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Category: Africa

  • Rising debt forces 3.4 billion to spend more on loans than health or education

    Rising debt forces 3.4 billion to spend more on loans than health or education

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — Calls for a fundamental shift in global economic governance dominated discussions at the Impact Exchange in Geneva, Switzerland, where representatives from nearly 90 Member States, UN agencies, civil society, and experts gathered to advance a “Human Rights Economy.”

    The event, organised by UN Human Rights and the Universal Rights Group with support from the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, came amid warnings of rising inequality, surging debt, and austerity measures that could affect 85 per cent of the world’s population. “Austerity could slash investments in social protection, health, education, and the environment,” cautioned Nada Al‑Nashif, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights.

    Speakers stressed that economic growth without access to healthcare, education, clean water, decent work, and a healthy environment risks deepening divides. The Human Rights Economy framework, they argued, prioritises people and the planet in fiscal choices, moving beyond GDP as the sole measure of progress.

    Claudia Fuentes Julio, Chile’s Permanent Representative and Vice President of the Human Rights Council, underscored how inequality erodes social cohesion and urged innovative strategies to strengthen democracies. Chile’s reforms include a universal guaranteed pension, free public health services, and gender‑responsive budgeting.

    From The Gambia, Cherno Marenah highlighted people‑centred budgeting and the removal of VAT on sanitary products, while Jawad Ali of Pakistan emphasised constitutional commitments to uplift marginalised communities. Spain’s representative, Miryam Naveiras, pointed to progressive taxation and the Sevilla Declaration as a roadmap for debt relief and climate‑sensitive economic planning.

    South Africa’s Mxolisi Nkosi called for a fairer global financial architecture, stressing that development is a right, not a privilege. Portugal and Malaysia echoed the need for reforms in taxation, trade, and education, while civil society voices urged the adoption of metrics that reflect well‑being, equality, and sustainability.

    Throughout the Exchange, participants agreed that even in tight fiscal times, progress is possible when human rights guide economic choices. OHCHR announced the expansion of its ESCR Knowledge Hub, showcasing promising practices from 2020–2024 to help countries operationalise the Human Rights Economy.

    The message was clear: systemic reform rooted in human rights is essential to confront inequality and achieve the 2030 Agenda.

  • ECOWAS calls for inclusive water governance to transform West Africa

    ECOWAS calls for inclusive water governance to transform West Africa

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — In the spirit of World Water Day 2026, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), through its Water Resources Management Centre (WRMC), has urged stronger mobilisation for equitable and inclusive water management across the region.

    World Water Day, established by the UN in 1993, highlights water’s vital role in life, health, dignity, and sustainable development. Yet, over two billion people worldwide still lack safe drinking water.

    This year’s theme, “Water for Equality,” stresses the urgent need to tackle disparities in access to water and sanitation. In West Africa, these gaps disproportionately affect women, youth, and vulnerable groups, who manage water daily but remain underrepresented in decision-making.

    Progress has been made through regional and national policies integrating gender, youth, and social inclusion, alongside programs improving access to safe water for vulnerable communities.

    Still, climate change, population growth, and rising pressure on resources demand a transformation of current approaches. ECOWAS calls for more inclusive, participatory, and sustainable water governance.

    The Commission urges Member States, basin organisations, local authorities, civil society, the private sector, women, and youth to commit to equitable water management.

    In a statement on Monday, ECOWAS said making water a driver of justice, development, and peace is now a strategic priority for West Africa. This momentum will shape the first West Africa Regional Water Forum (FREAO), set for September 2026 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, under the theme: “Valuing Water to Transform West Africa.”

  • SASSA releases 2026/27 social grant payment dates

    SASSA releases 2026/27 social grant payment dates

    AFRICA (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has released the official payment schedule for social grants for the 2026/2027 financial year, giving beneficiaries clarity on when to expect monthly payments.

    In a statement on Monday, the agency said the schedule follows approval by the National Treasury on March 20. For April, older persons will be paid on 2 April, disability grant beneficiaries on 7 April, and children’s grant recipients on 8 April. In May, older persons will receive grants on 5 May, disability grants on 6 May, and children’s grants on 7 May.

    “The principle for determining payment dates is to ensure grants are paid early in the month, staggered over three days. In most months, the old age grant is paid on the 2nd, disability on the 3rd, and children’s grants on the 4th,” SASSA said.

    To ensure smooth functioning of the National Payment System, the agency avoids payments on the 1st of the month, Mondays, weekends, or directly after holidays. If a date falls on a weekend or public holiday, payment will move to the next working day.

    As announced by the Minister of Finance in his Budget Speech, social grants will increase from April:

    • Older Persons, Disability, and Care Dependency Grants rise by R80 to R2,400.
    • War Veterans Grant rises by R80 to R2,420.
    • Foster Child Grant rises by R40 to R1,290.
    • Child Support Grant and Grant-In-Aid rise by R20 to R580.

    SASSA reiterated its commitment to timely payments and urged beneficiaries who experience delays to visit their nearest local office for assistance. Full payment dates are available on the agency’s website. – SAnews.gov.za.

  • SA begins countdown for 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July

    SA begins countdown for 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July

    AFRICA (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — The countdown to Africa’s most prestigious horse racing and lifestyle event has begun, with preparations gaining momentum following the reveal of the theme for the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July.

    The glamorous affair will take place on 4 July at the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse in KwaZulu-Natal.

    Unveiled at The Parade Ring, the 2026 theme, “Country Allure,” invites designers, fashion enthusiasts, and racegoers to draw inspiration from rural landscapes blended with racing elegance. The theme sets the stage for another standout edition of Durban’s flagship event, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a premier destination.

    Chairperson of the City’s Economic Development and Planning Committee, Thembo Ntuli, welcomed the announcement and reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to delivering a world-class experience. “We look forward to welcoming thousands of punters, fashion enthusiasts and visitors to Durban, boosting tourism and hospitality. The event remains key in driving economic growth, supporting jobs and the fashion industry, and contributing to the City’s GDP. Preparations will now begin to ensure a safe, seamless and memorable Durban July experience,” Ntuli said.

    The Hollywoodbets Durban July continues to be a major economic driver for eThekwini. The 2025 edition attracted over 40,000 attendees and contributed about R840 million to Durban’s GDP. It supported 4,500 jobs, generated R50 million in tax revenue, and achieved hotel occupancy rates of 80% during race week. Organisers expect an even greater impact in 2026.

    Designer Mzwandile Mathonsi, founder of ZWANDYY fashion brand, said the theme offers creative and commercial potential. “The ‘Country Allure’ theme is rich with storytelling, allowing us to explore heritage and sophistication in bold ways. The Durban July is a platform to grow, reach new audiences and showcase African creativity. As a product of the City’s Fashion Development Programme, I am proud to be part of this journey,” he said.

    Stephen Marshall of Race Coast added that the theme celebrates the heritage and authenticity of horse racing while inspiring creativity in fashion and design.

    Hollywoodbets spokesperson Devin Heffer described the event as a timeless celebration of sport, fashion, and entertainment, noting that preparations are well underway to deliver another memorable edition. – SAnews.gov.za.

  • Bobi Wine hits back at Muhoozi Kainerugaba: ‘Your intelligence is not intelligent’

    Bobi Wine hits back at Muhoozi Kainerugaba: ‘Your intelligence is not intelligent’

    AFRICA (NPA) — March 22, 2026 — Ugandan opposition leader and candidate of the National Unity Platform (NUP) in the last presidential election, Bobi Wine, has fired back at General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of President Yoweri Museveni and Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF). This came after Muhoozi mocked him in a post on X, following Wine’s escape to the United States.

    Muhoozi, in a post on X, had reportedly ridiculed Wine, writing: “I saw a video of Kabobi transiting through Kigali airport. I’m sure it is an AI video, but if it’s true I hope the airport officials thoroughly disinfected him. He had just come out of a pit latrine.” He further accused Wine of abandoning his followers: “Kabobi fled the country on January 26, eleven days after the elections. He has spent two months in the United States eating Big Macs while his followers are in jail. Some leader.”

    Wine, in a sharp rebuttal, called Muhoozi “daft,” pointing out contradictions in his claims. “On January 30, you told the world I was hiding in the US Embassy. Now you say I fled on January 26. Why then were roadblocks mounted until March 14 searching for me? Why did you raid Harriet Chemtai’s home on February 4, or abduct my PA’s wife on March 12, claiming I was hiding there?” He concluded: “Do you now realise that your intelligence is NOT intelligent?”

    On March 12, Wine alleged brutality against his campaign team during the 2021 elections, noting that police officers attached to him were violently attacked, arrested, and interrogated about his funding and strategies. He stressed that similar harassment has continued into 2026, with campaign officers again being detained.

    “These officers are targeted simply for doing their job with professionalism and patriotism. May we all stand in solidarity with them and work for their freedom,” Wine urged.

  • WHO donates Sh10 million health kits to Kenya

    WHO donates Sh10 million health kits to Kenya

    AFRICA (Agency Report/Michael Omondi) — March 21, 2026 —The Ministry of Health has received emergency health kits from the World Health Organization (WHO) valued at approximately Sh 10 million to support Kenya’s response to the ongoing March–April–May (MAM) long rains and flooding, affecting several parts of the country.

    The donation was received on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Health, Aden Duale, by Secretary Administration Mr Adan Halakhe from the Ministry and WHO Acting Representative to Kenya Dr Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo during a handover ceremony held at Afya House, Nairobi.

    Secretary, Administration in the Ministry of Health, Mr Adan Halakhe, delivers the remarks of the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale, when he received the emergency health kits from the World Health Organisation to support Kenya’s response to the ongoing March–April–May (MAM) long rains and flooding affecting several parts of the country at Afya House, Nairobi, on 18th March, 2026. Looking on is the World Health Organization (WHO) Acting Representative to Kenya, Dr Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo.

    In his remarks, CS Duale expressed appreciation to WHO for the timely support, noting that the contribution will strengthen Kenya’s capacity to respond to public health risks associated with flooding.

    The CS reported that the emergency kits, which contain essential medicines, medical supplies and life-saving equipment, will support frontline health workers in providing critical care, managing disease outbreaks and maintaining essential health services in affected areas.

    Further, he noted that the ongoing long rains have led to flooding in several counties, resulting in displacement of families, disruption of services and increased risk of disease outbreaks.

    Equally, the CS reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to protecting the health and wellbeing of Kenyans, noting that the Ministry, working closely with county governments and partners, has activated emergency preparedness and response mechanisms to ensure communities at risk receive timely health services.

    “These efforts include strengthening disease surveillance, supporting rapid response teams, ensuring the availability of essential medicines and enhancing public awareness on preventive measures during the rainy season,” Duale highlighted.

    He urged members of the public to remain vigilant by maintaining proper hygiene, using safe water, sleeping under treated mosquito nets and seeking early medical care when experiencing symptoms of illness.

    Speaking during the handover, WHO Kenya Acting Representative, Dr Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo, expressed condolences to families affected by the floods and reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s response efforts.

    She observed that flooding across several counties has disrupted access to safe water, sanitation and essential health services, increasing the risk of diseases such as cholera and malaria.

    Meanwhile, the emergency supplies handed over include cholera case management kits, rapid diagnostic and investigation kits, water treatment supplies and trauma kits expected to support health services for approximately 5,000 people in the most affected areas.

    The event was attended by Director of Public Health, Dr Stephen Muleshe; WHO officials; and senior Ministry of Health officials.

  • South Africa Government and industry reassure public of fuel supply

    South Africa Government and industry reassure public of fuel supply

    AFRICA (Agency Report) — March 21, 2026 —The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources and the Fuels Industry Association has moved to assure South Africans of a stable fuel supply, with no need for consumers to panic buy.

    “The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has noted with concern the circulation of statements and messages by certain organisations and individuals encouraging members of the public to rush to filling stations due to a perceived fuel shortage and anticipated fuel price increases. 

    The Department and Fuels Industry Association wish to firmly reiterate that South Africa’s fuel supply remains stable in the immediate term, and there is no basis for panic-buying,” the department and the Fuels Industry Association of South Africa said in a joint statement on Friday.

    The department said that while there may be isolated localised logistical challenges affecting the movement or availability of fuel in certain areas, these are operational in nature and do not constitute a national supply shortage. These issues are being actively managed through established industry and regulatory channels. 

    “It is therefore incorrect and misleading to link such isolated domestic logistical matters to broader geopolitical developments. Such claims risk creating unnecessary alarm and confusion among the public,” the department and association said.

    the department and association said that calls for the public to rush to the pumps are irresponsible and that such calls place undue pressure on supply systems, congestion at service stations, and anxiety among consumers. 

    “The department calls all organisations, public representatives, commentators and social media users to act responsibly and to refrain from spreading unverified or speculative claims regarding fuel supply and fuel price developments.”

    In addition, the public has been encouraged to continue purchasing fuel in the normal course and to rely on official government communication for accurate and verified information. 

    Consumers who experience fuel-related challenges or wish to lodge complaints are encouraged to report these to fuel.complaints@dmpr.gov.za, enabling the department’s inspectors to respond and intervene where necessary. 

    “The department and the Fuels Industry Association will continue to monitor the situation closely and will communicate any confirmed developments through official channels.” – SAnews.gov.za.

  • 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.