Today in Africa — October 15, 2026: IMF Says African Economies Are Holding Up Well Despite Iran War Energy Shock, Cameroon Reports Nearly 70 Femicides This Year

OkayAfrica has scoured the Internet for today’s major news stories, so you don't have to. On Oct. 15, coverage includes: the IMF’s warning that falling aid leaves little room for another shock; a bill expected in Cameroon’s parliament in November that would make femicide a standalone crime; and more.

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Lihle Z. Mtshali Today in Africa & Newsletters Editor
A man holds a mobile phone displaying the portrait of Geraldine Achiah, a victim of femicide, in Yaounde on September 10, 2026.
A man holds a mobile phone displaying the portrait of Geraldine Achiah, a victim of femicide, in Yaounde on September 10, 2026.

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 across the continent — in culture, politics, and beyond. For more stories like these, check out our News page for updates from across the regions.

African Economies Are Holding Up Well Despite Iran War Energy Shock, With Growth Forecast at 4.5%: IMF

Africa’s economies have handled the energy crisis tied to the Iran war fairly well, the head of the International Monetary Fund’s Africa department, Zeine Zeidane, said today, Thursday, October 15, at the IMF and World Bank meetings in Bangkok. The IMF forecasts 4.5% growth this year, slightly higher than its earlier estimate, and 5% in 2027. Development assistance to the continent fell sharply last year and is forecast to fall another 12% this year. Zeidane said that leaves the region with little room to absorb another shock, such as renewed energy disruption, a sharp rise in global risk aversion, or a strong El Niño. He said overall risks remain tilted to the downside, and that conflict and insecurity also threaten food security in some regions.

Resources, Refineries, and AI

  • Many African nations have enacted reforms to improve their economic resilience, and some are benefiting from surging prices for critical minerals used in technologies such as AI. The IMF urges them to use those windfalls wisely and adopt AI to improve competitiveness.

  • The IMF estimates that adopting and scaling AI could raise economic growth by more than 4% over 10 years. Zeidane named agriculture, education, health, and government services as areas where it could make a big difference.

  • Guinea’s finance minister, Mariama Cire Sylla, says a railway linking the Simandou mines to the coast is part of a long-term economic transformation plan. Half of Guinea’s people live in poverty, and the government is counting on the Simandou iron ore project to boost the economy.

  • Burkina Faso’s finance minister, Aboubakar Nacanabo, says countries must benefit more from resources like gold, cobalt, and copper. Burkina Faso has opened its first gold refinery as its military-led government seeks greater economic sovereignty after cutting ties with traditional Western partners.

  • West African governments are rewriting mining codes, banning raw exports, and boosting state ownership. Guinea and Ghana recently restricted gold exports, Mali is building a gold refinery with Russia’s Yadran Group, and Côte d’Ivoire says it will open one next year.

Cameroon Reports Nearly 70 Femicides This Year as Family of Slain Teacher Demands Justice

Geraldine Achiah, an elementary school teacher in her 30s, died in September, barely two months into her marriage. Her relatives allege her husband beat her over a marital dispute. Police say that Manfred Amambua, her husband, has denied killing her, and he is charged with murder and is in jail awaiting trial. Achiah is one of nearly 70 women killed in Cameroon this year for gender-related reasons, according to the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, up from at least 50 in 2023 and 67 in 2024. Many killings remain unsolved, and others go unreported. Women’s Affairs Minister Marie-Thérèse Abena Ondoa called the situation “cruel” and “alarming” and promised more government action.

Why The Killings Continue

  • Activists say femicide in Cameroon is driven mostly by economic dependence, unequal control over family property, and inadequate laws in a patriarchal society. The minister said limited resources lead many women to endure violence in marriage, hoping their husbands will change.

  • Cameroon’s Penal Code recognizes crimes such as rape but has no explicit provisions on femicide, so judges rely on general laws on harmful acts. A bill that would make femicide a standalone offense and strengthen protections against gender-based violence is expected to go to parliament in November.

  • Rights activist Carole Grace Mbarga says cases can be delayed through intimidation, corruption, and procedural mistakes that reduce charges or lead to acquittals. Punishments are usually light. In 2025, a man who pleaded guilty to killing his wife received a suspended five-year sentence and a fine of 52,000 CFA francs ($90).

  • The AP obtained hospital records noting Achiah had “several bruises on her face and lips” before she died. Police officer Ndzana Bienvenu says investigators also gathered phone footage of the couple after the alleged beating and a blood-stained bedsheet.

  • Thousands have joined anti-femicide protests in cities including Douala and Yaoundé. Organizer Laura Sen says systemic barriers and support for victims need attention in addition to the new law. 

Mauritius Extends Curfew and Tightens Security After Protests Over Water Shortages and Living Costs

Mauritius extended its curfew for two more nights and tightened security after days of unrest that began over water shortages and the cost of living. The protests started last week and intensified on Friday when a police officer shot and wounded a 27-year-old woman in Camp Levieux, a densely populated neighborhood about 9 miles south of the capital, Port Louis. Police arrested the officer, and an investigation is underway. The curfew restricts movement in designated areas from 8:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. last night and tonight, Wednesday and Thursday, October 13 and 14, and will end tomorrow morning, Friday, October 16. A police report cited by the Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, says 94 people had been arrested by Tuesday, including 16 minors and one police officer, and police made 26 more arrests last night. All roads were clear of obstructions this morning.

What to Know About the Unrest

  • Police will increase deployments and reinforce roadblocks and vehicle checkpoints. The Cabinet said those arrested could face charges under the Prevention of Terrorism Act where applicable, and authorities set up a process to fast-track cases.

  • Because minors are involved, the Cabinet will consider amending the Children’s Act to lower the age for detention and prosecution from 14 to 12. Police are also monitoring social media for hate speech and incitement to violence.

  • On October 8, the government reported water reservoirs at 57.1% capacity, down from 87.4% a year earlier, with Mare aux Vacoas at 35.7%. Emergency measures include drilling boreholes and deploying water tankers. Annual inflation rose to 4.1% in September from 3.4% a year earlier, partly because of higher petrol and food prices.

  • The government restricted fuel sales in portable containers, though motorists can fill their vehicles as usual. School classes were canceled today and tomorrow, and some exams were postponed in Mauritius, Rodrigues, and Agaléga, while international exams will go ahead.

  • Britain and Canada urged travelers to avoid demonstrations, and Canada warned protests could occur with “little or no warning.” The U.S. Embassy in Port Louis canceled scheduled services. Mauritius, one of Africa’s most stable democracies, saw similar unrest in 1999 after a popular musician died in police custody.

In Brief: More Stories Today

Nigerian Gospel Singer Toluwanisings Dies at 41

Popular Nigerian gospel singer Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, known as Toluwanisings, passed away early yesterday, Wednesday, October 14, at age 41, his family said on his Instagram page. His personal assistant, Babadunni Olayemi, says the singer suddenly slumped and was taken to seven or eight hospitals in Ibadan, Oyo State, but none admitted him. Some hospitals said doctors were not working because of a strike. He had reportedly performed at a worship event the day before, and his body is at a mortuary while the family decides on next steps.

Suspected Boko Haram Fighters Kill at Least 10 Soldiers in Borno Base Attack

Suspected Boko Haram fighters killed at least 10 soldiers and wounded at least 20 in a coordinated attack on Tuesday night on an army base in the Guzamala area of Borno state, military sources and residents say. The militants overran troops, destroyed military vehicles, and set fire to parts of nearby Mairari village, and at least five civilians and a forest guard were also killed. Before the attack, the fighters seized more than 40 fishing boats in the lakeside village of Tumbun Barebari. 

UK Threatens Entry Ban on Eritreans Over Refusal to Accept Returns

UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has threatened to ban all Eritreans from entering the UK if Eritrea does not accept more returns of small boat migrants and foreign national offenders. From Thursday, Eritrean diplomats face a ban on traveling more than 60 km outside London without permission, and fast-track visas for VIPs will stop. Eritreans were the most common nationality among small boat arrivals in the 12 months to June, at 18%, and only seven people were returned to Eritrea from the UK in that period. Oxford's Madeleine Sumption says targeting Eritrea would have little impact, since 84% of Eritreans who claim asylum succeed at the initial decision.

Somalia Sets 2027 Election Dates Amid Political Dispute

Somalia's Election Commission announced parliamentary elections for April 15 and a presidential vote for May 15 next year. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's term ended earlier this year, and his government declared a "transition period" in May. He says an amended constitution passed by parliament this year gave him an extra year, while opposition parties boycotted that vote and rejected the changes. Al-Shabaab, the al-Qaeda-affiliated Salafi-jihadist militant and insurgent group, controls much of the country, and little progress has been made on organizing elections beyond a few local areas.

Belgian Police Raid Relatives and Associates of DR Congo's Tshisekedi in Money Laundering Probe

Belgian police raided the homes of several relatives and associates of Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi yesterday, Wednesday, October 14, as part of a money laundering investigation linked to mining revenues, two lawyers said. The probe stems from a 2025 complaint by Katanga NGOs known as DESC/RDC, which allege that funds taken from mining revenues belonging to local communities were laundered. Belgium's Federal Prosecutor's Office confirmed searches at several addresses in and around Brussels but declined to say whether those targeted were Tshisekedi's relatives. The Congolese presidency declined to comment.

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