Author: WAJ Team

A diphtheria outbreak in Nigeria has claimed 1,319 lives since 2022, with health officials warning that poor vaccination coverage is fueling the crisis. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported that 42,642 suspected cases have emerged across 37 states and 350 local government areas (LGAs). Of these, 25,812 cases have been confirmed, while 5,470 remain unclassified. Northern States Hit Hardest The outbreak has spread rapidly in the north. Seven states—Kano, Yobe, Katsina, Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, and Jigawa—account for 96.3/percent of all suspected cases. The high concentration of infections has raised concerns about healthcare access and immunization efforts…

Uganda’s Ministry of Health has confirmed an outbreak of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in Kyegegwa District, located in the western part of the country. The announcement came on Friday after laboratory tests confirmed the presence of the virus in a patient. According to health officials, a 28-year-old man from Kazizi village in Kyatega sub-county tested positive for CCHF. He is currently receiving treatment in isolation at Bujubuli Health Center. Reports indicate that he began experiencing symptoms, including severe headaches, general body weakness, and excessive nosebleeding, on February 28. Initially, he sought care at a local clinic before transferring himself to…

The US Export-Import Bank (US Exim) has approved a $4.7 billion loan to support TotalEnergies SE’s Mozambique LNG project. This is the largest financial commitment to the initiative, aimed at reviving a project that has remained stalled for four years. The project in northern Mozambique was halted in 2021 following attacks by militants in Cabo Delgado. To restart operations, authorities must ensure the safety of workers and restore financing commitments from export credit agencies. Economic and Political Implications US Exim’s board recently voted in favor of the loan, according to sources familiar with the decision. Mozambique’s Energy Minister Estevão Pale…

A dam collapse in eastern Zimbabwe has left five children dead, while rescuers continue searching for two others still missing, authorities said Thursday. The disaster occurred on Sunday in Chipinge, a remote district in the east. Weeks of heavy rainfall caused the dam to overflow, leading to its collapse. The floodwaters rushed downstream, sweeping away homes and people. Officials initially confirmed the deaths of a four-year-old girl, who had been washing clothes with her mother, and a 30-year-old man. The girl’s mother survived. A search operation began after reports of missing children. This led to the discovery of four more…

Botswana is taking a major step toward renewable energy by seeking proposals for a 1.5-gigawatt solar power project this month. The initiative is part of the country’s plan to meet 50/percent of its electricity needs from renewable sources by 2030. Currently, Botswana relies on coal and power imports. However, its vast deserts and year-round sunshine provide ideal conditions for solar energy. The government wants to use these natural resources to boost energy security and reduce dependence on coal. Mines and Energy Minister Bogolo Kenewendo confirmed the government’s plan in an interview on March 12. “We are already putting out a…

Namibia has confirmed its first cholera case in ten years, prompting health officials to take urgent action. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) called the laboratory-confirmed case a major alert, stressing the need for immediate containment. A 55-year-old woman from the Kunene region in northwest Namibia tested positive for the disease. She was hospitalized with symptoms of diarrhoea but has since recovered and been discharged, the health ministry said. Officials confirmed that she had not traveled outside the country, raising concerns about local transmission. Experts suggest that the case may be linked to the ongoing cholera…

At least eight people died, and 12 others were injured when a passenger train collided with a minibus at an unauthorized railway crossing in Egypt’s Ismailia province on Thursday, officials said. The Egyptian Health Ministry confirmed the crash occurred in the Suez Canal province. Over a dozen ambulances rushed to the scene, and paramedics transported the injured to East Qantara Central Hospital. One child remains in critical condition. According to the Egyptian National Railways (ENR), the train was on its scheduled route when the minibus attempted to cross at a non-designated point. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident,…

Botswana Diamonds has applied for 11 prospecting licenses after its AI-driven exploration program identified new mineral-rich areas. The licenses cover 7,322 square kilometers and mark an important shift beyond the company’s focus on diamonds. The AI program, initially designed for diamond exploration, revealed deposits of copper, silver, cobalt, gold, nickel, zinc, and platinum group metals (PGMs). These findings prompted Botswana Diamonds to broaden its search. The licenses focus on five mineralization types: Besshi-type deposits rich in copper, greenstone formations containing copper and nickel, and sedimentary exhalative deposits with lead, zinc, and silver. The company is also targeting Mississippi Valley-type (MVT)…

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has paused financing decisions for the $760 million Ruzizi III hydropower project due to ongoing conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. The decision raises concerns about a project expected to improve electricity access for the DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi. Violence Disrupts Project Plans In January, the M23 rebel group launched an offensive, capturing Goma and Bukavu. These key cities are near the Rwandan and Burundian borders. The attacks sparked international condemnation and increased pressure on the conflicting sides. As violence escalates, the future of the Ruzizi III project remains…

At least nine people have died, and 11 others have been injured in crocodile attacks across Zimbabwe in the past two months, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has reported. The rise in attacks has sparked concern among authorities and local communities. In a statement on Wednesday, ZimParks warned that the risk is increasing, especially during the rainy season. The agency also reported that crocodiles have killed 44 cattle and 60 goats in 49 recorded incidents. Increased Danger Near Water Bodies ZimParks has urged residents in affected areas to take extra precautions. The agency advised against leaving children…

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is in discussions with India to secure an agreement for the supply of key minerals, including cobalt and copper. Sources familiar with the matter say both countries are keen to finalize the deal. India, one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, is looking to resource-rich nations such as Congo, Mongolia, and Zambia. It seeks to secure minerals needed for industries and energy transition. As part of this effort, India’s mines ministry plans to send geologists to Congo. One source confirmed that a memorandum of understanding is in progress. Since talks are confidential, both sources requested…

Mauritius marks 57 years of independence today, celebrating its transformation from colonial rule to a model of unity and economic progress in Africa. This year’s theme, “As One People, As One Nation,” underscores the country’s commitment to solidarity and multicultural harmony. The day’s centerpiece event, a flag-hoisting ceremony, takes place at Champ-de-Mars in Port Louis, led by national leaders and attended by dignitaries. The celebrations include parades, cultural performances, and speeches, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi joining as the Chief Guest, highlighting Mauritius’s deep historical ties with India. A Legacy of Struggle and Resilience Mauritius, an island nation in…

Egypt is in talks with Germany to lease a liquefied natural gas (LNG) unit. The move aims to boost supplies before summer demand increases. An Egyptian delegation will travel to Germany this month to finalize the deal, according to the Oil Ministry. The unit is currently at the Mukran terminal on the Baltic Sea. If the agreement is reached, the floating unit will be relocated to Egypt. However, officials have not provided a timeline. Egypt, once a major LNG exporter, began importing gas last year. A sharp drop in local production and rising electricity demand led to severe power shortages.…

Zimbabwe is struggling with its most severe African armyworm outbreak in two decades. The pest has spread to all 10 provinces, affecting 30 districts. Government officials have stepped up efforts to contain the infestation by increasing chemical distribution and surveillance. Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Dr. Anxious Masuka, confirmed the outbreak’s rapid spread. He stated that 30 districts are now affected, a sharp rise from the previous season, which saw infestations in only five provinces and nine districts. To combat the crisis, the government has deployed 214 surveillance traps and distributed over 220 kilograms of chemicals.…

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged stronger collaboration between the government and private sector to increase infrastructure investment. He said this partnership is key to economic growth and better public services. Speaking in the National Assembly on Tuesday, Ramaphosa outlined the government’s commitment to infrastructure development. He stressed that private sector involvement is essential for achieving national goals. “The government has launched an ambitious infrastructure program,” he said. He referred to his February State of the Nation Address, where he highlighted ongoing projects in transport, energy, and water systems. Ramaphosa explained that public investment in infrastructure would encourage more…

Morocco’s tourism sector is witnessing a strong surge, with nearly 2.7 million arrivals recorded at border posts by the end of February. This marks a 24/percent increase compared to the same period in 2024. According to the Ministry of Tourism, this growth adds 521,000 more visitors, reinforcing Morocco’s status as a global travel hotspot. For the second consecutive month in 2025, Morocco has set new records in international arrivals. The country’s rising popularity is fueled by strategic marketing, better infrastructure, and efforts to attract both foreign tourists and Moroccans living abroad. In February alone, nearly 1.4 million visitors arrived, a…