Africa

Africa's trade vision meets reality as customs, regulations collide - explainer

National customs systems, unfinished legal rules and incompatible payment networks still obstruct routine trade across the continent.

Profile of Hissan Siita Sofo the president of the AfCFTA Young Entrepreneurs Federation at a signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding with the Sudanese community in Accra, Ghana, on April 15 2026.
A still from a video taken of a collapse of a gold mine in the Central African Republic on August 20 2026

Central African Republic gold mine collapses, 49 confirmed killed, more still missing

Somali government forces patrol a street as residents gather following reported shelling in the Howl Wadaag district of Mogadishu, on June 4, 2026.

Somalia troops and armed opposition clash in heavy Baidoa fighting as civilian toll rises

Passengers who disembarked from a boat intercepted by health authorities wait to be tested following the death of a passenger suspected of having Ebola, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, August 6, 2026.

Congo Ebola outbreak becomes deadliest in country's history as death toll reaches new peak


Mer Group signs deal with West African country

Deal would see a full package of operational technologies, professional support, and long‑term guidance. But the company wouldn't disclose any additional information.

West African Soldiers from Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast and Niger attend the closing ceremony of the U.S. sponsored Flintlock exercises at the site of the new French-backed international counter-terrorism academy in Jacqueville, Ivory Coast

South Africa’s anti-foreigner violence spreads as Nigerians seek way out

They were the first to apply to a new scheme to repatriate citizens launched by Nigeria's government, Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said.

Members of civil society groups and human rights organisations hold placards as they take part in a march calling for stronger government action against illegal immigration in Pretoria, South Africa, April 28, 2026.

Morocco's parliament receives petition to grant citizenship to all descendants of Moroccan Jews

At its core, the petition asks that Moroccan nationality be granted to all Moroccan Jews who previously renounced it, and to all their children and grandchildren.

 An aerial view of the ‘Mellah,’ a quarter of the city to which Jews were once confined in Marrakesh.

Libya says 17 migrants perish at sea, nine missing feared dead

Libya is a transit route for migrants, many from sub-Saharan Africa, fleeing to Europe in the hopes of escaping conflict and poverty.

Migrants aboard an overcrowded boat react as they are approached by the crew of the migrant search and rescue ship Sea-Watch 5, operated by the German NGO Sea-Watch, during a rescue operation in the Search and Rescue (SAR) zone in the central Mediterranean, off Libya, August 11, 2025.

Islamic State-linked insurgents leave Mali town as army tries to reassert control

The attacks risked triggering a scramble for territory across Mali's vast desert north, raising the prospect of significant gains by armed groups.

A Malian soldier stands in position with his weapon during an attack on Mali's main military base Kati outside the capital Bamako, Mali April 25, 2026

Mali's defense minister reported dead in major al-Qaeda-linked assault

Two explosions and sustained gunfire were heard shortly before 6 a.m. on Saturday near Mali's main military base, and shots were still ringing out in the area more than four hours later.

Colonel Sadio Camara, Minister of Defense and Veterans of Mali, is seen at the meeting of Ministers of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), Ouagadougou, February 15, 2024.

Gunmen stage simultaneous attacks in and outside Mali capital, army says

Gunfire could also be heard early on Saturday near a military camp close to Bamako's airport that houses Russian mercenary forces, a resident said.

A Malian soldier stands in position with his weapon during an attack on Mali's main military base Kati outside the capital Bamako, Mali April 25, 2026

Pope Leo to begin 10-day Africa tour on mission to spotlight continent's needs

The Pope will visit Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea on a tour that will cover 11 cities and towns, spanning nearly 18,000 km (11,185 miles) across 18 flights.

Pope Leo XIV gestures as he leaves after Palm Sunday Mass in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican, March 29, 2026.

Ashes of Pompeii: New study confirms ancient city's role within Rome’s global trade route

Remnants of a “grape-derived product” was also found within one of the burners, the study noted, consistent with literary and artistic depictions of wine being used for ritual purpose in Rome.

Incense burner found in Pompeii, containing residue of local plants and imported resin, April 7, 2026.

India expands Africa push with rice aid, long-term mineral ambitions

In recent weeks, New Delhi has shipped rice to Burkina Faso, Malawi, and Mozambique while policy thinkers in India are urging a stronger push into Africa’s critical minerals sector.

ILLUSTRATIVE: A WORKER carries sacks of rice inside a warehouse at a wholesale market in Navi Mumbai, India, January 13, 2026.