Here are the top stories from Africa: President Mnangagwa delivered his State of the Nation address, highlighting key priorities for Zimbabwe.
In Nigeria, President Tinubu is heading to the UK for a two-week annual leave. Meanwhile, the Ghanaian government plans to distribute food grants to over 800,000 farmers to support agricultural efforts. Zimbabwe is set to open three new e-passport centers in the UK, Zambia, and the U.S.
Lastly, Rwanda is facing its first outbreak of the deadly Ebola-like Marburg virus, raising concerns about public health in the region.
Check out all the top stories below:
PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA DELIVERS STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS: KEY TAKEAWAYS
President Emmerson Mnangagwa delivered his State of the Nation Address, outlining the government’s priorities for the upcoming year and reflecting on progress since the start of the 10th Parliament nearly a year ago.
On unity and development, he emphasized the importance of fulfilling promises made by the ruling ZANU-PF party, stating that enhancing the well-being of Zimbabweans through stability and security is a key mission.
Regarding promises to the nation, Mnangagwa assured citizens of the government’s dedication to realizing ZANU-PF’s commitments while highlighting the significance of social cohesion.
On challenges faced, he acknowledged the recent El Niño-induced drought, which negatively impacted economic growth across various sectors and complicated recovery efforts.
In expressing gratitude for support, he thanked international organizations and countries that provided humanitarian assistance following Zimbabwe’s appeal in early 2024.
On the agricultural sector, Mnangagwa announced a projected record wheat harvest of 600,000 tonnes from the 2024 winter crop, calling it a significant milestone for the farming sector’s resilience.
He recognized the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) for winning the 2024 Africa Food Prize, highlighting its role in enhancing food security in Zimbabwe.
Throughout his address, Mnangagwa reiterated the government’s focus on maintaining stability and promoting development, with agriculture and humanitarian relief as central themes, particularly in light of the drought challenges.
PRESIDENT TINUBU HEADS TO THE UK FOR A TWO-WEEK ANNUAL LEAVE
President Bola Tinubu left Abuja on Wednesday for the United Kingdom to start a two-week vacation.
This break is described as “part of his yearly leave,” according to Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.
Per the statement:
“He will use the two weeks as a working vacation and a retreat to reflect on his administration’s economic reforms.
“He will return to the country after the leave expires”.
DR CONGO-BORN NBA HALL OF FAMER DIKEMBE MUTOMBO, DIES AT 58
The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced on Monday that Dikembe Mutombo, its Global Ambassador and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer from the Democratic Republic of Congo, died from brain cancer at the age of 58.
“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.
“On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in the NBA. Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others.”
Mutombo was surrounded by his family, as noted in the statement.
After the 2009 NBA playoffs, Mutombo retired, and both the Nuggets and Atlanta Hawks honored him by retiring his number 55 jersey, leading to his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.
- Four-time Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY)
- Eight-time All-Star
- Three-time All-NBA selection
- Six-time All-Defensive Team member
- Second all-time in blocks (BLK)
- Third all-time in blocks per game (BPG)
RWANDA HIT BY FIRST OUTBREAK OF DEADLY EBOLA-LIKE MARBURG VIRUS
Rwanda has been hit by the first outbreak of the Marburg virus disease (MVD), prompting the Ministry of Health to introduce new guidelines to control its spread due to an alarming rise in fatalities.
Marburg virus disease is a highly infectious illness that leads to hemorrhagic fever, with a fatality rate reaching up to 88%. The virus spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals, including blood, and surfaces contaminated with these fluids.
As of late Sunday, the ministry reported that the death toll has reached ten, with 29 confirmed cases and over 18 individuals currently isolated and receiving treatment.
As a result, the World Health Organization (WHO) has marked Rwanda as “high risk,” which has led authorities to enforce limits on funeral attendance and hospital visits to mitigate further outbreaks.
Citizens are advised to avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of the virus, such as high fever, severe headaches, muscle pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. To further limit the disease’s spread, visits to hospitalized patients will be banned for the next 14 days, allowing only one caregiver per patient at a time.
24 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS IN BENIN CITY, EDO STATE
Officials from the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have detained 24 individuals suspected of internet fraud in Benin City, Edo State.
In a statement and photos posted on X.com on Wednesday, the EFCC announced that the suspects were apprehended on Monday at various locations in Benin City.
“The suspects were arrested following actionable intelligence of their suspected involvement in computer-related fraud.
“Items recovered from them include 11 exotic cars, laptops, and phones. The sum of N160,000.00 (one hundred and sixty thousand naira) was also recovered from one of the suspects.”
The EFCC stated that the suspects have provided valuable information and will be brought to court once the investigations are finished.
STARLINK INCREASES SUBSCRIPTION PRICES IN NIGERIA
The satellite internet service Starlink, owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has announced a significant price increase for its offerings in Nigeria, raising monthly subscription fees by 97%.
The standard service subscription has risen from ₦38,000 (USD 22.8) to ₦75,000 (USD 50) per month.
The mobile regional (Roam Unlimited) plan, which enables customers to use Starlink kits outside their home or office in Nigeria, has jumped from ₦49,000 (USD 29.4) to ₦167,000 (USD 100) per month.
The mobile global roaming service is now priced at ₦717,000 (USD 429.5) per month, while new Starlink kits have also seen a 34% increase, rising from ₦440,000 (USD 263.6) to ₦590,000 (USD 353.4).
Current customers will start paying the new rates on October 31st, while new subscribers will be subject to the updated pricing right away.
GHANA: GOVT TO DISTRIBUTE FOOD GRANTS TO OVER 800K FARMERS
Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, announced that starting October 10, 2024, the ministry will distribute food grants to over 800,000 farmers in the eight regions hardest hit by severe drought in the country.
The minister stated that his department has outlined several key measures to assist farmers and stabilize the country’s food system following the recent drought.
These measures include the distribution of 118,000 metric tons of fertilizers and more than 5,000 metric tons of seeds to smallholder farmers nationwide.
At the Meet the Press series on October 1, 2024, Bryan Acheampong disclosed that the government has obtained $160 million to assist farmers and maintain food security following the drought.
The minister revealed that each farmer will receive a 25kg bag of rice and 100kg of maize.
“On October 10, we are starting the food grant to the 8 regions who have been affected to redeem our promise to farmers, each farmer is entitled to a bag of rice (25 Kg) and maize (100kg)”.
He stated that all inputs and grants distributed to farmers will be monitored on the Ghana Agriculture and Agribusiness Platform (GhAAP) to ensure transparency.
SAMUEL ETO’O BANNED FROM ATTENDING CAMEROON MATCHES FOR 6 MONTHS
FIFA has suspended Samuel Eto’o, president of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), from attending national team matches for six months due to a violation of its disciplinary code.
This sanction stems from the round-of-16 match between Brazil and Cameroon during the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia earlier in September. According to FIFA, the former Barcelona striker committed “offensive behavior and violations of the principles of fair play and misconduct of players and officials,” although specific details were not revealed.
According to FIFA, Eto’o is banned from attending both men’s and women’s matches involving FECAFOOT teams at all levels and age groups.
However, as the sanction does not impact his presidency, Eto’o will remain in his position as FECAFOOT president, a role he has held since 2021.
ZIMBABWE TO ESTABLISH THREE NEW E-PASSPORT CENTRES IN UK, ZAMBIA, AND THE U.S
Zimbabwe is working to establish three new e-passport centers in the UK, Zambia, and the US to help citizens living outside the country obtain essential documents more easily.
This comes after the successful opening of an e-passport office at the Zimbabwe Consulate in Johannesburg, South Africa, earlier this year.
The centers will feature advanced technology to enable efficient and secure passport processing. Registrar-General Mr. Henry Machiri told The Sunday Mail that the e-passport offices will provide convenience “to our citizens living outside the country.”
The Johannesburg e-passport office, opened earlier this year, has successfully issued almost 7,000 travel documents.
Mr. Machiri announced plans to expand the e-passport service to Cape Town, South Africa, once renovations at the consulate are complete
The current fee for e-passports is set at R4,900, payable only in South African rand.
CAF APPROVES ACCRA SPORTS STADIUM FOR GHANA VS. SUDAN AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS QUALIFIER
The Accra Sports Stadium has been approved by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to host Ghana’s essential 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Sudan.
Taking place on Friday, October 11, 2024, this match is crucial for Ghana’s efforts to qualify for the tournament.
A letter addressed to the GFA General Secretary stated:
“Following a comprehensive review of the reports of the CAF independent inspection regarding the Cape Coast and Accra Sports Stadia, we are pleased to inform you that the Accra Sports Stadium has been approved to host the AFCON Qualifiers for Morocco 2025. Specifically, it will host the Group F – Matchday 3 encounter between Ghana and Sudan, which is scheduled for October 11, 2024.
In light of this approval, we kindly request that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the stadium management team prioritise the necessary enhancements to the pitch and other critical areas of the stadium leading up to the match day to ensure an optimal experience for both teams and the attending fans.
Please note that CAF will continue to closely monitor the readiness of the stadium for this match, as well as for future CAF-sanctioned events’’.
EMIRATES AIRLINES RESUMES FLIGHTS TO NIGERIA AFTER TWO-YEAR SUSPENDED OPERATION
The Emirates Airlines flight has resumed operations in Nigeria after being out of the country for two years.
The airline’s aircraft landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Tuesday, marking its return after a two-year absence.
Emirates ceased operations in Nigeria after the Nigerian government blocked $85 million in revenue due to a lack of foreign exchange in August 2022.
The airline aims to run daily flights between Lagos and Dubai, giving customers more choices and better connections from Nigeria’s largest city through Dubai.
GHANA ELECTIONS SET FOR 7 DECEMBER
Ghana has confirmed December 7 as election day, where over 15 million people will choose a new president and 275 Members of Parliament (MPs).
The electoral authority has cleared 13 candidates, including the two primary rivals, with the election anticipated to focus on economic recovery after the country’s financial crisis in 2022.
The upcoming election is poised to be a tight contest between the top candidates, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and opposition leader John Mahama from the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The Electoral Commission has finalized the list, which includes nine party candidates and four independents.
FG TO EVACUATE NIGERIANS FROM LEBANON AMID ESCALATING CONFLICT WITH ISRAEL
On Tuesday, the Federal Government indicated plans to evacuate Nigerians in Lebanon due to rising tensions between Israel and Iran, following Iran’s launch of 180 ballistic missiles at Israel.
On Tuesday evening, Dada Olusegun, the President’s Special Assistant on Social Media, posted on X.com, urging all Nigerians in Lebanon to reach out to the Nigerian mission for profiling, documentation, and upcoming evacuation.
Iran launched multiple missiles at Israel on Tuesday in response to the killings of militant leaders supported by Iran, causing Israelis to seek shelter and sparking concerns across the region.
“A short while ago, missiles were launched from Iran towards the State of Israel,” the Israeli military said in a statement, as sirens sounded across Israel, AFP reports.
After about an hour, the military announced there was no longer a threat, and “it was decided that it is now permitted to leave protected spaces in all areas across the country,” with a “large number” of Iranian missiles intercepted.
ZIMBABWE: SHOPS SET LIMITS ON PRODUCTS DUE TO PANIC BUYING AFTER A BIG DEVALUATION OF THE ZIG
In Zimbabwe, several retailers have implemented a “one item per person” policy on essential goods like milk due to increasing panic buying and a growing lack of trust in the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency.
The decision comes after the ZiG was devalued, sparking worries about economic stability and the survival of formal businesses.
Major retailers such as Pick n Pay and OK Supermarket have indicated potential closures following a 43% drop in the currency’s value, which the government asserts is gold-backed, leading to market confusion.
Many retailers find the official exchange rate for the ZiG unreasonably high, leading to unsustainable prices and making it difficult for shops to survive, with some contemplating closure if the current system continues.
NIGERIA SECURES $1.57 BILLION LOAN FROM WORLD BANK
Nigeria has recently obtained $1.57 billion in funding from the World Bank to enhance human capital, the World Bank announced on Monday.
As stated by the World Bank, this funding will further enable Nigeria to confront governance difficulties in education and healthcare, improve primary healthcare services, and increase resilience to climate change by strengthening dam safety and irrigation infrastructure.
The new loan comprises $500 million for addressing governance issues in education and health, $570 million for strengthening primary healthcare, and $500 million for the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project.
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The post Top Stories in AFRICA this week: Mnangagwa SONA, Tinubu off to UK, Rwanda Marburg virus & more appeared first on YOMZANSI. Documenting THE CULTURE.
