Africa News Live Updates: Welcome to our live blog covering the latest developments from across Africa. Follow real-time updates on political transitions, security and peacekeeping efforts, regional integration, economic innovation, climate impacts, migration trends and grassroots activism. Track the continent’s evolving role in global affairs and its efforts to address both internal and external challenges read more
Following Africa as it happens. Image courtesy Google Gemini
Africa navigates a complex day of governance shifts, security reforms, energy innovation and social justice efforts. From Nigeria’s healthcare funding and political developments to Rwanda’s new weapons laws and DRC’s solar breakthrough, follow key updates shaping the continent’s future today:
Shifts in policy, power and progress across Africa today Africa News Live Updates: Welcome to our live blog covering the latest developments from across Africa. Follow real-time updates on political transitions, security and peacekeeping efforts, regional integration, economic innovation, climate impacts, migration trends and grassroots activism. Track the continent’s evolving role in global affairs and its efforts to address both internal and external challenges July 1, 2025, 22:00:05 (IST)
Ethiopia’s central bank cancels mandatory T-bond purchase for commercial banks The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has eliminated a directive that mandated commercial banks invest a portion of their loans into government Treasury Bonds, a significant policy shift for the nation’s financial sector, according to a report in Capital Ethiopia. This move is expected to free up capital for commercial banks, increasing their liquidity and autonomy over lending portfolios, which could stimulate more credit access for the private sector. The cancellation of the mandatory T-bond purchases, a policy previously used to secure government financing, is seen as a key step towards financial liberalization and aligns with market-oriented reforms.
July 1, 2025, 22:00:05 (IST)
Ethiopia’s central bank mandates dematerialization of all government securities The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has mandated the full dematerialization of all government and NBE securities, transitioning from paper certificates to an electronic book-entry system, as per a report in Capital Ethiopia. Under the new directive, MFAD/001/2025, the move to a digital format is intended to improve market efficiency, transparency, and investor confidence while reducing systemic risks associated with physical certificates. This initiative is part of Ethiopia’s broader economic reform and digitalization agendas, aiming to modernize the financial sector and enhance public debt management.
July 1, 2025, 21:15:09 (IST)
Algerian court upholds 5-year sentence for writer Boualem Sansal, escalating tensions with France An Algerian court has upheld a five-year prison sentence for writer Boualem Sansal, who holds both French and Algerian citizenship, according to a report in The New York Times. The conviction of the author has reportedly worsened already strained relations between Algeria and France. This incident follows a period of heightened bilateral tensions stemming from historical disagreements and previous French actions, such as visa restrictions on Algerian citizens.
July 1, 2025, 21:06:39 (IST)
Mohammed Janabi assumes office as WHO Africa regional director Mohammed Janabi has formally assumed his position as the new regional director for the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Africa region, Premium Times says in a report. His assumption of office follows his election in May 2025, which took place during a special session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa held in Geneva.
July 1, 2025, 21:05:34 (IST)
Nigerian athletes Ofili and Ezekiel to make Diamond League debuts in Eugene Nigerian athletes Favour Ofili and Nathaniel Ezekiel are scheduled to make their debuts in the Diamond League series at the upcoming Eugene Meet, according to a report in Premium Times. In addition to Ofili and Ezekiel competing in their first Diamond League events, a number of other Nigerian athletes will also be participating in non-Diamond League competitions at the same meet.
July 1, 2025, 21:05:34 (IST)
Algerian court upholds five-year prison sentence for writer Boualem Sansal An Algerian court on Tuesday upheld a five-year prison sentence for French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal for undermining national unity, prompting a call for clemency from the French government, France 24 said in a report. The writer, who resides in France, was detained during a visit to Algeria in November and originally sentenced in March. The charges stem from statements made to a French media outlet in which he endorsed Morocco’s position on territory he claimed was seized under French colonialism and annexed to Algeria.
July 1, 2025, 21:04:29 (IST)
Ahmadu Bello University wins Nigerian collegiate 3×3 basketball championship Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) has been crowned the champion of the collegiate 3×3 basketball tournament in Nigeria, as per a report in Premium Times. Ibrahim Abdulkadir of ABU was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player for his significant contributions to his team’s victory. Additionally, Godwin Ogbani-Daniel from the University of Osun was recognized as the tournament’s highest scorer.
July 1, 2025, 21:03:23 (IST)
Lagos governor commends Kings College alumni for 20th anniversary legacy projects Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu praised the Kings College Class of 2005 for their contributions to the school as the alumni group marked its 20th anniversary, Premium Times says in a report. The governor highlighted several legacy projects undertaken by the group, including the renovation of the Victoria Island Annex dining hall, the installation of a 10,000-litre potable water system, and the provision of scholarships for students. Sanwo-Olu described these initiatives as outstanding examples of responsible citizenship.
July 1, 2025, 21:03:23 (IST)
Coordinated attacks target Malian army positions, military says Seven Malian army positions in western Mali, including some near the Senegalese border, were hit by coordinated attacks early Tuesday, France 24 said in a report. The Malian military confirmed the attacks in a statement but did not provide a death toll. As of now, no jihadist group operating in the Sahel region has claimed responsibility for what is the latest in a new series of attacks.
July 1, 2025, 21:02:18 (IST)
Former Nigerian military governor dedicates presidential award to June 12 patriots A former Nigerian military governor, retired Colonel Abubakar Umar, has dedicated a national honor he received from President Bola Tinubu to fellow patriots who defended democracy following the annulment of the June 12, 1993, election, Premium Times said in a report. Umar was recognized for the personal risks he took in support of Nigeria’s democratic aspirations and dedicated the award to fellow military officers and citizens who also stood for the pro-democracy cause during that historical period.
July 1, 2025, 21:01:11 (IST)
Dispute arises over burial site of former Zambian president Edgar Lungu A dispute over the burial site for former Zambian President Edgar Lungu has become the latest point of conflict in the country’s ongoing political rivalry, according to a report in The New York Times. The disagreement highlights the deep-seated hostility between supporters of Lungu’s Patriotic Front party and the current government led by President Hakainde Hichilema. This political tension has been a feature since the 2021 general election, where Hichilema defeated Lungu. The current conflict specifically centers on the arrangements and location for the burial of Lungu, who served as Zambia’s president from 2015 to 2021.
July 1, 2025, 21:00:05 (IST)
Bandit group in Nigeria reportedly uses false claims as propaganda after leader’s cousin killed A notorious bandit group in Nigeria, led by Turji Bello, is reportedly resorting to propaganda by forcing captives to make false claims on video, specifically that they are siblings of the Zamfara state governor, according to a report in Premium Times. This tactic is said to be a response to a significant setback for the group following the recent killing of the leader’s cousin, Danbokolo, and other fighters during security operations. The circulation of these false claims is being framed as an act of desperation by the bandits to undermine state authorities.
July 1, 2025, 21:00:05 (IST)
Dangote Refinery reduces petrol price in Nigeria The Dangote Refinery in Nigeria has reduced its price for petrol, a development linked to recent fluctuations in global crude oil prices, according to a report in Premium Times. This price adjustment occurs in the market context following the removal of a long-standing fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu’s administration in May 2023. The refinery, which recently commenced operations, is Africa’s largest and its pricing decisions are expected to significantly influence Nigeria’s domestic fuel market, which previously relied on imports.
July 1, 2025, 20:48:24 (IST)
Gambia’s Kanifing Municipal Council wins over D3M in Bloomberg award The Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) in The Gambia has won an award valued at over 3 million Gambian Dalasi (D3M) from a Bloomberg Philanthropies initiative, according to a report in The Point. KMC, which is the most populous local government area in the country, was recognized for developing solutions to address pressing urban issues. The award provides a financial injection intended to fund specific projects that will drive local development and improve services for residents within the municipality.
July 1, 2025, 20:48:24 (IST)
Lesotho activist arrested after video on unemployment angers prime minister An activist in Lesotho, Tšolo Thakeli, was arrested by armed police at his home after he posted a video online questioning Prime Minister Sam Maketane’s promises to address the country’s high unemployment rate, according to a report in The Guardian. The 31-year-old activist, who has a history of campaigning on the issue of youth joblessness under previous administrations, was reportedly taken into custody a day after posting the video.
July 1, 2025, 20:47:19 (IST)
South African actor Embeth Davidtz to direct drama set in former Rhodesia South African actor Embeth Davidtz is set to make her directorial debut with a film based on Alexandra Fuller’s 2001 memoir, “Don’t Let’s Go To The Dogs Tonight”, Africa News says in a report. The drama is set in Rhodesia, the unrecognized state that preceded modern-day Zimbabwe, during the civil war of the 1970s. The source material is a personal account of a white child’s upbringing during the conflict that ultimately led to the establishment of Zimbabwe.
July 1, 2025, 20:46:14 (IST)
Police arrest seven in fresh land dispute in Gambia’s Central River Region Police in The Gambia have arrested seven individuals in the Central River Region (CRR) following a new land dispute, as per a report in The Point. The arrests were made in connection with the recent conflict over land in the predominantly agricultural region.
July 1, 2025, 20:46:14 (IST)
Rwanda’s prime minister issues call for Africa to adopt nuclear energy Rwandan Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente has issued a call for a continent-wide shift toward nuclear energy, urging African nations to act collectively to enhance energy security and meet climate objectives, as per a report in The New Times. The proposal positions nuclear power as a critical solution for Africa’s industrialization and development needs. This call aligns with a broader, though nascent, trend where countries like Egypt, Ghana, and Nigeria are exploring nuclear options, while South Africa currently operates the only commercial nuclear power plant on the continent.
July 1, 2025, 20:45:09 (IST)
Morocco hosts second successive Women’s Africa Cup of Nations amid major football investment Morocco is continuing its efforts to become a significant force in global football by hosting the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for a second successive tournament, BBC says in a report. This event is a key component of the kingdom’s broader strategy, which involves substantial state investment in world-class stadiums and training facilities. This long-term ambition is significantly bolstered by Morocco having already secured the rights to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, marking a major milestone in its national sports development plan.
July 1, 2025, 20:45:09 (IST)
Player says 2024 WAFCON will boost women’s football in Morocco Kawtar Bentaleb, a goalkeeper for the top-flight Moroccan club FUS Rabat, believes that staging the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will provide a significant boost to the women’s game within the country, according to a report in BBC. Bentaleb commented on the past lack of attention for women’s football, suggesting the high-profile continental tournament serves as a crucial platform for increasing visibility and promoting development in the sport.
July 1, 2025, 20:32:21 (IST)
Cameroon social dialogue committee addresses digital era challenges for workers A Social Dialogue Committee in Cameroon is examining the challenges workers face amid the ongoing digital revolution, according to a report in Cameroon Tribune. The committee, which typically includes government, union, and employer representatives, is addressing issues arising from new technologies, including the gig economy, automation, and the need for digital skills development. These discussions are part of a wider trend across the continent where nations and bodies like the African Union are developing strategies to navigate the impact of digitalization on their labor markets and ensure social protections keep pace with technological change.
July 1, 2025, 20:31:16 (IST)
UNDP releases 2025 Human Development Report with focus on African challenges The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) released its 2025 Human Development Report on Tuesday, providing a comprehensive assessment of global well-being that extends beyond purely economic indicators, according to a report in The Point. The report’s findings are particularly relevant for Africa, where progress in human development is impacted by ongoing debt crises, the effects of climate change, political instability, and challenges in post-pandemic economic recovery. The HDR, which measures development through life expectancy, education levels, and gross national income per capita, serves as a critical benchmark for African governments and influences policy and funding decisions by international organizations.
July 1, 2025, 20:30:05 (IST)
Former Nigerian Bar Association president and VGC residents accuse electoral body of illegality A former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), along with other residents of the Victoria Garden City (VGC) community in Lagos, has accused the country’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of illegality, Premium Times says in a report. The accusation is part of the ongoing public scrutiny of the commission following Nigeria’s 2023 general elections.
July 1, 2025, 20:19:33 (IST)
TAF Africa gives high score to Nigeria’s electoral commission for 2023 state elections Election observer group TAF Africa has given a high score to Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its conduct during the off-cycle gubernatorial elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states, as per a report in Premium Times. The assessment concerns the polls held in November 2023, which were widely seen as a crucial test for the electoral body following significant criticism of its performance during the general elections earlier that year. TAF Africa’s positive evaluation marks a notable piece of feedback on INEC’s operational conduct in these specific state elections.
July 1, 2025, 20:18:31 (IST)
Wife of Edo State governor responds to political rival Adams Oshiomhole The wife of Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has issued a public reply to his predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole, amidst their long-standing political feud in Nigeria, according to a report in Premium Times. The response was reportedly prompted by personal remarks from Oshiomhole’s camp, leading the governor’s wife to also publicly comfort women who are childless. This development is the latest in a bitter rivalry between the current governor and Oshiomhole, which intensified during the 2020 Edo State governorship election.
July 1, 2025, 20:18:31 (IST)
Eastern University and Daffodil Response Centre sign memorandum of understanding in South Africa Eastern University and the Daffodil Response Centre have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in South Africa, as per a report in the Daily Sun. The agreement formalizes the intent for future cooperation between the academic institution and the response center, establishing a collaborative framework for potential future initiatives.
July 1, 2025, 20:18:31 (IST)
Malema accuses Zuma’s MK party of using ‘black unity’ to undermine the EFF Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema has accused former President Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party of attempting to undermine the EFF by using the concept of ‘black unity’ as a political tool, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. Malema’s statement highlights the intense political rivalry between the two parties, which both compete for the support of disaffected black voters in South Africa. The accusation posits that the MK Party is strategically deploying the historically significant concept of ‘black unity’ to weaken its political competitors rather than to foster genuine solidarity.
July 1, 2025, 20:17:26 (IST)
Osun State government and APC in dispute over new cybercrime committee A political disagreement has emerged in Nigeria’s Osun State between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), Premium Times says in a report. The conflict centers on the state government’s decision to establish a new committee tasked with tackling issues of cyberbullying and other cybercrimes. The APC has voiced opposition to the initiative, leading to a public dispute between the two major political parties in the state.
July 1, 2025, 20:17:26 (IST)
APC governors in Nigeria recommend zoning for National Assembly leadership Governors from Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have recommended adopting a zoning formula for National Assembly leadership roles, specifically ruling out Adams Oshiomhole and Dave Umahi for top posts, according to a report in Premium Times. The recommendation is part of the party’s internal consultations following its victory in recent general elections. This move aims to determine the leadership for the upcoming legislative session, including the key positions of Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives, ahead of the new administration under President-elect Bola Tinubu.
July 1, 2025, 20:15:09 (IST)
Rwandan president meets with IAEA director general Rwandan President Paul Kagame received Rafael Mariano Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), on Tuesday, July 1, as per a report in The New Times. The meeting took place as part of the Director General’s official visit to the African nation.
July 1, 2025, 20:15:09 (IST)
South African speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula engages with influential MKMVA veterans group Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, the Speaker of South Africa’s National Assembly, has addressed the uMkhonto weSizwe Military Veterans Association (MKMVA), stating “you have not abandoned me,” Mail & Guardian said in a report. This interaction is significant due to ongoing factionalism within the ruling African National Congress (ANC), where the MKMVA is widely viewed as a supporter of the ‘radical economic transformation’ (RET) faction. The engagement occurs as the ANC leadership continues its efforts to disband the MKMVA and other veteran groups to create a single, unified structure, a process the MKMVA has often resisted. Mapisa-Nqakula is a veteran of uMkhonto weSizwe, the ANC’s former armed wing, and previously served as the country’s Minister of Defence and Military Veterans.
July 1, 2025, 19:30:05 (IST)
Two South African engineers released after over two years in Equatorial Guinea jail Two South African engineers have been released from detention in Equatorial Guinea after being held for more than two years, according to a report in Daily Maverick. The engineers had been arrested on what were described as misappropriation charges. Their release follows a prolonged period of diplomatic engagement by South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to secure their freedom. The case highlights the challenges faced by foreign nationals in Equatorial Guinea, a country that human rights groups have previously cited for arbitrary arrests and a lack of judicial due process.
July 1, 2025, 19:17:21 (IST)
Economic indicators slow down in Central Africa’s CEMAC zone Economic indicators are slowing down across the six-nation Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC), according to a report in Cameroon Tribune. The slowdown in the region—comprising Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon—is being driven by several factors, including volatility in global commodity prices, high public debt levels, and persistent regional insecurity. The report notes the perspective of Yvon Sana Bangui, Governor of the Bank of Central African States, reflecting the official assessment of the economic situation, which poses challenges to government finances and the implementation of regional economic programs.
July 1, 2025, 19:17:21 (IST)
New officials appointed to Yaoundé linguistic center in Cameroon New officials have taken up their positions at the Yaoundé Pilot Linguistic Center in Cameroon’s capital, according to a report in Cameroon Tribune. The appointments represent an administrative update for the public institution focused on linguistic policy and training.
July 1, 2025, 19:16:14 (IST)
Road rehabilitation project begins in Douala, Cameroon The Urban Community of Douala (CUD) in Cameroon has initiated a road rehabilitation project in the city, Cameroon Tribune says in a report. This urban development initiative, which began on July 1, 2025, aims to repair and upgrade several key roads within the major economic hub.
July 1, 2025, 19:15:05 (IST)
Cameroonian football federation forms emergency committee for friendly matches The Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) has convened an Emergency Committee to address issues related to the national football team’s friendly matches, Cameroon Tribune says in a report. The article details the formation of this special committee, which has been tasked with managing aspects of the team’s non-competitive fixtures.
July 1, 2025, 18:03:19 (IST)
Malian army reports killing one EIGS leader and securing surrender of another The Malian army inflicted two setbacks against the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS) on Saturday, June 28, Jeune Afrique said in a report. During operations in the volatile tri-border area, one jihadist leader was killed. Separately, another leader from the same group surrendered to the armed forces, along with several of his fighters.
July 1, 2025, 18:02:14 (IST)
Puma Energy launches new development plan to boost African growth The African branch of petroleum company Puma Energy, a subsidiary of commodity trader Trafigura, is launching a new continental development plan aimed at returning to growth, according to a report in Jeune Afrique. The initiative is being spearheaded by the head of its Africa division, Ben Hassan Ouattara. This new strategy is designed to strengthen the company’s market position and expand its operations across the continent.
July 1, 2025, 18:01:12 (IST)
Five Ivorian gendarmes released after being held by Burkinabe auxiliaries The government of Côte d’Ivoire confirmed on June 29 the release and arrival in Abidjan of five of its gendarmes, Jeune Afrique said in a report. The non-commissioned officers were apprehended by Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDPs) from Burkina Faso during a patrol at an illegal gold panning site in Kalamon, located on the border between the two nations.
July 1, 2025, 18:01:12 (IST)
Morocco’s outsourcing sector faces risk from new French telemarketing ban Morocco’s outsourcing sector, a key employer for French-speaking youth, is facing significant economic pressure due to a new French law set to ban telephone solicitation in August 2026, according to a report in Jeune Afrique. The law targets unwanted marketing calls in France, which is the primary client for Morocco’s call center industry. This legislative challenge compounds existing pressures on the sector from the increasing integration of artificial intelligence, raising concerns about widespread job losses and the future of a critical part of Morocco’s service economy.
Africa navigates a complex day of governance shifts, security reforms, energy innovation and social justice efforts. From Nigeria’s healthcare funding and political developments to Rwanda’s new weapons laws and DRC’s solar breakthrough, follow key updates shaping the continent’s future today:
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End of Liveblog
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