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.

Africa Rise & Shine

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

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...

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

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