Africa

Africa losing Sh9.71 trillion through unfair credit ratings, Ruto tells UN

President William Ruto told the UN General Assembly that Africa has lost about Sh9.71 trillion through higher interest charges and missed lending opportunities linked to sovereign credit ratings, citing a UNDP estimate. He argued developing countries face higher borrowing costs than developed economies and urged fairer risk assessment.

Ruto: Africa cannot remain permanently excluded from UN Security Council

The President said the arrangement was shaped by circumstances that existed when the United Nations was established in 1945 but has not kept pace with changes in the world.

Ruto calls for stronger climate financing as Africa pushes for common COP31 position

The President insisted that Africa must remain active in global climate negotiations and demand implementation of commitments made by developed countries.

Ruto leaves for UN Assembly to seek investment and AI partnerships

In his UN General Assembly address, the President will champion an Africa-financing-Africa approach.

UN calls for more science, technology investment in global South

The UN says advances in science and technology are increasingly shaping all areas of human life, while offering developing countries an opportunity to overcome some traditional stages of development

Kenyan diplomat Martin Kimani named UN assistant Secretary-General for Africa

Kimani takes up the position with 25 years of experience in international relations, peace and security and multilateral diplomacy, spanning government, regional organisations, the United Nations and the private sector

African airlines set to add 1,165 new aircraft by 2045

Boeing’s 2026 Commercial Market Outlook estimates that passenger traffic across Africa will increase by nearly six per cent each year up to 2045, placing the continent among the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets.

Global Fertility Rates by Region

Fertility rates continue to vary widely across the world, with Africa recording the highest rate at 4.0 children per woman and a population of 1.5 billion

Rice, sugar and milk drive Sh573m informal imports

Rice, sugar and milk made up the biggest share of the goods that entered the country outside formal import procedures, with their combined value reaching Sh145 million. Rice was valued at Sh63 million, followed by sugar at Sh45 million and milk at Sh37 million.

Zambia arrests top opposition figures as election tensions rise

The arrests came as the country continued counting votes from last Thursday’s presidential election, with opposition leader Brian Mundubile trailing incumbent Hakainde Hichilema in the preliminary results.

African family businesses turn to succession planning as wealth transfer grows

Strathmore Business School, Standard Chartered, ALN and the Association of Family Business Enterprises (AFBE) have launched an executive programme on Monday targeting family business owners, next-generation leaders, policymakers and experts.

Ethiopia’s green economy model draws praise as climate risks intensify

AGRA Country Director for Ethiopia Yihenew Zewdie said the country’s green development initiatives, including tree planting, renewable energy and climate-smart agriculture, were helping conserve natural resources, restore degraded landscapes and strengthen resilience to climate change

UN report: Africa overtakes Asia as world’s hunger hotspot with 309 million people affected

Globally, the report estimates that 7.8 per cent of the world's population, about 645 million people, experienced hunger in 2025, down from 8.1 per cent in 2024 and 8.6 per cent in 2022. That represents nearly 14 million fewer hungry people than a year earlier and 43 million fewer than in 2022.

Canadian couple cycles across Africa to fund youth empowerment and education projects

The couple said bicycles became the natural choice because cycling allows them to experience communities at a slower pace

EACC Chief Executive Officer elected to continental anti-corruption leadership role

According to the commission, anti-corruption agencies from different African countries convened in Nairobi to exchange ideas on strengthening transparency, accountability, and governance systems across the continent.

Ruto urges G7 to forge equal partnerships with Africa for global growth

The President highlighted Africa’s strategic importance in supplying critical minerals required for electric mobility, clean energy technologies, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.

US Congress bill threatens sanctions on African governments over Russia war recruitment claims

According to the bill, Russian-linked groups are actively targeting civilians across Africa with misleading promises of jobs and opportunities before sending them into military roles in Ukraine.

Ruto renews push for UN Security Council reform, demands Africa inclusion

Speaking at the Africa Forward Summit at KICC, President William Ruto renewed calls for urgent UN Security Council reform, arguing Africa’s lack of permanent seats weakens legitimacy. UN Secretary-General António Guterres made similar appeals in Nairobi.

Kindiki urges Africa to accelerate digital transformation for governance and development

Kindiki said Africa must urgently align itself with global technological shifts that have placed digital systems at the centre of economic and institutional progress.

Hamilton wants African grand prix before retiring

The seven-time world champion said he had been "fighting in the background" for the past six or seven years, asking the sport's bosses "why are we not in Africa?".

WHO urges fresh push to eliminate neglected tropical diseases by 2030

Over the past decade, countries have made steady progress in tackling the diseases. By early 2026, a total of 58 countries had eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease, moving closer to WHO’s global goal of 100 countries achieving elimination by 2030.

Kagame: Some coups in Africa result from failed leadership

Kagame also criticized political developments in the Democratic Republic of Congo, challenging the credibility of the country’s electoral process. He referred to “a man in our neighbourhood who raises the whole world and causes all kinds of troubles,” questioning how he came to power and remained in office. Kagame labeled Congo’s recent elections as “a smokescreen” and bluntly stated: “Elections did not happen.”

INFOGRAPHIC: Most populated African countries

Overall, the figures highlight rapid population growth across Africa, led by West and East African nations.

Raila Odinga remembered by world leaders as visionary statesman

Scaling Africa's green future: How Ethiopia is pioneering e-mobility across the continent

The nature of Africa’s collective automobile fleet, which overwhelmingly consists of aged, high-polluting vehicles, is a major challenge for a continent that is keen to play a leading role in the world’s battle against climate change

Defeating malaria, unlocking growth: Why Africa needs private sector to step up

By investing in innovative, private-sector-led solutions, African countries can turn health challenges into engines of economic opportunity. Eliminating malaria would free up billions in lost productivity, unlock new business opportunities, and improve the quality of life for millions of people.

260 arrested in Africa-Wide crackdown on sextortion and online scams

Authorities say more than 1,400 victims in Ghana, Kenya, Angola and other countries were identified, with financial losses estimated at nearly $2.8 million (Sh361.7 million)

Kenyan pathologist Ahmed Kalebi named among world’s top 50 innovators

Dr Kalebi, who is the Principal Pathologist and Executive Chairman of Dr Kalebi Labs (DKL) Ltd, said the award crowns nearly two decades of groundbreaking work in the field.

Ruto at UN: Africa won’t stay silent in global decisions

Ruto pointed out that although African issues occupy most of the council’s agenda, the continent remains the only one without a permanent voice at the table. He demanded the allocation of at least two permanent seats with veto powers, along with more non-permanent seats for African nations.

Burkina Faso ends visa fees for African travelers

Capt Traoré, who seized power in a 2022 coup, has positioned himself as a Pan-Africanist leader, often criticising colonial influence and the West.