South Africa's Department of Health will this week begin the 2026 Human Papilloma Virus
South Africa's Department of Health will this week begin the 2026 Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccination drive to protect girls aged nine years and older from developing cervical cancer later in life. South Africa continues to record a high number of cases of cervical cancer and related deaths annually, despite the availability of lifesaving vaccines available in public health facilities and the private health sector.Sisi Segalo has more on the story
New programme is set to equip young changemakers across Africa with essential digital and tech skills
A new programme is set to equip young changemakers across Africa with essential digital and tech skills. The Diana Award, in partnership with ServiceNow, will offer 10 weeks of hands-on experience in application development, AI, and ServiceNow fundamentals, with support to gain industry-recognised certifications. Asanda Beda spoke to Dr. Tessy Ojo CBE, Chief Executive of the Diana Award..
China-based multinational home appliances manufacturer, has officially entered the South African market
Haier, a China-based multinational home appliances manufacturer, has officially entered the South African market. The company says the move positions South Africa as its starting point for expansion into the rest of the African continent. The launch, which took place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, brought together government representatives, diplomats and business leaders to discuss investment, energy efficiency and industrial development. Our reporter, Lebogang Mabange, has more.
Nigeria electoral laws: Aigbe
Nigeria's long-running struggle to reform its electoral laws is once again in focus. In a recent article, development and electoral specialist Austin Aigbe warns that delays in passing the Electoral Bill are slowing democratic consolidation, weakening public trust, and entrenching elite control. With the 2027 elections approaching, Asanda Beda spoke to Aigbe on his assertions and why timely reform matters for Nigeria's democratic future.
Escalating conflict in South Sudan's Jonglei State is putting hundreds of thousands of lives at risk
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is warning that escalating conflict in South Sudan's Jonglei State is putting hundreds of thousands of lives at risk, as nearly 60 percent of the state's two million residents are expected to face crisis levels of hunger during the upcoming lean season from April to July. WFP says renewed military operations could force mass displacement and cut off access to food assistance at a critical time, as heavy rains soon make key roads impassable. Asanda Beda spoke to South Sudan WFP Communications Officer Tomson Phiri.
DRC Faces Ongoing Eastern Conflict as Tshisekedi Calls for National Dialogue
The Democratic Republic of Congo continues to face unrest in the east, where fighting persists between government forces and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. President Félix Tshisekedi has called for an inclusive national dialogue, setting conditions that it should not question his legitimacy or past court decisions, while emphasising national unity. To help us understand these developments and what they mean for peace and governance in the DRC, Jean-Baptiste Gasominari, an independent political analyst specialising in the Great Lakes region
Media Watchdog Raises Alarm Over Growing Attacks on Journalists in Botswana
Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) in Botswana, has condemned the emerging threats by the powers that be in the southern African country aimed at undermining media freedom. In recent months, journalists have been subjected to sustained public attacks, including accusations of misinformation, unethical conduct and poor professionalism. Shingirai Madondo reports from Gaborone
Free SA Raises Alarm Over Draft Hate Speech Regulations in South Africa
The Foundation for Rights of Expression and Equality, Free SA, has raised concerns over proposed regulations linked to South Africa's Hate Crimes and Hate Speech law. The group warns that the draft rules could threaten privacy rights, blur the line between criminal hate speech and protected expression, and open the door to government overreach. More than four-hundred citizens have backed its call for the regulations to be revised. For more on this, Paul Maritz, Director at Free SA
World Laureates Summit Opens in Dubai Alongside World Governments Summit
The World Laureates Summit is sitting in Dubai, alongside the World Governments Summit marking a historic integration of science and government. The gathering features high-level forums and dialogue on artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum science, energy, climate, and emerging technologies. The three day summit is expected to discuss the roadmap for the future of basic science. At leat 100 scientists, including Nobel laureates, winners of major global scientific prizes, and leaders of research institutions are attending the meeting.Now to discuss this further we are joined by Cameroonian Mathematician, Prof Abdon Atangana- He is attending the summit.
Nigerian Military Says Senior Boko Haram Commander Killed in Borno
Nigeria's military says it has killed Abu Khalid, a senior Boko Haram commander, along with 10 other militants in northeastern Borno state. Abu Khalid was reportedly the group's second-in-command in the Sambisa Forest. The army says no soldiers were harmed, and operations continue against Boko Haram and ISWAP hideouts in the North East. Jonathan James Lyamgohn, our correspondent in Nigeria, explains more.
Round up wrap with political analyst Mighti Jaime
On the roundup wrap segment of 'Rise and Shine' resident analyst Mighti Jamie, to talk to us about some of the stories highlighted earlier as well as throw forward to the week ahead
Ramaphosa Urges Infrastructure Push to Drive Continental Growth
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has renewed calls for accelerated infrastructure investment across the continent, saying it is key to economic growth, inclusive development, and Africa's long-term resilience. Speaking during a virtual meeting of Heads of State and Government of the Presidential Infrastructure Champion Initiative, Ramaphosa highlighted infrastructure as a critical enabler of continental integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA), noting that Africa could double its GDP by 2040 if infrastructure spending is scaled up. Channel Africa's reporter Micheal Mbewe has more.
Nigeria, Türkiye Sign Multiple Deals to Deepen Economic Cooperation
Nigeria's trade and investment relationship with Türkiye is set for a major boost following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's recent state visit to Ankara. According to Dele Oye, Chairman of the Nigeria-Türkiye Business Council, more than nine bilateral agreements were signed across key sectors including higher education, defence, trade, diaspora cooperation and halal products - a development expected to significantly deepen economic ties between the two countries. Channel Africa's economics reporter innocent Semosa has more
SA Salary Earners Show Resilience Despite Economic Pressures
South African salary earners showed surprising resilience in 2025, with the PayInc Net Salary Index remaining above year-ago levels despite tough economic conditions. The big question now is whether that momentum can be sustained in 2026. Our reporter Lebogang Mabange takes a closer look...
Arty Beat
Here's this week's segment of the African Arty Beats.
Outrage in Lagos as Makoko Residents Protest Home Demolitions
Earlier this week Nigerian police used tear gas to disperse Makoko residents protesting the demolition of their homes in Lagos, an operation that has displaced thousands in one of Africa's largest floating informal settlements. The demolitions, carried out by Lagos state authorities, have sparked outrage among affected families, with reports of injuries during the protests. To speak to us more about this, Jude Ojo from the Nigerian Slum/Informal Settlement Federation, supported by Justice & Empowerment Initiatives….
Hostex Marks 40-Year Milestone as Africa's Leading Hospitality Expo
Africa's leading food, drinks and hospitality trade Expo, Hostex is set to take place in early March in Johannesburg, South Africa. This year the event will be celebrating a 40 year legacy, bringing together restaurateurs, chefs, hotel operators, buyers, and suppliers to find new products, solutions, and trends. Thuto Ngobeni compiled this report...
Mining Indaba to Finalise Regional Compact on Illegal Mining
Ahead of next month's Mining Indaba in Cape Town, South Africa, illegal mining continues to be a major concern across the region. The annual event will see the finalisation of an Illegal Mining Compact, a collaborative framework recognising that illegal mining is not only a regulatory issue but also a socio-economic challenge. The compact aims to promote sustainable solutions that benefit both local communities and the wider mining sector. For more on this, Collen Dlamini, Head of Public Affairs at Mining Indaba...
Friday Market Update with Chantal Marx, Head of Investment Research and Content at FNB Wealth & Investments
It's time for your Friday Market Update. Global markets have been jittery this week as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East drove oil prices above $70 a barrel, prompting investors to seek safety in gold and reshuffle risk positions. Meanwhile, the world's largest sovereign wealth fund posted a record annual return, led by strong performances in technology and banking sectors. With us to unpack what this means for markets, economies and investors here in Africa and globally is Chantal Marx, Head of Investment Research and Content at FNB Wealth & Investments. TALKING POINTS: -Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are adding a risk premium to energy markets, driving oil price volatility that fuels inflation and threatens global economic stability. -Strong returns from major sovereign wealth funds signal sustained investor confidence in technology innovation and the resilience of well-capitalized banking institutions. -Oil price movements are intensifying inflation pressures, reshaping trade balances, and influencing growth prospects across African economies and global markets. -Surging gold prices alongside stressed bond markets point to growing financial strain, tighter liquidity, and heightened risk aversion worldwide. -In response to increased volatility, policymakers and investors must prioritize credibility, diversification, and resilience while navigating geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty.
Gunmen Launch Major Assault on Military Base in Niger's Capital
Explosions and heavy gunfire erupted overnight near Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, Niger's capital, marking one of the most serious security incidents in months. Armed gunmen launched a prolonged assault on the air force base housed within the airport complex, which is now a hub for Niger's fight against insurgent groups in the Sahel. The country's military leadership, which seized power in a 2023 coup, has blamed external actors even as analysts point to jihadist groups targeting newly acquired military assets. With us now to unpack what happened and what it means for security in Niger and across the Sahel is Ulf Laessing, Director of the Sahel Programme at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.
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