A curated overview of the latest developments across Business, Technology, Geopolitics, Security, and Human Rights shaping Africa’s landscape.
Business & Macro
Kenya’s Sovereign Ambition
President William Ruto has unveiled plans to channel Sh5 trillion (~US$38 billion) over the next decade into transport, energy, agriculture, and education projects. Two new vehicles — a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) and a National Infrastructure Fund (NIF) — will drive this agenda, drawing on resource revenues and privatization proceeds. Early projects include irrigation expansion, dam construction, and railway development, signaling Kenya’s intent to shift from borrowing to self-funding major development ambitions.
Capital Flows into Kenya’s Real Economy
Kenya attracted US$910 million (Sh117 billion) in Q3 2025 investments, particularly in education, agriculture, and energy. Analysts note a shift from pure tech funding toward tangible sectors, reflecting a maturing economy.
Climate & Energy
Spanish Support for African Climate Tech
Spain’s development agency AECID has committed US$10 million to Novastar Ventures’ Africa People & Planet Fund III, backing entrepreneurs in renewable energy, e-mobility, regenerative agriculture, and circular economy ventures. The fund aims to combine economic opportunity with environmental resilience, highlighting growing international appetite for climate-aligned African ventures.
Geopolitics & Policy
France Downsizes in Mali
France is reducing its diplomatic presence in Mali amid worsening security conditions, reflecting a broader recalibration of Paris’ role in the Sahel.
Nigeria Cancels G20 Trip Over Security Crisis
President Bola Tinubu postponed his planned G20 summit visit in South Africa, citing insecurity at home following mass abductions and attacks. He has directed intensified military and police operations before resuming foreign travel.
Technology & Deals
Vodacom Eyes More of Safaricom
Vodacom Group is in talks to increase its 39% stake in Safaricom, Kenya’s telecom giant. Regulators have pressed for a spin-off of M-Pesa, but Vodacom insists integration with voice and data remains core to its strategy.
Meta Completes 2Africa Subsea Cable
Meta announced completion of the 2Africa subsea cable, the world’s longest open-access system, connecting 33 countries across Africa, Europe, and Asia. With a design capacity of 180 Tbps, the cable could deliver US$36.9 billion in long-term economic impact, boosting bandwidth, digital entrepreneurship, and innovation hubs.
Security & Human Rights
Sudan Displacement Crisis
Over 100,000 people have fled El Fasher, North Darfur, since late October after RSF forces seized control. Civilians face dire shortages of food, water, and medical services, with violence also surging in Kordofan.
Digital Disinformation in Sudan
Both RSF and opposing factions are waging information warfare online, spreading propaganda and doctored media. Fact-checking outlets warn of deep risks to civil cohesion and legitimacy.
Guinea: Concern Over Enforced Disappearances
The UN has called for investigations into alleged kidnappings of children belonging to opposition activist Elie Kamano, amid rising reports of forced disappearances since the 2021 coup.
Niger Crackdown on NGOs
Niger’s junta has suspended hundreds of NGOs, accusing them of lacking transparency or aiding jihadists. Of over 4,000 registered, only about 100 remain authorized.
Central African Republic Signs Rebel Peace Deal
The MPC rebel group signed a peace accord pledging to renounce violence, ahead of CAR’s December elections. Over 800 fighters have already been disarmed, though reintegration challenges persist.
Zimbabwe Military Shake-Up
President Emmerson Mnangagwa appointed Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Matatu as commander of the Defence Forces, replacing Gen. Philip Sibanda. The reshuffle carries implications for regional security and peacekeeping.
Mozambique–Turkey Defence Cooperation
Mozambique and Turkey are expanding defence ties, focusing on industrial cooperation and technology transfer to strengthen Maputo’s domestic capacity.
Uganda Pre-Election Tensions
Youth in Nebbi District are rejecting campaign handouts ahead of the 2026 elections, demanding infrastructure and healthcare instead. Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) faces pressure to prioritize policy over clientelism.
Press Crackdown in Tunisia
Hundreds of journalists protested against President Kais Saied’s decrees, demanding freedom of expression and the release of jailed colleagues. At least five journalists remain imprisoned, with others facing judicial harassment.
Sources: Business Daily · Capital FM · The Star · Africa Private Equity News · Startup Researcher · Innovation Village · Anadolu Ajansı · Le Monde · AP News · State House Nigeria · TechTrendsKE · Meta Engineering · Broadcast Media Africa · UN News · Telegraph Nigeria · African Security Analysis
