We stay with the World Urban Forum in Baku, Azerbaijan, where discussions are continuing on the future of global cities and the urgent need for adequate, affordable and resilient housing. Following our earlier conversation with UN-Habitat, we now turn to South Africa's participation at the forum.  Peter Ndoro spoke to the Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane, who is leading the South African delegation to this year's World Urban Forum

We stay with the World Urban Forum in Baku, Azerbaijan, where discussions are continuing on the future of global cities and the urgent need for adequate, affordable and resilient housing. Following our earlier conversation with UN-Habitat, we now turn to South Africa's participation at the forum. &nbsp;Peter Ndoro spoke to the Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane, who is leading the South African delegation to this year's World Urban Forum

'By 2030, 70% of our population will be living in urban areas' - SA Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane

Welcome to the Friday edition of The Discourse, where we bring you the latest conversations shaping global policy and development. We turn now to the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum in Baku, Azerbaijan, which has been running since Sunday 17 May. The conference, jointly organised by UN-Habitat and the Government of Azerbaijan, has brought together world leaders, mayors, urban planners, and representatives from government, the private sector, civil society, and international organisations to discuss rapid urbanisation and the shortage of adequate housing.  Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Ishaku Maitumbi, Head of the Sub-Regional Office for East and the Horn of Africa at the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, to reflect on what these discussions mean for African cities facing rising populations, infrastructure pressures, and expanding informal settlements.

Welcome to the Friday edition of The Discourse, where we bring you the latest conversations shaping global policy and development. We turn now to the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum in Baku, Azerbaijan, which has been running since Sunday 17 May. The conference, jointly organised by UN-Habitat and the Government of Azerbaijan, has brought together world leaders, mayors, urban planners, and representatives from government, the private sector, civil society, and international organisations to discuss rapid urbanisation and the shortage of adequate housing. &nbsp;Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Ishaku Maitumbi, Head of the Sub-Regional Office for East and the Horn of Africa at the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, to reflect on what these discussions mean for African cities facing rising populations, infrastructure pressures, and expanding informal settlements.

'The 13th Session of the World Urban Forum allows us to see housing as not only shelter, but dignity for the people' -  UN-Habitat, 

Business leaders and investors from SADC, COMESA and the East African Community have gathered in Malawi for the 36th International Trade Fair, which opened on Thursday. The event is aimed at showcasing products and boosting investment links between local companies and regional blocs. Opening the fair, Malawi's Trade, Tourism and Industry Minister, Symon Itaye, said the country is positioning its businesses to fully benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area. George Mhango reports from the trade fair grounds.

Business leaders and investors from SADC, COMESA and the East African Community have gathered in Malawi for the 36th International Trade Fair, which opened on Thursday. The event is aimed at showcasing products and boosting investment links between local companies and regional blocs. Opening the fair, Malawi's Trade, Tourism and Industry Minister, Symon Itaye, said the country is positioning its businesses to fully benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area. George Mhango reports from the trade fair grounds.

Malawi Hosts Regional Trade Fair to Boost Investment and AfCFTA Business Opportunities

Rwanda is positioning itself as a premium tea producer as the country develops a new strategy for the sector with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The strategy aims to improve tea quality, increase exports, and strengthen the livelihoods of thousands of smallholder farmers facing climate challenges, rising fertilizer costs, and growing regional competition. Tea is Rwanda's second-largest agricultural export after coffee, with more than one hundred thousand people involved in the value chain. Our reporter, Lebogang Mabange, has more...

Rwanda is positioning itself as a premium tea producer as the country develops a new strategy for the sector with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The strategy aims to improve tea quality, increase exports, and strengthen the livelihoods of thousands of smallholder farmers facing climate challenges, rising fertilizer costs, and growing regional competition. Tea is Rwanda's second-largest agricultural export after coffee, with more than one hundred thousand people involved in the value chain. Our reporter, Lebogang Mabange, has more...

Rwanda Eyes Premium Tea Market as New Strategy Targets Quality, Exports and Farmer Support

As Africa confronts the growing impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss, food insecurity and environmental degradation, the continent is increasingly being called upon to lead global conversations on sustainable development and conservation. Against this backdrop, South Africa is set to host the International Day for Biological Diversity 2026 Global Flagship Event, the first time the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity has invited a member state to host the global commemoration.  Peter Ndoro spoke to South Africa's Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh.

As Africa confronts the growing impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss, food insecurity and environmental degradation, the continent is increasingly being called upon to lead global conversations on sustainable development and conservation. Against this backdrop, South Africa is set to host the International Day for Biological Diversity 2026 Global Flagship Event, the first time the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity has invited a member state to host the global commemoration. &nbsp;Peter Ndoro spoke to South Africa's Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh.

South Africa to Host UN Biodiversity Day 2026 as Africa Pushes for Global Environmental Leadership

Time now for our daily Africa Roundup. Each morning, just after the six o'clock news, we bring you a concise update on the key developments shaping the continent and the world over the past 24 hours. With insights from our team of journalists, analysts, and newsmakers, we place the day's biggest stories into context - helping you stay informed, connected, and prepared for the day ahead...

Time now for our daily Africa Roundup. Each morning, just after the six o'clock news, we bring you a concise update on the key developments shaping the continent and the world over the past 24 hours. With insights from our team of journalists, analysts, and newsmakers, we place the day's biggest stories into context - helping you stay informed, connected, and prepared for the day ahead...

Africa Roundup: Your Daily Snapshot of the Stories Shaping Africa and the World

Here's this week's segment of the African Arty Beats.

Here's this week's segment of the African Arty Beats.

African Arty Beats: Channel Africa's Nhlanhla Mahlangu Highlights Vibrant Arts, Music and Cultural Scene

It is hard to find new words to describe Sudan's deepening humanitarian crisis, where 33 million people now need assistance. New UN-backed analysis warns that around 19.5 million people are facing acute hunger, with 14 areas still at risk of famine as conditions worsen across the country. Despite dangerous conditions in eastern Sudan, photographer Giles Clarke has gained access with support from the UN aid coordination office, OCHA. His photo-essay, Darfur's Survivors, tells the stories of five civilians affected by the war. He spoke to Daniel Johnson of UN News.

It is hard to find new words to describe Sudan's deepening humanitarian crisis, where 33 million people now need assistance. New UN-backed analysis warns that around 19.5 million people are facing acute hunger, with 14 areas still at risk of famine as conditions worsen across the country. Despite dangerous conditions in eastern Sudan, photographer Giles Clarke has gained access with support from the UN aid coordination office, OCHA. His photo-essay, Darfur's Survivors, tells the stories of five civilians affected by the war. He spoke to Daniel Johnson of UN News.

UN Warns Sudan’s Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as Millions Face Hunger and Famine Risk

An angry crowd has set fire to part of a hospital in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, at the centre of the country's Ebola outbreak, after the death of a young man suspected of having the virus. Health workers had refused to release the body, triggering clashes in which police fired warning shots and medical tents were torched. Authorities say the unrest underscores growing mistrust and misinformation around Ebola, which has already killed more than 130 people in the region.  To unpack the latest developments, Peter Ndoro spoke to our correspondent in Goma, Jimmy Shukrani.

An angry crowd has set fire to part of a hospital in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, at the centre of the country's Ebola outbreak, after the death of a young man suspected of having the virus. Health workers had refused to release the body, triggering clashes in which police fired warning shots and medical tents were torched. Authorities say the unrest underscores growing mistrust and misinformation around Ebola, which has already killed more than 130 people in the region. &nbsp;To unpack the latest developments, Peter Ndoro spoke to our correspondent in Goma, Jimmy Shukrani.

Angry crowd burns part of DRC hospital amid fears and mistrust over Ebola outbreakL

Welcome to the Thursday edition of The Discourse, our current affairs feature here on Rise and Shine, where we explore key global, continental and national issues shaping politics, the economy and society. This morning we are focusing on the World Hydrogen Summit & Exhibition in Rotterdam, the clean energy sector's flagship annual gathering. The event is produced and managed by RX Global in partnership with the Sustainable Energy Council, and supported by Dutch authorities and the Port of Rotterdam. It brings together thousands of industry leaders, policymakers and investors to accelerate the global hydrogen economy and advance decarbonisation efforts. More than 15,000 delegates are attending this year's event. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Gareth Rapley, Portfolio Manager for Energy and Marine at RX Global, to reflect on the key developments and discussions emerging from this year's summit.

Welcome to the Thursday edition of The Discourse, our current affairs feature here on Rise and Shine, where we explore key global, continental and national issues shaping politics, the economy and society. This morning we are focusing on the World Hydrogen Summit &amp; Exhibition in Rotterdam, the clean energy sector's flagship annual gathering. The event is produced and managed by RX Global in partnership with the Sustainable Energy Council, and supported by Dutch authorities and the Port of Rotterdam. It brings together thousands of industry leaders, policymakers and investors to accelerate the global hydrogen economy and advance decarbonisation efforts. More than 15,000 delegates are attending this year's event.&nbsp;Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Gareth Rapley, Portfolio Manager for Energy and Marine at RX Global, to reflect on the key developments and discussions emerging from this year's summit.

Hydrogen is here to stay! : Portfolio Manager for Energy and Marine at RX Global,  Gareth Rapley shines light on World Hydrogen Summit & Exhibition in Rotterdam

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