The IMF on Monday announced a staff-level agreement for the fourth review of Zambia’s loan program, which could release $185.5 million upon approval. This follows discussions during the IMF and World Bank meetings. Zambia’s economy faces challenges from drought, reduced agricultural output, and electricity shortages, with 2024 GDP growth forecast at 1.2%, down from 2.3%. Inflation rose to 15.7% in October, driven by food prices and currency depreciation, exceeding the target of 6-8%.
The United Nations Security Council this week says it is considering a British-led resolution urging Sudan’s warring factions to cease hostilities and ensure unrestricted humanitarian aid access. The conflict, ignited in April 2023 by a power struggle between the Sudanese army and the RSF, has caused mass displacement and ethnically driven violence, with widespread human rights abuses, including rape, reported. The RSF denies targeting civilians. Britain’s U.N. Ambassador Barbara Woodward highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis, noting over half of Sudan’s population faces acute food insecurity. The resolution needs nine votes and no vetoes from permanent members to pass, aiming to address Sudan’s worsening crisis.
Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly reaffirmed the country’s goal of achieving 42% renewable energy in its electricity mix by 2030 but warned that this target is at risk without increased international support at COP29 on Tuesday. Currently, renewables account for only 11.5% of Egypt’s electricity generation, with natural gas dominating the mix despite recent production challenges. While Egypt has outlined plans to boost renewables to 58% by 2040, its petroleum ministry proposed a lower target of 40%.
Russia inaugurated the first ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum in Sochi on Sunday, aiming to strengthen ties with African nations and counterclaims of isolation due to Western sanctions. The event builds on last year’s Russia-Africa summit, where President Vladimir Putin promoted expanded political and economic collaboration. The two-day conference features bilateral discussions between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and African leaders, with Lavrov scheduled to address the plenary session.
Opposition leader Navin Ramgoolam secured a landslide victory in Mauritius’s parliamentary elections on Tuesday, with his Alliance of Change (ADC) coalition winning 62.6% of the vote. The ADC claimed 60 out of 62 National Assembly seats, with additional seats allocated for Rodrigues Island and under the “best loser” system. Ramgoolam, a three-time former prime minister, celebrated his fourth term by declaring, “A new Mauritius awakes.”
The European Union announced it will not renew its fishing agreement with Senegal on Tuesday, citing insufficient measures to curb illegal fishing. The decision, effective after the current deal expires on Sunday, requires European vessels to leave Senegalese waters, ending financial contributions under the pact. The 2019 agreement faced criticism over overfishing concerns, impacting local fish stocks and fishermen’s livelihoods in a sector employing 16% of Senegal’s population. Despite EU claims that its vessels account for less than 1% of total catches, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s earlier pledge to review the agreement remains unresolved, as the government has yet to respond.
Nigeria signed a $1.2 billion deal with Chinese state-owned CNCEC to revamp a gas processing facility at the Aluminum Smelter Company of Nigeria. Announced by Minister of State for Gas Ekperikpe Ekpo on Tuesday, the investment aims to position Nigeria as a leading aluminium producer globally. This agreement reflects deepening Nigeria-China ties, which began with infrastructure deals under former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2016. Despite being a top oil producer, Nigeria faces severe economic challenges, including high inflation and poverty. President Bola Tinubu’s recent economic reforms have drawn protests over worsening hardships, with incidents of violence and arrests in August.
The Mozambique government banned demonstrations on Friday following deadly post-election protests, citing the need to restore public order. Interior Minister Arsénia Massingue labeled the protests as “acts of terrorism,” prompting police and military crackdowns involving tear gas and rubber bullets. Human Rights Watch reports over a dozen deaths and numerous injuries since the unrest began in October. Internet access has been restricted, which critics say stifles dissent. The unrest follows a disputed presidential election that declared Frelimo, in power for nearly five decades, the winner. Opposition groups allege widespread rigging, a claim denied by the government.
Liberia on Friday confirmed the presence of two Mpox strains, Clade 2a and Clade 2b, with no deaths reported so far. Since January 2024, 41 cases have been recorded, including 12 new ones across five counties. Nimba County, bordering Ivory Coast, shows the highest incidence, likely due to cross-border transmission, while Sinoe County’s cases suggest zoonotic transmission from animals. The National Public Health Institute (NPHIL) has strengthened surveillance at border entry points and reactivated its Incidence Management System. Sequencing efforts led by local scientists help track viral evolution, aiding in the development of vaccines and treatment strategies.
A new study released by the World Health Organization (WHO) this week estimates that approximately 10.3 million people contracted measles in 2023, marking a 20% increase from the previous year. This rise in cases is attributed to a decline in vaccine coverage, with only 83% of children receiving their first dose and 74% getting their second dose of the measles vaccine. The World Health Organization (WHO) and CDC emphasize that at least 95% coverage is needed to prevent outbreaks. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged increased investment in immunization efforts to protect vulnerable populations and reduce measles-related deaths globally.
