Author: WAJ Editor

South Africa’s growing relationship with Iran is increasingly seen as a challenge to its ties with the United States. While tensions over South Africa’s refusal to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022-2023 once dominated the diplomatic landscape, the focus has shifted to its partnership with Tehran. This includes efforts to develop commercial, military, and nuclear connections, which have raised concerns in Washington. The US has already cut aid to South Africa over these issues, particularly after Pretoria’s International Court of Justice case against Israel and its strengthening ties with Iran. Despite the risk to its economy, notably in the…

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) is expected to hold interest rates steady at its upcoming meeting on March 20, according to a poll. The decision comes as global trade uncertainties and ongoing political disputes over the national budget keep policymakers in a wait-and-see stance. This comes after Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s proposal for a more modest value-added tax (VAT) increase in the 2025 budget was rejected by key political parties. Negotiations over the budget are ongoing as the government seeks to resolve differences over VAT. The Reuters survey, conducted this week, found that 16 out of 22 economists believe…

CGIAR is advancing its efforts to transform agrifood systems in East and Southern Africa through its new Scaling for Impact Program, part of its 2025–2030 portfolio. Despite previous initiatives, widespread adoption of innovations remains a challenge due to climate change, environmental degradation, geopolitical instability, and other global pressures. The program aims to scale demand-driven, country-led innovations through broad partnerships, improved policies, and financial mobilization. It focuses on context-specific solutions rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, ensuring national and regional stakeholders play a key role. Extensive stakeholder consultations have shaped the initiative, engaging government bodies, private sector players, NGOs, and local farmers.…

In Maiadiko, Nigeria, Afodia Yusuf, the principal of St. Christopher’s Anglican Primary School, is on a mission to protect her students from cervical cancer. With free human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines now available in Plateau State since 2024, Yusuf is working tirelessly to ensure every eligible girl gets vaccinated. Driven by personal experiences of losing loved ones to preventable diseases, Yusuf leverages her role as a pastor’s wife and community leader to educate parents and students on the importance of the vaccine. Through letters, phone calls, and direct conversations, she addresses misconceptions and encourages participation in the national HPV vaccination campaign,…

Egypt’s Menoufia University Faculty of Medicine has suspended four professors following the death of medical student Iman Diab, who died hours after taking an ear, nose and throat (ENT) exam. The university’s president, Ahmed Al-Qased, ordered the head of the ENT department and three faculty members to be suspended for three months while investigations continue. The decision follows complaints from fifth-year medical students about the difficulty of the exam and a report by the Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Mohamed Al-Noamani, detailing the incident and student complaints. In an official statement, the Faculty of Medicine emphasized its commitment to upholding…

The distribution of mpox vaccines has begun in Uganda’s capital Kampala, bringing hope to those at high risk of infection. One of the first to take advantage of the opportunity was 30-year-old Kawempe resident Brian Lubega, who decided to get vaccinated after witnessing infection among the boda-boda passengers he often relies on for transportation. Densely populated areas like Kawempe, known for its crowded markets and informal settlements, carry a high risk of contracting the disease through skin lesions, contaminated objects, respiratory droplets or mucosal surfaces. Lubega, who received his first dose in February, now feels safer from the virus. Dr.…

Gauteng police arrested nine foreign nationals and seized products worth around 1 million Rand ($54,608.94) during a raid on an illegal alcohol production facility in Westonaria. The operation, led by Provincial Police Commissioner General Tommy Mthombeni, revealed that the factory had been operating without a permit for more than 10 months. The arrested included two Taiwanese nationals, six Malawians and one Mozambican. According to Mthombeni, the workers faced exploitation including unfair wages, excessive working hours and unsafe conditions. Their complaints to local authorities led to the discovery of the illegal operation. “South Africa loses billions of Rand every year due…

A cholera outbreak in Ethiopia’s Gambella region has resulted in at least 31 deaths and over 1,500 infections in the past month, according to Doctors Without Borders (MSF). The international medical charity described the situation as “rapidly spreading,” with the influx of people fleeing violence in neighboring South Sudan exacerbating the crisis. MSF reported that cholera is swiftly spreading across western Ethiopia, while South Sudan is simultaneously battling its own outbreak, putting thousands of lives at risk. Ethiopia, Africa’s second-most populous country with approximately 120 million people, is grappling with multiple cholera outbreaks, with the Amhara region being one of…

Nigeria has one of the largest economies in Africa with diverse domestic and international trade links. Nigeria’s foreign trade value in 2024 increased by a significant 106.56% from N66.83 trillion recorded in 2023 to N138.03 trillion ($89.9 billion), according to the National Bureau of Statistics. The country achieved a trade surplus of N16.85 trillion, reflecting a robust trade balance with exports reaching N77.44 trillion and imports reaching N60.59 trillion. The top ten trading partners totaled N89.47 trillion, representing 64.81% of the total trade volume. European countries led the way with N56.94 trillion, followed by Asia with N49.76 trillion, largely through…

Africa’s economy is projected to grow by 3.8% in 2025 and 4.1% in 2026, according to a report by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). The findings were unveiled in Addis Ababa during the 57th session of the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development. Economic Resilience and Challenges UNECA’s Director of the Macro-Economics, Finance, and Governance Division, Zuzana Schwidrowski, acknowledged Africa’s economic resilience but noted that current growth rates remain inadequate for achieving broad-based social development. While intra-African trade has become more diversified in certain regions, its overall contribution to economic growth has declined…

As Tunisia faces soaring meat prices and a shrinking livestock supply, speculation arose over whether the country would suspend the Eid al-Adha sacrifice, following Morocco’s lead. However, Tunisia’s top religious authority has dismissed the idea, emphasizing that the ritual remains a sacred tradition. Religious Ruling Upholds Sacrifice The debate gained momentum after the National Chamber of Butchers sought guidance from Diwan al-Iftaa on whether the annual sacrifice should be canceled to alleviate financial strain and protect the nation’s dwindling herds. Tunisia’s Grand Mufti, Sheikh Hichem Ben Mahmoud, swiftly issued a fatwa on Tuesday, affirming that while the sacrifice is not…

The World Health Organization (WHO) has appointed Kenyan physician and polio expert, Dr. Jamal Ahmed, as the new Director for Polio Eradication and Chair of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) Strategy Committee. Dr. Ahmed, who previously served as the Coordinator of WHO’s Africa Regional Polio Eradication Programme, steps into the role following the death of former director Aidan O’Leary in August 2024. Recognized for his expertise in strengthening surveillance systems and laboratory capacity, Dr. Ahmed has held key positions in WHO’s polio eradication efforts in Geneva and Pakistan. He also worked with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention…

The Zimbabwean short musical film “Kare Kare Kwazvo” has been selected for preservation in one of Switzerland’s leading film archives. Produced in 2004, the film is set in ancient times and follows the struggles of a woman trying to provide for her family during a devastating famine. Co-producer Olaf Koschke emphasized the film’s historical significance, noting that it was the first Zimbabwean production funded through cultural support rather than development aid. He highlighted its innovative storytelling style, which incorporated elements of community theatre and authentic Zimbabwean traditions. “This film marked a milestone in Zimbabwean cinematic history due to its unique…

In Mali, a fire engulfed the Malian Textile Development Company (CMDT) factory in the Bamako industrial zone, destroying 1,026 cotton bales worth an estimated 250 million CFA francs (around $415,000). The incident occurred during the night of March 8-9, 2025. Authorities confirmed that the cotton bales were fully insured, allowing CMDT to recover the financial losses. Following the incident, the Minister of Agriculture led a delegation to assess the damage and recommend measures to prevent future incidents. The proposed actions include: CMDT’s existing fire safety system includes multiple hydrants, booster pumps connected to a 260 m³ water reserve, and 24-hour…

The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed on Thursday that Tanzania has officially declared the Marburg virus outbreak over after 42 days of no new infections. WHO representative in Tanzania Charles Sagoe-Moses stressed that despite the end of the outbreak, authorities remain vigilant and are providing psychosocial support to families affected by the virus. The outbreak, which began in the northwestern Kagera region on January 20, has claimed the lives of 10 people, including two confirmed cases and eight probable cases. The last confirmed death occurred on January 28. A highly contagious disease related to Ebola, Marburg virus causes severe hemorrhagic…

In a historic move, Tanzania has reintroduced white rhinos to the Ngorongoro Crater after nearly half a century of extinction due to poaching. The initiative, led by the Tanzanian Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, aims to establish a sustainable population of 36 white rhinos, with 18 individuals already translocated from South Africa’s Munywana Conservancy. The return of these iconic animals marks a significant step in conservation efforts. Tanzanian Minister Pindi Chana expressed optimism, stating, “This is a new chapter for Tanzania. The white rhinos are back where they belong, and we will not fail them this time.” The rhinos…