Lagos water producers deny a statewide strike and describe sanitation in selected zones. Check the clarification, product records and complaint routes. Lagos, Nigeria — 13 October 2026. Lagos table-water producers have denied a statewide strike. ATWAP’s state chairperson, Omolabake Mosaku, told Punch that selected zones were undertaking sanitation and inspections, with temporary production shutdowns. Is there a statewide sachet-water strike in Lagos? ATWAP’s Lagos chairperson says the activity is selected-zone sanitation, not a statewide strike. Her supply assurance is an association statement, not a guarantee for every neighbourhood. Consumers should confirm local deliveries and check product details through the regulator’s official channels. The affected zones and duration In Punch’s direct interview , Mosaku identified Agege, Alimosho, Egbeda, Ifako-Ijaiye, AIT, Alagbado and Iyana Ipaja. She expected three days, subject to inspection progress and compliance. No calendar start or finishing date was given. “We are not on strike,” she said. Producers elsewhere and distributors still had supplies, according to her account. What a sanitation exercise can establish NAFDAC’s packaged-water facility inspection guidelines require hygienic premises and written cleaning procedures. They also specify procedures for production, quality control, complaints and recalls. These are continuing requirements for packaged-water facilities. They provide regulatory context for cleaning and inspection, but do not certify that a particular factory has passed the current exercise. The same guidance requires products to be handled and transported in ways that prevent deterioration and contamination. Packaged water should be stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Compliance therefore extends beyond cleaning a production building to how finished products reach consumers. A sanitation announcement is not a substitute for a product-specific finding. Nor does temporary closure, by itself, establish that a brand’s water is contaminated. A claim about a particular product needs an identifiable regulatory or laboratory finding. Continue Reading Full Article BUSINESS INTERVIEWS Lagos Sachet-Water Strike Claim: What Producers Say About the Shutdown By Kamau Bahati Entertainment Editor Kamau Bahati Home Comment Oct 13, 2026 Oct 13, 2026 5 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Lagos, Nigeria — 13 October 2026. Lagos table-water producers have denied a statewide strike. ATWAP’s state chairperson, Omolabake Mosaku, told Punch that selected zones were undertaking sanitation and inspections, with temporary production shutdowns. Is there a statewide sachet-water strike in Lagos? ATWAP’s Lagos chairperson says the activity is selected-zone sanitation, not a statewide strike. Her supply assurance is an association statement, not a guarantee for every neighbourhood. Consumers should confirm local deliveries and check product details through the regulator’s official channels. The affected zones and duration In Punch’s direct interview , Mosaku identified Agege, Alimosho, Egbeda, Ifako-Ijaiye, AIT, Alagbado and Iyana Ipaja. She expected three days, subject to inspection progress and compliance. No calendar start or finishing date was given. “We are not on strike,” she said. Producers elsewhere and distributors still had supplies, according to her account. What a sanitation exercise can establish NAFDAC’s packaged-water facility inspection guidelines require hygienic premises and written cleaning procedures. They also specify procedures for production, quality control, complaints and recalls. These are continuing requirements for packaged-water facilities. They provide regulatory context for cleaning and inspection, but do not certify that a particular factory has passed the current exercise. The same guidance requires products to be handled and transported in ways that prevent deterioration and contamination. Packaged water should be stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Compliance therefore extends beyond cleaning a production building to how finished products reach consumers. ADVERTISEMENT A sanitation announcement is not a substitute for a product-specific finding. Nor does temporary closure, by itself, establish that a brand’s water is contaminated. A claim about a particular product needs an identifiable regulatory or laboratory finding. Check the product rather than relying on a forwarded message NAFDAC’s NAPAMS product-verification portal offers a water-product verification option using a NAFDAC number. The page invites users to enter the product’s certificate number and select Verify. Use the details printed on the actual packaging when making the check. Record the brand and manufacturer as well as the number, so a question can be referred to the regulator with enough information to identify the product. The portal is a registration-verification route, not a live map of shops or distributor stocks. It cannot answer whether a nearby retailer has deliveries available today. That question belongs with the retailer, supplier or producer concerned. Registration information also serves a different purpose from checking the condition of a particular package. A database record should not be presented as proof that every individual sachet has been correctly stored or handled after production. ADVERTISEMENT Ask suppliers questions they can answer Residents and retailers can make a more useful enquiry by asking about their specific order. Confirm whether a delivery is available, when the next consignment is expected and whether any quoted reopening date is provisional. For traders, keep the supplier’s response alongside the order record. This helps distinguish a delayed consignment from a general statement about a citywide stoppage. Avoid accepting a substitute brand solely because someone says all familiar producers have closed. For households, a neighbourhood stock check is more informative than a broad message forwarded from another area. Ask which brand and producer the message concerns, where the information came from and when it was issued. These checks do not guarantee availability. They help establish the scope of a claim before it is repeated as a statement about the whole state. Where product concerns can be reported NAFDAC’s complaints-resolution guidance covers external complaints, including reports about unwholesome regulated products. It describes escalation to the appropriate technical directorate for investigation and lists reforms@nafdac.gov.ng as a complaints email address. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Business Trends Lwazi Bam Named to MTN Nigeria Board From 1 December . | Appointments Dapo Akande Elected ICJ Judge: UK-Nigerian Lawyer's 2026 Win . Biography Dapo Akande Biography: Nigerian-British Lawyer Elected to ICJ . Energy and Power Africa Energy Bank Explained: Funding, Purpose and Projects . Technology and Innovation NCC Device Checker Guide: Check Your Phone Safely . ADVERTISEMENT The guidance explains that complainants need to provide adequate information for an investigation. A useful report should identify the product, the concern and the relevant purchase details. Keep packaging information and any receipt rather than relying only on a general description such as “bad water”. Reporting a concern starts a process; it is not confirmation that a producer has breached a rule. Likewise, an association’s inspection announcement should not be described as a regulator’s recall or closure order unless the relevant authority has issued one. The next useful clarification would provide dated information on affected production facilities, inspection completion and local deliveries. Until that information is available, residents should treat broad shutdown messages cautiously and direct product concerns through identifiable official channels. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Business Trends Lwazi Bam Named to MTN Nigeria Board From 1 December MTN Group's chief risk officer joins four other appointees in a November board announcement. . | Appointments Dapo Akande Elected ICJ Judge: UK-Nigerian Lawyer's 2026 Win Oxford professor Dapo Akande wins a nine-year ICJ term as Britain returns to the World Court. . Biography Dapo Akande Biography: Nigerian-British Lawyer Elected to ICJ Dapo Akande’s Nigerian education, Oxford career, international cases and 2026 ICJ election. . Energy and Power Africa Energy Bank Explained: Funding, Purpose and Projects Africa's new energy lender: funding, project plans, leadership and the expected 2027 start. . Tags Nigeria News Nigeria News Breaking News Breaking News Nigeria Nigeria

Rema faces calls from Congolese users to reconsider his Kwita Izina concert in Kigali, with critics pointing to Tems’ 2025 Rwanda cancellation. The Nigerian Afrobeats star has been announced as the headline act for the 2026 Kwita Izina concert in Kigali, prompting some Congolese social-media users to urge him to follow Tems' example. KIGALI, Rwanda --- August 21, 2026 --- Nigerian Afrobeats star Rema is facing calls from some Congolese social-media users to reconsider an upcoming performance in Rwanda after he was announced as the headline act for the Kwita Izina Concert in Kigali. According to an official announcement by the Rwanda Development Board , Rema will perform at BK Arena on Saturday, September 5, 2026, as the headline artist for the culminating entertainment event of this year's Kwita Izina celebrations. The concert will take place one day after the 21st Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony, scheduled for September 4 in Kinigi, Musanze District, under the theme "Conservation is Life: Sustaining the Future." RDB describes Kwita Izina as Rwanda's flagship mountain-gorilla conservation celebration, bringing together conservationists, communities, international guests and partners. Congolese Users Challenge Rema to Follow Tems Following the announcement, some Congolese users on social media began calling on Rema to reconsider performing in Kigali because of the continuing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. One post responding to the Visit Rwanda announcement directly urged the Nigerian singer to think about his Congolese fans before attending Kwita Izina and pointed to Tems' previous decision to cancel a Kigali concert. The emerging message to Rema is straightforward: follow Tems' example. Rema has not publicly announced that he intends to withdraw from the September 5 concert, and there was no public response from the singer to the calls at the time of publication. Continue Reading Full Article WAR IN DR CONGO Rema Faces Calls to Cancel Rwanda Show After Tems’ Withdrawal By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Comment Aug 21, 2026 Aug 24, 2026 4 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: The Nigerian Afrobeats star has been announced as the headline act for the 2026 Kwita Izina concert in Kigali, prompting some Congolese social-media users to urge him to follow Tems' example. KIGALI, Rwanda --- August 21, 2026 --- Nigerian Afrobeats star Rema is facing calls from some Congolese social-media users to reconsider an upcoming performance in Rwanda after he was announced as the headline act for the Kwita Izina Concert in Kigali. According to an official announcement by the Rwanda Development Board , Rema will perform at BK Arena on Saturday, September 5, 2026, as the headline artist for the culminating entertainment event of this year's Kwita Izina celebrations. The concert will take place one day after the 21st Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony, scheduled for September 4 in Kinigi, Musanze District, under the theme "Conservation is Life: Sustaining the Future." RDB describes Kwita Izina as Rwanda's flagship mountain-gorilla conservation celebration, bringing together conservationists, communities, international guests and partners. Congolese Users Challenge Rema to Follow Tems Following the announcement, some Congolese users on social media began calling on Rema to reconsider performing in Kigali because of the continuing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. ADVERTISEMENT One post responding to the Visit Rwanda announcement directly urged the Nigerian singer to think about his Congolese fans before attending Kwita Izina and pointed to Tems' previous decision to cancel a Kigali concert. The emerging message to Rema is straightforward: follow Tems' example. Rema has not publicly announced that he intends to withdraw from the September 5 concert, and there was no public response from the singer to the calls at the time of publication. Tems Cancelled Her Kigali Concert in January 2025 The comparison follows a high-profile decision by fellow Nigerian star Tems during an escalation of the eastern DRC conflict in early 2025. ADVERTISEMENT Tems had been scheduled to perform at BK Arena on March 22, 2025, as part of her Born in the Wild tour. However, she cancelled the Kigali date on January 30. As Africanews reported at the time , Tems said she had promoted the Rwanda concert without realizing there was an ongoing conflict involving Rwanda and Congo. She apologized for appearing insensitive to the situation and said her thoughts were with those affected by the conflict. Her cancellation came as fighting intensified in eastern DRC and international scrutiny increased over Rwanda's support for the M23 rebellion. Pressure Now Turns to Rema Rema's September performance is part of a major programme surrounding Kwita Izina. The Rwanda Development Board says the Kigali concert will bring the celebrations to a close following the Gorilla Naming Ceremony in Kinigi. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Entertainment Rema Kigali Concert Moves Forward as Early-Bird Tickets Sell Out . Entertainment Rema Kigali Concert Moves Ahead Despite Calls to Reconsider" . War in DR Congo Rema Faces Calls to Cancel Rwanda Show After Tems’ Withdrawal . African Culture Rema Biography: Age, Parents, Edo Roots & “Calm Down” Rise . ADVERTISEMENT For some Congolese critics, however, the announcement has revived the debate that surrounded Tems in 2025: whether major African artists should perform at high-profile events promoted by Rwanda while the conflict in eastern DRC remains politically sensitive. For now, Rema remains officially scheduled to headline the Kwita Izina Concert at BK Arena on September 5. Whether the online calls grow into a wider campaign --- or prompt a response from Rema and his team --- remains to be seen. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Entertainment Rema Kigali Concert Moves Forward as Early-Bird Tickets Sell Out Discounted tickets are gone, while regular sales continue despite calls for Rema to reconsider. . Entertainment Rema Kigali Concert Moves Ahead Despite Calls to Reconsider" Kivumbi King joins the lineup as Rema remains set to headline the September 5 Kigali concert. . War in DR Congo Rema Faces Calls to Cancel Rwanda Show After Tems’ Withdrawal Congolese users urge Rema to reconsider his Kwita Izina concert as debate over the DRC . African Culture Rema Biography: Age, Parents, Edo Roots & “Calm Down” Rise Discover Rema’s age, parents, Benin City roots, songs, albums, awards and global Afrorave journey . Tags Rema News Rema News DR.Congo DR.Congo Entertainment Entertainment Rwanda Rwanda Rwandan Entertainment Rwandan Entertainment Rema Rema

WHY Africa’s jet fuel shock matters as supply tightens, prices rise and airlines adjust fares The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has severely disrupted global energy supply chains, exposing critical vulnerabilities in Africa's aviation and energy security infrastructure. According to a recent report , the effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has choked off vital refined product shipments, forcing regional carriers to navigate volatile price spikes and dwindling strategic reserves. Approximately 70% of jet fuel and kerosene imports to the African continent flow through this contested maritime corridor, according to data from S&P Global . The sudden halt in shipments from Middle Eastern refineries highlights a structural fragility, particularly across East and Southern Africa. These regions remain heavily dependent on imported refined products due to historically limited domestic refining capacity, leaving them acutely exposed to geopolitical shocks. The financial and logistical impacts are cascading rapidly across borders. The African Airlines Association notes that fuel traditionally constitutes between 30% and 40% of operating costs for regional carriers significantly higher than the global average. With physical stockpiles thinning in countries like Zambia and South Africa, and European markets simultaneously scrambling for resources, African nations face immediate structural pressures to stabilize supply chains and protect cross-border trade and mobility from prolonged disruption. Source: Reuters Continue Reading Full Article TRADE AND COMMERCE Middle East Conflict Threatens Africa Aviation Security By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Mar 23, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has severely disrupted global energy supply chains, exposing critical vulnerabilities in Africa's aviation and energy security infrastructure. According to a recent report , the effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has choked off vital refined product shipments, forcing regional carriers to navigate volatile price spikes and dwindling strategic reserves. Approximately 70% of jet fuel and kerosene imports to the African continent flow through this contested maritime corridor, according to data from S&P Global . The sudden halt in shipments from Middle Eastern refineries highlights a structural fragility, particularly across East and Southern Africa. ADVERTISEMENT These regions remain heavily dependent on imported refined products due to historically limited domestic refining capacity, leaving them acutely exposed to geopolitical shocks. The financial and logistical impacts are cascading rapidly across borders. The African Airlines Association notes that fuel traditionally constitutes between 30% and 40% of operating costs for regional carriers significantly higher than the global average. ADVERTISEMENT With physical stockpiles thinning in countries like Zambia and South Africa, and European markets simultaneously scrambling for resources, African nations face immediate structural pressures to stabilize supply chains and protect cross-border trade and mobility from prolonged disruption. Source: Reuters Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Health News Uganda HIV Self-Test Assembly: Prices, Jobs and Exports . Banking and Finance Absa Dubai Office: Services, Eligibility and Contacts . Business & Investment 5 Best Citizenship by Investment Programs for Africans . Scholarships 120 EAC Master’s Scholarships Open to EAC Students — How to Apply . Scholarships UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 Opens to Africans . ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Health News Uganda HIV Self-Test Assembly: Prices, Jobs and Exports Mukono factory assembles OraQuick kits, but the UGX 7,000 price remains a target . Banking and Finance Absa Dubai Office: Services, Eligibility and Contacts What African businesses and Gulf investors need to know about Absa’s new DIFC office. . Business & Investment 5 Best Citizenship by Investment Programs for Africans Compare five Caribbean second-passport programs, their investment costs, family benefits.... . 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, . Tags Africa Africa Iran Iran US Trump Iran US Trump Iran Iran vs Israel Iran vs Israel African Union African Union

Steve Harvey, the acclaimed American television host and comedian, has openly praised African artists, particularly Burna Boy, for their original contributions to music, challenging the notion that they have borrowed from American music. Instead, Harvey suggests that it's the West, and particularly America, that has drawn inspiration from the rich tapestry of African beats, rhythms, and soul. This perspective was shared by Harvey in a recent episode of his television show, where he emphasized the authentic creativity and hard work of African artists that continue to inspire the global music scene. Harvey's insights come in the wake of discussions around the musical genre Afrofusion, a term popularized by Burna Boy himself. Afrofusion is described as an eclectic blend that includes elements of American hip-hop, R&B, and soul, alongside Jamaican reggae and dancehall, all interwoven with traditional African music. This innovative genre highlights the seamless integration of diverse musical influences, underscoring Burna Boy's role as a pioneering force in bringing African music to the global stage. His recognition at the Grammys, where he was nominated in the Best Melodic Rap Performance category, is a testament to his groundbreaking impact, marking him as the first African artist to be acknowledged in what has traditionally been a category dominated by Western artists. The conversation around cultural exchange and musical inspiration is further enriched by Harvey's call for Black Americans to connect with their African roots. In a heartfelt video that resonated with many, Harvey emphasized the sincere kindness of Africans and urged Americans to visit various African countries to truly understand their heritage. By highlighting figures like Burna Boy, Harvey seeks to bridge cultural gaps and foster a deeper appreciation for the shared history and collective identity that binds the African diaspora. His message is a powerful reminder of the reciprocal nature of cultural influence and the importance of recognizing the origins and contributions of African artistry to the global cultural landscape. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Feb 25, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Burna Boy and Steve Harvey on left Steve Harvey, the acclaimed American television host and comedian, has openly praised African artists, particularly Burna Boy, for their original contributions to music, challenging the notion that they have borrowed from American music. Instead, Harvey suggests that it's the West, and particularly America, that has drawn inspiration from the rich tapestry of African beats, rhythms, and soul. This perspective was shared by Harvey in a recent episode of his television show, where he emphasized the authentic creativity and hard work of African artists that continue to inspire the global music scene. Harvey's insights come in the wake of discussions around the musical genre Afrofusion, a term popularized by Burna Boy himself. Afrofusion is described as an eclectic blend that includes elements of American hip-hop, R&B, and soul, alongside Jamaican reggae and dancehall, all interwoven with traditional African music. This innovative genre highlights the seamless integration of diverse musical influences, underscoring Burna Boy's role as a pioneering force in bringing African music to the global stage. His recognition at the Grammys, where he was nominated in the Best Melodic Rap Performance category, is a testament to his groundbreaking impact, marking him as the first African artist to be acknowledged in what has traditionally been a category dominated by Western artists. ADVERTISEMENT The conversation around cultural exchange and musical inspiration is further enriched by Harvey's call for Black Americans to connect with their African roots. In a heartfelt video that resonated with many, Harvey emphasized the sincere kindness of Africans and urged Americans to visit various African countries to truly understand their heritage. By highlighting figures like Burna Boy, Harvey seeks to bridge cultural gaps and foster a deeper appreciation for the shared history and collective identity that binds the African diaspora. His message is a powerful reminder of the reciprocal nature of cultural influence and the importance of recognizing the origins and contributions of African artistry to the global cultural landscape. ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Tags

An investigation details how M23/AFC raises revenue through taxes and Congolese minerals, including coltan trade linked to routes through Rwanda. An investigation By The New Humanitarian describes a parallel taxation and financial system across M23/AFC-controlled eastern DRC, while tracing Congolese coltan and other trade across the border into Rwanda. By XTRAfrica Analysis Desk September 15, 2026 The war economy operating in parts of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is not sustained by minerals alone. It is also built on checkpoints, commercial fees, transport levies, compulsory registrations and payments collected from people attempting to continue ordinary life under rebel control. That is the central finding of a September 14 investigation by The New Humanitarian , reported by journalist Patricia Huon with contributions from a Congolese researcher working anonymously because of security concerns. The investigation describes how the M23 and its political coalition, the Alliance Fleuve Congo, have embedded revenue collection into the economy of territories they control. According to the report, the money helps pay fighters, operate a parallel administration and reinforce control over captured Congolese territory. Its findings also show the limits of that system. The rebellion is extracting revenue from communities already weakened by conflict, disrupted trade, business closures, cash shortages and declining purchasing power. The result is a structure capable of financing armed control while offering little economic recovery to the civilians living beneath it. A tax system built around daily survival According to The New Humanitarian’s interviews, M23/AFC revenue collection reaches across several layers of economic activity. Trucks carrying goods reportedly pay at checkpoints. Motorcycle taxis moving between towns are charged. Shops, warehouses, informal traders and cross-border businesses face levies or registration demands. Fuel, agricultural products, timber, charcoal and manufactured goods moving through rebel-held territory can also become sources of revenue. The investigation further reports that civilians pay for services and administrative documents in areas where the rebellion has imposed its authority. Some residents described demands for money, goods, labour or a portion of their harvest. Continue Reading Full Article WAR IN DR CONGO How Taxes and Congolese Minerals Finance the M23 Rebellion By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Comment Sep 15, 2026 Sep 15, 2026 13 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: An investigation By The New Humanitarian describes a parallel taxation and financial system across M23/AFC-controlled eastern DRC, while tracing Congolese coltan and other trade across the border into Rwanda. By XTRAfrica Analysis Desk September 15, 2026 The war economy operating in parts of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is not sustained by minerals alone. It is also built on checkpoints, commercial fees, transport levies, compulsory registrations and payments collected from people attempting to continue ordinary life under rebel control. That is the central finding of a September 14 investigation by The New Humanitarian , reported by journalist Patricia Huon with contributions from a Congolese researcher working anonymously because of security concerns. The investigation describes how the M23 and its political coalition, the Alliance Fleuve Congo, have embedded revenue collection into the economy of territories they control. According to the report, the money helps pay fighters, operate a parallel administration and reinforce control over captured Congolese territory. Its findings also show the limits of that system. The rebellion is extracting revenue from communities already weakened by conflict, disrupted trade, business closures, cash shortages and declining purchasing power. The result is a structure capable of financing armed control while offering little economic recovery to the civilians living beneath it. A tax system built around daily survival According to The New Humanitarian’s interviews, M23/AFC revenue collection reaches across several layers of economic activity. Trucks carrying goods reportedly pay at checkpoints. Motorcycle taxis moving between towns are charged. Shops, warehouses, informal traders and cross-border businesses face levies or registration demands. Fuel, agricultural products, timber, charcoal and manufactured goods moving through rebel-held territory can also become sources of revenue. The investigation further reports that civilians pay for services and administrative documents in areas where the rebellion has imposed its authority. Some residents described demands for money, goods, labour or a portion of their harvest. These individual payments may appear small when examined separately. Together, however, they can create a regular stream of income from transport, markets, trade and basic services. That predictability is important: a rebellion that can collect money every day is less dependent on occasional outside transfers or the sale of a single mineral shipment. The burden ultimately falls on ordinary Congolese. A transport fee can raise the price of food before it reaches a market. A charge on a trader can be passed to customers. Repeated checkpoint payments can make local production less competitive and reduce the already-thin margins of small businesses. This is the defining contradiction of the system described in the investigation. M23/AFC needs economic activity in order to tax it, but excessive extraction risks closing businesses and deepening the poverty of the population from which it collects revenue. A parallel administration with financial ambitions The New Humanitarian reports that M23/AFC has moved beyond collecting money at checkpoints. It has also attempted to construct institutions that resemble parts of a state administration. ADVERTISEMENT The investigation identifies a rebel-created body known as the Autorité de Régulation du Secteur Économique, Financier et des Assurances, or AREFA. The body reportedly requires financial-sector operators to register or obtain licences and is presented as a regulator in areas controlled by the movement. The report also describes efforts to use branches of the Caisse Générale d’Épargne du Congo in Goma and Bukavu. Yet those branches remain disconnected from the national banking network and cannot access the SWIFT system required for many international transfers. AREFA cannot issue Congolese francs and lacks the reserves of a legitimate central bank. These limitations matter. A movement can compel registration and collect fees, but it cannot easily recreate public confidence, monetary authority or international banking access. Residents interviewed by The New Humanitarian expressed fear that money deposited under the rebel-controlled arrangement might not be secure. The parallel system therefore appears stronger as an instrument for extracting and supervising revenue than as a mechanism capable of restoring normal economic life. Rubaya and the value of coltan taxation The Rubaya mining area in North Kivu is central to understanding the mineral side of the war economy. Its coltan contains tantalum, a metal used in capacitors and electronic equipment worldwide. M23 seized Rubaya in 2024. A United Nations Group of Experts report subsequently described rebel control over production, transport and trade around the mines. The experts estimated that M23 collected approximately $800,000 per month from levies on Rubaya’s coltan production and commerce—nearly $10 million a year if sustained at the same level. Reuters reporting on the UN findings said at least 150 tonnes of coltan were fraudulently exported to Rwanda after M23 took the area. The UN experts described the resulting contamination of regional mineral supply chains as unprecedented in scale over the preceding decade. The New Humanitarian’s investigation adds detail to the financial mechanism. People involved in the trade told the publication that coltan loads are weighed at checkpoints west of Goma and charged per kilogram. The report says payments connected to shipments are made through Rwanda, while access to mining and trading opportunities increasingly depends on acceptance by the rebel movement. The important distinction is that M23 does not need to own every mine or personally export every shipment. Control of territory, roads, checkpoints and market access allows the group to collect revenue at multiple stages of the chain—from extraction to transport and cross-border sale. From Congolese mines to Rwanda-linked export routes The investigation describes minerals from M23/AFC-controlled territory moving across the border into Rwanda, where their Congolese origin may become obscured before they reach international markets. This pattern is supported by sources beyond the September 14 report. The UN Group of Experts documented coltan from Rubaya entering Rwanda and mixing with Rwandan production. Rwanda has limited domestic coltan resources compared with the volumes it exports, a discrepancy that has intensified scrutiny of the country’s mineral trade. A 2026 Global Witness investigation examined trade records and traced Rwanda-labelled coltan through exporters, processors and the international tantalum supply chain. Its analysis warned that minerals originating in M23-controlled Congolese territory could reach global manufacturers after passing through Rwanda-linked commercial networks. ADVERTISEMENT The findings do not establish that every mineral exported from Rwanda comes from the DRC, nor do they prove that every finished electronic device contains conflict-linked material. They do, however, expose a serious traceability problem: once Congolese minerals are mixed, relabelled or processed through several intermediaries, downstream companies may struggle—or fail—to determine their true origin. The International Tin Supply Chain Initiative has suspended certification procedures for minerals from M23/AFC-controlled territory and investigated suspected false declarations of Rwandan origin, according to The New Humanitarian. Yet the continued flow described by journalists, UN experts and investigators suggests that paper-based controls can be defeated when armed actors control the physical routes. Gold expands the economic picture Coltan is the most visible example, but it is not the only mineral connected to the rebellion’s financing. The New Humanitarian points to the capture of mining sites and transport corridors across North and South Kivu. In a separate case, Twangiza Mining alleged that approximately $70 million in gold had been removed from its South Kivu operation after the area fell under rebel control. That figure remains a company claim, but it illustrates the potential scale of revenue associated with access to a major industrial gold site. International authorities have also acted on alleged Rwanda-linked gold networks. In June 2026, the U.S. Treasury sanctioned Gasabo Gold Refinery and associated executives and companies . Treasury said the network worked with M23 to move illegally sourced gold from eastern DRC into Rwanda and described mineral trafficking and unlawful taxation as direct sources of rebel financing. The European Union had previously sanctioned Gasabo Gold Refinery , saying it was responsible for illegally importing gold from M23-controlled parts of the DRC. The EU also sanctioned M23 officials, including an individual it identified as the movement’s deputy head of finance and production. These measures reinforce the wider conclusion that the war economy does not stop at the front line. It depends on commercial actors, transport routes, financial intermediaries and export channels capable of moving Congolese resources into the international marketplace. Rwanda’s role and its denial The New Humanitarian describes Rwanda as M23’s principal external backer and reports that Rwanda-linked businesses and traders have gained prominence in commerce connected to rebel-held areas. Kigali denies directly supporting M23 and has framed its regional security posture around threats posed by armed groups connected to perpetrators of the 1994 genocide. Those denials remain part of Rwanda’s official position. They stand against findings and decisions issued by several international bodies. The UN Group of Experts has repeatedly documented Rwandan military support for M23. In February 2025, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2773 , demanding that M23 end its offensives and that the Rwanda Defence Force cease support for the movement and withdraw from Congolese territory. The resolution also condemned illicit exploitation and trafficking of the DRC’s natural resources. The United States and European Union have since used sanctions to target individuals, military structures and commercial entities they say enable the rebellion or benefit from conflict-linked mineral trade. Why the tax system matters as much as the mines The focus on coltan and gold is understandable. Mineral values can be estimated, export records can be examined and international buyers can be identified. But The New Humanitarian’s investigation shows why the taxation system deserves equal attention. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Policy and Reforms US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . War in Eastern DRC Muyaya: Congo's War Has Nothing to Do With the Constitution . Justice & Crime Trump Moves to Remove Rwanda and South Africa From AGOA . Justice & Crime Rwanda Accused of Deporting Congolese Civilians in South Kivu . Diplomacy Tshisekedi, Putin Seal Three DRC- Russia Cooperation Deals . ADVERTISEMENT Mineral income can fluctuate with production, prices and access to trade routes. Daily taxes on transport, markets, businesses and services provide a broader financial base. They also help transform territorial occupation into an administrative system that can monitor economic activity and compel compliance. This means that disrupting conflict-mineral exports alone may not eliminate the rebellion’s income. Effective pressure must also address the collection points, transport corridors, commercial intermediaries and financial channels that turn control of Congolese territory into cash. Congo’s wealth and the question of sovereignty The deepest issue is not simply where coltan or gold is sold. It is who has the lawful authority to benefit from resources extracted inside the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Congolese minerals should finance Congolese development: schools, hospitals, roads, electricity, legitimate employment and services for mining communities. When an armed movement imposes taxes, controls routes and channels minerals through external markets, the country loses more than export revenue. Its sovereignty over territory, commerce and public administration is directly challenged. The evidence assembled by The New Humanitarian, UN experts, U.S. and European sanctions authorities and Global Witness points to a system with several connected layers: compulsory local taxation, parallel economic administration, control over mining and transport, cross-border movement into Rwanda and eventual access to global supply chains. That chain explains how occupation can become financially self-reinforcing. Territory creates access to taxpayers and minerals. Revenue supports fighters and administration. Those structures then help preserve control over the territory that produces the next cycle of revenue. Breaking that cycle requires enforcement beyond eastern Congo. Mineral traders must verify origin rather than relying only on documents produced after goods cross a border. Refiners and manufacturers must examine unusual changes in national export volumes. Sanctions must reach the commercial and financial facilitators who convert illicit minerals into internationally tradable products. Above all, international policy must begin from a clear principle: the natural wealth of the Democratic Republic of the Congo belongs to the Congolese people. Any system that finances armed control by diverting that wealth is not ordinary regional trade. It is a direct economic assault on Congolese sovereignty. Source Credit and Further Reading This article is based principally on Patricia Huon and a Congolese researcher’s investigation for The New Humanitarian: “How Rwanda-backed M23 rebels finance their war in DR Congo” , published September 14, 2026. XTRAfrica independently reviewed the supporting materials linked below and has clearly attributed allegations, estimates and investigative findings. UN Group of Experts report on the Democratic Republic of the Congo — S/2024/969 UN Security Council Resolution 2773 coverage U.S. Treasury sanctions targeting a Rwanda-linked conflict-minerals network European Union sanctions related to M23 and illicit natural-resource trade Global Witness investigation into the international journey of Rwanda-labelled coltan ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Policy and Reforms US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty Will Democrats support Kagame after the 2026 midterms? Blinken's statements, Biden's Rwanda policy . War in Eastern DRC Muyaya: Congo's War Has Nothing to Do With the Constitution In London, the DRC government spokesperson rejects constitutional politics as a cause of the eastern . Justice & Crime Trump Moves to Remove Rwanda and South Africa From AGOA Trump plans to remove Rwanda and South Africa from AGOA trade benefits starting January 1, 2027 . Justice & Crime Rwanda Accused of Deporting Congolese Civilians in South Kivu South Kivu accuses Rwandan forces and M23 of forcibly displacing civilians in Katogota, . Tags DRC Conflict & Security DRC Conflict & Security Rwanda Rwanda Peace For DRC Now Peace For DRC Now DR.Congo DR.Congo

NGOs warn of corruption risks around a Glencore–Orion-linked mining deal in DRC, urging the U.S. DFC to tighten due diligence A coalition of civil society organizations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is urging heightened caution over a mining transaction involving Glencore and the Orion group, warning that the deal could carry “serious risks of corruption” and calling on the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to apply stricter safeguards before backing any joint project. The coalition’s warning comes as the DRC’s copper and cobalt assets draw increasing international attention amid global competition for critical minerals. Recent reporting has linked Glencore and the U.S.-backed Orion Critical Mineral Consortium (Orion CMC) to a prospective transaction involving Congolese mining assets an evolution that civil society groups argue must be matched by robust transparency and anti-corruption controls. In its statement, the coalition highlights past legal and compliance findings involving Glencore, which owns the Kamoto Copper Company (KCC) and Mutanda Mining operations in the DRC. It points to the outcome of a Swiss investigation that resulted in penalties exceeding $150 million, tied to failures to prevent corruption linked to Glencore’s business partner Dan Gertler during the 2011 acquisition of stakes in Mutanda and Kansuki, according to the coalition’s document. The coalition also references actions taken after U.S. sanctions were imposed on Dan Gertler, stating that Glencore attempted to suspend royalty payments linked to KCC and Mutanda to avoid violating sanctions, later resuming payments in euros, according to the same document. The NGOs further cite Glencore’s 2022 coordinated resolutions with authorities in the United States, the United Kingdom and Brazil, in which the group agreed to pay more than $1 billion to resolve corruption-related cases spanning multiple countries, including the DRC. Public statements from U.S. authorities at the time described a coordinated global resolution and penalties exceeding $1.1 billion based U.S. DOJ release. On Orion, the coalition points to allegations and investigations in Guinea involving mining companies Alufer Mining and Bel Air Mining both described as controlled by Orion citing a 2025 investigation by the Platform for the Protection of Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF), which is part of the coalition. The document claims these entities faced accusations including fraud, mismanagement and corruption in 2023 and 2024, with some cases reportedly resulting in fines by the Guinean state and other matters still under investigation . What the coalition is asking the DFC to do The coalition argues that the profile of the companies involved elevates corruption exposure and calls for enhanced safeguards before any financing or support is considered. Among its key recommendations: requiring, as a precondition, the divestiture by Dan Gertler of Congolese assets the coalition links to royalty rights in KCC and Mutanda; conducting enhanced due diligence prior to any commitment, according to the coalition’s document. Continue Reading Full Article | ECONOMY DRC Mining Deal Faces Scrutiny as NGOs Flag corruption Risks By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Feb 9, 2026 May 15, 2026 3 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: A coalition of civil society organizations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is urging heightened caution over a mining transaction involving Glencore and the Orion group, warning that the deal could carry “serious risks of corruption” and calling on the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to apply stricter safeguards before backing any joint project. The coalition’s warning comes as the DRC’s copper and cobalt assets draw increasing international attention amid global competition for critical minerals. Recent reporting has linked Glencore and the U.S.-backed Orion Critical Mineral Consortium (Orion CMC) to a prospective transaction involving Congolese mining assets an evolution that civil society groups argue must be matched by robust transparency and anti-corruption controls. In its statement, the coalition highlights past legal and compliance findings involving Glencore, which owns the Kamoto Copper Company (KCC) and Mutanda Mining operations in the DRC. It points to the outcome of a Swiss investigation that resulted in penalties exceeding $150 million, tied to failures to prevent corruption linked to Glencore’s business partner Dan Gertler during the 2011 acquisition of stakes in Mutanda and Kansuki, according to the coalition’s document. ADVERTISEMENT The coalition also references actions taken after U.S. sanctions were imposed on Dan Gertler, stating that Glencore attempted to suspend royalty payments linked to KCC and Mutanda to avoid violating sanctions, later resuming payments in euros, according to the same document. The NGOs further cite Glencore’s 2022 coordinated resolutions with authorities in the United States, the United Kingdom and Brazil, in which the group agreed to pay more than $1 billion to resolve corruption-related cases spanning multiple countries, including the DRC. Public statements from U.S. authorities at the time described a coordinated global resolution and penalties exceeding $1.1 billion based U.S. DOJ release. ADVERTISEMENT On Orion, the coalition points to allegations and investigations in Guinea involving mining companies Alufer Mining and Bel Air Mining both described as controlled by Orion citing a 2025 investigation by the Platform for the Protection of Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF), which is part of the coalition. The document claims these entities faced accusations including fraud, mismanagement and corruption in 2023 and 2024, with some cases reportedly resulting in fines by the Guinean state and other matters still under investigation . What the coalition is asking the DFC to do The coalition argues that the profile of the companies involved elevates corruption exposure and calls for enhanced safeguards before any financing or support is considered. Among its key recommendations: Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Mining and Minerals Kamilombe Relocation: Compensation and ZEA 371 Explained . Mining and Minerals Zijin Reports About $6 Billion in Cumulative DRC Mining Investment . Mining and Minerals DRC Takes Mining Investment Campaign to China Conference . Mining and Minerals Eastern DRC copper project delivers promising new drilling results . Mining and Minerals DRC to Launch State-Controlled Geological Data Bank in 2026 . ADVERTISEMENT requiring, as a precondition, the divestiture by Dan Gertler of Congolese assets the coalition links to royalty rights in KCC and Mutanda; conducting enhanced due diligence prior to any commitment, according to the coalition’s document. No decision by the DFC was cited in the document referenced by the coalition. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Mining and Minerals Kamilombe Relocation: Compensation and ZEA 371 Explained Pit compensation, ore sales and access to a replacement mining zone are separate questions. . Mining and Minerals Zijin Reports About $6 Billion in Cumulative DRC Mining Investment Zijin says its cumulative DRC mining investments total about $6 billion across copper, cobalt and . Mining and Minerals DRC Takes Mining Investment Campaign to China Conference DRC Mines Minister Louis Watum leads a delegation to China Mining 2026 to promote projects . Mining and Minerals Eastern DRC copper project delivers promising new drilling results Copper Intelligence says all 13 main drill holes at its Butembo project in eastern DRC intersected . Tags DRC Mining DRC Mining DRC Economy DRC Economy DR.Congo DR.Congo DR Congo Investment DR Congo Investment African Union African Union DRC Peace Efforts DRC Peace Efforts

Kyerwa District Council has 8 Tanzania government jobs for secretaries and drivers. See qualifications, documents and September 11 deadline. KYERWA, Tanzania — August 29, 2026 — Kyerwa District Council has opened applications for eight government jobs in Tanzania, including opportunities for Form IV graduates and diploma holders. The official recruitment notice, dated August 28, 2026, confirms five Office Management Secretary Grade II positions and three Driver Grade II positions. Tanzania’s Public Service Recruitment Secretariat is also listing the Kyerwa recruitment among its latest government job announcements. Tanzania Public Service Recruitment Secretariat Applications are open to qualified Tanzanian citizens aged between 18 and 45, with a deadline of September 11, 2026. All applications must be submitted electronically through Tanzania’s official Ajira Recruitment Portal. Official Kyerwa District Council Notice Kyerwa District Council Jobs Available The eight positions are divided into two categories: The recruitment notice provides government salary scales rather than exact monthly salary amounts. Official Kyerwa District Council Notice 1. Office Management Secretary Grade II — 5 Positions Kyerwa District Council is recruiting five Office Management Secretary Grade II officers. Applicants must have completed Form IV and hold either a Diploma in Secretarial Studies or an NTA Level 6 secretarial qualification from a government-recognised institution. Candidates must also have passed Kiswahili and English shorthand or typing at 100 words per minute. Continue Reading Full Article JOBS AND EMPLOYMENT Kyerwa District Opens 8 Government Jobs — Form IV Eligible By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Comment Aug 29, 2026 Sep 1, 2026 7 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: KYERWA, Tanzania — August 29, 2026 — Kyerwa District Council has opened applications for eight government jobs in Tanzania, including opportunities for Form IV graduates and diploma holders. The official recruitment notice, dated August 28, 2026, confirms five Office Management Secretary Grade II positions and three Driver Grade II positions. Tanzania’s Public Service Recruitment Secretariat is also listing the Kyerwa recruitment among its latest government job announcements. Tanzania Public Service Recruitment Secretariat Applications are open to qualified Tanzanian citizens aged between 18 and 45, with a deadline of September 11, 2026. All applications must be submitted electronically through Tanzania’s official Ajira Recruitment Portal. Official Kyerwa District Council Notice Kyerwa District Council Jobs Available The eight positions are divided into two categories: Position Vacancies Minimum Education Salary Scale Office Management Secretary Grade II 5 Form IV + Diploma/NTA Level 6 in Secretarial Studies TGS C Driver Grade II 3 Form IV + Class C or E Driving Licence + driving training TGS B1 The recruitment notice provides government salary scales rather than exact monthly salary amounts. Official Kyerwa District Council Notice 1. Office Management Secretary Grade II — 5 Positions Kyerwa District Council is recruiting five Office Management Secretary Grade II officers. Applicants must have completed Form IV and hold either a Diploma in Secretarial Studies or an NTA Level 6 secretarial qualification from a government-recognised institution. Candidates must also have passed Kiswahili and English shorthand or typing at 100 words per minute. Computer skills are required, including experience with: Microsoft Word Microsoft Excel PowerPoint Internet Email Microsoft Publisher The salary scale for the position is TGS C. ADVERTISEMENT Main Duties Successful candidates will help prepare letters, reports and confidential documents, receive visitors, manage office records and schedules, locate files and documents, distribute correspondence, help prepare meetings and maintain lists of office requirements. 2. Driver Grade II — 3 Positions The council is also recruiting three Driver Grade II employees. This opportunity is particularly relevant to Tanzanians with a Form IV certificate and professional driving qualifications. Applicants must hold a valid Class E or Class C driving licence and must have used the licence for at least one year without causing an accident. Candidates must also provide the training certificates that qualified them for the relevant driving-licence category. A Basic Driving Course from VETA or another institution recognised by the government is required. The salary scale is TGS B1. Driver Duties Successful drivers will be responsible for inspecting vehicles before and after journeys, transporting staff on official assignments, performing minor vehicle maintenance, distributing documents, updating vehicle logbooks and keeping vehicles clean. ADVERTISEMENT Who Can Apply? The Kyerwa District Council recruitment is open to Tanzanian citizens only. Applicants must be: At least 18 years old Not older than 45 years Qualified for the position they are applying for Able to provide genuine academic and professional certificates Retired public servants are generally not eligible unless they have the required authorization, while public servants already employed in entry-level posts are instructed to follow existing government rules on applying for such vacancies. Documents Required Applicants should prepare their documents carefully before starting the Ajira Portal application. The official notice requires: A signed application letter Birth certificate Detailed CV Reliable phone number and address Names and contact details of referees Academic certificates Professional certificates Form IV and Form VI certificates where applicable Relevant driving-training certificates for Driver Grade II applicants One recent passport-size photograph uploaded to Ajira Portal Applicants who studied outside Tanzania must have their qualifications verified by the appropriate authorities, including bodies such as TCU, NECTA or NACTE/NACTVET, depending on the qualification. The council warns that testimonials, provisional results and statements of results are not accepted as replacements for official certificates. How to Apply for Kyerwa District Council Jobs Applications must be submitted online through Tanzania’s Ajira Recruitment Portal. Applicants should first prepare the required certificates, CV, passport photograph and signed application letter. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Jobs and Employment Kyerwa District Opens 8 Government Jobs — Form IV Eligible . ADVERTISEMENT The application letter should be addressed to: Executive Director Kyerwa District Council P.O. Box 72 Kyerwa Candidates can then log into Ajira Portal, update their profile, locate the relevant Kyerwa District Council vacancy and submit the application with the required supporting documents. Applications submitted outside the prescribed electronic recruitment system will not be considered. Apply through Tanzania Ajira Recruitment Portal Read the official Kyerwa District Council recruitment notice Kyerwa District Council Jobs Deadline The deadline to submit applications is: September 11, 2026 Applicants should avoid waiting until the final day because missing certificates, an incomplete Ajira profile or upload problems could prevent a successful submission. The official notice does not state any recruitment application fee. Applicants should use the government recruitment portal and should not pay anyone who claims they can guarantee employment or influence the selection process. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Jobs and Employment Kyerwa District Opens 8 Government Jobs — Form IV Eligible Kyerwa District Council has 8 Tanzania government jobs for secretaries and drivers. See qualifications, . Tags Jobs in Tanzania Jobs in Tanzania opportunity opportunity Jobs & Vacancies Jobs & Vacancies Tanzania Tanzania Jobs & Opportunities Jobs & Opportunities

DRC lawmakers advanced two $150M rural economy bills for committee review, targeting roads, rural services and farm enterprise growth. The Democratic Republic of Congo’s National Assembly has declared admissible two draft laws tied to a $150 million financing package aimed at reviving the rural economy, sending both texts to a joint committee for further examination before any final adoption. Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba defended the bills during the April 7 session. The two draft laws ratify loan agreements concluded between the Congolese government and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, or BADEA . According to the government’s presentation, the package is designed to support rural infrastructure, agricultural production and local job creation, as Kinshasa pushes to reduce food dependency and strengthen domestic value chains. One pillar is the Inclusive and Resilient Rural Development Programme, known as PADRIR , which the article says is backed with $70 million. It targets provinces including Maniema, Lomami, Kasai-Central and Kasai-Oriental, with plans to rehabilitate more than 980 kilometres of rural roads and tracks and expand basic social infrastructure for roughly 1.2 million people. The second pillar is the Agricultural SME Incubator Implementation Project, presented as a $16 million pilot initiative to support entrepreneurship in farming and local processing. The government says eight incubators would be set up in provinces including Tanganyika , North Kivu and Kongo-Central, with a focus on young people and women working in products such as cassava, maize, coffee and cocoa. The broader policy direction matches the goals of the IFAD-backed PADRIR programme , which is centered on reducing rural poverty, improving food security and supporting agricultural value chains in the DRC. That gives added context to the government’s claim that these bills are meant to deliver long-term rural transformation rather than short-term spending. For now, however, the bills have not yet cleared the full legislative process. Their next step is committee review, which will determine whether lawmakers recommend final adoption and unlock the financing the government says is needed to improve rural living conditions and support the rise of an agricultural middle class. Continue Reading Full Article ECONOMIC POLICIES DRC sends $150M rural economy bills for committee review By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Comment Apr 8, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: The Democratic Republic of Congo’s National Assembly has declared admissible two draft laws tied to a $150 million financing package aimed at reviving the rural economy, sending both texts to a joint committee for further examination before any final adoption. Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba defended the bills during the April 7 session. The two draft laws ratify loan agreements concluded between the Congolese government and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, or BADEA . According to the government’s presentation, the package is designed to support rural infrastructure, agricultural production and local job creation, as Kinshasa pushes to reduce food dependency and strengthen domestic value chains. ADVERTISEMENT One pillar is the Inclusive and Resilient Rural Development Programme, known as PADRIR , which the article says is backed with $70 million. It targets provinces including Maniema, Lomami, Kasai-Central and Kasai-Oriental, with plans to rehabilitate more than 980 kilometres of rural roads and tracks and expand basic social infrastructure for roughly 1.2 million people. The second pillar is the Agricultural SME Incubator Implementation Project, presented as a $16 million pilot initiative to support entrepreneurship in farming and local processing. The government says eight incubators would be set up in provinces including Tanganyika , North Kivu and Kongo-Central, with a focus on young people and women working in products such as cassava, maize, coffee and cocoa. ADVERTISEMENT The broader policy direction matches the goals of the IFAD-backed PADRIR programme , which is centered on reducing rural poverty, improving food security and supporting agricultural value chains in the DRC. That gives added context to the government’s claim that these bills are meant to deliver long-term rural transformation rather than short-term spending. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Mining and Minerals Kamilombe Relocation: Compensation and ZEA 371 Explained . Mining and Minerals Zijin Reports About $6 Billion in Cumulative DRC Mining Investment . Mining and Minerals DRC Takes Mining Investment Campaign to China Conference . Mining and Minerals Eastern DRC copper project delivers promising new drilling results . Mining and Minerals DRC to Launch State-Controlled Geological Data Bank in 2026 . ADVERTISEMENT For now, however, the bills have not yet cleared the full legislative process. Their next step is committee review, which will determine whether lawmakers recommend final adoption and unlock the financing the government says is needed to improve rural living conditions and support the rise of an agricultural middle class. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Mining and Minerals Kamilombe Relocation: Compensation and ZEA 371 Explained Pit compensation, ore sales and access to a replacement mining zone are separate questions. . Mining and Minerals Zijin Reports About $6 Billion in Cumulative DRC Mining Investment Zijin says its cumulative DRC mining investments total about $6 billion across copper, cobalt and . Mining and Minerals DRC Takes Mining Investment Campaign to China Conference DRC Mines Minister Louis Watum leads a delegation to China Mining 2026 to promote projects . Mining and Minerals Eastern DRC copper project delivers promising new drilling results Copper Intelligence says all 13 main drill holes at its Butembo project in eastern DRC intersected . Tags DRC Mining DRC Mining DR.Congo DR.Congo Xtrafrica News Xtrafrica News African Union African Union Wazalendo DRC Wazalendo DRC Judith Suminwa Judith Suminwa

Chinese medical experts arrive in Kinshasa to support Congo’s Ebola surveillance and case management. A team of Chinese medical experts has arrived in Kinshasa for a three-month mission to support the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola response, according to 7sur7 . The five-member team is expected to begin work with Congolese health institutions and disease surveillance structures, focusing on epidemiological analysis, prevention, control, and case management. China’s National Health Commission announced the deployment of the expert team as part of international solidarity efforts to help the Democratic Republic of Congo respond to the Ebola outbreak. The deployment comes after the World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 17, 2026. Lu Ming, head of the Chinese expert team, said the specialists would work according to needs expressed by the Congolese side. Congolese officials described the mission as timely support at a critical stage of the outbreak response. The mission adds another layer of international assistance as Congo works to strengthen surveillance, medical care, and outbreak-control capacity. Continue Reading Full Article HEALTH NEWS Chinese Experts to Support Congo’s Ebola Response By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Jun 3, 2026 Jun 3, 2026 1 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: A team of Chinese medical experts has arrived in Kinshasa for a three-month mission to support the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola response, according to 7sur7 . The five-member team is expected to begin work with Congolese health institutions and disease surveillance structures, focusing on epidemiological analysis, prevention, control, and case management. China’s National Health Commission announced the deployment of the expert team as part of international solidarity efforts to help the Democratic Republic of Congo respond to the Ebola outbreak. ADVERTISEMENT The deployment comes after the World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 17, 2026. Lu Ming, head of the Chinese expert team, said the specialists would work according to needs expressed by the Congolese side. Congolese officials described the mission as timely support at a critical stage of the outbreak response. ADVERTISEMENT The mission adds another layer of international assistance as Congo works to strengthen surveillance, medical care, and outbreak-control capacity. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Health News Uganda HIV Self-Test Assembly: Prices, Jobs and Exports . Banking and Finance Absa Dubai Office: Services, Eligibility and Contacts . Business & Investment 5 Best Citizenship by Investment Programs for Africans . Scholarships 120 EAC Master’s Scholarships Open to EAC Students — How to Apply . Scholarships UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 Opens to Africans . ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Health News Uganda HIV Self-Test Assembly: Prices, Jobs and Exports Mukono factory assembles OraQuick kits, but the UGX 7,000 price remains a target . Banking and Finance Absa Dubai Office: Services, Eligibility and Contacts What African businesses and Gulf investors need to know about Absa’s new DIFC office. . Business & Investment 5 Best Citizenship by Investment Programs for Africans Compare five Caribbean second-passport programs, their investment costs, family benefits.... . 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, . Tags Africa Africa DR.Congo DR.Congo DR Congo News DR Congo News DRC Politics DRC Politics

In a candid discussion on the Bahd And Boujee Podcast , Ruger reflected on his previous relationships and acknowledged his role in their dissolution. Despite past challenges, he remains open to the possibility of a deep and meaningful connection. During the podcast, which features co-hosts Tolanibaj and Moet Abebe, Ruger conveyed his readiness to explore a serious relationship, stating, “I want to see if I can actually be committed to someone.” His openness extended to personal revelations about his intimate experiences, including a past encounter involving a diverse trio. Ruger’s transparency about his personal journey and his search for a significant other highlights his growth as an individual and an artist. His willingness to embrace commitment may resonate with fans who have followed his career and personal evolution. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Mar 15, 2024 May 15, 2026 1 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Nigerian musical artist Michael Adebayo Olayinka, known professionally as Ruger, recently shared his aspirations for a committed relationship. Image/kemifilani In a candid discussion on the Bahd And Boujee Podcast , Ruger reflected on his previous relationships and acknowledged his role in their dissolution. Despite past challenges, he remains open to the possibility of a deep and meaningful connection. During the podcast, which features co-hosts Tolanibaj and Moet Abebe, Ruger conveyed his readiness to explore a serious relationship, stating, ADVERTISEMENT “I want to see if I can actually be committed to someone.” His openness extended to personal revelations about his intimate experiences, including a past encounter involving a diverse trio. Ruger’s transparency about his personal journey and his search for a significant other highlights his growth as an individual and an artist. His willingness to embrace commitment may resonate with fans who have followed his career and personal evolution. ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Tags

At TICAD 9 in Yokohama, Japan and African leaders pledge stronger ties in peace, trade, mining, and AI to boost Africa’s growth and stability. The Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), initiated by the Japanese Government in 1993, opened in Yokohama from August 20 to 22, 2025. The event is co-chaired by the African Union under the leadership of Angolan President João Lourenço. High-Level African Participation Representatives from around 50 African nations are attending, including: Nigerian President Bola Tinubu South African President Cyril Ramaphosa Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye Kenyan President William Ruto UN Secretary-General António Guterres Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal are represented by foreign ministers. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is represented by a strong interministerial delegation led by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka , accompanied by: Daniel Mukoko Samba, Deputy PM & Minister of National Economy Continue Reading Full Article AFRICA-ASIA RELATIONS TICAD 9 in Yokohama: Japan and Africa Strengthen Peace, Trade By Guerson Nabushi Nyonkourou Political Analyst Guerson Nabushi Nyonkourou Home Comment Aug 20, 2025 May 15, 2026 4 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: The Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), initiated by the Japanese Government in 1993, opened in Yokohama from August 20 to 22, 2025. The event is co-chaired by the African Union under the leadership of Angolan President João Lourenço. High-Level African Participation Representatives from around 50 African nations are attending, including: Nigerian President Bola Tinubu South African President Cyril Ramaphosa Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye Kenyan President William Ruto UN Secretary-General António Guterres Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal are represented by foreign ministers. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is represented by a strong interministerial delegation led by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka , accompanied by: Daniel Mukoko Samba, Deputy PM & Minister of National Economy Marc Ekila Likombio, Minister of State for Vocational Training Julien Paluku Kahongya, Minister of Foreign Trade Lous Kabamba Watum, Minister of Mines Noëlla Ayenganagato Nakwipone, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Their presence underscores Congo’s determination to highlight strategic sectors, economy, training, trade, mining, and diplomacy as priorities within TICAD. ADVERTISEMENT Focus on Peace, Stability, and Prosperity During the first plenary session on “Peace and Stability”, the DRC reaffirmed its commitment to deepen diplomatic and military cooperation with Japan. This follows several high-level visits and agreements earlier this year to revitalize bilateral ties. Japan, by putting peace and stability at the core of TICAD 9, also reaffirms its long-term vision for a stable, prosperous, and peaceful Africa. Debt, Trade, and Global Partnerships The conference comes at a time when many African nations face a debt and liquidity crisis, largely due to borrowing from China and private creditors. Reduced Western aid, worsened by the dismantling of USAID under former U.S. President Donald Trump, has further strained budgets. ADVERTISEMENT President Ramaphosa warned that this crisis is limiting governments’ ability to provide safety nets for citizens. Discussions in Yokohama are expected to address: Possible free trade agreements between Japan and Africa Loan guarantees and investment incentives for Japanese companies New frameworks for sustainable financing Japan’s Prime Minister emphasized a partnership based on trust, stating: “Rather than focusing on our own needs, we want to carefully identify the needs of our partners and earn their trust.” Trending Now Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, ‘Mortal Kombat’ Star, Dies at 75 . Entertainment Popular Today African Destinations Why zanzibar chose london buses to promote its tourism brand . | Appointments Ruto appoints Ababu Namwamba as Kenya envoy to Uganda . Regional Economy DRC offers state mineral assets to US investors under pact . Political Scandals Kaduna police confirm mass abduction after initial denials . Road Accidents Vanderbijlpark crash: Taxi driver held over 12 pupil deaths . ADVERTISEMENT Investment in People and Technology Africa’s youthful population and abundant resources were highlighted as key opportunities. Japan pledged to train 30,000 artificial intelligence experts over the next three years to accelerate digital transformation in African industries. Business leaders, including the Keidanren (Japan Business Federation), stressed that Japan must position itself as a trustworthy partner by actively contributing to solving Africa’s social and economic challenges. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Accident News SA classifies floods as national disaster across five provinces NDMC cites severe weather since late Nov 2025; CoGTA says national coordination now applies . Accident News 13 culpable homicide counts opened after Vanderbijlpark crash At least 13 pupils killed as scholar minibus and truck collide; probe focuses on overtaking . 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Kendrick Lamar sets a new Grammy record, surpassing Jay-Z with 27 awards after wins at the 2026 ceremony in Los Angeles. According to the source article , American rapper Kendrick Lamar made Grammy history on Sunday night after becoming the most awarded hip-hop artist of all time at the 2026 Grammy Awards, surpassing the long-held record previously set by Jay-Z. Kendrick Lamar yakuyeho agahigo… Lamar reached a total of 27 Grammy Awards after winning Best Rap Album for GNX , overtaking Jay-Z, who had accumulated 25 wins. The achievement places Lamar at the top of hip-hop artists in Grammy history. During the ceremony, Lamar won five awards , including Record of the Year for Luther , a collaboration with SZA. He also claimed Best Rap Song and added another Best Rap Album trophy, extending his career total following multiple wins at last year’s ceremony. While accepting his awards, Lamar emphasized the endurance of hip-hop culture, stating that the genre remains deeply connected to its community and identity. The 68th Grammy Awards were held on February 1, 2026 , at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California . The event featured moments of social commentary, with several artists addressing humanitarian and immigration-related issues in the United States. Billie Eilish won Song of the Year for Wildflower and used her speech to speak against injustice, while Olivia Dean , who claimed Best New Artist , highlighted the contributions and resilience of immigrant communities. Other notable winners included Lady Gaga , who earned awards for Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Dance-Pop Recording , and Steven Spielberg , who achieved EGOT status after winning Best Music Film for the documentary Music for John Williams . The ceremony also featured tribute performances honoring music legends, including Ozzy Osbourne, D’Angelo, and Roberta Flack. Several high-profile nominees, such as Justin Bieber and Sabrina Carpenter, were nominated but did not take home awards this year. Last year’s Album of the Year winner was Beyoncé, who secured the award for the first time in her career. Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT Kendrick Lamar Becomes Most Awarded Rapper in Grammy History By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Feb 2, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: According to the source article , American rapper Kendrick Lamar made Grammy history on Sunday night after becoming the most awarded hip-hop artist of all time at the 2026 Grammy Awards, surpassing the long-held record previously set by Jay-Z. Kendrick Lamar yakuyeho agahigo… Lamar reached a total of 27 Grammy Awards after winning Best Rap Album for GNX , overtaking Jay-Z, who had accumulated 25 wins. The achievement places Lamar at the top of hip-hop artists in Grammy history. During the ceremony, Lamar won five awards , including Record of the Year for Luther , a collaboration with SZA. He also claimed Best Rap Song and added another Best Rap Album trophy, extending his career total following multiple wins at last year’s ceremony. ADVERTISEMENT While accepting his awards, Lamar emphasized the endurance of hip-hop culture, stating that the genre remains deeply connected to its community and identity. The 68th Grammy Awards were held on February 1, 2026 , at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California . The event featured moments of social commentary, with several artists addressing humanitarian and immigration-related issues in the United States. Billie Eilish won Song of the Year for Wildflower and used her speech to speak against injustice, while Olivia Dean , who claimed Best New Artist , highlighted the contributions and resilience of immigrant communities. ADVERTISEMENT Other notable winners included Lady Gaga , who earned awards for Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Dance-Pop Recording , and Steven Spielberg , who achieved EGOT status after winning Best Music Film for the documentary Music for John Williams . The ceremony also featured tribute performances honoring music legends, including Ozzy Osbourne, D’Angelo, and Roberta Flack. Several high-profile nominees, such as Justin Bieber and Sabrina Carpenter, were nominated but did not take home awards this year. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs . 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Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars The dancer faces five sexual offence charges and returns to court on September 15. . Tags Entertainment Entertainment United States United States