A curated snapshot of Africa’s latest developments across business, technology, geopolitics, security, and human rights
🏢 Business
AFIS 2025 Summit Mobilizes Capital for Africa’s Financial Future
Casablanca hosted the fifth edition of the Africa Financial Summit (AFIS), drawing over 1,200 financial leaders to discuss mobilizing domestic capital at scale. Organized in partnership with the IFC and the Kingdom of Morocco, the summit emphasized building a world-class African financial industry afis.africa.
Growth Africa Summit Champions Entrepreneurial Resilience
Held in Lagos, the Growth Africa Summit 2025 focused on empowering founders with strategies for sustainable expansion. The theme “Redefining the Growth Playbook” highlighted collaboration and adaptability in Africa’s evolving business landscape Daily Trust.
South Africa Sees Fuel Price Relief
The Central Energy Fund reported significant over-recoveries in petrol and diesel prices, leading to expected cuts in November. This offers economic relief amid currency volatility and global oil market swings BusinessTech.
💻 Technology
Ventures Platform Secures $64M for Pan-African Tech Fund
Nigeria’s Ventures Platform announced a $64 million first close for its second fund, targeting early-stage tech investments across Africa. Backers include IFC, Standard Bank, and Nigeria’s iDICE program, marking a major boost for the continent’s digital ecosystem Nairametrics.
Africa Tech Festival 2025 Highlights Digital Innovation
Cape Town will host the Africa Tech Festival from November 11–13, with APO Group championing African success stories. The event aims to bridge global visibility gaps and support the continent’s tech leaders ZAWYA.
ITU WTDC-25 to Shape Africa’s Digital Future
Set for November 17–28 in Baku, the ITU’s World Telecommunication Development Conference will chart a roadmap for inclusive connectivity, with Africa’s digital divide a central focus siliconafrica.com.
🌍 Geopolitics
Trump Snubs G20 Summit in South Africa
President Donald Trump announced he will not attend the G20 Summit in South Africa, questioning the country’s inclusion in the group. His remarks have sparked diplomatic tension and criticism from African leaders Times Now.
Africa Projected to Be Fourth Largest Economy by 2050
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala stated Africa could become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2050 if it addresses trade inefficiencies and infrastructure gaps. Intra-African trade costs remain 20% higher than external trade The Guardian Nigeria.
Southern Africa Urged to Prioritize Job Creation
At the ICSOE summit in Eswatini, regional leaders were urged to channel budgets into agriculture and manufacturing to unlock AfCFTA’s potential and stimulate inclusive growth Times Of Swaziland.
🔐 Security
UN Security Council Highlights African Unity
Sierra Leone’s presidency of the UN Security Council this month showcases the growing influence of the A3 (African members), who now consistently present unified positions on global security matters Security Council Report.
Sudan–South Sudan Dialogue Revived
UN Special Envoy Guang Cong welcomed steps to revive bilateral talks on Abyei, despite ongoing conflict in Sudan. The war continues to destabilize South Sudan’s border regions dppa.dfs.un.org.
Energy Security Central to South Africa’s COP30 Message
Ahead of COP30 in Brazil, South Africa emphasized the need for a balanced transition that supports industrial growth. The Black Business Council called for climate policies that are bankable and business-driven IOL.
⚖️ Human Rights
Tanzania Faces International Scrutiny Over Election Crackdown
Following disputed elections, Tanzanian authorities have been accused of unlawful killings and internet blackouts. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International report excessive force used against protesters, with hundreds reportedly dead or injured Human Rights Watch Amnesty International.
AU Criticized for Weak Democratic Oversight
A coalition of 26 human rights organizations condemned the African Union’s organs for failing to defend democracy, citing a congratulatory letter to Cameroon’s President Paul Biya after disputed elections The Star.
UN Human Rights Council to Hold Special Session on Sudan
A special session on the crisis in El Fasher, Sudan, will be held on November 14 in Geneva, addressing escalating human rights violations amid ongoing conflict OHCHR.
Sources:
BusinessTech BusinessTech South Africa
afis.africa AFIS Africa
Daily Trust Daily Trust Nigeria
Times Now Times Now News
The Guardian Nigeria The Guardian Nigeria
Times Of Swaziland Times of Eswatini
Nairametrics Nairametrics
ZAWYA Zawya
siliconafrica.com Silicon Africa
IOL IOL South Africa
Security Council Report Security Council Report
dppa.dfs.un.org UN DPPA
Human Rights Watch Amnesty International Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International
The Star The Star Kenya
OHCHR OHCHR Geneva
