Author: WAJ Editor

South Africa’s finance minister has unveiled a revised budget that includes a smaller value-added tax (VAT) increase than previously proposed, but has been met with strong opposition from a key party in the unity government. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana presented the new budget to parliament on Wednesday, three weeks after an initial proposal was scrapped amid backlash over a two-percentage-point VAT hike. The revised plan now proposes a one-percentage-point increase, taking VAT to 16 percent by 2026/27. The increase would be implemented in two stages: 0.5 percentage points in 2025/26 and another 0.5 points the following year. Parliamentary Rejection The…

Ghana and Ivory Coast have agreed to conduct joint maritime inspections along their shared boundary in accordance with the 2017 International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) ruling. The initiative aims to regulate offshore oil activities, prevent unauthorized operations, and strengthen economic and territorial security. The agreement, reached during a meeting in Accra, involves the Ghana Boundary Commission and Ivory Coast’s Boundary Commission, with support from international partners. The collaboration marks a shift from Ghana’s previously independent patrols, as both nations’ navies will now work together to uphold the ruling and finalize the boundary reaffirmation by 2025. Officials…

For the second consecutive Ramadan, survivors of Morocco’s 2023 earthquake remain stranded in deteriorating tent shelters, battling heavy rains and harsh conditions in the Atlas Mountains. Despite a government pledge of a $12 billion recovery program, aid distribution has been slow, leaving many without proper housing. Intense rains since March 9 have worsened the situation, flooding makeshift camps and leaving families exposed to the elements. Many survivors report receiving far less than the promised compensation for lost homes, while activists accuse local officials of mismanaging aid distribution. Frustration is mounting in parliament, with opposition lawmakers criticizing the government for prioritizing…

Tanzania has introduced a groundbreaking labour law reform granting extended maternity leave to mothers of premature babies and increasing paternity leave. The legislation, pending presidential approval, ensures that maternity leave begins after the original due date rather than the birth date, allowing mothers more time for postnatal care. Fathers will also see their leave extended from three to seven days. Child healthcare activists have praised the move, emphasizing its potential to improve infant health outcomes and reduce disabilities. Tanzania is the first East African nation to implement such a law, with hopes that other countries in the region will follow…

Malawi is set to generate up to $30 billion from mineral exports between 2026 and 2040, with annual revenues expected to reach $3 billion by 2034, the World Bank said on Wednesday. The financial institution predicts that the mining sector will contribute 12% of the country’s GDP by 2027 through new projects and expansion of existing operations. As Malawi’s mining sector gains momentum, Africa Mining Week in Cape Town will serve as a key platform to bring together Malawian stakeholders, regulators and global investors, foster strategic partnerships and drive investment inflows to accelerate sector growth. Malawi in Focus for Global…

Guinea Conakry has achieved a significant milestone with the official recognition of its traditional fabric, Leppi, as part of the country’s cultural heritage. The African Intellectual Property Organisation (OAPI) has granted the fabric Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, ensuring its authenticity and safeguarding its artisanal craftsmanship. The recognition follows extensive efforts by Guinea’s National Office for the Promotion of Crafts (ONPA), which has been instrumental in preserving and promoting Leppi’s historical significance. Originating from the Foutah Djallon region, Leppi is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Fulani people and is known for its intricate geometric patterns, often dyed with…

Egypt and Türkiye have agreed to enhance their collaboration in the natural gas sector, Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced on Wednesday. During his visit to the US for the CERAWeek 2025 energy conference, Bayraktar met with Egyptian Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi to discuss energy security and regional cooperation. “We explored ways to strengthen our partnership in the natural gas and mining sectors and agreed to solidify our cooperation, particularly in natural gas,” Bayraktar stated on social media platform X.

Nigeria has reported five more deaths from Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic disease prevalent in West Africa, taking the total death toll to 100 this year, according to the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). The NCDC, which is closely monitoring the outbreak, reported an increase in confirmed cases. In its latest update released on Wednesday, the agency confirmed 236 new suspected cases, 29 new laboratory-confirmed infections and five more deaths in 13 states. “As of the ninth week of 2025, 100 deaths have been documented, with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.7%, slightly lower than the…

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have signed an $11.18 million agreement aimed at enhancing rice production across the region. The announcement was made by ECOWAS in a video shared on its social media platforms on Tuesday. Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja, ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray emphasized the importance of the partnership in achieving self-sufficiency in rice production for member states. “This is not the first time the African Development Bank has responded to our call for support,” Touray said. “They have been working with us on major flagship…

A South African mining company has acquired a majority stake in Scotland’s only gold mine, with plans to resume production. Operations at the Cononish mine, located in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, have been suspended since 2023 after its former owner, Scotgold Resources, went into administration. The closure left 80 workers on unpaid leave. Acrux Sorting Technology, a mining group with bases in Johannesburg and London, has now taken control of SGZ Cononish Limited—the UK-registered entity that remains operational—for an undisclosed amount. Plans for Revival Acrux CEO Sean Browne expressed confidence in the future of gold mining in…

Ghana’s new government has announced the removal of several taxes introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, citing the economic strain they placed on citizens. The decision is part of efforts to meet conditions for continued support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson, while presenting the 2025 budget, stated that five taxes—labeled as “nuisance levies” by the current administration—would be scrapped. These include a one-percent levy on mobile money transactions and a value-added tax on motor vehicle insurance. Other eliminated taxes include a 10-percent levy on lottery winnings, an emissions tax on industries and vehicles, and a…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has halted financial assistance to Senegal following the discovery of undisclosed debts in a report by the Court of Audit. IMF Communications Director Julie Kozack stated that any further financial support would remain on hold until a final resolution was reached. She emphasized that this decision aligns with IMF regulations and aims to ensure transparency in financial reporting. Kozack reaffirmed the IMF’s commitment to working with Senegalese authorities to address the discrepancies and maintain debt sustainability. In response to the situation, the Senegalese government, under Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, withdrew from the second review of…

Namibia will implement a visa-on-arrival policy for international investors and tourists starting April 1, 2025, aiming to simplify entry procedures and attract more visitors and business opportunities. The move is expected to reduce bureaucratic barriers and position Namibia as a competitive destination for both leisure and investment. Speaking in Windhoek, Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board CEO Nangula Uaandja highlighted the policy as a key step in the country’s economic strategy. By adopting international best practices, Namibia seeks to stand out among regional economies with stricter visa policies. Beyond tourism, the country is also advancing in green hydrogen production using…

Nigeria has signed a $200 million agreement with WeLight, a pan-African Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) company, to deploy hundreds of renewable mini grids aimed at improving electricity access in rural and peri-urban communities. The deal is part of the country’s strategy to increase the share of renewables in its energy mix from 22% to 50% while attracting private investment in the sector. Backed by the World Bank and the African Development Bank, the project will develop 400 mini grids and 50 MetroGrids across Nigeria, providing reliable electricity to an estimated 1.5 to 2 million people. Officials believe the initiative will…

Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago has acknowledged that securing a ₦1 trillion loan for infrastructure development may have been an overreach, as financial concerns and project delays continue to mount. The loan, obtained in 2023, was intended to fund a large-scale initiative aimed at modernizing roads, bridges, and other public facilities, particularly in rural areas. However, slow implementation and the growing financial strain have raised questions about its feasibility. During a meeting with contractors overseeing various state projects, Governor Bago admitted that borrowing such a significant amount may not have been the best decision. “If I had known, I would…

Venture capital firm Equator has successfully closed a $55 million fund aimed at supporting climate technology startups in sub-Saharan Africa. The fund will provide crucial financing for early-stage companies tackling environmental challenges in sectors such as agriculture and energy. Based in Kenya and the UK, Equator is backed by major financial institutions, including the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC), British International Investment (BII), and France’s Proparco. The firm plans to invest in about 15 startups, according to its founder and managing partner, Nijhad Jamal. Equator has already funded six companies, including Kenyan electric motorcycle manufacturer Roam and solar-powered irrigation…