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Geopolitical analyst, Aaron Nga'mbi unpacks Central Africa's top stories
We now look at some of the stories making headlines in the Central Africa region. We speak to Aaron Nga'mbi, Geopolitical Analyst
Singapore retains position as world's strongest passport as global travel gap widens
The latest Henley Passport Index has revealed a widening gap in global travel freedom, with Singapore retaining the world's most powerful passport, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 192 destinations. While global mobility has more than doubled over the past two decades, the report also highlights growing geopolitical inequalities, with conflict, diplomacy, and economic influence increasingly shaping passport strength. The research comes at a time when the Global Peace Index paints its bleakest picture in 20 years, revealing that the world is experiencing its highest number of conflicts since the Second World War. To unpack the findings, we spoke to Raymond Nel Associate Director Private Clients at Henley & Partners
Southern Africa's first Black cardiologist, Professor Kubedi Patrick Mokhobo honoured by Wits for lifetime of service
At the age of 94, Professor Kubedi Patrick Mokhobo has returned to his alma mater, the University of the Witwatersrand, where he recently received an Honorary Doctorate in Medicine in recognition of a lifetime of pioneering service. From a childhood marked by poverty, beginning school at the age of 10 and walking barefoot until 16, he defied apartheid's barriers to become southern Africa's first Black cardiologist. His remarkable career transformed healthcare across South Africa and the region, while his work as an academic, mentor and institution builder shaped generations of medical professionals. He now joins us on the line, along with his grandson, Tebogo Moroe, who has carved his own path as a bioethicist and clinical ethics researcher
Liberia marks 179 years of independence amid poverty and corruption challenges
Liberia marks its 179th year of independence on Sunday. The West African nation declared itself a sovereign republic on July 26, 1847, making it the oldest independent republic on the continent. Liberia in the 179 years since it became free, it still faces deeply interconnected political and socioeconomic challenges that severely hinder its development. Politically, the country struggles with pervasive institutional corruption and severe socioeconomic hardships. It is reported that over half of the population is living below the poverty line amid rampant inflation and critical food insecurity. We spoke to Political Analyst and Director for Centre for the Advancement of Non-Racialism and Democracy (CANRAD) at the Nelson Mandela University in South Africa, Dr Bheki Mngomezulu
West Africa Roundup: Political Analyst Unpacks Region's Top Stories
We now look at some of the stories making headlines in the West Africa region. We speak to Political Scientist and Conflict resolution analyst, Dr David Matsanga
Africa Roundup: Key Overnight Developments Across the Continent and Beyond at a Glance
Time now for our daily Africa Roundup. Each morning, just after the six o'clock news, we bring you a concise update on the key developments shaping the continent and the world over the past 24 hours. With insights from our team of journalists, analysts, and newsmakers, we place the day's biggest stories into context - helping you stay informed, connected, and prepared for the day ahead
AU Calls for Urgent Investment to Drive Africa's Agricultural Transformation
African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment Moses Vilakati says there's an urgent need for investment in the Agriculture sector.He was addressing the Pan African Parliament Committee on Rural Economy, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment on the implementation of the CAADP Kampala Declaration at PAP headquarters in Midrand, South Africa.The various committees of the Parliament are meeting for the First Sitting of the Permanent Committees of the Seventh Legislature. Nhlanhla Mahlangu reports.
Zambian Bank Liquidation Sparks $40 Million Legal Battle with Nigerian Investor
A Nigerian investor Michael J. Prest, through his firm - Bank of Nevis International or BONI, has taken the Bank of Zambia and the Zambian government to court. This follows the compulsory liquidation of Investrust Bank Plc -a Zambian bank the Nigerian investor had acquired a 24.8% stake in for 40 million dollars in 2021. After paying the money, the Zambian central bank refused to recognize the acquisition, claiming it lacked regulatory approval. The central bank then shut down and liquidated Investrust in early 2024-effectively wiping out the businessman's investment. BONI his company then filed a lawsuit seeking the return of the capital and damages. Early this year, the High Court of Zambia handed BONI a major legal victory by rejecting the central bank's attempts to block the case, allowing the judicial review of the liquidation to proceed. We spoke to Robert Amsterdam an International lawyer, he is representing the Nigerian businessman and his company- Bank of Nevis International or BONI
AI in Mental Healthcare: Balancing Opportunity, Risk and Human Care in Africa
As artificial intelligence becomes an increasingly common source of advice on stress, anxiety and depression, questions are growing about the role chatbots should play in mental healthcare. While AI may offer convenience and round-the-clock support, it also raises concerns about safety and accountability. In Africa, where many countries face a shortage of mental health professionals, the technology may appear to help bridge the gap. To discuss the opportunities, the risks and where AI fits into mental healthcare, we spoke to Dr Siki Mdletye, a member of the South African Society of Psychiatrists.
Africa Roundup: Top Stories Shaping the Continent and the World
Time now for our daily Africa Roundup. Each morning, just after the six o'clock news, we bring you a concise update on the key developments shaping the continent and the world over the past 24 hours. With insights from our team of journalists, analysts, and newsmakers, we place the day's biggest stories into context - helping you stay informed, connected, and prepared for the day ahead...
IEC Urges South Africans to Register and Vote Ahead of November Local Elections
South Africa's Electoral Commission is urging citizens to register and vote in the country's local government elections due in November. The appeal came during a meeting with the Royal Leaders of South Africa, an umbrella body representing kings, queens and members of royal families. The Commission says traditional leaders have an important role to play in encouraging voter participation, particularly in rural communities, as preparations for the polls continue. Musa Mhlongo reports.
UN: Thousands of Seafarers Stranded as Strait of Hormuz Remains Largely Closed
The head of the UN's International Maritime Organization says there has been little progress towards reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway through which around a fifth of the world's oil and gas supplies normally pass. Arsenio Dominguez told UN News that about 6,000 seafarers remain stranded on roughly 500 ships in the Persian Gulf, with shipping still being advised to avoid the strait until the conflict is resolved. Daniel Dickinson asked him for the latest on the situation and what options exist for reopening the vital trade route.
Section27: SA Health Budget Fails Women in Poor and Rural Communities, Report Finds
South Africa's human rights organisation, Section 27, has found that the health budget is failing to respond to the realities facing women, especially those residing in poor and rural communities. The report titled South Africa's Health Budget 2025/2026: Gender and Climate Responsiveness' examines whether the health budget responds to the needs of those most affected by these pressures, particularly women. The report found that the continuous underinvestment in health infrastructure and services is worsening inequalities. Sisi Segalo has more on the story….
UN: Thousands of Seafarers Stranded as Strait of Hormuz Remains Largely Closed
The head of the UN's International Maritime Organization says there has been little progress towards reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway through which around a fifth of the world's oil and gas supplies normally pass. Arsenio Dominguez told UN News that about 6,000 seafarers remain stranded on roughly 500 ships in the Persian Gulf, with shipping still being advised to avoid the strait until the conflict is resolved. Daniel Dickinson asked him for the latest on the situation and what options exist for reopening the vital trade route.
Climate Activist Turns Personal Loss into Global Fight Against Climate Change
For Ghanaian climate activist Elisha Acheampong Darko, the climate crisis is deeply personal. After losing a friend in flooding he believes was linked in part to climate change, he founded Join Me Today, a youth-led organisation focused on tackling pollution and climate-related risks. Now pursuing a degree at the UN University, he spoke to UN News' Isaiah Steinberg about how his studies are strengthening his work in climate research and advocacy.
SA, Germany Strengthen Strategic Ties During Wadephul's Two-Day Visit to Pretoria
South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, on Thursday hosted the Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany, Dr Johann Wadephul, during his two-day working visit to South Africa. Ministers Lamola and Wadephul held official talks to review progress in the implementation of the Action Plan, with discussions focusing on enhancing high-level political dialogue, strengthening cooperation on democratic resilience, and advancing the Investing for Peace Initiative. Channel Africa's reporter Micheal Mbewe filed this report…
Chidimma Adetshina deportation case exposes flaws in South Africa's citizenship and immigration system
We continue our focus on the legal battle over the pending deportation of former Miss South Africa contestant, Chidimma Adetshina and the South African department. As Adetshina's legal team fights back, arguing that she was an innocent child when her Mozambican mother allegedly obtained her identify documents through fraudulent means, this case is exposing massive cracks in South Africa's immigration system. To discuss the implications of this case for the citizenship of children born to foreign national parents who obtained South African identity documents fraudulently, Peter Ndoro spoke to the President of the Nigeria Union South Africa and immigration lawyer, Nwobi Smart.
Uganda intensifies anti-corruption drive as officials fired over graft allegations
Uganda says it has intensified its anti-corruption campaign under President Yoweri Museveni's directive of "Kisanja: No More Sleep, No More Corruption". Initiated following his swearing-in for a new term, the crackdown focuses heavily on infrastructure, parliamentary spending, and local government administration. Yesterday, six government senior employees where fired over financial irregularities and mismanagement of major infrastructure projects. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Harold Kaija, Deputy Chief of Cabinet for the People's Front for Freedom party (a prominent Ugandan opposition political party)
SA Parliament impeachment panel moves ahead as President Ramaphosa awaits court ruling
South Africa's Parliament's Impeachment committee on President Cyril Ramaphosa, is expected to meet this morning (Wednesday) to elect an evidence leader from a shortlist of five senior advocates. The committee was established following a ruling of the Constitutional court in May - directing that it should investigate whether President Ramaphosa should be removed from office, relating to the stolen money from his private game farm in the Limpopo province. Ramaphosa launched an urgent bid in the Western Cape High court to halt the committee from proceeding with its work, pending his review application of the Section 89 Independent Panel report. Judgment regarding the urgent interdict is expected to be heard on Friday. We now speak to Lawson Naidoo, Executive Secretary of the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (CASAC)
News24 Reporter, Velani Ludidi zooms in on legal battle between former Miss SA contestant and SA government
On the Discourse this morning, we turn our attention to South Africa's Western Cape province, where a legal precedent could be set on the country's birth registration laws. This, after judgement was reserved in legal battle between former Miss South Africa contestant, Chidimma Adetshina and the country's Department of Home Affairs. At the heart of the case, is the question of whether Adetshina should be deported back to her father's native Nigeria, after investigations revealed that her Mozambican mother obtained her identify documents through fraudulent means. Beyond the individuals involved, the outcome could have broader implications for immigration law and the protection of constitutional rights in South Africa. To unpack the latest developments and what they could mean, Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to News24 Court and Crime Reporter, Velani Ludidi.
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