Africa

Lomé will host its first children's book fair, the Salon du Livre Jeunesse, from 17 to 19 October 2024, aiming to attract more than 5.000 children's literature enthusiasts, including authors, publishers and professionals

The Gabonese parliament's report on the draft of the country's new constitution, which is part of the timetable set by the Committee for Transition and Institutional Restoration, was presented to the Transition President

An official ordinance was issued authorising the wearing of religious symbols - headscarves, crosses and sacred beads - at school and during school activities, thus promoting respect for religious beliefs

Rice production will be increased through a programme of development and technical advice, with the aim of reducing imports of a product of which the country purchases around 400.000 tonnes annually

The country’s media have been banned from commenting on the health condition of President Paul Biya, who is 91 years old and has not been seen in public for over a month

Coumba Dieng Sow has been appointed as the new UN Resident Coordinator for Togo and will work to ensure that national priorities and needs are addressed by aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals

The ban on the import, marketing and use of Starlink devices for high-speed satellite Internet access has been temporarily lifted by the government

Rabat has been chosen as the World Book Capital 2026; its book industry is home to 54 publishing houses and hosts the third largest international book and publishing fair in Africa

Mazingira Day was observed on 10th October as national holiday dedicated to the environment; the key role of schoolchildren was awarded with a ceremony and the crucial action of the National Youth Service for planting 15 billion trees by 2030 was reminded

A hydroelectric power plant in Rusumo is providing a stable supply of electricity to a hospital in Gitega; Burundi is one of the least electrified countries in the world, only 10% of the population has access to electricity

'Tanga', meaning 'sail' in Swahili, is the name of the house run by Polish missionaries to provide a safe home for albino children in Tanzania

Egypt has offered to deploy peacekeeping troops in the country as part of a security partnership that is taking shape as the mandate of a long-standing African Union peacekeeping force comes to an end

The Autumn Flower of the International Flower Expo 2024 was held at the El-Horreya Garden in Zamalek, Cairo; the Expo has a history of over 90 years and attracts major exhibitors