Africa Page

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South Africa's.... E-commerce
Boom: How Digital Shopping
Is Reshaping BRICS Markets

by Dr Iqbal Survé and

Banthati Sekwala

April 17th, 2025

(http://infobrics.org/)

The e-commerce industry has become an unexpected

and significant contender to the African market

- challenging traditional retail industries. The

continent’s revenue generation is projected

to reach $39.44 billion in 2025, with an

annual growth rate of 8.49%

Financial projections for 2025 indicate the following

e-commerce market values within African BRICS

nations: Ethiopia, $553.98 million; Egypt, $7.96

billion; and South Africa, $7.32 billion.

Driving Forces Behind E-Commerce Expansion

These results --- are a combination of improved

infrastructure, and creative innovation in the

retail, logistics, telecommunications and

financial industries. With the increase

of internet penetration and the rise

of smartphone ownership --- the

opportunities for e-commerce

and online shopping ....have

grown.

There are some major driving forces, behind this

massive expansion like the COVID-19 pandemic
- technological advancements in payment

systems - as well as the changing

consumer behaviour.

Impact of COVID-19 on E-Commerce

COVID-19 ----- and those numerous restrictions, and
regulations accelerated the shift into e-commerce

growth, but after the restrictions the convenience

of shopping from home became extremely useful

for students, the elderly, people working from

home, or simply anyone not wishing to leave

their premises. The service continues to be

economically attractive, to major retailers

in South Africa by incorporating it into the

portfolios of Woolworths, Checkers and

Pick n Pay, for example.

E-Commerce in BRICS+ Nations

Prominent e-commerce BRICS+ countries include India

and China ----- where digital mechanisms have been
incorporated into many company business models.

Brazil has one of the top e-commerce industries in

South America - with platforms such as Mercado-

Libre, with one of the key factors for this --- is

having a large digital engaged population,

increased consumer trust in online

shopping - and growth in online

payment solutions.

Russia has also witnessed significant e-commerce

development despite the ongoing conflict with

Ukraine - by focusing on domestic players.

In South Africa... the technological advancements in

terms of digital financial services have transformed

the experience for customers & product producers.

The improved dynamic - is attributed to options

like ‘Buy-Now-Pay-Later' and developments in

biometric and digital wallets.. promoted by

systems like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay... or

Zapper. The proliferation of these newer

systems -- are protected by the Payment

Association of S. Africa who mandated

the use of 3D Secure... in 2014 --- to
protect customers from fraud.

There is no greater convenience than simply

carrying your 'phone to pay for all daily
expenses - compared to looking for a
spare R10 note --- to buy a bottle

of water.

With the recent developments in South Africa, the

industry is entering a new phase of evolution ----

with the introduction of late-night delivery via a

partnership with Uber Eats, Engen Quickshop

and Woolworths, ‘After Dark’ ....will operate

until midnight. This dynamic, is innovative

& would reach a wider clientele seeking

to fulfil their late night sweet treats.

However, it poses great concern for employees with

extensive work hours ----- potentially infringing on

labour rights, as well as brings a psychological
discussion of the immediate gratification in

acquiring 24/7 convenience.

Changing Consumer Behaviour

The changing consumer behaviour plays a direct and

central role in the dynamic of buying online --- and

changing the South African market. For example,

in an article from Mastercard... ‘GenZ ---- is the

biggest adopter of new payment methods ---

with 98% of them being tech-savvy, smart

-phone owners’, and that... there are over

22 million smartphone users in S. Africa.

With statistics like these ----- it is no

surprise that this generation, is so

attached to their mobile devices.

Additionally, according to a Meltwater report, South

Africa is the 3rd highest country globally to access

the internet from their mobile phones, this means

that retailers & e-commerce businesses' main

vehicle to customers - is via mobile phones;

hence - the drastic growth in m-commerce

(mobile commerce). Similar patterns are

evident in other BRICS+ nations where

mobile-first strategies ------- dominate

e-commerce expansion.

Challenges in E-Commerce Development

Though the online developments are great, the sector

faces significant challenges, in developing countries

due to inadequate logistics infrastructure. This not

only hinders current progress - but also poses a

barrier to future development and innovation,

within the e-commerce sector.

The infrastructure available in urbanised areas, makes

for smoother operations for logistics/ courier service

companies, but -- on the other hand -- high levels of
urbanisation may cause delivery delays because

of traffic interruptions. Across the developing

world, particularly in Africa, the levels of

development are extremely unequal.

Rural areas have for decades received little-to-no

maintenance attention --- low levels of service

delivery, and when people in these areas do

have work completed, it is of poor quality.

An innovative solution for this -- is seen in the Chinese

company Meituan where in 2021 it completed its first

drone delivery, in the tech hub of Shenzhen. This

opens the discussion, for other future-forward

technologies to be implemented in logistics

management ------- while infrastructure

undergoes overdue upgrades.

The Path Forward

To fully utilise e-commerce's potential in South Africa &

BRICS+ nations -- collaboration between governments,
businesses, & consumers is essential. By addressing

challenges & learning from BRICS+ partners, South

Africa ....can lead Africa's digital transformation.

Dr Iqbal Survé - Past chairman of the BRICS Business

Council and co-chairman of the BRICS Media Forum

and the BRNN.

Banthati Sekwala - Associate at BRICS+ Consulting

Group, Egyptian & South African Specialist.

________________________________________________

Displaced people ---- increase in

Democratic Republic of Congo

April 17th, 12:03pm

(Prensa Latina)

Unicef denounced that over one million people, among

them 400 thousand children, have been displaced in

the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo ---

so far this year due to the prevailing violence.

In a statement released in the capital --- the United

Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) --- indicated that

civilians flee their homes in the midst of armed

clashes between the army and the insurgent

March 23 Movement (M23) in the provinces

of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu.

Quoted by the media --- the agency's own director,

Caterine Russel, declared before the UN Security

Council, that --- at the height of the conflict this

year in eastern DRC a child was raped every

half hour, on average.

Unicef recently warned that minors could represent

45% of the most 10,000 cases of rape and sexual

violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo

(DRC) last January and February.

The spokesman of this entity, James Elder, expressed,

in this sense, that the statistics reflect that sexual

violence, especially against girls, is used as

“a weapon of war and a deliberate tactic

of terror ------- to destroy families

and communities”.

[Rhondda Records adds -- this obviously

vile form of terror - even using soldiers

who had aids to rape - has been going

on for decades, and knowing doesn't

stop it.]

__________________________________________

Deaths rise - marking new

anniversary of war

in Sudan

April 15th, 2:14pm

(Prensa Latina)

After two years of the beginning of the war in Sudan,

United Nations organizations estimated that some

300 civilians have already died in attacks on

refugee camps in El Fasher.

The most affected bases --- are the Zamzam and Abu

Shouk displacement camps and their surroundings,

and in El Fasher, in North Darfur.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination

of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on

Monday, that the fatalities are the result

of the war that started in April 2023,

and especially due to the violence

of the latest fighting on April 11-

12, as part of the Army's

offensive against the

paramilitary forces.

_________________________________________

Ethiopia and the FAO strengthen
cooperation in agrifood systems

April 15th, 2:03pm

(Prensa Latina)

The government of Ethiopia and the United Nations

Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) discussed

how to strengthen cooperation... in the

transformation of agrifood systems,

the Ethiopia News Agency

informed on Tuesday.

The high-level meeting - between Ethiopian State

Minister of Finance for Economic Cooperation

Semereta Sewasew, and FAO Director of

Agrifood Economics Division, David

Laborde, focused on aligning the

national agrifood systems

strategy with the global

roadmap ---- of the UN

specialized agency.

This link takes into account Addis Ababa’s progress

on a comprehensive data-driven plan - that includes

production, processing, distributio n& consumption.

During the dialogue, Sewasew highlighted the

importance of Ethiopia’s selection as one

of the five pilot countries for FAO’s

global roadmap.

She underscored that this recognition represents a

great opportunity to strengthen ongoing national

efforts --- and benefit from technical expertise,

global experience, & enhanced cooperation

with international partners.

_____________________________________

Algeria completes African Union

Peace and Security Council

April 15th, 10:44am

(Prensa Latina)

Algeria - won the elections as the representative of the

northern part of the continent to complete the African

Union (AU) Peace and Security Council for a three

year term.

During the 24th Extraordinary Session of the AU

Executive Committee, Algiers obtained 34

votes in the third round of elections,

defeating Libya, which received

15 votes.

The other candidate - was Morocco,

but it withdrew before the election.

Joining the new Council member for the 2025-2028

term are Cameroon (centre), Ethiopia (east),

Eswatini (south), and Nigeria (west).

According to the Algerian Embassy in Ethiopia, this

victory --- is a recognition of its role and position

under the leadership of President Abdelmadjid

Tebboune ---- in promoting peace and

establishing security, on the

African continent.

The agenda for the extraordinary session also

includes the appointment of a member of the

AU International Law Commission, and the

African Space Council, the continental

organization stated.

________________________________________

South Africa opposes

Zelensky's arrival

April 14th, 8:14pm

(Izvestia.ru)

In South Africa, they are categorically opposed to the

arrival of Ukrainian Vladimir Zelensky in the country

and do not believe that he will talk about peace.

This was stated by a former member of the National

Executive Committee of the country's ruling party,

Tony Yengeni, on Monday, April 14.

"He refuses to take part in any negotiations. He is

accused - of killing countless Russian-speaking
Ukrainians in Ukraine. He grabs young people

on the streets and forces them to join the

armed forces," Yengeni said, in an

interview with RT.

Earlier in the day, the MP and leader of the Movement

for the Transformation of Africa party, Vuyo Zungula,

said that Ukraine needed new allies, so Zelensky
decided to go... to South Africa.

He stressed that the true purpose of Zelensky's visit to

South Africa is not to seek a peaceful settlement of

the Ukrainian conflict, but on the contrary, is an

attempt to achieve its continuation.

Vladimir Zelensky's visit to South Africa

will take place ------- on April the 24th.

Earlier on April 14, US leader Donald Trump said that

Zelensky constantly asks Washington for missiles,

reports IA Regnum.

Thus, Trump commented on Zelensky's words

that Kiev is ready to pay Washington for new

Patriot air defense systems.

_____________________________

Nearly 50 people killed in attack

on two villages in Nigeria

April 14th, 2:15pm

(Izvestia.ru)

Unidentified gunmen attacked two coffee shops

in the Nigerian state of Plateau, killing about

50 people. About it, on April 14, writes the

Daily Post edition --- with reference to

local authorities.

"As Plateau State residents try to come to terms with

recent attacks in some Bokkos Local Government

communities, two villages in Bassa Local

Government.. were attacked on Sunday

evening, killing 47 people and injuring

dozens," the report said.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and former state military

administrator, Rear Admiral Bitrus Atukum, say

the attacks were aimed at ravaging affected

communities: seizing their ancestral lands.

A day earlier, it was reported that in north-eastern

Nigeria, the driver and at least seven passengers

were killed after a bus ran over an improvised

explosive device. It is assumed that the

explosive device ...was laid by the

militants of the terrorist group

"Boko Haram".

______________________________

EU Announces Humanitarian Aid -

for Horn of Africa & Sahel Region

April 14th, 10:47am

(Prensa Latina)

The EU Commission announced today that it

has allocated €258 million in humanitarian

aid to cover the urgent needs of the most

vulnerable in the Sahel and Horn of

Africa countries.

This new amount brings EU humanitarian support to

the African continent to €750 million this year. The

purpose of this released amount is to send aid

including food, healthcare, water, hygiene

products, and educational support.

As planned, the Horn of Africa countries will receive

€107.5 million for the populations hardest hit.... by

conflict, natural disasters, forced displacement,

and food insecurity.

In a statement, the bloc noted that nearly 70 million

people in that region are living in a humanitarian

emergency, equivalent to one-fifth of the

global total.

Regarding Central and West Africa, €150.6 million is

expected to be allocated to the victims of ongoing

insecurity and conflict.

___________________________________

Trump calls US participation in

G20 meetings in South Africa

into question

April 12th, 5:23am

(TASS)

On February 7, the US President signed an executive

order cutting off aid to South Africa, citing what he

perceived as racial discrimination against the

country’s white residents and the threat of

lands being confiscated from farmers.

"How could we be expected to go to South Africa

for the very important G20 meeting when land

confiscation and genocide - is the primary

topic of conversation? They are taking

the land of white farmers - and then

killing them ---- and their families.

The media ----- refuses to report

on this. The United States has

blocked - all contributions to

South Africa. Is this, where

we want to be for the G20?

I don’t think so!" Trump

wrote... on his Truth

Social page.

On February 7, US President Donald Trump signed an

executive order cutting off aid to South Africa, citing

what he perceived as racial discrimination against

the country’s white residents.. and the threat of

lands being confiscated from farmers. Trump

also instructed the US government to offer

white farmers the opportunity to relocate

from South Africa to the United States.

Additionally, Trump criticized the country --- for filing a

lawsuit in December 2023 with the UN International
Court of Justice, accusing Israel of committing

genocide in the Gaza Strip.

___________________________________

Senegal conducting negotiations

on joining BRICS — MFA

April 12th, 2:47am

(TASS)

Senegal intends to join BRICS - and it is conducting

negotiations with members of the association, the

country’s Foreign Minister Yassine Fall said.

"Senegal is one of the countries which liked the

creation of BRICS, and which are conducting
negotiations with this group of countries

- to become a part of it," the Seneplus

news portal quoted her as saying.

Senegal is able to play a positive role in the

association, the minister added. "Senegal

may contribute to BRICS ------ due to its

stability, resources.. and the wish to

develop industry" ------ she noted,

adding.. that the BRICS format,

provides "more space for the

exchange of views & access

to commercial resources."

Since its inception in 2006, BRICS has experienced two

phases of expansion. In 2011, South Africa joined the

original group, which included Brazil, Russia, India,

and China. On January 1, 2024, five new members

officially entered BRICS, namely Egypt, Iran, the

United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia,

and Ethiopia.

Brazil took over the BRICS presidency from Russia --- on

January 1, 2025. At a BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia,

in October 2024.... it was decided to establish a

category of 'BRICS partner' countries.

The first countries to become partners were Belarus,

Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand,

Uganda and Uzbekistan. Indonesia was also

initially named as a BRICS partner, but on

January 6, Brazil announced: that the

Asian country had been given the

status of a full member.

On January 17, Brazil’s Foreign Ministry said that

Nigeria had also joined BRICS ------ as a partner.

__________________________________________________

Ethiopia, Pakistan to enhance

bilateral and multilateral

cooperation

April 10th, 11:07am

(Prensa Latina)

Ethiopia and Pakistan, agreed to enhance multilateral

cooperation to promote mutual interests, peace and

development, in addition to bilateral ties in trade,

investment, and technology, Fana Broadcasting

Corporate, informed on Thursday.

The consensus resulted from a meeting between Addis

Abeba’s Ambassador to Islamabad, Jemal Beker, and

Pakistan’s Special Assistant to the Prime Minister,

on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi, at the head

of government’s office, according to the African

diplomatic headquarters, quoted by the local

media outlet.

The two sides exchanged views -- on the issues of

mutual interest and collaboration to achieve the

common goals of stability, prosperity, and

sustainable development.

They also expressed their determination

to strengthen bilateral ties in aviation

and climate change.

Beker took advantage of the occasion to congratulate

Pakistan on its election as a Non-Permanent Member

of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)

in 2025.

He said the establishment of the Addis Ababa

Embassy in that South Asian nation is an

expression of a philosophy designed to

foster synergistic partnerships and

collaborative diplomacy.

______________________________________

DRC Hands Over U.S. Citizens

Jailed Over Failed Coup

April 9th, 2025

(African Stream)

Some situations are too easy to read.

On 8 April, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

handed over to US custody three US citizens jailed

over a coup attempt, following high-level talks in

Kinshasa between Massad Boulos, US State

Department senior advisor for Africa and

Trump’s son-in-law’s father, and DRC

President Félix Tshisekedi, on

mining and security deals.

Tshisekedi spokesperson Tina Salama, said commuting

the death sentences and releasing Tyler Thompson Jr,

Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, and Marcel Malanga

‘shows that the collaboration and cooperation

between the two states is growing stronger

and stronger.’

But make no mistake: This wasn’t justice. It was

negotiation. Washington wanted its men back,

Kinshasa wanted a security guarantee and

Congo’s minerals were the price.

Over the past few months ---- the DRC has attempted to

win the Trump administration’s attention following the

M23 militia group rapidly seizing mineral-rich eastern

DRC territories beginning in January, displacing more

than 700,000 people and k*lling at least 8,500, as of

late February.

However, countries like the United States have had

their hands in the three-decade-long war over the

DRC’s estimated $24 trillion in mineral reserves.

Just in 2024, a US court ruled against former child

miners who accused five US tech companies—

Apple, Dell, Google, Microsoft and Tesla—of

supporting child labour. Further --- in 2024,

news reports ------ said the US considered

removing sanctions off the Israeli mining

magnate Dan Gertler, who reportedly

earns $200,000 daily ------- in

mining royalties.

Washington has helped to destabilise the Congo for

decades, first - by orchestrating the assassination

of its Pan-Africanist leader & first prime minister,

Patrice Lumumba (1925-61), and then by

propping up Western-aligned leader

Mobutu Sese Seko (1930-97).

Meanwhile, US allies Rwanda and Uganda both

arm and train the destabilising M23 militia.

__________________________________________

Southern Africa

Lesotho - Punished
For Trade Success

April 9th, 2025

(African Stream)

Picture facing penalties for your achievements!

That’s the predicament Lesotho finds itself in after US

President Donald Trump imposed a staggering 50%

import tax on 2 April on this landlocked African

country’s exports to the US, primarily

affecting textiles and diamonds.

Many have hailed Lesotho as a success story under the

African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA), a US

trade initiative that allows 32 African states to

export goods to the US without tariffs.

Lesotho has capitalised on AGOA - by establishing

garment factories that provide denim jeans to US

retailers, such as Calvin Klein, GAP, Levi’s, Old

Navy and Walmart. Approximately 30,000

factory workers, predominantly women,

are employed, benefiting many of

Lesotho’s 2.3 million citizens.

According to the World Bank, with a GDP per capita

of $1,106, Lesotho struggles to purchase many US

products ---- to satisfy Trump’s reciprocal trade

demands. In 2024, it exported $237.3 million

in goods to the US but only imported $2.8

million worth of US goods.

This perceived trade imbalance has drawn Trump’s ire

towards a nation he recently remarked ‘nobody has

ever heard of.’

___________________________________________

West Africa

Niger FM: Currency 1st
Tool Of Sovereignty

April 9th, 2025

(African Stream)

On 3 April, Nigerien Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakary

Yaou Sangaré, sat down in Moscow.. with RT France

journalist, Daria Vaganova, to discuss the present

and future of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

Among the questions raised was that of

financial and monetary sovereignty.

The AES—comprised of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger

—and 11 West and Central African countries use a

currency called the CFA franc. It is printed in

France and anchored to the Euro at a fixed

exchange rate determined by France.

Countries that use the Central African CFA franc must

deposit 50 per cent of their national reserves in the

French treasury, where they receive very low, and

sometimes even negative, returns.

All financial decisions regarding these reserves must

thus pass through and obtain the approval of the

French Ministry of the Economy and Finance.

The currency was also historically overvalued, so the

countries using it ...would purchase cheaper goods

produced in France while simultaneously finding

it more challenging ----- to trade with other

countries - apart from France.

This interview was not the first time that an official

suggested that the AES would stop using the

CFA franc.

On 31 January 2024, Burkina Faso President Ibrahim

Traoré stated, ‘Changes may yet surprise you. And,

it’s not just about the currency. We’re going to

break all the bonds that keep us in slavery.’

On February the 11th, in 2025 -- Nigerien President

Abdourahamane Tiani stated on local television

that, ‘[a sovereign] currency is a step toward

the end of colonisation.’ In that interview,

he clarified that AES’ financial experts

are working on developing ------ an

independent monetary system.

_________________________________

Paul Robeson --- Resisting
Mccarthyism

April 9th, 2025

(African Stream)

On this day ----- actor, athlete and activist Paul Robeson

(1898-1976) was born in New Jersey, USA. He played a

significant role, as a pan-Africanist organiser during

the anti-communist McCarthyist era --- running the

anti-imperialist Council on African Affairs, which

called for an end to colonialism on the

African continent.

In the mid-20th century, the US government

investigated Robeson for being a member

of the Communist Party, stripping him

of his passport.

He argued that his work for African emancipation, both

on the continent and in the diaspora ----- prompted his

persecution. In other words, the ‘Red Scare’ over his

alleged communist affiliation was a pretext to shut

down his struggle for African people - worldwide.

African Stream can relate to what Robeson went through.

Though no government has stripped us of our right to
travel, we know what it’s like to have the US
government - seek to shut down one’s
agitation for Africa’s freedom.

When YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok

and Gmail closed our accounts in September 2023 ---

(after the State Department accused us of peddling

propaganda), African Stream boasted 2.5-million

subscribers and hundreds of millions of viewers

thanks to our uncompromising pan-Africanist,

anti-imperialist agenda. And Washington

didn’t like that. Just like they didn’t

like Robenson’s.

Thank you, Paul Robeson -

for your powerful example.

_____________________________________

NYP: Anthrax kills 50 hippos - in

Africa's main wildlife sanctuary

April 9th, 3:41am

(RT.ru)

Virunga National Park officials in DR Congo report

that about 50 hippos have been killed in an

anthrax outbreak.

As the New York Post notes, dozens of animals

were found floating belly-up in the river south

of Lake Edward, on the site.

According to the article, this raises concerns

about the potential risks of transmission to

humans and pets.

In 2024, a man was convicted in Tuva for

infecting five people with anthrax.

Alexander Chepurnov, head of the laboratory of

especially dangerous infections at the Centre

for Basic Translational Medicine, Professor

of Virology, said that the causative agent

of anthrax has the ability to live in the

soil for centuries, until it enters the

body of a herbivore.

________________________________

Ethiopia Strengthens Trade Ties

with China Through BRICS

and Canton Fair

by Eyasu Zekarias

April 8th, 2025

(infoBRICS)

Ethiopia’s economic landscape has undergone

significant transformation with its growing

partnership with China, its main trading

partner and source of foreign direct

investment (FDI).

This momentum has been further bolstered by

Ethiopia’s inclusion in the BRICS strategy,

opening new avenues for cooperation

and economic growth.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s official visit to China

in 2024, including his participation in the Beijing

summit of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum -

(FOCAC), underscored the deepening strategic

ties between the two countries. Both nations -

pledged to implement the consensus reached

at the summit and the proposed “10-partner-

ship action” at FOCAC, paving the way for

broader and deeper cooperation to

promote modernization.

A key platform for this growing partnership -- is the

Canton Fair, a foundational event for international

business development. Over the years, the fair

has played a multifaceted role as a vital hub

for enhancing economic and trade

cooperation between China

and Africa.

It has facilitated trade, strengthened cultural exchange,

increased trust, improved disaster prevention, and

accelerated industrial development.

The 136th Canton Fair ---------- showcased Ethiopia’s rich

agricultural products, with the Embassy of the Federal

Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, presenting various

items in China, including Yirga Cheffe, Sidama, and

Guji coffee beans, as well as kidney beans, broad

beans, and black beans. Arabica coffee, a

flagship product --- attracted significant

attention, drawing over 200 interested

buyers daily. This achievement

highlights Ethiopia’s rich

agricultural resources

and... the enormous

potential of China

-African trade.

“The Canton Fair will continue to be a powerful engine

that will promote the continued development of

bilateral economic and trade cooperation,”

said a representative of the Chinese

Embassy in Ethiopia, emphasizing

the embassy’s commitment to

acting as a bridge to trade

and friendship.

The upcoming 137th Canton Fair ---- scheduled from

April 15 to May 5, is set to further strengthen these

relationships. Ethiopia's Chamber of Commerce

and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA) --- and the

China Foreign Trade Centre have formalized

a strategic partnership via a Memorandum

of Understanding (MOU), pledging

to foster deeper cooperation

------- to promote trade and

economic development.

Kenenisa Lemi, the Secretary General of ECCSA, noted,

“This MOU --- provides a framework for enhanced trade

and investment opportunities -- while ensuring that the

Ethiopian and Chinese business communities receive

the necessary support --- to thrive in each market.”

ECCSA -- actively supports the participation of Ethiopian

businesses in international markets including initiatives

such as the 14th Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and

Sectoral Associations International Trade Fair ----

scheduled for March 2025. This event aims to

showcase Ethiopian products, attract

international investors, and enhance

economic cooperation.

A representative of the Canton Fair highlighted the

evolution of the fair and its role as a “bridge of

friendship, commerce, and friendship.”

Over 30,000 exhibitors at the upcoming event

underscore the commitment to innovation,

quality, and service, showcasing modern

technology, intelligent products, and

innovative life products.

(source: Capital Ethiopia)

__________________________________

Sudan sends letter of protest

to British Foreign Office

April 7th, 1:52pm

(Prensa Latina)

The Sudanese Government expressed its protest,

through a letter sent to the British Foreign Office

- for being excluded from a meeting summoned

by the United Kingdom for April 15 to address

the conflict in this country, official media

reported in this capital on Monday.

Sudan’s Foreign Minister Ali Youssef also criticized

the UK authorities for inviting countries, including

Kenya, Chad, and the United Arab Emirates,

which his government considers as part

of the conflict.

Since mid-April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in an

internal war, following a power struggle between

Army Chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan,

and the leader of the paramilitary Rapid

Support Forces (RSF), General

Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.

Due to the conflict, more than 24,000 people have been

killed, while more than 14 million Sudanese are being

kept from their homes, in what experts consider to

be the largest displacement crisis globally.

The fighting has also destroyed countless

livelihoods, plunging the country into a

complex spiral of hunger and death.

_________________________________

Senior Israeli diplomat removed

from African Union summit

April 7th, 1:34pm

(PressTV)

A high-ranking Israeli diplomat - has been expelled from

the annual summit of the African Union in Ethiopia due

to a growing conflict regarding the Tel Aviv regime’s

accreditation to the continental bloc.

On Monday, the Israeli ambassador to Addis Ababa ---

Avraham Neguise had to walk out of the auditorium

during the opening ceremony of the summit to

commemorate the 31st anniversary of the

1994 Genocide against the Tutsi

in Rwanda.

The top Israeli diplomat was expelled ------- after several

African countries refused to allow him to participate in

the African Union summit being held in the Ethiopian

capital, Addis Ababa.

A diplomatic source participating in the meeting,

revealed to Al Jazeera television news network

that delegations from several African countries

objected to the Israeli ambassador’s presence,

and the meeting was suspended...... until his

departure.

Leaders at an African Union summit have

condemned Israel’s offensive in Gaza,

calling for its immediate end.

The African Union has reportedly launched an

investigation to determine who had invited

Neguise to the event.

In 2002, after the establishment of the African Union,

observer status was granted --- to 87 non-member

states and entities outside the African continent.

Observer status allows the member to attend

African Union meetings and participate in

certain discussions, but does not confer

voting rights.

The first state to be granted observer status was

the Palestine Liberation Organization in 1973,

and it enjoys strong support from most

African states.

In recent years, Israel has sought observer membership

in the African Union to counter Palestinian influence,

and was granted observer status in 2021.

However ------- Israel was later expelled by a decision of

African states because its acceptance as an observer

violated the terms of the African Union Charter due to

its continued occupation of Palestinian territories.

______________________________

African Union pays tribute ----- to

victims of genocide in Rwanda

April 7th, 12:32pm

(Prensa Latina)

Activities to commemorate the 31st anniversary of

the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi ethnic group

in Rwanda began on Monday at the African Union

with the traditional "Walk to Remember."

The African Union Commission, through the Department

of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security (PAPS) - and in

partnership with the Kigali Embassy in Ethiopia, the

AU Permanent Mission, and the United Nations

Economic Commission for Africa, will

lead the program of events.

Prayers led by representatives of the Ethiopian

Orthodox, Muslim, Catholic, and Evangelical

communities, the lighting of the Flame of

Remembrance, with a Commemoration

Song, the screening of a documentary

movie on the 1994 genocide against

the Tutsi in Rwanda, and a minute’s

silence in tribute to the victims --

are part of the agenda.

AUC Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, PAPS

Commissioner Bankole Adeoye, Rwandan

Ambassador to Addis Ababa Charles

Karamba, among other leaders,

will speak at the Nelson

Mandela Hall.

A release stated ------ that this anniversary, represents a

significant moment to honour the dead, show solidarity

with the survivors, and unite to prevent atrocities like

these from recurring. It also presents an opportunity

to gain insights into Rwanda’s journey of healing,

reconciliation, and nation-building.

Officials from the AUC, member states, the accredited

diplomatic corps, AU bodies, regional economic

communities, religious and human rights

institutions, and intergovernmental

and civil society organizations,

participated in the tribute.

__________________________________

AU highlights partnership

with EU to promote

development

April 5th, at midday

(Prensa Latina)

African Union Commission (AUC) Deputy Chairperson

Selma Malika Haddadi has stressed the significance

of maintaining the partnership with the EU, as a

way to promote the continent's development

aspirations.

According to publications of the African continental

organization, Haddadi made this remark, during a

meeting with the diplomatic corps to celebrate

25 years of AU-EU partnership and ''Europe

Day'', the latter on May the 9th.

The AUC deputy chairperson noted that --- as Africa

advances its Agenda 2063 aspirations, the African
Union deeply appreciates those partners.. who

acknowledge and support its development

priorities and trajectory.

She noted that, “For 25 years, the AU and the EU have

stood together in addressing global challenges,

fostering economic growth, and promoting

stability --- across our continents. This

partnership has evolved into a model

of intercontinental cooperation,

demonstrating -- what can be

accomplished - when Africa

and Europe work together.”

The official underscored that, in these times of

geopolitical uncertainty --- and challenges to
multilateralism, strengthening cooperation

between Africa and ''Europe'' is more

crucial than ever.

Reflecting on the recent summit between the two sides,

Haddadi highlighted four key priority areas to guide

future collaboration: building a prosperous and
sustainable Africa and Europe, renewing

commitments to peace and security,

enhancing their collaboration on

migration and mobility ----- and

stressing firm commitment

to multilateralism.

creepy words...

_____________________________

Representatives of the authorities

of African countries told why

they watch RT

April 4th, 3:44pm

(RT.ru exclusive)

Representatives of the authorities of Niger, Senegal

and Burkina Faso said that they see in the work of

the RT TV channel an opportunity to get to know

Russia better - against the background of the

propaganda that is being conducted by

Western countries.

The Foreign Minister of Niger, in an interview with the

TV channel stressed that RT is doing a lot to counter

the negative image of the Russian Federation that

Western countries want to impose.

"RT helps to get to know Russia better - a country

that has always supported developing countries,

countries fighting for their sovereignty,"

said Bakari Yau Sangare.

As Senegalese Interior Minister Jean-Baptiste Tiatyi Tin

emphasized in an interview with the French edition of

RT, he likes both the quality of shooting and the

diverse content of the channel. Most of all,

he likes the news.

Burkina Faso's Foreign Minister Karamoko

Jean-Marie Traore --- for his part --- noted

RT's ability to ask the right questions.

"You have this advantage.... of asking questions

and listening to those who answer them. You

don't ask questions that you already have

answers to ----- as is often the case on
many channels," the minister said.

Earlier, South African Vice President, Paul

Mashatileh, announced his desire ------ to

restore RT broadcasting in the country.

__________________________________________

Rwanda... hosts first AI

World Summit in Africa

April 3rd, 2:14pm

(Prensa Latina)

The first Artificial Intelligence (AI) World Summit in

Africa convenes today in Rwanda, focusing on

how this scientific field can push inclusive

economic growth, foster innovation and

improve the skills of the workforce.

Rwanda’s Centre for the 4th Industrial Revolution and

the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, in collaboration

with the World Economic Forum, are organizing

the two-day event under the theme ‘AI and

Africa’s Demographic Dividend:

Re-imagining Economic

Opportunities...... for

Africa’s Workforce’.

More than 1,000 delegates from 95 countries and over

100 companies are attending the event that will

discuss how Africa, boasting the world’s

largest and fastest-growing workforce,

is ready to play a crucial role in the

sector’s global ecosystem.

Maximizing the enormous benefits of AI, mitigating

its inherent risks, as well as the necessary multi-

stakeholder engagement and inclusive talks

will also be discussed.

Opening the summit, Rwandan President Paul Kagame

stressed that to lead AI and fully harness its benefits,

Africa must first prioritize digital infrastructure,

develop the workforce to meet demand, and

accelerate continental integration.

As he addressed the immense potential for continental

innovation and creativity, Kagame said this is already

a comparative advantage that artificial intelligence

can multiply.

Right now, our strategy should be to start from

scratch and build a solid foundation for

connectivity, he emphasized.

He urged joint efforts and boosting AI to reduce

inequality ....and allow more and more citizens

to access the benefits of this scientific field.

The event is also attended by the Chairperson of the

African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf,

the Executive Secretary of the United Nations

Economic Commission for Africa, Claver

Gatete, among other personalities.

_________________________________

South Africa satisfied with

Low Coal Consumption

April 2nd, 4:29pm

(Prensa Latina)

South African Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and

Environment, Dion George, celebrated today --

that the use of coal in electricity generation

reached a record low.

According to the latest available estimates from the

Electricity Data Explorer, Ember, the Minister cited,

coal represented 74.31 percent of South Africa’s

electricity generation in January 2025.

This record low, according to a ministerial statement

circulated today, constitutes a positive development

as it reflects the downward trend in coal’s share in

the national energy mix.

The reduction is a vital step to lower emissions and for

the Ministry to align with national and international

climate commitments, George stated.

Regarding the current status of renewable energy use in

the electricity generation process, data presented by

the Ministry shows that in January, solar energy —

with a significant component of decentralized

generation located in homes — reached

11.28 percent, while wind energy

accounted for 4.94 percent.

Coal represents 16.22 percent of electricity

generation in South Africa.

While coal has historically played an important role in

power generation in South Africa, the text notes, this

shift demonstrates.... that efforts to diversify the

national energy mix, are gaining momentum.

“As Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment,”

George reaffirmed, “I remain committed to supporting

this transition, ensuring it is environmentally

responsible and socially equitable.”

The Ministry, he added, will continue to collaborate

with all stakeholders to accelerate the adoption of

renewable energy, reduce emissions, and ensure

a healthier planet for future generations.

_________________________________________

India-Ethiopia business forum

focuses on pharmaceutical

cooperation

April 2nd, 4:11pm

(Prensa Latina)

The India-Ethiopia pharmaceutical business forum focused

on the potential of taking bilateral cooperation to a higher

level - attracting investments, strengthening the national

production of medicines and reducing imports, an

official source revealed.

Ethiopian Health Minister ,Mekdes Daba, stated that

the government is committed to increasing drug

manufacturing, reflected in the creation of

conditions for investment such as the

Kilinto Special Industrial Zone to

support the sector, the local

state portfolio reported on

its Facebook account.

Daba stated that they expect the local pharmaceutical

industry to grow, which he considers to be a great

opportunity for Indian companies. New Delhi is a

reliable pharmaceutical supplier, we will

strengthen our partnership,

he stressed.

The South Asian nation’s ambassador in Addis Ababa,

Shri Anil Kumar, stressed its position as a world

leader in these products and the importance

of establishing a strong relationship

between manufacturers and the

growing Ethiopian pharma-

ceutical industry.

Kumar pointed out that such cooperation will

strengthen the national healthcare system

------ and improve the availability of

essential medicines.

For his part, the chief commissioner of the Ethiopian

Investment Commission, Zeleke Temesgen, invited

Indian pharmaceutical manufacturers to invest

in the African country.

In their view, they will be able to benefit from New

Delhi’s experience in this sector -- and will give

priority to companies interested in entering

the market.

_______________________________________

Somali Army Kills 70 Al-Shabab Militants

in Counterterrorism Operations

April 1st, 4:31pm

(teleSUR)

The Somali National Army (SNA), supported by local militias,

killed 70 members of the jihadist group Al-Shabab in two

counterterrorism operations in the Lower Shabelle

region ---- according to a statement from the

Ministry of Defense published on Tuesday.

The first operation took place on Monday in the areas of

Sabiib and Canole... where Somali forces repelled an

Al-Shabab attack, killing at least 30 militants, said

Defense Ministry spokesperson, Sheikh Abukar

Mohamed. In a separate operation in the same

region an airstrike targeted Al-Shabab fighters

-- resulting in the deaths of 40 more militants.

“Our forces were well-prepared and responded decisively. We

have the bodies of the militants killed in both operations,”

the spokesperson stated, emphasizing the importance of

these actions in dismantling terrorist strongholds and

preventing any further destabilization in Somalia.

Somalia has intensified its military campaign against Al-

Shabab, since President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud

declared a “total war” on the group in August

2022. The SNA, with support from African

Union missions, has launched numerous

offensives, often backed by U.S. and

Turkish airstrikes.

Al-Shabab, affiliated with Al-Qaeda since 2012, frequently

carries out attacks to overthrow the internationally-

backed Somali government and establish an

ultraconservative Islamic state. The group

controls rural areas in central & southern

Somalia and has extended its attacks to

neighbouring countries like Kenya

and Ethiopia.

Somalia has been in a state of conflict and chaos, since the

overthrow of dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991, leaving

the country without an effective government and under the

control of Islamist militias and warlords. The ongoing fight

against Al-Shabab remains a critical challenge ----- for

Somalia’s stability and security.

_____________________________________

Zimbabwe: Protests Against Mnangagwa’s Rule

Lead to Arrests ------ Amid Political Tensions

April 1st, 4:20pm

(teleSUR)

Zimbabwe's authorities arrested 95 individuals on charges

of promoting public violence following protests against

President Emmerson Mnangagwa, highlighting the

growing political unrest in the country.

The demonstrations, organized by a faction of war veterans

opposing Mnangagwa’s potential extension of his

presidency beyond 2028, saw a low turnout
as most citizens stayed off the streets.

The protests, which took place in Harare’s Freedom Square,

were marked by allegations of stone-throwing and the
barricading of streets, according to police reports.

Security forces swiftly dispersed small gatherings on the

outskirts of the capital’s central business district,

while schools and businesses remained closed

in anticipation of unrest.

The faction behind the protests, led by Blessed Geza, has

been vocal in its opposition to Mnangagwa’s supporters’

campaign for a third term. Geza, using social media

platforms like YouTube, called for an “uprising”

and expressed support for Vice President

Constantino Chiwenga to replace

Mnangagwa.

Chiwenga, who played a pivotal role in the 2017 coup

that ousted former President Robert Mugabe, has

yet to comment on the protests.... or the term

extension bid.

Government officials had urged citizens to ignore the

protest calls, emphasizing the need for stability.

However, the arrests and heightened security measures

underscore.. the deepening divisions within Zimbabwe’s

political landscape. Critics argue that the government’s

response reflects its intolerance toward dissent, while

supporters claim - it is necessary to maintain order.

As Zimbabwe grapples with economic challenges, and

political uncertainty, the protests serve as a reminder

of the unresolved tensions within the ruling elite and

the broader population’s growing discontent. The

international community continues to monitor

the situation closely, urging dialogue and

respect for democratic principles.

____________________________________

A Convicted War Criminal ---------

Announces New Rebel Faction

in DRC’s Ituri Province

April 1st, 4:14pm

(teleSUR)

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) indeed.... faces

the risk of further instability, especially with the recent

announcement by Thomas Lubanga, a convicted war

criminal, of the formation of the Convention for the

Popular Revolution (CPR) ...in Ituri province.

This development adds another layer of complexity to an

already volatile situation in eastern Congo, where the

Congolese armed forces are grappling with the

Rwandan-backed M23 movement.

Lubanga’s history as the founder of the Union of Congolese

Patriots (UPC), a group active during the Ituri conflict in the

early 2000s, sets a concerning precedent. His conviction

by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2012 for

recruiting child soldiers.... and his subsequent

release in 2020.. highlight his controversial

role in the region. Now, based in Uganda,

Lubanga claims - that the CPR is both a

political & armed movement although

it has - not yet - launched any

military operations.

Meanwhile, the M23 movement, which has captured key

cities like Goma and Bukavu, continues to destabilize

the North and South Kivu provinces.

The group, supported by Rwanda, has been accused of

human rights abuses, including unlawful killings and

forced displacements.

The formation of the CPR and the ongoing M23 insurgency

could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the DRC. The

eastern provinces are already struggling ----- with mass

displacements, food insecurity, and limited access to

humanitarian aid. The presence of multiple armed

groups ------ vying for control of resource-rich

territories, further complicates efforts

to restore peace.

The involvement of neighbouring countries, such as Rwanda

and Uganda, adds a regional dimension to the conflict.

Diplomatic efforts, including talks between Congolese and

Rwandan leaders, have yet to yield significant progress.

The international community, including the United

Nations, continues to call for dialogue and a

cessation of hostilities.

The DRC’s path to stability remains fraught with challenges,

and the emergence of new rebel movements like the CPR

underscores the urgent need for co-ordinated regional

and international efforts: to address the root causes

of the conflict.

_____________________________________________

South African Professor: BRICS Countries

to Focus --- on Energy and Food Security

April 1st, 2025

(infobrics.org)

Fulufhelo Netswera, is the Executive Dean of the Faculty of

Management Sciences at Durban University of Technology

(DUT). He is a South African scholar and the head of the

BRICS Research Institute. Fulufhelo Netswera is the

author of numerous publications, dedicated to the

key aspects of BRICS development. In his works,

the Professor emphasises the importance of

cooperation between BRICS members

--- especially in the fields of the

environment, finance, and

food security.

Now.. as the Head of the BRICS Research Institute, my role is

to provide strategic directions to source funding and to make

sure that there are plans for research projects. There are at

least three areas of strategic importance.

The first is signing memoranda of understanding between

BRICS universities. The second is to ensure that a team

of senior academics, professors from different

universities, come together. We currently

have over 69 senior academics, from

all the BRICS+ countries.

Thirdly, we have a team of so-called Community Capacity

Development Fellows. These are PhD students - who are

supervised by the senior fellows. They now undertake

a considerable number of projects, many of which

are carried out in collaboration with one another.

Now, what we do is make sure that when we plan books or

a special issue of a journal, we make sure that there is

participation by academics or students from each

and every BRICS+ country. So, they write from

the perspective of their own countries.

For instance, a Russian scholar will write about green

initiatives in Russia. A South African one will do the

same for South Africa. In this way, you can make

a comparative analysis.

We are currently thinking about organising primary research

projects. We plan that the primary data collected should

come from all countries. This means that all

participating countries should be

fully involved.

What are the main aims of the BRICS Research Institute?

We work in the 3 pillars of BRICS: peace & security, finance

and the economy -- as well as cultural and interpersonal

exchanges. So, a lot of our programmes and projects

are aimed at these areas.

You are a true expert in BRICS partnership because your

articles are dedicated to this topic. How can you assess

this evolution of BRICS cooperation?

One of the best indicators of the BRICS evolution, is that

it was able to create the New Development Bank (NDB).
Institutionalisation is extremely important. I would like

to see the institutionalisation of BRICS programmes

and BRICS activities .....come to the fore.

But there is indeed an evolution. There are quite a lot of

declarations that have been made that are now being

implemented. If you look at BRICS and their

economies as a whole, you will see that

we are now cooperating more. We’re

trading more among ourselves.

From your point of view, how could a proper mechanism for

exchanging experience that could facilitate mutually

beneficial cooperation... be built?

Number one, we must be supplied with food. Number two, we

must be supplied with energy. Therefore --- these areas are

among the most important areas of development. That is

why we pay quite a lot of attention to research related

to these areas. So that we can identify the deficits

and areas of investment that the BRICS countries

and individual countries within BRICS -- need to

focus on to ensure individual and collective

growth. That is why we are putting our

energies into these specific areas.

So, a proper mechanism for exchanging experience, could be

built with the help of finance and NDB bank. It finances quite

a lot of development projects, especially in climate action,

green energy, and large infrastructure projects. But also,

individual countries within BRICS should have their
own bilateral organisations ---- to help each other
on development issues. That way -- trade and

development support.. between individual

BRICS countries can be accelerated &

strengthened. BRICS, as a platform,

provides that opportunity.

You have highlighted the role of the New Development Bank

in BRICS. From your point of view, what could ensure its

advancement and strengthen its role?

I think we need to look beyond the financing role of BRICS

assets, NDB assets, to expand the financing role beyond

the current parameters. For instance, we talk a lot

about trade in local currencies, and so the NDB

framework, or beyond the NDB, in the big

parameters of financing..... should

be prioritised.

Which fields of international cooperation

within BRICS remain underdeveloped

but yet prospective?

They are the agricultural sciences, engineering sciences,

and medical sciences. We have a great partnership

programme with Cuba. We do also have strong

partnerships with China in some disciplines.

We have a lot of students, who are

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