DRC
Moïse Katumbi off to Washington for Trump's inauguration

Congo
Why Sassou sacked his finance minister

Managing public revenue had become a headache for Denis Sassou-Nguesso. His solution was to replace Jean-Baptiste Ondaye, who had become very isolated in recent months, with Ludovic Ngatsé.

Benin
Three years on, local authorities reform fails to take hold

The new set-up designed to help local authorities manage their budgets more effectively isn't working. Much to the dismay of Beninese President Patrice Talon, who has championed devolution within certain strictly defined limits.

Uganda
Uganda seeks to strengthen security ties with Turkey

Kampala, which is seeking to reduce its dependence on Russian defence materiel, is trying to persuade Ankara to build a drone and artillery parts assembly plant in Uganda.

Kenya
Ruto pins hopes on Russia to relaunch his Eldoret fertiliser factory

Already looking ahead to the 2027 elections, the Kenyan president made a series of promises to sugar cane growers and their local political representatives during a visit to his stronghold in early January.

Ethiopia
Ethiopian Airlines' new airport project takes wing despite local pushback

Africa's leading airline is aiming to quadruple the number of passengers flying in and through the country by building a new airline hub in Bishoftu. However, farmers in the Oromia region are unhappy about the compensation being offered by the local authorities and the plans for their resettlement.

Somalia, Somaliland
Recently elected President Irro juggles diplomatic and security issues

Although he wanted to play the regional multipartnership card, Somaliland's new strongman is already caught in the crosshairs. This is fertile ground for foreign interests in a territory that is not recognised by the international community.

Botswana
Diamond trader HB Antwerp's charm offensive with President Boko

Worried about the future of their partnership with Gaborone, which was secretly negotiated with former president Mokgweetsi Masisi, the directors of HB Antwerp, who have not yet been able to meet the new head of state, are launching their media campaign in Gaborone.

South Africa
Energy minister aims to limit electricity price rises

The state-owned electricity company Eskom is calling for sharp price increases, which Kgosientsho Ramokgopa is keen to limit. To do that, the minister is hoping to obtain the support of the DA, the ANC's main government ally, which is calling for the sector's regulator to remain independent.

Morocco
Akhannouch awards Safi-Marrakech water highway section to Moroccan consortium

Morocco
Candid royal biopic or PR job? Mohammed VI documentary raises eyebrows

Just days before President Emmanuel Macron paid a state visit to Morocco last October, a French public broadcaster aired a "documentary" about the country's king that bore all the hallmarks of a PR job.