Politics
Tanzania Prepares for General Election
Tanzania will hold its general election on 29 October 2025, with both the presidency and legislative seats contested. Incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party is seeking re‑election. The vote is expected to be a key test of Tanzania’s democratic institutions and political stability (Wikipedia).
Moroccan Protests over Public Services
Mass demonstrations continue across Morocco, driven largely by youth anger over poor healthcare, underfunded education, and government spending priorities. At least three people have died in clashes with security forces. The government has pledged reforms, but protests highlight deep frustration with socio‑economic inequality (AP News).
Republic of Congo’s New Gas Legislation
The Republic of Congo is set to pass a new gas code this month, aiming to attract foreign investment and expand its energy sector. The government has also set a target to double oil output by 2030. Energy majors including Eni, TotalEnergies, Wing Wah (China), and Trident Energy are active in the country’s projects (African Energy Week).
U.S. Policy Toward Africa: Peace, Partnerships, Prosperity
The Trump administration has outlined its Africa policy under the triad of peace, partnerships, and prosperity. Senior adviser Massad Boulos emphasised a shift from aid to trade, support for peace processes in Sudan, Libya, and the Sahel, and expanded U.S. investment in infrastructure and mining. Washington has pledged to encourage democracy but avoid overt interference in internal governance (Semafor).
Human Rights
Sudan’s Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis
Sudan’s civil war, now in its third year, has killed more than 150,000 people and displaced 14 million. Both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces stand accused of atrocities, including ethnic cleansing in Darfur, mass rape, and forced recruitment. The UN warns the conflict has created the world’s largest displacement crisis and risks becoming the worst hunger emergency in decades (The Cable).
Cross‑Border Repression: Kenyan Activists in Uganda
Two Kenyan activists, Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, were abducted in Kampala after attending an opposition rally with Ugandan leader Bobi Wine. Rights groups say the case reflects a growing pattern of transnational repression in East Africa, where governments collaborate to silence dissent across borders (The Africa Report).
Southern Africa: Rights Under Pressure
Governments across Southern Africa are increasingly curbing dissent through restrictive laws, politically motivated prosecutions, and violent crackdowns on protests. Journalists, activists, and opposition figures face harassment and intimidation, raising concerns about democratic backsliding in the region (Human Rights Watch).
Burkina Faso Criminalises LGBTQ+ Advocacy
Burkina Faso’s transitional parliament passed a new Persons and Family Code on 1 September 2025, criminalising the “promotion” of homosexuality. Offenders face 2–5 years in prison and fines, with foreign nationals subject to deportation. Rights groups warn the law entrenches discrimination and undermines international human rights commitments (Amnesty International).
Tech / Economy
Startup Funding Rebounds in H1 2025
African startups raised US$1.35 billion in the first half of 2025, a 78% increase year‑on‑year. Fintech remained dominant, but investment also grew in agri‑tech, clean energy, and logistics. Analysts say the rebound signals structural maturity in Africa’s innovation economy, with both equity and debt financing on the rise (African Leadership Magazine).
South Africa / Europe EV Battery Strategy Push
The CEO of BMW South Africa has urged a joint strategy with Europe to build an alternative EV battery supply chain, reducing reliance on China. South Africa, which produces over half of Africa’s vehicles, has introduced a 150% tax deduction for EV and hydrogen vehicle production starting in 2026, alongside a new critical minerals strategy (Reuters/US News).
Tech Ecosystem Rankings: South Africa and Nigeria Lead
Africa’s startup ecosystems are climbing global rankings. South Africa now ranks 41st worldwide, while Nigeria is 47th. Kenya and Egypt remain strong hubs, with Africa standing out as the only region where venture capital rounds increased year‑on‑year despite global declines (TechAfrica News).
✅ This African Continental Brief provides a concise, fact‑checked overview of the latest political, human rights, and economic developments shaping the continent.
