New Post Africa

Category: Politics

  • China–South Africa forum sparks optimism as zero‑tariff policy boosts trade

    China–South Africa forum sparks optimism as zero‑tariff policy boosts trade

    ABUJA, 29 March 2026 (NPA) — A China–South Africa trade forum held in Cape Town on Friday has raised confidence in deeper bilateral cooperation following China’s zero‑tariff measures for 53 African countries.

    Jointly organised by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, the forum drew over 350 political and business representatives, including 70 Chinese and 110 South African executives. Talks centred on agriculture, manufacturing, energy, mining, finance, automobiles, and logistics.

    South Africa’s Deputy Minister Alexandra Abrahams said the zero‑tariff policy would allow African products duty‑free access to China, attracting more investment. She noted that China has long been South Africa’s largest trading partner, while South Africa remains China’s top partner on the continent. “It’s a win‑win situation,” she said.

    Russel Brueton of Wesgro stressed that China will remain a key market for local exporters, adding that easier trade will drive inclusive growth and job creation. He welcomed the policy as a major opportunity for South African products to reach new buyers.

    Chinese companies also expressed optimism. Wang Jian of Aberdare Cable said zero‑tariff measures would cut costs and stabilise raw material supply. Shenzhen Skyworth’s Chairman Fan Ruiwu highlighted opportunities in photovoltaics, energy storage, and new energy vehicles, predicting stronger two‑way investment.

    Lu Ping of Hainan Free Trade Zone Dehang Group said the policy framework offers “early harvest” gains, linking South Africa’s speciality industries with China’s free trade port advantages. Cultural and tourism exchanges are also expected to benefit, with Beijing Green and Blue Culture Media’s Xiao Meng calling the move a platform for deeper cooperation.

  • Tinubu pens emotional letter on 74th birthday, says light at end the of tunnel

    Tinubu pens emotional letter on 74th birthday, says light at end the of tunnel

    ABUJA (NPA) — 29 March 2026 — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, today, has penned a heartfelt letter to Nigerians as he marked his 74th birthday, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve and for the outpouring of love, prayers, and solidarity from citizens across the nation.

    The President extended special thanks to his wife, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and those who took out newspaper space or paid for radio and television airtime to celebrate him. He noted that this year’s birthday would be observed in a low‑key manner, in recognition of the economic challenges facing the country amid ongoing reforms and global crises.

    Tinubu assured Nigerians that despite temporary pains, there is light at the end of the tunnel. He credited the progress achieved so far to the collective efforts of his Renewed Hope team and the wider government, stressing, “We achieved the gains together.”

    “As we march towards the third anniversary of our administration, it is my deepest conviction that we shall succeed in building a brighter future for our citizens and generations to come,” the President wrote. 

    He urged Nigerians to continue working together to build a stronger, prosperous, and resilient nation that will stand as the pride of Africa.

  • German embassy, NAWOJ push for women’s empowerment in journalism

    German embassy, NAWOJ push for women’s empowerment in journalism

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — 29 March 2026 — The German Embassy in Nigeria and the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) have joined forces to champion women’s empowerment in journalism, describing it as vital for building an inclusive and resilient democracy.

    Speaking at a one‑day capacity‑building workshop in Abuja, Mr Felix Haala, Head of Press and Political Counsellor at the German Embassy, said empowering women journalists strengthens democratic governance and social change. The workshop, themed “Empowering Women Journalists for Democratic Governance and Social Change,” was organised by NAWOJ’s FCT Chapter in partnership with the Embassy as part of activities marking International Women’s Day 2026.

    Haala commended Nigeria’s relatively free media environment, stressing that democracy cannot thrive without press freedom. He noted that amplifying women’s voices benefits society at large, while expressing concern over low female representation in parliament. “Empowering women journalists is not only a matter of equality and justice, but also essential for a strong, inclusive and resilient democracy,” he said.

    NAWOJ National President Hajia Aisha Ibrahim emphasised that empowering women journalists yields stronger democratic voices, improved accountability, and more inclusive communities. FCT Chairperson Mrs Bassey Ita‑Ikpang highlighted the training’s focus on investigative reporting, ethical journalism, gender‑sensitive storytelling, and leadership. NUJ FCT Chairman Ms Grace Ike, represented by Treasurer Sandra Chukwugekwu, described the workshop as timely, noting that women journalists play critical roles in shaping narratives and holding leaders accountable despite persistent challenges.

  • Peter Mbah hails Tinubu as visionary leader at 74

    Peter Mbah hails Tinubu as visionary leader at 74

    NIGERIA (NPA) — 29 March 2026 — Enugu State Governor, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has joined millions of Nigerians in celebrating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 74th birthday, describing him as a remarkable statesman, patriot, and visionary leader.

    In a statement on Sunday, Mbah said that Tinubu’s life journey reflects an enduring dedication to Nigeria’s development and a bold commitment to reform, inclusivity, and national renewal. He praised Tinubu’s courage in adversity, noting his role in the pro-democracy struggle (a reference to the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, era) and his resilience in public office.

    “Today, we celebrate not just you, but what you have done for us — how you have deftly pulled our nation’s economy from the precipice,” the statement read. 

    Mbah commended Tinubu’s reforms as difficult but necessary steps toward building a more resilient and competitive economy, stressing that history often vindicates leaders who confront structural challenges.

    The governor of the southeastern Nigeria state added that Nigerians owe the President gratitude for the sacrifices he has made in steering the country through a critical phase. He prayed for Tinubu’s continued wisdom and strength, urging citizens to rally behind his vision of a stronger, more prosperous nation.

  • Rabiu Kwankwanso moves to ADC on Monday

    Rabiu Kwankwanso moves to ADC on Monday

    NIGERIA (NPA) — 29 March 2026 — The Kwankwasiyya Movement has formally announced that its leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, will defect from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). In a statement issued on Saturday by the movement’s spokesperson, Dr Habibu Mohammed, the group confirmed that Kwankwaso will complete his registration with ADC on Monday, 30 March 2026, at his residence in Gidan Kwankwasiyya, Kano State, Nigeria’s northwest.

    The statement explained that the decision is part of a wider opposition realignment ahead of the 2027 elections. Kwankwasiyya members across Nigeria have been directed to also join ADC, signalling a mass shift of grassroots supporters into the party. The move is expected to strengthen ADC’s position as a platform for opposition coordination.  

    Kwankwaso’s defection follows a high‑profile meeting with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in Abuja, which has fuelled speculation about a broader alliance among opposition leaders. Political observers see this as a strategic step to consolidate forces against the ruling APC, which has recently gained more state governors in preparation for the next electoral cycle.  

    The ADC leadership is expected to formally welcome Kwankwaso during the registration event in Kano. The Kwankwasiyya Movement described the development as a turning point, urging members to embrace the new direction. The statement concluded by stressing that the move represents a commitment to building a stronger opposition front capable of challenging for power in 2027. 

    Yesterday, Newpost Africa reported that Rabiu Kwankwaso met with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as part of the move to the ADC, which has now become clearer.

  • UN Chief appoints envoy to lead Middle East peace efforts, says war out of control

    UN Chief appoints envoy to lead Middle East peace efforts, says war out of control

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — 28 March 2026 — UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the escalating Gulf war is “out of control”, urging all sides to step back and allow diplomacy to prevail, as he announced the appointment of a senior envoy to spearhead peace efforts.

    Speaking outside the UN Security Council in New York, Mr Guterres said the conflict had spiralled far beyond expectations. “The world is staring down the barrel of a wider war, a rising tide of human suffering, and a deeper global economic shock,” he declared.

    He confirmed the appointment of veteran diplomat Jean Arnault as his Personal Envoy to lead UN efforts, focusing on mediation and assessing the conflict’s far-reaching impacts, particularly on energy markets reliant on the Strait of Hormuz.

    Mr Guterres urged the United States and Israel to end the war and called on Iran to halt attacks on neighbours. He stressed that freedom of navigation through the Strait must be respected, warning that disruption is choking vital supplies of oil, gas, and fertiliser.

    Highlighting the humanitarian toll, he said civilians across the region were “enduring serious harm and living under profound insecurity”. He called on Hezbollah to stop attacks on Israel and on Israel to cease strikes hitting civilians the hardest.

    The Secretary-General also cautioned against global fallout, noting markets are “in turmoil” and humanitarian operations are constrained. He warned that fertiliser shortages threaten food security and soaring energy prices risk fuelling inflation and poverty worldwide.

    Despite mounting tensions, Mr Guterres insisted there remains a path forward: “Diplomacy must prevail. War is not the answer… Full respect of international law is the way out.”

  • Kwara State launches $250,000 community revolving fund for small businesses

    Kwara State launches $250,000 community revolving fund for small businesses

    NIGERIA (NPA) — 28 March 2026 — The Kwara State Government, in Nigeria’s North Central region, has empowered clusters of small businesses across local communities with a total of $250,000 (₦350 million) in interest-free loans under its new Community Revolving Fund (CRF).

    Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, in a statement on 25 March, described the initiative as one of the many fruits of the state’s partnership with the World Bank through the Kwara Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (Kwara ACReSAL) project. He explained that the World Bank-supported scheme is designed to provide women, youth, farmers, and cooperatives with access to resources that will enable them to create wealth, generate employment, and uplift households.

    The government emphasised that the CRF is a practical step towards reducing poverty, a central focus of the present administration. Beneficiaries were drawn from community interest groups, each receiving $25,000 to strengthen their enterprises.

    Governor Abdulrazaq expressed gratitude to the World Bank and the ACReSAL project team, congratulating the pioneer beneficiaries. He urged them to use the funds judiciously and ensure prompt repayment so that other groups can also benefit. “This initiative is about shared prosperity,” he said, stressing that repayment will guarantee continuity and wider impact across Kwara communities.

  • Atiku meets Kwankwaso: What we know — and what remains unclear

    Atiku meets Kwankwaso: What we know — and what remains unclear

    POLITICS (NPA) — 28 March 2026 — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, now a leading figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), met today with Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Governor of Kano State and leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

    In a statement released on Saturday, Atiku confirmed that he and Kwankwaso held a robust discussion on the state of the nation. 

    What we know is that the two heavyweight opposition leaders focused on strategy ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections. Their talks reportedly touched on possible alliances, party positioning, and how best to counter the ruling party’s dominance, particularly as more state governors continue to defect to the APC. They also explored joint platforms and ways to consolidate their political bases to strengthen opposition momentum.

    What remains unclear is whether the meeting delved into sensitive issues such as who should emerge as the ADC’s presidential flagbearer, who might be considered for the vice-presidential slot, and whether power should remain in the South or return to the North in 2027. These questions loom large, especially given President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reputation as a shrewd political strategist who never stops spreading his political tentacles, tripling alliances. While the ruling party’s grip will be tested in the next election, the opposition has vowed to mount a formidable challenge and emerge victorious.

  • Adeleke presents staff of office to Akire of Ikireland, calls for support beyond 2026

    Adeleke presents staff of office to Akire of Ikireland, calls for support beyond 2026

    OSHOGBO, NIGERIA (NPA) — 28 March 2026 — Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has formally presented the staff of office to the Akire of Ikireland, His Royal Majesty Oba Olayiwola Tajudeen Akinola, Akintula I, in line with the 2025 Appeal Court judgement that resolved the protracted chieftaincy dispute. The ceremony, held in Ikire, was hailed as a milestone for peace and continuity, confirming the rightful ruling house and ending years of contention over the stool.

    In his remarks, Adeleke emphasised that the installation was conducted strictly in accordance with due process and the rule of law. He urged the new monarch to serve as a father to all, fostering unity, peace, and development. Declaring himself an adopted son of Ikire, the Governor reiterated his commitment to the town’s progress and called on residents to support his administration beyond 2026.

    Analysts note that transformative achievements, particularly in healthcare, have defined Adeleke’s first term. His government has upgraded more than 200 primary healthcare centres with modern facilities and renewable energy, while the Imole Surgical and Medical Outreach has provided free surgeries and treatments to over 18,000 residents for conditions ranging from cataracts and hernia to hypertension and diabetes. This sweeping healthcare revolution has been described as one of the most impactful in Osun’s history, directly improving lives and earning Adeleke widespread acclaim.

    Beyond healthcare, his administration has also constructed 20 kilometres of new roads, implemented rural electrification projects, disbursed N518 million to 40 communities for local development, and provided borehole water across all 333 wards of the state. These initiatives reflect a people-centred governance style that has delivered tangible improvements in everyday life, strengthening Adeleke’s case as he seeks a second term in office.

  • Ghana and Zimbabwe hold inaugural PJCC session in Accra

    Ghana and Zimbabwe hold inaugural PJCC session in Accra

    AFRICA (NPA) — 28 March 2026 — Ghana and Zimbabwe have launched the inaugural session of the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC), marking a renewed effort to strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations. The meeting took place in Accra on Friday, 27 March 2026.

    Delivering her remarks, Ambassador Khadija Iddrisu, Chief Director of Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the longstanding historical, political, and cultural ties between the two countries. She noted that Ghana and Zimbabwe share a common heritage rooted in the struggle for independence and Pan-African solidarity. According to her, the PJCC provides a timely platform to transform historical goodwill into tangible, results-oriented partnerships.

    Ambassador Iddrisu further revealed that both countries have identified priority areas for cooperation, including trade and investment, agriculture, energy, mining, education, health, tourism, and governance. She emphasised the need to consolidate these into high-impact programmes that would drive economic growth, industrial development, and job creation.

    On his part, Ambassador Albert Ranganai Chimbindi, Permanent Secretary of Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, expressed appreciation for Ghana’s warm hospitality and reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation. He stressed that the success of the PJCC should be measured not by the number of agreements signed but by the tangible impact on the lives of citizens in both countries.

    Both sides reiterated the importance of translating political will into actionable programmes, with a strong focus on implementation, monitoring, and evaluation to guide future cooperation.