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Added: 2026-05-25

[00:00:05][music] [music] >> The [music] World Health Organization Africa head warns against underestimating risk of Ebola spread.

[00:00:24]Tehran and Washington still at odds over Iran's uranium stockpile while Pakistani and Iranian officials meet to push for peace talks.

[00:00:35]And we look at how the conflict [music] in Sudan has left thousands missing and many buried in unmarked graves.

[00:00:43]This is [music] Africa live. Hello and thank you for joining us. I am Peninah Karibe. Coming up in business tonight.

[00:00:51]Kenyan public transport operators call off a strike that was due to resume next week.

[00:00:59]And Tanzania testing a stable [music] coin in shift from previously restricted position on cryptocurrencies. [music] We begin with our ongoing coverage on the Ebola outbreak with word of three new confirmed cases. Two in Uganda and one in Goma in the eastern Democratic of Congo. The World Health Organization warns that the current outbreak should be treated with seriousness. CGTN's Carline B has more.

[00:01:29]According to the World Health Organization, there are 177 suspected deaths out of more than 750 suspected cases with 82 of the cases being positive.

[00:01:40]WHO is warning nations to take precautionary measures with the recent Bundibugyo strain which emanated from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. It would be a big mistake to underestimate especially with the with this strain Bundibugyo which we don't have the vaccine.

[00:02:00]So, I would really encourage everyone.

[00:02:01]Let's uh help each other.

[00:02:07]We can bring this thing into control.

[00:02:11]Because uh the good thing is that we we we we know how to put it in in control.

[00:02:17]We just need to work uh together. The rare Bundibugyo strain has a fatality rate of up to 40% and has no vaccines or any form of treatments available. The aid agency has called for time due to what it terms as a hyperdynamic movement of the people.

[00:02:34]The situation is already being monitored and assessed at community level and proper data will be produced once done.

[00:02:41]It's too early to provide precise projection on duration or total case numbers.

[00:02:47]But, however, uh experience still tells us that um uh trajectory will depend heavily on how quickly we can scale up case detections, isolations, community engagement, as I said earlier, and infection prevention measures. Ebola is an often fatal virus that causes fever, body aches, vomiting, and diarrhea.

[00:03:09]It spreads through direct contact to the bodily fluids of infected people, contaminated materials, or people who have died from the disease.

[00:03:18]Caroline B, CGTN.

[00:03:21]The Bukavu University Clinic in eastern DR Congo is expanding its ability to treat potential Ebola cases. The clinic is prepping existing medical isolation tents as officials call for international support to build a permanent treatment center for recurring outbreaks. The tents, originally installed during previous health emergencies, can accommodate up to 30 patients and are divided into sections for suspected and confirmed cases to prevent cross-contamination. Health experts say the facility can be expanded with additional tents if needed.

[00:04:00]These are the isolation tents with beds.

[00:04:03]We have one tent designated for men and another designated for women.

[00:04:08]On the men's side, the tent is divided into sections. One section is reserved for suspected cases and the other section is for already confirmed cases because they cannot all be placed together.

[00:04:20]Once a patient is considered a suspected case, they remain in the suspected cases section while waiting for the test results.

[00:04:28]And if the diagnosis is confirmed, they will be moved to the confirmed cases section.

[00:04:33]We are now calling our partners.

[00:04:35]According to the regional context and the recurring outbreaks in our area, there is an urgent need for a treatment center dedicated to epidemic diseases, especially since we have already experienced cases of mpox and Ebola.

[00:04:49]This is a center that could be established on a permanent basis, meaning solid, permanent structures could be built while still complying with the standards for the treatment of infectious epidemic diseases.

[00:05:03]In the DRC's Ituri province, authorities say misinformation is hampering efforts to keep Ebola from spreading. The concern comes as the World Health Organization issued a warning stating that the scale of the outbreak may be far larger than first reported. CGTN's Sharon Barang explains.

[00:05:26]Women cried outside an ambulance in the eastern Congolese city of Bunia on Thursday as health workers in protective suits handled the body of a man who died from Ebola.

[00:05:37]The outbreak is centered in Ituri province where health authorities say fear and rumors are complicating efforts to contain the virus.

[00:05:48]What we saw here is the result of the lack of communication we have had around this virus. So, since the disease arrived, as you know, the first case was reportedly recorded here in Bowalou, and it is from there that the disease completely spread.

[00:06:07]The World Health Organization says there are now hundreds of suspected Ebola cases in Congo and neighboring Uganda, with more than 100 suspected deaths already linked to the outbreak. Health experts warn the real numbers may be even higher because the virus circulated undetected for weeks.

[00:06:26]As fear spreads, so do rumors about why people are dying.

[00:06:33]So, at that time we were told that there was a mystical coffin that comes at night, and that this is what was killing people. There were even neighborhoods in Mungulu that started to empty out because people were dying in waves, and no one was able to tell people what had happened. So, this lack of communication, this absence of communication from the health authorities and the province is what allowed rumors to take over, and it is what continues to this day.

[00:07:07]Across Bunia, residents are taking precautions where they can, washing hands, avoiding crowds, and trying home remedies they believe might offer protection.

[00:07:19]First, every morning before leaving the house, after washing myself, I eat garlic, onions, and lemons to protect myself. Before starting work as a taxi driver, I begin by washing my hands here in this hospital sink.

[00:07:32]I do not take all passengers on my motorcycle since I am here in front of the hospital. I mostly take those who come to visit patients.

[00:07:39]We choose passengers when getting on the motorcycle. We make an effort to protect ourselves from Ebola as best as we can.

[00:07:46]Even in 2018, we only protected ourselves like this. We had no choice.

[00:07:53]Health workers continue disinfection efforts and public hygiene campaigns, but mistrust remains a major challenge.

[00:08:00]Eastern Congo has faced multiple Ebola outbreaks before, each marked by resistance to health measures, rumors, and deep public fear.

[00:08:10]Sharon Baranga, CGTN.

[00:08:15]Ugandan officials are confident they also possess the ability to keep Ebola from spreading within its borders. They say a recent decision by the US to impose travel restrictions on non-US citizens traveling from Uganda, the DRC, and South Sudan because of the outbreak is an overreaction. The country suspended all public transport with the DRC for a month to curb the spread of Ebola. The health ministry says cross-border bus services, ferries, and flights are temporarily halted. However, goods and food deliveries will continue.

[00:08:49]Health authorities there are stepping up screening, testing, and public awareness while restricting large gatherings.

[00:08:56]You know, we've handled the cases of Ebola and other epidemics for a number of years.

[00:09:02]There is the capacity within the country to contain these epidemics. We have about 65 contacts >> [clears throat] >> who are being quarantined in isolation centers.

[00:09:14]And the nine of them had developed symptoms, but they have all tested negative for for Ebola.

[00:09:23]And we have established the quarantine centers, three of them. When that aid was still flowing, definitely it would help, especially in supporting screening services, laboratory services, and others.

[00:09:38]But the where we have had to do adjustments, use use our locally available resources to be able to contain the situation.

[00:09:56]Eastern DRC is one of Africa's most volatile regions. The current conflict in Innocent Akolia explains.

[00:10:14]The Democratic Republic of the Congo is once again confronting Ebola, but this outbreak has other complications as it's unfolding in a region already overwhelmed by instability.

[00:10:28]The latest outbreak was declared in Ituri province in northeastern Congo near the borders with Uganda and South Sudan with the provincial capital Bunia and the mining towns of Rompara and Mongbwalu also registering cases. For years, Ituri has been trapped in a complex web of armed conflict involving multiple militias and rival groups, some local and others foreign.

[00:10:55]This has encouraged Uganda to deploy troops in the province.

[00:11:01]Since 2017, areas north of Bunia have witnessed recurring ethnic violence, clashes that have displaced thousands of civilians. Rompara is a crowded gold mining town and health zone situated on the outskirts of Bunia. The area is currently one of the main epicenters of the current outbreak.

[00:11:25]The town of Mongbwalu, identified as the outbreak's ground zero, sits in territory contested by rival armed factions. Among the armed groups active in Ituri is the Cooperative for the Development of Congo, known as Codeco, and Uganda's Allied Democratic Front, commonly known as the ADF.

[00:11:48]The insecurity has complicated efforts by health workers to reach affected communities in remote villages.

[00:11:55]The terrain itself also presents another major challenge.

[00:12:00]To the southwest of Bunia lies the vast Ituri forest, a dense and difficult environment where the ADF rebels remain active. Ituri borders North Kivu province to the south, where a separate armed conflict has also intensified.

[00:12:17]Ebola cases have also been reported in Goma, the capital of North Kivu.

[00:12:23]Congolese government forces have been deployed in North Kivu and the adjacent province of South Kivu to fight the M23 rebel group, worsening the instability and undermining humanitarian operations in the region.

[00:12:39]The airport has remained shut since M23 fighters seized the city in January 2025. The closure has significantly hampered humanitarian access and the movement of medical supplies and personnel. The rebels have not said if they will reopen the airport for Ebola relief operations.

[00:13:01]The second largest city in North Kivu, Butembo, is also affected by militia activity. Ebola has also spread to the city.

[00:13:11]Aid agencies warn that containing Ebola in such conditions will require not only medical intervention, but also improved security and humanitarian access. An Okecolia, CGTN.

[00:13:28]>> [music] >> As the war on Iran nears its third month, Pakistan is stepping up its mediation efforts. Iranian media says Iran's Foreign Minister Sayyid Abbas Araqchi and Pakistani Interior Minister Sayed Mohsin Naqvi met in Tehran today.

[00:13:49]Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir is also expected to visit the Iranian capital.

[00:13:54]For the past six weeks since the ceasefire took effect, US-Iran talks have been at a standstill. Officials such as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio have reported some good signs in the talks. Tehran's uranium stockpile and controls in the Strait of Hormuz remain sticking points. Aksont Kebani reports from Tehran.

[00:14:14]The Pakistani military chief, General Asim Munir, is supposed to be in Tehran today and he's reportedly carrying the latest modified US proposal. According to unconfirmed reports, Iranian officials have asked for more time to study this fresh proposal before preparing their response. Now, that pause wouldn't be unusual. We've seen this pattern over the past weeks. A new proposal arrives and Tehran takes a couple of days to respond. So, the delay itself is not the story. What is significant is what comes next. Foreign media quoting unnamed Iranian officials are reporting that, as you said, the supreme leader has uh prohibited sending out the 60% enriched uranium. We cannot verify that, but what we can say is this.

[00:15:08]Uh aside from closing the Strait of Hormuz, which could be resolved sooner or later, Iran's most valuable card right now is exactly those few hundred kilograms of highly enriched material. And that brings us to the core obstacle and in these talks trust or maybe the complete lack of it. Iranian leadership deeply mistrust the United States. Their argument is simple. Even if there is a peace deal, even if Tehran agrees to hand over this nuclear material, they say there is no guarantee that the US will not attack Iran again.

[00:15:46]Remember the US withdrew unilaterally from the 2015 nuclear deal and twice right in the middle of negotiations the US and Israel attacked Iran. Tehran says it cannot trust Washington again. Inside the establishment here people are openly saying yeah, the possibility of a new military confrontation is very high and the tone has shifted. During the 12-day war last June Iran showed what the government calls restraint and only attacked Israel, but during the more recent 40-day war as the supreme leader, the former former supreme leader had warned about Iran turns the conflict into a regional war. Now the IRGC is firm. They say if the United States and Israel launch fresh attacks against Iran, the conflict could expand beyond the region.

[00:16:39]We don't yet know exactly what areas that might include.

[00:16:45]It's been nearly 3 months since a US missile hit Shajarat Tayebbeh elementary school in Iran killing about 120 students, mostly young girls. Our correspondent Sepideh Saremi visited the school site in Minab where families of the victims continue to grieve.

[00:17:03]I'm standing exactly in front of a place that used to be a classroom, but now as you see it's been reduced to rubble. It's It's horrifying to see such scenes. When you come here, when you touch everything here, it's very tangible and it's very very devastating to see such a scene.

[00:17:23]All this happened when US destroyed the school on the very first day of the recent war between Iran and US and Israeli forces two and according to some other people three missiles directly hit this the school and killed 120 students and now you see this class desk just a few seconds before the missiles hit the classrooms, they were just asking questions, raising their hands and just solving a math problem, but in a few seconds all of them died and the memories are still here.

[00:18:06]My children's classroom was almost here.

[00:18:09]It is destroyed and almost nothing remains of their classroom.

[00:18:13]When I come to this school, I remember the days when they were playing in the school yard, but today there is no sign of them.

[00:18:23]At the time of the explosion, I was near the school.

[00:18:27]The intensity of the explosion was so intense that I couldn't enter the school.

[00:18:32]A missile had entered the boys school from the girls school.

[00:18:35]The boys bodies were all disintegrated.

[00:18:39]I found some of my son's bodies limbs, including a hand and an ankle [music] and two legs and an arm were found from my husband's.

[00:18:47]Maybe they rebuild this school in a few months or years, but this city will never forget this tragedy.

[00:18:55]Sepah Sodat me Sistan Minab, Iran.

[00:19:00]Political mutual trust between China and Russia, along with their shared support for a multipolar world order, was further strengthened as Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing on Wednesday. China's Foreign Ministry says the two countries aim to bring greater stability to global peace and development amid growing international uncertainty. Xu Tianyuan reports.

[00:19:27]China and Russia have released a joint statement calling for a multipolar world order and a new model of international relations based on fairness, justice, mutual respect, and win-win cooperation.

[00:19:38]China's Foreign Ministry says the world is undergoing accelerating geopolitical changes, warning that rising unilateralism and hegemonic practices are placing increasing pressure on the international order.

[00:19:51]Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang says that as permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and Russia have a responsibility to safeguard international fairness and justice.

[00:20:04]The joint statement reflects the shared position of China and Russia on the current international situation. It shows both sides will further deepen strategic coordination in promoting a multipolar world and improving global governance. It also delivers a clear message in support of peace and development while adding more stability and positive momentum to the world. A CGTN Global Survey suggests that the principles outlined in the joint statement are gaining wider international support. According to the survey, 85.6% of respondents view security as a prerequisite for development and support China's Global Security Initiative, and more than 80% also say they oppose hegemonism and unilateral sanctions.

[00:20:47]Over the past decades, China and Russia have jointly promoted multilateral platforms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS. And the two countries also maintain close coordination within frameworks including the United Nations and APEC, and both sides have repeatedly called for a greater representation of Global South countries and a more multipolar and inclusive international order.

[00:21:11]Xu Tianyuan, CGTN, Beijing.

[00:21:14]You're watching Africa Live. We're taking a short break. Coming up, >> [music] >> we look at how Sudan's war has left thousands missing while many bodies are buried in unmarked graves.

[00:21:31]You don't find the stories of [music] North Africa by sitting on the sidelines.

[00:21:38]You've got to get out, [music] go there, and you'll find them.

[00:21:42]In the bazaars of Casablanca, [music] among the crowds in Cairo, You come to visit Cairo, the ancient capital of Egypt.

[00:21:54]Along the waters of the Nile, >> [music] >> along the sands of the Sahara, no one else will take [music] you where we can in North Africa. No one else will show you what it's all about.

[00:22:10]>> [music] >> CGTN, see the difference.

[00:22:27]Thousands of families in Sudan are living with the reality of not knowing the whereabouts of their loved ones. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Society says over 8,000 people are missing due to the war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, which began in April 2023.

[00:22:46]CGTN's Jin Kiaw with more.

[00:22:50]As Zahir Abdallah stares at her husband's photo on her phone, Fahmi Al-Fatih joined the army when the conflict began and was last seen riding his motorcycle from a military base in the capital Khartoum in 2025.

[00:23:08]He woke up for sunrise prayers and went to work around the Halfaya Bridge. An hour later, he called me saying he would be home at about 10:30 p.m. I waited for him, but he didn't come. I called him and found his phone was switched off. I sat there and thought, "Maybe he's working." The next day I called again and his phone was still switched off.

[00:23:30]Three, four days, nothing.

[00:23:35]A few meters away, we meet Sulafa Mustafa, whose 18-year-old son Suleiman Abdelsid went to visit a friend's house near Khartoum and disappeared without a trace.

[00:23:50]I have a feeling in my heart that death cannot be hidden. If someone died, the news would come out eventually, but I have a feeling that he's still alive. I don't know why.

[00:24:01]The IFRC says it has handled over a thousand cases of people tracing missing persons. But finding a working laboratory is a tall order since the fighting has ravaged most of the country's infrastructure.

[00:24:18]Most of the bodies are decomposed, which makes it difficult. One of the challenges that we face is that there is no functioning laboratory to test DNA because the laboratory was destroyed by the Rapid Support Forces.

[00:24:30]DNA is a sure thing that can identify who this person is.

[00:24:36]In April, Associated Press reporters drove through Khartoum and saw football pitches and cemeteries overflowing with dead bodies. The army has begun to recover and rebury the dead, but about 10% of those bodies are unidentified.

[00:24:52]Jane Kiyo, CGTN.

[00:24:55]Several West African deportees from the US have arrived in Sierra Leone, making the West African country the latest to receive immigrants under Washington's controversial third country deportation agreements. Nationals from Ghana, Guinea, Senegal, and Nigeria were among the batch sent to the West African country. However, Sierra Leone's Foreign Minister, Timothy Kabba, says the deal is temporary and limited to nationals from the ECOWAS block. Eric Kawa has more on the local reaction from Freetown.

[00:25:26]Amidst the massive immigration crackdown by the United States, Sierra Leone has received nine deportees as part of agreements between the United States government and Sierra Leone in accepting as many as 300 deportees per year. Nine arrived at the Freetown International Airport on Wednesday, the 20th of May, and these individuals are now in the country. There's been a mix of reactions as to what's happening. I mean, in terms of getting them to settle in, especially as they're coming into a country that is not their country, which is part of the third country agreement by Sierra Leone and the United States to receive some of these uh deportees. This has actually happened in other countries, including Ghana, before, and of course South Sudan, amidst other countries in which the US is having this kind of third party agreement. I feel say deportees should return to their home countries where their own people can support them.

[00:26:16]If they are Nigerians, their Nigerian brothers should embrace them.

[00:26:20]If they are Sierra Leoneans, we should accommodate them. Our country is still struggling with its own challenges, so taking on additional burden could make things even harder. It doesn't sit well with me.

[00:26:34]To me, I think if we are able to receive that many people, I think they said about 300, and each month they send 25, and if that is the sacrificial lamb that would allow our brothers and sisters to travel to the US, then to me, I don't think it's a bad idea. Me, as for me, I no go mean anything. I don't support bringing them here because we don't fully I don't support bringing them here because we don't fully understand the conditions surrounding their arrival.

[00:27:00]There are concerns about the possible impact on security and stability.

[00:27:05]If it were up to me, I would not allow them to be relocated here.

[00:27:10]Our country is going Zimbabwe's cabinet is swapping tailored suits for tradition this May as the country marks culture month. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has directed ministers to wear Zimbabwe's national fabric during cabinet meetings in a move aimed at promoting national identity, heritage, and pride. While the move is largely welcomed across the country, many hope it isn't just a one-off.

[00:27:35]CGTN's Farai Mwakutuya reports.

[00:27:39]The minister suits. No silk ties.

[00:27:43]Instead, Zimbabwe's cabinet is making a bold statement dressing in brightly colored national fabric to commemorate culture month.

[00:27:53]President Emmerson Mnangagwa's ministers are stepping out in their cultural best to celebrate Zimbabwean identity, unity, and heritage through fashion.

[00:28:03]For many Zimbabweans, seeing a senior government officials abandoning Western-style formal wear is long overdue. It need to be something that then catches on and you know, everyone will wear it with pride. Because for the longest time, I think as Zimbabweans, we've failed to rally behind or have something that holds us together as Zimbabweans um that fosters national pride. Others say leaders embracing national dress could encourage ordinary citizens to do the same. I feel like they are people of influence.

[00:28:33]Uh it's people that we look up to.

[00:28:35]But some say cultural promotion should not fade once commemorations end.

[00:28:39]There's more that can be done and in Zim, I just feel like it's lights, camera, action. Oh, culture month, our dress, our food, our and then it will pass, and then we go back to our jeans and whatnot. Cultural experts say for the national fabric initiative to truly succeed, it must evolve beyond symbolic appearances to reflect the diverse cultural identities. We should not say this month we are going to be wearing this. I think it's something that should identify us wherever we are. January, February, June, December, September, it we should just be identified. It's a step in the in the right direction so that as we go on, maybe we try and improve on on that.

[00:29:23]Whether it becomes a lasting national trend or remains a ceremonial gesture, Zimbabwe's leaders are for now at least wearing their culture on their sleeves.

[00:29:33]Farai Mwakutuya, CGTN, Harare, Zimbabwe.

[00:29:38]This is Africa Live. Coming up in business, Kenyan public transport operators call off a strike that was due to resume next week.

[00:29:53]And Tanzania testing a stablecoin in shift from previously [music] restrictive position on cryptocurrencies.

[00:30:05]>> [music] [music] >> Mama Africa >> [music] >> Mama [music] Africa >> Zoomba.

[00:30:51]Kenyan public transport operators have called off a strike that was due to resume next week. This was after President William Ruto announced that the government would cut diesel prices by more than 4% in the next pricing cycle. Public transport has staged a 2-day strike this week against the rise in fuel prices in the wake of the US Israeli war on Iran. It brought economic activity in the capital and other parts of the country to a standstill and left four people dead and about 30 injured after police used tear gas, rubber bullets, live ammunition, and water cannons to disperse crowds. Last week, the government hiked diesel prices by 23 and 1/2% to 242 shillings 92 cents a liter for the May to June pricing cycle, but reduced them by 10 shillings in response to that strike.

[00:31:43]In the pricing cycle next pricing cycle we are going to further reduce the price of diesel by a further 10 shillings for the June-July cycle to help stabilize pump pump prices and provide additional relief to consumers.

[00:32:07]Thirdly through the government-to-government fuel supply framework we have secured guaranteed fuel supplies despite global supply chain disruptions ensuring uninterrupted fuel supply availability across the country. After these good deliberations we have had with his Excellency we are saying that the strike that we had suspended has been called off.

[00:32:44]Fully, and we are hoping that this will take immediate effect.

[00:32:52]Everybody to return the vehicles on the road.

[00:32:57]And for the entire country to understand that I think there is an economy here to save.

[00:33:05]The Bank of Tanzania has approved the testing of a stablecoin, a digital asset linked to the Tanzanian shilling, under the Central Bank's supervision. The move marks a shift from the country's previously restrictive position on cryptocurrencies towards cautious experimentation. CGTN's Isaac Lukando has more.

[00:33:28]Final preparations are underway for project that could change how some Tanzanians send and receive money internationally. Tanzanian fintech startup Neda Labs plans to begin testing a stablecoin payment system in June under the Bank of Tanzania's regulatory sandbox program. If you want to send money cross-border right now, you're going to find multiple FX swaps and multiple transaction fees, um unreliable providers who can do the payouts there.

[00:33:56]And um digital assets actually enable to facilitate this easier. But for many Tanzanians, digital assets remain unfamiliar territory.

[00:34:06]Stablecoin?

[00:34:09]No. I'm thinking of Bitcoin, but also horses.

[00:34:12]It's obviously not that. Tell me.

[00:34:14]>> There's always a learning curve when it comes to anything finance related, whether it's stocks, bonds, or crypto related. It's always good to learn something new because if it's not the present, it could be the future.

[00:34:27]According to the Bank of Tanzania, the 3-month pilot will test the issuance, transfer, and redemption of the digital token known as NTZS. The stablecoin is designed to maintain a one-to-one value with the Tanzanian shilling. The pilot comes nearly 2 years after the Central Bank launched its fintech sandbox initiative, which allows companies to test financial products under the regulatory oversight. Experts describe stablecoins as cryptocurrencies designed to maintain a stable value, usually by being linked to traditional currencies like the US dollar. Authorities say data collected during the pilot will help guide Tanzania's future policies on digital assets and blockchain technology.

[00:35:12]Nala Labs says it hopes to build on the success of its existing payment platform, Nala Pay, which supports transactions in more than 100 countries.

[00:35:24]You can send money to countries like Kenya and Uganda for everyday transactions. Nala Pay makes it easy because it uses stablecoins.

[00:35:31]Transactions are fast, and the fees are very low.

[00:35:38]Still, some experts have raised concerns about consumer protection and the risk of money laundering, concerns also acknowledged by authorities. But supporters argue that if the pilot succeeds, stablecoins could lower transaction costs and expand financial access for unbanked and underbanked communities in Tanzania. Isaac Lukando, CGTN, Dar es Salaam.

[00:36:04]This year's Biashara Africa conference has concluded in the Togolese capital, Lome. The head of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, who hosted the event, described it as a major success. CGTN's Zawadi Mudibo had a chance to sit down with Wamkele Mene.

[00:36:21]He called for efforts to reduce the cost of trade financing and gave his thoughts on China's new zero-tariff regime for 53 African countries.

[00:36:30]Well, first I think trade facilitation measures are critical for countries that are landlocked. So, for example, transit, ensuring that rules for transit facilitate the the the in and out movement of goods.

[00:36:48]Custom systems that are interoperable as well as trade facilitation measures.

[00:36:56]These are very very critical pillars if you are a landlocked country, if you are Chad, or if you are Malawi.

[00:37:05]It's very important that as part of your trade strategy, you you focus on transit of goods, trade facilitation measures, as well as custom systems harmonization with your neighboring countries. You spoke about the implementation being very critical with the private sector's help, and you commended a couple of multilateral institutions on the continent. What are you seeing as the next steps going forward?

[00:37:35]Well, I would like us to intensify our engagement with the private sector in reducing the cost. The private sector and development finance institutions to reduce the cost of trade finance, particularly for SMEs. As you know, many many of our development finance institutions provide lending to commercial banks for onward lending.

[00:38:01]We would like to see that cost of trade finance being reduced, particularly for for small medium enterprises. That is one of the constraints.

[00:38:15]I am conscious of where we come from as a continent.

[00:38:20]I'm conscious of the fact that for 70 70 years or more since the end of colonialism, we have been very fragmented as a continent.

[00:38:33]72 42 currencies rather. We're 42 currencies in Africa. We trade more with the outside world than than we do amongst ourselves. So, these fragmentations are deeply rooted and I think that we have to recognize it will it will it will not we will not be able to remove this fragmentation overnight.

[00:38:58]We have had China roll out the China-Africa zero tariff.

[00:39:03]Does that challenge you as AFCFTA and do we have the capacity to be able to add value locally and boost up our production capacity and exports?

[00:39:15]The offer by China to 53 African countries duty-free, quota-free market access is welcomed and appreciated.

[00:39:25]However, we have to look at how much export capacity do we have to the Chinese market?

[00:39:33]If we don't have adequate export capacity, what measures are we going to put in place with China as our development partner, what joint measures are we going to put in place to build that export capacity? So, in other words, we are talking about investment-led trade. We want to be able to invest in industrial capacity, industrial output for trade, not only amongst ourselves, but with others. An example that I can cite here, um Afreximbank has invested billions and billions of dollars in industrial development to enable countries to have value-added production.

[00:40:19]That is when we will be able to make use of this significant gesture by China. If we are able to export uh to China through a well-established export base, then I believe um this will be a very useful tool that they've offered us.

[00:40:39]The role of artificial intelligence in transforming Africa's energy sector was in the spotlight at a conference in Cape Town. Enlit Africa brought together global industry leaders to shape the continent's energy future as millions across Africa still live without reliable electricity and water. CGTN's Julie Scheier reports.

[00:41:00]For years, South Africa's energy conversation was dominated by rolling blackouts and crisis management. But at this year's Enlit Africa conference in Cape Town, the focus shifted to the future. With more than a year without rotational load shedding, industry leaders say artificial intelligence could now transform how electricity is generated, distributed, and managed across the continent. The development of the continent is going to be um dependent on us being able to get into those newer technologies. Not just in the energy sector, we talked about renewable energy, but also in terms of software development, homegrown AI, um in terms of the sovereignty of our data, sovereignty of AI with within the African continent. African governments and utilities are increasingly turning to AI-driven forecasting, smart grids, and predictive maintenance to manage demand and bring light to 600 million people still living without power.

[00:41:58]In South Africa, an intelligent metering program launched by state utility Eskom tracks electricity usage and monitors aging infrastructure. Uh with smart meters, both on electricity and water, It generates an amazing amount of data that used to not be available to utilities. Now that the data is available to utilities, they need to decide how to use it best to enhance revenue and to provide a service to their customers. The rapid adoption of AI in business and daily life is also driving investment into the infrastructure and data centers powering the digital economy. We've now got to get maturity, stability, policy integration that will give that investment certainty even if we are battling with a lower overall economic outlook because of the geopolitical tensions, we do need to look for those sort of elements where we can find sort of additional growth. That's that's going to be key to success. I think in China maybe something can be learned.

[00:43:02]For example, whatever in the electricity industry or in the AI development, China is in the leading place. AI is a crucial technology.

[00:43:14]And then to be honest, in nowadays in Africa, maybe the perimeter detection, visualize our AI algorithm is popular and deployed a lot.

[00:43:25]African nations are racing to secure energy stability, expand basic services and drive industrialization while confronting aging infrastructure, climate pressure, and rapid urban growth. But artificial intelligence emerging as one of the sector's biggest disruptors could also help bridge Africa's energy divide.

[00:43:46]Julie Sharaci, CGTN, Cape Town.

[00:43:49]Competition authorities in South Africa have approved West China Cement's acquisition of Afrisam, one of Southern Africa's largest producers of heavy building material. The deal that took several months to complete will allow Hong Kong listed West China Cement to expand across African markets. Sumitra Naidoo reports.

[00:44:10]West China Cement's $160 million acquisition of AfriSam has received mixed reactions. Some industry players are worried China is taking over the market and this deal could lead to dumping. However, after an investigation into import competition, production capacity, as well as supply and demand dynamics, the Competition Commission approved the deal. We looked at the that obviously was presented to us by the merging parties which included among other things one expansion of their footprint in South Africa and in the SADC region.

[00:44:46]What they're looking at building capacity, but also they're looking at investing into some operations locally.

[00:44:54]The deal is governed by a stringent set of conditions that includes a 3-year moratorium on retrenchments and the promise of large-scale investment from China West to create jobs and contribute to electricity generation for its operations. With the establishment of the solar waste heat generation plant within the next 24 4 months, this would obviously reduce the electricity consumption and this appreciates of course the fact that China is a leader in the renewable energy space and of course from an environmental sustainability point of view, the reduction of carbon emissions.

[00:45:34]Construction activity is still robust in South Africa, so there is demand.

[00:45:39]However, cement makers are struggling with the high cost of producing cement.

[00:45:45]Most local manufacturers are battling with escalating electricity and logistics costs and declining capital investment. We have seen a sharp decline in capital investment in the construction sector that affects the cement industry in particular. There has been a 50% decline in the level of investment in the past decade. Cement producers like AfriSam have found themselves in significant financial stress.

[00:46:17]And uh to get someone like China Cement coming in to rescue them is uh a big backstop that will certainly save them and keep the business going and prevent the kind of retrenchments that might otherwise have had to take place. West China's latest acquisition will pave the way for further expansion on the continent. The Chinese company already has investments in Ethiopia and Uganda. Last year, one of China's oldest cement producers, Wuxing Cement, bagged a million-dollar controlling stake in Lafarge Africa from Swiss giant Holcim. Sumitra Nandu, CGTN, Johannesburg.

[00:47:03]Well, let's leave it there for now from the business desk, but later on on Global Business, Nigeria averts a shutdown of its aviation sector for a second time in 2 weeks. There were fears that a surging jet fuel prices could force a halt to air services. Wole Okunneye will be here at the top of the hour with details of that story [music] and plenty more.

[00:47:30]>> [music] >> Let's get into sports now and we start with news from the FIFA World Cup that kicks off in North America next month.

[00:47:38]The Ebola outbreak in the eastern DRC has hit the Leopards' pre-tournament plans. Officials have canceled a 3-day training camp as well as a planned farewell event for fans in the capital, Kinshasa. CGTN's Enoch Sikolia reports.

[00:47:54]The DRC qualified for the 2026 World Cup in March after coming through a long playoff series. It's their first since 1974 when the country was known as Zaire. Qualification sparked scenes of wild jubilation across a nation battered by decades of conflict. However,