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Channel Africa Rise & Shine
News and Current Affairs show that gives insight into political events on the continent and internationally.
'By 2030, 70% of our population will be living in urban areas' - SA Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane
We stay with the World Urban Forum in Baku, Azerbaijan, where discussions are continuing on the future of global cities and the urgent need for adequate, affordable and resilient housing. Following our earlier conversation with UN-Habitat, we now turn to South Africa's participation at the forum. Peter Ndoro spoke to the Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane, who is leading the South African delegation to this year's World Urban Forum
'The 13th Session of the World Urban Forum allows us to see housing as not only shelter, but dignity for the people' - UN-Habitat,
Welcome to the Friday edition of The Discourse, where we bring you the latest conversations shaping global policy and development. We turn now to the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum in Baku, Azerbaijan, which has been running since Sunday 17 May. The conference, jointly organised by UN-Habitat and the Government of Azerbaijan, has brought together world leaders, mayors, urban planners, and representatives from government, the private sector, civil society, and international organisations to discuss rapid urbanisation and the shortage of adequate housing. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Ishaku Maitumbi, Head of the Sub-Regional Office for East and the Horn of Africa at the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, to reflect on what these discussions mean for African cities facing rising populations, infrastructure pressures, and expanding informal settlements.
Malawi Hosts Regional Trade Fair to Boost Investment and AfCFTA Business Opportunities
Business leaders and investors from SADC, COMESA and the East African Community have gathered in Malawi for the 36th International Trade Fair, which opened on Thursday. The event is aimed at showcasing products and boosting investment links between local companies and regional blocs. Opening the fair, Malawi's Trade, Tourism and Industry Minister, Symon Itaye, said the country is positioning its businesses to fully benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area. George Mhango reports from the trade fair grounds.
Rwanda Eyes Premium Tea Market as New Strategy Targets Quality, Exports and Farmer Support
Rwanda is positioning itself as a premium tea producer as the country develops a new strategy for the sector with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The strategy aims to improve tea quality, increase exports, and strengthen the livelihoods of thousands of smallholder farmers facing climate challenges, rising fertilizer costs, and growing regional competition. Tea is Rwanda's second-largest agricultural export after coffee, with more than one hundred thousand people involved in the value chain. Our reporter, Lebogang Mabange, has more...
South Africa to Host UN Biodiversity Day 2026 as Africa Pushes for Global Environmental Leadership
As Africa confronts the growing impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss, food insecurity and environmental degradation, the continent is increasingly being called upon to lead global conversations on sustainable development and conservation. Against this backdrop, South Africa is set to host the International Day for Biological Diversity 2026 Global Flagship Event, the first time the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity has invited a member state to host the global commemoration. Peter Ndoro spoke to South Africa's Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh.
Africa Roundup: Your Daily Snapshot of the Stories Shaping Africa 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...
African Arty Beats: Channel Africa's Nhlanhla Mahlangu Highlights Vibrant Arts, Music and Cultural Scene
Here's this week's segment of the African Arty Beats.
UN Warns Sudan’s Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as Millions Face Hunger and Famine Risk
It is hard to find new words to describe Sudan's deepening humanitarian crisis, where 33 million people now need assistance. New UN-backed analysis warns that around 19.5 million people are facing acute hunger, with 14 areas still at risk of famine as conditions worsen across the country. Despite dangerous conditions in eastern Sudan, photographer Giles Clarke has gained access with support from the UN aid coordination office, OCHA. His photo-essay, Darfur's Survivors, tells the stories of five civilians affected by the war. He spoke to Daniel Johnson of UN News.
Angry crowd burns part of DRC hospital amid fears and mistrust over Ebola outbreakL
An angry crowd has set fire to part of a hospital in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, at the centre of the country's Ebola outbreak, after the death of a young man suspected of having the virus. Health workers had refused to release the body, triggering clashes in which police fired warning shots and medical tents were torched. Authorities say the unrest underscores growing mistrust and misinformation around Ebola, which has already killed more than 130 people in the region. To unpack the latest developments, Peter Ndoro spoke to our correspondent in Goma, Jimmy Shukrani.
Hydrogen is here to stay! : Portfolio Manager for Energy and Marine at RX Global, Gareth Rapley shines light on World Hydrogen Summit & Exhibition in Rotterdam
Welcome to the Thursday edition of The Discourse, our current affairs feature here on Rise and Shine, where we explore key global, continental and national issues shaping politics, the economy and society. This morning we are focusing on the World Hydrogen Summit & Exhibition in Rotterdam, the clean energy sector's flagship annual gathering. The event is produced and managed by RX Global in partnership with the Sustainable Energy Council, and supported by Dutch authorities and the Port of Rotterdam. It brings together thousands of industry leaders, policymakers and investors to accelerate the global hydrogen economy and advance decarbonisation efforts. More than 15,000 delegates are attending this year's event. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Gareth Rapley, Portfolio Manager for Energy and Marine at RX Global, to reflect on the key developments and discussions emerging from this year's summit.
'SADC countries like Namibia have positioned themselves as green hydrogen hubs, with big projects currently underway' - Malawian Energy and Development Economist, Dr Themba Nyasulu calls for green hydrogen as solution to Africa's energy crisis
On the Discourse this morning, we Zoom in on the feasibility of green hydrogen as conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt global energy markets. In response, countries across Southern Africa are once again confronting the dangers of heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels, with the war . The ongoing war pushing oil and gas prices higher, straining supply chains, and renewing concerns over energy security across the globe. Analysts warn that African economies , many of them already grappling with electricity shortages, rising fuel costs, and fragile infrastructure, are particularly vulnerable to these external shocks. Against this backdrop, attention is increasingly turning toward renewable energy solutions and, in particular, green hydrogen - seen by many as a potential game changer for the Southern African Development Community, or SADC. To unpack whether green hydrogen can realistically help SADC countries reduce their energy vulnerabilities and build resilience in an increasingly unstable global energy environment, Peter Ndoro spoke to Dr Themba Nyasulu, a Malawian Energy and Development Economist.
Rights Groups Condemn Anti-Migrant Violence and Call for Urgent Protection of Learners and Communities
A group of civil society organisations, including Equal Education Law Centre, Equal Education, Children's Institute, SECTION27, Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia and Lawyers for Human Rights, have strongly condemned recent incidents of intimidation and violence targeting migrant communities, including children, in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces. The organisations say the actions by groups such as Operation Dudula and March and March are fuelling fear, disrupting schooling, and undermining constitutional rights. They are now calling on government and law enforcement to urgently intervene, protect learners, and ensure perpetrators are held accountable. To speak to us about this, Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Katherine Sutherland, Head of Research and Advocacy at Equal Education Law Centre
UN Mission Chief Calls for Immediate Ceasefire and Renewed Peace Efforts in South Sudan
The head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, Anita Kiki Gbeho, has called for an urgent cessation of hostilities and renewed commitment to the country's fragile peace agreement. Speaking in her first address since taking office, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative said lasting peace will depend on inclusive dialogue, political compromise, and stronger support for communities affected by conflict.
SA President Honours Former Botswana President, Festus Mogae as a Distinguished African Statesman
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid an emotional tribute to former Botswana President Festus Mogae, describing him as a gentle giant, an illustrious African statesman and a true friend of South Africa following his passing at the age of 86. Ramaphosa delivered the heartfelt message during his State Banquet toast ceremony on Wednesday evening hosted by the Botswana government as part of his two-day State Visit to the country. Channel Africa's reporter Micheal Mbewe has more….
Ghana Repatriates Nationals from South Africa Amid Rising Concerns Over Xenophobic Tensions
Ghana will repatriate 300 nationals out of South Africa this morning(Thursday). This as part of the country's effort to protect its citizens from the xenophobic tension and violence in South Africa. The South African government has denied the allegations of violence and xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals living in the country. Ghanaians who take up the offer to go back home, will also receive what government called a "Welcome Home Financial Package" upon arrival in Ghana. We spoke to Eric Mawuena Egbeta - Channel Africa Correspondent in Ghana.
OLAM Africa Research Institute calls for maternal healthcare to be flexible and accessible, even where environments are unstable
Pregnant women in war zones across the globe are faced with the horrifying reality of giving birth without a midwife present. This is caused by the ongoing wars that have resulted in the destruction of critical infrastructure such as medical facilities, a spike in fuel prices which prevents midwives from delivering emergency care to women in labour and constant stress due to the poor living conditions. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Dr Margret Monyani, Founder and Executive Director of OLAM Africa Research Institute.
Central Africa Headlines: Geopolitical Analyst Aaron Nga'mbi Unpacks Regional Developments
Now, to look at some of the stories making headlines in the Central Africa region. Peter Ndoro spoke to Aaron Nga'mbi, Geopolitical Analyst.
Africa Matters Summit Highlights Urgent Need for Climate Justice and Sustainable Financing Solutions
We continue this morning to reflect Africa Matters Summit hosted by Channel Africa radio in March under the theme - Climate Change: Financing Africa's Recovery. The event brought together policymakers, investors, experts, and thought leaders to address one of the continent's most pressing challenges: how to finance Africa's recovery and build resilience in the face of climate change. Our reporter, Michael Mbewe, spoke with Kumi Naidoo, a climate justice activist and the President of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, just after the event.
Africa Roundup: Your Daily Briefing on the Stories and Voices Shaping the Continent
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...
Doctors Without Borders Warns of Deepening Humanitarian Crisis Amid Escalating Violence in South Sudan
In The Discourse this morning, we turn to South Sudan, where Doctors Without Borders is warning of a rapidly worsening humanitarian crisis amid escalating violence across the country. In a new report, the organisation says civilians are facing airstrikes, attacks on health facilities, forced displacement and widespread sexual violence, leaving hundreds of thousands without access to essential healthcare. To discuss the findings and the situation on the ground, Peter Ndoro spoke to Zakariya Mwatia, Doctors Without Borders head of mission in South Sudan
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