The Week That Was, 14th August 2020

17 Aug 2020

Here is a recap of major activities that happened in Africa in the last 7 days. You can watch the video here: 

Central Africa

  • Angola’s ex-presidents’ son was sentenced to five years in jail for corruption.  This is the highest-profile figure to be sentenced linked to the previous regime.

Eastern Africa

  • In Kenya the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has announced an increase in the prices for fuel and kerosene compounding the effects of COVID-19 on the everyday life of Kenyans
  • Mocimbao da Praia in Mozambique was seized by insurgents. This is a significant port as it is in the center of the gas-rich region in northern Mozambique were multi-billion-dollar projects are being executed
  • Rwanda’s Ministry of ICT and innovation announced that they have started the process to find investors for its drone operation center
  • Tanzania’s president John Magufuli will inaugurate the Dar es Salaam to Arusha passenger rail line which is operated by the Tanzania Railway Corporation (TRC)

Northern Africa

  • In Eastern Libya, the ongoing oil blockade has resulted in severe power outages
  • The Libyan sovereign fund will submit a request to the UN allowing it to invest billions of dollars
  • A new Curfew was declared in the Port of Sudan to combat the spread of COVID-19

Southern Africa

  • After a surge in new COVID-19 cases in Namibia, new stricter measures were introduced last week
  • At the same time, South Africa announced its COVID-19 cases may have reached its peak
  • In South Africa, mining output fell 28.2% year-on-year
  • Exxaro Resources listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange reported a 40% increase in earnings due to higher coal exports and a favorable exchange rate
  • The Rand Merchant Bank has been appointed as an adviser to help the South African government assess offers for stakes in the insolvent South African Airways

Western Africa

  • Gambians have raised complaints about the erratic power supply which has gripped the country over the last few days.  This is on the back of the Government imposed restrictions across the country in efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19
  • The President of Ghana broke ground for the construction of a new 400-bed 12 story Maternity and Gynaecology center and a 101-bed double story Urology and Nephrology center at the Korlebu Teaching Hospital in the capital city Accra
  • Nigeria’s federal government launched the National Gas Transportation Network Code to boost investment in the country’s gas sector
  • Oil Workers in Nigeria went on strike to protest the lack of pay due to COVID-19 restrictions

Interested in knowing more, get in touch.

 

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