Africa News from a Ghanaian Lens

Africa news covered from a Ghanaian lens: regional politics, economies, and the events shaping the continent. Curated from leading newsrooms and updated through the day, newest first.

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ECOWAS and UEMOA align climate priorities ahead of COP31

Climate negotiators from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) have convened in Accra for a critical three-day workshop. The meeting is focused on consolidating a unified regional position ahead of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), which is scheduled to take place in Antalya, Turkey, in November 2026. By aligning their priorities, these West African nations aim to present a stronger, more cohesive voice on the international stage to ensure their specific environmental concerns are addressed. The workshop provides a platform for regional experts to evaluate the outcomes of recent global climate summits and identify significant gaps in current implementation strategies. One of the primary objectives is to advocate for more ambitious global targets regarding greenhouse gas emission reductions. Negotiators emphasized that while West Africa contributes minimally to global carbon emissions, the region remains one of the most vulnerable to climate-related disruptions, including unpredictable weather patterns and threats to agricultural productivity. During the discussions, the ECOWAS Resident Ambassador highlighted the strategic importance of the West African Pavilion, a dedicated space planned for COP31 to showcase regional climate resilience initiatives. This pavilion will serve as a hub for demonstrating localized adaptation strategies and successful sustainability projects implemented across member states. The goal is to move beyond rhetoric and present tangible evidence of the region's commitment to climate action, thereby attracting necessary international investment and technical support. The meeting concludes with a call for sustained collaboration between member states to refine their common negotiation positions. As West Africa prepares for the 2026 conference, the focus remains on securing equitable climate financing and ensuring that the global transition to a green economy does not leave vulnerable nations behind. This Accra meeting marks a significant step in reinforcing regional solidarity and ensuring that West Africa’s interests are effectively represented at the highest levels of global environmental governance.

GAIA report warns Africa against waste-to-energy incineration projects
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GAIA report warns Africa against waste-to-energy incineration projects

A new report from the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) has raised significant concerns over the rise of Waste-to-Energy (WTE) incineration projects across Africa. The report cautions that these technologies, often touted as modern solutions to urban waste management, may actually aggravate the continent's environmental and economic vulnerabilities. According to GAIA, the expansion of such projects overlooks more sustainable and cost-effective alternatives while threatening to lock nations into expensive, inefficient systems. The GAIA report identifies 15 active or proposed incineration projects spread across ten African nations, including Ethiopia. It highlights a worrying trend where governments are increasingly endorsing these capital-intensive technologies despite their potential harm. However, the report argues that incineration is fundamentally ill-suited for the African context. Because a vast majority of the waste generated on the continent is organic and contains high moisture levels, it does not burn efficiently, often requiring additional fuel and significantly increasing operational costs. Beyond the technical inefficiencies, the alliance points to the severe financial burden these projects place on developing economies. The high capital expenditure and maintenance costs associated with WTE facilities often lead to long-term debt without delivering the promised energy or waste reduction benefits. Furthermore, the report warns of the environmental fallout, noting that incineration can release harmful pollutants and undermine local efforts to establish a circular economy by destroying materials that could otherwise be recovered. To address these challenges, GAIA is urging African governments to pivot toward comprehensive zero-waste strategies. These recommendations focus on waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and large-scale composting programs that are better aligned with the composition of local waste streams. By prioritizing these community-led and ecologically sound practices, the report suggests that African nations can achieve more resilient and sustainable waste management outcomes while protecting public health and the environment.

General Horta N’tam dismisses Lieutenant-General Sadji Fati
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General Horta N’tam dismisses Lieutenant-General Sadji Fati

General Horta N’tam, the leader of the military junta in Guinea-Bissau, has officially dismissed Lieutenant-General Sadji Fati from his position within the nation's armed forces. The decision, which was formalized through a junta-issued decree, marks a significant shift in the military hierarchy following the recent political upheavals in the West African nation. The removal of the high-ranking officer takes effect immediately, signaling the junta's intent to rapidly restructure the military leadership to ensure stability under the new regime.\n\nLieutenant-General Sadji Fati is a prominent military figure known for his long-standing and close professional relationship with the ousted president, Umaro Sissoco Embaló. His dismissal is widely viewed by observers as a strategic move by General N’tam to consolidate control over the state apparatus and remove individuals perceived to be loyal to the previous administration. By targeting senior officers with deep ties to the former president, the junta aims to minimize the risk of internal dissent or organized opposition from within the ranks of the military.\n\nWhile the decree did not specify individual charges or reasons for the dismissal beyond the administrative directive, it underscores the volatile political climate currently prevailing in Guinea-Bissau. Since the transition of power, the military junta has been under international scrutiny as it navigates the restructuring of national governance. This latest personnel change highlights the ongoing efforts to reshape the country's security architecture and ensures that the top brass remains aligned with the current leadership's strategic objectives.

Cairo building collapse kills six people including three children
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Cairo building collapse kills six people including three children

Emergency response teams in Cairo have recovered at least six bodies following the collapse of a five-storey building. The incident, which occurred in the Egyptian capital, prompted an immediate mobilization of rescue crews who worked to navigate the debris and locate residents trapped within the structure. The collapse has resulted in a significant loss of life and multiple injuries, drawing urgent attention to the site of the disaster. Among the deceased confirmed by local authorities are three children, underscoring the tragic impact of the structural failure on the residents of the building. Emergency crews continued their operations throughout the aftermath, sifting through the remains of the five-storey structure to ensure no other victims remained unaccounted for. The recovery of the bodies follows an intensive search effort in the wake of the building's sudden failure. In addition to the six fatalities, seven individuals were rescued from the rubble and transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. These survivors are currently receiving medical care for various injuries sustained during the collapse. While the specific conditions of the hospitalized victims have not been detailed, emergency services remain on-site to provide support and manage the scene of the incident. While the immediate cause of the collapse remains under investigation, the event highlights ongoing concerns regarding structural integrity in densely populated urban areas. Local authorities are expected to conduct a thorough review of the building's history and maintenance to determine the factors that led to this fatal event. For now, the focus remains on supporting the survivors and the families of those who lost their lives in the tragedy.

Ivory Coast scientists develop 11 drought-resistant cocoa varieties
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Ivory Coast scientists develop 11 drought-resistant cocoa varieties

Scientists at Ivory Coast's National Center for Agronomic Research (CNRA) have developed 11 new varieties of cocoa beans designed to withstand water shortages and rising temperatures. This initiative is a response to the growing threat climate change poses to the world’s leading cocoa producer, where the sector accounts for 15% of the national gross domestic product and supports roughly five million people. By creating beans that are less sensitive to drought, researchers aim to safeguard the nation's primary export against increasingly erratic weather patterns.The research comes at a critical time for Ivorian agriculture, as average annual rainfall has been declining since the 1980s. In many regions, precipitation levels have dropped below the minimum requirements for traditional cocoa trees, leading to widespread wilting and crop failure on plantations. Scientists at the CNRA have focused on selecting and breeding strains that can maintain productivity even when water is scarce, ensuring that farmers can continue to harvest quality beans despite the changing environmental conditions.Without significant intervention and the adoption of these climate-resilient varieties, experts warn that cocoa production in Ivory Coast could plummet by as much as 20% by 2050. Farmers on the ground, such as Kofi Alexis Amani, are already seeing the devastating effects of the climate shift firsthand as their trees wither during prolonged dry spells. While some growers have begun intercropping cocoa with other tree species to provide shade and retain soil moisture, the development of these 11 specialized varieties is seen as the most vital step toward long-term sustainability.The successful deployment of these drought-resistant beans will be essential for the economic stability of Ivory Coast and the global cocoa market. As extreme weather events become more frequent, the transition to these new varieties will require a concerted effort between research institutions, the government, and local farming communities. Protecting the cocoa industry remains a priority for preserving both the national economy and the livelihoods of millions who depend on the crop.

Rural women farmers march in Fiaso for International Rural Women’s Day
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Rural women farmers march in Fiaso for International Rural Women’s Day

On October 15, rural women farmers in the Bono East Region of Ghana marked International Rural Women’s Day with a street march in Fiaso. Organized by the Abrono Organic Farming Project (ABOFAP) and the Rural Women Farmers Association of Ghana (RUWAFAG), the event aimed to highlight the indispensable role women play in the country's agrifood systems and national food security efforts. The marchers used the occasion to bring public attention to the essential yet frequently overlooked labour they provide within their communities. Despite being the backbone of rural economies, the participants noted that women continue to face significant systemic barriers. Leaders at the event highlighted that rural women often have limited access to land ownership, credit facilities, and modern agricultural technology compared to their male counterparts. The demonstration in Fiaso served as a public demand for more equitable distribution of resources and greater recognition of the labour that sustains both local households and the broader Ghanaian food supply chain. Key leaders, including Esther Boakye Yiadom and Ziem Evelyn, addressed the gathering, emphasizing that empowering rural women is a fundamental necessity for holistic community development. They called for increased self-empowerment among women farmers while urging the government and agricultural stakeholders to provide targeted support. These leaders described rural women as the "powerhouses" of the village, arguing that their contributions must be formalised and supported through inclusive policy frameworks. The observance in Fiaso underscores a growing movement within Ghana to integrate rural women more fully into the decision-making processes of the agricultural sector. As the event concluded, the central message remained that for Ghana to achieve its long-term development goals and ensure sustainable food security, the contributions of rural women must be matched with tangible investment in their productive capacities and social standing.

An emergency service worker carrying a child out of a school in Pakistan as other emergency workers line the corridors
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Peshawar school roof collapse kills 33 students and one teacher

At least 34 people, including 33 students and one teacher, have died following the collapse of a school roof in Peshawar, Pakistan. The incident has left the local community in mourning as emergency teams worked through the debris to recover victims. According to local authorities, 19 others were injured in the disaster, with five individuals currently in critical condition at nearby medical facilities. Investigations into the cause of the collapse have highlighted significant structural failures. Officials reported that the school building was in a dilapidated state and had been dangerously overloaded, which likely triggered the fatal cave-in. Following these findings, police moved quickly to arrest the school’s owner, who is now facing scrutiny over the maintenance and safety protocols of the private educational institution. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the tragedy, offering his sympathies to the affected families and pledging a thorough investigation into the matter. He emphasized that any negligence discovered during the probe would be dealt with according to the law. This disaster has sparked urgent discussions throughout Pakistan regarding the need for improved school safety regulations and more frequent inspections of aging infrastructure. The Peshawar collapse serves as a grim reminder of the challenges facing the education sector in the region, particularly the lack of adequate oversight for building maintenance. Advocacy groups and parents are now calling for a nationwide audit of school buildings to ensure that students are provided with safe learning environments, urging the government to prioritize structural integrity to prevent future tragedies.

Mauritius extends curfew over one-third of the island nation
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Mauritius extends curfew over one-third of the island nation

The government of Mauritius has officially extended a mandatory curfew across approximately one-third of the island nation following a wave of rare and violent civil unrest. This move comes as authorities attempt to regain control and restore order after protests escalated into clashes that have shocked the typically peaceful country. According to reports from the region, nearly 100 people have been arrested in connection with the disturbances, which represent a significant break from the nation’s historical reputation for stability. Mauritius, an Indian Ocean nation widely celebrated for its robust tourist industry and consistent political stability, is currently navigating a period of uncharacteristic volatility. The decision to extend the curfew is a direct response to the intensity of the protests, which have disrupted daily life and forced a heavy security presence in the affected areas. While the specific geographical boundaries of the curfew have been defined to cover the most turbulent regions, the impact is being felt nationwide as the government prioritizes public safety and the protection of property over normal movement. As security forces work to maintain the peace, the nearly 100 arrests signify the government’s firm stance against the violence that has marred recent demonstrations. The extension of these emergency measures suggests that authorities believe the threat of renewed unrest has not yet fully subsided. For a nation that relies heavily on its image as a safe and inviting destination for international visitors, the restoration of long-term calm is essential. Observers and citizens alike are monitoring whether these measures will successfully de-escalate the situation or if further interventions will be necessary in the coming days.

Khethelo Mdluli killed in KwaZulu-Natal political shooting
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Khethelo Mdluli killed in KwaZulu-Natal political shooting

Khethelo Mdluli, a local government candidate representing the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), was shot and killed outside his home in KwaZulu-Natal. The assassination occurred as South Africa prepares for local elections scheduled for November 4, marking a grim escalation in political violence. Mdluli was targeted while he was with his young children, highlighting the brutal nature of the attack that has sent shockwaves through his community and the political landscape of the region. Family members and colleagues revealed that Mdluli had received several threats leading up to the fatal shooting. The IFP has officially called for a thorough investigation into the murder, emphasizing that violence should never be a component of the democratic electoral process. His death adds to a growing list of political activists and candidates who have fallen victim to targeted hits in KwaZulu-Natal, a province with a long history of intense political rivalry. This latest killing is part of a broader, alarming trend across South Africa, where at least 43 political assassinations have been recorded this year alone. Analysts suggest that local government positions have become high-stakes targets because they are viewed as gatekeepers to public resources and lucrative contracts. The intersection of organized crime and political competition has created a volatile environment where suspected political hits are increasingly used to settle scores or clear the path for rivals. As the country approaches the November polls, the surge in violence has prompted urgent calls for improved security for candidates and more effective law enforcement intervention. The killing of Khethelo Mdluli underscores the precarious safety of those seeking office in contested areas and raises significant concerns about the impact of intimidation on the fairness and integrity of the upcoming elections.

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Boko Haram militants attack military formation in Borno State

Suspected Boko Haram militants launched a midnight assault on a military formation in the Mairari community of Borno State, Nigeria. The attack, occurring in the Guzamala Local Government Area, has resulted in several soldiers being feared dead. This late-night incursion represents a significant breach of security in a region that has faced over a decade of insurgency from extremist groups seeking to establish control over parts of West Africa. The assault took place during the early hours of Tuesday when the terrorists descended upon the military outpost. Using the cover of darkness, the attackers reportedly targeted the formation, leading to an immediate escalation of violence. Although official casualty figures have yet to be released by the Nigerian Army, initial reports from the ground indicate that the militants managed to inflict losses on the troops stationed at the Mairari facility before retreating. Guzamala remains one of the more volatile local government areas in Borno State, often serving as a focal point for insurgent activity. This specific attack on a military formation highlights the continued capability of these groups to organize and execute strikes against fortified positions, despite ongoing military operations aimed at neutralizing their influence in the Lake Chad Basin. In the wake of the incident, security is expected to be heightened across the northern parts of Borno State, with additional patrols and surveillance likely in the Mairari vicinity. The attack serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in maintaining control over Nigeria's northeastern borders. For the residents of Guzamala and nearby communities, such violent clashes continue to pose a threat to regional stability and the safety of the civilian population.

West Africa Civil Society Institute wins 2026 African CSO Award
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West Africa Civil Society Institute wins 2026 African CSO Award

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) has emerged as the winner of the Supporters category at the 2026 African CSO Awards. The announcement was made on October 8 during the African CSO Ideas Festival held in Nairobi, Kenya. WACSI secured the prestigious accolade after outperforming 1,248 other competitors from 46 countries across the continent, marking a significant milestone for the Accra-based institution. Dr. Nana Asantewa Afadzinu, the Executive Director of WACSI, described the award as a powerful validation of the Institute’s long-standing mission to strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations. For over two decades, WACSI has been at the forefront of providing essential training and funding opportunities aimed at making civil society more resilient and effective. This recognition underscores the organization's role in fostering leadership and promoting sustainable development initiatives within African communities. The award aligns with WACSI’s current 2023–2027 Strategic Plan, which focuses on enhancing institutional leadership and community-led development. Impact assessments have consistently demonstrated the effectiveness of WACSI’s interventions, with a recent evaluation showing that 92% of participating organizations reported improved fundraising capacities. As WACSI moves forward, this continental recognition is expected to bolster its efforts to support civil society actors in navigating complex regional challenges.

Somalia schedules presidential election for May 15
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Somalia schedules presidential election for May 15

The Somali government has officially announced that parliamentary and presidential elections will be held on April 15 and May 15, respectively. This announcement marks a critical attempt to stabilize the nation's political landscape following the end of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s second term earlier this year. Despite the conclusion of his constitutional mandate, the government had declared a "transition period," a move that heightened political tensions across the Horn of Africa nation. These upcoming polls are seen as a test of the country’s progress toward democratic governance after years of indirect voting systems. The scheduled dates have been met with a mixture of anticipation and deep-seated skepticism from various political quarters. Opposition leaders and regional rivals have voiced concerns that the electoral plan lacks the necessary consensus to ensure a peaceful transition. Many fear that proceeding without a unified political agreement could potentially trigger further conflict in a country already grappling with deep internal divisions. Regional leaders, in particular, have shown resistance to President Mohamud’s push for a standardized democratic electoral model, preferring traditional or regional-led processes that they believe better reflect local political realities. Compounding these political hurdles is the persistent threat of insecurity. Somalia continues to battle an ongoing Islamist insurgency that controls significant portions of the territory. Stability remains particularly fragile in areas like South West State, where local grievances intersect with national power struggles. Analysts warn that the fragmentation of the country makes the logistical execution of a nationwide vote extremely difficult, especially as the government attempts to move toward a more direct voting system. The ability to secure polling stations and ensure voter safety remains a paramount concern for all stakeholders involved. As the April and May deadlines approach, the international community and domestic observers are watching closely to see if the government can bridge the gap with its opponents. The path to the polls will require significant diplomatic maneuvering to bring regional stakeholders on board and ensure that the election is seen as legitimate by the Somali public. Without such a breakthrough, the risks of electoral violence or a further breakdown in the transition process remain high, potentially undermining the modest gains made in state-building and security over the past decade. Success will depend on whether political leaders can prioritize national stability over partisan interests.