't Need a Billionaires' Forum. They Need Democratic Power

[allAfrica] Last week, the rich and powerful gathered once again at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the Swiss ski resort that has hosted an annual meeting of the world's super-rich for more than half a century. The setting was familiar, and the guest list predictable. The language was emptier than ever. Source

Nigeria: How Coup to Topple Tinubu Was Uncovered, Foiled

[Daily Trust] A covert intelligence operation coordinated by the Army Headquarters and the State Security Service (SSS) helped thwart a deadly plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu's government and assassinate key political figures, PREMIUM TIMES can authoritatively report. Source

Niger: Niger Accuses France, Benin and Cote d'Ivoire of Sponsoring Airport Attack

[RFI] Niger's military ruler, Abdourahamane Tiani, has accused the presidents of France, Benin and Cote d'Ivoire of sponsoring an attack on Niamey international airport. Source