The African Credit Ratings Agency (AfCRA), initially set to launch in December 2023, will now be operational by June 2025 due to delays in securing a transaction advisory firm. The agency, the brainchild of the African Union, aims to address the high cost of capital in Africa, which is “three

At least five African nations are in discussions to implement the world’s first joint “debt-for-nature” swap, aiming to raise $2 billion for the protection of the Indian Ocean’s rich coral ecosystems. Debt-for-nature swaps, where nations restructure debt and redirect savings to conservation, are gaining popularity among poorer countries. While previous

Tanzania’s mining regulator has mandated that all gold exporters reserve at least 20% of their gold for sale to the central bank, effective October 1. This directive, part of a new mining law, aims to support the Bank of Tanzania’s (BoT) efforts to diversify foreign reserves amid local currency depreciation.

Zimbabwe’s central bank has devalued its gold-backed currency, the Zig, by over 40% against the US dollar, raising concerns about the country’s ongoing economic challenges. The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) reduced the exchange rate to 24 Zig per US dollar due to increased demand for the US currency, which

Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is facing an impending impeachment motion, with MPs accusing him of promoting ethnic divisions, undermining President William Ruto, and involvement in the recent anti-government protests. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has implicated Gachagua’s associates in these uprisings. A two-thirds majority in both the National

Tunisia’s parliament has passed a law stripping courts of their power over decisions made by the Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE), whose members are appointed by President Kais Saied. The amendment, passed just days before the presidential election, prevents the courts from overturning ISIE rulings, sparking protests from opposition

Algeria has reintroduced visa requirements for Moroccan passport holders, citing concerns over “destabilization actions,” including human and drug trafficking, espionage, and the presence of “Zionist agents.” Both countries lifted visa requirements some 20 years ago. This move marks a significant escalation in the already strained relations between Algeria and Morocco,

The British Army is launching an inquiry into allegations of serious misconduct by soldiers stationed at the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK). The investigation follows accusations of rape, murder, and exploitation of local women, including claims involving Agnes Wanjiru, a Kenyan woman murdered in 2012, whose case remains unresolved.

Researchers from the University of Cape Town (UCT) and the Max Planck Institute have decoded the oldest human DNA ever found in South Africa by reconstructing the genomes of two individuals who lived in the region about 10,000 years ago. The discovery provides new insights into ancient human history, especially

Ethiopians Milkesa Mengesha and Tigist Ketema triumphed at the Berlin Marathon on Sunday, claiming victories in the men’s and women’s races, respectively. Mengesha, 24, ran a personal best of 2:03:17, edging out Kenya’s Cyrbian Kotut by five seconds in a thrilling final kilometer. Fellow Ethiopian Haymanot Alew finished third. In