Morocco Overtakes South Africa as Africa’s Top Industrial Economy
Morocco has overtaken South Africa as Africa’s leading industrial economy, according to a new African Development Bank report, which identifies manufacturing growth, export diversification, and long-term industrial policies as key drivers. The report highlights a broader shift in Africa’s economic landscape, with Morocco strengthening its position as a manufacturing and export hub linking Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, while warning that weak intra-African trade and fragmented supply chains continue to hold back wider industrial growth.
Sonko Criticizes Senegal PM Appointment as Rift With Faye Widens
Senegal’s newly elected Parliament Speaker, Ousmane Sonko, has publicly criticized President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s appointment of a new prime minister, saying that his Pastef party was excluded from the process. The comments signal growing tensions between the former allies after Faye removed Sonko as prime minister and dissolved the government days ago, while opposition lawmakers walked out before Sonko’s address to parliament.
Ghana Launches E-Visa System and Waives Fees for African Travelers
Ghana has launched a new electronic visa platform as part of a broader effort to make travel easier and strengthen its position as a regional business and tourism hub. President John Dramani Mahama also announced visa fee waivers for African travelers visiting for tourism or business, saying Ghana remains committed to welcoming Africans even as many countries tighten immigration policies.
U.S. Senate Confirms Frank Garcia as Top Africa Diplomat
The U.S. Senate has confirmed former naval officer Frank Garcia as assistant secretary of state for African affairs, filling a position that had been vacant for more than a year. Garcia has signaled a shift toward a “trade over aid” approach, saying future U.S. engagement with Africa will focus more on investment, commercial partnerships, and strategic interests.
Nigeria, World Bank Cancel $718 Million in Power Sector Funding
Nigeria and the World Bank have agreed to cancel about $717.7 million in undisbursed financing under the country’s Power Sector Recovery Operation program. The decision follows implementation delays and growing financial pressures in the electricity sector, with the program now set to close more than a year earlier than originally planned.
Ghana Welcomes Pope’s Apology for Church’s Role in Slavery
Ghana has praised Pope Leo XIV’s apology for the Catholic Church’s historic role in legitimizing slavery, calling it an important step toward truth and justice. The apology, delivered in the Pope’s first major teaching document, comes as Ghana continues pushing global conversations around reparations and accountability for the transatlantic slave trade.
Trump Expands Refugee Program for White South Africans
U.S. President Donald Trump has increased the U.S. refugee admissions ceiling by 10,000 to allow more white South Africans of Afrikaner ethnicity into the country. South African officials have rejected claims that Afrikaners face systemic persecution, calling the allegations unfounded as tensions continue around the program.
