Zimbabwe has gained significant advantages from its participation in the second edition of the Iran-Africa International Economic Conference, according to Vice President Dr. Constantino Chiwenga. The conference, which concluded recently, saw Zimbabwe's VP leading the delegation and engaging with key figures including Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi. During his visit, VP Chiwenga explored various economic opportunities and shared insights on how Iran has managed to thrive economically despite facing Western sanctions. He highlighted Iran’s advancements in sectors like agriculture, food processing, and the medical field, emphasizing the potential lessons Zimbabwe could apply from Iran's approach to small and medium enterprise (SME) development and financing. "Iran has developed a robust system to support SMEs, including specialized funding for exports," VP Chiwenga remarked. "This mirrors our vision in Zimbabwe where we aim to elevate our SMEs to bolster economic growth." Moreover, Iran's educational strategies, particularly in health and vocational training, were also points of interest. With 68 universities dedicated to medical training, Iran exemplifies a model of self-sufficient educational advancement under sanctions—a path Zimbabwe is eager to emulate. The vice president also reiterated the Zimbabwean mantra, "Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo" (The country is built by its own people), signaling a commitment to self-reliance and national unity. This diplomatic and economic engagement is part of Zimbabwe's broader foreign policy under President Mnangagwa, aiming to establish Zimbabwe as "a friend to all and enemy to none." Through international collaborations like the Iran-Africa Economic Conference, Zimbabwe seeks to diversify its investment sources and drive its economic agenda forward amidst ongoing sanctions. The experience and connections from the conference are set to influence Zimbabwe's economic strategies, leveraging international cooperation for domestic and regional development. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment May 3, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: During his visit, VP Chiwenga explored various economic opportunities Zimbabwe has gained significant advantages from its participation in the second edition of the Iran-Africa International Economic Conference, according to Vice President Dr. Constantino Chiwenga. The conference, which concluded recently, saw Zimbabwe's VP leading the delegation and engaging with key figures including Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi. During his visit, VP Chiwenga explored various economic opportunities and shared insights on how Iran has managed to thrive economically despite facing Western sanctions. He highlighted Iran’s advancements in sectors like agriculture, food processing, and the medical field, emphasizing the potential lessons Zimbabwe could apply from Iran's approach to small and medium enterprise (SME) development and financing. ADVERTISEMENT "Iran has developed a robust system to support SMEs, including specialized funding for exports," VP Chiwenga remarked. "This mirrors our vision in Zimbabwe where we aim to elevate our SMEs to bolster economic growth." Moreover, Iran's educational strategies, particularly in health and vocational training, were also points of interest. With 68 universities dedicated to medical training, Iran exemplifies a model of self-sufficient educational advancement under sanctions—a path Zimbabwe is eager to emulate. The vice president also reiterated the Zimbabwean mantra, ADVERTISEMENT "Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo" (The country is built by its own people), signaling a commitment to self-reliance and national unity. This diplomatic and economic engagement is part of Zimbabwe's broader foreign policy under President Mnangagwa, aiming to establish Zimbabwe as "a friend to all and enemy to none." Through international collaborations like the Iran-Africa Economic Conference, Zimbabwe seeks to diversify its investment sources and drive its economic agenda forward amidst ongoing sanctions. The experience and connections from the conference are set to influence Zimbabwe's economic strategies, leveraging international cooperation for domestic and regional development. ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Tags

Eric Sekou Chelle, the esteemed head coach of Mali's national football team, has expertly curated a 28-player roster for the upcoming international friendlies against Mauritania and Nigeria. The Mali Eagles are scheduled to face off against the Nigerian team in an eagerly anticipated match at the Grande de Marrakech in Morocco on March 26 . The squad boasts significant talent, headlined by Amadou Haidara, the celebrated midfielder from RB Leipzig in Germany, who recently made headlines by scoring in the match against FC Köln on March 15, 2024, as detailed in RB Leipzig's official match report. Alongside Haidara, notable inclusions are El Bilal Toure from Atalanta, Mamadou Dounmbia of Watford, and Hamari Traore, who currently plays for Real Sociedad. In a surprising turn, Yves Bissouma of Tottenham Hotspur was left out of the squad, sparking discussions among fans and analysts. The full lineup includes a blend of experienced and emerging talents across various European clubs, promising a dynamic and competitive performance in the upcoming fixtures. Full Squad Announcement: - Goalkeepers: Djigui Diarra (Young Africans), Mamadou Samassa (Laval), Bourama Kone (Yeelen Olympique) - Defenders: Hamari Traore (Real Sociedad), Falaye Sacko, Boubacar Kouyate, Modibo Sagnan (all from Montpellier), Sikou Niakate (Braga), Cheick Omar Konate (Clermont Foot), Daouda Guindo, Abdoulaye Diaby (both from St. Gallen), Mamadou Fofana (Amiens SC) - Midfielders: Amadou Haidara (Leipzig), Diadie Samassekou (Cadiz CF), Lassana Coulibaly (Salernitana), Kamory Doumbia (Brest), Mamadou Maiga (FC Pari Nizhniy Novgorod), Mamadou Doumbia (Antwerp), Mamady Diambou (Salzburg), Ibrahim Diarra (Africa Foot) - Forwards: El Bilal Toure (Atalanta), Moussa Sylla (Pau FC), Nene Dorgeles (Salzburg), Fousseni Diabate (Luusanne Sport), Lassine Sinayoko (Auxerre), Youssoufou Niakaté (Baniyas), Mamadou Doumbia (Watford), Ibahim Sissoko (Saint-Étienne). This selection by Coach Chelle not only highlights the depth of talent within the Mali national team but also underscores the team's ambition to excel in the forthcoming friendlies, leveraging Haidara's recent on-field success and the collective prowess of the chosen players. Fans and enthusiasts are keenly awaiting the Mali Eagles' performance, especially in the high-stakes match against Nigeria, which promises to be a showcase of African football's burgeoning talent and competitive spirit. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Mar 16, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Mali's Coach Eric Sekou Chelle, ready to lead his 28-player squad in the upcoming friendly against the Super Eagles. @youtube.com Eric Sekou Chelle, the esteemed head coach of Mali's national football team, has expertly curated a 28-player roster for the upcoming international friendlies against Mauritania and Nigeria. The Mali Eagles are scheduled to face off against the Nigerian team in an eagerly anticipated match at the Grande de Marrakech in Morocco on March 26 . The squad boasts significant talent, headlined by Amadou Haidara, the celebrated midfielder from RB Leipzig in Germany, who recently made headlines by scoring in the match against FC Köln on March 15, 2024, as detailed in RB Leipzig's official match report. Alongside Haidara, notable inclusions are El Bilal Toure from Atalanta, Mamadou Dounmbia of Watford, and Hamari Traore, who currently plays for Real Sociedad. In a surprising turn, Yves Bissouma of Tottenham Hotspur was left out of the squad, sparking discussions among fans and analysts. The full lineup includes a blend of experienced and emerging talents across various European clubs, promising a dynamic and competitive performance in the upcoming fixtures. ADVERTISEMENT Full Squad Announcement: - Goalkeepers: Djigui Diarra (Young Africans), Mamadou Samassa (Laval), Bourama Kone (Yeelen Olympique) ADVERTISEMENT - Defenders: Hamari Traore (Real Sociedad), Falaye Sacko, Boubacar Kouyate, Modibo Sagnan (all from Montpellier), Sikou Niakate (Braga), Cheick Omar Konate (Clermont Foot), Daouda Guindo, Abdoulaye Diaby (both from St. Gallen), Mamadou Fofana (Amiens SC) - Midfielders: Amadou Haidara (Leipzig), Diadie Samassekou (Cadiz CF), Lassana Coulibaly (Salernitana), Kamory Doumbia (Brest), Mamadou Maiga (FC Pari Nizhniy Novgorod), Mamadou Doumbia (Antwerp), Mamady Diambou (Salzburg), Ibrahim Diarra (Africa Foot) ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY - Forwards: El Bilal Toure (Atalanta), Moussa Sylla (Pau FC), Nene Dorgeles (Salzburg), Fousseni Diabate (Luusanne Sport), Lassine Sinayoko (Auxerre), Youssoufou Niakaté (Baniyas), Mamadou Doumbia (Watford), Ibahim Sissoko (Saint-Étienne). This selection by Coach Chelle not only highlights the depth of talent within the Mali national team but also underscores the team's ambition to excel in the forthcoming friendlies, leveraging Haidara's recent on-field success and the collective prowess of the chosen players. Fans and enthusiasts are keenly awaiting the Mali Eagles' performance, especially in the high-stakes match against Nigeria, which promises to be a showcase of African football's burgeoning talent and competitive spirit. ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Tags

Ukraine intelligence warns foreigners against travel and informal work in Russia as reports grow of Africans recruited into the war. Ukraine’s military intelligence has issued a fresh caution to foreign nationals about travelling to Russia or accepting informal work there, warning of the risk of being pushed into frontline assault units with limited training and low chances of survival an alert that comes as reports of African recruitment into the war continue to mount Based on reporting by BBC News . The warning has renewed focus on a growing pattern described by African families, rights groups and officials: young men leaving home for overseas jobs, only to later find themselves tied to military contracts and deployed to eastern Ukraine. In Kenya, one recent case has sharpened public concern after relatives said they were left without clear official communication as they tried to confirm what happened and how to bring a loved one home. Kenyan case highlights recruitment route concerns According to the BBC report shared in your excerpt, 29-year-old Clinton Nyapara Mogesa left Kenya for work in Qatar in 2024 and later told relatives he was travelling to Russia . Ukrainian authorities later said he was killed in Donetsk during a high-casualty assault operation, and alleged that Russian forces did not evacuate his body. The family is seeking answers and support to repatriate his remains, saying they have had little clarity from official channels. Relatives told media they stayed in contact during a short training period in Russia, but communication later stopped. Family members described financial strain and said Mogesa had been supporting relatives, including paying for medical needs at home. Wider concern in Kenya and beyond Kenyan officials have previously acknowledged the issue publicly. In late 2025, Kenya’s foreign affairs ministry said recruitment networks were still active and that more than 200 Kenyans were known to be fighting for Russia in Ukraine, according to multiple reports. Rights groups have also reported tracking deaths and disappearances linked to the conflict. In January 2026, Kenyan outlet reported families appealing for government intervention amid claims of forced recruitment and deaths involving Kenyans in Russia and Ukraine. Ukraine’s intelligence warning frames this as not only a Kenya story, but a broader risk affecting foreign nationals particularly those drawn by job offers and informal work arrangements at a time when reports continue to point to Africans being recruited into Russia’s war effort. Source: BBC news JUSTICE & CRIME Ukraine Warns Foreign Workers as African Recruitment to War Grows By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Comment Feb 3, 2026 May 15, 2026 3 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Ukraine’s military intelligence has issued a fresh caution to foreign nationals about travelling to Russia or accepting informal work there, warning of the risk of being pushed into frontline assault units with limited training and low chances of survival an alert that comes as reports of African recruitment into the war continue to mount Based on reporting by BBC News . The warning has renewed focus on a growing pattern described by African families, rights groups and officials: young men leaving home for overseas jobs, only to later find themselves tied to military contracts and deployed to eastern Ukraine. In Kenya, one recent case has sharpened public concern after relatives said they were left without clear official communication as they tried to confirm what happened and how to bring a loved one home. Kenyan case highlights recruitment route concerns According to the BBC report shared in your excerpt, 29-year-old Clinton Nyapara Mogesa left Kenya for work in Qatar in 2024 and later told relatives he was travelling to Russia . Ukrainian authorities later said he was killed in Donetsk during a high-casualty assault operation, and alleged that Russian forces did not evacuate his body. The family is seeking answers and support to repatriate his remains, saying they have had little clarity from official channels. ADVERTISEMENT Relatives told media they stayed in contact during a short training period in Russia, but communication later stopped. Family members described financial strain and said Mogesa had been supporting relatives, including paying for medical needs at home. Wider concern in Kenya and beyond Kenyan officials have previously acknowledged the issue publicly. In late 2025, Kenya’s foreign affairs ministry said recruitment networks were still active and that more than 200 Kenyans were known to be fighting for Russia in Ukraine, according to multiple reports. ADVERTISEMENT Rights groups have also reported tracking deaths and disappearances linked to the conflict. In January 2026, Kenyan outlet reported families appealing for government intervention amid claims of forced recruitment and deaths involving Kenyans in Russia and Ukraine. Ukraine’s intelligence warning frames this as not only a Kenya story, but a broader risk affecting foreign nationals particularly those drawn by job offers and informal work arrangements at a time when reports continue to point to Africans being recruited into Russia’s war effort. Source: BBC news ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY Transport and Airlines KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Justice & Crime Three More Arrested in Dr Victoria Mutiso Murder Probe . Technology and Innovation How to Reverse an M-Pesa Transaction . Protests and Movements Kenya Traders Face Tear Gas in KRA Cargo Protest . Business Trends KRA Explains KSh3.2m Rule as Traders Plan Protest . ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Transport and Airlines KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports Passengers should confirm departing flights with airlines as KAA manages disruptions . Justice & Crime Three More Arrested in Dr Victoria Mutiso Murder Probe A Kenyan police officer is among three suspects held after a coordinated Nairobi–Kampala operation. . Technology and Innovation How to Reverse an M-Pesa Transaction Forward the M-PESA SMS to 456 within 24 hours, or use the app or Zuri. . Protests and Movements Kenya Traders Face Tear Gas in KRA Cargo Protest Nairobi traders closed shops and marched over KRA's KSh3.2m consolidated-cargo benchmark. . Tags Kenya Kenya African Union Internship African Union Internship Pressure Groups Pressure Groups Pan-Africanism Pan-Africanism African Peace Talks African Peace Talks African Union African Union

At a Washington forum, Patrick Muyaya and PM Judith Suminwa unveil Tshisekedi’s vision to make DRC Africa’s top investment destination. Washington D.C., October 14, 2025 , Speaking before investors and policymakers in the U.S. capital, Government Spokesperson Patrick Muyaya delivered a powerful message: the Democratic Republic of Congo is turning a new page, from the era of peacebuilding to the era of development and investment. “In Washington, where the pages of peace were written last June, we are now writing the pages of development,” Muyaya declared, opening the presidential roundtable on investment alongside Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka, the first woman to hold that office in DRC’s history. A Nation Rewriting Its Narrative For decades, the DRC’s image in international media has been tied to conflict and crisis. But as Muyaya reminded his audience, “the story of Congo is also the story of innovation, courage, and transformation.” He recalled iconic moments in Congo–U.S. relations, from the 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle” boxing match that captivated global audiences to the country’s contribution to the Manhattan Project, as symbols of Congo’s historical role at the heart of world events. “The DRC has never been a footnote in history. It has always been part of the global story,” he said. Tshisekedi’s Vision: The DRC as ‘The Country of Solutions’ Under the leadership of President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, the government has focused on stability, democracy, and inclusion. Young people and women are now taking leading roles in the country’s political and economic transformation. Prime Minister Judith Suminwa, introduced by Muyaya as “a woman of exception,” embodies this new chapter of leadership and inclusion. Her presence in Washington signaled the DRC’s commitment to transparency, partnership, and sustainable growth. Continue Reading Full Article CONGO'S INVESTMENT DRC Opens New Era of Investment Under Tshisekedi By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Oct 15, 2025 May 15, 2026 4 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Washington D.C., October 14, 2025 , Speaking before investors and policymakers in the U.S. capital, Government Spokesperson Patrick Muyaya delivered a powerful message: the Democratic Republic of Congo is turning a new page, from the era of peacebuilding to the era of development and investment. “In Washington, where the pages of peace were written last June, we are now writing the pages of development,” Muyaya declared, opening the presidential roundtable on investment alongside Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka, the first woman to hold that office in DRC’s history. A Nation Rewriting Its Narrative For decades, the DRC’s image in international media has been tied to conflict and crisis. But as Muyaya reminded his audience, “the story of Congo is also the story of innovation, courage, and transformation.” He recalled iconic moments in Congo–U.S. relations, from the 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle” boxing match that captivated global audiences to the country’s contribution to the Manhattan Project, as symbols of Congo’s historical role at the heart of world events. ADVERTISEMENT “The DRC has never been a footnote in history. It has always been part of the global story,” he said. Tshisekedi’s Vision: The DRC as ‘The Country of Solutions’ Under the leadership of President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, the government has focused on stability, democracy, and inclusion. Young people and women are now taking leading roles in the country’s political and economic transformation. Prime Minister Judith Suminwa, introduced by Muyaya as “a woman of exception,” embodies this new chapter of leadership and inclusion. Her presence in Washington signaled the DRC’s commitment to transparency, partnership, and sustainable growth. “In Congo, the narrative is changing, and the facts are proving it. We are no longer just the country at the heart of Africa; we are the heart that connects Africa,” Muyaya emphasized. ADVERTISEMENT The Opportunity: Investing in a Market of 100 Million People With over 100 million inhabitants and nine neighboring countries, the DRC offers a unique strategic position linking Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa. “Investing in Congo today means accessing a continental market,” Muyaya said. “The challenges we face are not obstacles, they are opportunities.” From mining and energy to digital transformation, infrastructure, and agriculture, the Tshisekedi government is inviting investors to participate in building what it calls the “Destination of the 21st Century, the Country of Solutions.” An Open Invitation Concluding his address, Muyaya extended a warm invitation to international investors: ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY Infrastructure DRC Opens Lonshi Border Post to Expand Zambia Trade . Infrastructure DRC Prepares $1.258 Billion Lobito Corridor Railway Contract . Regional Economy DRC and Tanzania Advance Central Corridor Plan to Cut Trade Costs . Regional Economy Tanzania and DRC Move to Deepen Trade, Mining and Infrastructure Ties . Business & Investment DRC Advances $491.3M Package for Education, Health and Businesses . “Come to the Congo, we’ll welcome you with a smile, with our rumba, and with the promise of partnership. The future of Africa’s prosperity runs through Kinshasa.” Key Takeaways for Investors ✅ Political stability and strengthened democratic institutions ✅ Pro-investment policies under the Tshisekedi administration ✅ Access to a 100+ million population and a regional market of over 400 million ✅ Growing infrastructure, technology, and renewable energy opportunities ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Infrastructure DRC Opens Lonshi Border Post to Expand Zambia Trade New facility strengthens migration control, security and formal cross-border commerce . Infrastructure DRC Prepares $1.258 Billion Lobito Corridor Railway Contract The $1.258 billion project would modernize 1,004.5 km of railway linking Grand Katanga . Regional Economy DRC and Tanzania Advance Central Corridor Plan to Cut Trade Costs Ports, rail, lake transport, fibre and a planned Congolese dry port could strengthen regional trade. . Regional Economy Tanzania and DRC Move to Deepen Trade, Mining and Infrastructure Ties Samia Suluhu Hassan and Félix Tshisekedi push for stronger trade, connectivity and mining ties. . Tags DRC Economy DRC Economy DR.Congo DR.Congo Invest In Congo Invest In Congo Patrick Muyaya Katembwe Patrick Muyaya Katembwe

In a recent development in Rwanda's political landscape , the High Court in Kigali has ruled to reject opposition politician Victoire Ingabire's request to have her presidential clemency conditions reviewed. This decision effectively bars Ingabire from running in the forthcoming presidential elections in July. Ingabire, a prominent figure in Rwanda's opposition , had previously been convicted of threatening state security and minimizing the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. She was released in 2018 after serving eight years in prison. In her bid to run for president, Ingabire sought "rehabilitation" to have her rights restored. The court's decision was based on the fact that Ingabire had not fully met the conditions of her presidential pardon, which included a ban on running for office. The court maintained that these conditions were necessary to uphold the rule of law and protect the integrity of the electoral process. In response to the court's ruling, Ingabire released a statement expressing her disappointment and determination to continue her fight for democracy and human rights in Rwanda. She also pointed out that the decision highlights broader issues in the country, such as the lack of independence of the judiciary and the suppression of opposition voices. The Rwandan government, however, maintains that the court's decision is fair and by the law. They argue that Ingabire's past actions and convictions make her ineligible to run for public office. The rejection of Ingabire's request has sparked debate among human rights organizations and development partners of Rwanda, who have long criticized the country's political environment for limiting opposition and free speech. As Rwanda prepares for its presidential elections in July, the absence of a prominent opposition figure like Victoire Ingabire raises questions about the state of democracy and political competition in the country. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Mar 13, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Rwanda court upholds election ban on opposition politician Victoire Ingabire In a recent development in Rwanda's political landscape , the High Court in Kigali has ruled to reject opposition politician Victoire Ingabire's request to have her presidential clemency conditions reviewed. This decision effectively bars Ingabire from running in the forthcoming presidential elections in July. Ingabire, a prominent figure in Rwanda's opposition , had previously been convicted of threatening state security and minimizing the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. She was released in 2018 after serving eight years in prison. In her bid to run for president, Ingabire sought "rehabilitation" to have her rights restored. ADVERTISEMENT The court's decision was based on the fact that Ingabire had not fully met the conditions of her presidential pardon, which included a ban on running for office. The court maintained that these conditions were necessary to uphold the rule of law and protect the integrity of the electoral process. In response to the court's ruling, Ingabire released a statement expressing her disappointment and determination to continue her fight for democracy and human rights in Rwanda. She also pointed out that the decision highlights broader issues in the country, such as the lack of independence of the judiciary and the suppression of opposition voices. ADVERTISEMENT The Rwandan government, however, maintains that the court's decision is fair and by the law. They argue that Ingabire's past actions and convictions make her ineligible to run for public office. The rejection of Ingabire's request has sparked debate among human rights organizations and development partners of Rwanda, who have long criticized the country's political environment for limiting opposition and free speech. ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY As Rwanda prepares for its presidential elections in July, the absence of a prominent opposition figure like Victoire Ingabire raises questions about the state of democracy and political competition in the country. ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Tags

Explore Luanda’s top luxury hotels and beach clubs in 2026, from rooftop pools to island escapes, shaping Angola’s new Atlantic Riviera. In 2025 it is quietly auditioning for a new role: Africa’s Atlantic Riviera. Visa free entry for tourists from nearly 100 countries has kicked in, oil money keeps flowing, and suddenly the waterfront is full of rooftop pools, beach clubs and art hotels instead of just shipping cranes and traffic . If you like your sunsets with sushi, champagne and a soft dress code of “rich auntie in recovery”, Luanda is now very much your city. Below are the new or newly hot high end spots turning Angola’s capital into a Riviera style playground in 2025, with real world prices and real 2025 social receipts. Quick money maths: right now 1 USD is roughly 900 to 920 AOA, so I round using 1 USD ≈ 900 AOA. 1. InterContinental Luanda Miramar: the diamond on the hill InterContinental Luanda Miramar sits above the bay in the leafy Miramar district, designed around the shape of a cut diamond, Angolas favorite rock. It is the first big international five star brand in the city, with a rooftop pool, Sky Lounge on the 24th floor and serious “oil conference by day, champagne by dusk” energy. If you still think luxury travel in Angola is a myth, Luanda’s InterContinental is here to correct you in 0.3 seconds. Travel creators keep calling it the country’s top hotel, and one recent post from t raveltomtom sums it up perfectly: many presidents have slept here, the ocean views feel unreal, and the breakfast alone could convert a non-believer. It is the kind of place where the lobby looks like a futuristic art installation, the elevators glide like a movie scene, and the service quietly whispers “yes, Angola does five star, actually.” Price vibe Rooms in late 2025 typically start from around 280 to 350 USD per night before tax, so call it roughly 250,000 to 320,000 AOA depending on dates and demand. Why it feels Riviera Continue Reading Full Article TRAVEL GUIDE Best Luxury Hotels and Beach Clubs in Luanda, Angola 2026 By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Comment Dec 1, 2025 May 15, 2026 19 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: In 2025 it is quietly auditioning for a new role: Africa’s Atlantic Riviera. Visa free entry for tourists from nearly 100 countries has kicked in, oil money keeps flowing, and suddenly the waterfront is full of rooftop pools, beach clubs and art hotels instead of just shipping cranes and traffic . If you like your sunsets with sushi, champagne and a soft dress code of “rich auntie in recovery”, Luanda is now very much your city. Below are the new or newly hot high end spots turning Angola’s capital into a Riviera style playground in 2025, with real world prices and real 2025 social receipts. Quick money maths: right now 1 USD is roughly 900 to 920 AOA, so I round using 1 USD ≈ 900 AOA. 1. InterContinental Luanda Miramar: the diamond on the hill InterContinental Luanda Miramar sits above the bay in the leafy Miramar district, designed around the shape of a cut diamond, Angolas favorite rock. It is the first big international five star brand in the city, with a rooftop pool, Sky Lounge on the 24th floor and serious “oil conference by day, champagne by dusk” energy. If you still think luxury travel in Angola is a myth, Luanda’s InterContinental is here to correct you in 0.3 seconds. Travel creators keep calling it the country’s top hotel, and one recent post from t raveltomtom sums it up perfectly: many presidents have slept here, the ocean views feel unreal, and the breakfast alone could convert a non-believer. It is the kind of place where the lobby looks like a futuristic art installation, the elevators glide like a movie scene, and the service quietly whispers “yes, Angola does five star, actually.” Price vibe Rooms in late 2025 typically start from around 280 to 350 USD per night before tax, so call it roughly 250,000 to 320,000 AOA depending on dates and demand. Why it feels Riviera The rooftop pool wraps around the tower with views over the Baía de Luanda, and the Sky Lounge is built for golden hour: cocktails, soft house music, business people pretending they are on holiday. The hotel pitches itself as a base to explore Luanda’s colonial core, beaches and waterfalls, but honestly you could spend a full weekend just rotating between spa, pool and bar. Social proof Travel creators on YouTube have been doing glossy walkthroughs of the property in 2025, panning slowly from the infinity pool over the skyline on channels like Explorers Lifestyle . Local tip Book dinner at Curadoria inside the hotel, then time your dessert for sunset and move up one level to the Sky Lounge for a drink. You avoid taxi traffic on the Marginal and still get that “city wrapped in orange light” moment. 2. Palmeiras Suite Hotel & Kenka Rooftop, Talatona: south side skyline flex Talatona is Luanda’s suburban money belt, full of gated compounds and international schools. Palmeiras Suite Hotel is where that crowd goes to pretend they live in a resort full time. The hotel has a rooftop infinity pool, spa, and its own scene at Kenka, the sushi and cocktail bar on top. Price vibe ADVERTISEMENT Aggregator sites list standard suites from roughly 230 to 370 USD in 2025, depending on weekday, season and how late you book . That is about 210,000 to 330,000 AOA. Why it feels Riviera Think “mini Dubai Marina but in Portuguese”. The rooftop infinity pool looks across Talatona’s low rise skyline, and Kenka has become one of the city’s go to after work rooftops for sushi, gin and low key flexing. A 2025 short from local channel Explorers Lifestyle shows exactly the vibe: chilled lighting, neatly plated sushi, couples filming the sunset for their stories. Local tip Look out for Palmeiras events like the Gin & Jazz nights, which came back in 2025 and basically turn the hotel into a grown up rooftop party, complete with live bands and an older, well heeled Angolan crowd. Check recent uploads from Palmeiras Suite Hotels on YouTube for dates and mood. Damage check Plan around 15 to 25 USD per person for sushi and a drink at Kenka, so roughly 14,000 to 23,000 AOA for a light rooftop session. 3. Lookal Beach Club, Ilha do Cabo: the private club that feels like a movie set If Luanda has a poster child for the “African Riviera” idea, it is Lookal Beach Club on Ilha do Cabo. It is an “exclusive beach club” with a pool, daybeds, three kitchens including sushi and chef driven plates, and a full Atlantic Ocean backdrop. The 2025 digital menu lists everything from garlic bread at 1,000 AOA to lobster rice for two at 52,000 AOA, plus mains like fish fillet around 21,200 AOA and seafood curry at 28,500 AOA. That translates to roughly 1 to 60 USD for dishes, with most serious plates in the 20 to 40 USD range. Why it feels Riviera By day it is white loungers, bikini cover ups and poke bowls. By night it flips into sunset cocktails, live music sets and that soft club lighting you get in Ibiza or Mykonos. Recent r eviews in January 2025 read like love letters to the location, praising the “great food” and “directly on the sea” setting. Social proof Food creator Marza Cristia has a Luanda dining series on YouTube, including an episode filmed at Lookal that keeps circulating in 2024 and 2025 among locals planning special nights out. Newer short clips of the pool, ocean and champagne buckets also pop up in 2025 shorts like this Lookal Beach Club reel, which is basically a 15 second advert for quitting your job. Damage check Budget 30 to 70 USD per person if you want a main, shared starters and a couple of cocktails, so roughly 27,000 to 63,000 AOA. Daybed packages and bottles go up from there. Local tip Book ahead for weekend evenings. Locals complain in reviews that the place sometimes shows as “open” online but is closed for events, so always call or message same day before you pay a taxi to the island. 4. Malibu Beach Club, Ilha: sunset, speakers and soft launch central Malibu Beach Club is another Ilha favorite, but 2025 is the year it feels fully settled into its role as Luanda’s “I am not going out out, I am just going to Malibu” spot. Recent posts from the club chat about full houses, “every sunset an invitation to stay a little longer” and lazy Sundays that turn into something else once the DJ warms up . ADVERTISEMENT Price vibe Expect roughly 15 to 30 USD per person for a decent session with drinks and shared food, about 14,000 to 27,000 AOA, more if you want dedicated loungers, seafood platters and bottles. Locals often mention it feels better value than some other beachfront options . Why it feels Riviera The Malibu formula is simple: wide beachfront deck, decent cocktails, actual service, and a crowd that mixes expats, young Angolan professionals and visiting cousins from Lisbon. In late 2025 their own updates talk about “house full” nights and heatwave afternoons, which tracks with Luanda’s growing party coastline . Social proof Beach and nightlife vloggers keep slotting Malibu into their Luanda content. In the 2025 travel video “From Beach Clubs To Island Beaches Luanda Angola Has A LOT To Offer”, the presenter hops between Ilha clubs and Mussulo with Malibu as one of the key stops, showing the sun loungers, food and shoreline. turn8search1 You also see it again cameo style in broader 2025 Luanda nightlife videos like TFIL’s “We Found Secret Nightlife And Beaches In Luanda” on YouTube . Local tip Go on a Friday late afternoon instead of Saturday night. You still get the sunset and energy, but it is a softer crowd and much easier to actually hear your friends. 5. Ushuaia Luanda Beach Club, Ilha do Cabo: Balearic fantasy with Angolan grill At Ushuaia Beach Club on Ilha de Luanda, “tropical paradise” is not a place, it is a frequency. The caption from edenparaiso.ao nails it: paradise happens when the music, the sunset and your state of mind click into the same rhythm. Their September teaser invites guests to “be part of this unique energy” at 15h, hinting at exactly what locals love about Ushuaia in 2026. It is not just a beach club, it is a whole mood on the Angolan coast where cocktails meet warm Atlantic wind and the day quietly transforms into a party. Opened in 2024 and hitting its stride in 2025, Ushuaia Luanda sits on the Ilha de Cabo and leans straight into the “exclusive beach club plus restaurant” concept, with grills, cocktails and full day lounging from 9 in the morning until late evening . Price vibe You are looking at mid to upper range Luanda beach club prices. Think 20 to 40 USD per person for a meal and drinks, roughly 18,000 to 36,000 AOA, with cabanas and bottle service climbing well above that once you start treating it like a mini Ibiza. Why it feels Riviera The design brief is clearly “Mediterranean but make it Angola”: pale woods, plenty of white, grilled fish, cocktails and the Atlantic rolling in just meters away. Their own site sells it as a “haven of relaxation and delights”, and from 2025 Luanda travel vlogs you can see Ushuaia popping up as one of the places people name when they talk about “Ilha beach clubs you n eed to try ”. Social proof Recent 2025 Luanda nightlife videos like “Exploring the ‘Sinful’ Secrets of Luanda” cut between downtown bars and Ilha clubs such as Ushuaia, capturing that specific combination of barefoot sand, sparkling bottles and Angolan kizomba. The creators often tag the location in their descriptions, so it is easy to stalk the vibe before you commit. Local tip Weekdays are underrated. Go on a random Tuesday afternoon when the city is melting, order grilled fish and a caipirinha, and you practically have your own private Riviera. 6. Macoco Resort, Ilha do Mussulo: Luanda’s island weekender When Luandans say they are “going to Mussulo”, they mean escaping the city entirely. Macoco Resort, a small resort style complex on Ilha do Mussulo, is the luxe way to do it in 2025. It runs as an aparthotel with five bungalows around 100 meters from the beach, plus pools, a bar and a restaurant that works by preorder . Price vibe Macoco’s rates float around the 100 to 140 USD mark for a bungalow in late 2025 according to hotel platforms. That is roughly 90,000 to 125,000 AOA per night, which is not cheap, but you are paying for space, setting and the fact you can brunch in your swimsuit with no one judging. ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY Travel Tips 6 most known rivers of Angola and how to actually experience them . Luxury Travel 8 Best Spots to Watch Movies in Luanda 2026 . Travel Tips How to Tour the Namib Desert Like a Local (Angola Side) . Food and Travel Top 6 Public Libraries in Luanda (City & Suburbs) 2026 . Luxury Travel Top 8 Festivals and Events Celebrated in Luanda, Angola . Why it feels Riviera You get ten outdoor pools, a nine hole golf course nearby, spa treatments, snorkelling, boat tours and an onsite art gallery. It is more “private peninsula retreat” than party island. Several 2025 listings and reviews call out the white sand, private beach club, and peaceful atmosphere, which is exactly the energy Europe’s fancier rivieras sell. Social proof Recent YouTube beach club roundups for Luanda and Mussulo show Macoco as part of the new wave of more designed, experience based stays instead of just rustic beach houses, especially in videos like “From Beach Clubs To Island Beaches Luanda Angola Has A LOT To Offer” where Mussulo island gets a big section. Local tip Because the restaurant only works by order and the island logistics are real, treat this like a self catering escape. Bring your favorite snacks and drinks from the mainland, then just use Macoco’s bar and kitchen for the good stuff. 7. Thomson Art House, Ilha do Cabo: art hotel for people who hate bland luxury Not every Riviera style spot has to be marble and mirrors. Thomson Art House is a design forward boutique hotel and restaurant on the island, blending contemporary Angolan art, a handful of rooms and a dining room that feels like a creative’s living room. Price vibe Hotel sites list rooms in the broad 90 to 160 USD range, so about 80,000 to 145,000 AOA per night depending on season and room type. That puts it below the huge chains but comfortably in “treat yourself” territory. Why it feels Riviera It is small, right on the water and curated. Think of those little art hotels on the Amalfi Coast, then replace the ceramics with Angolan contemporary art and the soundtrack with kuduro, kizomba and whatever the creative director is obsessed with this month. Reviews in 2024 and 2025 highlight the personalised service, good food and “feel at home” vibe, which is exactly what the bigger towers often miss. Social proof Travel and lifestyle YouTubers have been dropping in for dinner and room tours, including a 2025 hotel and food vlog where the creator spends a night between the terrace, the art filled lounge and the pier at sunset, tagging Thomson Art House in the title. It shows up again in wider Luanda city guides and reels that focus on “unexpectedly cool boutique stays ”. Local tip Even if you are not staying overnight, book dinner here after a day doing the big beach clubs. It is where Luandans who work in fashion, media and art actually sit down to talk instead of shout over a DJ. So, is Luanda really an “African Riviera” now? Short answer: yes, in its own very Angolan way. You have a visa policy that suddenly makes quick trips from Lisbon, São Paulo and beyond much easier, a string of new or upgraded high end hotels from Miramar to Talatona, and a coastline full of beach clubs on Ilha do Cabo and Mussulo that now play in the same aesthetic league as parts of the Mediterranean . The difference is the texture. You get kizomba instead of deep house at 3 a.m., grilled fish and funge alongside sushi, and Portuguese, Kimbundu and Brazilian Portuguese all blending at the bar. ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Travel Tips 6 most known rivers of Angola and how to actually experience them From the Kwanza to the Zambezi, discover Angola’s most famous rivers and how to explore them . Luxury Travel 8 Best Spots to Watch Movies in Luanda 2026 Luanda’s luxe movie spots, from 4DX thrills to velvet VIP lounges your 2026 cinema guide is here. . Travel Tips How to Tour the Namib Desert Like a Local (Angola Side) Tour Angola’s wild side: desert tribes, starlit dunes, and eco-adventures few tourists ever reach. . Food and Travel Top 6 Public Libraries in Luanda (City & Suburbs) 2026 From grand archives to under-bridge gems, Luanda’s libraries are where the city’s soul shelves itself. . Tags Travel Blog Travel Blog Angola Angola travel abroad travel abroad Travel & Tourism Travel & Tourism Travel Blog Travel Blog Travel Africa Travel Africa

Macron confirms DRC met all conditions to reopen Goma Airport. M23 rebels still blocking aid, exposing Rwanda’s role in eastern Congo instability. Johannesburg, November 23, 2025. In a landmark declaration at the G20 Summit in South Africa, French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a stinging indictment of the M23 rebel group, confirming that despite the Democratic Republic of Congo fulfilling all required procedures to reopen Goma International Airport for humanitarian aid, the M23 rebels continue to obstruct the process. “The effort has not been made by M23 and those who hold Goma Airport, even though the DRC has already taken all necessary administrative steps,” Macron stated unequivocally before global leaders. This statement, delivered on one of the world’s largest diplomatic stages, vindicates the DRC’s position and exposes the ongoing obstruction by M23, a group widely known to operate with the support of Rwanda’s regime under Paul Kagame. How the Goma Airport Reopening Initiative Began The push to reopen Goma International Airport began in October 2025, when French President Emmanuel Macron hosted a high-level humanitarian conference in Paris focused on the crisis in the Great Lakes region. During the event, Macron announced France’s intention to facilitate the reopening of the airport, which had been closed since January 2025 following its seizure by the M23 rebel group. He stressed that humanitarian flights would resume “in the coming weeks,” alongside the creation of secure humanitarian corridors, and crucially affirmed that all efforts would respect the sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Paris conference also mobilized over €1.5 billion in humanitarian aid for the region, a major diplomatic win for Kinshasa. DRC Did Its Part — But M23 Sabotaged the Process The French president made it clear that Kinshasa acted in good faith . All technical and administrative conditions were fulfilled to allow humanitarian flights to resume at Goma, the vital hub in North Kivu. Instead of responding with cooperation, M23 has maintained its illegal occupation, effectively weaponizing humanitarian access and prolonging the suffering of millions. This public acknowledgment from France confirms what Congolese authorities and international observers have been saying for months: it is not Congo blocking aid, it is the Rwandan-backed rebels. €1.5 Billion in Relief Mobilized — Now M23 Must Be Held Accountable Continue Reading Full Article DRC PEACE EFFORT France:DRC Cleared Goma Airport,M23 Still Blocking Humanitarian Access By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Nov 23, 2025 May 15, 2026 4 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Johannesburg, November 23, 2025. In a landmark declaration at the G20 Summit in South Africa, French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a stinging indictment of the M23 rebel group, confirming that despite the Democratic Republic of Congo fulfilling all required procedures to reopen Goma International Airport for humanitarian aid, the M23 rebels continue to obstruct the process. “The effort has not been made by M23 and those who hold Goma Airport, even though the DRC has already taken all necessary administrative steps,” Macron stated unequivocally before global leaders. This statement, delivered on one of the world’s largest diplomatic stages, vindicates the DRC’s position and exposes the ongoing obstruction by M23, a group widely known to operate with the support of Rwanda’s regime under Paul Kagame. How the Goma Airport Reopening Initiative Began The push to reopen Goma International Airport began in October 2025, when French President Emmanuel Macron hosted a high-level humanitarian conference in Paris focused on the crisis in the Great Lakes region. During the event, Macron announced France’s intention to facilitate the reopening of the airport, which had been closed since January 2025 following its seizure by the M23 rebel group. He stressed that humanitarian flights would resume “in the coming weeks,” alongside the creation of secure humanitarian corridors, and crucially affirmed that all efforts would respect the sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Paris conference also mobilized over €1.5 billion in humanitarian aid for the region, a major diplomatic win for Kinshasa. ADVERTISEMENT DRC Did Its Part — But M23 Sabotaged the Process The French president made it clear that Kinshasa acted in good faith . All technical and administrative conditions were fulfilled to allow humanitarian flights to resume at Goma, the vital hub in North Kivu. Instead of responding with cooperation, M23 has maintained its illegal occupation, effectively weaponizing humanitarian access and prolonging the suffering of millions. This public acknowledgment from France confirms what Congolese authorities and international observers have been saying for months: it is not Congo blocking aid, it is the Rwandan-backed rebels. €1.5 Billion in Relief Mobilized — Now M23 Must Be Held Accountable Macron also announced that France and its international partners raised over €1.5 billion to support humanitarian efforts in the DRC, a tenfold increase from earlier pledges. ADVERTISEMENT “We were at €150 million before the summit. Now, we’ve exceeded €1.5 billion. This is essential,” he said. While this funding is critical, Macron emphasized that it will mean nothing if armed groups continue to block access to affected populations. Global Community Aligns Behind Congo — Rwanda Isolated Macron’s statement comes on the heels of growing international frustration with the destabilizing role of Rwanda in eastern DRC. UN Security Council Resolution 2773, the Washington Agreement of June 2025, and now France’s public position at the G20, all point to one truth: Kigali is backing rebels who are violating Congo’s sovereignty and international humanitarian law. ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY Justice & Crime Tshisekedi: No Military Conquest Will Become Political Legitimacy" . War in Eastern DRC Rwanda Raises Interest Rate to 8.75% as Inflation Hits 14.5% . Peace For DRC Now Tshisekedi Launches DRC National Dialogue for Peace and Reform . PRESS RELEASE DRC Protects Students, Diplomas in AFC/M23-Held Areas . Infrastructure DRC and Angola Accelerate Joint Oil and Power Projects . France, the United States, Qatar, Angola, and the African Union have all called for the disarmament of M23 and the restoration of Congolese authority over strategic zones like Goma. Congo’s Message: We Are Ready for Peace, But We Will Not Be Held Hostage President Félix Tshisekedi’s government has remained committed to peace, diplomacy, and humanitarian access. The DRC has taken every possible measure to ease civilian suffering, even amid ongoing aggression. Now, the world must act. Macron’s words at the G20 must not remain symbolic; they must translate into pressure, sanctions, and accountability. The DRC has spoken. France has confirmed. The only blockade remaining is the one held by Kagame’s rebels. ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Justice & Crime Tshisekedi: No Military Conquest Will Become Political Legitimacy" Tshisekedi says armed groups cannot turn military conquest into political legitimacy, . War in Eastern DRC Rwanda Raises Interest Rate to 8.75% as Inflation Hits 14.5% Rwanda faces surging prices at home as US sanctions and tighter external financing add pressure abroad. . Peace For DRC Now Tshisekedi Launches DRC National Dialogue for Peace and Reform The three-month process will reach all 26 provinces and seek consensus on peace, cohesion and . PRESS RELEASE DRC Protects Students, Diplomas in AFC/M23-Held Areas Kinshasa says students will not restart their studies as temporary measures protect academic records, . Tags DR.Congo DR.Congo

Discover Cape Town bioluminescence, the science, best beaches, safety tips, and climate links, plus why this glowing phenomenon matters for tourism and culture. Imagine midnight waves glowing like neon-blue fire… Picture yourself on Muizenberg Beach at midnight. The breakers roll in, but instead of white foam, they glow electric blue. Your footsteps leave trails of light, and every swirl of water sparkles as if the ocean has been sprinkled with fairy dust. This otherworldly spectacle is Cape Town bioluminescence, one of the most unforgettable natural wonders in South Africa. What causes Cape Town’s bioluminescence? Bioluminescence is a “cold light” produced by a chemical reaction inside living organisms. In the ocean, tiny plankton called dinoflagellates, especially Noctiluca scintillans, synthesize a compound called luciferin and an enzyme called luciferase. When the water is disturbed, luciferin oxidizes and emits a bluish‑green glow. Dinoflagellates float near the surface in warm, nutrient‑rich waters and sometimes form large blooms that make the daytime sea look red or brown (hence the term “red tide”). Bioluminescence vs. red tide: Not all red tides are bioluminescent . Some algal blooms produce toxins that kill fish or contaminate shellfish. Noctiluca scintillans blooms in Cape Town are usually non‑toxic, but decaying blooms can deplete oxygen and cause mass strandings. Observers often see the ocean turn rusty during the day and then glow blue at night. How often does bioluminescence occur in Cape Town? According to marine microbiologist Dr Emma Rocke of the University of Cape Town, bioluminescent events along the Cape Peninsula typically happen once a year and last for three to five nights. The phenomenon prefers calm, warm seas usually late summer or early autumn (February–April). Look for days of sunshine, little wind, and minimal swell; a new moon provides the darkest skies for viewing. Although unpredictable, locals know that a daytime red tide often signals a nighttime glow. Where to see the glowing beach in Cape Town Cape Town offers several coastal spots to witness bioluminescence South Africa style: Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT Bioluminescence Cape Town 2025: Best Beaches, Dates & Viewing Guide By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Comment Aug 31, 2025 May 15, 2026 6 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Imagine midnight waves glowing like neon-blue fire… Picture yourself on Muizenberg Beach at midnight. The breakers roll in, but instead of white foam, they glow electric blue. Your footsteps leave trails of light, and every swirl of water sparkles as if the ocean has been sprinkled with fairy dust. This otherworldly spectacle is Cape Town bioluminescence, one of the most unforgettable natural wonders in South Africa. What causes Cape Town’s bioluminescence? Bioluminescence is a “cold light” produced by a chemical reaction inside living organisms. In the ocean, tiny plankton called dinoflagellates, especially Noctiluca scintillans, synthesize a compound called luciferin and an enzyme called luciferase. When the water is disturbed, luciferin oxidizes and emits a bluish‑green glow. Dinoflagellates float near the surface in warm, nutrient‑rich waters and sometimes form large blooms that make the daytime sea look red or brown (hence the term “red tide”). ADVERTISEMENT Bioluminescence vs. red tide: Not all red tides are bioluminescent . Some algal blooms produce toxins that kill fish or contaminate shellfish. Noctiluca scintillans blooms in Cape Town are usually non‑toxic, but decaying blooms can deplete oxygen and cause mass strandings. Observers often see the ocean turn rusty during the day and then glow blue at night. How often does bioluminescence occur in Cape Town? According to marine microbiologist Dr Emma Rocke of the University of Cape Town, bioluminescent events along the Cape Peninsula typically happen once a year and last for three to five nights. The phenomenon prefers calm, warm seas usually late summer or early autumn (February–April). Look for days of sunshine, little wind, and minimal swell; a new moon provides the darkest skies for viewing. Although unpredictable, locals know that a daytime red tide often signals a nighttime glow. Where to see the glowing beach in Cape Town Cape Town offers several coastal spots to witness bioluminescence South Africa style: Muizenberg Beach: A long, sandy stretch with plenty of parking and restaurants. It’s often the first place locals check after hearing reports of a “red tide Cape Town” event. Fish Hoek and Kalk Bay: The sheltered False Bay coastline can trap dinoflagellates, turning the surf into a glowing lagoon. Gordon’s Bay and Kogel Bay (also called “Cooler Bay”): On the eastern side of False Bay, waves crash onto steep beaches, creating spectacular blue sprays. West Coast (Yzerfontein, Langebaan): Occasional blooms occur here, too, though red tides on the West Coast can be toxic. The best viewing is typically after 8 p.m. on a moonless night. Bring a red‑torch headlamp (white light kills night vision) and walk along the water’s edge. Wade's gentle movement triggers the glow. For photographers, use long exposures (10–30 seconds) at high ISO to capture the blue luminescence. Remember, the glow is faint; your eyes need to adjust. ADVERTISEMENT The magic and the risks Witnessing a glowing beach in Cape Town can feel surreal. Visitors describe it as “walking on stars” or dipping hands into an ocean of blue fire. Children squeal as they splash, leaving sparkling footprints. For many locals, these displays symbolize hope and remind them of the ocean’s power to inspire. Yet there are risks. Do not eat washed‑up shellfish or rock lobsters after a red tide; toxins can cause paralysis or death. Swimming is generally safe during Noctiluca blooms, but avoid entering the water if you have open cuts or if the sea smells foul, a sign of decaying algae. Always follow alerts from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE). They regularly issue warnings when harmful algal blooms occur. Culture, symbolism, and local stories Cape Town bioluminescence isn’t just a science lesson; it’s part of the city’s cultural tapestry. Families make midnight pilgrimages to Muizenberg and Fish Hoek, sharing flasks of hot chocolate while children dance along the glowing shoreline. Instagram and TikTok have amplified the spectacle #GlowingBeach has millions of views, and photos often go viral. Some Capetonians see the glowing waves as a symbol of resilience: a reminder that beauty emerges from turbulence. ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY Women football Congolese-Born Grace Geyoro Sets Record in Women’s Football Deal . Travel Guide How to Enter the Democratic Republic of Congo: Travel & Visa Guide . Entertainment Bioluminescence Cape Town 2025: Best Beaches, Dates & Viewing Guide . Agriculture Tshisekedi Launches Congo’s Agricultural Revival in Menkao . From Power to Prison: Baltasar Ebang Engonga Sentenced to 8 Years . Environmental and climate connections Scientists warn that climate change and nutrient pollution could make algal blooms more frequent and intense. Warmer seawater and changes in rainfall increase runoff of fertilisers and sewage, fuelling plankton growth. While Cape Town bioluminescence usually involves non‑toxic species, other red tides can harm marine life or human health. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that warming waters and high CO2 levels lengthen bloom seasons. Sustainable coastal management, reducing nutrient runoff, monitoring water quality, and mitigating climate change are essential to preserve the magic and prevent harm. Cape Town’s glowing seas on the global stage Places like Puerto Rico’s Mosquito Bay, the Maldives’ Vaadhoo Island, and Jamaica’s Luminous Lagoon are famous for their glowing waters. Cape Town bioluminescence could join this list with responsible eco‑tourism. Night‑time kayak tours, guided beach walks, and “glow safaris” could diversify the city’s tourism beyond Table Mountain and wine. Marketing a glowing beach Cape Town experience paired with messages about ocean conservation would attract travellers seeking wonder while supporting local communities. Investment in sustainable tourism infrastructure, such as low‑light pathways and educational signage, could help manage crowds and protect the fragile ecosystem. Closing reflection: protecting the wonder Cape Town bioluminescence offers a rare chance to witness nature’s light show on African shores. It’s a moment of awe, a tangible connection to the microscopic life that drives ocean ecosystems. As you stand watching the waves glow like liquid stars, remember that this beauty is fragile. Climate shifts, pollution, and overuse threaten the delicate balance that allows dinoflagellates to thrive. By respecting warnings, avoiding pollution, and supporting conservation, we can ensure future generations experience the magic. ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Women football Congolese-Born Grace Geyoro Sets Record in Women’s Football Deal Grace Geyoro’s €1.65m move to London City Lionesses breaks the women’s football transfer record . Travel Guide How to Enter the Democratic Republic of Congo: Travel & Visa Guide Planning a trip to DR Congo? Here’s your guide to DRC entry rules, visa types, tariffs & tips ... . 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In a significant move to strengthen The Gambia's Agriculture and Food Security Project, the African Development Bank Group's Board of Directors has sanctioned an additional $16.08 million grant. This funding, primarily sourced from the Global Agriculture and Food Security Project (GAFSP), aims to enhance the livelihoods and food security of the country's vulnerable populations. Launched in 2021, the project focuses on the Central River, Upper River, North Bank, Lower River, and West Coast regions, promoting climate-resilient agriculture. The expansion includes increasing cultivation areas for essential crops such as groundnuts, maize, millet, cowpea, findi, and rice, thereby boosting food production and nutritional security. The enhanced funding is set to elevate productivity, with notable increases in rice yields from 2.0 to 2.5 tonnes per hectare (t/ha) and maize from 1.8 to 2.0 t/ha. The initiative will now reach 18,000 small-scale farmers, half of whom are youth and over half are women, up from the initial 10,000 beneficiaries. Moreover, the project pledges to improve the nutrition and health of over 200,000 school pupils by providing nutritious meals and deworming supplements. This holistic approach not only targets agricultural development but also focuses on social well-being, gender equality, and educational support . The initial grant of $16 million by the African Development Bank Group in September 2021, coupled with $1.37 million from The Gambia's government, has already yielded impressive results. Beneficiaries have reported significant increases in poultry meat, vegetable production, and egg yields, contributing an estimated $750,000 in income for smallholder farmers and enhancing school enrolment rates through the Homegrown school feeding program. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Mar 14, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Gambian's innitiative to improve food security In a significant move to strengthen The Gambia's Agriculture and Food Security Project, the African Development Bank Group's Board of Directors has sanctioned an additional $16.08 million grant. This funding, primarily sourced from the Global Agriculture and Food Security Project (GAFSP), aims to enhance the livelihoods and food security of the country's vulnerable populations. Launched in 2021, the project focuses on the Central River, Upper River, North Bank, Lower River, and West Coast regions, promoting climate-resilient agriculture. The expansion includes increasing cultivation areas for essential crops such as groundnuts, maize, millet, cowpea, findi, and rice, thereby boosting food production and nutritional security. ADVERTISEMENT The enhanced funding is set to elevate productivity, with notable increases in rice yields from 2.0 to 2.5 tonnes per hectare (t/ha) and maize from 1.8 to 2.0 t/ha. The initiative will now reach 18,000 small-scale farmers, half of whom are youth and over half are women, up from the initial 10,000 beneficiaries. ADVERTISEMENT Moreover, the project pledges to improve the nutrition and health of over 200,000 school pupils by providing nutritious meals and deworming supplements. This holistic approach not only targets agricultural development but also focuses on social well-being, gender equality, and educational support . The initial grant of $16 million by the African Development Bank Group in September 2021, coupled with $1.37 million from The Gambia's government, has already yielded impressive results. Beneficiaries have reported significant increases in poultry meat, vegetable production, and egg yields, contributing an estimated $750,000 in income for smallholder farmers and enhancing school enrolment rates through the Homegrown school feeding program. ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Tags

The African Development Bank (AfDB) is poised to increase infrastructure funding as Africa's economic growth is projected to accelerate. According to AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina, growth is expected to rise to 3.7% this year and 4.3% next year, up from 3.1% in 2023. Speaking at the bank's annual meeting, Adesina highlighted the resilience of African economies despite challenges such as climate change, geopolitical tensions, global inflation, and rising debt. Over the past nine years, the AfDB has invested more than $50 billion in infrastructure projects across the continent. Adesina also mentioned that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently approved the use of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) by multilateral banks like the AfDB. SDRs are interest-bearing international reserve assets allocated to IMF member countries based on their shareholding. Adesina expressed optimism that channeling the approved $20 billion SDR limit to multilateral development banks could enable the AfDB to leverage up to $80 billion in new financial support. The bank is actively involved in several major infrastructure projects, including raising $3.2 billion for the East Africa standard gauge railway, which will connect Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burundi. Additionally, the AfDB is providing $500 million for the development of the Lobito Corridor, aimed at linking Zambia, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment May 29, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina The African Development Bank (AfDB) is poised to increase infrastructure funding as Africa's economic growth is projected to accelerate. According to AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina, growth is expected to rise to 3.7% this year and 4.3% next year, up from 3.1% in 2023. Speaking at the bank's annual meeting, Adesina highlighted the resilience of African economies despite challenges such as climate change, geopolitical tensions, global inflation, and rising debt. Over the past nine years, the AfDB has invested more than $50 billion in infrastructure projects across the continent. ADVERTISEMENT Adesina also mentioned that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently approved the use of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) by multilateral banks like the AfDB. SDRs are interest-bearing international reserve assets allocated to IMF member countries based on their shareholding. Adesina expressed optimism that channeling the approved $20 billion SDR limit to multilateral development banks could enable the AfDB to leverage up to $80 billion in new financial support. ADVERTISEMENT The bank is actively involved in several major infrastructure projects, including raising $3.2 billion for the East Africa standard gauge railway, which will connect Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burundi. Additionally, the AfDB is providing $500 million for the development of the Lobito Corridor, aimed at linking Zambia, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Tags

A tribunal ruling in 2026 brings renewed focus to a Canada-based officer with Rwanda ties and a long-running data misuse case. In April 2026 the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board released a decision confirming the 2017 dismissal of Placide Kalisa, a long‑time program officer with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Although Kalisa had been fired nearly a decade earlier, the publication of the ruling brought renewed scrutiny to how he misused sensitive immigration databases for more than thirteen years to benefit his private real‑estate business and how the agency failed to detect the misconduct for so long . Kalisa, a member of Canada’s Rwandan diaspora, argues that he was only trying to help fellow Rwandans navigate the immigration system, yet the tribunal found that his actions constituted serious breaches of confidentiality and conflicts of interest. This article examines the case, its connection to Rwanda, and the broader implications for data security and government oversight. A senior officer with sensitive responsibilities Kalisa joined CBSA in the early 2000s and rose to senior program officer . In that role he advised whether foreign nationals who were inadmissible for criminality or security reasons could safely be removed from Canada. The position required top‑secret security clearance, giving him access to CBSA’s internal enforcement databases and to data held by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Kalisa, who immigrated to Canada from Rwanda decades earlier and maintained deep ties to the Rwandan community, also worked part‑time as a real‑estate agent and property manager . Dozens of unauthorized searches for personal gain Long‑term pattern of abuse The tribunal decision reveals that between 2003 and 2016 Kalisa conducted “countless” searches of CBSA and IRCC databases that were not required by his job. He accessed files to obtain confidential information on immigration applicants and then shared those details with applicants who were often prospective clients for his real‑estate side gigs. In one of the most egregious examples, a Rwandan applicant identified as “A.K.” contacted Kalisa after learning that his visa application had been denied. Kalisa ran 32 searches of the IRCC database over two months, purportedly to check whether A.K. was suspected of involvement in the 1994 genocide; he then wrote an invitation letter to support the applicant’s new visa request and asked a colleague to sign it. Kalisa was aware that A.K. planned to buy a condominium and subsequently hired him as a real‑estate agent, eventually signing a property‑management contract with him. The tribunal found similar misconduct in other cases. Kalisa admitted that he wrote invitation letters and conducted database searches for at least seven individuals. In each case he included his CBSA title in the letter to lend authority and boost the applicants’ chances of approval. Continue Reading Full Article INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Kalisa Canada Rwanda-Linked Officer Case Resurfaces After Ruling By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Apr 26, 2026 May 15, 2026 8 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: In April 2026 the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board released a decision confirming the 2017 dismissal of Placide Kalisa, a long‑time program officer with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Although Kalisa had been fired nearly a decade earlier, the publication of the ruling brought renewed scrutiny to how he misused sensitive immigration databases for more than thirteen years to benefit his private real‑estate business and how the agency failed to detect the misconduct for so long . Kalisa, a member of Canada’s Rwandan diaspora, argues that he was only trying to help fellow Rwandans navigate the immigration system, yet the tribunal found that his actions constituted serious breaches of confidentiality and conflicts of interest. This article examines the case, its connection to Rwanda, and the broader implications for data security and government oversight. A senior officer with sensitive responsibilities Kalisa joined CBSA in the early 2000s and rose to senior program officer . In that role he advised whether foreign nationals who were inadmissible for criminality or security reasons could safely be removed from Canada. The position required top‑secret security clearance, giving him access to CBSA’s internal enforcement databases and to data held by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Kalisa, who immigrated to Canada from Rwanda decades earlier and maintained deep ties to the Rwandan community, also worked part‑time as a real‑estate agent and property manager . Dozens of unauthorized searches for personal gain Long‑term pattern of abuse The tribunal decision reveals that between 2003 and 2016 Kalisa conducted “countless” searches of CBSA and IRCC databases that were not required by his job. He accessed files to obtain confidential information on immigration applicants and then shared those details with applicants who were often prospective clients for his real‑estate side gigs. In one of the most egregious examples, a Rwandan applicant identified as “A.K.” contacted Kalisa after learning that his visa application had been denied. Kalisa ran 32 searches of the IRCC database over two months, purportedly to check whether A.K. was suspected of involvement in the 1994 genocide; he then wrote an invitation letter to support the applicant’s new visa request and asked a colleague to sign it. Kalisa was aware that A.K. planned to buy a condominium and subsequently hired him as a real‑estate agent, eventually signing a property‑management contract with him. The tribunal found similar misconduct in other cases. Kalisa admitted that he wrote invitation letters and conducted database searches for at least seven individuals. In each case he included his CBSA title in the letter to lend authority and boost the applicants’ chances of approval. ADVERTISEMENT One friend asked him to check why a spousal sponsorship had been denied; Kalisa looked up the file and advised the spouse on how to improve the application, while simultaneously negotiating to sell the couple a property and act as their property manager. The board concluded that he likely shared information that was not publicly available and that his explanation “confirming that applications were simply being processed” was not credible. Conflict of interest and misuse of position The board held that Kalisa “put his interests as a real‑estate agent and property manager in conflict with his obligations as a CBSA employee”. By leveraging his title and access to privileged data, he sought to attract clients and generate commission income. In several cases he tried to persuade colleagues to sign invitation letters to legitimize them. Such behaviour, the tribunal ruled, undermined the integrity of Canada’s immigration system. CBSA told the tribunal that the unauthorized searches were “worrisome” and had nothing to do with Kalisa’s official duties. The board agreed, saying he committed “serious acts of misconduct over a long period” by accessing the agencies’ databases for personal reasons . Failure to disclose ties to a suspected war criminal A further breach involved Kalisa’s failure to report his long‑time friendship with “D.N.”, a Rwandan national who appeared on lists of suspected war criminals. In 2009 the Rwandan embassy gave Kalisa a list of individuals suspected of involvement in the 1994 genocide; D.N. was on the list. A few years later the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) met with Kalisa to discuss concerns that D.N. might be a war criminal. Because Kalisa held a top‑secret clearance, he was obligated to inform his manager about any association with such individuals, but he did not. The board noted that Kalisa took multiple trips to Rwanda paid for by D.N., raising additional concerns. Investigation, suspension and firing It was only after CSIS opened an investigation into Kalisa in 2014 that CBSA began reviewing his work activities. In 2016, the agency launched a security‑clearance review that uncovered the long‑standing pattern of unauthorized searches; he was suspended that year and dismissed in 2017. Kalisa filed a grievance, arguing that he had only been trying to protect Canada by ensuring applicants were not genocide perpetrators and that he had shared information applicants already knew. ADVERTISEMENT The board rejected these arguments as implausible and said it was more likely he provided confidential details to help his potential clients. In February 2026 the tribunal upheld his dismissal; the decision was published online in April, prompting the public to revisit the case. Kalisa represented himself during the grievance process and continues to deny wrongdoing. In correspondence with the National Post , he said he was consulting lawyers to file discrimination lawsuits against CBSA and his union, which he claims refused to represent him. He argues that the employer ignored his discrimination argument and that he had to take on two of the agency’s lawyers by himself. The tribunal’s decision nevertheless stands and he remains barred from federal service. Institutional fallout and reforms The case has prompted questions about how CBSA monitors employees’ use of sensitive data. A follow‑up report by Unpublished notes that CBSA began tracking database usage and logging all adds/moves/changes/deletes in 2016, the same year it discovered Kalisa’s unauthorized searches. CBSA told reporters that it now stores those logs for internal audits and requires new systems to record user activity. The agency has also beefed up security awareness training and briefings on confidentiality. Notably, it introduced annual conflict‑of‑interest attestations for employees during the 2024‑25 fiscal year, seven years after Kalisa’s firing. An automated podcast summarizing the case similarly reports that CBSA is now logging every database action and has implemented annual conflict‑of‑interest declarations to prevent future breaches. These changes, while positive, beg the question: why did the agency fail to detect the misuse for over a decade? The answer may lie in previously lax monitoring and reliance on trust rather than systematic auditing. ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY Scholarships 120 EAC Master’s Scholarships Open to EAC Students — How to Apply . Scholarships UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 Opens to Africans . Scholarships Chevening Scholarships 2027–2028 Open Across Africa — How to Apply . African Culture Himba Clothing and Adornment: Meaning of Traditional Dress . International Relations Ndayishimiye Backs Leopards After Historic Draw With Portugal . Rwanda, the diaspora and the Genocide context Kalisa’s defence rested partly on the argument that he was helping ensure applicants were not associated with Rwanda’s 1994 genocide. The genocide was one of the worst atrocities of the late twentieth century; in just 100 days in 1994, extremists in Rwanda killed about 800,000 Tutsi and moderate Hutu with machetes and other weapons. Many Rwandans fled the country during and after the violence, creating diaspora communities across the world, including in Canada. Canadian authorities are obligated to screen potential immigrants for involvement in war crimes and crimes against humanity. Kalisa exploited that obligation by positioning himself as a knowledgeable intermediary while simultaneously seeking real‑estate business from the very people he was supposed to vet. His failure to disclose ties to a suspected war criminal further undercuts his claim that he was protecting Canada’s security. Significance and lessons The Kalisa case illustrates several systemic issues. First, it shows how personal connections and diaspora networks can create conflicts of interest for officials with access to sensitive data. Kalisa’s Rwandan heritage and ties to the community are not problematic in themselves, but when he used his CBSA position to support immigration applicants who were also real‑estate clients, he crossed ethical lines. Second, the case highlights weaknesses in database monitoring. For more than a decade, a senior officer repeatedly accessed databases without triggering alarms. Only when CSIS raised concerns about his trips and associations did CBSA scrutinize his activities. Finally, it underscores the importance of clear policies on outside employment and of annual conflict‑of‑interest declarations; CBSA introduced such attestations only in 2024‑25. As Canada grapples with national security challenges and debates about data privacy, the Kalisa case serves as a cautionary tale. Robust auditing systems, transparent conflict‑of‑interest policies and timely investigations are essential to protect sensitive information and maintain public trust especially when officials have personal ties to communities whose members may rely on the agencies they serve. ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Scholarships 120 EAC Master’s Scholarships Open to EAC Students — How to Apply Up to 120 EAC Master’s scholarships are open to nationals of eight East African countries, . Scholarships UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 Opens to Africans UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 is open to African students with ... . 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Ramaphosa says South Africa’s absence from the G7 summit should not surprise anyone as France denies US pressure claims. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has played down his country’s absence from the upcoming G7 summit in France , saying non-attendance by a country outside the bloc should not be seen as a snub. Speaking after reports of a diplomatic dispute over the guest list, Ramaphosa said South Africa was not entitled to attend every G7 gathering because it is not a member. The row emerged after a South African official said Pretoria had initially been invited but was later left off the final list following what it described as sustained pressure from Washington. But France said the guest invitations were part of a streamlined format , with Kenya selected alongside India, Brazil and South Korea for the June 15–17 summit in Évian-les-Bains. Paris has also linked Kenya’s inclusion to its broader diplomatic engagement with Nairobi ahead of the 2026 Africa-France summit, which the two countries agreed to co-host in Kenya under a joint France-Kenya framework announced by the Élysée . That wider context has helped frame the decision less as an outright rebuke of South Africa and more as a shift in France’s current African outreach. Still, the episode comes at a sensitive moment for Pretoria’s foreign relations. Ties between South Africa and the United States have been strained by disagreements over trade, land reform, and Pretoria’s wider diplomatic positioning.Ramaphosa nevertheless insisted there had been no confirmed pressure from any country and said South Africa’s relationship with France remained intact. Continue Reading Full Article INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Ramaphosa Plays Down South Africa’s Absence From G7 By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Comment Mar 27, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has played down his country’s absence from the upcoming G7 summit in France , saying non-attendance by a country outside the bloc should not be seen as a snub. Speaking after reports of a diplomatic dispute over the guest list, Ramaphosa said South Africa was not entitled to attend every G7 gathering because it is not a member. The row emerged after a South African official said Pretoria had initially been invited but was later left off the final list following what it described as sustained pressure from Washington. But France said the guest invitations were part of a streamlined format , with Kenya selected alongside India, Brazil and South Korea for the June 15–17 summit in Évian-les-Bains. ADVERTISEMENT Paris has also linked Kenya’s inclusion to its broader diplomatic engagement with Nairobi ahead of the 2026 Africa-France summit, which the two countries agreed to co-host in Kenya under a joint France-Kenya framework announced by the Élysée . That wider context has helped frame the decision less as an outright rebuke of South Africa and more as a shift in France’s current African outreach. ADVERTISEMENT Still, the episode comes at a sensitive moment for Pretoria’s foreign relations. Ties between South Africa and the United States have been strained by disagreements over trade, land reform, and Pretoria’s wider diplomatic positioning.Ramaphosa nevertheless insisted there had been no confirmed pressure from any country and said South Africa’s relationship with France remained intact. ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY Scholarships 120 EAC Master’s Scholarships Open to EAC Students — How to Apply . Scholarships UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 Opens to Africans . Scholarships Chevening Scholarships 2027–2028 Open Across Africa — How to Apply . African Culture Himba Clothing and Adornment: Meaning of Traditional Dress . International Relations Ndayishimiye Backs Leopards After Historic Draw With Portugal . ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Scholarships 120 EAC Master’s Scholarships Open to EAC Students — How to Apply Up to 120 EAC Master’s scholarships are open to nationals of eight East African countries, . Scholarships UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 Opens to Africans UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 is open to African students with ... . Scholarships Chevening Scholarships 2027–2028 Open Across Africa — How to Apply Chevening Scholarships 2027–2028 are open to eligible African applicants. See funding, . African Culture Himba Clothing and Adornment: Meaning of Traditional Dress What otjize, jewelry, hairstyles, and clothing represent in Himba culture . Tags Africa Africa South Africa South Africa Xtrafrica News Xtrafrica News African Union African Union South African jobs South African jobs South Africa News South Africa News