Comprehensive Synopsis
Business & Macro
Tanzania Allocates 607 Hectares for New Industrial Investment
Tanzania’s Export Processing Zones Authority has allocated 607 hectares of land in Dodoma for investors seeking to establish new factories. The move is part of a broader push to accelerate industrial growth in the capital.
Congo to Lift Cobalt Export Ban, Introduce Quotas
The Democratic Republic of Congo will lift its ban on cobalt exports starting October 16, replacing it with an annual quota system to stabilize global prices. The new limits include 18,125 tonnes for the rest of 2025, and 96,600 tonnes annually in 2026 and 2027. Congo supplies roughly 70% of global cobalt output.
Climate & Energy
Nigeria Blocks $860M Oil Deal Involving TotalEnergies
Nigeria’s upstream oil regulator has revoked approval for TotalEnergies to sell its 10% stake in a Shell-operated joint venture to Chappal Energies, citing both parties’ failure to meet regulatory financial obligations.
Geopolitics & Policy
Three Sahel States Withdraw from ICC
Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have announced their immediate withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, accusing it of acting as a “neocolonial tool.” The decision aligns with broader anti-Western shifts and efforts to align more closely with non-Western powers.
Guinea Referendum Favors Junta Leader
Over 90% of voters in Guinea’s national referendum supported a constitutional change allowing junta leader Mamady Doumbouya to run for president, according to organizers. The result paves the way for military-backed political continuity.
Politics & Elections
Malawi President Concedes Ahead of Final Tally
Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera conceded defeat in the September 16 presidential election just hours before the official results. Preliminary counts showed a strong lead for former President Peter Mutharika. Chakwera pledged a peaceful transfer of power.
Seychelles Votes Amid Conservation and Development Dispute
Seychelles holds a multi-day election amid backlash over a Qatari luxury hotel project on Assumption Island, near the UNESCO-listed Aldabra Atoll. The hotel plan has triggered environmental protests over marine ecosystem risks.
Cameroon Opposition Splintered Ahead of Election
In Cameroon, opposition parties remain divided ahead of the October 12 election that could extend President Paul Biya’s 43-year rule. The country’s most prominent opposition leader, Maurice Kamto, was disqualified, raising concerns about electoral fairness.
Guinea-Bissau: Former PM Launches Presidential Bid
Opposition leader and ex-Prime Minister Domingos Simões Pereira has filed his candidacy for Guinea-Bissau’s upcoming presidential election. His return sets the stage for a rematch against President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, amid persistent political volatility.
Uganda’s Museveni Nominated for 2026 Election
President Yoweri Museveni has been officially nominated for re-election in 2026, seeking to extend his rule beyond four decades. Despite calls for succession, Museveni has not indicated a potential successor.
Security & Conflict
South Sudan Trial of Machar Delayed Again
A special court in South Sudan has postponed the trial of Vice President Riek Machar and seven others over treason and war crimes charges. The delay follows a dispute over defence lawyers’ accreditation and a challenge to the court’s jurisdiction.
Jihadist Video Shows Dozens of Hostages in Mali
Al-Qaeda-linked militants in Mali released a video showing around 60 Malian and Burkinabe soldiers held hostage. The video was released days before Independence Day celebrations, as insecurity spreads beyond traditional conflict zones.
Human Rights & Justice
Kenyan Police Investigated Over Another Death in Custody
Kenya’s police watchdog has launched an investigation into the custodial death of 26-year-old Simon Warui, who was transferred across the country and later found dead in Mombasa. The case follows earlier police brutality allegations and comes amid rising public concern.
Tech & Connectivity
Nigeria Extends Satellite Lifespan
Nigeria will extend the life of its NigComSat-1R satellite to 2028, postponing its decommissioning by three years. The satellite, built with Chinese support, plays a key role in national communications infrastructure.
Africa’s 5G Penetration Remains Below 2%
Only 1.2% of Africa’s population has access to 5G networks, compared to a global average of over 20%, according to a new UNESCO-ITU report. The continent’s 5G rollout lags significantly behind earlier mobile technology generations.
TLcom Capital Partner Departs
Ido Sum, a London-based general partner at TLcom Capital, is leaving the African-focused VC firm after 14 years. His departure marks a leadership change as the firm continues its investment strategy across tech startups on the continent.
