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France withdrew its invitation for South Africa 🇿🇦 President Cyril Ramaphosa to attend the G7 summit in Evian this June, after pressure from the United States, which reportedly threatened to boycott the event if South Africa participated. The United States had also decided earlier not to invite South Africa 🇿🇦 to the 2026 G20 summit in Miami.

Egypt 🇪🇬 has discovered new natural gas reserves in the Western Desert, a find expected to produce about 26 million cubic feet of gas per day and roughly 2,700 barrels of condensate. The discovery should boost domestic supply, cut import costs, and ease pressure on energy demand. It also creates room for renewed dialogue with partners and investors, as Egypt looks to strengthen energy cooperation, attract new development deals, and stabilize its gas market.

ECOWAS has appointed veteran Guinean 🇬🇳 diplomat and former Prime Minister Lansana Kouyaté as its new chief negotiator. He is tasked with reopening dialogue with Niger 🇳🇪, Mali 🇲🇱, and Burkina Faso 🇧🇫 after the three countries withdrew from the bloc. Kouyaté is expected to focus on rebuilding trust, easing tensions, and exploring a path for renewed cooperation. The move signals ECOWAS’s intention to keep communication channels open and encourage constructive talks aimed at stability and...

South Africa 🇿🇦 saw a large protest in Durban yesterday, with the March and March movement calling for stricter border controls and the deportation of undocumented migrants, including those from Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Supported by ActionSA and Operation Dudula, organizers said too many undocumented foreigners are putting pressure on public services, jobs, and housing. The march united various groups demanding that South Africans be prioritized.

Uganda’s 🇺🇬 Chief of Defence Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of President Museveni, has strongly backed Israel 🇮🇱 amid rising tensions with Iran. He warned that any attack on Israel could draw Uganda into the conflict on Israel’s side. Muhoozi said Uganda is ready to help if asked and cited historic ties and Bible verses to explain his Christian support for Israel.

Kenya 🇰🇪 and the United States have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on civil nuclear cooperation. The agreement boosts Kenya’s nuclear expertise through training, strong regulations, and future power plant projects. It also supports Kenya’s plan to build its first nuclear plant, generating thousands of megawatts and lowering energy costs over time.

Angola 🇦🇴 has formally designated French as a compulsory subject beginning in the later years of primary school. Portuguese continues as the primary language of instruction, while French, previously optional at the secondary level, is now introduced earlier to enhance engagement with French-speaking neighbors and broaden educational opportunities for students.

Italy is deepening its energy ties with Algeria 🇩🇿 to secure more gas supplies. During Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s visit to Algiers, she met President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to expand cooperation between Eni and Sonatrach, focusing on offshore and shale projects and higher flows through the TransMed pipeline. Algeria, Africa’s largest country by landmass, already supplies about a third of Italy’s gas and exports to Spain, strengthening its role as Middle Eastern LNG from Qatar 🇶🇦 faces...

Uganda 🇺🇬 has approved about $113 million to expand the Uganda Airlines fleet. The funding will help the national carrier buy up to 10 new aircraft, including Boeing and Airbus models for both passenger and cargo services. The expansion is expected to address aircraft shortages, reduce delays, and open new routes. It will also boost trade and tourism while strengthening the airline’s presence in Africa and beyond.

Djibouti 🇩🇯 has launched construction of Salaam City, the largest residential project in the country’s history. The $480 million development will feature more than 7,000 homes, as well as schools, hospitals, and other essential services. Planned as a fully integrated community, the project aims to ease housing pressure in the capital and support rapid urban growth.

Uganda 🇺🇬 is projected to earn about $594 million in its first major oil revenue during the 2026/27 financial year. Government plans estimate more than Shs 2.2 trillion ($594 million) from early oil production, with about Shs 1.4 trillion ($377 million) expected to support the national budget.

Fans from Algeria 🇩🇿, Senegal 🇸🇳, Cape Verde 🇨🇻, Côte d’Ivoire 🇨🇮, and Tunisia 🇹🇳 may need to pay a refundable bond of up to $15,000 to get a U.S. tourist visa for the 2026 World Cup matches in America. The U.S. introduced this Visa Bond Pilot Program to curb visa overstays and illegal immigration. This rule applies only to games in the U.S, matches in Canada or Mexico are unaffected. FIFA is advocating for easier access, but no fan exemptions are confirmed.

The UN General Assembly approved a Ghana–led 🇬🇭 resolution declaring the transatlantic slave trade the gravest crime against humanity. The vote was 123 in favor, three against (United States, Israel, Argentina), and 52 abstentions. The resolution urges countries to consider apologies and reparations. Non-binding, it carries moral weight and marks the first UN resolution focused solely on the transatlantic slave trade.