AFRICA

Online tech courses surge in Africa as learners seek in-demand skills to crack a tough job market. SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | Young Africans are increasingly sidestepping traditional degrees in favour of online tech courses that promise faster, more practical routes to employment as the job market tightens and …

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | I&M Bank Uganda delivered a robust financial performance for the year ended 31 December 2024, as the institution reported significant growth across key financial metrics, including profit after tax, total assets, total revenue, net loans and advances, customer deposits, and shareholders’ equity. The bank’s success came amid strong national economic indicators, with Uganda’s GDP …

Kabale, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The World Health Organisation (WHO) is intensifying emergency response efforts to control an outbreak of anthrax in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In a statement released on Thursday, WHO reported that 16 suspected and one confirmed human cases of the disease have been recorded …

Mogadishu, Somalia | THE INDEPENDENT | The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) contingent in Somalia will not be withdrawn soon because they still need to support the Somalia National Army (SNA) and the government to fight Al-Shabaab terrorists, according to Brig Gen Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga. Brig Ssemwanga, who was meeting …

ADDIS ABABA/LIBREVILLE | Xinhua | The Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU) on Wednesday announced the reinstatement of Gabon to the union’s family. Gabon’s reinstatement came after the council in its 1,277th meeting reviewed the country’s political transition and processes, which were found to be “generally …

Kigali, Rwanda | THE INDEPENDENT | Southern African Development Community (SADC) forces, who were defeated by the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels in Goma City in DRC and neighbouring areas, have started withdrawing from North Kivu. Following the fall of Goma city in January 2025, SADC troops remained stationed in …

South Africa and Morrocco win Africa Junior Boys and Girls golf Tunis, Tunisia | THE INDEPENDENT | South Africa Junior golfers have won the boys category of the 25th edition of the All Africa Junior Golf Team Championships held at the Residence Golf Course in Tunis Tunisia. This is a …

KINSHASA | Xinhua | The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda signed a Declaration of Principles in Washington, the United States on Friday, marking a significant step toward restoring peace in eastern Congo, a region long plagued by conflict. The declaration was signed by DRC Foreign Minister Therese …

KAMPALA, UGANDA | Xinhua | Defense and foreign affairs ministers from troop-contributing countries to the African Union (AU) peacekeeping force in Somalia have called for urgent action, warning that Somalia’s security is faltering as the al-Shabaab militant group gains ground. The ministers from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda, together with …

A hit reality TV show that began as a cheeky local adaptation of the U.S dating show The Bachelor has morphed into a national obsession in Ethiopia, blending dating drama with unflinching explorations of female agency, generational divides, and a nation’s quiet gender revolt. SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | …