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Business & Macroeconomy
🇨🇳 Midea Sponsors 2025 AFCON in Morocco
Chinese appliance giant Midea Group has signed on as an official sponsor of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled for Dec. 21 to Jan. 18 in Morocco, further deepening China’s sports-marketing presence across the continent.
🇰🇪 Equity Group Eyes UAE Expansion
Equity Group Holdings, East Africa’s largest bank, is in the final regulatory stages to open a representative office in the United Arab Emirates by Q4 2025, CEO James Mwangi confirmed. The move marks the bank’s first foray into the Gulf region.
Climate & Energy
🇰🇪 GEF Eyes New Wildlife Conservation Bonds
The Global Environment Facility (GEF), the world’s oldest multilateral climate fund, is preparing a new round of wildlife conservation bonds to help African countries protect endangered species and ecosystems.
Geopolitics & Policy
🇸🇳 France Ends Military Presence in Senegal
After 65 years, France has formally handed back its last military bases in Senegal, marking the end of a permanent French military presence in West and Central Africa.
🇬🇳 Guinea Mandates Domestic Bauxite Shipping
Guinea now requires at least 50% of bauxite exports to be transported via locally owned vessels. The directive follows the creation of a state maritime company, aimed at boosting domestic capacity in the mineral export sector.
🇿🇦 South Africa Deepens Ties with China
Deputy President Paul Mashatile met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing, strengthening bilateral ties. The visit follows the formal upgrading of China–South Africa relations in 2024.
Tech & Investment
🇰🇪 South African PE Fund Buys Stake in Kenyan ISP
The Pembani Remgro Infrastructure Fund II is set to acquire a 35% controlling stake in Mawingu Networks, a Kenyan internet provider, in a bid to expand connectivity infrastructure in East Africa.
Governance & Security
🇹🇬 Low Turnout in Togo’s Municipal Elections
Municipal elections in Togo saw sparse voter turnout amid public anger over constitutional changes enabling President Faure Gnassingbé to remain in power indefinitely. The elections, the first since the reform, were marked by calls for a boycott and a heavy military presence across Lomé.
🇧🇫 Burkina Faso Junta Dissolves Electoral Commission
Burkina Faso’s military government has abolished the Independent Electoral Commission, citing high costs. The Interior Ministry will now oversee elections. The move comes after the junta extended its rule to 2029, further delaying a return to civilian governance.
🇧🇫 AI Disinformation Fuels Junta’s Personality Cult
AI-generated videos featuring global figures like R. Kelly and the Pope are circulating on social media in Burkina Faso, promoting junta leader Capt. Ibrahim Traoré. Experts warn this is part of a broader disinformation campaign with alleged Russian links aimed at reinforcing authoritarian control.
🇸🇩 Shelling Kills Civilians in Darfur Camp
Shelling by Rapid Support Forces (RSF) struck Abu Shouk displacement camp in Sudan’s Darfur region, killing eight civilians. The region is seeing intensifying fighting as El Fasher, the last holdout city in North Darfur, remains under siege.
🇨🇩 UN Experts Cite Rwandan and Ugandan Military Roles in DRC Conflict
A forthcoming UN report accuses Rwanda of maintaining “command and control” over M23 rebels, while Uganda has doubled its troop presence in eastern DRC. Meanwhile, Congolese reliance on irregular militias has fueled rights abuses and instability.
🇸🇸 South Sudan Opposition Rejects Kiir’s Peace Offer
South Sudan’s main opposition party SPLM-IO rejected President Salva Kiir’s call for dialogue, demanding the release of detained leaders. The fragile 2018 peace deal remains at risk amid escalating political repression and military tensions.
🇳🇬 Soludo: Governance Must Start at the Grassroots
Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo emphasized that governance in Nigeria must be rooted in local communities. During pre-election consultations, he pledged continued infrastructure and economic development at the grassroots level.
Human Interest & Culture
🇳🇬 Nigeria Becomes Model in Anti-Poaching Efforts
Once a trafficking hub, Nigeria is now being praised for its intelligence-led wildlife protection, particularly around endangered species like the pangolin, through conservation programs and anti-poaching units.
🇬🇭 Sadiq Khan Visits Ga Mantse Palace in Accra
London Mayor Sadiq Khan met His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II in Accra, proposing joint initiatives on urban planning, sustainability, and youth entrepreneurship. The visit emphasized mutual respect and historical reckoning.
🇱🇷 Liberia’s Kickball League Turns Sport Into Reconciliation Tool
Born from post-war healing, Liberia’s National Kickball League—a women-only sport born in 1964—has grown into a national institution. The game has become a symbol of unity, especially in the aftermath of Liberia’s civil wars.
Sources: africacenter.org, semafor.com
