Africa Business

Four predominantly Muslim states in northern Nigeria have ordered the closure of schools for the holy month of Ramadan, drawing the threat of nationwide protests Monday from an education union.In an unusual decision that was also criticised by Christian groups, authorities in Kano, Katsina, Bauchi and Kebbi states last week closed primary and secondary schools …

Christians, unions in uproar as four Nigerian states close schools for Ramadan Read More »

A highly anticipated trial of several prominent Tunisian opposition figures accused of plotting against state security is set to start Tuesday, with critics and rights groups denouncing it as unfair and politically motivated.The case has named around 40 high-profile defendants — including former diplomats, politicians, lawyers and media figures — some of whom have been …

Tunisia opponents to be tried on state security charges amid crackdown Read More »

In a worn-down classroom in eastern Sudan, men and women watch attentively from a wood bench as a teacher scribbles Arabic letters on a faded blackboard.Nodding approvingly in the corner is the school’s 63-year-old founder Amna Mohamed Ahmed, known to most as “Amna Oor”, which partly means lion in the Beja language of eastern Sudan.She …

In war-torn Sudan, a school offers a second chance at education Read More »

Their sweat-stained faces lit only by a dim yellow bulb in a neglected corner of the capital Luanda, revellers sway their hips to the sound of a catchy beat on the eve of the annual Angolan carnival.The members of Groupe Uniao 17 de Setembro rehearse the semba, a playful yet intimate dance that emphasises connection …

Colourful Angolan carnival celebrates half century independence Read More »

Marco Jansen said South Africa can stay focused and overcome their poor form in knock-out matches after they reached the Champions Trophy semi-finals by beating England on Saturday.The 24-year-old paceman destroyed the England top-order with 3-39. He also took three catches as South Africa dismissed their Group B rivals for 179 in 38.2 overs.South Africa …

Jansen confident South Africa can stick to basics under knock-out pressure Read More »

Residents of the Indian Ocean island of La Reunion took stock of the damage Saturday after a devastating cyclone barrelled through the overseas French territory, killing four people.Local people expressed shock at the level of destruction after Cyclone Garance struck the territory of 900,000 people Friday, uprooting trees, tearing off roofs and flooding homes. Entire …

Four dead as French island reels from devastating cyclone Read More »

Thousands of Namibians and dignitaries gathered Saturday to mourn the country’s independence leader, Sam Nujoma, as nearly a month of homage climaxed with a state funeral. Nujoma, the guerrilla leader who won independence for the desert nation from apartheid South Africa, died on February 9, aged 95.His casket — draped in the blue, white, red and …

Namibia bids farewell to founding father Nujoma Read More »

Donald Trump’s aid freeze was announced as a review that would last 90 days. Instead, the US president has unleashed sweeping cuts that relief groups say have already hurt millions around the world. With the world’s richest person, Elon Musk, leading Trump’s drive to slash spending to make way for tax cuts, the State Department announced …

Groups say millions already hit as US guts aid Read More »

Cyclone Garance barrelled across La Reunion island on Friday killing three people as fierce winds left destruction across the French Indian Ocean territory, authorities said.Winds of up to 230 kilometres (143 miles) per hour battered the territory of 900,000 people and the storm earlier forced the closure of the main airport on nearby Mauritius. “Three victims,” …

Three dead as cyclone Garance batters French island Read More »

Nigeria is heading towards the “light at the end of the tunnel” as the country grinds through the second year of a cost-of-living crisis, President Bola Tinubu said Friday.The West African heavyweight has been beset with soaring inflation after Tinubu, elected in 2023, scrapped a costly fuel subsidy and liberalised the exchange rate for the …

Nigeria president says end in sight for economic crisis Read More »