Today in Africa — Mar 19, 2026: U.S. Hosts Congo-Rwanda Peace Talks, Nigeria Secures $990M UK Port Deal

Every day, OkayAfrica shares a roundup of news we’re following but haven’t published as full articles. These short updates cover what’s happening on the continent — in culture, politics, and beyond. For more on stories like these, be sure to check out our News page, with stories from across the regions.

U.S. Hosts Congo-Rwanda Talks as Tensions Persist in Eastern DRC

The United States has hosted officials from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda in Washington for talks aimed at reviving a stalled peace process in eastern Congo, marking their first meeting since Washington sanctioned Rwanda’s army and senior officers earlier this month. The U.S. has accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebel group, which seized large areas of eastern Congo in a rapid advance earlier this year, though Kigali denies the claims. The conflict remains volatile, with M23 still holding territory despite international pressure.

In a joint statement, the parties agreed to take coordinated steps to reduce tensions, including commitments to respect sovereignty, to withdraw forces from certain areas, and to intensify Congo's efforts to neutralize the FDLR armed group. The talks build on a December agreement brokered by the U.S., but fighting has continued, raising fears of a wider regional conflict, especially after recent rebel movements near the Burundi border.

UK, Nigeria Sign $990 Million Deal to Upgrade Lagos Ports During State Visit

Britain and Nigeria have agreed to a £746 million ($990 million) export finance deal to fund the redevelopment of the Lagos Port Complex and TinCan Island Port, as President Bola Tinubu continues his state visit to the UK. The financing, backed by UK Export Finance and arranged by Citibank, will support upgrades to two of Nigeria’s busiest trading hubs, with part of the deal expected to generate £236 million ($316 million) in contracts for British firms, including a £70 million ($94 million) boost for British Steel. The agreement comes as both countries look to deepen economic ties and expand trade, which is already at record levels.

The deal is a key outcome of Tinubu’s two-day visit, the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years, aimed at strengthening commercial and diplomatic relations. Britain, home to about 300,000 Nigerians, is positioning itself as a major partner for African business, while also leveraging cultural ties highlighted during royal engagements at Windsor Castle. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Tinubu today, Thursday, March 19, to further advance cooperation on trade and investment.

South Africa’s Proposed Gambling Tax Sparks Industry Pushback as Addiction Cases Rise

A surge in online gambling across Africa is prompting governments to raise taxes, with South Africa proposing a 20% national tax on gambling profits that could more than double annual revenues to 10 billion rand ($607 million) from 4.8 billion rand ($285 million). The move comes as participation has jumped sharply, with regulators estimating two-thirds of South African adults now gamble online, up from 30% in 2017. The draft bill is expected this year, with a final proposal due in 2027, and has support from several political parties. Similar tax increases have already been introduced in Malawi and Zimbabwe, while Senegal has added new gambling taxes as part of its economic recovery plan.

At the same time, addiction is rising fast. South Africa’s national helpline has seen distress calls jump by more than two-thirds in the past year, with over 4,600 people treated for gambling addiction, up from 2,600 in 2024. “We’re trying to gamble ourselves to prosperity,” said Sibongile Simelane-Quntana of the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation. Betting companies are pushing back, arguing that higher taxes could drive users to illegal sites rather than reduce harm. Industry groups say total tax burdens could reach as high as 38.5%, warning this would make legal betting less attractive. Critics, including support groups in Senegal, say taxes alone will not solve the problem without stronger support systems for addiction.

Kenya Restarts Stalled Railway Project With New China-Backed Financing Model

Kenya has restarted construction on its long-delayed railway extension after a six-year pause, using a new financing model to revive the multibillion-dollar project aimed at linking the line to Uganda. The expansion, led by China Road and Bridge Corporation, follows the completion of the Mombasa–Nairobi section in 2017 before funding cuts from China stalled progress more than 350 km short of the border. President William Ruto, launching the project in Narok, pushed back on criticism, saying it was “never a road to nowhere,” as the government turns to revenue from a railway levy — raising about 35 billion shillings ($270 million) a year — to fund construction. The restart reflects a shift in China’s approach from heavy lending to investment-based partnerships, as Kenya grapples with high debt repayments and seeks new ways to finance infrastructure.

South Africa Water Protests Grow as Shortages Drag On for Weeks

Residents in Johannesburg’s northern suburbs have taken to the streets, demanding reliable water after weeks without supply, with some households reporting dry taps for over a month. Protests in areas like Greenside reflect growing frustration across South Africa, where water shortages are now rivaling past electricity blackouts in severity. In Hammanskraal, residents say outages have lasted up to two months, while some communities have struggled with unreliable access for years. Authorities have relied on tanker deliveries, but residents report being charged for water that should be free, with allegations of “water mafias” exploiting the system. Experts say the crisis is rooted in years of underinvestment in infrastructure, worsened by mismanagement and possible corruption in water delivery contracts. President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for action, including establishing a new National Water Crisis Committee and pursuing potential criminal charges against officials who fail to meet their obligations. While some officials suggest municipalities should run their own tanker systems, others warn this is only a short-term fix, stressing that long-term solutions must focus on repairing and upgrading water infrastructure.

Sahel Remains Global Epicenter of Terrorism as Death Toll Stays High

The Sahel accounted for nearly half of all terrorism-related deaths globally for the third straight year in 2025, according to the latest Global Terrorism Index, reinforcing its status as the world’s most affected region. The report shows that almost half of the 5,582 deaths recorded worldwide occurred across the Sahel, even as total fatalities in the region declined from the previous year. The shift marks a long-term trend, with terrorism deaths in the Sahel rising tenfold since 2007 and the epicenter of global attacks moving away from the Middle East and North Africa. Violence remains widespread across the region, with Niger climbing to third place globally after 703 deaths, more than half of them civilians, and Nigeria rising to fourth with 750 deaths, up 46% from 2024. Burkina Faso, previously the hardest-hit country, saw deaths fall 45% to 846, largely due to fewer civilian casualties as jihadist groups like JNIM shifted to targeting military forces. The report attributes most attacks to Islamic State affiliates and JNIM, while warning that violence is spreading toward coastal West African countries, including Benin.

At Least 17 Migrants Dead After Boat Disaster Near Comoros

At least 17 African migrants have died after a boat believed to be heading to Mayotte capsized off the coast of Comoros, authorities say, with 30 people surviving the accident. The vessel was discovered near the town of Mitsamiouli after residents heard cries for help and alerted police, and most of those on board are believed to be from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Migrants frequently attempt the dangerous journey to Mayotte, a French territory that offers access to social services, despite repeated deadly incidents — including a 2024 tragedy in which at least 25 people died when traffickers capsized a boat on the same route.

Drone Strike From Sudan Kills 17 Civilians in Chad Border Town

A cross-border drone attack from Sudan killed at least 17 civilians in the Chadian border town of Tine, including mourners gathered for a funeral, according to government and local sources. The strike hit during a Quran reading ceremony, with two explosions reported, killing attendees and children nearby. Authorities say all victims were civilians, and while the source of the attack remains unclear, both Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces blamed each other. The incident highlights how Sudan’s war, ongoing since April 2023, continues to spill into neighboring Chad. President Mahamat Idriss Déby has ordered the military to retaliate against any further attacks, as Chad reinforces its eastern border. The country had already closed its border with Sudan last month after clashes linked to the conflict killed five Chadian soldiers.

Flooding in Malawi Kills 13, Displaces Thousands After Days of Heavy Rain

At least 13 people have died, and nearly 9,600 households have been affected after four days of heavy rain and flooding across Malawi, authorities said. The disaster has hit 16 districts so far, forcing evacuations and the establishment of 12 camps across six areas, as search-and-rescue efforts continue. Officials say crops and livestock, including tobacco, the country’s main export, have been washed away, raising concerns about the economic impact in the donor-dependent nation. The government has begun distributing aid and is calling for financial and technical support from local and international partners.

Nigerian Troops Repel Major Insurgent Assault in Borno, Kill Dozens of Fighters

Nigerian troops, backed by air support, repelled a coordinated attack by Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters on a military base in Mallam Fatori, Borno state, killing at least 80 insurgents, including senior commanders, the army said. The pre-dawn assault near the Niger border involved fighters advancing on foot and using armed drones, but troops mounted what officials described as an “offensive-defensive” response, supported by Nigerian airstrikes and allied Nigerien jets targeting retreating militants. Four soldiers were wounded, while troops recovered weapons, including rifles, RPGs, IEDs, and drone components. The attack comes days after suicide bombings in Maiduguri killed at least 23 people, signaling a shift in insurgent tactics amid intensified military pressure.