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Global debate grows over AI regulation as leaders call for safeguards to manage risks of rapid advances
The rapid development of artificial intelligence is intensifying a global debate over who should control the technology and how its risks should be managed. US President Donald Trump has backed voluntary safety measures and industry self-regulation, while the UN Secretary-General has called for a multilateral framework to manage AI risks. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has also called for stronger safeguards, including legislation. At a recent UN Security Council meeting, speakers warned that increasingly powerful AI systems could pose serious risks if poorly managed. Sherwin Bryce-Pease reports…
Sudan war intensifies in Kordofan as Omar al-Bashir is transferred to military-run hospital in Khartoum
Ousted Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir has been transferred to a military-run hospital in Khartoum for medical treatment. His family has confirmed that the 82 year old will also require further care outside the country. Bashir, was toppled by the army and the Rapid Support Forces in April 2019 following a popular uprising. He had been moved from prison to hospital before the war, then transferred to Merowe in northern Sudan under military guard. Bashir is wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide committed during the conflict in Darfur, Sudan. Meanwhile, fighting in Sudan's Kordofan region has intensified, turning it into one of the main battlegrounds in the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, now in its fourth year. To discuss this further we are now joined by Khalid Omer Yousif, Vice- Chairman of the Sudanese Cogress Party and a leading figure in the Sumud anti-war coalition
Africa HealthTech Summit in Kigali explores how AI and digital innovation could transform healthcare across Africa
Across Africa, artificial intelligence and digital technologies are increasingly being used to tackle healthcare challenges, from limited access to medical specialists to the early detection and management of disease. Rwanda's capital, Kigali, is hosting the fifth Africa HealthTech Summit, bringing together health leaders, policymakers, innovators and investors from across the continent and beyond. The three-day summit is exploring how technology and innovation could shape the future of healthcare in Africa. From Kigali, Sylivanus Karemera reports.
The Discourse: Guinea at 68 — reflecting on independence, political change and challenges facing the country today
Time now for the Friday edition of The Discourse, a daily feature here on Rise and Shine. And today, we focus on Guinea, which is marking 68 years of independence from France. The West African country gained independence in 1958, after rejecting continued membership of the French Community. Since then, Guinea has gone through major political changes, including periods of military rule and political transition. So, what does independence mean to Guineans today, and what does the country's political journey tell us about the challenges it faces now? For more on this, we're joined from Conakry by Ousmane Souaré, a lecturer in diplomacy at Kofi Annan University of Guinea and a former official at Guinea's embassy in South Africa
Inquiry questions whether health authorities identify rape when children seek pregnancy termination in South Africa
The chairperson of South Africa's Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities, Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva, says health authorities should know when a child has been raped. She was questioning the Department of Health about what happens when a ten-year-old girl goes to a clinic to terminate a pregnancy. Mkhwanazi-Xaluva was speaking on the fourth day of a national inquiry examining how South Africa's criminal justice system responds to gender-based violence and femicide. The inquiry is being held in Johannesburg. Thuto Ngobeni compiled this report.
British International Investment commits $65 million to boost business growth in Zambia and Zimbabwe
The UK's development finance institution, British International Investment, has committed 65 million dollars to investments in Zambia and Zimbabwe, as it rolls out a new five-year strategy focused on developing frontier markets. The funding will provide finance and technical support to local financial institutions, with the aim of helping businesses grow and encouraging more trade and investment. Chris Chijiutomi, Managing Director and Head of Africa at British International Investment, says the investments are an early example of how the new strategy is being put into practice.
African Arty Beats: The latest music, arts and culture stories from across the African continent
Now, it's time for this week's edition of African Arty Beats, bringing you the latest in music, arts and culture from across Africa.
Anaïs Rosso brings a fusion of African, French and Caribbean influences to Johannesburg’s Joy of Jazz
She is French, Congolese and Guadeloupean, and her music refuses to stay in one place - moving between blues, hip-hop, electronic music, classical influences and African musical traditions. Singer, songwriter, guitarist and performer Anaïs Rosso is in Johannesburg for Joy of Jazz, bringing with her a powerful story about identity, heritage and the freedom to create beyond categories. Anaïs Rosso, welcome to Rise and Shine.
South Africa seeks greater investment in rural tourism to boost jobs and local economic opportunities
South Africa is seeking to increase investment in rural tourism, with government and business leaders calling for more economic opportunities for communities outside the country's major cities. The issue was discussed at the Tourism Infrastructure Investment Summit in Johannesburg, where speakers highlighted the need for greater investment in rural areas and faster implementation of tourism policies. Channel Africa's Lebogang Mabange reports.
UN sees cautious progress in Sudan peace efforts despite continued fighting and attacks on aid workers
The United Nations says there are cautious signs of progress in efforts to end the war in Sudan, despite continued fighting between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for Sudan, Pekka Haavisto, says diplomatic efforts are making small but significant gains, although the two sides are not yet ready to meet directly. Speaking to UN News in New York, he also warned that attacks on humanitarian convoys and aid workers are hampering the delivery of vital assistance. He spoke to Abdelmonem Makki.
Nigeria’s Tinubu urges citizens to look beyond economic hardship towards a new “age of prosperity”
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians to look beyond the economic hardships of the past three years and work towards what he calls a new "age of prosperity". In an Independence Day address on Thursday, marking 66 years since Nigeria gained independence from Britain, Tinubu acknowledged that his government's economic reforms have brought hardship, but said they were necessary to tackle long-standing problems in Africa's largest economy. Our economics reporter Innocent Semosa has more.
Africa Roundup: Key developments shaping Africa and the world over the past 24 hours
Time now for our daily Africa RoundUP. Each morning, just after six o'clock news, we bring you a concise update on the key developmwnts shaping the world over the past 24 hours. With insights from our team of journalists, analysts, and newsmakers, we place the day's biggest stories into context - helping you stay informed, connected, and prepared for the day ahead.
South African tech summit explores how small businesses can harness AI and digital tools
Artificial intelligence is changing how businesses operate, but many small businesses are still working out how to use the technology effectively. In South Africa, a technology summit in Alexandra, a township northeast of Johannesburg, is exploring how entrepreneurs can use AI and other digital tools to develop practical solutions for their businesses. Channel Africa's Lebogang Mabange reports…
Morocco surveillance report raises concerns over spyware attacks targeting journalists and activists
A new report released today by Amnesty International says Moroccan authorities have built an extensive surveillance system targeting journalists, human rights defenders and other critics. The report details allegations of spyware attacks, phone interception, hidden recording devices and the tracking of people’s movements. It also includes testimony from a former Moroccan intelligence officer, which Amnesty says it corroborated with forensic evidence and other sources. The organisation says some of the surveillance technologies involved were supplied by companies based in Israel, Europe and the United States. For more on the findings and what they mean for journalists and activists in Morocco, We spoke to Stanley Kwenda, Communications Advisor at Amnesty International.
Nigeria at 66: Independence, economic pressures, insecurity and the road to 2027 elections
On The Discourse this morning, we turn our attention to Nigeria, as it marks 66 years of independence, celebrating the country's journey while confronting some very difficult realities for ordinary citizens. The cost of living remains a major concern, with rising fuel and food prices putting pressure on household incomes, while insecurity and kidnapping for ransom continue to affect communities across the country. Politically, attention is already turning to the January 2027 presidential election, with President Bola Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi among the most prominent names in the race. So, what does independence mean to Nigerians today, and how does the government respond to citizens who feel that economic hardship and insecurity are limiting the promise of independence? Joining us to discuss Nigeria at 66, its relationship with South Africa, and the road towards the 2027 elections is Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Alexander Temitope Ajayi.
Central Africa: Key regional developments and geopolitical trends in focus
We now look at some of the stories making headlines in the Central Africa region. We speak to Aaron Nga'mbi, Geopolitical Analyst.
Africa Roundup: Your daily briefing on the key stories shaping the continent and the world
Time now for our daily Africa RoundUP. Each morning, just after six o'clock news, we bring you a concise update on the key developments shaping the world over the past 24 hours. With insights from our team of journalists, analysts, and newsmakers, we place the day's biggest stories into context - helping you stay informed, connected, and prepared for the day ahead.
Zimbabwe crash claims six lives, including businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife Lucy Muteke
Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, are among six people reported killed in a helicopter crash near Marondera, east of the capital, Harare. Authorities say the helicopter was carrying six people, including two pilots, and that there were no survivors. The cause of the crash is not yet known. Chivayo was one of Zimbabwe's best-known businessmen, with major government contracts, high-profile political connections and a public profile built around his wealth and philanthropy. For more on the crash, I'm now joined by our Zimbabwe correspondent, John Cassim.....
China marks 77 years of the People’s Republic as South Africa highlights growing bilateral ties
China has marked the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, with its embassy in South Africa hosting a ceremony in the capital, Pretoria. The event brought together senior South African government officials, former presidents and ministers, diplomats, business leaders and civil society representatives. It highlighted China's development over the past seven decades and its expanding partnerships with countries including South Africa. Channel Africa's reporter Michael Mbewe filed this report…
Capitec reports 19% rise in interim earnings as customer growth offsets pressure on consumers and lending conditions
South Africa's commercial bank Capitec has reported strong growth in its interim results for 2026, with headline earnings rising by 19 percent to about 581 million US dollars. The bank says it added 1.6 million new clients, taking its active customer base to 26.6 million. But rising credit impairments and a higher credit loss ratio point to continued pressure on consumers and the lending environment. Our economics reporter, Innocent Semosa, attended the bank's interim results presentation in Cape Town and filed this report…
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