According to a social media post by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ethiopian delegation was led by Ambassador Meles Alem, Director General of European and American Affairs, while the Dutch side was led by Pascalle Grotenhuis, Vice Minister for International Cooperation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The two sides also discussed regional peace and stability, economic cooperation, and reform of the international multilateral system.

Opening the consultations, Ambassador Meles highlighted the longstanding and multifaceted relations between the two countries.

He underscored the historical bonds and long-standing cooperation in agriculture, horticulture, dairy development, and cold-chain infrastructure, and appreciated the contribution of Dutch investors to Ethiopia’s economy.

He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a conducive investment environment through the implementation of the Homegrown Economic Reform Program.

The discussions also covered peace, development, regional affairs, and multilateral issues.

Ambassador Meles highlighted Ethiopia’s ongoing efforts to advance peace, democratic participation, and national consensus, including through the recently concluded seventh national elections and the National Dialogue.

He appreciated the Netherlands’ support for the implementation of the Pretoria Peace Agreement, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR), and transitional justice, and called for continued cooperation in support of Ethiopia’s peace and development priorities.

Vice Minister Grotenhuis expressed the Netherlands’ interest in expanding investment and strengthening economic cooperation with Ethiopia, while welcoming the progress of the country’s economic reform efforts, according to the social media post.

She also commended Ethiopia’s important role in the multilateral system and expressed support for reforms aimed at making international institutions more representative and responsive to contemporary global realities.

Both sides underscored the importance of sustained high-level engagement, including exchanges of official visits, and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening their longstanding partnership across political, economic, regional, and multilateral areas, particularly as they mark a century of bilateral trade relations.

SOURCE: Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) / AllAfrica

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Speaking while meeting small traders at State House yesterday, the Head of State tasked State Department for Industry Principal Secretary Juma Mukhwana and Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui with ensuring that illegal traders are dealt with according to the law.

President Ruto added that Parliament is already working on a Bill that will restrict foreigners from engaging in certain trades in the country.

“Kuna biashara ambayo mgeni hawezi kufanya hapa Kenya. Tayari tuko na mswada bunge. We have a bill in parliament ya mambo ya biashara. Katika hiyo bill tumependekeza ya kwamba kuna biashara ambayo mgeni hawezi kufanya hapa Kenya,” President Ruto said.

“…….waangalie kabisa kwa sababu hatujapitisha so that we seal all the loopholes. Isitokee ati mtu ametoka sijui China na wapi na wapi anakuja kuwa hawker. Kuja kufanya biashara ya kuuza sijui kwa duka kidogo hapo.”

Over the years, local traders have raised concerns over the growing number of traders from countries such as Burundi, Somalia and Tanzania, among others, who they say are competing with Kenyans in businesses including food, mitumba and retail shops.

By Kevin Rotich / Capital FM/AllAfrica

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Twenty-year-old Solantine Maifrigi counts the threads one by one. She lifts her feet in a steady rhythm, passes a wooden shuttle from hand to hand and concentrates on preventing the threads from breaking as she weaves a 30-metre length of cotton fabric.

After the grandmother she had been caring for died, Maifrigi returned to her parents without a business or an income. She initially hoped to become a seamstress and paid FCFA 5,000 (US$8.90) a month for training. But when her younger sister, whom she had encouraged to learn a craft, became interested in weaving, Maifrigi decided to try it too.

Before joining the Gaaraadji Training Centre in Garoua’s Poumpoumré neighbourhood in northern Cameroon, she had never encountered textile weaving.

“During my free one-year training at the centre, I learned how to weave, dye and embroider clothing. I was asked to stay after completing the course,” she says.

Her monthly stipend helps cover food, clothing and rent.

“Thanks to my employment at the centre, I was able to buy a sewing machine,” she says, adding that she now sees new opportunities in the textile industry.

Like Maifrigi, 18-year-old single mother Nafisatou previously survived by selling a small range of goods. Since joining the centre, she has learned to weave and can better support herself and her child.

The two are among 10 young people retained from an initial group of 20 trainees. They learned to work with gaaraadji  the Fulfulde word for thread made from cotton grown in Cameroon’s northern regions.

Cameroon produces about 350,000 tonnes of seed cotton annually under the supervision of the Cotton Development Company, SODECOTON, making it Africa’s fifth-largest producer. Yet little of the crop is processed locally.

According to  Business in Cameroon, only about 5%  of the country’s cotton is processed domestically. Around 3,000 tonnes a year were previously processed in Garoua by the Cotton Industrial Company of Cameroon, CICAM, whose operations in the city were suspended.

While West African producers such as Burkina Faso and Benin are pursuing domestic-processing strategies, Cameroon is only beginning to develop this part of its value chain.

The absence of CICAM’s operations in Garoua, together with delays in fully establishing the proposed CAMTEX industrial platform, has created room for smaller initiatives such as Gaaraadji.

Operating from premises covering more than 700 square metres, the centre has installed machinery to turn locally sourced thread into handmade cotton textiles.

“We source Cameroonian thread produced by SODECOTON through CICAM, as well as from other suppliers, depending on demand,” says Sonia Hayatou, founder of the Gaaraadji Training Centre.

Hayatou, a chemist with a passion for sewing, returned to Cameroon after working in Europe for 17 years. She hopes that, within five years, Gaaraadji will become one of the businesses processing more of the country’s cotton locally.

For now, the centre uses just over 100kg of cotton thread a month but hopes to increase production.

“We produce fabric every two days. Demand is high, especially for weddings,” Hayatou says. “We bring something new by personalising designs and ensuring quality, so customers no longer have to travel to West Africa in search of fabric. They also have the advantage of being able to monitor production.”

She believes Gaaraadji could eventually respond to larger orders, including those for uniforms.

Although its output remains modest, the centre is gaining recognition. It was selected from among 600 enterprises participating in the 2026 Cameroon International Handicrafts Fair,  SIARC , organised by the Ministry of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts, MINPMEESA, to showcase the country’s crafts.

“We recently produced a collection of 12 outfits made from 100% cotton, woven in Garoua and sewn in Yaoundé, in less than a month for the Environment, Ecosystem, Fashion and Design Forum organised by MINPMEESA,” Hayatou recalls.

Adama Habiya, MINPMEESA’s representative at Garoua II Council, says Gaaraadji was selected because of the originality and cultural significance of its work, its use of locally produced cotton and the jobs it is creating.

Since registering as a craft business with the council, Gaaraadji has also received technical and financial support through MINPMEESA’s decentralised services.

“What we appreciate about this centre is its dedication, the founder’s passion for the craft and the quality of its finished products,” Habiya says. “We encourage the centre to persevere, innovate, establish itself in national and international markets, and adapt to the changing landscape, including ICT, standards and quality requirements, intellectual property protection and business formalisation.”

When Cameroon hosted the World Trade Organization’s 14th Ministerial Conference in Yaoundé from 26 to 29 March 2026, including a side event for cotton-producing countries, Gaaraadji was invited to demonstrate its work.

“We demonstrated the journey from cotton to thread using a spinning wheel, and then from weaving to finished fabric,” Hayatou says.

Ousmanou Garba, director of the Garoua Crafts Village, says the initiative comes at a time when Cameroon needs improved weaving techniques to advance its National Development Strategy 2020–2030 and import-substitution policy, which promotes Made in Cameroon products.

The Garoua Regional Crafts Village provides Gaaraadji with technical guidance, expertise and practical advice, while also including it in trade fairs and exhibitions.

“We firmly believe that this centre will contribute to women’s empowerment through weaving, something we are already witnessing first-hand,” Garba says. “Its woven products are of high quality and meet a variety of needs within the region and beyond.”

In October 2026, Gaaraadji plans to begin offering formal vocational courses after receiving authorisation from the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training. It will continue providing weaving instruction to women from disadvantaged backgrounds.

One challenge is promoting weaving in ways that resonate with Cameroonians and persuading consumers to see locally made cotton clothing as an investment, particularly in a market where many people rely on cheaper second-hand clothes.

Hayatou argues that the cost need not be prohibitive. The centre’s fabrics range from FCFA 2,500 (US$4.45) to about FCFA 40,000 (US$71).

She dreams of Cameroon following countries such as Burkina Faso and Mali in embracing domestic cotton processing as a way to strengthen the economy.

“Although we are still at an early stage, we are part of this movement,” she says.

SOURCE: By Leocadia Bongben/AllAfrica

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Uber announced on Wednesday that it was ending its ride-hailing operations in Nigeria, bringing to an end more than a decade of operations in the country.

The development has drawn criticism from the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), which accused the company of abandoning Nigerian drivers without adequate notice.

National Spokesperson of AUATON, Jossy Adaraniwon, described the decision as “unprofessional and irresponsible,” alleging that Uber had failed to adequately consider the thousands of drivers who contributed to building its Nigerian operations.

According to him, Uber’s exit was partly linked to what he described as an exploitative business model that failed to protect workers’ rights or support collective bargaining.

He alleged that Bolt and InDrive subsequently adopted similar practices, resulting in what he called a “race to the bottom” in Nigeria’s ride-hailing sector.

Adaraniwon said the situation had contributed to longer passenger waiting times, reduced earnings and a decline in active drivers because of poor working conditions.

He urged Bolt and InDrive to establish genuine collective bargaining mechanisms with AUATON, warning: “If you continue to operate without creating a genuine atmosphere for collective bargaining with AUATON, you will suffer the same fate.”

He also demanded fair remuneration, welfare packages, transparency, safety measures and decent working conditions for drivers, in line with International Labour Organisation standards.

The union further alleged that Uber had played an anti-union role in Nigeria, including petitioning the Federal Ministry of Labour over AUATON’s registration.

Adaraniwon also alleged that Uber sponsored individuals within the union to create internal crises and frustrate negotiations with drivers.

Meanwhile, Uber drivers and customers in Abuja expressed mixed reactions to the company’s departure.

An Uber driver, Friday Ayegba, who said he had driven with the platform for almost three years, said the company had become an important source of income for his family.

“Uber is very important to my family because what I earn from Uber is what I use to support my family,” he said.

Ayegba said he would particularly miss Uber’s driver bonuses, promotions and navigation system, which he described as accurate and reliable.

“Uber normally gives us driver promos that help us adjust our fuel expenditure, but now that they are going, it is going to affect us much,” he said.

A customer, Mercy Marcus, also expressed disappointment, describing Uber as one of the most affordable ride-hailing options.

“Uber is one of the cheapest means of transportation. Among Bolt, InDrive and Uber, Uber is cheaper,” she said.

However, another customer, Kasim Abdullah, said the availability of Bolt, InDrive and emerging platforms meant the exit would not necessarily create a permanent gap.

“There is Bolt. There is InDrive, and there are other ones that are coming up now,” he said.

Another driver, Emmanuel Ogbor, said Uber’s departure would have little effect on him because he primarily used the platform as a side hustle. He also complained about the company’s commission amid high fuel costs.

“With the cost of fuel in Nigeria, we are buying fuel for N1,360 now, and they are taking 30 per cent off every ride,” he said.

Ogbor said he would instead focus on indigenous platforms, particularly InDrive, which he said had a lower commission.

Beyond the immediate concerns of drivers and passengers, the exit has also raised broader questions about competition in Nigeria’s ride-hailing market.

Uber had contributed significantly to the development of app-based transportation, providing passengers with another option and drivers with an additional source of income.

An Uber-commissioned Public First study estimated that Uber contributed about N34 billion to Nigeria’s economy in 2023 and enabled drivers to earn an additional N6.1 billion annually through the platform.

The exact number of Nigerian drivers, employees and riders affected by the exit has not been disclosed by Uber.

‘I’m heartbroken’, former spokesperson laments exit

Former Uber communications executive, Francesca Uriri, has expressed deep sadness over the ride-hailing company’s decision to exit Nigeria, describing the development as a painful loss after years of building relationships, campaigns and initiatives around mobility and economic empowerment.

Uriri, who uses the Instagram handle @zanyfran, shared her reaction in an emotional post following Uber’s announcement that it was ending its ride-hailing operations in Nigeria.

Uriri, who previously served as Head of Communications for West Africa at Uber, said she was “heartbroken” by the company’s exit, stressing that her experience with the platform went far beyond simply having a job.

Public profiles identify Uriri as a communications professional who previously worked with Uber and as the founder of Leading Ladies Africa.

“I’m heartbroken in a way that I can’t fully describe. And honestly, I also feel a little silly. Because it’s just work right? Only, it isn’t,” she wrote.

She said the news that Uber was leaving Nigeria “hit me like a gut punch” because the company’s presence in the country had become intertwined with the lives and stories of many people.

“Because it wasn’t ‘just work.’ It was about real people. Real stories. Real impact,” she said.

Uriri recalled some of the individuals whose stories, she said, had become part of her experience at Uber.

She mentioned Madam Blessing, described as the company’s first female driver-partner who also operated a thriving fashion business.

She also recalled Tobi, a National Youth Service Corps member who won a brand-new car, highlighting what she regarded as some of the personal opportunities and economic impact associated with the platform.

Beyond individual beneficiaries, Uriri paid tribute to the team she worked with, describing them as “easily the most talented, driven and passionate people” she had ever worked with.

Exit from Nigeria will reduce options – CFAO Nigeria Deputy MD

Kunle Jaiyesinmi, Deputy Managing Director of CFAO Nigeria, said the announcement came as a shock, particularly given Uber’s position as one of the pioneers of app-based ride-hailing services in Nigeria.

According to Jaiyesinmi, Uber’s entry into the Nigerian market helped establish a new model of urban transportation, subsequently encouraging other operators to enter the sector.

He noted that competitors such as Bolt, LagRide and other local mobility platforms have since expanded the options available to commuters.

He, however, expressed disappointment that Uber would be leaving Nigeria at a time when the country’s population is experiencing significant growth and demand for convenient transportation is increasing.

Jaiyesinmi attributed some of the challenges facing ride-hailing operators to the broader economic environment, particularly the deregulation of petroleum products and the removal of fuel subsidies.

He explained that rising operating costs have placed additional pressure on the ride-hailing business, while consumers have not experienced a corresponding increase in purchasing power.

“It’s always good to reinvent business models,” he said, stressing that developments in the wider economy had significantly affected the viability of ride-hailing services.

On the implications of Uber’s exit, Jaiyesinmi said one of the immediate consequences would be a reduction in the choices available to commuters. He particularly highlighted Uber’s standards regarding the vehicles deployed on its platform.

According to him, Uber has historically placed considerable emphasis on vehicle certification and quality, which contributed to the customer experience associated with its service. Its departure, he suggested, could leave customers with fewer opportunities to choose from vehicles that meet similarly high standards.

The development could also have economic consequences for drivers who depend on Uber for their livelihoods, he noted, saying drivers previously enlisted on the platform would have to seek alternative ways of deploying their vehicles and generating income.

Uber rival Bolt expresses commitment to Nigerian market

Meanwhile, Bolt has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Nigeria, assuring riders, drivers and other stakeholders that the company remains focused on the Nigerian market and its continued growth.

Bolt said Nigeria remains an important market for the company, with continued focus on providing reliable mobility solutions for riders, creating earning opportunities for drivers and working with stakeholders to support the development of the country’s mobility ecosystem.

“Nigeria remains an important market for Bolt, and we remain firmly committed to the country. We have built a strong community of riders and driver partners over the years, and our focus is on continuing to serve them while strengthening our operations and creating more opportunities across the market,” said Teddy Appa-Dankyi, Senior General Manager, Bolt West Africa.

He added: “We recognise that there is understandably some uncertainty following recent developments in the industry. However, our focus remains firmly on the long term. We will continue working closely with our drivers, riders, regulators and other partners to contribute to a reliable, accessible and sustainable mobility ecosystem in Nigeria.”

Uber unveils robotaxi in London

Meanwhile, less than 24 hours after terminating operation in Nigeria, the company is expanding its services elsewhere.

Uber, in partnership with British Artificial Intelligence company Wayve, unveiled autonomous rides in London, marking a new step in the company’s expansion of robotaxi services.

According to a Reuters report on Thursday, London is now the second city in Europe where Uber offers autonomous rides, after first it launched its robotaxi service in Zagreb.

At the initial stage, fewer than 20 Wayve-powered Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles will be available.

Passengers requesting UberX, Uber Comfort or Uber Electric could be matched with one of the autonomous vehicles at no additional cost.

A licensed operator will remain inside the vehicle initially to monitor the journey. Fully driverless operations are expected in the future, subject to regulatory approval.

Uber’s Global Head of Autonomous Mobility, Sarfraz Maredia, said the launch would help build public and government confidence in the technology.

“This will build credibility with consumers as well as with the government,” Maredia said.

Uber exit, vote of no-confidence on Tinubu’s policies – ADC

Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has described the exit of Uber from Nigeria and the scaling down of operations by several international companies, as evidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies are “turning Nigeria into a graveyard of businesses.”

ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, in a statement on Thursday said the growing list of businesses “shutting down, scaling back or leaving the country exposes the widening gap between the government’s claims of economic progress and the reality”, adding that the development is a vote of no-confidence on President Tinubu’s economic policies.

The party said it is worried that President Tinubu and his government were celebrating a marginal 0.2 percentage-point improvement in GDP at a time when businesses are closing, jobs are disappearing and millions of Nigerians are sinking deeper into poverty.

“Certainly, a 0.2% growth does not justify the extreme hardship that Nigerians are suffering,” the party said, arguing that while the “Tinubu government celebrates a marginal improvement of 0.2 percentage points, Nigeria’s poverty rate has snowballed to 63%, affecting an estimated 140 million Nigerians.”

The party asked President Tinubu to explain 0.2% GDP growth to the 140 million Nigerians who have sunk into poverty since he came to power; “the workers who have watched the value of their salaries disappear; businesses that have struggled with energy costs; and millions who have been forced to reduce the quantity and quality of food on their tables.

“When the President and his party say things are getting better, we expect them to tell us what has improved in the lives of Nigerians. They should tell us how much food their “GDP growth” has put on the tables. They should tell us which bill it has paid. If 0.2% is a mark of success in their books, President Tinubu and APC should tell us what they consider as failure,” the ADC said.

Abdullahi lamented that Uber’s exit after twelve years in Nigeria reflects the increasingly hostile operating environment confronting businesses, particularly the soaring cost of energy and transportation, with the price of fuel rising by as much as 1,700% following the removal of fuel subsidy and devaluation of the naira.

“This is precisely why the ADC Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has proposed the restoration of a targeted fuel subsidy to bring down the cost of fuel, transportation and production,” the party said.

It also cited the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria’s earlier report that 767 manufacturing companies, including 20 iconic global brands, have shut down or ceased operations in Nigeria, while hundreds more are distressed since President Tinubu assumed office in 2024.

“It listed among the companies that have shut down or scaled down operations in the country to include Microsoft, Jumia and Bolt Food, Pick n Pay, Shoprite, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Sanofi-Aventis, Bayer AG, Procter & Gamble, Unilever and PZ Cussons, among others.”

ADC therefore said when the President announced that Nigeria has turned the corner, we wonder which corner he is talking about. If indeed the economy is improving, or the slightest hope exists in the minds of those who run these businesses that this APC government can improve the economy, why are they closing shop and moving elsewhere?”

ADC asked, citing the example of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), which it said shut down manufacturing in Nigeria after 50 years.

SOURCE: By Abdullateef Aliyu, Lagos and Baba Martins / Daily Trust/AllAfrica

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The CPMZ pipeline’s annual transport capacity is expected to rise from three million to five million cubic metres by the end of 2027.

The expansion will allow an additional two billion litres of fuel to be transported annually, benefiting Mozambique, Zimbabwe and neighbouring regional markets including Zambia, Malawi, Botswana and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

President Chapo described the project as a critical investment in regional energy security and infrastructure.

“The expansion of the CPMZ pipeline is an important investment in Mozambique’s infrastructure and in the energy security of our region. By strengthening the connection between the Port of Beira and the Southern African hinterland, we are reinforcing Mozambique’s role as a strategic gateway for regional trade while deepening our cooperation with Zimbabwe,” he said.

He said infrastructure investments of this nature were essential for economic growth and strengthening the region’s resilience.

Mnangagwa said the expansion would have significant long-term benefits for Zimbabwe and the wider region.

“The stronger Beira-Harare corridor will support Zimbabwe’s energy security while creating greater capacity to serve markets beyond our borders. It shows what Mozambique and Zimbabwe can achieve through cooperation around infrastructure of shared regional importance,” he said.

The expansion will involve the construction of new pumping stations at Nhamatanda in Sofala Province and Messica in Manica Province.

The project will be synchronised with the planned expansion of the Petrozim Line between Feruka and Harare, creating a higher-capacity fuel route from the Mozambican coast into the Southern African hinterland.

Authorities said construction and commissioning would be carried out without disrupting existing pipeline operations or fuel supplies.

The 294-kilometre CPMZ pipeline links the Port of Beira in Mozambique to Feruka in Zimbabwe and serves as a key fuel artery for landlocked countries in the region.

The latest expansion follows an upgrade completed in 2024 which increased the pipeline’s annual capacity from two million to three million cubic metres.

António Laice, Chairman of the Board of Directors, said the project would increase capacity along one of the region’s most important fuel routes while ensuring continued supplies.

“This project adds substantial capacity to one of the region’s most important fuel routes without disrupting the supplies on which countries and businesses rely every day. It is an investment not only in pipeline infrastructure, but in regional trade, industrial activity and the long-term reliability of Southern Africa’s fuel supply network,” he said.

Beyond the latest expansion, plans are also being considered to eventually replace the existing pipeline with a larger-diameter line capable of transporting about 12 million cubic metres annually.

The proposed upgrade is projected to meet regional fuel demand through to 2050.

There are also plans being considered to extend the Harare-Lusaka fuel route into Zambia’s Copperbelt, potentially further strengthening regional fuel distribution networks.

The developments are expected to cement the Beira corridor’s position as a strategic gateway for fuel imports into Zimbabwe and other landlocked Southern African markets.

SOURCE: New Zimbabwe /AllAfrica

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At the Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali, one question is taking centre stage: how can Africa turn ambitious commitments to transform agriculture into financing that actually reaches the small and growing businesses feeding the continent?

While billions of dollars are being mobilised for agricultural development, much of the capital continues to struggle to reach local agri-SMEs. The challenge is increasingly shifting from simply raising finance to building a stronger connection between policy, investors and the businesses that need funding to expand.

Dr. Mallé Fofana, Deputy Executive Director and Head of the Directorate for Green Growth Implementation at the Global Green Growth Institute, discussed the barriers preventing international capital from reaching local agricultural enterprises and the steps needed to make these businesses more attractive to commercial lenders.

A key part of that process is helping early-stage agri-SMEs become more bankable. Strengthening business models, improving financial management and developing investment-ready enterprises can help bridge the gap between promising agricultural ventures and the commercial finance they need.

Blended finance could also play a critical role. By combining public or development funding with private capital, blended-finance models can reduce risk for commercial banks and encourage them to lend more to agriculture. For a sector that remains essential to Africa’s food security and economic growth, unlocking this capital could be transformative.

Kinshasa’s commuter train returns after 15 years

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, a different kind of transformation is taking place on the tracks.

For years, getting around Kinshasa has meant navigating some of the city’s notorious traffic congestion. But after spending roughly 15 years out of service, the capital’s commuter train is running again, offering workers an alternative to the crowded and gridlocked roads.

The return of the train is a significant development for a city where reliable public transport is critical to the daily lives of millions of people. By providing another way for commuters to move across the capital, the rail service could help reduce pressure on the roads while making journeys more predictable for workers.

The development also offers a welcome reminder that progress in the Democratic Republic of Congo extends beyond the crises that frequently dominate international headlines. Restoring public infrastructure such as commuter rail can have a direct impact on economic activity, productivity and the quality of life in rapidly growing African cities.

Kenya accelerates its shift to electric mobility

Kenya is also seeing a major shift in the way people move.

Rising fuel prices are encouraging motorcycle riders and drivers to consider electric vehicles as a more affordable alternative to conventional petrol-powered transport. The country’s growing electric-mobility sector is being supported by local manufacturers seeking to bring down costs and make EVs accessible to a wider market.

Kenya has another advantage: its relatively strong supply of renewable electricity. This creates an opportunity for electric mobility to be powered increasingly by cleaner energy, potentially reducing both transport costs and emissions.

For motorcycle taxi operators and other commercial drivers, who depend heavily on their vehicles for their livelihoods, lower running and maintenance costs could make electric vehicles particularly attractive.

Local manufacturers are therefore looking to build an electric-mobility ecosystem that responds to Kenya’s specific needs while taking advantage of the country’s renewable-energy potential.

SOURCE: By AfolakeOyinloye / Business Africa

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The protest was in the port city of Durban which has been at the epicentre of weeks of action against irregular migration in which at least four foreign nationals have been killed and tens of thousands have fled the country.

Police said about 100 marchers from an anti-illegal migrant group went on what they called “a clean-up campaign” against an encampment of several hundred foreign nationals outside a government office.

Foreigners, many of them from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), moved to the site 13 weeks ago to seek protection against mobs of South Africans campaigning against undocumented migrants.

“During the commotion, stones were thrown around, and one which was thrown by a foreign national landed on a police officer,” police said.

The person was arrested, a statement said, without giving details.

A leader of the group of foreigners told AFP that five Congolese nationals including two children were hurt in the clash.

“The march today was very violent,” said Bishop Raphael, who is from the DRC.

“They found us here and immediately attacked our people. We are not committing any crime by being here. This is uncalled for,” he said.

Many of the people in the group claim to be refugees from the DRC.

Raphael said the protesters were armed with sticks and attempted to attack the encampment while police tried to separate them.

Police used stun grenades to disperse the crowds, resulting in the injuries, he said.

Tensions soared across South Africa after fringe groups campaigning against undocumented migrants set a June 30 deadline for them to leave.

More than 200,000 people fled, according to an AFP tally based on figures released by African governments that have repatriated their nationals.

At least four migrants were killed in that violence, according to the South African police, though some foreign governments say the toll is higher.

SOURCE: By Africanews with AFP

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In Mbour’s Tefees neighbourhood, where many families have lost relatives to irregular migration, Boye helps search for missing migrants and supports their relatives.

Aminata Boye, President, Collective of Victims of Irregular Emigration in Senegal: “That’s how I drew on my own experience to understand research methods and track down those who had taken the boats. I got in touch with the Red Cross so they could help me with the investigations.”

Boye founded the Collective of Victims of Irregular Migration in Senegal in 2020. The group now supports more than a hundred women, while working with organisations including the Red Cross to trace missing migrants.

Aminata Boye: “Young people don’t go to sea to kill themselves, nor to jeopardise their future. They want to earn a living and support their families.”

For families like Ndeye Ndiaye’s, Boye has become a lifeline after the disappearance of her daughter.

“It’s thanks to Aminata that I’m still here talking to you, because I had almost lost my mind.”

Boye says governments must do more to give young people opportunities at home and allow safer, legal routes to travel.

SOURCE: AFP/AfricaNews

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‘My coat of many colours that my momma made for me

Made only from rags

But I wore it so proudly

Although we had no money

I was rich as I could be

In my coat of many colours

My momma made for me’

For the young man who declared with his full chest online

‘I know 95% of Nigerians do not know who Dolly Parton was’

Keep quiet

Sit down

Hear me clearly when I say this

You are one of the 5% who did not know who Dolly Parton was

The Baby Boomers, Gen Xs and Millennials all knew her

Many Gen Zs knew her through their parents and grandparents

Welcome back from the rock you have been living under

Even if you have never heard of Dolly Parton

You have heard about

Poverty

Talent

Opportunity

Grace

Dolly was born to loving, doting parents

Fourth child in a family of twelve

She was blessed with immense talent

Her voice made angels pay attention

She seized opportunities

She received grace

From wearing a coat of rags lovingly patched together by her mother

She became the Queen of Country music

 The owner of more coats than many people see in their lifetime

Why?

She had loving, doting parents

Sadly, they were poor

Remember, she was the fourth child in a family of twelve

She knew what it meant to not have enough

The importance of sharing

The meaning of responsibility

What lack of opportunity could cause

Her father never went to school

He could not read or write

‘So with patches on my britches

And holes in both my shoes

In my coat of many colours

I hurried off to school

Just to find the others laughing

And making fun of me

In my coat of many colours

My momma made for me’

The poor, little girl, who showed up in school in a coat sewn together with rags

And was laughed at by her classmates

Became the woman who made it possible for thousands of children to go to school

Stay in school

Read better

Write better

Become somebody

Years went by

The little girl who grew up in the impoverished backwaters of rural Tennessee

Became a global icon                                         

A true megastar

Not the ‘manufactured in Hollywood’ kind

With a made-up backstory of rags to riches

pushed by publicists and public relations teams

This was a real story

Of someone who turned every obstacle into a pathway

Every adversary into a footnote

Every breakthrough into something more

At a time when women were not considered worth more than their looks and bodies

She turned her looks and body into a brand

When it was customary to underestimate a small, blonde country star in flashy clothes

She turned it around and behold, a savvy entrepreneur was right there

Singer

Songwriter

Actress

Producer

Advocate

Philanthropist

Mentor

Wife, mother, sister, auntie, friend

Most of what she touched turned to gold

A true reflection of her heart

One woman

One lifetime

For those who know the song ‘I will always love you’ by Whitney Houston

Many do not know it was written by Dolly Parton

Every time the song made money

Dolly’s bank account felt it

Guess what she did with the windfall?

She bought a strip mall and office complex in a black neighbourhood in Nashville

She used it to give back and support the black community

She called it ‘The House that Whitney Built’

No foolish drama

No theatrics

No long stories about ‘how that song was mine to begin with’

There was none of that

Dolly was political without being a politician

She simply put her money where her heart was

She knew how to use her voice

Through silence on matters that everyone had an opinion on

And direct action when and where it mattered

Through free tuition and healthcare investments for her Dollywood staff

The Imagination Library that provided free books for children far and near

Funding for a COVID19 vaccine

HIV/AIDs awareness

Rebuilding a community after a devastating fire

Just love, kindness and joy

Underneath all the make-up, wigs and sequined outfits

In the age of performative charity and obsession with validation

In these times of unnecessary competition amongst mediocres and wannabees

There was a woman on a mission

Giving

Supporting

Encouraging

Building

Loving

Nurturing

Empathising

‘But they didn’t understand it

And I tried to make them see

That one is only poor

Only if they choose to be

Now I know we had no money

But I was rich as I could be

In my coat of many colours

My momma made for me’

The coat of many colours has always been my favourite song of hers

It is a story about never forgetting

About sacrifice

About contentment

About the true meaning of riches

It has little to do with the size of your wallet

It is more about the love in your heart

You can have all the money in the world

And still be poor

If you have love in your heart

If you share it with others

You will never be truly poor

The owner of the coat of many colours lived a long, fulfilled life

Eight decades

As she laid her head down for her much-deserved rest

There must have been much satisfaction in knowing

That a life wearing a patchwork of love, kindness, solidarity and connection

Is a life worth living

When the owner of the coat of many colours showed up at the pearly gates

I know she was received by a huge welcoming party

People she loved, knew, worked with or total strangers

Her beloved husband Carl, Momma, Papa, her siblings and other family members, would have been there

There would have been an all-star party all night long to celebrate her homecoming

Kenny Rogers, Whitney Houston, David Allan-Coe, Michael Jackson, Prince,

Aretha Franklin, Bob Marley, Amy Winehouse, Bonnie Tyler, Ozzy Osbourne, Roberta Flack.

Even Tupac Shakur and Notorious BIG would have shown up, sister Dolly loved to rap too

They would all have been there

Where does this leave the rest of us still here?

We should think about what our own coats of many colours should look like

And what to do with it when we have one

I want my coat to be one that is pieced together

with kindness, peace, thoughtfulness, generosity, wisdom

I will use it to cover others

I will teach them how to make one for themselves

And how to pass it on to someone who needs one

Goodbye the incomparable Dolly Parton

What a life!

What a legacy!

The owner of the coat of many colours

We will always love you.

Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi is a Gender Specialist, Leadership Coach, Policy Advocate and Writer. She is the Founder of Abovewhispers.com, an online community for women. She can be reached at BAF@abovewhispers.com

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Dangote Cement Plc will hold a high-level engagement with investors and other capital market players in London next month to bring the foreign investing community up to speed with key corporate goals and direction in the lead-up to its secondary listing in the city.

Sub-Saharan Africa’s biggest cement manufacturer told the Nigerian Exchange, where it already has a primary listing, on Wednesday, that its shareholders have assented to the proposal to host “a Capital Markets Day (CMD) in London on 21 September 2026.”

“The CMD will provide investors and other stakeholders with an update on the Company’s strategy, operations and business priorities, as well as an opportunity to engage with the Company’s senior management,” it added.

The move is the next phase of Dangote Cement’s bid to secure a quicker pathway to international capital and foreign investors than what a local listing in Lagos affords, using London as a window to the world.

Other objectives include a wider shareholder base, which a listing on a bourse of LSE’s repute promises, and the potential to consolidate its status as a leading pan-African corporation.

The company highlighted those aims when it first announced the decision in May.

Nigeria’s new frontier market status could boost trade

The step to hold the capital markets day on 21 September will receive timely support from FTSE Russell’s upgrade of Nigeria from “unclassified” to a frontier market, taking effect the same day next month.

Nigeria lost its place among frontier market economies in 2023 after an enduring FX crisis, dating back to the global oil price crash resulting from pandemic lockdowns in 2020, forced the Central Bank of Nigeria to ration dollars to conserve its direly low reserves.

The currency squeeze led several potential foreign investors to look elsewhere for a haven after the investments of existing foreign portfolio investors were trapped in the web of the crunch.

Foreign participation in Nigeria’s equity market, which dominated trade in the years before 2020, is yet to regain its pre-pandemic levels.

According to Nigeria Exchange’s latest data, foreign participation in equity trading stood at 5.6 per cent in July, while domestic participation accounted for the rest.

That compares to September 2019, three months before COVID-19 broke out, when foreign trading in equities was as high as 66.8 per cent.

The improved visibility for foreign investors that an FTSE Russell upgrade offers to Nigerian stocks could attract large inflows into transactions in Dangote Cement’s shares, both locally and on the LSE.

If plans work out, the company will be quoted under the international commercial companies secondary listing framework, it said in May.

Dangote Cement promised to provide the agenda and presentation documents for the London event in September, along with other relevant information, at an appropriate time.

By Ronald Adamolekun/PremiumTimes

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What personal values have remained constant for you, and how have they shaped the way you lead, influence, and build movements?

I have always passionately believed in the right to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination in all spheres of life. Next is the right to a voice. You need a voice to raise concerns, advocate, and demand accountability. One of the first things you do to take away someone’s power is to deprive them of a voice. When someone lacks a voice, they have no personhood, dignity, or respect. They live in fear. To address marginalisation and exclusion, people need the right to space – to think, read, write, organise, share ideas, and build solidarity. We can complain all we like as individuals, but things do not change without joint action.

What does it truly mean to live Feminist values?

First, you need to be clear about what Feminism means. Feminism is a global struggle against all forms of patriarchal oppression. It is about affirming that women are complete human beings. Feminism is a movement against systems of oppression and injustice, not against individual men. You can have a wonderful father, husband, brother, but still suffer within an unjust system that deprives you of rights.

Second, be the change you want to see.I recently saw a video of a man who locked up his wife in his windowless shop. Fortunately, an onlooker had seen him do this, so when the woman started to bang on the door, the witness summoned help and broke the locks. An adult male locked up his wife in a public place. What he does to her in the privacy of their home can only be imagined. A feminist knows what women go through and what we need to change. We are abused, exploited, and minimised. We should therefore not be seen abusing, exploiting, and minimising others. We need to embody this on a daily basis. Examples are the way we bring up our children. We should not be the ones encouraging our sons to become entitled consumers of women’s labour and sacrifices. We should avoid teaching our daughters that abuse is normal. Since many of us balance personal and professional obligations, we rely on others such as nannies, maids, drivers, to ease our burdens. We need to treat them well, otherwise we are perpetuating the cycle of patriarchal oppression, the abused abusing others.

I also believe that women should build their own tables. Nigerian women are resilient, self-reliant, and value-adding. Do not be the woman who is asked, what do you bring to the table? You must build your own table, then nobody will have the audacity to ask you such a stupid question. You cannot challenge patriarchy if you are dependent on crumbs from a table. This is not about pride or being overbearing. It is about knowing your own value and worth. No man wants to be with a liability. Any man that stops you from working or improving yourself is a weapon fashioned against you. Learn financial literacy, invest in the things that matter, and let your goal be showing up not showing off.

One of the ways in which we can live feminist values is to work with others to bring about change. Advocacy for inclusion, protection, accountability, are examples. The more people you work with, the better your chances of success. Everywhere is an advocacy site for a feminist – the home, workplace, community, place of worship, sports, school. All the gains we celebrate today as women have been made possible by feminist analysis and activism, even when we do not get the credit. Also, work with men as allies when you can find them. Men are well placed to encourage other men to do things differently.

How can Feminist Leaders remain principled, accountable, and compassionate, while leading through complex and difficult spaces?

You need to know your context. What is going on in the country or community where you live? There is a simple strategic thinking and planning tool called PESTEL. This looks at the Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental and Legal issues that affect your area of analysis. What is the political environment like? Is it a fledgling or mature democracy, military rule, or dictatorship? Is it a country in conflict or post-conflict? Is there an economic boom or is there a crisis that is pushing people into multi-dimensional poverty? What are social drivers? What is going on with technology, is it making life easier or more difficult? For example, digital technology and the rise in technology-facilitated violence against women or Artificial Intelligence and implications for the labour market. Concerning the environmental factors – is your community plagued with exploitation of your natural resources, is it responsible for conflict? What is the legal environment like, are there laws that protect the rights of women? is there access to justice for victims of abuse? Your leadership should be relevant to your context, and you need to know how to navigate accordingly. This will point you in the direction of relevant programs, partners, and allies.

You also need to learn how to use data to frame or challenge narratives. One of the numerous lies patriarchy tells feminists is that we do not know what we are talking about. It is all in our imagination. We are emotional and sentimental. Read widely, do your research, and have relevant data at your fingertips. For example, one in three Nigerian women suffers from one form of gender-based violence or the other. The national prevalence rate for Female Genital Mutilation in Nigeria is 15-20%. The national prevalence of HIV is 1.3-1.4%, that is 2 million people, one of the highest HIV burdens in the world. Nigerian women have 3% representation in the National Assembly, no Female Governors, and 14 States where there is no female in the State House of Assembly. There is nothing emotional about this data, these are the lived realities of women whose lives need to change before we can record any meaningful progress or development.

As a feminist leader, you have to play your role to make sure women and girls are safe. Women’s safety and bodily integrity is non-negotiable. Do not be used to compromise justice or the well-being of another woman. Never be one of those to ask, what was she wearing? Never find yourself colluding with predators and those who abuse their positions.

As a feminist leader, you should use your platform as effectively as possible. Whenever you have a platform, ask yourself, ‘What do I want to leave behind? How do I use this platform to make a difference?’

What are your thoughts about Feminism on social media?

Feminism did not start on social media, and it will not die on social media. Feminists have used digital technology for movement building, rapid response, learning and skills, entrepreneurship, mentoring, coaching, philanthropy, and other endeavours. Social media platforms have created employment and wealth. We need to build on all these positive online practices. We, however, need to combat misogyny, digital violence, and cyber-bullying. The most painful part of all this is seeing women bullying other women online, as if the online violence and intimidation from men is not enough. If this persists, we are going to raise a generation of young people who have no compassion or empathy. We also need to note that Misandry (hatred of men) is not a Feminist agenda, although it is not hard to see why men are hated. I am opposed to misandry the same way I am opposed to misogyny (hatred of women) and internalised misogyny (women projecting misogynist behaviour on to other women). I want to see a world that is free, equal, and fair.

What other leadership lessons would you like to share with us as young people?

 Leadership is a journey that lasts a lifetime. There are many skills, capacities, and aptitudes you will pick up along the way. You will succeed and you might fail. You might fall, but you will get up. You will encounter many friends, enemies, and frenemies. You have to be prepared to give your best and have the resilience to handle the worst. Remember that even though some exhibit leadership capacities from an early age, leaders are mostly nurtured, building on strengths and minimising weaknesses. To be a successful leader today, your skills, qualifications and experience might get you through the door, but it is Emotional Intelligence that will keep you in the room. How you treat others, show compassion, respect and build bridges will stand you in good stead. If you are a person of faith, hold on to it. It will give you hope, a compass, and bring you peace. However, do not fall into the hands of those I call ‘spiritual merchants’. They can ruin your life.

Inter-generational conversations are a critical part of movement-building, and it is important for us to learn, teach and share across generations. No one knows everything, we all need each other.

Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi is a Gender Specialist, Leadership Coach, Policy Advocate and Writer. She is the Founder of Abovewhispers.com, an online community for women. She can be reached at BAF@abovewhispers.com

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Your local ingredients are more powerful than you might think

Introduction

Pregnancy is a time of incredible change, and what you eat directly affects the growth and development of your baby. Many African women are told to ‘eat for two’ or given advice based on imported nutritional guidelines that do not reflect local food culture. The truth is, traditional African foods are extraordinarily nutritious if you know what to prioritise.

This guide celebrates the rich culinary heritage of African women while offering practical, evidence-based guidance on eating for a healthy pregnancy.

Key Nutrients and Where to Find Them

Folic acid is the most critical nutrient in early pregnancy, reducing the risk of neural tube defects in the baby. It is found in dark leafy greens like spinach, ugwu (fluted pumpkin leaves), and bitter leaf, as well as in beans, groundnuts, and oranges. A folic acid supplement is also recommended.

Iron supports the increased blood volume of pregnancy and protects against anaemia. Rich sources include liver (consumed occasionally, not daily due to vitamin A levels), red meat, leafy greens, beans, and dark green vegetables.

Eating vitamin C-rich foods alongside iron-rich foods improves absorption.

Calcium is essential for your baby’s bones and teeth. Dairy products, including milk and yoghurt, are excellent sources.

For women who are lactose intolerant or cannot afford dairy, sardines, tilapia, egusi seeds, and calcium-fortified foods are good alternatives.

Protein supports the growth of the baby’s organs, muscles, and brain. Excellent African sources include eggs, fish, chicken, beans, lentils, groundnuts, and soybean-based foods like tofu and miso.

Foods to Eat More Of

• Moringa leaves: Often called a superfood, moringa is packed with iron, calcium, protein, and vitamins A and C. Add to soups and stews.

• Oily fish like mackerel and sardines: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids that support fetal brain development.

• Sweet potatoes and yam: Good sources of carbohydrates, fibre, and beta-carotene.

• Eggs: Affordable, versatile, and rich in protein and choline, which is vital for brain development.

• Fruits like mangoes, pawpaw, and oranges: Excellent sources of vitamins and antioxidants.

Foods and Habits to Avoid

Raw or undercooked meat, fish, and eggs carry the risk of harmful bacteria.

Excessive caffeine (limit to one cup of tea or coffee per day) and alcohol (avoid entirely) can harm fetal development.

Unpasteurised dairy products carry listeria risk.

Some herbal teas and local herbal concoctions can cause uterine contractions; always consult your doctor before taking any herbal remedy during pregnancy.

Practical Tips for Everyday Eating

Eat small, frequent meals to manage nausea and heartburn.

Keep healthy snacks like boiled groundnuts, sliced fruit, or roasted corn handy.

Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily.

If your budget is tight, prioritise protein (eggs and beans are affordable), dark leafy greens, and starchy vegetables.

Remember, your traditional kitchen is a pharmacy. Use it wisely.

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The RTS,S vaccine marked a turning point in the fight against malaria.

The World Health Organization (WHO) first recommended the use of the vaccine against Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite responsible for the deadliest form of malaria, in October 2021.

Since then, the roll-out of these vaccines has been incorporated into childhood vaccination programmes in 25 African countries, with more than 10 million children targeted each year.

According to the World Malaria Report 2025, more than 170 million cases of malaria and around 1 million deaths were prevented worldwide in 2024, thanks to the wider use of prevention tools, including vaccines, mainly in Africa – where more than 90 percent of malaria deaths occur.

Another major breakthrough came in April this year when the WHO pre-qualified the first anti-malarial treatment designed specifically for newborns and young infants. This marks a significant milestone, given that around 30 million babies are born each year in areas of Africa where the disease is endemic.

Reduction in mortality

A study published in May 2026 in The Lancet assessed the impact of the RTS,S vaccine on mortality among young children in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi. The researchers monitored the roll-out of the vaccine over 46 months across 158 areas across the three countries.

They found that the introduction of RTS,S led to a significant reduction in mortality among young children: approximately one in eight deaths is estimated to have been prevented in the areas studied.

Africa now has four countries certified as malaria-free by the WHO: Algeria, Mauritius, Cabo Verde and Egypt.

However, despite this progress, malaria remains one of the main public health concerns on the continent. In 2024, around 579,000 malaria-related deaths were recorded across Africa, according to the WHO. Children under the age of five accounted for around three-quarters of these deaths.

A new species

Among the challenges remaining, however, is the arrival of a new mosquito species in urban areas. Anopheles stephensi, a species native to South Asia, was first detected in Djibouti in 2012.

Since then, its presence has been reported in several East African countries and, more recently, in West Africa, notably in Nigeria and Ghana.

Anopheles stephensi is particularly well adapted to urban environments, and can breed in reservoirs and other artificial water containers found near homes.

It is also capable of surviving the very high temperatures of the dry season, a period during which malaria transmission usually declines. This could therefore extend the transmission period and facilitate the spread of malaria in cities.

A model cited in scientific studies estimates that its spread, combined with urbanisation, could expose a further 120 million Africans to malaria.

SOURCE: Diarouga Aziz Balde/RFI/AllAfrica

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“We Africans don’t know what we’ve given to the world,” the 66-year-old said. “Without us, there’s no music possible on this planet.” After offering thanks to her team and family, Kidjo erupted into song as those present sat in rapt attention.

Born in Benin, Kidjo has built an international career spanning more than 40 years and 18 albums. As well as being named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people, she has also been nominated as one of Africa’s 50 most iconic figures by the BBC, and one of the 100 most inspiring people in the world by The Guardian.

Harvey Mason Jr. of the Recording Academy hailed Kidjo as a “rare artist.” “Your example has elevated our global music community, and your work continues to remind us that music is more than entertainment; it’s connection,” he said.

“This star is a permanent symbol; it’s not going anywhere, and it’s a symbol of your achievements. But your legacy, it lives in the people that you’ve touched, that you’ve inspired, the barriers that you’ve broken, the connections you’ve created all around the world.”

Actor Willem Dafoe praised Kidjo’s immense energy on stage. “The first time I saw Angelique perform live, I thought her music, her dancing, her commitment were incredible,” the “Platoon” star said. “She is, without a doubt, the hardest-working woman in show business.”

But, he said, more impressive was her dedication to the humanitarian work of her Batonga Foundation, which strives to empower girls and young women in Africa. “This is not a token celebrity involvement; it is an extension of what she does with her music.

She stirs us, lifts us up, and reminds us that we’re all connected, and that love and understanding is the way.”

SOURCE: AfricaNews and AFP

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The August 30 vote will determine whether a new Constitution approved by the National Transitional Council will enter into force.

The army seized power in November, just days after a presidential election, overthrowing the head of state and suspending the electoral process.

New elections aimed at restoring civilian power will take place in December but voters will first be asked whether they accept the amendments.

PAIGC said political parties have been excluded from the process and pointed to what it described as a “clear tendency to rig the process.”

The proposed changes would abandon the parliamentary system and move to a presidential one.

Under the proposal, the president could appoint the prime minister and members of government, and dissolve parliament.

ASOURCE: Africa News

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