A snapshot of key developments across Africa
🌍 Technology & Innovation
- South Africa: SEACOM and SENTECH have signed a partnership to accelerate digital infrastructure and SME growth, aiming to expand connectivity and digital services nationwide [TechAfrica News, ¹].
- Rwanda: Phase I of the Smart Education Project has been completed, alongside the launch of a DigiTruck initiative to expand digital literacy in rural areas [¹].
- Madagascar: The government has rolled out the Skills4Job Project, designed to equip youth with digital-era skills and improve employability [¹].
- Senegal: The PLANETE 3 programme has been launched to advance digital transformation in schools, part of a broader education reform strategy [¹].
⚖️ Human Rights & Governance
- Western Sahara: The UN Security Council is reviewing the MINURSO mandate amid renewed hostilities and diplomatic stalemate between Morocco and the Polisario Front [African Security Analysis, ²].
- Sudan: Human rights groups continue to raise alarms over civilian displacement and abuses as conflict persists between the army and RSF, with calls for stronger international accountability mechanisms [²].
🏛️ Politics
- Central African Republic: Preparations are underway for presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for December 2025, the first municipal polls in nearly 40 years. Financial and security challenges remain significant [²].
- Libya: The UN is pressing for progress on a national elections roadmap, though political rivalry between Tripoli’s Government of National Unity and eastern-based authorities continues to stall consensus [²].
🔒 Security
- Somalia: The UN Security Council is reviewing the transition of the UN Transitional Assistance Mission (UNTMIS) amid escalating Al-Shabaab threats. Regional partners warn of heightened risks as AU stabilization forces adjust their role [²].
- Great Lakes Region (DRC, Rwanda, Burundi): Mediation efforts continue under the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework, with concerns over cross-border tensions and armed group activity [²].
- Sahel (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger): Security analysts warn of persistent insurgent violence and the growing influence of non-state armed groups, complicating regional stabilization efforts [²].
Outlook
Africa’s landscape remains defined by dual momentum: rapid advances in digital transformation and education reform, contrasted with persistent political instability and security crises. The coming months will test the continent’s ability to balance innovation and governance with the urgent need for peace and stability.
Sources: TechAfrica News [¹]; African Security Analysis Reports [²]; UN Security Council briefings.
