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🌍 Is Africa ready for a digital revolution? 🔍 Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is reshaping the continent, unlocking access to services and boosting economic growth. Nigeria is leading the charge with a bold vision for the future. Hear Joy Ajoluchipu, a top public sector consultant, reveal Nigeria's DPI journey—its triumphs, struggles, and what's next. 📈✨ https://lnkd.in/g_ciSM5p

Dangote Claims Refinery Has Enough Fuel to Meet Nigeria’s Demand The Dangote Oil Refinery has enough fuel, with 500 million liters of petrol in storage, to meet Nigeria’s demand, according to billionaire founder Aliko Dangote. Dangote made this assertion to counter local fuel marketers’ claims that the refinery cannot meet the nation’s demands, thereby leading to fuel shortages. He clarified that his refinery does not sell petrol at retail and is not responsible for shortages. Dangote urged the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and fuel marketers to stop importing fuel from abroad and instead purchase from his refinery. The billionaire’s words came after a meeting with Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, oil regulators, and the NNPC, to discuss policies encouraging crude sales to the refinery in naira. The move, which remains in place, is aimed at reducing foreign exchange pressure on the country and securing sufficient crude for the operation of the 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery.

IMF Approves Kenya’s Loan Review, Unlocking $606 Million in Funding The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved the seventh and eighth reviews of Kenya's $3.6 billion program, enabling the release of a $606 million loan tranche to aid the country in addressing its financial challenges. Although an agreement on the seventh review was reached in June, disbursement was delayed by protests over tax hikes, which led to over 60 deaths and prompted President William Ruto to halt the finance bill. IMF’s First Deputy Managing Director, Gita Gopinath, commended Kenya’s economic resilience, noting its steady growth, inflation control, and external inflows. The organization recommended that the East African country improve revenue collection to support essential spending and meet its debt service obligations. The IMF also urged Kenya to strengthen governance and transparency, stating that it would help restore public confidence that public resources are being used efficiently.

Saudi Arabia Eyes Major Stake in Zambian Copper Mine Saudi Arabia is in advanced negotiations to acquire a significant stake in a Zambian copper mine, with a deal expected by year-end, according to Ma'aden CEO Robert Wilt. Manara Minerals, a joint venture between Ma'aden and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, aims to secure a 15-20% share in Canadian miner First Quantum Minerals’ copper and nickel assets in Zambia. The potential $1.5-$2 billion investment aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, emphasizing economic diversification beyond oil. Wilt highlighted copper’s essential role in the energy transition, positioning it as a priority for Manara’s international mining interests. This expansion builds on Manara’s recent acquisition of a 10% stake in Vale’s copper and nickel division, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to securing critical resources for its industrial growth.

Nigeria, DRC, and Ethiopia to Lead Global Population Growth Surge by 2037 According to a recent United Nations report, Africa is home to five of the top ten countries expected to drive global population growth. The continent’s population has surged from 228.7 million in 1950 to 1.5 billion in 2022, with projections suggesting it will reach 2.5 billion by 2050. While this growth is primarily due to high birth rates, a lower mortality rate and the fact that more young people are entering their reproductive years also contribute. The five countries – Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Egypt – will significantly impact global demographics, contributing to nearly half of global growth by 2037. While this boom presents substantial economic opportunities through a young workforce, it also brings challenges such as strained resources and unemployment. This trend contrasts sharply with declining populations in many high-income countries, positioning Africa as a major player in future population dynamics.

Kenya’s Seed Bank Safeguarding Local Crops Amid Climate Challenges Kenya’s Genetic Resources Research Institute, the national seed bank in Kikuyu, has become an essential resource for smallholder farmers facing climate-induced food insecurity. Established in 1988 to conserve traditional crops, the seed bank now supports farmers through the Seeds for Resilience project, launched in 2019 in partnership with Crop Trust. With around 50,000 crop collections, the institute provides climate-resistant, indigenous varieties, such as Kenya’s red-headed sorghum, which have been rediscovered for their resilience against pests and drought. Farmers in Busia County attest to the bank’s impact, noting improved yields and reduced dependence on fertilizers. The seed bank also collaborates with international and national partners to ensure its resources reach farmers across the country. Director Desterio Nyamongo emphasizes the bank’s role in building resilience and protecting biodiversity, underscoring the need for continued support as the climate crisis escalates.

Chinese Steel Plant in Zimbabwe Sparks Development vs Environment Debate Zimbabwe’s ambitious steel project, led by China’s Dinson Iron and Steel Company (DISCO), has stirred both optimism and controversy in the Southern African nation. Positioned to be Africa’s largest steel plant, the $1.5 billion initiative aims to create 10,000 jobs and contribute $5 billion to the economy. However, locals allege that environmental damage, forced displacement, and unfulfilled promises of compensation have occurred, affecting food security and livelihood. Community leader Chokutaura Chananda and other villagers report issues like dust pollution and inadequate support. However, DISCO’s spokesperson claims efforts are underway to address grievances, including monthly food stipends and job offers. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s Environmental Management Authority is collaborating with the mine to address the environmental issues raised by activists and villagers. The organization reports that there are currently no environmental violations by the plant and that it is monitoring DISCO’s compliance with the recommendations of a recent environmental audit.

Mozambique Faces Deadly Unrest as Protesters Demand Political Change Mozambique faces intense unrest following the contested October 9 elections, with deadly clashes occurring between security forces and opposition supporters. Protests erupted after allegations emerged that the ruling Frelimo party was rigging votes to ensure the victory of its candidate, Daniel Chapo, over Venancio Mondlane, who is popular among young voters. Tensions further surged when two of Mondlane's close allies were assassinated, resulting in increased calls for protests. Rights groups report severe police violence on protesters, with at least 11 deaths, many more injured, and hundreds detained. Demonstrators, led by a defiant Mondlane, demanded an end to Frelimo's decades-long rule, citing economic hardship, unemployment, and poor governance. The government crackdown, which includes the use of live ammunition, has only strengthened protest resolve, with young Mozambicans prepared to risk their lives to challenge the political status quo, marking a pivotal moment in Mozambique’s democratic struggle.

Nigeria’s Health Spending Falls Short of Budget Amid Rising Disease Burden In 2023, Nigeria’s 36 states spent only 58% of their allocated health budgets, totaling $817.65 million out of an expected $1.35 billion, according to BudgIT's 2024 State of States report. This funding shortfall highlights critical gaps in healthcare provision, particularly in medical equipment and drug supplies, with nine states failing to invest in essential medical resources. Furthermore, workforce shortages and inadequate infrastructure compound the challenges, as Nigeria’s doctor-to-patient ratio remains critically low with only 4 doctors per 10,000 people. The report also underscores a troubling rise in infectious diseases, with states like Borno and Kaduna facing high rates of malaria and tuberculosis. BudgIT calls for increased healthcare spending and urges states to boost internal revenue to better support healthcare needs amidst ongoing fiscal challenges.

French Court Sentences Ex-Doctor to Prison for Role in Rwandan Genocide A French court has sentenced former Rwandan doctor Eugène Rwamucyo to 27 years in prison for complicity in genocide and crimes against humanity tied to Rwanda’s 1994 genocide, where 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed. Although acquitted of direct genocide charges, Rwamucyo, 65, was found guilty of promoting anti-Tutsi propaganda and concealing evidence of mass killings. Witnesses testified that Rwamucyo incited violence and encouraged militiamen to target Tutsis. His defense argued his role in mass burials aimed to prevent a health crisis and maintained he was being prosecuted for political opposition to Rwanda’s government. Previously sentenced to life in absentia by a Rwandan court, Rwamucyo was arrested in France in 2010 after attending the funeral of a former Rwandan official convicted of war crimes during the genocide. This ruling follows a series of Rwandan genocide-related trials in France, including a recent 24-year sentence for former doctor Sosthene Munyemana.