Africa

Netcore Cloud, a global MarTech company, has rebranded to Netcore.ai, positioning itself as the first 'agentic marketing platform' that shares accountability for customer growth. The rebranding marks a structural shift from a software vendor to an AI-native outcome partner. The platform features seven autonomous AI agents that plan, execute, analyze, and optimize marketing campaigns across the full customer lifecycle. Unlike traditional platforms, Netcore assigns dedicated growth engineers who share responsibility for campaign outcomes and revenue contribution. The unified stack integrates customer engagement, product discovery, personalization, CDP, email marketing, and CPaaS channels. The company also introduces outcome-based pricing, where its success is tied to client KPIs. Founder Rajesh Jain emphasized that the agents run campaigns while human teams remain accountable for results. The platform is available across India, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, North America, Europe, and Africa.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 30, 02:00 AM UTC

The United Nations has declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo the fastest growing of all time, with over 1,400 deaths reported so far. UN Ebola Coordinator Julien Harneis stated that cases are increasing exponentially and doubling every 20 days, outpacing the expansion of aid measures. Carl Skau, Deputy Executive Director of the World Food Programme, noted that 1,000 people died in the last two months, compared to eight months for the same death toll during the West Africa outbreak. The UN is urgently calling for a massive expansion of relief supplies, protective equipment, personnel, and medical professionals. Early treatment is emphasized as critical for survival. The current outbreak has already surpassed the 2018-2020 eastern Congo outbreak which killed around 2,300 people, though it remains below the 2014-2015 West Africa epidemic that killed over 11,000.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 06:59 PM UTC

The 14th edition of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations began on July 26, featuring significant changes announced by CAF President Patrice Motsepe. The tournament has expanded from 12 to 16 teams, the champion's prize increased to $2 million (a 900% rise since 2018), and the overall prize pool grew by 67% to $5.8 million. The four semi-finalists will qualify for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil, with two more African teams potentially qualifying via playoffs, expanding the African contingent to six. Despite these advances, the article notes concerns about the tournament's credibility due to successive postponements of previous editions, raising questions about CAF's actual commitment to women's football.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 10:15 AM UTC

Chad announced on July 27, 2026, its intention to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing the tribunal of ineffectiveness and bias against African nations. The West African country submitted a letter to the United Nations to begin the withdrawal process, which takes at least a year. Chad becomes the fourth African country since 2025 to initiate withdrawal, following Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, which announced their exits last year. The ICC is already facing significant challenges, including the removal of its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, over sexual misconduct allegations. The United States, under a campaign to dismantle the ICC's perceived threat to its sovereignty, welcomed Chad's decision. The U.S. Bureau of African Affairs called on more of the 125 member states to withdraw from the Rome Statute, citing sovereignty concerns.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 11:17 AM UTC

On World Assisted Reproductive Technology Day 2026, the Merck Foundation announced it has provided 807 scholarships for fertility, embryology, and reproductive care training to healthcare providers from 42 countries across Africa and Asia. The initiative, part of the 'More Than a Mother' campaign led by CEO Dr. Rasha Kelej, has trained the first-ever local embryologists and fertility specialists in countries including The Gambia, Burundi, Guinea, Chad, Niger, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Malawi, Congo, and Mozambique. The foundation has also partnered with 33 African and Asian First Ladies to break infertility stigma, empower women through the 'Empowering Berna' business training initiative, and trained over 4,000 media representatives. In total, Merck Foundation has provided more than 2,650 scholarships across 44 medical specialties in 52 countries.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 01:03 PM UTC

A court in Luanda, Angola, convicted two Russian nationals, Igor Ratchin and Lev Lakshtanov, of terrorism, espionage, criminal association, and illegal currency retention, sentencing them to 11 and 8 years respectively. The case, linked to the Africa Politology network and former Wagner Group structures, involved alleged attempts to spread disinformation, cultivate political contacts, and influence public unrest ahead of Angola's next presidential election. Prosecutors claimed the defendants paid local journalists over $24,000 to produce pro-Russian and anti-government content and helped organize deadly 2025 protests, though activists argue the unrest was domestically driven. The trial faced controversy over evidence quality, procedural irregularities (prosecutor refusing to read the indictment), and the court's refusal to call key political witnesses. Two Angolan nationals were also tried: one received a suspended sentence, the other was acquitted, with prosecutors appealing. The verdict highlights growing resistance to Russian political networks in Africa but raises questions about due process and the strength of evidence.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 06:00 AM UTC

A court in Luanda convicted two Russian nationals, Igor Ratchin and Lev Lakshtanov, of terrorism, espionage, criminal association, and illegal currency retention, sentencing them to 11 and 8 years respectively. The case, linked to the Africa Politology network and former Wagner Group structures, involved alleged attempts to spread disinformation, cultivate political contacts, and influence unrest ahead of Angola's next presidential election. Prosecutors claimed the defendants paid local journalists over $24,000 for pro-Russian and anti-government content and helped organize deadly 2025 protests, though activists argue the protests were domestically driven. The trial faced controversy: the prosecutor refused to read the indictment aloud, the defense challenged evidence quality, and the court rejected calling key politicians as witnesses. Two Angolan nationals were also tried; one received a suspended sentence, the other was acquitted. The verdict may spark a longer legal and political dispute over Russian influence networks in Angola.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 06:00 AM UTC

A court in Luanda, Angola, convicted two Russian nationals, Igor Ratchin and Lev Lakshtanov, of terrorism, espionage, criminal association, and illegal currency retention, sentencing them to 11 and 8 years respectively. The case, linked to the Africa Politology network and former Wagner Group structures, involved alleged attempts to spread disinformation, cultivate political contacts, and influence unrest ahead of Angola's next presidential election. Prosecutors claimed the defendants paid local journalists over $24,000 for pro-Russian and anti-government content and helped organize deadly 2025 protests, though activists argue the protests were domestically driven. The trial faced controversy over evidence quality, procedural issues, and refusal to call key witnesses. Two Angolan nationals were also tried: one received a suspended sentence, another was acquitted, with prosecutors appealing. The verdict highlights growing resistance to Russian political networks in Africa but raises questions about legal standards.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 06:00 AM UTC

The Pentagon has nominated Lt. Gen. Kevin D. Admiral to command U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF), replacing Gen. Christopher Donahue, who unexpectedly left after 18 months. Admiral, currently commanding III Corps at Fort Hood, Texas, would also lead NATO’s Allied Land Command. The role has been downgraded from four-star to three-star. Donahue’s departure is part of broader leadership purges under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has removed over a dozen senior military leaders.

20 reports · 7 sources · Updated Jul 24, 06:25 PM UTC

According to the FAO's 2026 State of Food Security and Nutrition report, global hunger has declined for the third consecutive year, with 7.8% of the world's population undernourished in 2025. This marks a dramatic improvement from nearly 35% in 1970. The rate fell from 8.1% in 2024 and 8.5% in 2023, though 645 million people still face hunger. Less than 2.5% of people in the U.S., Canada, Eastern Asia, and Europe are undernourished, with hunger concentrated in developing regions of Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Armed conflict remains the primary driver of acute food insecurity in 12 of 13 identified hunger hotspots. Despite progress, the current level remains above the pre-pandemic low of 7.2% in 2017, and the FAO projects 510 million people will still be undernourished by 2030, far short of the UN's zero hunger goal.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 08:15 PM UTC

The Democratic Republic of Congo is experiencing its fastest Ebola outbreak in history, with nearly 1,000 deaths reported. Healthcare workers are striking due to local resistance, unpaid labor, and physical assault. The crisis highlights severe challenges in containing the virus, including community mistrust and inadequate support for medical personnel. The outbreak has overwhelmed the healthcare system, and the strike further hampers response efforts. The situation remains critical as authorities struggle to manage both the epidemic and the labor dispute.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 04:53 PM UTC

Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), publicly declared his personal support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, calling him a 'loyal friend' committed to Africa. Motsepe praised Infantino's role in expanding the World Cup to 48 teams and increasing opportunities for African teams. The endorsement comes as Infantino faces growing criticism, including over hydration breaks, a proposal to expand the World Cup to 64 teams, and a controversial decision involving U.S. player Folarin Balogun after a call from President Donald Trump. CAF, with 54 associations, is the largest voting bloc in FIFA and follows CONMEBOL in backing Infantino's re-election bid, announced for 2027. However, discontent is rising in Europe, with Spanish League President Javier Tebas accusing Infantino of 'destroying the football industry.' Infantino, who became FIFA president in 2016, has support from over 200 national federations and is expected to run unopposed for a third term.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 04:49 PM UTC

Stephanie Psaki, former U.S. coordinator for global health security at the National Security Council under the Biden administration, shares her career journey from studying foreign service at Georgetown to leading U.S. responses to disease outbreaks like Ebola. In an interview with the Council on Foreign Relations, she reflects on her early interest in public health, the pushback she faced for her honors thesis arguing for U.S. responsibility in the AIDS crisis in Africa, and the cultural differences between working in NGOs, academia, and the federal government. Now a senior fellow at CFR, Psaki emphasizes that career paths need not be linear and highlights the importance of health as a core human experience. She also discusses the hierarchical nature of government work and the ongoing debate about U.S. responsibility to invest in global health.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 04:31 PM UTC

CAF President Patrice Motsepe has confirmed that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will expand from 24 to 28 teams for the next edition, aiming to foster better development of African football nations. This decision follows the controversial move to shift the tournament from a biennial to a quadrennial event. Motsepe reiterated the expansion during a press conference on Wednesday, having previously mentioned the plan months ago. Additionally, CAF will launch a Nations League organized by regional zones to increase competitive rivalries. The announcement has sparked debate among fans regarding the merits of the larger tournament format.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 02:49 PM UTC

Global beer production fell 0.7% in 2025 to just under 1.9 billion hectolitres, according to data from major hop supplier BarthHaas. However, Africa bucked the trend with a 2.6% increase in output, reaching 166.7 million hectolitres, driven largely by production in South Africa. All other major regions—Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Oceania—saw declines. In Europe, output fell 1.6%, with Germany's production dropping over 5%. Asia's output declined 1.2% to 586.7 million hectolitres, as higher production in India was offset by a fall in China, the world's largest brewer. Anheuser-Busch InBev remained the top brewing group, producing 484.2 million hectolitres (over a quarter of global output), followed by Heineken, China Resources Snow Breweries, Carlsberg, and Molson Coors. BarthHaas forecasts global beer production will stabilize in 2026, with growth in Africa, Asia, and Central/South America offset by declines in Europe and North America.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 01:59 PM UTC

Augustus, a fintech startup building a federally chartered clearing bank designed for stablecoins and programmable money, announced a $180 million Series B funding round led by Tiger Global, valuing the company at $1 billion. The round included participation from Hummingbird, QED, and founders of Nubank, Ramp, Circle, and Deel, as well as crypto figures like Circle co-founder Sean Neville and former Coinbase CTO Balaji Srinivasan. Augustus has raised $210 million to date. The company is developing an API-first platform that supports operating and FBO accounts, settling via Swift, ACH, SEPA, and stablecoins on a proprietary core banking system called Marble. It received conditional approval for a U.S. national bank charter from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency in May 2026, making it the eighth bank to do so since 2010. Augustus plans to use the capital to expand in Latin America, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, positioning its infrastructure as a geopolitical counter to China's digital yuan and Russia's BRICS Pay.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 06:13 PM UTC

A UN report released on July 21, 2026, reveals that Africa has overtaken Asia as the continent with the largest number of people facing hunger, with 309 million Africans (20% of the population) affected compared to 292 million in Asia (6%). The annual report by the FAO and four other UN agencies shows gradual global improvement in reducing hunger, with the proportion of the world's hungry falling from 8.6% in 2022 to 7.8% in 2025, though levels remain above pre-COVID figures. However, progress is uneven: undernourishment has risen in Africa since 2017, and two-thirds of Africans cannot afford a healthy diet—more than double Asia's rate. The report highlights severe climate shocks, conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and rising energy and fertilizer costs as key drivers. African nations are urged to prioritize transforming the animal source food sector to address affordability.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 05:25 PM UTC

The article examines South Korea's engagement with Africa following the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit, where Seoul pledged $10 billion in ODA and $14 billion in export financing by 2030. Despite skepticism about implementation and accusations of resource diplomacy, the initiative has survived a political transition. As a test case, the article highlights a KOICA-funded vocational training project for persons with disabilities in western Uganda. The project, supporting 146 students across three institutes, exceeded its second-year targets. It argues that such modest, inclusive development projects represent a credible translation of South Korea's own development experience, contrasting with the resource-focused agendas of major power competitors. The article notes Uganda's progressive disability legislation but wide implementation gaps.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 03:49 PM UTC

MustGrow Biologics Corp. is advancing its mustard-derived biological technologies for sustainable agriculture, focusing on soil health, crop nutrition, and protection. The company's flagship product, TerraSante, an organic biofertility product, recently received regulatory approvals in Texas, Utah, and Montana, expanding its U.S. market reach. MustGrow is also deepening its strategic relationship with Bayer, which is evaluating MustGrow's technologies for potential use in Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa. The company aims to capitalize on growing demand for biological alternatives to conventional chemical inputs in major farming markets.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 11:00 AM UTC

MustGrow Biologics Corp., an agricultural biologicals company, is advancing its mustard-derived technologies for soil health and crop protection. The company's flagship product, TerraSante, has received new regulatory approvals in Texas, Utah, and Montana, expanding its U.S. footprint. MustGrow is also deepening its strategic relationship with Bayer, which is evaluating MustGrow's biological technologies for potential use in Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa. The company aims to capitalize on growing demand for sustainable alternatives to chemical inputs in agriculture.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 11:00 AM UTC

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona midfielder Pedri will take a one-week wildlife safari in Africa with his family before beginning a personalized preseason training plan based on genetic testing. The plan, derived from a muscle fiber analysis conducted two years ago in a Baltimore laboratory, recommends continuous but regulated exercise rather than prolonged breaks. Pedri recently delivered a standout performance in the World Cup final, where Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time, coming off the bench to control the game with a 93% pass completion rate and four chances created. Despite limited minutes in earlier knockout rounds, he led the Spanish squad with 13 key passes in the tournament. Pedri aims to win the Champions League final at the Metropolitano Stadium in 2027.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 08:39 AM UTC

Valereum PLC, listed on the Aquis Stock Exchange, has signed a strategic partnership with Kenya-based Blockchain Digital Assets Limited (BDAL), also known as Koinon, to expand its digital asset business across Africa and the Indian Ocean. The joint venture combines Valereum's regulated ecosystem, tokenisation tools, and payments infrastructure with BDAL's regional expertise and commercial contacts. The partnership will initially focus on three areas: tokenisation of real-world assets (land and mineral extraction covering gold, platinum, and lithium) using the VLRM Markets platform; digital payments expansion across Africa through the Koinon mobile app with Valereum's white label payment platforms; and digital banking exploring next-generation financial services. Matthew Mecke, founder of BDAL, cited three decades of building relationships across the continent, while Valereum CEO Gary Cottle described the deal as a natural geographical and product extension of its business model.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 08:13 AM UTC

Less than a year before the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027 in Rabat, Gianni Infantino appears in a strong position to extend his tenure. According to RMC Sport, the Italian-Swiss official has already secured nearly 200 endorsements among the 211 FIFA member associations, with no official opposition emerging so far. Despite criticisms during the 2026 World Cup, his political base remains solid. Some major European federations like Germany and France have not yet stated their position. UEFA continues to explore fielding an opponent, but finding a candidate capable of gathering enough votes is proving difficult. Infantino can count on major support from several confederations, particularly in Africa and South America, allowing him to aim for a new term even without unanimous European backing. UEFA's challenge appears more about creating a counterbalance and opening debate on FIFA's governance rather than waging a frontal battle to oust the incumbent.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 11:52 AM UTC

On July 18, Spanish newspaper Marca published a poll involving over 20,000 users worldwide, asking which team they support in the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. Users were required to state their continent of origin, and Marca claimed to have verified IP addresses to confirm geographic locations. The results show strong global support for Spain, with Asia at 82% for Spain and 18% for Argentina, Africa at 88% for Spain, Oceania at 86%, North America at 72%, South America at 59%, and Europe at 53%. The article notes that Marca's Spanish origin may affect the poll's credibility. The data was republished by Hupu, a Chinese sports community.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 07:31 AM UTC

BioGaia AB reported its Q2 2026 financial results, with net sales reaching SEK 441 million, representing 12% growth excluding currency effects. The company achieved an operating profit of SEK 132 million, up 22% year-over-year, with an EBIT margin of 30% and an adjusted EBIT margin of 33%. Regional performance varied: Europe, Middle East, and Africa saw a 21% sales increase; the Americas grew 16%; while Asia Pacific declined 6% due to order variability. Year-to-date net sales reached SEK 813 million with 13% growth excluding currency effects. CEO Theresa Agnew reiterated the company's strategic pillars, focusing on growing the core health areas of Gut Health, colic, oral health, and immune health.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 06:46 PM UTC

This Brookings Institution analysis challenges the widely circulated claim that Africa has over $2 trillion in 'idle' domestic savings that can be easily redirected to close the continent's infrastructure gap. The author argues that these funds are already deployed in various forms—such as government bonds, liquidity reserves, and pension liabilities—and that redirecting them involves significant trade-offs, including fiscal austerity or increased foreign borrowing. A detailed breakdown shows that of the $4 trillion gross institutional capital pool, only about $300 billion is plausibly redirectable. The article uses Nigeria's pension funds as an example, noting that 77% of assets are in government securities, meaning the state has already borrowed that money. It concludes that forcing infrastructure investment would concentrate sovereign risk rather than diversify it, and that a one-time redeployment would only cover about 11% of one year's infrastructure gap.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 06:35 PM UTC

This Brookings Institution analysis challenges the popular narrative that Africa has over $2 trillion in 'idle' domestic capital that can be easily redirected to close the continent's infrastructure gap. The author argues that most of this capital is already deployed in government bonds, bank reserves, and other mandated investments, and cannot be easily redeployed without significant trade-offs. Breaking down the $4 trillion gross figure, the analysis shows only about $300 billion is plausibly redirectable. The article highlights that redirecting pension funds from government securities to infrastructure would require fiscal austerity or increased foreign borrowing, and that infrastructure investments often re-import sovereign risk. It concludes that the 'idle trillions' framing is a misunderstanding that ignores the political and economic realities of capital allocation in Africa.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 06:35 PM UTC

This Brookings Institution analysis challenges the popular narrative that Africa has over $2 trillion in 'idle' domestic capital that can be easily redirected to close the continent's infrastructure gap. The author argues that these funds are already deployed, primarily in government securities, bank reserves, and pension liabilities. Breaking down the $4 trillion gross pool, the article shows that only about $300 billion is plausibly redirectable due to legal, liquidity, and fiduciary constraints. Redirecting pension funds from government bonds to infrastructure would require fiscal austerity or increased foreign borrowing, and would only cover about 11% of one year's infrastructure gap. The analysis concludes that portfolio optimization models actually advise against heavy infrastructure investment due to concentrated sovereign risk, making the 'idle trillions' claim a costly misunderstanding in development policy.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 06:35 PM UTC

The U.S. Army activated Delta Company, 7th Psychological Operations Battalion, nicknamed 'Drongo Company,' on July 15 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The new unit will conduct psychological operations under U.S. Africa Command, focusing on influence and subversion across contested environments in Africa. The activation reflects a broader shift in U.S. military strategy on the continent, moving away from direct combat toward supporting partner nations' counterterrorism capabilities. The company's nickname derives from the drongo, a small African bird that mimics other animals to drive away competitors, symbolizing the subversive nature of PSYOP missions. The 7th Psychological Operations Battalion, previously under the 4th Psychological Operations Group, is now organic to the 3rd Special Forces Group. This move is part of the Army's ongoing overhaul of information warfare doctrine, establishing smaller, specialized units to counter enemy disinformation campaigns while expanding the 4th Psychological Operations Group's footprint.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 04:50 PM UTC

The US Army has officially activated Delta Company, 7th Psychological Operations Battalion, nicknamed 'Drongo Company,' at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on July 15. The new unit will operate under US Africa Command, focusing on psychological operations across contested environments in Africa. The activation is part of a broader transformation of Army special operations forces and a shift in US military strategy on the continent, moving away from direct combat toward influencing and shaping perceptions. The company's nickname derives from a small African bird known for mimicry and subversion. This expansion comes as the US reduces its combat footprint in Africa, closing drone bases in Niger and withdrawing troops from Nigeria, while emphasizing partner nation capacity building through training and a new drone academy in Morocco.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 04:50 PM UTC