Africa Rise & Shine

Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to support farmers across Africa, providing access to information on weather, crops and markets. But the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization says most smallholder farmers are still being left out because of poor connectivity, limited infrastructure and a lack of digital skills. Meshack Malo, the FAO's Deputy Regional Representative for Africa, told UN News's Feissal Kirwa that fewer than 10 percent of farmers currently benefit from digital agriculture services.

 President Paul Kagame has again defended Rwanda's position on the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, putting the FDLR at the centre of Kigali's security concerns. Speaking during a press conference in Kigali, Kagame also addressed Rwanda's strained relations with Burundi, responded to sanctions imposed by the United States, and criticised what he described as self-inflicted problems on the African continent. From Kigali Sylivanus Karemera reports..

Algeria and Mali are currently undergoing a diplomatic reset to repair relations after a severe almost two- year  conflict brought ties to an all-time low. The fallout  peaked in late 2023 when Mali's military junta abandoned the 2015 Algiers Peace Accord, accusing Algeria of political interference and sheltering rebels. Tensions culminated March last year when the Algerian military shot down a Malian military drone, leading to a complete rupture that included the withdrawal of ambassadors and airspace bans. Earlier this week, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, officially received Mali's Prime Minister, Abdoulaye Maïga. The high level meeting was to discuss finally mending relations between the two nations. We spoke to Abdelkader Abderrahmane, Consultant, specialised on the geopolitics of North Africa and the Sahel

We now look at some of the stories making headlines in the West Africa region. We spoke to Dr David Matsanga, Political scientist and Conflict resolution Analyst 

Civil society groups and political parties in Cameroon are calling on President Paul Biya to act on promises made during last year's presidential election, after returning to the country following 73 days abroad. Ten months into his new mandate, they want him to rejuvenate the government, create more opportunities and jobs for young people and women, and appoint a Vice President to ensure continuity should he become incapacitated or die. Moki Kindzeka reports from Yaoundé.

The delegates attending the  African Critical Minerals summit currently underway in Johannesburg, South Africa say African countries can collaborate to ensure that they beneficiate their own minerals.  They hailed the summit as a key platform to ensure that the continent moves towards crafting  a critical minerals agenda.  The summit has brought together experts in the industry, senior government leadersmand officials, technical experts and many more from the African continent.Sisi Segalo has more on the

Tanzania's Vice President Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi has resigned. Dr Nchimbi announced his resignation last night *Tuesday*, citing a prior promise to step down whenever President Samia Suluhu Hassan desired a political change. His departure follows growing media pressure and a controversial speech he made a month ago, which urged human rights groups to actively fight for a new national constitution. He has decided to retire from politics and public service. We spoke to Maria Sarungi Tsehai, Tanzanian activist and Media expert

Time now for our profile interview here on The Discourse - and this morning, we're speaking to one of the leading voices on the Congo Basin, as we look at the future of one of the world's most important tropical forests. The Basin stretches across Central Africa and plays a vital role in regulating rainfall, storing carbon, protecting biodiversity and supporting millions of people. But a major scientific assessment warns that it is under growing pressure from climate change, unsustainable resource use and governance challenges - while its ability to absorb carbon is declining. The assessment brings together the work of more than 180 scientists and calls for greater investment, stronger governance and coordinated action to protect the Basin and support sustainable development. We spoke to Professor Lee White, Special Envoy of the Science Panel for the Congo Basin and former Environment Minister of Gabon, Professor White

Zambia's President-elect Hakainde Hichilema is expected to be sworn in next Tuesday.  Hichilema was re-elected for a second five-year term following the general elections held on August 13. The Zambia Electoral Commission announced that Hichilema secured a decisive victory with roughly 61% of the total vote, defeating his primary opposition challenger, Brian Mundubile, who garnered 38% of the  votes. But, the results have not been accepted. The opposition's plan to challenge the election results in court have been severely disrupted because the government closed and sealed off the country's entire court system on Monday - the final day of the legal window to file a petition. We spoke to Richard Elsen, He is a communications expert, and political commentator on Zambian politics

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

Assertions of alleged planned insurrection in Zambia are growing with now Police claiming recovery of sophisticated weapons in last week's raid. And Police have now confirmed, five days later, that the State shot and killed a former Cabinet Minister, Mutotwe Kafwaya, during a military raid at a house for opposition leader Brian Mundubile. Arthur Davies Sikopo our Correspondent in Lusaka now shares more.

South-South Cooperation is increasingly giving African countries an opportunity to exchange solutions, expertise and practical development experience with partners across Asia, Latin America and the wider Global South. In Liberia, this is taking shape through a partnership involving India, Brazil and South Africa, with UN Women supporting efforts to strengthen women's political leadership and gender-responsive governance. Just recently, Liberian legislators travelled to India to exchange lessons on women's political participation, gender-responsive budgeting, economic empowerment, care systems and responses to gender-based violence. To explore what this means for Liberia, and what the wider African continent can learn from such partnerships, we spoke to Dr Abul Hasnat Monjurul Kabir, UN Women Country Representative in Liberia.

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.  

More than half of young Africans have considered leaving their countries, with better employment and economic opportunities among the main reasons. That's according to new findings from Afrobarometer, covering 38 African countries. The research has renewed questions about what governments can do to create opportunities for young people at home, while also ensuring that migration is safe and by choice. Channel Africa's Lebogang Mabange reports.

Zambian authorities closed the country's top courts on ​Monday citing, blocking access to the premises on the last day that ‌the opposition could file a challenge to this month's disputed election. A memorandum from the chief administrator of the judiciary, said that "for security reasons,' all members of ​staff are advised not to report for work on Monday.  Arthur Davies Sikopo, our Zambia Correspondent now reports.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has announced an economic pressure campaign against Iran, vowing to target Tehran's financial interests around the world. Speaking on Monday, Bessent said the US would target all of Iran's sources of revenue, including oil, in an effort to prevent countries and companies from doing business with Tehran.  Innocent Semosa has more.

Despite sustained efforts to advance peace in Sudan, the warring parties remain locked in a zero-sum military logic, while greater international attention and action was urgently needed to change that calculus. That was the clear message delivered to the U.N. Security Council by senior U.N. Secretariat officials during a meeting convened to discuss the deteriorating humanitarian consequences, including the protection of civilians, as a result of the more than three-year conflict. Often overshadowed by the wars in Gaza and Iran, the Council heard that more than two-thirds of the people of Sudan were in desperate need of lifesaving support. Sherwin Bryce-Pease reports.

On the Discourse this morning, we turn our attention to the relationship between Juba and Pretoria. Just a day before South Sudan's President Salva Kiir embarked on his latest visit to South Africa, two Ethiopian UN peacekeepers were killed in an ambush in Jonglei State. While his high-level talks with South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa are expected to focus on readying Juba for the country's upcoming elections, questions about the country's declining security situation are likely to be prioritised by Ramaphosa, who chairs the African Union’s Ad Hoc High-Level Committee on South Sudan. For a look at what is likely to come out of the meetings, we spoke to Arek Ajou Deng, she is the Press Secretary to Sudan's President Salva Kiir  

We now look at some of the stories making headlines in the East Africa region and we spoke to  Dennis Beru, Journalist and Team Leader at Grassroot Journalism Kenya

South Sudan and South Africa tighten bilateral relations through a high-level diplomatic working visit as South Sudanese President Salva Kiir met with his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria. This strategic meeting reinforces a partnership historically anchored in solidarity, post-conflict reconstruction, and Pretoria's leadership of the African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee on South Sudan. By reviewing the implementation of the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement, South Africa is actively assisting Juba in navigating domestic political friction and stabilizing its security sector. The two presidents meet as South Sudan prepares for its historic 22 December 2026 general elections. We spoke to Daniel Akech Thiong, Senior Analyst on South Sudan at the International Crisis Group

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has now passed 5,200 cases, as the country marks 100 days since the outbreak was declared. The World Health Organization says this is the country's fastest-growing Ebola outbreak, with transmission continuing to outpace efforts to contain the virus. The outbreak has now spread to a sixth province, while Ituri remains the epicentre, accounting for around 85% of cases and 79% of deaths. The response is also being hampered by insecurity, displacement and difficult access to affected communities. For an update, we spoke to Dr Patrick Otim, Regional Manager for Emergency Response at the WHO Africa Office.

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...

Communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo are protesting over misinformation and fears surrounding the latest Ebola outbreak.The spread of false information is complicating efforts by health workers to respond to the disease and build public trust. The International Committee of the Red Cross is among the organisations working with affected communities amid these concerns. For a look at misinformation, the protests and what can be done to strengthen community confidence in the Ebola response, we spoke to Alex Lock, he is the Communications Coordinator with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, based in Bunia in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

South Africa's business community is joining government efforts to tackle a growing financial and governance crisis in Johannesburg, the country's economic hub. The city contributes about 16 percent of South Africa's economy, making its recovery important to the wider economy. The new partnership aims to improve basic services, strengthen the city's finances and restore investor confidence. Our Economics reporter, Innocent Semosa, has more.

Kenya is investigating the deaths of 18 elephants in the Amboseli ecosystem, with preliminary laboratory findings pointing to the possible involvement of a toxic substance. Four people have been apprehended as persons of interest, while investigators continue to pursue further leads. The Government says the investigation remains active and that scientific evidence will guide the process. To unpack the latest developments, we spoke to Kenya Wildlife Service Head of Communications, Duncan Juma.

We now look at some of the stories making headlines in Africa and we spoke to political Analyst, Mighti Jamie 

The Ugandan High Court in Kampala  has began the treason trial of opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused in their absence. Besigye  is receiving  medical care following a court collapse. The state initiated proceedings with its first witness against him, last week. He is facing treason charges and the state first witness, Andrew Wilson Orlando, a British-American private security contractor who acted as an undercover informant for Ugandan security services,  told the court that Dr Besigye had planned a  drone attack targeting President Yoweri Museveni's convoy.  70 year old Besigye, has ‌been in custody since November 2024 after he was detained together with his aide Obeid Lutale in neighbouring Kenya, and both were repatriated to Uganda where they were subsequently charged with ​treason. The two denied the allegations describing ​the charges as politically motivated. Multiple attempts to be released on bail have been denied. We spoke to Winnie Byanyima, wife of Ugandan politician, Dr Kizza Besigye. She is also the executive director of UNAIDS and is a prominent diplomat and human rights advocate

Assertions of alleged planned insurrection in Zambia are growing with now Police claiming recovery of sophisticated weapons in last week's raid. And Police have now confirmed, five days later, that the State shot and killed a former Cabinet Minister, Mutotwe Kafwaya, during a military raid at a house for opposition leader Brian Mundubile. Arthur Davies Sikopo our Correspondent in Lusaka now shares more

When an emergency strikes, UNICEF aims to get life-saving supplies moving within 72 hours. Its emergency response includes medical supplies, water and sanitation equipment, education and recreation kits, and support for keeping vaccines at the right temperature. At UNICEF's main humanitarian supply hub in Copenhagen, Denmark, emergency supplies are kept ready for rapid deployment to countries hit by conflict or natural disasters. UNICEF Emergency Supply and Logistics Coordinator Erika Abs spoke to UN News's Felipe de Carvalho about why preparation before a crisis can be just as important as the response itself.

The Ugandan High Court in Kampala  has began the treason trial of opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused in their absence. Besigye  is receiving  medical care following a court collapse. The state initiated proceedings with its first witness against him, last week. He is facing treason charges and the state first witness, Andrew Wilson Orlando, a British-American private security contractor who acted as an undercover informant for Ugandan security services,  told the court that Dr Besigye had planned a  drone attack targeting President Yoweri Museveni's convoy.  70 year old Besigye, has ‌been in custody since November 2024 after he was detained together with his aide Obeid Lutale in neighbouring Kenya, and both were repatriated to Uganda where they were subsequently charged with ​treason. The two denied the allegations describing ​the charges as politically motivated. Multiple attempts to be released on bail have been denied. We spoke to Winnie Byanyima, wife of Ugandan politician, Dr Kizza Besigye. She is also the executive director of UNAIDS and is a prominent diplomat and human rights advocate

Malawi's Ministry of Health has defended its plans to send five hundred nurses to go work in Israel.  The Ministry says this is a move to curb unemployment of health care professionals in the country. The move has been opposed by some quarters in the community saying it will leave the country with insufficient health workers. Sisi Segalo has more on the story….

South Africa's (SA) Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola says the South Africa-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission must translate the two countries' strong political ties into practical cooperation that improves the lives of their people. Lamola was speaking in Pretoria at the Ministerial Meeting of the 4th South Africa-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission, ahead of the Meeting of Heads of State scheduled for Friday where the two countries are expected to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, on issues of mutual interest. Channel Africa's reporter Micheal Mbewe filed this report….

Global leaders and representatives from across Africa and the African Diaspora, are expected to converge on Johannesburg later this year for a conference focused on Africa's future and its relationship with the global African community. The second Africa and African Diaspora Conference scheduled to take place in October, will bring together political leaders, academics, business representatives, faith groups and civil society to discuss issues including reparatory justice, racism, climate justice and economic cooperation. Our economics reporter Innocent Semosa has more

South African music legend Caiphus Semenya is celebrating his 87th birthday with a special musical homecoming, as he prepares to take audiences on a journey through some of his most enduring work. The legendary composer, musician and songwriter will headline the Caiphus Semenya Songbook at the Joburg Theatre from 18 to 20 September 2026. With a career spanning decades, exile, collaboration with some of Africa and the world's greatest artists, and an extraordinary contribution to South African music, Semenya's story is deeply intertwined with the country's cultural history. As he enters his 87th year, we speak to Ntate Semenya about the upcoming shows, his musical journey, the songs that have defined his legacy, and what the future holds for one of South Africa's greatest musical treasures

Welcome to the Friday edition of The Discourse. Today, we focus on Gabon, which on Monday, 17 August, marked 66 years of independence from France. The anniversary comes as Gabon continues to navigate a new political chapter following the end of the Bongo family's decades-long rule. Under President Brice Oligui Nguema, the country is seeking to strengthen its partnerships across Africa, deepen economic development and redefine its relationship with international partners. So, as Gabon reflects on more than six decades of independence, where does the country stand today, and what does the next chapter look like? For more, we're joined by His Excellency Rod Ciangillan Rembendambya, Gabon's High Commissioner to South Africa.

The prosecution's star witness in the treason trial against Ugandan opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye has told the court that Besigye and his co-accused, Joel Wakayima had planned to carry out a drone attack on President Yoweri Museveni''s home in a plot to assassinate the president. Andrew Wilson Orlando a British-American private security investigator delivered his testimony before the High Court in Kampala, Uganda yesterday. In his last appearance a month ago, 70-year-old Besigye collapsed in court and was rushed to hospital, it was later reported that he was in an unresponsive state. He was arrested in 2024 and kept in custody since, he is facing treason charges for allegedly conspiring to overthrow the Ugandan government.  We are now joined by Jude Byamukama, Constitutional Lawyer based in Uganda

Liberia has charged former vice president Jewel Howard-Taylor with drug trafficking. This follows law enforcement officers' seizure of cocaine worth 300-million-dollars last month or nearly five-billion-rand. Howard-Taylor was arrested at Liberia's main airport on Wednesday. She is the ex-wife of Liberia's former president Charles Taylor.  For further details on this we are joined by Dengiyefa Angalapu, Research Analyst at the Centre for Democracy and Development West Africa vc

Senegal's opposition is pressing President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to set a date for local elections that could become the first test between him and his former mentor Ousmane Sonko following their significant fallout. Faye fired Sonko as prime minister in May, splitting the ruling camp into rival factions.  These elections could represent the first substantial electoral challenge regarding Faye's increasingly strained relationship with Sonko. Thuto Ngobeni has the report...

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...

The Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU, is calling on SADC leaders to confront what it describes as worsening governance, accountability and human rights challenges across the region. In a statement following the conclusion of the 46th SADC Summit in Durban. COSATU welcomed the focus on industrialisation but criticised regional leaders for failing to give equal attention to democratic governance, workers' rights, corruption and social justice. The federation says poverty, unemployment, migration, hunger and poor wages remain major challenges for people across Southern Africa, while raising particular concerns over workers' rights in Eswatini and Mozambique, the unresolved killings during the 2021 protests in Eswatini, and what it describes as attempts to undermine presidential term limits. To unpack these concerns and assess whether SADC is delivering on the aspirations of its founding principles, Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Molly Dlamini, Deputy International Secretary in the SACP's Central Committee

We continue with The Discourse, looking at the wider implications of the latest US sanctions against officials of the International Criminal Court.The measures have raised questions about the Court’s independence and the future of international criminal justice.For an international law perspective, Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Professor William A. Schabas, Professor of International Law at Middlesex University in London, and a leading scholar of international criminal law who has written extensively on the ICC, genocide and international criminal tribunals.

It’s time now for the Thursday edition of The Discourse, and this morning we focus on the latest US sanctions against officials of the International Criminal Court.  The United States has sanctioned ICC President Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye, the latest move in Washington’s campaign against the Court.  The sanctions have been condemned by human rights organisations, which warn they could undermine the ICC’s ability to pursue cases involving some of the world’s most serious crimes.Human Rights Watch is among those challenging the US sanctions in court.For more on what these latest measures mean for the ICC, Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Maria Elena Vignoli, senior international justice counsel at Human Rights Watch

Artificial intelligence is developing at a remarkable pace, with new models emerging, prices changing and businesses having to make increasingly complex decisions about where to invest. For companies, the challenge is not only finding technology that works today, but avoiding costly dependence on systems that could quickly be overtaken.The bigger question is how businesses can keep pace with AI while ensuring that their investment delivers genuine value - particularly in markets where affordability and access to technology remain significant challenges. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Craig Fidler, Vice President of Business Applications at Braintree, a South African technology company.

As campaigning for Nigeria's January elections officially got underway on Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu and his ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) face a crucial test over their record in government and whether Nigerians feel their lives have improved. Tinubu is seeking a second term against 18 opposition figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, with economic hardship, the rising cost of living and insecurity expected to dominate the campaign. Critics argue that after more than a decade of APC rule, Nigeria is poorer, more indebted and no safer, despite the Tinubu administration defending its economic reforms as necessary to restore stability and attract investment. To unpack how the political narratives are developing and what voters are likely to prioritise, Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Fredrich Idehai, founder and CEO of The Diplomatic Correspondent in Nigeria

We now look at some of the stories in Central Africa. We speak to Aaron Nga'mbi, Geopolitical analyst

Kenya Airways says the conflict in the Middle East is putting further pressure on its operations and finances. The airline says fuel costs rose by 72% in the first half of the year, while disruptions have also delayed the delivery of spare parts and the maintenance of aircraft. Channel Africa's Innocent Semosa has more

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

Fourteen years after police killed 34 striking mineworkers at Marikana in South Africa, survivors, families of the victims and trade unions are still calling for accountability. Seventy-eight workers were also injured when police opened fire on striking employees at the platinum mine in North West province in August 2012. A commemoration marking the anniversary was held at the site of the shootings. Nhlanhla Mahlangu report

The annual inflation rate for food and non-alcoholic beverages in South Africa dropped to 0.9% in July 2026, which is the lowest level in over 16 years rather than 7%. According to Stats SA, monthly increase in the consumer price index was 0.2%, with the slowdown attributed to three main factors, softer inflation for food and non alcoholic beverages, lower municipal tariff increases and a decline in fuel price. Thuto Ngobeni has the report

The remains of two Namibian liberation heroes who died while imprisoned on Robben Island - a frequently repurposed piece of South Africa that is most famous for the prison that once held Nelson Mandela, are finally going home. They are among 84 ancestral remains of Namibian origin being repatriated from South Africa. A re-humanisation and repatriation ceremony was held in Cape Town today, ahead of their return to Namibia on Friday, 21st August. Channel Africa's Lebogang Mabange reports...