This week, Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba proposed a new “Indian Ocean–Africa economic zone” at the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), aiming to link economies across the Indian Ocean with African nations. Tokyo pledged $5.5 billion in loans through the African Development Bank to advance sustainable development and tackle Africa’s mounting debt burdens. Japan also announced plans to train 30,000 AI experts over the next three years to boost digital transformation and job creation across the continent. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres called for broader global reforms to enhance African representation and voice in decisions.
SADC leaders have pledged to expand manufacturing and trade at the 45th ordinary summit held in Madagascar, on August 17th and 18th. The summit aims to accelerate regional integration, modernize agriculture, and promote an inclusive energy transition. The bloc also plans to make manufacturing 30% of its GDP by 2030, with South Africa being the bloc’s manufacturing powerhouse.Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina, who assumed SADC chairmanship, called the summit “historic” because it is the first time the country hosted the meeting since joining the bloc 20 years ago.He also emphasized the need for industrialization and intra-regional trade.
Uganda has agreed to accept deported migrants from the United States as long as they have no criminal records. Kampala would not accept unaccompanied youngsters and prefers African nationals. The agreement is still being worked out, but Uganda’s ministry of foreign affairs said it had been reached. Last month, thirteen dangerous criminals were deported to Eswatini and South Sudan. Rwanda has also agreed to admit 250 migrants from the US. Human rights groups have argued that deporting migrants to nations other than their native country may violate international law, and US President Donald Trump has denounced this practice.
Kenya has requested China’s approval to convert a $5 billion dollar loan to yuan, indicating a desire to restructure the loan that Beijing provided for the construction of the east African country’s modern railway. If authorized, the action will alleviate strain on Kenya’s foreign exchange reserves. The country pays approximately $1 billion per year in debt payments to China. Kenya’s debt servicing costs have increased dramatically since 2022 as a result of rising interest rates and a strong dollar. It is unclear if Kenya has attempted to convert any other dollar-denominated loans. There has been no statement yet from Beijing regarding the report.
Ghana’s President, John Mahama, pardoned 998 convicts, this week, reducing pressure on overcrowded jails. The decision was made based on a proposal from the Prisons Service Council, which had initially sought pardons for 1,014 people. To address overpopulation, Ghanaian parliament authorized the parole system, which permits inmates to be released under certain conditions. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime applauded the introduction of parole as a time for reflection.
Chadian police have apprehended 18-year-old Muslim Mohammed Yusuf, the son of Boko Haram founder Mohammed Yusuf, as well as five accused accomplices affiliated with the terrorist group Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Yusuf, the radical Nigerian preacher’s youngest son, was slain in Borno State, Nigeria, in 2009. Yusuf apparently joined a local chapter of the terrorist organization ISWAP, directed by his older brother Abu Musab El Barnawi. Boko Haram is responsible for a series of violent attacks in Northeastern Nigeria, which have escalated in recent months.
Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) killed 21 soldiers and captured two others in a large-scale attack in Mali, this week, according to a U.S intelligence NGO. The group took control of military barracks and militia positions in Farabougou, Southwestern Mali. JNIM seized 15 military vehicles and over 50 weapons. Mali’s army also confirmed that its outposts in Farabougou and Biriki-Wèrè were targeted, but no casualty toll was released. The jihadist insurgency in Mali has surged since May, with major attacks by JNIM and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara. The resurgence of terrorist violence raises questions about the effectiveness of counter-terrorism strategies implemented by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
The United Nations has reported that ISIL-backed rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo have killed at least 52 civilians in the Beni and Lubero territories of North Kivu province between 9 and 16 August. The attacks were accompanied by kidnappings, looting, and property destruction. The UN mission then urged Congolese authorities to reinforce support for civilian protection. The renewed violence comes as a separate conflict between the DRC army and the Rwanda-backed M23 group continues, both accusing each other of violating a US-mediated ceasefire deal.
Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, is beginning to recover from two years of civil war between the army and the Rapid Support Forces, which left critical infrastructure, cultural landmarks, and schools affected. Tens of thousands of people have been reported injured, and more than 12 million have been displaced, with 4 million seeking asylum in neighboring countries. Local authorities and volunteer groups are leading the initial rebuilding efforts, gradually clearing debris and repairing water and power networks. The United Nations noted that repairing basic infrastructure in the city will cost at least $350 million and take several years.