History Is Being Rewritten at an Archaeological Site in Morocco. What the Discovery of an Ancient Wall Tells Us
Communities in the north-west Maghreb were able to coordinate large construction projects thousands of years ago.
Morocco
Africa’s Rocks Hold Ancient Stories. We Need Better Ways to Document and Protect Them
Africa has some of the world’s most important geological landscapes, yet they remain under-represented in digital geoheritage research.
Europe Relies on Morocco to Keep Migrants Out – Ceuta Shows the Political Cost
International attention needs to be paid to Europe’s outsourcing of border controls, and to the relationship between Spain and Morocco.
World Cup History: A Timeline of Africa’s Greatest Moments on the Field
Ten pivotal moments that tell the story of how African football transformed itself.
Morocco’s Hidden History: Archaeology, DNA and Carbon Dating Rewrite the Story of the Ancient World
New research shows northwest African communities actively shaped connections and exchange between many cultures.
Fossil Fuels Still Dominate in Africa’s Electricity Future – Study Tracks 3,139 Power Plants
Africa is rapidly expanding electricity generation, but new research shows energy planning must also account for water scarcity and carbon dioxide emissions.
Morocco Overtakes South Africa: Another Warning Against Deindustrialisation
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) has noted with concern the latest findings by the African Development Bank indicating that Morocco overtook South Africa in 2025 as Africa’s most industrialised economy. While South Africa remains a significant industrial powerhouse on the continent, this development confirms the country’s continuing decline in industrial competitiveness. Years of unreliable […]
The post Morocco overtakes South Africa: another warning against deindustrialisation appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Europe Is Spending Billions on Deporting Migrants. Why the Strategy Isn’t Working
The European Union has used money and enforcement infrastructure as the twin pillars of its migrant returns strategy. The evidence suggests it isn’t working.
A Football World Cup Is a Global Cultural Exchange. How Will That Work in Trump’s America
On the field, football has the power to bring cultural unity. But crackdowns on immigrants and soaring costs will make it more difficult to attend.
Afcon Controversy: What a Sports Law Specialist Says About Senegal Being Stripped of the Title
Caf’s decision to strip Senegal of the title is a textbook case for sports law.
Africa’s Militaries Have Always Relied on Imported Weapons: Why a Shift to Homegrown Defence Is Now Under Way
Across Africa, governments are finding ways to reduce dependence on foreign arms suppliers and building capabilities they can control, maintain and adapt.
Afcon Drama: What Went Wrong and What Went Right at the Continent’s Biggest Football Cup in Morocco
The 2026 Afcon’s on-field disturbances should not take away from its accomplishments.
The Making and Breaking of Uganda: An Interview With Scholar Mahmood Mamdani
Museveni came to power with the sense that violence is critical to politics, and especially critical to liberation politics.
Artists and Activists Take over Joburg Skyline Ahead of G20 Summit
They projected a series of illustrations, demanding urgent action on the global debt crisis and climate accountability
Cape Town’s Puppets Perform Across the World
“The Herds” has travelled across the globe to raise awareness about migration and climate change
Women’s Football Has Never Been More Competitive
Whatever the outcome of the Wafcon final, Nigeria’s sole dominance of women’s football in Africa has ended.
Green Energy and Protecting Nature Get the Thumbs up in Climate Change Study in 68 Countries
New study finds that people in 12 African countries don’t fully accept that extreme weather disasters are caused by climate change. More public awareness is needed.
Lessons for Modern Times From Africans That Survived 10,000 Years of Climate Changes by Adapting Food Systems
Blending livelihood strategies based on what works at different times in specific environments has been key to human survival for thousands of years.
Self-Determination More Important Than Ever
During the Budget Vote Debate of the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development, a bias against all white people, particularly Afrikaners, became glaringly obvious. To secure a future in Africa, Afrikaners will need to reconsider their options. The Minister, Mr Mzwanele Nyontsho, began his speech by promising that the proposed Equitable Access to Land […]
The post Budget Vote Debate for Land Reform and Rural Development: Self-determination more important than ever appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Tanzania’s New Foreign Policy Reaffirms Pan-African Leadership and Vision
In a landmark diplomatic step, Tanzania has launched a revised National Foreign Policy that reinforces the country's leadership in African diplomacy. The updated policy embraces Pan-African values, supports the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and advances regional peace, integration, and sustainable development.
The launch event, held at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam, was officiated by H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania. It was also attended by Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, members of the Diplomatic Corps, senior government leaders, and private sector representatives.
Rooted in the vision of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, Tanzania has historically championed unity, liberation, and non-alignment in African diplomacy. Under Nyerere's leadership, Tanzania became a moral compass for the continent and a founding member of the Organization of African Unity (OAU).
“This policy speaks on who we are as a nation—firm in our values, proactive in our diplomacy, and committed to constructive partnerships that advance peace, security, and shared prosperity,” President Samia said during the event.
The new policy reflects this legacy while responding to contemporary priorities like trade, migration, regional infrastructure, climate action, and digital transformation. It aims to deepen Tanzania's engagement with continental bodies like the AU, SADC, and EAC while emphasizing Kiswahili as a tool for regional integration.
President Samia noted that the revised policy was shaped through a broad-based participatory process involving Tanzanians from all walks of life. “It was high time we revised the policy to cope with global shifts in various spheres,” she said, citing the global scramble for strategic minerals and trade disruptions caused by ongoing conflicts as key motivators.
A core feature of the updated framework includes economic diplomacy and the creation of a Special Status for Tanzanians in the diaspora. The policy promotes legal reforms that would allow non-citizen Tanzanians abroad to own land, register businesses, and invest back home.
To strengthen implementation, President Samia called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation to engage retired diplomats in training current officials, ensuring that Tanzania's envoys are equipped to promote national interests globally.
President Mwinyi welcomed the revised policy as a catalyst for unlocking social, economic, and political potential. “Tanzania continues to position itself globally, and the revised policy aligns with evolving global needs,” he said.
He urged the Ministry to encourage more countries to open consulates in Zanzibar and called on all Tanzanians to embrace and defend national interests through the policy. “This policy will benefit both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar,” he emphasized.
President Samia's regional outreach began early in her presidency. In April 2021, she visited Uganda, where she and President Yoweri Museveni signed the Final Investment Decision for the $10 billion East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).
In May 2021, her visit to Kenya revitalized bilateral ties, followed by trips to Burundi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Zambia, and Egypt, resulting in cooperation on trade, energy, security, and innovation.
At the June 2021 SADC Summit in Mozambique, Tanzania reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace by supporting the fight against insurgency in Cabo Delgado. In Ghana, she received the Africa Road Builders–Babacar Ndiaye Trophy for leadership in infrastructure development.
In Senegal, during the IDA20 Summit, and at COP27 in Egypt, she positioned Tanzania as a leader in climate resilience, presenting an $18 billion renewable energy plan.
From 2023 to 2025, she maintained strong continental engagement through AU summits, the BRICS Summit in South Africa, and diplomatic visits to Malawi, Zambia, South Africa, and Morocco.
A key milestone in Tanzania's growing international stature was the invitation to the Lobito Corridor Development Project high-level meeting in Angola—part of the G7's Global Infrastructure Initiative. Although Tanzania was not originally a member of the project, its geographic and strategic relevance was recognized as critical to the corridor's success.
In February 2024, President Samia unveiled a statue of Mwalimu Nyerere at the AU Headquarters in Ethiopia—a symbolic act that underscored Tanzania's foundational role in the Pan-African movement.
As Chair of the SADC Organ, she presided over the 2024 Troika Summit in Zimbabwe, advancing peace and security initiatives and supporting Raila Odinga's candidacy for AU Commission leadership.
On May 18, 2025, Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi was elected as the next Regional Director of the WHO African Region, a milestone widely credited to Tanzania's rising diplomatic influence. His nomination followed the untimely death of Dr. Faustine Ndugulile in 2024. Janabi's appointment will be formalized by the WHO Executive Board later this month.
According to Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, the revised policy focuses on ten strategic pillars:
- Economic Diplomacy
- Peace, Security, and Stability
- Ratification and Implementation of International Treaties
- Participation in Regional and Global Bodies
- Promotion of Kiswahili as a Diplomatic Tool
- International Resource Mobilization
- Blue Economy Development
- Diaspora Engagement
- Human Rights and Good Governance
- Environmental Protection and Climate Leadership
This updated policy reflects Tanzania's commitment to Pan-African unity while embracing innovation, inclusion, and global partnership. It sets the stage for the next chapter in Tanzania's regional leadership and sustainable development.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Tanzania Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation.
Africa Energy Technology Conference Provides a Platform for Fostering Innovation
The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) – representing the voice of the African energy sector – offers its full support and endorsement of the upcoming Africa Energy Technology (AET) conference, recognizing the role the event plays as a platform for fostering innovation and technology in Africa. Taking place May 27-29, 2025, in Accra, Ghana, the event unites government representatives, policymakers and energy technology leaders to discuss financing and technology opportunities in Africa.
AET 2025 takes place under the theme: Innovate, Invest, Implement: Revolutionized Financing for Sustainable Energy Sector Growth in Africa, highlighting the need to scale-up spending across the continent. Key topics that will be explored include innovation in technology, attracting diverse investment through new financial mechanisms and ensuring effective implementation of energy projects. Striving to address Africa's most pressing energy challenges – including access to energy and financing – the event is expected to position the continent at the forefront of global energy discussions.
Africa is at a critical juncture in its energy development as it strives to advance large-scale energy projects while reducing carbon emissions. With over 600 million people living without access to electricity and 900 million people living without access to clean cooking solutions, countries across the continent are advocating for greater investment across the energy value chain, with the aim of accelerating oil, gas and renewable energy projects. Concurrently, the continent has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate climate change impacts, given that Africa faces the worst impacts of the climate crisis worldwide. It is within this juncture that the need to fast-track technology adoption and enhance innovation becomes clear.
Africa's unique energy challenges can be addressed through the rapid roll-out of various energy sources, and progress is already being made to achieve this. Africa's biggest oil producers seek to increase oil production, with Angola planning to sustain output above one million barrels per day (bpd), Nigeria targeting 2.5 million bpd while Libya strives for 2 million bpd. In tandem, gas-rich nations across the continent aim to increase LNG output. The Republic of Congo targets 3 million tons per annum (mtpa) with the start of Congo LNG phase two in 2025; Mozambique is advancing its Rovuma Basin projects; while Senegal and Mauritania eye 5 mtpa at the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project, following first production in 2024.
Meanwhile, countries are advancing their clean energy portfolios, with projects in nuclear energy and green hydrogen taking shape. Upcoming green hydrogen projects include the 2,100 kilo-ton-per-annum (ktpa) ACME Group Sokhna project in Egypt (2030); the 1,200 ktpa Project Nour in Mauritania; the 900 ktpa AMAN project in Morocco, among others. In the nuclear sector, over 15 GW of operational capacity is targeted across the continent by 2035. South Africa is expanding production capacity, Egypt is developing its first facility – comprised of four reactors – while over 10 countries are looking at embracing nuclear technology. To make energy poverty history by 2030, the continent will need all of these energy sources.
The AET 2025 conference steps into this picture to foster collaboration across the entire energy value chain in Africa. The event underscores the need for an integrated and diverse energy mix, with technology driving energy efficiency and sustainability. By leveraging innovation, the event emphasizes the value of groundbreaking technology and innovative investments.
“As the continent strives to unlock the full potential of its oil, gas and energy resources, greater technology deployment will be critical. AET is expected to not only revolutionize the African energy landscape by identifying key financing and technology opportunities, but to foster greater collaboration across the sector by bringing together key energy stakeholders,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.
Visit https://AETConference.com/tickets/ to register
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
African Leadership Magazine Announces Nominees for the 2025 African Business Leadership Awards – Public Voting Now Open
African Leadership Magazine (www.AfricanLeadershipMagazine.co.uk) proudly unveils the distinguished list of nominees for the 17 categories of the 2025 African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA)—a premier recognition platform celebrating excellence in corporate governance, impactful leadership, and trailblazing contributions to the growth and sustainability of Africa's dynamic business and economic ecosystem. The public voting process is now officially open and will run until 29 May 2025, offering stakeholders across Africa and the globe the opportunity to celebrate and affirm exemplary leadership in the African business space.
The ongoing public voting marks the third phase in a rigorous four-step, points-based selection process for the African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA). The process begins with open nominations, followed by a shortlist of top contenders curated by the African Leadership Magazine editorial board. In this third phase, the public is invited to vote, adding stakeholder voices to the evaluation process. The final stage involves a detailed editorial assessment of votes and supporting evidence to determine winners, ensuring a transparent, merit-based outcome that reflects both public sentiment and proven impact.
Public votes in this phase contribute 65% of the final decision, with the remaining 35% based on supporting evidence for each nominee. This ensures a fair and credible process that values both public opinion and verifiable impact. Winners and first runners-up will be honoured at the 15th African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA), a special highlight of the Africa Summit–London, scheduled for 9–10 July 2025 at the House of Lords, London, United Kingdom.
To cast your vote, visit:
The 2025 African Business Leadership Awards (BLA Nominee Highlights
African Business Leader of the Year
- Stella Okoli – Founder & GMD, Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Nigeria
- Mohamed Ould Bouamatou – Founder & Chairman, Bouamatou Group, Mauritania
- John Gachora – GMD/CEO, NCBA Bank, Kenya
- Tewodros Ashenafi – Founder & Chairman, SouthWest Holdings Ltd., Ethiopia
- Ntombi Felicia Msiza – CEO, Raubex Group Ltd., South Africa
African Female Business Leader of the Year
- Rita Maria Zniber – Chairman & CEO, Diana Holding, Morocco
- Jesca Mhoja Nkwabi – CEO, KOM Group, Tanzania
- Boitumelo Mosako – CEO, Development Bank of Southern Africa
- Esther Muchemi – CEO, Samchi Group, Kenya
- Monica Musonda – Founder & CEO, Java Foods, Zambia
African Regulator of the Year
- Delese Mimi Darko – CEO, Ghana Food and Drugs Authority
- Brima M. Baluwa Koroma – CEO, Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Sierra Leone
- Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria – DG, Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Kenya
- Leonilde dos Santos – Multisectoral Economic Regulatory Authority, Cape Verde
Business-Friendly Governor of the Year
- Daniel Félix Neto – Governor, Lunda Sul Province, Angola
- Oscar Mabuyane – Premier of the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Jacques Kyabula Katwe – Governor, Haut-Katanga Province, DR Congo
- Ibrahima Cissé – Minister Governor, Autonomous District of Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
- Peter Ndubuisi Mbah – Governor, Enugu State, Nigeria
African Finance Minister of the Year
- Bihi Iman Egeh – Minister of Finance, Somalia
- Mthuli Ncube – Minister of Finance & Economic Development, Zimbabwe
- Marial Ater – Minister of Finance and Planning, South Sudan
- Cheikh Diba – Minister of Finance and Budget, Senegal
- Ahmed Kouchouk – Minister of Finance, Egypt
Trade & Investment Promotion Agency of the Year
- General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), Egypt
- Agency for Private Investment and Export Promotion, Angola
- Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA)
- National Investment Promotion Agency, Cameroon
- Agency for Investment and Export Development, Morocco
Central Bank Governor of the Year
- Mohamed Lemine Dhehby – Governor, Central Bank of Mauritania
- Manuel António Tiago Dias – Governor, National Bank of Angola
- Johnson Asiama – Governor, Bank of Ghana
- Rama Krishna Sithanen – Governor, Bank of Mauritius
Trade & Investment Minister of the Year
- Jumoke Oduwole – Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nigeria
- Alimatou Shadiya Assouman – Minister of Industry and Trade, Benin
- Ahmed Samir – Minister of Trade and Industry, Egypt
- Kassahun Gofe – Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, Ethiopia
- Chipoka Mulenga – Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Zambia
African CEO of the Year
- Jeremy Awori – Group CEO, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI)
- Hien Yacouba Sié – Managing Director, Abidjan Port Authority, Côte d'Ivoire
- Dr. Armstrong Takang – CEO, Ministry of Finance Incorporated, Nigeria
- Patricia Adongo Ojangole – Managing Director, Uganda Development Bank Ltd.
Young Business Leader of the Year
- Mamotake Matekane – COO, MGC Group, Lesotho
- Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun – Co-Founder, United Africa Group, Namibia
- Mohamed Ahmed Abdulle – MD, Dakawou Transport Ltd., Kenya
- Ladi Delano – Co-CEO, Moove Africa, Nigeria
Africa CSR & Community Development Impact Award
- Ashanti Goldfields Corporation, Ghana
- Standard Chartered Bank, South Africa
- NNPC Limited, Nigeria
- Bamburi Cement Plc, Kenya
- Catoca Mining Company, Angola
African Brand of the Year
- Commercial International Bank (CIB), Egypt
- Managem Group, Morocco
- Bank Windhoek, Namibia
- Ethiopian Airlines
African Company of the Year
- Vodacom Group, South Africa
- Ghana Commercial Bank Plc
- Bidco Africa, Kenya
- Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, Nigeria
Industry Personality of the Year
- Kennedy Bugane – CEO, African Bank, South Africa
- Jemal Ahmed Abdu – CEO, MIDROC Investment Group PLC, Ethiopia
- Ally Edha Awadh – CEO, Lake Oil Group, Tanzania
- Ferdinand Ngon Kemoum, Managing Director of Oragroup SA, Cameroon
Africa Business Integrity Leader Award
- Coris Bank International, Togo
- Arab Contractors, Egypt
- CCECC Nigeria Limited
- Société Ivoirienne de Raffinage (SIR), Côte d'Ivoire
- Moçambique Telecom, SA
African Tech & Digital Economy Leader of the Year
- Mastercard Africa
- MTN Group, South Africa
- Mascom Wireless, Botswana
- Safaricom, Kenya
Lifetime Achievement Award
- Emeka Offor – Founder, Chrome Group, Nigeria
- Baba Ahmadou Danpullo – Businessman, Cameroon
- Kwabena Kesse – CEO, Kessben Group of Companies, Ghana
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Leadership Magazine.
Media Enquiries:
Ehis Ayere
T: +44 (0) 20 3051 1883
E: ehis@africanleadership.co.uk
About African Leadership Magazine:
African Leadership Magazine is the flagship publication of the African Leadership Organisation (UK) Limited. For over 19 years, it has championed impactful leadership across Africa and amplified African opportunities on the global stage. Through its platforms—including Afro-positive content, trade facilitation, market entry solutions, public sector consulting, and business networking events—the magazine plays a pivotal role in fostering sustainable development and positive change across the continent.
Under-20 Team Congratulated on Historic Victory in Egypt
The Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture extends its warmest congratulations to South Africa's Under-20 national soccer team on their historic triumph at the Afcon Championship. This remarkable achievement marks a first-time victory for our young talented soccer stars.
Chairperson Mr Joe McGluwa praised the team's success, highlighting the impressive wins against Nigeria in the semi-finals and Morocco in the final. “This victory serves as a foundation for future soccer stars and their successes. Having tasted triumph at this level , the South African Football Association (SAFA) should take the opportunity to build on this momentum and create programmes to empower our youth and ensure that excellence is rewarded,” the Chairperson said.
The committee commends the young players for their formidable spirit and courage,particularly as they were playing away from home.
“We urge SAFA to incentivise and reward the remarkable achievements of our Under-20national team. Recognising and rewarding excellence will not only motivate these young players but also foster a culture of success in South African football. Let's celebrate and support our young talent after this historic win,” Mr McGluwa said.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Al Ahli Tripoli and APR Win Second Straight Games at the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Nile Conference
Jean-Jacques Boissy got 30 points, including 18 from behind the arc, Jaylen Adams added 26 points and eight assists, and Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya) beat Nairobi City Thunder (Kenya) 115-87 in the second day opener of the Basketball Africa League's (BAL) Nile Conference (https://BAL.NBA.com/) in Kigali, Rwanda. In the second game, APR (Rwanda) beat MBB (South Africa) 103-81.
With their second straight win, Al Ahli scored the most points in one game in BAL history and outrebounded Nairobi 50-41. Nairobi was led by Uchenna Iroegbu who finished with 18 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.
APR were led by Aliou Diarra's 22 points and 14 rebounds, including eight on the offensive end of the floor. MBB were outrebounded once again, this time 50-38, and struggled offensively while shooting over 35 percent from the floor. They were led by Teafale Lenard Jr. who got 20 points, with Jovan Mooring adding 17 and Pieter Prinsloo adding 13.
The Nile Conference returns on Tuesday when MBB takes on Nairobi City Thunder at 4 p.m. CAT, while APR faces Al Ahli at 7 p.m. CAT.
The top two teams from the Nile Conference and the best third place team between Kalahari Conference's FUS Rabat (Morocco) and the third place team in the Nile Conference will advance to the BAL Playoffs and Finals which will take place at SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa from June 6-14 (tickets available on www.Ticketmaster.co.za).
POSTGAME MEDIA AVAILABILITY
- Nairobi City Thunder v Al Ahli Tripoli (https://apo-opa.co/4345Ffd) [download link: here (https://apo-opa.co/3GVopVN)]
- MBB v APR (https://apo-opa.co/4knyXLs) [download link: here (https://apo-opa.co/4dkVcQ0)]
STANDINGS
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).