Category: Africa

NAIROBI, Kenya (NPA) — The landmark two‑day Africa–France Summit concluded in Nairobi with African leaders and the French government adopting the Nairobi Declaration, a framework to deepen cooperation across peace, security, industrialisation, digital transformation, climate action, healthcare, agriculture, and sustainable economic growth. The declaration reflects a shared commitment to inclusive development and long‑term prosperity.

The Africa Forward Summit, co‑hosted by Presidents William Ruto of Kenya and Emmanuel Macron of France, provided a platform to advance Africa’s global partnerships through investment, innovation, and sustainable development. President Macron pledged that France and Europe would continue supporting Africa’s aspirations for peace and prosperity. “Today, we have an agenda aimed at addressing Africa’s contemporary challenges. Together with Kenya, we will champion this agenda throughout the year at the United Nations and during the Evian G7,” Macron said.

Delegates agreed to strengthen cooperation against emerging and transnational threats, including terrorism, organised crime, cyber insecurity, arms trafficking, migrant smuggling, illicit financial flows, and drug trafficking. They underscored the importance of coordinated responses to safeguard regional stability and reinforce Africa’s collective security framework. The declaration also called for stronger institutional capacity to address conflicts in the Horn of Africa, the Great Lakes Region, and the Sahel through inclusive dialogue, counter‑terrorism cooperation, and regional stabilisation efforts.

Leaders highlighted the link between security and inclusive economic growth, youth empowerment, education, climate resilience, and diaspora engagement. UN Secretary‑General António Guterres urged for a more inclusive global order that reflects Africa’s demographic and strategic significance, noting that the continent, home to over 1.5 billion people, still lacks a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

Agriculture featured prominently, with commitments to promote sustainable and resilient food systems, agro‑industrialization, and integrated value chains under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Leaders pledged investments in nutrition, climate‑smart practices, and agricultural research, while supporting youth, women, and smallholder farmers through access to finance, land tenure reforms, and digital tools. The Africa Fertiliser and Soil Health Action Plan 2024–2034 was endorsed to boost productivity through innovation and public‑private investment.

Healthcare was another priority, with leaders committing to advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and resilient, people‑centred health systems. The declaration emphasised equitable access, reduced financial hardship, and regional production of vaccines, medicines, and diagnostics. Harmonised regulatory frameworks will ensure quality and safety while supporting innovation within African institutions.

On industrialisation and energy, leaders pledged to promote green industrialisation through renewable energy, low‑carbon systems, and flagship clean energy projects such as hydropower, geothermal, waste‑to‑energy, and nuclear. They affirmed that access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy is essential for Africa’s long‑term development. The summit also recognised the Blue Economy as a frontier for growth, employment, and sustainability, committing to maritime sovereignty and climate resilience.

Digital transformation was highlighted as a driver of competitiveness, with commitments to harness Artificial Intelligence responsibly, expand broadband connectivity, and build resilient digital infrastructure. Leaders pledged to close digital divides while advancing skills development, research collaboration, and innovation ecosystems.

On global finance, leaders called for reforms to the international financial system, including changes at the IMF to improve representation for African states and safeguard concessional financing for the poorest nations. They reaffirmed the importance of investing in people, skills, and innovation, recognising Africa’s youth as a strategic asset for long‑term transformation.

African Union Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf concluded by urging sustained unity and cooperation. “Africa is on a trajectory to become a future powerhouse of global growth. The contemporary situation demands strengthened multilateral cooperation and collective momentum,” he said.

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (NPA) — The African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation on peace, security, human rights and sustainable development across Africa amid rising global and continental challenges.

This formed part of the resolutions reached at the 10th African Union–United Nations Annual Conference held on Tuesday at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The conference was convened by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres.

In a joint communiqué issued after the meeting, both leaders described the AU–UN partnership as a strategic pillar for advancing peace, security, sustainable development, Agenda 2063 and the UN 2030 Agenda.

They expressed concern over increasing armed conflicts, humanitarian crises, poverty, climate change and disregard for international law across different parts of the world and Africa.

The AU and UN reviewed progress in implementing three major cooperation frameworks covering peace and security, sustainable development and human rights.

They welcomed improvements in institutional cooperation and coordination through mechanisms such as the High-Level Strategic Dialogue and the College-to-College platform.

The two organisations also welcomed the adoption of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 79/329, describing it as a step toward strengthening Africa’s role within the UN system.

On peace and security, both sides underscored the importance of political solutions to conflicts and called for predictable and sustainable financing for AU-led peace support operations.

They discussed security challenges in the Great Lakes region, the Horn of Africa and the Sahel, while reaffirming support for sovereignty, territorial integrity and peaceful dialogue among African states.

Regarding the crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the AU and UN called for an urgent and lasting ceasefire through mediation efforts led by the African Union and other international partners.

The leaders agreed to strengthen support for ongoing mediation initiatives led by Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé as well as the Doha and Washington peace processes.

On Sudan, the organisations welcomed recent appeals by Sudanese civilian groups for de-escalation and an end to the conflict.

They urged parties involved in the crisis to prioritise the interests of the Sudanese people and commit to inclusive dialogue aimed at achieving a political solution.

The AU and UN also pledged closer coordination under the Quintet framework to prevent the conflict from spreading across the region.

In the Horn of Africa, both organisations called for full implementation of the Pretoria Agreement and expressed concern over rising interstate tensions within the region.

On the Sahel, the AU and UN reiterated the need for a comprehensive strategy to combat violent extremism and terrorism.

They condemned the deadly terrorist attacks carried out in Mali on April 25, 2026, and expressed condolences to victims and affected communities.

The leaders further expressed concern over the impact of the ongoing Middle East conflict on African economies, including disruptions to energy supply, food security, trade and inflation.

They agreed to raise the issue in global forums such as the G20 and G7.

On sustainable development, the AU and UN welcomed progress achieved through joint programmes aimed at implementing Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

They highlighted the establishment of a joint roadmap and digital dashboard designed to monitor implementation and track development progress across Africa.

The communiqué also called for reforms of the global financial system to better reflect the needs of developing countries, especially African nations facing debt burdens and financing gaps.

The two organisations stressed the importance of infrastructure development, energy transition, digital transformation, youth employment, women’s economic empowerment and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in driving inclusive growth.

On human rights, the AU and UN reaffirmed the role of human rights in conflict prevention and sustainable peacebuilding.

They welcomed the adoption of the AU Convention on Ending Violence against Women and Girls and called for stronger accountability and compliance mechanisms in AU peace support operations.

The organisations also pledged stronger collaboration on migration governance, healthcare, humanitarian response and the fight against illicit drug trafficking across the continent.

The conference concluded with the signing of a declaration reaffirming the AU–UN strategic partnership frameworks and commitment to joint implementation across all areas of cooperation.

The AU Commission Chairperson also paid tribute to Guterres ahead of the conclusion of his tenure as UN Secretary-General, praising his support for Africa, multilateralism and global governance reforms.

Both leaders agreed that the 11th AU–UN Annual Conference would be held in New York in 2027.

KAMPALA, Uganda (NPA) — Uganda’s President and leader of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), Yoweri Museveni, has been sworn in for a seventh term after being declared the winner of the country’s presidential election, extending his nearly four-decade rule at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala.

The 81-year-old leader was officially sworn in on Tuesday following his victory in the January election, where he was declared the winner with 72 per cent of the vote in a contest marked by allegations of fraud and reports of violent incidents.

Museveni, a former guerrilla leader who came to power in 1986, now extends his leadership into a fifth decade, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving presidents.

In his inaugural address, Museveni highlighted what he described as Uganda’s economic progress under his administration, noting that the country’s economy is projected to record double-digit growth in the coming fiscal year as crude oil production begins.

“Uganda’s journey has been long, but steady,” he said.

“The peace, security and progress we enjoy today are the foundation on which we must now build more jobs, better services, stronger markets and greater household incomes. This new mandate is not a privilege. It is a responsibility to continue serving the people of Uganda with discipline, focus and commitment. We must protect what has been achieved, correct what still needs improvement, and move forward together as one country. For God and my Country,” he added.

However, speculation continues to mount over Museveni’s succession plans, with widespread political discussions suggesting he may favour his son, military chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba, as a potential successor, although the president has repeatedly denied grooming him for the role.

Opposition figure and pop star Bobi Wine, who finished runner-up in previous elections, is currently in exile in the United States after fleeing what he described as a military raid on his home following the vote.

Wine has accused the government of political persecution targeting him, his family and supporters, allegations the authorities have denied.

He and Muhoozi Kainerugaba have also engaged in repeated social media exchanges, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where they clash over Uganda’s political direction, governance, and human rights situation.

Critics say Uganda’s political space remains constrained, while supporters of the government maintain that stability and development have been prioritised under Museveni’s leadership.

NAIROBI, Kenya (NPA) — Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto has renewed calls for comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council, saying Africa’s continued exclusion from permanent representation undermines fairness, inclusion and the credibility of the global multilateral system.

Ruto stated that Africa, with a population approaching two billion people, deserves a permanent voice in decisions relating to global peace and security.

“It is neither practical nor just for a continent of more than 1.5 billion people to remain excluded from permanent representation in decisions that directly affect peace, security, conflict, and global stability,” he said.

The Kenyan president noted that the current structure of the Security Council reflects a longstanding imbalance that weakens confidence in international institutions and contradicts the principle of equal partnership among nations.

“The time has therefore come for the international community to recognise, without ambiguity and without delay,” Ruto said.

He made the remarks while chairing a roundtable session on peace and security on the sidelines of the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi.

According to him, Africa can no longer remain subject to decisions taken without its equal participation at the global decision-making table.

“Africa cannot, and will not, remain subject to decisions taken without its equal voice at the table,” he added.

Kenya is hosting the Africa Forward Summit, which has attracted African and global leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria and French President Emmanuel Macron.

The summit aims to strengthen Africa-France partnerships through concrete and investment-driven commitments in areas including innovation, infrastructure, sustainable growth, digital transformation and reforms to the global financial system.

Organisers say the summit aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 framework focused on inclusive development, economic sovereignty and long-term continental transformation.

The gathering has brought together African Heads of State, representatives of the African Union, international financial institutions, private sector leaders, civil society groups and youth organisations.

Discussions at the summit are focused on producing measurable outcomes rather than symbolic declarations, particularly in sectors such as green industrialisation, energy transition, vaccine production, healthcare systems, agriculture and food security.

The summit also seeks to redefine Africa’s role in global partnerships by promoting cooperation based on mutual respect, balanced engagement and Africa’s long-term strategic priorities.

PRETORIA, South Africa (NPA) — President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South Africans to uphold the rule of law as the government intensifies efforts to address illegal migration and rising tensions over undocumented immigrants.

In his weekly newsletter on Monday, May 11, 2026, the President condemned the recent wave of violent demonstrations targeting foreign nationals across major cities, describing them as the work of “opportunists exploiting legitimate grievances under the false guise of community activism.” He warned that acts of vigilantism, including stopping people to check identification or conducting property searches, would not be tolerated.

Ramaphosa acknowledged that illegal migration poses serious challenges to social stability, governance, and national security, stressing that the issue must be tackled “decisively and within the law.” He noted that undocumented migration places pressure on healthcare, housing, and municipal services, particularly in poor communities, while distorting the labour market. “In a country with high unemployment, some employers exploit undocumented, cheaper foreign labour, undermining our labour protection regime and eroding workers’ rights,” he said.

The President urged a whole-of-society approach, involving government, the private sector, and citizens, to address the problem. He criticised South Africans who collude with undocumented migrants in fake marriages, illegal housing sales, or bribery schemes, saying such actions deepen the crisis.

Ramaphosa commended the Border Management Authority (BMA) and the Defence Force for strengthening border security, revealing that the BMA intercepted about 450,000 people attempting to cross into South Africa illegally in the past financial year. He reaffirmed plans to hire 10,000 labour inspectors to enforce immigration and employment laws and pledged continued deportation of undocumented migrants in accordance with the law.

Responding to continental concerns over the protests, Ramaphosa urged South Africans to reject xenophobia and protect the country’s reputation for African solidarity and human rights. He highlighted South Africa’s refugee protection framework, which integrates displaced persons into communities and grants access to healthcare and education.

“Our commitment to African integration and solidarity should not be undermined by isolated acts of criminality,” he said, adding that South Africa, like other nations, will exercise its sovereign right to regulate migration and secure its borders.

Ramaphosa concluded with a firm message: “There is no place in South Africa for xenophobia, ethnic mobilisation, intolerance or violence. Everyone in South Africa is bound by the same laws, and we are committed to ensuring they are respected and upheld.”

NAIROBI, Kenya (NPA) — William Ruto has announced a partnership between Kenya and France for the construction of the University of Nairobi Science and Engineering Complex, aimed at strengthening youth capacity in science and technology.

Ruto disclosed this during the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, attended by African and global leaders.

According to the Kenyan president, the project forms part of efforts to reform the country’s education system and position young people as innovators in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

“By reforming our education system, we are empowering young people to keep pace with global trends in science and technology, positioning them as creators and innovators rather than mere consumers,” Ruto said.

He added that the proposed facility would serve as a premier research hub for Kenya and the wider region.

“To advance this vision, we are partnering with France in building the University of Nairobi Science and Engineering Complex. This facility will be a premier research hub for both Kenya and the region,” he stated.

Earlier, the president assented to the Income Tax Bill, the Special Economic Zones (Amendment) Bill and the Technopolis Bill at State House, Nairobi.

According to Ruto, the legislations are designed to streamline Kenya’s tax system and strengthen the country’s position as an attractive investment destination by creating a more efficient, predictable and competitive business environment.

The Income Tax Bill seeks to rationalise the administration of Capital Gains Tax and align Kenya’s tax regime with international best practices, while reinforcing reforms aimed at improving ease of doing business.

The Special Economic Zones (Amendment) Act expands the scope of special economic zones to include oil and gas zones and harmonises tax incentives applicable to businesses operating within the zones.

The legislation also provides for a minimum licence tenure of 10 years to accommodate long-term capital investments and project cycles.

According to the government, the law further broadens the scope of special economic zones to support key sectors, including agro-processing, manufacturing, mining, advanced technology production and petroleum operations.

The Technopolis Act establishes a legal framework for the creation, development and governance of technopolises in Kenya.

The government said the framework is expected to position Kenya as a leading destination for technology-driven enterprises, innovation and research through integrated one-stop hubs for government services.