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Category: Africa

  • WTO warns Middle East conflict could slow global trade in latest report

    WTO warns Middle East conflict could slow global trade in latest report

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 20, 2026 — The World Trade Organization (WTO) says global trade growth will slow in 2026, after stronger‑than‑expected gains last year driven by booming demand for AI‑related products.

    According to the WTO’s latest Global Trade Outlook published on March 19, merchandise trade is forecast to grow by 1.9% in 2026, down from 4.6% in 2025, before picking up slightly to 2.6% in 2027. Services trade is also expected to ease, rising 4.8% in 2026 compared with 5.3% in 2025. Together, goods and services trade will expand by 2.7% in 2026, compared with 4.7% last year.

    The slowdown is linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict, which has disrupted transport routes and raised energy prices. If oil and gas prices stay high, WTO economists warn global GDP growth could fall by 0.3 percentage points, while trade growth could drop by 0.5 points — with energy‑importing regions like Asia and Europe hit hardest.

    The conflict has already blocked traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping lane. This has disrupted fertilizer exports critical for farming and raised food security concerns in countries such as India, Thailand, and Brazil. Gulf states, heavily dependent on food imports, also face rising costs. Transport disruptions have cancelled tens of thousands of flights and increased insurance premiums, adding further strain on businesses and consumers worldwide.

    Despite these risks, WTO Director‑General Ngozi Okonjo‑Iweala stressed that trade remains resilient, supported by high‑tech goods and digital services. She urged governments to keep trade policies predictable and strengthen supply chains to cushion the impact.

    There is some upside: if the conflict ends quickly and AI‑related spending continues, trade growth could rise to 2.4% in 2026 and 2.7% in 2027. But if energy prices remain high, the outlook will stay fragile.

    In 2025, AI‑enabling goods such as semiconductors and data equipment grew by nearly 22%, accounting for almost half of global trade growth. WTO economists say this sector could continue to offset some of the negative effects of tariffs and geopolitical tensions, offering hope that technology will remain a bright spot in otherwise uncertain times.

  • Tinubu Urges UK to boost investment, security, and energy cooperation as King Charles III bids farewell

    Tinubu Urges UK to boost investment, security, and energy cooperation as King Charles III bids farewell

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 19, 2026 — At Windsor Castle this morning, His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla bid farewell to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, marking the conclusion of Tinubu’s landmark state visit to England.

    During the State Banquet held in his honour, King Charles described the friendship between England and Nigeria as a “partnership of equals” that has strengthened shared security, boosted prosperity, and inspired hope for the future. He emphasised the deep cultural and spiritual ties between both nations, praising the contributions of Nigerians in Britain and stressing the importance of moving forward together with respect, trust, and shared purpose.

    On his part, President Tinubu called for stronger economic cooperation, greater investment in Nigeria’s energy, infrastructure, and technology sectors, and deeper collaboration on security. He urged enhanced defence and intelligence partnerships to combat terrorism, stressed the need for balanced migration policies, and sought UK support in skills development and renewable energy projects to drive Nigeria’s transition to sustainable power.

    Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the UK–Nigeria Strategic Partnership framework, emphasising shared humanity, cultural ties, and the importance of unity. He positioned Nigeria as a key partner for the UK in Africa, underlining that stronger bilateral ties would contribute to regional stability and prosperity. He also urged Nigerians abroad to be ambassadors of peace and progress, reminding them that their conduct reflects the nation’s values on the global stage.

  • Three jailed for illegally possessing rhino horn

    Three jailed for illegally possessing rhino horn

    AFRICA (Agency Report) — March 19, 2026 — Three suspects have been jailed by a Homa Bay court for 12 years for being found with a rhino horn worth Sh2.9 million.

    One of the three accused is a Kenya Defence Force (KDF) officer identified as Benard Omondi Osunga; his two accomplices are George Oloo and Argwings Watta. They were accused of possessing the horn weighing 2.9kg.

    The three were arrested when they were found with the rhino horn in Rodi Kopany Township, Homa Bay County.

    They were accused of dealing in a trophy of a specified endangered wildlife species contrary to Section 105 of the Kenya Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, CAP 376 Laws of Kenya.

    The court heard that the three were jointly found dealing in a wildlife trophy, namely one piece of rhino horn, using a motor vehicle at Tausi Hotel in Rodi Kopany Township without a permit

    In a second count, they were accused of possessing a trophy of a specified endangered wildlife species contrary to Section 92(4) as read with Section 105 of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, CAP 376 Laws of Kenya. The court heard that the three possessed one piece of rhino horn without a permit.

    In their mitigation, the accused persons pleaded for leniency on grounds that they were first offenders. They added that they were family men with dependants and some of their children were going to school and would suffer if they were given custodial sentences.

    But Homa Bay Senior Resident Magistrate Christine Auka gave a seven-year jail sentence to each of them for count one.

    In count two, each of them was fined Sh3 million or a five-year jail term in case of failure to raise the fine, with the sentences to run consecutively.

    Auka said that rhinos are a protected wildlife species and they are drivers of tourism and other economic benefits to Kenya.

    The accused persons have 14 days to appeal the court judgement. Auka also ordered the owner of the motor vehicle used in ferrying the rhino horn to appear in court on Wednesday this week to show cause why the vehicle should not be forfeited to the State.

    The rhino horn was forfeited to the Kenya Wildlife Service.

  • Ruto and Museveni to launch Naivasha–Malaba railway extension project

    Ruto and Museveni to launch Naivasha–Malaba railway extension project

    AFRICA (Chris Mahandara/Agency Report) — March 19, 2026 — President William Ruto and Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni will be in Kisumu on Saturday to preside over the groundbreaking of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension from Naivasha to Malaba.

    The ceremony, a major milestone in regional infrastructure, is expected to draw over 20,000 people, including residents, leaders, and stakeholders. It marks the next phase of Kenya’s railway expansion aimed at boosting trade and transport links across East Africa.

    Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir toured the Kibos SGR site on Monday to assess preparations. He assured that logistical, security, and organizational arrangements were firmly in place. “This is a big day we will celebrate with our President and President Museveni when they come to launch this very significant project,” he said.

    The proposed line will stretch about 369 kilometres, forming a critical segment of the regional corridor linking Mombasa to western Kenya and onward to neighbouring countries. Chirchir noted it will transform cargo and passenger movement by offering a more efficient alternative to road transport along the busy Northern Corridor.

    He emphasized that the project will enhance regional integration by connecting Kenya’s railway network with Uganda and the wider East African system. Once completed, it is expected to lower transport costs, improve efficiency, and spur economic growth in western Kenya by opening new opportunities for investment and commerce.

  • DRC and Brazil in first-ever multisectoral talks to tackle domestic and international challenges

    DRC and Brazil in first-ever multisectoral talks to tackle domestic and international challenges

    AFRICA (NPA) — March 18, 2026 — The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Brazil held their first-ever multisectoral consultations on Tuesday, March 17, in Brasília, marking a significant step toward strengthening ties between the East African nation and its South American counterpart.

    The DRC delegation was led by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ms Noëlla Ayeganagato Nakwipone, who co-chaired the meeting alongside Ambassador Carlos Sergio Sobral Duarte, Brazil’s Secretary for Africa and the Middle East.

    According to a statement from Kinshasa’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the consultations are expected to usher in a new phase of cooperation in agriculture, energy, mining, trade, and training. Discussions also touched on major multilateral issues such as climate change, global governance, and collaboration within ZOPACAS (Zone of Peace and Cooperation of the South Atlantic). Officials described the talks as a reflection of a strengthened dynamic aimed at building a strategic partnership between the two countries.

    The meeting comes at a time when Congo is increasingly looking outward to address multidimensional challenges at home. Beyond economic development, the country continues to grapple with insecurity in the Kivu region, where M23 rebels backed by Rwanda have kept government forces under pressure. By deepening ties with Brazil, Congolese officials hope to diversify partnerships and bolster resilience against both domestic and international challenges.

  • Senegal rejects CAF ruling, heads to CAS over AFCON 2025 dispute

    Senegal rejects CAF ruling, heads to CAS over AFCON 2025 dispute

    SPORTS (NPA) — March 18, 2026 — The Senegalese Football Federation has rejected yesterday’s ruling by the CAF Appeals Board (DC23316) declaring Morocco the winner of AFCON 2025. Senegal described the decision as unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable, saying it discredits African football.

    In a statement signed by its Secretary General on March 17, the Federation announced plans to appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne.

    The statement noted that the CAF Appeals Board upheld Morocco’s protest, set aside the CAF Disciplinary Board’s earlier decision, and ruled that Senegal’s conduct fell under Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON Regulations. As a result, Senegal was deemed to have forfeited the final, with the match recorded as 3–0 in favour of Morocco.

    Senegal denounced the ruling, pledging to defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football at CAS. The Federation reaffirmed its commitment to integrity and sporting justice, promising to keep the public informed of developments.

  • BREAKING: CAF declares Morocco AFCON 2025 winners

    BREAKING: CAF declares Morocco AFCON 2025 winners

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 17, 2026 — The Appeal Board of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has declared Morocco the winner of AFCON 2025, following Morocco’s appeal after Senegal staged a walkout during the finals.

    Applying Article 84 of the Regulations, CAF ruled that Senegal forfeited the Final Match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, with the result recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).

    In a statement on Tuesday, CAF said:

    • The appeal lodged by FRMF was admissible and upheld.
    • The CAF Disciplinary Board decision was set aside.
    • Senegal’s conduct fell within Articles 82 and 84, leading to forfeiture of the match.
    • All other motions or requests were dismissed.

    On disciplinary matters, CAF ruled:

    • The appeal regarding Morocco’s Ismaël Saibari (Player No. 11) was partially upheld. His misconduct was confirmed, but his sanction was reduced to a two‑match suspension, with one match suspended. The USD 100,000 fine was set aside.
    • The appeal on the ball boys incident was partially upheld; FRMF’s responsibility was confirmed, but the fine was reduced to USD 50,000.
    • The appeal on interference around the OFR/VAR review area was dismissed, with the USD 100,000 fine confirmed.
    • The appeal on the laser incident was partially upheld, with the fine reduced to USD 10,000.

    CAF concluded that Morocco’s protest was valid, Senegal forfeited the final, and Morocco was officially declared AFCON 2025 champions.

  • Amnesty International slams Nigeria government over “horrific” Benue massacre

    Amnesty International slams Nigeria government over “horrific” Benue massacre

    ABUJA, NIGERIA — (NPA) March 16, 2026 — Amnesty International Nigeria has urged the Nigerian government to investigate what it described as a horrific attack in which at least 15 villagers were killed on Friday, March 13, 2026, in Ojantele Community of Apa Local Government Area, Benue State.

    In a statement issued on March 15, Amnesty alleged that those killed were farmers picking fallen cashew nuts. It added that many people remain missing, and two women were abducted during the incident. The attack came just ten days after gunmen killed 13 people in Tyungu Jam and Mbaav communities in Kwande LGA.

    The human rights body criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s repeated claims of directing security agencies to end the killings, noting that the death toll continues to rise. Amnesty said villagers told its investigators that the government has left them “at the mercy of their attackers.”

    The statement reads: “The Nigerian authorities must investigate the horrific attack in which at least 15 villagers were killed on Friday when gunmen invaded Ojantele community of Apa LGA Benue state on Friday. Those killed were farmers picking fallen cashew nuts. Since after the attack many people are missing and two women were abducted. This is coming 10 days after gunmen killed 13 people in Tyungu Jam and Mbaav communities in Yaav and Mbadura council wards of Kwande LGA. The President Bola Tinubu claims he has repeatedly tasked security agencies to end the killings, but the mounting death toll clearly shows nothing has changed. Most villagers told Amnesty International that the government left them at the mercy of their attackers. The government has an obligation to protect its population. The rising death toll in the north of Nigeria shows just how badly the authorities are failing in this responsibility.”

    Benue State has remained the epicentre of killings by suspected terrorist herdsmen. The unchecked bloodshed prompted Agatu youths to protest on March 15, blocking the Oweto–Otukpo highway to demand government action.

    This followed renewed violence in Kwande and Ushongo constituencies, where lawmakers raised alarms over escalating attacks. Together, these incidents underscore the scale of insecurity in Benue, with communities repeatedly targeted and residents demanding urgent intervention.

  • Kagame attends Rwanda Challenger Final as Trungelliti claims title

    Kagame attends Rwanda Challenger Final as Trungelliti claims title

    KIGALI, RWANDA (NPA) — March 15, 2026 — Rwandan President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame on Sunday attended the men’s singles final of the ATP Rwanda 100 Challenger. The match was won by Argentina’s Marco Trungelliti, who defeated Italy’s Marco Cecchinato.

    A statement from the Office of the President noted that this competition marked the third edition of the tournament hosted in the East African country. The week-long ATP Challenger 100 followed the just-concluded ATP Challenger 75, which ran from March 2–8, with both tournaments featuring 66 players from 20 different countries.

    The statement read in part: “Today at IPRC Kicukiro, President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame attended the men’s singles final of the ATP Rwanda 100 Challenger, which saw Argentina’s Marco Trungelliti defeat Italy’s Marco Cecchinato, during the third edition of the tournament to take place in Rwanda. The week-long ATP Challenger 100 follows the just concluded ATP Challenger 75, which ran from March 2–8, with both tournaments featuring 66 players from 20 different countries. #RwandaChallenger”

    Rwanda has continued to attract international sports competitions in recent years, thanks to sustained investment in sports, hospitality, and events infrastructure. Traditional centres in West and Southern Africa are increasingly losing ground to Kigali as a preferred destination.

  • Kenya county commissioner issues two-week ultimatum to illegal firearm holders

    Kenya county commissioner issues two-week ultimatum to illegal firearm holders

    NAIROBI— (KNA-Peter Gitonga) March 15 — The Kenyan Government has issued a two-week ultimatum to persons in illegal possession of firearms to surrender them.

    Speaking on Friday during the 5th Edition of the Kenya Public–Private Sector MSMEs Dialogue (MSMEs Connect) in Lodwar, County commissioner Julius Kavita said after the two weeks the security agencies will conduct a forceful disarmament.

    “We are appealing to those in possession of firearms illegally to take them to the chiefs, who will hand them over to the police; failure to do so, and we shall come for them. The culprits will not be spared either,” warned Kavita.

    The warning comes at a time when the government is conducting an operation in Turkana, West Pokot and Samburu, among other banditry-prone areas.

    Kavita said the government is committed to creating a conducive environment for traders, transporters and passengers.

    The County has enjoyed relative calm since the operation commenced, with zero incidents of cattle rustling and highway robbery being reported in the last two weeks.

    Kavita attributed this to the operation, saying the government will not relent in dealing with criminal elements sabotaging peace efforts.

    Insecurity had threatened economic activities in the region, including the proposed mega irrigation project along the Turkana-West Pokot border that seeks to boost food security.

    Additionally, oil exploration and development are facing Insecurity challenges if residents’ concerns during the public participation exercise are anything to go by.

    Some residents warned that Oil production would not take place until insecurity was addressed.

    When he visited the county last month, Cabinet Secretary for Interior Kipchumba Murkomen said the government would deal firmly with bandits.