Factual synopsis of recent developments across the continent of Africa
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
African States Push for Greater Global Economic Agency
African governments are expected to exercise greater geopolitical and economic influence in 2025, leveraging global power competition to secure investment and representation in major forums such as BRICS and the G20, which South Africa will chair next year Africa Practice. Analysts say this marks a continuation of Africa’s rising diplomatic assertiveness, driven by shifting global alliances and increased competition for African markets and resources.
Chinese Exports to Africa Surge Despite Tariff Tensions
New trade data shows Chinese exports to Africa rising sharply, even as tariff disputes with Western partners intensify Africanews. African economies continue to rely heavily on Chinese manufactured goods, while Beijing deepens its footprint through infrastructure financing and industrial partnerships.
TECH & DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
Algeria Officially Launches 5G Nationwide
Algeria has activated its first national 5G network, marking a major leap in digital connectivity and positioning the country as a regional telecom leader TechAfrica News. The rollout is expected to accelerate digital services, e‑commerce and smart‑city initiatives.
Egypt Unveils National Digital Health Data Roadmap
Egypt has launched a new national data roadmap aimed at modernising digital health infrastructure and improving interoperability across hospitals and clinics TechAfrica News. The initiative is part of Cairo’s broader digital‑transformation strategy.
Africa Emerges as a Central Theatre in Global Cyber Conflict
A new cyber‑security assessment warns that Africa is now a primary battleground for state‑linked cyber operations, with actors tied to China, Russia, Iran and criminal networks exploiting governance gaps and weak digital defences IOL. Analysts say the continent’s rapid digital expansion has outpaced its cyber‑security capacity.
GEOPOLITICS & DIPLOMACY
Rwanda and DR Congo Sign Washington Peace Accord
Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have signed the “Washington Accord”, a new peace agreement aimed at de‑escalating long‑running tensions in eastern Congo Aljazeera. Fighting nevertheless flared within hours of the ceremony, underscoring the fragility of the deal.
African Leaders Respond to Trump’s Controversial Remarks on Somalia
U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments referring to Somali communities as “garbage” have sparked widespread condemnation across Africa and the Somali diaspora, from Mogadishu to Minneapolis Aljazeera. Analysts warn the remarks could strain U.S.–Horn of Africa relations.
France’s Influence in Africa Continues to Shift
New analysis highlights the evolving nature of Françafrique, as France’s military withdrawals from West Africa create both opportunities and risks for regional governments seeking greater sovereignty The Conversation.
SECURITY & CONFLICT
Guinea‑Bissau: Military Coup Described as “Controlled Intervention”
New reporting reveals that the November 2025 coup in Guinea‑Bissau was a quiet, coordinated intervention by senior officers, rather than a popular uprising or violent mutiny africansecurityanalysis.org. Analysts describe it as an elite power arbitration that disrupted the country’s fragile democratic transition.
DR Congo Conflict Intensifies Despite Peace Deal
Armed clashes erupted in eastern DR Congo within hours of the Washington Accord signing, raising concerns about the agreement’s viability and the influence of armed groups operating outside state control Aljazeera.
Africa Faces Rising Security Risks in 2025
A continental review warns that conflict hotspots and democratic instability remain the dominant security challenges heading into 2025, even as global powers intensify their engagement with African states worldnewworld.com.
HUMAN RIGHTS & SOCIETY
British Soldiers Accused of New Abuses in Kenya
Fresh allegations have emerged against the British Army Training Unit in Kenya (BATUK), with Kenyan lawmakers calling for accountability over decades of reported abuses Aljazeera. The case has reignited debate over foreign military presence in East Africa.
Somali Migrants Describe Torture in Libya
A new report highlights harrowing testimonies from Somali migrants tortured in Libyan detention centres, underscoring ongoing human‑rights violations along North African migration routes Africanews.
South Africa Declares Gender‑Based Violence a National Disaster
South Africa has formally classified gender‑based violence as a national disaster, raising expectations for urgent state action to address one of the country’s most entrenched social crises DW.
