Author: WAJ Team

Algeria will import one million sheep ahead of this year’s Eid al-Adha to control rising prices and ensure more citizens can afford sacrificial animals. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s decision comes amid growing concerns over inflation and the high cost of living. In recent years, North Africa has faced extreme drought and heat, leading to a decline in local sheep production. As a result, prices soared last year, making it difficult for many families to participate in the religious tradition. By increasing imports, the government hopes to prevent another price surge. Officials say this measure will help Algerians celebrate Eid without financial…

Nigeria’s state-owned oil company, NNPC Ltd, is in talks with the Dangote Oil Refinery to extend a crude supply contract paid in naira. The deal aims to support local refineries by ensuring a steady supply of crude oil. The six-month agreement began in October and ends later this month. It was introduced to help refineries facing supply challenges. Under the deal, NNPC Ltd allowed refineries to buy crude in naira instead of relying on foreign currency. So far, the company has supplied 48 million barrels of crude to Dangote’s refinery. The plan originally included seven smaller refineries, but only Dangote…

Nigeria’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a public advisory following the death of a 31-year-old doctor in Ondo State from Lassa fever. The physician, who recently traveled to the United Kingdom, died shortly after returning to Nigeria. In a statement signed by NCDC Director General Jide Idris on March 9, the agency reported that as of March 2, Nigeria had recorded 535 confirmed cases and 98 deaths across 14 states in 2025. Most infections—91/percent—were in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi states. The latest NCDC report also confirmed that at least 16 healthcare workers had been…

Ongoing conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have caused a severe humanitarian crisis. Millions have fled their homes, and urgent assistance is needed, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Mamadou Dian Balde, UNHCR’s regional director for the East and Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region, stressed the need for immediate intervention. He noted that the war in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has displaced over 3.7 million people. Many have sought refuge in Egypt, Chad, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Libya, and the Central African Republic. “The situation is critical,”…

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has temporarily suspended cobalt exports in an attempt to control falling prices. However, experts warn the move could disrupt the global market and impact foreign investments. The government announced a four-month export freeze, citing an oversupply of cobalt. In 2024, the DRC produced 76/percent of the world’s cobalt, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. However, prices have dropped by 75/percent over the past three years, reaching an eight-year low. Market Reactions and Risks Industry analyst Robert Searle from Fastmarkets warns that the decision carries risks. Chinese companies, which have invested heavily in the DRC’s…

Botswana has introduced a national strategy to expand its economy and strengthen its role in African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The plan aims to reduce the country’s reliance on traditional industries by identifying new trade opportunities and increasing competitiveness. Speaking at the National Consultative Forum on the AfCFTA Implementation Strategy, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Trade Ministry, Goemeone Mogomotsi, highlighted the plan’s significance. He stated that Botswana will align its economic strengths with Africa’s growing market, fostering industrial expansion and job creation. The AfCFTA is expected to transform Botswana’s economy by opening access to regional…

Senegal marked International Women’s Day on Saturday with a major event at the National Grand Theater in Dakar. The gathering, led by Family and Solidarity Minister Maimouna Dieye, brought together hundreds of women, government officials, and civil society representatives. Speaking at the event, Dieye emphasized the need for stronger commitment to women’s rights. She described the occasion as a chance to assess progress, address challenges, and push for real solutions. The celebration was attended by Marie Khone Faye, the wife of the president, along with several ministers. Their presence highlighted the government’s focus on gender equality. Dieye pointed to Vision…

The number of refugees and asylum seekers in Egypt has reached 926,412, following the registration of 29,677 individuals in February, according to UNHCR. The surge is mainly due to the ongoing crisis in Sudan. Sudanese refugees make up 71/percent of the total, with 656,189 people registered. Other significant groups include 142,122 Syrians (15/percent), 46,705 South Sudanese (5/percent), and 40,299 Eritreans (4/percent). Additionally, 17,992 Ethiopians (2/percent), 8,155 Somalis (1/percent), 8,152 Yemenis (1/percent), and 6,798 individuals from various other nationalities are registered. The refugee population consists of 47/percent males and 53/percent females. Regarding age groups, 39/percent are under 18, 54/percent are between…

In northern Nigeria, the groundnut pyramids were once a defining symbol of the country’s agricultural prosperity. Made by stacking sacks of groundnuts in pyramid shapes, these towering structures stood prominently in cities like Kano, Bebeji, and Malam Madori. They were not only storage facilities but also a visual representation of Nigeria’s agricultural wealth. Today, the pyramids remain nostalgic symbols of an era when agriculture played a central role in Nigeria’s economy. Although these pyramids disappeared by the 1980s, the Nigerian government is now working to revive both the groundnut industry and the pyramids. This effort seeks to restore a national…

South Africa recorded a 16/percent drop in rhino poaching last year, with 420 rhinos killed compared to 499 the previous year, the government announced on Thursday. While this shows progress, officials remain concerned about rising poaching in Kruger National Park, one of the country’s most well-known wildlife reserves. South Africa is home to nearly half of Africa’s critically endangered black rhinos and the world’s largest population of near-threatened white rhinos. Despite conservation efforts, poachers continue to target them for their horns, which are highly valued in some East Asian countries for traditional medicine and luxury products. These horns are made…

Libya’s Interior Minister, Emad Trabelsi, has urged the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) to assist in repatriating irregular migrants. His request comes as Libya faces growing challenges in managing migration flows. Trabelsi made this appeal during a meeting with UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Libya, Hanna Tetteh, in Tripoli on Wednesday. According to a ministry statement, discussions focused on Libya’s security situation, ongoing operations, and efforts to restore stability. Migration Puts Libya Under Pressure During the meeting, Trabelsi stressed that irregular migration is putting a heavy strain on Libya and Mediterranean countries. He warned that the increasing number…

Namibia will launch new financial strategies for biodiversity conservation next year. The initiative, supported by the United Nations, aims to address funding shortages in environmental protection. The Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN), led by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), seeks to close the financial gap in conservation. It will introduce funding models such as area fees, green bonds, and carbon markets. Bernadette Shivute, a sustainable finance specialist at UNDP Namibia, said the country faces challenges in securing enough funds for biodiversity conservation. Current funding comes mainly from the government and international donors, but it remains insufficient. “Globally, biodiversity finance is…

A $9.3 billion climate financing deal to help South Africa transition to clean energy will continue despite the United States pulling out. Other international partners remain committed to the initiative. The Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) was agreed upon during President Joe Biden’s tenure. The US had pledged $1 billion in commercial loans. However, President Donald Trump, who took office in February, has withdrawn support. A unit in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office confirmed the US exit but gave no further details. Despite this setback, the UK’s climate envoy, Rachel Kyte, remains optimistic. “The US withdrawal is regrettable, but the rest…

Mali has suspended artisanal mining permits issued to foreign nationals after two deadly mining site collapses. Minister of Security and Civil Protection Daoud Aly Mohammedine announced the decision on Wednesday, citing safety and environmental concerns. President Assimi Goita issued the directive following two recent tragedies. The first, on February 15 in western Mali, killed around 50 people. The second, on January 29 in the southwest, left about ten dead. These incidents have raised alarms over unregulated mining, which employs thousands but lacks proper oversight. Speaking at a press briefing in Bamako, Minister Mohammedine stressed the need for stronger safety measures.…

South Africa has launched its G20 presidency with a strong focus on tourism. The country hosted the first virtual meeting of the G20 Tourism Working Group on Wednesday, bringing together senior officials, policymakers, and industry experts. The meeting aimed to promote sustainable tourism growth among member states. The South African Tourism Department stated that this session is the first in a series of discussions leading up to the G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in September. These talks will shape policies to support tourism start-ups, small businesses, and artificial intelligence in travel. Officials also discussed improving air connectivity and increasing investment in…

Namibia has introduced a new commemorative banknote to honor the late President Hage Geingob. President Nangolo Mbumba launched the note on Wednesday in Windhoek, the capital. The 60-Namibian-dollar note, a limited-edition collector’s item, will also be used as legal tender. It marks Geingob’s six decades of service, from his time in exile to leading an independent Namibia. A Tribute to a Nation Builder Speaking at the event, Mbumba praised Geingob as a “nation builder.” He said the banknote serves as a lasting tribute to his leadership and contributions. Johannes Gawaxab, Governor of the Bank of Namibia, explained the note’s significance.…