DUBLIN, January 12, 2026 — As 2026 opens, the African continent is witnessing a profound transformation characterized by massive infrastructure investments and significant shifts in geopolitical security. From the breaking ground of a $12.5 billion aviation hub in Ethiopia to the return of Sudan’s government to its capital, the landscape of the region is being reshaped by both economic ambition and persistent conflict.
Macroeconomics & Infrastructure: The Drive for Connectivity
In a move to solidify its position as the continent’s premier aviation gateway, Ethiopian Airlines has officially commenced construction on the $12.5 billion Bishoftu International Airport. Located southeast of Addis Ababa, the project aims to alleviate pressure on Bole International Airport and serve as a cornerstone for African trade.
Meanwhile, monetary stability remains a priority in Central Africa. The Central Bank of DR Congo recently injected $50 million into the commercial banking sector. The move is a direct response to currency speculation fueled by “negative expectations” among economic operators, aimed at stabilizing the Congolese franc.
In the West, Nigeria has prioritized urban security with the inauguration of a $28 million CCTV control center. The facility is dedicated to monitoring the 11km Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, a critical artery for the city’s commerce.
Energy & Climate: Eskom’s Recovery Signals Stability
South Africa’s embattled power utility, Eskom, has reported a significant breakthrough in its “Generation Recovery Plan.” The company announced an additional 4,400 megawatts of capacity this month compared to the same period last year. This recovery, initiated in April 2023, offers a glimmer of hope for the continent’s most industrialized economy, which has long struggled with crippling “load-shedding” power cuts.
Geopolitics: Sudan’s Power Play and Global Re-engagement
Sudan remains the focal point of African geopolitics as the government, led by Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, successfully returned to the capital, Khartoum, three years after being displaced by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
However, the conflict continues to draw international attention:
- Military Expansion: Pakistan is reportedly finalizing a $1.5 billion deal to supply the Sudanese Army with Karakoram-8 attack aircraft, drones, and advanced air defense systems.
- Humanitarian Crisis: Germany has announced plans to host a major Sudan Aid Conference this spring, marking 1,000 days since the civil war began.
- Border Clashes: Intense fighting has renewed near the Chadian border, particularly around the strategic town of Jargira, which serves as a vital defense point for army-allied forces.
Security Risks: Insurgency and Abductions
The security environment remains volatile across several regions:
- Nigeria: Reports indicate that ISWAP militants have acquired a new fleet of approximately 35 drones, signaling a dangerous evolution in their asymmetric warfare capabilities in the Timbuktu Triangle.
- Guinea: The UFDG opposition party has condemned the abduction of official Nene Oussou Diallo, allegedly by masked uniformed agents, reflecting a growing trend of enforced disappearances.
- DR Congo: Humanitarian efforts are under threat, with 48 attacks on aid workers recorded in December 2025 alone, primarily in South Kivu.
Human Rights & Civil Liberties: Urgent Flashpoints
The beginning of 2026 has seen a sharp contraction of civic space across the continent, with three regions facing critical human rights challenges:
- Sudan’s Humanitarian Catastrophe: Following 1,000 days of civil war, Sudan is enduring the world’s largest displacement crisis. Famine is now widespread, and reports of “genocidal tactics” and systemic sexual violence continue to emerge from the Darfur region.
- Election Crackdowns in East Africa: Following Tanzania’s disputed October 2025 polls, legal challenges at the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) allege mass fatalities and arbitrary detentions. Simultaneously, Uganda faces international scrutiny over the pre-election jailing of veteran opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye.
- Enforced Disappearances in West Africa: In Guinea, the abduction of Nene Oussou Diallo by masked, uniformed agents has highlighted a rising trend of state-sponsored kidnappings targeting junta opponents and opposition leaders.
Summary of Rights Concerns (Q1 2026):
| Region | Status | Primary Threat |
| Sudan | Critical | Famine, genocide, and mass displacement. |
| Tanzania | High Alert | Post-election violence and internet shutdowns. |
| Guinea | Escalating | Enforced disappearances of political figures. |
| Uganda | Volatile | Suppression of dissent ahead of national polls. |
Regional Governance: Election Fallout
The aftermath of the October 2025 elections continues to generate legal and social friction:
- Tanzania: Rights activists have petitioned the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) to nullify the election results, citing “intended killings” by security forces in Mwanza and a nationwide internet shutdown.
- Uganda: Tension remains high ahead of this week’s polls, with prayers held for jailed veteran opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye.
| Organization / Country | Key Action | Economic Impact |
| Ethiopian Airlines | New Airport Construction | $12.5 Billion Investment |
| DR Congo Central Bank | Currency Injection | $50 Million Intervention |
| Nigeria | CCTV Infrastructure | $28 Million Security Spend |
| OPEC / TDB Group | Joined Ag-Processing Alliance | Increased FDI in Agriculture |
As the continent navigates these complex dynamics, the success of large-scale projects like Ethiopia’s new airport will depend heavily on the stabilization of regional conflicts.
