Africa

Military leader Gen Brice Oligui Nguema has won presidential election with around 90% of the vote according to provisional results; it was the first election in Gabon since the Bongo near-60-year dynasty was overthrown by Nguema in the 2023 coup

40 trade investment permits for export, import, retail and wholesale will be granted to foreign companies as part of the government’s steps to liberalize economy; the Ethiopian Investment Commission said the permits follow months of work on guidelines

Google plans to invest $90 billion in economic output and help create 300.000 jobs in South Africa by 2030; among the fastest-growing tech giants globally, with 30% y-o-y growth, Google claims AI will bring a wave of new jobs, not just tech roles

Algeria has closed its airspace to flights to and from Mali and recalled its ambassadors from Mali and Niger, in response to what it calls "serious and unfounded allegations" that it shot down a Malian drone

Former deputy Information and Broadcasting minister urged youths in Zambia not to abuse social media but use it as a platform of sharing developmental ideas information that would sharpen the destiny of Zambia politically, socially and economically

The attacks on the Zamzam and Abu Shouk camps for internally displaced persons in the Darfur region of Sudan, which resulted in deaths and injuries, have been internationally condemned, with many countries renewing support also to those giving assistance

In Sanoyah, cracks in buildings, roads and soil appeared overnight two days ago, affecting at least 20 houses and rising concerns in residents and authorities; the cracks keep enlarging and haven’t so far been explained

7.900 Cameroonians, legally in the US under the programme which grants temporary safety from conflict and instability, see the end of their legal protections under new move of the administration of President Donald Trump

SAMU - Service d’aide médicale urgente, French for Urgent Medical Aid Service, has been inaugurated in its headquarters in Ouagadougou with an official ceremony; the service will offer easier access to urgent treatment

A massive, door-to-door information campaign to fight onchocerciasis - the disease also known as river blindness - has been launched in Benin; the parasitic infection is caused by the roundworm Onchocerca volvulus, with damages compromising eyesight

247 personalities have been decorated in the frame of the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of National Independence; Head of State Joao Lourenço awarded those who have left a distinguished contribution to the nation, either for independence or peace

VODACOM M-Pesa mobile money service will be accessible to all mobile users in the country, regardless of their network provider, a revolution for financial transactions, particularly for local producers, shop owners, shopping enthusiasts