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

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.  …

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

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-Habita…

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

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 fa…

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

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 o…

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

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 t…

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

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 st…

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

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

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

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 d…

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

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 sh…

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

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 clea…