Africa Update Report with Advocate Sipho Mantula, Researcher: Thabo Mbeki African School of Public & International Affairs: Unisa

23 February 2026

1.    Russia- Madagascar 

Putin meets Madagascar's president at the Kremlin

Russian President Vladimir Putin endorsed Madagascar's new leader during a Kremlin meeting last week, as Russia looks to strengthen its influence in Africa.

"I would like to note that we have many interesting areas of cooperation. These include agriculture, geological exploration, energy, medicine, healthcare and education.

2.    Uganda – North Sudan 

President Yoweri Museveni Pushes for Dialogue to End Sudan War after meeting with RSF Leader Gen Dagalo

President Museveni has hosted Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leader of Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF), at State House, Entebbe, for high-level talks focused on ending the ongoing conflict in Sudan and restoring regional stability.

3.    Rwanda- International Security Conference in Africa

2nd Kigali security summit looks to expand Israel-US partnership to Africa

GOP Senator Ted Cruz addresses Americans, Israelis, and participants from across Africa at the Kigali Security Summit, in Kigali, Rwanda (Kigali Security Summit)

Americans, Israelis, and participants from across Africa convened in Rwanda this weekend for the Kigali Security Summit, titled “Aligning the United States, Israel, Africa, and the New Middle East.”

4.    In our historical archives, it was yesterday, 22 February 1940, when Johnson Philiip Mlambo was born in Pilgrim’s Rest, Mpumalanga.

 

 

• Trump raises global tariffs to 15% after Supreme Court setback

• 2. Northam secures R2 billion to fast track renewable energy drive
• 3. Market update

 

 

Herman Mashaba has officially announced that he is stepping back into the race for Mayor of Johannesburg, setting up what is shaping up to be ahigh-stakes political showdown ahead of the upcoming local government elections.

Guest: Herman Mashaba: Action SA President 

 

President Donald Trump has escalated his trade battle with the judiciary by raising global import tariffs to 15%, just a day after the Supreme Court of the United States struck down his sweeping trade levies.

Guest: Iraj Abedien - CEO of Pan African Investment and Research Services

One year after the brutal murders of Pretoria-based journalist Aserie Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Mdhluli, the Africa Media and Communications Forum (AMCF) has condemned repeated court delays in the case and called for urgent intervention to prevent further setbacks. The matter, involving five accused men, has been postponed at least 14 times in the KwaMhlanga Magistrate’s Court.  

Guest: Elijah Mhlanga: Chairperson, Africa Media and Communications Forum (AMCF)  

South Africa’s Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition has stepped in to safeguard jobs and restore investor confidence in the country’s film and television sector amid growing uncertainty over government incentives. The move follows engagements with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) and industry stakeholders.  

Guest: Mzwandile Masina: Chairperson, The Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition 

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter

• Global central banks rally behind Powell amid DOJ probe
• 2. JPMorgan pushes back on Trump’s proposed cap on credit card interest
• 3. Markets

 

 

The African National Congress (ANC) has decribed the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey released by Statistics South Africa, which shows a 0.5 percentage point decline in the country’s official unemployment rate as a “measurable improvement” and a sign that sustained government economic interventions are beginning to deliver tangible results. 

Guest: Fèbe Potgieter: ANC NEC Member  

 

 

• Global central banks rally behind Powell amid DOJ probe

• 2. JPMorgan pushes back on Trump’s proposed cap on credit card interest
• 3. Markets

 

20 February 2026 

1.    Niger – International Monetary Fund (IMF) 

IMF approves $91 million in funding for Niger following programme review

The International Monetary Fund has approved about $91 million in funding for Niger which includes support for climate resilience and sustainable development.

Following the latest review of its programmes in the country, it said Niger’s economic growth is expected to remain strong at 6.7% in 2026.

2.    Malawi- USA 

Malawi Signs Strategic Minerals Deal, but Questions Linger Over Transparency and Long-Term National Benefit

Malawi has signed what government officials are calling a landmark mineral deal with a United States-based trading firm, a move that could position the country within Washington's strategic supply chain ambitions — but also raises familiar questions about transparency, long-term value, and national benefit.

3.    Uganda -Kampala

National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, said his wife and children fled Uganda for their lives following the January 15 presidential election.

Kyagulanyi made the remarks while addressing delegates at the Geneva Human Rights Conference, where he spoke about the aftermath of the polls and his family's safety.

1. DR Congo – North Kivu Fighting between Congolese forces and the M23 rebels has continued in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) despite a ceasefire scheduled to take effect this week.

The clashes were reported in villages in eastern Congo’s South Kivu province. Locals say government forces and the M23 rebels attacked each other’s positions in the Luvungi and Bikenge areas.

The European Union has allocated more than 96 million dollars in humanitarian aid to support populations affected by the conflict.

1. In our historical archives, it was on this day, 20 February 1925, when a South Afrikan Novelist, short story writer and Political activist, Justin Alexander (Alex) La Guma, was born in District Six, Cape Town

5.1 In our historical archives, it was tomorrow, 21 February 1924, when Former President of Zimbabwe Robert Gabriel Mugabe was born in Kutama, Zvimba district, Zimbabwe (then Southern Rhodesia).