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Africa
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Africa

Africa
Africa
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Africa. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo hold talks in Beijing on April 21. Photo: AP
China-Africa relations

China and resource-rich Mozambique sign minerals and security agreement

The two countries are set to survey rare earth elements while strengthening security ties in Mozambique’s conflict-ridden north.

World Health Organization (WHO)

WHO approves first malaria treatment for babies

Taiwan

As I see it | Kuomintang gets the carrots, DPP the stick

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United States

US FDA plans ultra-fast review of 3 psychedelic drugs after Trump directive

The recent moves on psychedelics reflect growing popular support for the mind-altering substances among Trump’s supporters.

US President Donald Trump holds an executive order about easing restrictions on mental health treatments, including ibogaine, which he signed, in the Oval Office of the White House on Saturday. Photo: Reuters
2026 Trump-Xi summit

Xi Jinping meets foreign leaders: tracker 2026

World leaders are flocking to Beijing, seeking new ties amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Expeditions and adventures

2 guys, 1 Reliant Robin and a long road trip to Cape Town – what could go wrong?

22,500km, 22 countries, 1 Reliant Robin. Two friends’ intercontinental road trip was risky and rewarding. But why embark on such a journey?

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Vietnam

Pangolin win: Vietnam sends scale smugglers to prison for 8 years

The Asian pangolin has been hunted for its meat and scales to the point of extinction, causing poachers to turn to its African cousins.

A rescued pangolin bought off a wildlife seller rests at the Green Finger Garden in Lagos, Nigeria. Photo: Reuters
China travel

More bookings, shorter trips: Chinese adjust to pricier fuel for May holiday

Domestic flight bookings up about 8 per cent and domestic package-tour reservations up about 10 per cent, survey finds.

US-China relations

US slams Beijing after African countries block Taiwan leader’s eSwatini trip

A State Department official called the incident an abuse of the international civil aviation system.

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Nepal

Nepal minister quits amid financial scrutiny after just weeks in office

Home Minister Sudan Gurung was a key figure in the Gen-Z protests last September that toppled Nepal’s previous government.

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Sudan Gurung, a Gen Z movement protest leader who became Home Minister, drives a car after the oath-taking ceremony outside the presidential office in Kathmandu, Nepal on March 27, 2026. Photo: EPA
China-Africa relations

Why China is backing nuclear fuel rod production in Namibia

On week-long trip to China, Namibian minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi pitches investment case to business leaders in Shenzhen.

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets his Namibian counterpart, International Relations and Trade Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, in Beijing on April 17. Photo: Xinhua
Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo denounces ‘colonisation’ of minerals on final leg of Africa tour

The pontiff warns that a global lust for profit ‘kills’ as he meets with a government accused of widespread corruption and authoritarianism.

Taiwan

Taiwan’s leader Lai delays Africa trip after 3 nations revoke flight permission

Taiwan blames Beijing for the move, which forced William Lai to put off visit to eSwatini, the island’s sole remaining partner in Africa.

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Religion

Pope Leo criticises exploitation by world’s ‘authoritarians’ during Angola trip

The US pope, who has drawn the ire of President Donald Trump, has repeatedly criticised world leaders, without naming individuals.

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Pope Leo XIV arrives to lead Holy Mass at the Saurimo esplanade in Angola on Monday. Photo: EPA
Crime

LA woman charged in US with trafficking arms to Sudan for Iran

Shamim Mafi is accused ‘brokering the sale of drones, bombs, bomb fuses and millions of rounds of ammunition’.

Los Angeles International Airport, where Iranian national Shamim Mafi was arrested on Saturday. Photo: AP
Pope Leo XIV

In Angola, Pope Leo prays at shrine that was once a hub for slavery

First American pontiff recalls centuries of ‘suffering’ at site originally built by Portuguese colonisers.

South Africa

Trump backs US$50 million investment for South Africa rare earths

Despite a rift with South Africa, the current Trump administration has proceeded with the project to broaden US access to critical minerals.

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China-Africa relations

China steps up aid to Africa but huge funding gap left by Trump’s cuts remains

Beijing’s efforts in food and medical relief, a sector traditionally dominated by US programmes, could partly fill the void, observers said.

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Togo has been a recipient of emergency food aid from China. Photo: Xinhua
Donald Trump

Pope Leo seeks to defuse tensions with Trump, says not trying to debate him

The pontiff clarified that his Cameroon comments weren’t aimed at Trump amid media misinterpretations.

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Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong minister urges long-term view, says Middle East investment unaffected

Minister Algernon Yau urges businesses to avoid short-term thinking, says Hong Kong entrepreneurs are discerning in assessing opportunities.

Pope Leo XIV

Pope urges Cameroon to reject violence at mass that draws 120,000 people

Believers slept overnight on mats to hear the address from the pontiff, who has drawn Trump’s ire with his anti-war comments.

Pope Leo arrives in procession to celebrate mass at Japoma Stadium in Douala, Cameroon, on Friday. Photo: AP
US, Israel war on Iran

Asian airlines face ‘major headwind’ from jet fuel costs, forcing flight changes

Fuel has jumped from 25 per cent of total operating costs for airlines to nearly 45 per cent in a matter of weeks, analysts say.

Aircraft queue up on the tarmac before taking off at Mumbai airport. Photo: AFP
Cameroon

In Cameroon, Pope Leo assails ‘tyrants ravaging’ world amid Trump row

‘The masters of war pretend not to know that it takes only a moment to destroy, yet often a lifetime is not enough to rebuild,’ Leo says.

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Artificial intelligence

Black market workarounds scale up for Claude as Anthropic tightens ID checks

Chinese developers are bypassing new ID checks as demand for Claude remains strong despite official restrictions.

European Union

Europe running low on jet fuel, stoking fears of flight cancellations

IEA executive director Birol said the Hormuz blockade-induced energy crisis will hit nations including Japan, China and India harder.

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A plane passes behind kerosene storage facilities at Liege airport in Belgium on Thursday. Photo: EPA
China-Africa relations

Why China’s trade with Africa benefits from Trump’s policy volatility

Continent is China’s fastest growing export market in first quarter of 2026, with machinery and hi-tech shipments leading US$60 billion surge.

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Motor vehicles bound for export to Ivory Coast are loaded on a cargo ship at Yantai port in China’s eastern Shandong province on Monday. Photo: Xinhua
Sudan

Sudan enters 4th year of war as ‘abandoned crisis’ grows

The war has pushed parts of Sudan into famine and the UN says about 34 million people, or almost two of every three Sudanese, need help.

France

France open to engaging on slavery reparations, says Ghana

The African nation says discussions with President Macron last week included economic inequities, structural racism and looted artefacts.

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