|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
September 13, 2025 | Weekly Roundup
Business & Macroeconomics
🇳🇦 Namibia to Host $59M Acid Plant for Green Metals
Green Metals Refining, a London-based company, is set to invest $59 million in the first phase of a sulphuric acid production facility in Walvis Bay, Namibia. The plant will support the country’s growing green energy and mining sectors.
🇰🇪 🇳🇬 New CEO for Access Bank Kenya
Ralph Opara, previously Group Head of Commercial Banking at Access Bank in Nigeria, has been appointed CEO of Access Bank Kenya, signaling a strategic alignment between the Kenyan subsidiary and its Nigerian parent company.
Climate & Energy
🇿🇦 Eskom to Expand EV Charging Network
South African power utility Eskom will install 55 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations over the next two years. This follows the rollout of 10 pilot stations in 2024 and aligns with Eskom’s plan to transition part of its fleet to EVs.
Politics & Diplomacy
🇸🇩 UN Pushes Sudan Peace Talks
UN Envoy Ramtane Lamamra has launched a diplomatic mission in East Africa to mediate Sudan’s ongoing civil conflict. Starting in Nairobi, Lamamra met with factions including the Founding Sudan Alliance and the Civil Democratic Alliance, focusing on civilian protection and humanitarian access. He is expected to visit Port Sudan and later convene AU-led talks in Addis Ababa.
🇸🇸 Treason Charges for South Sudan VP
South Sudan’s First Vice President Riek Machar faces treason, terrorism, and other criminal charges. Under house arrest since March, Machar is accused of plotting against President Salva Kiir. Critics, including Machar’s spokesperson, claim the charges are politically motivated and threaten the fragile 2018 peace deal.
Security & Conflict
🇸🇩 Drone Deployment Signals Escalation in Sudan
New evidence shows the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) possess long-range kamikaze drones, likely of Chinese origin, capable of striking targets across Sudan. Satellite imagery confirmed the presence of 13 drones and 16 launch platforms near Nyala airport in Darfur, coinciding with May airstrikes on Port Sudan.
🇳🇪 Soldiers Killed in Niger Attacks
At least 20 soldiers were killed in Tillabéri, western Niger, in suspected jihadist attacks near the Mali and Burkina Faso borders, according to local sources. The region remains a hotspot for extremist violence.
🇲🇱 Mali’s Trade Routes Blocked by Jihadists
Jihadist groups in Mali have erected roadblocks near borders with Senegal and Mauritania, disrupting vital trade routes. Attacks on commercial vehicles and the suspension of transport services are affecting imports of fuel, food, and consumer goods to the capital Bamako, deepening economic strain in the landlocked nation.
Human Rights & Governance
🇸🇸 Legal Actions Threaten Stability in South Sudan
Beyond Machar’s legal battle, eight other individuals face charges including murder and crimes against humanity. Analysts warn that prosecuting key figures of the peace agreement could lead to further unrest, as regional actors push for renewed political dialogue.
