AFRICA

KAMPALA, UGANDA | Xinhua | A senior Ugandan official on Tuesday welcomed China’s decision to fully implement zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries with diplomatic relations, starting from May 1, saying the move will accelerate industrialization and economic development across the continent. Oryem Henry Okello, Uganda’s minister of state for …

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Maya Majueran | At the 39th African Union Summit on Saturday, China announced that it will fully implement zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries having diplomatic relations with China starting from May 1, 2026. It is not only a routine trade policy update but also a signal …

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | A new group of 20 Ugandan students has been selected to benefit from the Airtel Africa Tech Fellowship, a Shs 3.85 billion initiative aimed at supporting talented learners from disadvantaged backgrounds who are pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The programme, run …

KAMPALA, UGANDA | Xinhua | Uganda has submitted a formal bid to the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) to host the 2031 African Games, officials confirmed on Tuesday. “It is the first time we are announcing this, but we submitted a bid late last year and now we have experts …

NAIROBI, KENYA | Xinhua | Kenyan aviation workers on Tuesday called off their two-day strike, which had disrupted flights at the country’s main Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) agreed to resume work following a meeting involving relevant government ministries and airport authorities. The strike …

NAIROBI, KENYA | Xinhua | Kenyan aviation authorities on Monday assured travelers that contingency measures have been put in place to restore normal operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport following flight disruptions caused by a workers’ strike. The labor dispute between the Kenya Aviation Workers Union and the Kenya Civil …

Sydney, Australia | THE INDEPENDENT | The ordination of Lawrence Zimbe at St Brendan’s Church in Annandale has underscored a growing religious and diplomatic bridge between Australia and Uganda. The Most Rev. Danny Meagher presided over the ceremony, which drew a capacity crowd, including 15 priests and 10 seminarians. Among …

Nigeria’s growing natural hair industry includes enterprising professionals like Happiness Okorie, who recently styled Chimamanda Adichie’s hair. For years, Okorie had suffered from burns on her scalp due to using harsh relaxers. Then one day, she said ‘no more!’. SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | Happiness Okorie’s dream came true …

ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA | Xinhua | Chinese President Xi Jinping’s congratulatory message to the 39th African Union (AU) Summit has resonated strongly across the African continent and the wider international community. In his message, Xi announced that China will fully implement zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries having diplomatic relations …

After years of rapid expansion driven by mobile money, Africa’s digital credit market is entering a regulatory phase. Governments across the continent are formalising loan apps through licensing and conduct standards to curb abuses without stalling access to credit. SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | Regulators are reasserting control over …