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Business & Finance
Old Mutual Holdings Secures Loan Conversion Approval in Kenya
Kenyan financial services company, Old Mutual Holdings, has been granted approval by the country’s Treasury to convert $61.8 million in loans owed to its parent company into shares. This decision follows regulatory backing and is expected to provide a much-needed financial boost, aligning with broader goals to stabilize the company’s operations.
Ford Cuts Jobs in South Africa Amid Auto Industry Challenges
US automaker Ford has announced a reduction of 470 jobs across two South African plants, signaling potential wider job losses within the country’s automotive sector. The move has sparked concern from labor unions, who warn that the decision could signal a downturn in the automotive industry, which has been grappling with rising costs and declining demand.
Climate & Energy
China-backed Bank Partners with Equatorial Guinea for Major Projects
The Asia Development & Investment Bank (ADIB), backed by China, has entered a partnership with Bioko Consulting, an Equatorial Guinea-based firm, to secure up to $1 billion in financing for major infrastructure projects. These will span oil, gas, aviation, and mining industries across Africa, strengthening the financial and economic ties between China and the continent.
Political Developments
Tanzania’s Upcoming Election: Incumbent President Faces Limited Opposition
Tanzania’s electoral commission has approved President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s candidacy for the upcoming October elections, alongside her running mate Emmanuel Nchimbi. However, the major opposition party CHADEMA has been disqualified, and its leader Tundu Lissu remains jailed on treason charges. This move raises concerns about the fairness of the election and the wider implications for democratic participation in the country.
Somalia’s Landmark Election Agreement
In a significant political breakthrough, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud and four opposition leaders signed a historic agreement on August 25, 2025, to define the framework for the upcoming elections. The agreement outlines a roadmap for universal suffrage in the 2026 presidential election, marking a pivotal shift toward inclusive democratic processes in the country.
Security & Military
African Defence Chiefs Enhance Regional Security Cooperation
The first-ever African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit, held in Abuja, Nigeria, has culminated in a commitment to strengthening regional security frameworks and intelligence-sharing. Key military leaders emphasized the need for integrated security measures to combat terrorism, trafficking, piracy, and cyber threats across the continent.
African Militaries Opt for Cost-Effective Drones
As part of a wider trend in modern warfare, African militaries are increasingly turning to lighter, cheaper drones for surveillance and combat operations. At a recent military conference in Nigeria, the focus was on compact, single-use drones—mirroring global military trends and underscoring the continent’s shift toward more cost-effective military technology.
Security Challenges & Civil Unrest
Nigeria’s Kidnapping Crisis: Over N2.5 Billion Paid in Ransoms
A recent report by SBM Intelligence reveals that Nigerians paid over N2.57 billion in ransom to kidnappers between July 2024 and June 2025. The study highlights the pervasive issue of abductions, with 4,722 victims recorded and over 760 deaths tied to kidnapping-related violence. While the north-western region remains the most affected, kidnappings for religious and financial extortion are also rising in southern parts of the country.
Ghana Faces Growing Security Threats from Sahel
Violence linked to jihadist insurgents from Burkina Faso is creeping into northern Ghana, as weapons smuggled across the porous border fuel ethnic conflicts. Although Ghana has largely remained insulated from direct jihadist attacks, experts warn that the situation is worsening, potentially creating a gateway for extremist groups to infiltrate.
Ivory Coast: Tensions Mount Ahead of Presidential Election
With 60 candidates now officially running in Ivory Coast’s presidential elections on October 25, tensions are high following the disqualification of major opposition figures like Tidjane Thiam and Laurent Gbagbo. The legal battles surrounding their exclusion have deepened political divisions and sparked concerns over the fairness of the electoral process.
Regional Impacts
Ivorian Aid Workers Kidnapped by Burkinabe Volunteer Forces
Six Ivorian workers from the Directorate for Aid and Assistance to Refugees and Stateless Persons (DAARA) were recently abducted by Burkina Faso’s Volunteer Defense Forces. This marks another instance of heightened tensions between the two countries, as volunteer militias, backing Burkina Faso’s military efforts against jihadists, increasingly operate across the border.
Conclusion
The African continent is witnessing significant political, security, and economic developments as governments, businesses, and military leaders navigate complex challenges. From electoral controversies in Tanzania and Ivory Coast to heightened security risks in the Sahel and Nigeria, Africa remains at a critical juncture, requiring careful diplomacy, collaboration, and forward-thinking leadership.
