President Samia Suluhu Hassan confirmed a Marburg virus case in Tanzania's Kagera region on January 20, 2025, following earlier denials by health officials. WHO had reported suspected infections, prompting a rapid response team deployment and close monitoring of over 300 contacts.

South African police are on the hunt for James Neo Tshoaeli, an illegal mining kingpin who escaped custody during a rescue that uncovered 78 bodies in a goldmine. His escape raises concerns of official complicity, while the government denies blame for the miners' deaths, citing their voluntary illegal activity.

Ghana's military clashed with illegal miners at the Obuasi gold mine, resulting in at least seven deaths. The incident underscores tensions over resource control during Ghana's economic crisis.

The Bureau of Public Procurement reports a remarkable N1.9 trillion saved in public funds from 1999 to 2023, thanks to rigorous procurement reviews and contract verifications. Despite these achievements, the agency faces funding challenges, impacting its ability to advance e-procurement and technology initiatives.

Fintech's expansion is vital for Africa, with startups securing over $2.2 billion in 2024, capturing 47% of venture capital investment. Key markets include Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, and South Africa, driven by demographics and tech-savvy populations.

A catastrophic explosion on January 17 near Suleja, Nigeria, killed 86 people when a crowd attempted to siphon gasoline from a crashed oil tanker using a generator. The tragedy highlights dangerous fuel scooping practices amid soaring gasoline prices following subsidy cuts by President Tinubu's administration.

Africa sees a surge in solar energy adoption in 2024, with 29 nations reaching at least 1 MW capacity and six countries having solar contribute over 10% to power consumption. Key growth drivers include lower lithium-ion costs and significant installations in South Africa and Egypt, despite Nigeria's lagging demand.

Starlink halted new subscriptions in Africa due to network overload, intensifying telecom competition with its satellite-based internet service. Meanwhile, Vodacom and Orange partner to build solar-powered base stations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, aiming to reduce costs and improve rural connectivity.

The Central Bank of Nigeria is pioneering financial innovation in Africa by integrating blockchain and fintech into its systems, notably through the launch of the eNaira. A new partnership with NIBSS and Zone aims to enhance payment security and efficiency using Africa's first Layer-1 blockchain, reinforcing Nigeria's position as a fintech leader.

South Africa's startup scene is booming, with Cape Town and Johannesburg leading in fintech, healthcare, agriculture, and renewable energy. The digital economy is set to hit $180 billion, driven by innovations like Stitch's financial tools and Agrigistics' agriculture tech, highlighting the country's tech sector growth and global competitiveness.

Africa is experiencing a transformative economic surge, driven by infrastructure investments, policy reforms, and a thriving tech sector projected to hit $30 billion in Nigeria. The AfCFTA and strategic global partnerships are key to managing Africa's $1 trillion debt, while digital growth and governance reforms, exemplified by Rwanda, are crucial for sustained progress.

Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, head of Nigeria's BPP, stresses that insufficient funding hampers anti-corruption reforms in procurement. Despite proposing a N72.7 billion budget, only N3.3 billion was approved.

The Internet Society's latest analysis highlights a 1% rise in Africa's Internet resilience score to 34%, signaling improved digital infrastructure. This growth is credited to expanded mobile networks and regional collaborations, with Zambia and Kenya leading the charge.

Air pollution is a major global health issue, causing 4.2 million deaths in 2019, with a significant impact on cardiovascular health, particularly in Africa. Despite the urgent need, Africa lacks adequate air quality monitoring and has a critical shortage of cardiovascular specialists to address rising death rates.

Kenya faces a mental health crisis, with rising suicide rates and substantial numbers affected by depression and anxiety. Stigma, a lack of professionals, and limited funding exacerbate the issue, while initiatives like insurance coverage and workplace wellness programs offer hope for improvement.

The 35th AFCON tournament will unfold in Morocco, marking its first hosting since 1988, with 24 teams, including champions like Egypt, Cameroon, and Nigeria, set to compete. The draw, crucial for determining group dynamics, is scheduled for January 27 in Rabat at 19:00 local time.

Cape Town is hosting its first Nomad Week from March 9-15, 2025, targeting remote workers with the goal of becoming a top digital nomad hub. This initiative aligns with South Africa's visa reforms, aiming to boost local economies through significant contributions from digital nomads, who earn between $50,000 and $123,000 annually.

Morocco has unveiled its 'Digital Morocco 2030' plan to revolutionize digital payments and streamline administrative tasks. This initiative involves collaboration across key government sectors to boost electronic transactions, reflecting a major shift from traditional payment methods since 2019.

On January 17, 2025, Liberia and Morocco signed key bilateral agreements to boost cooperation across multiple sectors, including healthcare and agriculture. The accords also promote student exchange programs and strengthen trade ties, marking a milestone in their diplomatic relations.