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Channel Africa Rise & Shine
News and Current Affairs show that gives insight into political events on the continent and internationally.
UN Resident Coordinator calls for renewed commitment to UN Charter
The United Nations Resident Coordinator in South Africa, Nelson Muffuh, has called for renewed commitment to the principles of the UN Charter, urging world leaders to turn them into concrete action for a better future for all. Speaking at the 2026 United Nations Day commemoration in Pretoria on Tuesday, co-hosted by South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation and the UN Country Team, Muffuh said restoring trust in multilateralism requires more than declarations and promises. Channel Africa’s Reporter Michael Mbewe filed this report.
African leaders call for stronger ties between the continent and its diaspora
African leaders are calling for stronger ties between the continent and its diaspora to address economic inequality, historical injustices and barriers to development. The call was made at the official opening of the Africa and African Diaspora Conference in Johannesburg, where speakers also raised concerns about Africa’s debt burden, the risks associated with the continent’s mineral wealth and the need for greater representation of women in political leadership. Channel Africa’s Lebogang Mabange reports.
Wednesday profile: Franco-Gabonese entrepreneur Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard
Time now for our Wednesday profile interview. This morning, we speak to Franco-Gabonese entrepreneur Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard. Pompigne-Mognard is the Founder and Chairman of APO Group, a communications consultancy and press release distribution company established in 2007. Pompigne-Mognard is also the Founder and Executive Chairman of African Collaborations Group, which focuses on building strategic partnerships and developing sport as an industry in Africa. From an early career in journalism to building businesses with an international reach, Pompigne-Mognard’s journey offers insights into entrepreneurship, investment and Africa’s place in the global economy. Pompigne-Mognard joins us live to reflect on career highlights, the challenges of doing business in Africa and a vision for the continent’s future.
East African civil rights groups condemn alleged abduction of Tanzanian opposition activist
East African civil rights groups have condemned the alleged abduction of Tanzanian opposition activist and youth organiser Twaha Mwaipaya. Mwaipaya was reportedly intercepted and taken by masked men in Kamulu, Machakos County, Kenya, on Sunday. Mwaipaya had been living in exile in Kenya for more than a year. The incident has reignited serious concerns among regional watchdogs over an escalating pattern of transnational repression in East Africa. To discuss this further, we are joined by Tanzanian Journalist and Human Rights Activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai, who survived an abduction in Kenya in January.
Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu ends brief hunger strike
Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu ended a brief hunger strike on Tuesday after prison authorities allowed a private meeting with his younger brother. Lissu, Chairperson of the main opposition party, Chadema, had begun refusing food and medication after prison authorities denied him private consultations with his legal team. Lissu, who was arrested six months ago, is facing treason charges and is awaiting a final court judgment scheduled for November 6. If convicted of treason, Lissu could face the death penalty or a lengthy prison sentence. We are now joined by John Kitoka, Chadema’s Director for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
Critical security flaws in PHP prompt global disruption
Critical security flaws in PHP, a programming language that powers many websites, have prompted governments, hospitals and businesses around the world to take some websites and online services offline. The vulnerabilities could allow attackers to take control of affected systems, raising concerns about data security and the disruption of essential services. Security updates have been released, but organisations still need to ensure their systems are protected. For African institutions, as elsewhere, the incident highlights the challenge of responding quickly to evolving cyber threats. For more, Allan Juma, Lead Cybersecurity Engineer at ESET, joins us from Nairobi.
West Africa wrap
We now look at some of the stories making headlines across the West African region. We speak to Dr David Matsanga, Political Scientist and Conflict Resolution Analyst.
Africa round-up
Time now for our daily Africa round-up. Each morning, just after the six o’clock news, we bring you a concise update on the key developments shaping the continent and the world over the past 24 hours. With insights from our team of journalists, analysts and newsmakers, we place the day’s biggest stories in context, helping you stay informed, connected and prepared for the day ahead.
Mozambique Seeks South African Investment to Unlock Natural Gas Potential and Boost Regional Energy Cooperation
Mozambique is seeking to attract more investment from South Africa into its natural gas sector as it works to advance major energy projects and strengthen regional economic ties. The country has substantial gas reserves, but security concerns, financing challenges and the need for reliable infrastructure remain obstacles to developing the industry. Innocent Semosa reports.
SADC Countries Assess Disaster Readiness for 2026–2027 El Niño Season at Johannesburg Workshop
The 2026 Disaster Preparedness and Response Planning Workshop has concluded in Johannesburg, South Africa, with Southern African Development Community member states assessing their readiness for the 2026-2027 El Niño season and other potential hazards. The four-day meeting, organised by SADC, the European Union and other partners, produced a regional preparedness snapshot outlining how countries plan to respond to possible humanitarian impacts. Sisi Segalo reports.
Thabo Mbeki Links Sahel Coups to Public Frustration Over Political Dynasties and Concentration of Powe
Former South African President Thabo Mbeki says recurring military coups in the Sahel are partly driven by public frustration over political power remaining in the hands of a few influential families, despite regular elections. He was speaking at a biannual conversation hosted by the University of South Africa's Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs at the university's Muckleneuk Campus in Pretoria on Friday. Channel Africa's Michael Mbewe reports.
African Union Renews Calls to Lift Zimbabwe Sanctions, Citing Economic Hardship and Regional Development Setbacks
The African Union has renewed calls for the immediate and unconditional lifting of unilateral sanctions against Zimbabwe, declaring that the restrictive measures continue to impose a severe socio-economic toll on the nation. In an official statement issued by AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, ahead of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Anti-Sanctions Day on Sunday, the continental body emphasized that the restrictions actively block Zimbabwe's access to international financial systems and deter foreign direct investment. Fully aligning its position with SADC, the AU argued that the persistent economic barriers critically undermine regional integration efforts, Zimbabwe's Vision 2030 development plan, and the broader targets of the AU's Agenda 2063.We are now joined by Kevin Tutani, Political Economist at Zano Guru Advisory Zimbabwe - a financial consultancy firm
South Africa’s Water Crisis Deepens as Contamination, Failing Infrastructure and Municipal Mismanagement Spark Outrage
South Africa is experiencing a significant water crisis, which has worsened recently. This situation has been underscored by a notable outbreak of gastroenteritis in the Bronkhorstspruit town just outside the capital Pretoria, where a local water treatment facility operated without proper chlorination. In addition, major metropolitan areas like Johannesburg are facing issues with dry taps and failing distribution systems. Over 400 individuals in Bronkhorstspruit were hospitalized after consuming contaminated water. In response, the Public Protector has initiated a formal investigation into municipal mismanagement as public protests and scrutiny from Parliament increase over the neglect of water infrastructure. Furthermore, it has been reported that the country loses 47.3% of its treated drinking water annually due to leaks caused by aging infrastructure. To discuss this further we speak to, Retired Professor from the University of the Free State Center for Environmental Management in South Africa, Prof Mike Muller { Director General of South Africa's Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (1997-2005)
Africa and Diaspora Leaders Meet in Johannesburg to Advance Reparatory Justice and Tackle Inequality
African and diaspora leaders are gathering in Johannesburg from today to discuss reparatory justice, racism and economic inequality. The second Africa and African Diaspora Conference, under the theme The Return to Africa, aims to move beyond dialogue and develop practical measures to address historical injustices and the challenges facing Africans and people of African descent. Channel Africa's Lebogang Mabange reports.
Africa’s Gen Z Protests: Can Youth-Led Movements Deliver Lasting Political and Economic Change?
We continue with The Discourse, focusing on Gen Z-led protests in Africa. From Kenya's demonstrations against proposed tax increases and Uganda's anti-corruption protests to Madagascar's youth-led uprising and recent protests over electricity supply in The Gambia, people across the continent are raising concerns about economic hardship, public services and political accountability. But what happens when protests bring political change without resolving the problems that sparked them? And are these movements reshaping the way young Africans engage with politics? For more, we're joined by Dr Thierry Luescher, Director of Postgraduate Studies and Researcher Development at the University of Cape Town. He researches student activism and youth politics in Africa and co-authored research examining student protests and generational politics across the continent between 2020 and 2025.
Gen Z Protests Sweep the Globe as Youth Demand Economic Justice and Political Accountability
It's time now for the Monday edition of The Discourse, a daily feature here on Rise and Shine, where we examine issues shaping societies across the world. Today, we're looking at a wave of Gen Z-led protests, from Europe to Africa and Asia, as young people take to the streets over economic hardship, corruption and political accountability. What is driving this mobilisation, and what does it tell us about the relationship between young people and those in power? For more, we're joined from the UK by Andrew Firmin, Editor-in-Chief at CIVICUS, a global alliance of civil society organisations and activists. He also co-leads the organisation's work researching and analysing global civil society trends.
Political analyst Mighti Jamie unpacks the key stories shaping Africa’s political landscape and regional affairs.
We now look at some of the stories making headlines in the continent, we speak to, Political Analyst, Mighti Jamie
Daily Africa RoundUP: Your essential briefing on the biggest global stories, with expert insights and context
Time now for our daily Africa RoundUP. Each morning, just after six o'clock news, we bring you a concise update on the key developments shaping the world over the past 24 hours, With insights from our team of journalists, analysts, and newsmakers, we place the day's biggest stories into context -helping you stay informed, connected, and prepared for the day ahead.
South Africa’s local government elections set to test voter sentiment, service delivery and coalition politics amid record participation
South Africans are preparing to head to the polls on 4 November, for a highly anticipated local government election that features a record-breaking 546 political parties and over 137 000 candidates, competing for just over 10 500 municipal council seats nationwide. In an election heavily focused on local infrastructure, in two weeks citizens would be voting directly for municipal leadership to manage critical service delivery, including water, sanitation, and electricity grids. This election marks the first major test of voter sentiment since the formation of the country's national multi-party coalition - Government of National Unity (GNU) in 2024, with analysts predicting a highly fragmented vote that could result in a surge of local coalition governments across major economic hubs. We spoke to Dr Tendai Mbanje : Human rights, governance, and elections expert.
African Arty Beats: Celebrating Africa’s vibrant arts, culture, music and creative talent
Here's this week's segment of the African Arty Beats.
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