The South African rand dropped sharply to R17.81 against the dollar on Wednesday, marking a 3% decline as Donald Trump’s upcoming return to the White House spurred global investor anxiety. The development, signaling increasing risk aversion, is impacting emerging markets, with heightened geopolitical uncertainty and anticipated US tariffs adding pressure.

Kenyan President William Ruto held bilateral talks with Chinese official Li Xi in Nairobi on Monday, aiming to deepen Kenya-China relations and secure China’s support for Kenya’s bid to join the BRICS group. Kenya and China have a strong partnership and are currently collaborating on numerous projects within the East

The United States has agreed to forgive $1.14 billion of Somalia’s debt, marking a significant financial milestone for the East African nation. The agreement, signed in Mogadishu by Somali Finance Minister Bihi Egeh and US Ambassador Richard Riley, reflects Somalia’s commitment to the IMF-driven economic reform agenda, which prioritizes domestic

South Africa has temporarily closed its Lebombo border crossing with Mozambique following violent protests over Mozambique’s contested presidential election. Tensions erupted last month after Frelimo’s Daniel Chapo was declared the winner with 71% of the vote, sparking violent clashes that have led to at least 18 fatalities, according to Human

Kenya’s trade with other African countries grew by 26% in the first seven months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, according to a recent report by the Central Bank of Kenya. This surge, largely fueled by strengthened bilateral agreements and increased shipments, saw Kenya’s exports jump from

Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of 29 minors detained during anti-government protests in August, following widespread condemnation of their trial. The protesters, who participated in the “Ten Days of Rage” demonstrations against high living costs, had faced severe charges, including treason—a crime punishable by death

The World Bank has allocated $50 million to Nigeria under the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN) Project 2.0 to address the country’s critical nutrition issues. World Bank Country Director Ndiame Diop announced the funding, aimed at improving nutrition for vulnerable communities, during a meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima.

At least 25 people, including women and children, died after traffickers intentionally capsized their boat near the Comoros Islands, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The vessel, carrying around 30 people, sank late Friday between Anjouan, a Comoros island, and Mayotte, a French territory. Fishermen rescued five survivors,

The Algerian Olympic Committee (COA) has strongly condemned recent unverified leaks of boxer Imane Khelif’s medical records, calling them “baseless attacks” aimed at discrediting the Olympic gold medalist. An alleged medical report, widely circulated online, claims Khelif has XY chromosomes and internal testes and lacks a uterus. However, the COA

Britain’s Prince William has expressed hope that the Earthshot Prize, his environmental initiative, will bring optimism to climate advocates amid a challenging outlook. Speaking from Cape Town, South Africa, where the annual Earthshot awards ceremony was scheduled to hold on Wednesday, William highlighted the importance of young people in driving