Zambian customs officials apprehended a 27-year-old Indian citizen at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport attempting to transport over $2.3 million in cash and suspected gold valued at $500,000 to Dubai. The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) reported that the individual was intercepted by a multi-agency team, leading to ongoing investigations into the incident.

Inflation in Zambia expected to fall below 8% for first time since 2019

Zambia's inflation rate is projected to fall below 8% for the first time since 2019, with Secretary to the Treasury Felix Nkulukusa expressing confidence in reaching the central bank's target of 6-8% by year's end. This optimistic forecast follows a period of significant economic challenges, including a historic debt default and recent drought, suggesting a potential stabilisation of living costs for Zambians.

Zambian tech agencies urged to transition to paperless system

The Zambian Ministry of Technology and Science is advocating for a shift to paperless processes among its agencies, with Minister Felix Mutati emphasising the need for technological adaptation to improve service delivery. This initiative aims to eliminate manual systems and foster an environment conducive to economic transformation, reinforcing the importance of skills from the Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA) in achieving these objectives.

U.S. tariffs threaten Zambian economy

The Zambia Consumer Association has warned that the U.S. tariffs—10% on African agricultural exports and 25% on copper imports—could severely impact the nation's trade prospects, reducing the competitiveness of Zambian products in foreign markets. Executive Director Juba Sakala highlighted existing issues, such as currency depreciation and rising costs of essential goods, exacerbated by the new tariffs.

Zambia faces mpox and cholera challenges

Zambia confirmed its second mpox-related death, with 49 total cases reported across six provinces. Health Minister Elijah Muchima stated that efforts are underway to trace and contain the outbreak while simultaneously addressing an increase in cholera cases, with 18 new cases bringing the total to 490 and nine deaths. The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with partners, is actively working to combat both public health challenges.

The gap is particularly concerning in light of the suspension of humanitarian aid from the United States, previously the country’s largest donor via USAID, local news portal Actualite reports.

The U.S. funding freeze has raised fears of a resurgence in infectious diseases , particularly in eastern DRC, where armed conflict and population displacement continue to hinder health interventions.

In response, President Félix Tshisekedi has directed his government to explore alternative solutions to cushion the impact of the suspended aid.

The DRC officially declared a Mpox epidemic in early 2022. Since then, the disease has spread to all 26 provinces, fueled by a mutated strain of the virus that facilitates rapid human-to-human and sexual transmission.

From January 2024 to mid-March 2025, the country reported 89,903 suspected Mpox cases, including 16,782 confirmed infections and 1,684 deaths — figures that highlight the urgency of the situation.

Uganda is transitioning to safer and cleaner cooking solutions in schools by introducing Shell Gas, following the Ministry of Energy’s directive to phase out traditional fuels like firewood and charcoal. This initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions and improve health outcomes for students and staff, Pulse Uganda reports. The Shell Gas package includes gas tanks, cookers, safety equipment, and free training for staff on safe usage. King’s College Budo is the first school to integrate Shell Gas, with its headmaster highlighting the importance of this transition for health, safety, and environmental sustainability.

Ugandan shilling

The Ugandan shilling remained stable on March 31, 2025, due to low dollar demand across all sectors. As of 0955 GMT, commercial banks quoted the shilling at 3,655/3,665, unchanged from the previous close, according to CNBC Africa .

Power distribution

Umeme Ltd has officially handed over power distribution to the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) after its 30-year concession ended. CEO Selestino Babungi warned that Uganda could face a power deficit in three years if current demand, outpacing supply, is not addressed. Without intervention, projections indicate shortages by 2028. Pulse Uganda reports that while Uganda's electricity consumption is anticipated to grow by 14% annually, the government is exploring new generation projects, including a feasibility study for the 400 MW Kiba hydropower plant. During Umeme's tenure, significant infrastructure improvements were made, increasing customer connections and reducing energy losses, but the network is currently under strain from rising demand.

Oil refinery investment

Uganda has signed an agreement with UAE-based Alpha MBM Investments for a 60 percent stake in a $4 billion crude oil refinery in Kabaale, Hoima District, with Uganda's state-run Uganda National Oil Company retaining the remaining 40 percent. The Arabian Gulf Business Insight reports that this 60,000-barrel-per-day facility is crucial for Uganda's emerging hydrocarbons sector. The agreement follows earlier negotiations that commenced on January 16. Additionally, Uganda and UAE investors finalised five other agreements in various sectors. 

Hike in Mpox cases

Uganda has reported a total of 4,810 confirmed Mpox cases and 37 deaths since the outbreak began eight months ago, according to the Ministry of Health. In the past 24 hours, there were 13 new infections and six deaths. The majority of cases are among young adults aged 25-29 in urban areas, Azernews reports. The World Health Organisation has stated that Uganda has the highest number of community-transmitted Mpox cases globally, prompting health authorities to enhance surveillance and awareness efforts. Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is spread through close contact and exhibits symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, and skin rash. 

Tanzania’s Health Ministry has confirmed the country’s first two cases of mpox. The patients, who showed symptoms like rash, fever, headache, and throat pain, are now in isolation. One case involves a truck driver who entered from a neighbouring country. According to The Star , authorities said samples were tested at the national lab and confirmed on Saturday, March 8. The government is enhancing disease surveillance at borders, raising public awareness, and encouraging preventive measures.

UNESCO launches $8 million water initiative in Tanzania and Kenya

UNESCO has launched an $8 million project to improve groundwater management in Tanzania and Kenya, focusing on preserving 400 acres of Mount Kilimanjaro’s forest—a key water source for over two million people. Funded by the Global Environment Facility and implemented with the FAO, the initiative aims to boost water security through aquifer mapping and community engagement, providing clean water access to 100,000 more people. Officials emphasised the urgency of protecting Kilimanjaro’s melting glaciers and ensuring long-term water sustainability, according to Atta Travels .

Unicef chief calls for greater investment in Tanzanian children

Unicef Executive Director Catherine Russell visited education and health programs in Tanzania’s Songwe Region, urging greater investment in children and adolescent girls to break the cycle of poverty. She praised Tanzania’s progress in expanding access to education, healthcare, and nutrition, especially for girls, and emphasized that investing in children is key to the country’s future. The Citizen reports that Unicef is working with the government to reduce child marriage and teenage pregnancies—affecting nearly 45% of girls in Songwe—through education, skills training, and health services.

NHIF’s new healthcare coverage to support 1.2 million poor Tanzanian households

The National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) has launched a new initiative to provide basic healthcare support to 1.2 million vulnerable Tanzanian households unable to afford medical costs. Implemented under Section 25 of the Universal Health Insurance Act, the program will be carried out with the President’s Office and the Tanzania Social Action Fund (Tasaf). Health Minister Jenista Mhagama noted that out of 14.8 million households in mainland Tanzania, 3.9 million are economically disadvantaged, with 1.2 million identified as extremely poor. NHIF Director General Dr. Irene Isaka said beneficiaries will be identified through local government authorities, reports The Citizen .

Tanzania to build mega-conference centre in Arusha to rival Nairobi’s KICC

Tanzania’s Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC) has partnered with the Public Service Social Security Fund (PSSSF) to build the Mount Kilimanjaro International Conference Centre (MKICC), a Tsh385 billion state-of-the-art facility. NTV reported that the centre will include a 5,000-seat auditorium, a five-star hotel with 500 rooms, a 20,000-square-metre commercial space, parking for 2,000 vehicles, and a helipad. Set to be completed by 2027, MKICC aims to rival Kenya’s Kenyatta International Conference Centre.

Rwandan scientists have identified two tree species, Senna siamea and Gliricidia sepium, as viable options for generating clean electricity to help meet the country's goal of 100% electricity access by 2030. These fast-growing trees have high wood density and calorific values, making them efficient alternatives to fossil fuels. The initiative, led by Bonaventure Ntirugulirwa from the Rwanda Forestry Authority, aims to sustainably address energy needs in rural areas, while also improving soil quality, mitigating climate change, and alleviating poverty. The project emphasizes farmer participation in cultivating biomass for energy production. Meanwhile, testing for biomass heating value has commenced, with additional analyses required abroad for other key elements. The approach has garnered praise for its potential to resolve food shortages and electricity gaps in rural communities, Tech Xplore reports.

Leader in ADR

Rwanda has emerged as a leader in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to the World Bank's recent Business Ready report. The nation has established effective mechanisms such as community mediators (Abunzi), court-annexed mediation, and plea bargaining, allowing for swift and amicable resolution of disputes. In the fiscal year 2023/2024 alone, over 12,000 cases were resolved through ADR, saving an estimated Rwf7.5 billion. Judicial spokesperson Harrison Mutabazi emphasized that a robust ADR framework enhances the business environment, making Rwanda more attractive to investors by preventing protracted legal battles. Since its implementation in 2012, the judiciary has focused on training, with a recent opening of an ADR centre in Nyamirambo underscoring this commitment, reports The NewTimes .

Marburg disease contained

The Marburg virus disease outbreak in Rwanda has been contained, with no deaths reported in the last three weeks and two stable patients remaining under care, according to Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana on November 1. Key updates include a 22.7% case fatality rate, over 6,000 tests conducted, and more than 1,600 vaccine doses administered. The virus's source was identified as fruit bats in a cave, which has now been sealed off from human contact. As of October 31, Rwanda recorded 66 cases, including 49 recoveries and 15 deaths. Weekly updates on the outbreak will begin on November 1, as reported by The NewTimes .

Tourism in Rwanda

In the first half of 2024, visitors to Rwanda spent $267.71 million on goods and services, a nearly 12% increase from $236.2 million in the same period of 2023, according to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR). The Travel Expenditure Survey revealed that in Q1 and Q2 of 2024, travel credit (expenditures by visitors) totalled $267.71 million, while travel debit (expenditures by Rwandan residents abroad) amounted to $168.8 million. A significant portion of travel credit (84.4%) came from air transport. According to The NewTimes , holiday spending was the largest category, accounting for 48% of total travel credit, with average daily expenditures of $173 for air travellers and $66 for land travellers. The survey's findings are intended to inform policymakers and businesses for better decision-making and enhance travel experiences.

Mpox vaccination progress

Over 50,000 people have been vaccinated against mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, according to the WHO. Despite this, the outbreak remains uncontrolled, with the African Union warning of a potential pandemic worse than Covid-19. Over 1,100 deaths and 48,000 cases have been reported in Africa since January, with the majority of deaths occurring in the DRC, the epicentre of the outbreak, Barron's reports.

President Yoweri Museveni celebrated Christianity's impact on Uganda during the 60th anniversary of the canonisation of the Uganda Martyrs, emphasising its role in enhancing education, scientific knowledge, and social values. In a speech relayed by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, he highlighted how Christian teachings have guided Uganda through conflict and inspired positive cultural practices. The Uganda Martyrs, executed between 1885 and 1887 for their faith, are revered as patron saints of Africa, with millions visiting their shrine annually, symbolising hope for persecuted Christians worldwide.

Concern about Uganda’s food insecurity

The Food Rights Alliance (FRA) has raised significant concerns over the rampant food insecurity in Uganda, highlighted by the 2024 National Population and Housing Census from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS). Key areas across the country have many households suffering from severe food insecurity. FRA Executive Director Agnes Kirabo emphasised the immorality of food insecurity in a country capable of feeding Africa, noting that 26% of children are undernourished. The ongoing food insecurity has been exacerbated by external threats like climate change. An integrated approach to rethink food production, distribution, and consumption to ensure that food is accessible and nutritious for all has been encouraged.

Uganda signs deal with Saudi Arabia for pardon of migrant workers

Uganda and Saudi Arabia have signed an agreement to pardon and repatriate Ugandan migrant workers stranded in Saudi deportation centres and prisons. The deal was reached during a meeting between Uganda's Minister of State for Labour Esther Anyakun Davinia, and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Human Resources Ahmed Alrajhi focusing on clemency for workers detained for non-capital offenses, especially women with children and those held for minor infractions. Workers sentenced for serious crimes, like drug trafficking and murder, will not be eligible for pardon.

49 new mpox cases reported in Uganda

Uganda has reported 49 new mpox cases , raising the total to 145 confirmed cases. Kampala recorded the highest number, with 27 new cases. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported among the 19 affected districts. The World Health Organisation is assisting Uganda in managing the outbreak by enhancing coordination, surveillance, and community engagement.

Calls for integration of art therapy in Uganda’s healthcare system

Health experts and art professionals in Uganda are advocating for the integration of art therapy into the country’s healthcare system, emphasising its healing potential. This call was made during the Global South Arts and Health Week (GSAHW) Uganda Pavilion 2024 at Kiggundu Art Studio, Kampala. The event brought together over 50 participants, including medical professionals and educators. Cancer survivor Vanesa Simon highlighted how art helped her cope during treatment, stating, “Art is as necessary to good health as medicine.”  

"Almost 20% of our patients are sex workers, or people who say they've been infected but have been in contact with an occasional partner who happens to be a sex worker. So this category is quite vulnerable and very exposed, and it's important that they be vaccinated," Dr Daily told AFP.

The nature of sex work complicates efforts to trace and treat the disease, as many individuals are reluctant to disclose their illness. “No one wanted to say she was ill,” said Alice, a local sex worker. “If I'm infected, I hide so others don't know, and vice-versa.”

As the outbreak grows, health officials are calling for targeted interventions to support the affected community.

Saint Lucia is enhancing its preventive measures against mpox, following a World Health Organization declaration of the disease as a global public health emergency. St. Lucia Times reports that the Ministry of Health, led by Dr. Harini Vemula, is implementing strict precautionary measures, including isolation protocols for suspected cases and cleaning guidelines for contaminated environments. Residents are advised to recognize transmission modes, dispose of waste properly, and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms like fever or rash. Currently, there are no confirmed cases of mpox in Saint Lucia, but vigilance remains high at all levels to detect any potential cases early.

Grants awarded for early childhood development

On August 22, 2024, the Government of Saint Lucia awarded $2,500 in grants to 105 registered early childhood development centers, following a commitment from the 2024/2025 Budget Policy Address. The funding aims to enhance learning environments and support early childhood education. The distribution ceremony, as reported by St. Kitts & Nevis Observer was held at Chateau Heritage in Dennery, highlighting the government's investment in the island's future through education.

Annual Judicial Conference

The Annual Judicial Conference 2024 of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court took place in Saint Lucia from August 5 to 7, focusing on "Constitutional Law and Administrative Law." Hosted by the Judicial Education Institute, Dominica News Online reports the event featured a formal opening by Hon. Eddy Ventose and remarks from Attorney General Leslie Mondesir, emphasizing the importance of judicial training for upholding democratic values. Acting Chief Justice Mario Michel outlined the conference agenda and introduced esteemed facilitators, including judges from the Caribbean Court of Justice and legal academics. officers.

Homicides decrease

The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) reported 6,758 crimes in 2024, with 54 homicides recorded as of August 27, a decline from 59 homicides during the same period in 2023. The Southern Division accounted for 47% of incidents, followed by the Central Division at 28% and the Northern Division at 25%. According to Loop , summary offences made up the majority (54%) of crimes, while crimes against persons and property accounted for 19% and 20%, respectively. Overall, crimes against persons peaked in 2022 but have decreased to 1,317 in 2024. The RSLPF remains committed to public safety and solving these crimes.

Police force under scrutiny

The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) is investigating allegations of misconduct at the Police Academy involving an intoxicated officer mistreating recruits. Assistant Commissioner Dr. Mashama Sealy emphasized the importance of maintaining the Academy's professionalism and stated that investigations should not be feared if procedures are followed. To enhance oversight, senior officers will regularly visit the Academy, and a suggestion box will be reintroduced for confidential feedback from recruits, as reported by Loop . Additionally, all activities will now require approval from a senior training officer, and a review of standing orders is planned to identify areas for improvement.

Nigeria, with 1% of Africa's confirmed mpox cases, is the first African country to receive a vaccine shipment outside a clinical trial. According to Health Policy Watch , this week, Nigeria received 10,000 doses of Jynneos, donated by the U.S. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of the Africa CDC. The outfit also confirmed Nigeria is one of two African countries to approve the vaccine.

Uganda's Embassy 'involved' in money laundering

Detectives are investigating Uganda’s Embassy in Nigeria, including Ambassador Nelson Ocheger, for money laundering on President Museveni's orders. This follows reports of criminality at Uganda’s consulate in Dubai. As reported by Chim Reports , police have requested files from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. CID's Deputy Director, Jackson Tweheyo, wrote to Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Vincent Bagiire on July 9, 2024, for documentation.

Ethiopian Airlines withdraws national carrier interest

Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew Bekele announced that the airline no longer intends to establish a national carrier for Nigeria. In a Bloomberg Africa interview, Bekele stated that plans with institutional investors and the Nigerian government have concluded. Business Daily reports Bekele said, "We don’t have any intention to partner with any of the Nigerian airlines today because it has been politicised."

Over 7,000 Nigerians kidnapped in a year

Over the past year, 7,568 Nigerians were abducted in 1,130 incidents, with bandits demanding nearly N11 billion in ransoms, according to a report by SB Morgen Intel. The report, titled 'Grim Reaping: Economics of Nigeria’s Kidnap Industry,' reveals that kidnappers received N1 billion out of the N10.9 billion demanded, Business Daily reports. “Between July 2023 and June 2024, no fewer than 7,568 people were abducted in 1,130 incidents across the country,” the Africa-focused market and security intelligence firm said.

SIM card fraud uncovered

The NCC uncovered cases of Nigerians registering over 100,000 lines each. This discovery, made with ONSA and NIMC during the NIN-SIM linkage exercise, highlights that individuals can register up to 4 SIM cards per network operator, excluding IoT devices. According to Nairametrics , the NCC warned that individuals with numerous SIM cards pose a security threat and will continue collaborating with security agencies to crack down on pre-registered SIM sales, safeguarding national security and mobile number integrity.

However, the situation remains dire , with healthcare facilities struggling to keep up with the influx of patients.

The isolation centre at King Khaled Hospital in Bujumbura is overwhelmed with patients. Dr. Odette Nsavyimana, a dermatologist who is treating those infected, described the severity of the situation, noting that many patients arrive in critical condition with high fevers.

"Sometimes patients come to us in a severe, critical condition with a fever of 39 degrees, intense headaches and generalised skin eruptions, including vesiculo-pustular lesions. In such cases, an injectable treatment is given, as well as painkillers to soothe the patient, because these are very painful and itchy lesions that require emergency treatment," she said.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the mpox outbreak a global health emergency. The organisation is seeking $135 million to combat the outbreak over the next six months.

The new strain, known as Clade 1b, is more transmissible and deadly, contributing to the rapid increase in cases not only in Burundi but also in neighbouring countries like Kenya and Uganda.

Officials believe the strain is Clade 1, which has a higher death rate than Clade 2. Forty-two people who had close contact with the patient are being monitored.

Mpox cases are rising in Africa, with outbreaks in several countries since July. The virus, formerly known as monkeypox, causes fever and skin lesions and is more dangerous for children.

"His condition is okay, with no severe symptoms. We hope that by this Friday, we can confirm whether it's the Clade 1b variant or not," the Head of Thailand's Department of Disease Control, Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn said during a press conference.

Thailand has detected an mpox case in a 66-year-old European man who arrived from Africa last week, a disease control official said on Wednesday. Authorities are treating the case as if it were the Clade 1 variant of mpox. According to StratNews Global , the man, who resides in Thailand, arrived on August 14 from an undisclosed African country experiencing an outbreak, according to Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn, director-general of the Department of Disease Control, in an interview with Reuters. Test results to determine the strain are pending.

Bank of Thailand maintains the key rate at 2.50%

The Bank of Thailand (BoT) kept its key interest rate at 2.50% for the fifth consecutive meeting on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, despite economic sluggishness and fiscal policy uncertainty after the Constitutional Court dismissed Srettha Thavisin as prime minister last week, as reported by the Bangkok Post . The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted 6-1 to maintain the rate, with one member voting for a 0.25 percentage point cut to address lower potential growth and ease the debt burden for borrowers.

Thai MP under investigation for slapping reporter

A formal investigation has been requested into veteran politician Prawit Wongsuwon after he struck a ThaiPBS journalist last week. According to the BBC , the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader hit the reporter after she asked about the new prime minister. A PPRP spokesman said Prawit knew the journalist well and apologized, claiming he was "teasing her." Thai PBS has demanded accountability, and journalist associations have asked the lower house speaker to investigate whether Prawit's actions violated MP ethics.

Thailand to host 2025 MotoGP season opener

Thailand has officially been confirmed to take over from Qatar as the opening round of the MotoGP World Championship for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Since the first Thai GP in 2018, over 800,000 fans have attended the events in Buriram, with Sunday often sold out. MotoGP's popularity in Thailand is expected to grow even more next year, with local star Somkiat Chantra likely to join LCR Honda, as reported by Crash .

Thai man bitten on the testicles by python

A man in Thailand was bitten on the testicles by a huge python, leaving his bathroom covered in blood as he desperately beat the snake to death with a toilet brush. Horrifying pictures show the aftermath of Thanat Thangtewanon's encounter with the 12-foot reptile hiding in the U-bend of his home toilet on Tuesday. Mail Online reports that Thanat said he felt a sharp pain moments after sitting down. He said: "I felt something biting my balls. It was very painful, so I put my hands in the toilet to see what was wrong. I was shocked that I grabbed a snake," he said. I quickly stood up and plucked it out. I felt pain, really bad pain, and there was blood everywhere, but I was more shocked to have found a python in the toilet."

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has observed a significant decline in suspected and confirmed Mpox cases across the country, with 51 new suspected cases reported between weeks 29 to 32 of 2024. According to Nairametrics , there have been 1,125 confirmed cases and 17 deaths since 2017. The NCDC advises vigilance and measures to curb the spread of Mpox, particularly in states currently reporting cases. The World Health Organization has declared mpox a global public health emergency due to a severe outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Man dies during fasting

A 58-year-old man died while undergoing a 19-day spiritual dry fast in Lagos. The police confirmed the incident and stated that no foul play was suspected. The family has requested to convey the corpse for burial, Premium Times reports.

Cholera cases

Nigeria has seen a rise in cholera cases and deaths, with 121 new suspected cases reported in five states. Premium Times reports that the country has recorded a total of 5,951 suspected cases and 176 deaths between January and August 2024. This surge is linked to contaminated water supply, unregulated street beverages, and open defecation. Children under 5 are the most affected group. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare has called for a unified effort to combat the outbreak.

Food security and climate change

The US government has announced a $27 million humanitarian aid package for Nigeria to assist vulnerable populations and build resilience against food insecurity and climate change impacts. This funding, according to Vanguard , is part of the US government's $536 million humanitarian aid package to sub-Saharan Africa and will be channeled through the State Department's Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration and USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance. The aid aims to address the critical needs of vulnerable individuals across the sub-Saharan region, including refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, stateless individuals, and other conflict-affected people. US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, emphasised the impact of the new funding, stating that it demonstrates the US' unwavering commitment to supporting Nigeria in addressing humanitarian challenges and building resilience against food insecurity and climate change impacts.

Minimum wage

The implementation of Nigeria's new minimum wage of N70,000 ($45) may be delayed due to necessary adjustments. Only seven out of 36 states have set up committees for its implementation, Africa Business Insider reports . The Nigeria Labour Congress warns of a delay, citing the need for formalities and consequential adjustments before the minimum wage can go into effect.

Mpox affects young children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised people, with the new strain spreading mainly through sexual contact. The virus has also spread through non-sexual contact, particularly among children.

The outbreak, which began in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has spread to other African nations and beyond.

Vaccines, which helped control the 2022 outbreak, are now being distributed in Africa, with 200,000 doses secured. However, experts believe mpox is more likely to be contained than COVID-19.

“It may well spread wider within the African continent. I think it's likely that we will see occasional sporadic cases that are occurring in other parts of the world, but I think as long as the health workforce in those countries is alert and able to recognise cases, we should be able to stop it from spreading and causing the kind of pandemic that was seen with Covid-19,” Professor Emeritus of Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Jimmy Whitworth told AFP TV.

MTN Group Ltd., Africa’s biggest wireless carrier by revenue, posted its first loss since 2016 due to the devaluation of the Nigerian naira, impacting earnings from one of its key markets. The company reported a loss of 7.39 billion rand (about $415 million) in the six months through June and is looking to exit more markets, including discussions to reduce its stake in the Nigeria business to 65%, Bloomberg reports.

25-year cricket dominance over West Indies

South Africa defeated West Indies by 40 runs in the second Test, maintaining their 25-year dominance over the Caribbean side. Fast bowler Jayden Seales achieved a Test-best six wickets for 61 runs, but West Indies fell short of the target of 263. South Africa's Keshav Maharaj claimed 13 wickets in the series, helping his team secure the victory. Additionally, Wiaan Mulder took six wickets and contributed 34 runs, earning himself the man of the match award. South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma was praised for his leadership, while West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite highlighted the team's failure to score enough runs in the first innings as crucial to their loss.

UFC bout between Adesanya and Du Plessis

The first all-African title bout in UFC history ended with South Africa’s Dricus Du Plessis beating Nigerian-born Israel Adesanya in the UFC 305. The fighters settled their differences and expressed respect for each other after the fight. The UFC is looking to schedule an event in Africa, possibly in South Africa, in the near future, BBC reports.

Deportation of 95 Libyan nationals

South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has completed preparations to deport 95 Libyan nationals arrested in Mpumalanga, eastern South Africa. Charges were dropped and the deportation was swift, with the Libyan government paying for the flight, SA News reports. Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, commended the officials and emphasised the importance of respecting immigration laws and the rule of law.

Mpox under control, Health Department says

South Africa’s Department of Health has assured that the current Mpox outbreak is under control but urges citizens to remain vigilant, SA News reports. South Africa is on high alert for a surge in cases and new strains. The country is considering additional treatments and vaccines. The WHO has declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, but there are no trade or travel restrictions in place.  According to the government news agency, South Africa is intensifying surveillance and contact tracing efforts and has recorded 24 cases, with three deaths.