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The United States has waived visa bond requirements for FIFA World Cup ticket holders from 50 countries, provided they have valid tickets and registered via FIFA PASS. The move exempts five African qualifying nations but leaves fans from Iran and Haiti banned, while Senegal and Ivory Coast face partial restrictions.
The Cannes Film Festival kicked off Tuesday with 22 films vying for the Palme d'Or, but behind the glamour, concerns over AI's impact on filmmaking and the absence of major Hollywood studios dominate the conversation. African cinema is represented in the Un Certain Regard section, though not in the main competition.
The Africa Forward Summit 2026 opened in Nairobi, bringing together leaders to discuss Africa's economic transformation. Central themes include agricultural value addition, resilience, and the role of the IMF, with a focus on shifting from dependency to partnership.
The BRVM regional stock exchange in West Africa closed higher for the third consecutive week, with the composite index gaining 1.99% to 412.64 points. Trading volumes more than doubled compared to the prior week, driven by sharp gains in select stocks. Meanwhile, bond market capitalization edged lower, and analysts note the exchange's year-to-date performance ranks among the best in frontier markets.
Niger's military government has suspended nine major French media outlets, citing threats to public order and national security. Reporters Without Borders condemned the decision as 'abusive' and part of a coordinated strategy to repress press freedom in the Sahel. Some Nigeriens support the ban, viewing it as a stand against perceived imperialist influence.
Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe returned from injury in a 2-0 win over Real Oviedo, but faced jeers from fans and a viral online petition demanding his exit. Discontent stems from his bench role and a Sardinian trip during recovery, with the coach denying he told Mbappe he was fourth-choice.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Al Jazeera reports the match schedule, group draws, and tournament format, with the opening match in Mexico City and the final in New Jersey.
As African nations court tech giants and announce AI strategies, over 600 million people on the continent still lack electricity—a fundamental barrier to the AI revolution. This article examines the infrastructure gap, the cost of connectivity, and the emerging adaptations that could shape the future of AI in Sub-Saharan Africa.
China has implemented a zero-tariff policy covering 53 African nations with diplomatic ties, effective May 1 and running until April 2028. While officials in South Africa and Kenya welcome the move as a boost for exports and small businesses, analysts note that much of the trade already enjoyed low or zero tariffs, limiting the policy's immediate impact.
Norwegian Football Association President Lise Klaveness has called for the abolition of the FIFA Peace Prize, arguing that awarding such honors is not within FIFA's mandate and risks politicizing the sport. The call follows FIFA's decision to award the inaugural prize to US President Donald Trump in December, which drew criticism from football officials and players, amid concerns about the impact of Trump's policies on African teams and fans.
Tuareg separatists and jihadist fighters have seized the strategic Tessalit military camp in northern Mali after the withdrawal of the army and Russian allies. The capture follows a series of coordinated attacks that killed Defense Minister Sadio Camara, while Mali investigates suspected complicity by military personnel.
The Zambian government has postponed RightsCon 2026, a major human rights and technology conference, days before it was to open in Lusaka. Human Rights Watch and civil society groups criticize the move, while unverified reports suggest Chinese pressure over Taiwanese delegates may have played a role.
Ongoing conflict in the Persian Gulf is disrupting fertiliser shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global agricultural inputs. With sub-Saharan Africa importing about 80% of its fertiliser, the disruptions risk significant impacts on food production and prices across the continent.
Coordinated weekend attacks by jihadist and Tuareg separatist groups have killed Mali's defence minister and left the junta leader unseen, plunging the country into its most serious security crisis since 2012. A fragile calm prevails in Bamako and Kati, while the African Union and opposition groups have voiced alarm.
Coordinated attacks by JNIM and Tuareg separatists have killed Mali's defence minister and forced Russian paramilitaries to withdraw from Kidal, plunging the ruling junta into its gravest crisis in years.
Sub-Saharan Africa entered 2026 with its strongest growth in a decade, but the war in the Middle East has triggered new economic strains. The IMF projects slower growth and higher inflation for the region, with fragile and oil-importing countries facing the greatest challenges.
Mali's Defence Minister Sadio Camara was killed in a weekend assault on his residence in Kati, part of coordinated attacks by jihadist and separatist forces across the country. Reports indicate that the northern town of Kidal has fallen to rebel control, with Russian-backed forces withdrawing, while international condemnation mounts.
Pakistan women's football team finished third in their first FIFA Series in Ivory Coast, with coach Adeel Rizki urging regular camps and more internationals. Players Nadia Khan and Aqsa Mushtaq highlighted limited games as a key obstacle while reflecting on the emotional high of a record 8-0 win and the sting of a narrow loss.
The 10th International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa opened in Dakar amid a backdrop of dissolved regional alliances, expanding jihadist threats, and intensifying global competition for Africa's critical minerals. Experts at the two-day event are discussing how to govern natural resources as Africa holds a significant share of the world's rare earths and cobalt.
French-born Beninese activist Kemi Seba has been arrested in South Africa on immigration charges and is facing extradition to Benin, where he is wanted for inciting rebellion after supporting a failed coup in December. His lawyer says he has applied for political asylum, claiming he fears for his life if returned to Benin. The case has drawn attention to Seba's anti-Western activism and his ties to Niger's ruling junta.