Business news round-up: August 2021
Africa’s latest business and investment news, including details on the fate of South Africa’s embattled Mango Airlines, Uganda’s dairy dispute with Kenya and Tanzania and Gabon’s newest Unesco-listed reserve.
Fears for Okavango Delta as Namibia drills for oil
A staggering 120 billion barrels of black gold are claimed to lie untapped beneath the semi-desert wilderness that straddles the Namibia-Botswana frontier. It’s been heralded as a get-out-of-poverty-quick card for these small, underdeveloped nations. But as exploration licenses begin to be issued, questions are being raised over how much oil really lies under the southern African sands, and what impact trying to find it could have on the wildlife, the half-a-billion safari industry and local farming communities alike. By Britt Collins.
South Africa reeling after recent rioting
More than 300 died during the eight days of looting and violence that followed former president Jacob Zuma’s arrest. By Miriam Mannak in Cape Town.
Brentford’s great expectations for Frank Onyeka
Brentford’s five-year deal with the former FC Ebiede star represents a real show of commitment in the 23-year-old.
Africa’s women footballers to compete for new cup
Starved of domestic and international playing opportunities, the Lagos invitational gives Africa’s women footballers a break from boredom.
Rihanna’s billion-dollar idea: Opinion
NewsAfrica’s Mary Fashoyin on how the Barbadian singer tapped into a gap in the market – and transformed the fashion and cosmetics industries.
Undocumented migrants make waves in Spanish fashion
Judy Cogan speaks to the illegal African migrants who’ve gone from selling Chinese-made knockoffs on the streets of Barcelona to opening their own streetwear boutiques to secure Spanish residency.
Attempted Madagascar coup fuels conspiracies
The foiled attack on World Health Organization-critic Andry Rajoelina has raised concerns over foreign interference in Madagascar. By Jerome Armstrong in Zanzibar.
Liberia to tackle urban litter problem
The Liberian president has been forced to launch a special presidential task force to clean up Liberia’s filth-strewn cities.
Ethnic cleansing fears in Tigray conflict
Tigrayans are facing hunger and persecution as the Ethiopian civil war escalates. By Miriam Mannak.
Rwanda joins Mozambique’s war on terror
The arrival of foreign troops could mark a turning point in Mozambique’s four-year battle against an Islamic State insurgency. By Tomás Queface in Maputo.
Ghana gets the okay for foreign investment
Ghana’s crackdown on money-laundering and counter-terror financing sees the country removed from the dreaded ‘grey list’. By Cliff Ekuful in Accra.