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Channel Africa Rise & Shine
News and Current Affairs show that gives insight into political events on the continent and internationally.
West Africa wrap with Political Scientist and Conflict Resolution Analyst, Dr David Matsanga
Now, to some of the stories making headlines across the West Africa region, where a mix of political tension, security challenges and economic pressures continues to shape developments. Ghana is intensifying its push for global recognition of the transatlantic slave trade as a crime against humanity. In Mali, authorities have secured a fragile truce that allows fuel deliveries to resume following the release of jihadist prisoners, a move that has raised questions about long‑term stability and the government’s ability to contain insurgent groups. Meanwhile, concerns are mounting over press freedom, highlighted by the detention of a journalist in Mali, and over food security, with warnings of poor cocoa harvests emerging from Côte d’Ivoire. To unpack these developments and what they mean for politics, peace and security in the region, we are joined by Dr David Matsanga, Political Scientist, and International Relations and Conflict Resolution Expert.
Sustainability takes centre stage at Johannesburg conference
Day one of the Future of Sustainability Conference, currently underway in Johannesburg, has placed the spotlight on how businesses can drive growth while adopting sustainable practices. Industry leaders from the financial sector say that integrating sustainability into business strategy is no longer optional, but a necessity in today’s rapidly evolving economic landscape. They emphasise that companies that prioritise environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles are better positioned to remain competitive, attract investment and build long‑term resilience in the face of global climate and market shocks. Our Reporter, Lebogang Mabange, attended the event and filed this report.
Floods in Mozambique claim 18 lives, thousands displaced
A second wave of heavy rains has swept across Mozambique, triggering floods that have killed at least 18 people and displaced thousands more. Around 10 000 people. including many children, are now sheltering in accommodation centres, as schools, roads and farmland have been severely damaged by the rising waters. To discuss the humanitarian response and the impact on children, we speak to Guy Taylor, Chief of Advocacy, Communication and Partnerships at UNICEF Mozambique.
Fuel shortages loom in Kenya amid rising global oil prices
Kenya is facing growing fuel‑supply pressures as rising international oil prices and heightened tensions in the Middle East disrupt imports. Hundreds of independent retail outlets have already reported shortages, raising concerns that the country could face a nationwide crisis in the coming weeks if the situation does not stabilise. Channel Africa’s Reporter in Nairobi, Alex Kiarie, has the latest.
Job Sikhala to address Zimbabwe ‘constitutional crisis’ in Johannesburg
Zimbabwean opposition politician and National Democratic Working Group leader Job Sikhala is scheduled to hold a press conference in Johannesburg this Wednesday afternoon, where he will address what he describes as a deepening constitutional crisis in Zimbabwe. The briefing follows the ruling ZANU‑PF party’s push to amend the Constitution, a move that would allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to extend his stay in power until 2030, beyond his current term limits. The proposed amendments, endorsed last year by ZANU‑PF’s parliamentary majority, have sparked widespread opposition from political activists, civil‑society groups and sections of the Zimbabwean diaspora. Opponents argue that the constitutional changes undermine democracy and entrench authoritarian rule, while supporters within ZANU‑PF claim they are necessary for political stability and continuity. For more on this press conference, we speak to Zimbabwean opposition Politician Job Sikhala.
Ghana, EU forge first‑ever security partnership to tackle terror threats
Ghana and the European Union (EU) have signed their first formal defence partnership, aimed at strengthening Ghana’s role as a regional bulwark against rising jihadist violence in West Africa. The agreement, signed in Accra on Tuesday, includes measures on counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, and crisis response, with the EU providing support in the form of surveillance drones, anti‑drone systems, and other key security equipment. The partnership comes as insecurity from the Sahel continues to spill southwards, threatening coastal states including Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin and Togo. Officials say the agreement marks a significant step in boosting Ghana’s capacity to deter terror threats and respond more effectively to regional instability. Our Correspondent in Accra, Eric Mawuena Egbeta, joins us now with more on the developments.
SA’s Climate Body unveils five‑year review and future strategy
The South African Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) hosted a Media Breakfast Engagement at the River Meadow Manor in Centurion, Pretoria. The purpose of the gathering was to share key insights from its Five‑Year Legacy and Review Report, outline the objectives of its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, and clarify its advisory mandate under the Climate Change Act. The PCC also reflected on South Africa’s progress on the just transition and the country’s broader climate‑response agenda, emphasising the need for coordinated action across government, industry and civil society to meet national climate commitments while ensuring social and economic resilience. Channel Africa’s Reporter, Micheal Mbewe, filed this report.
SA marks International Day of Forests with focus on economy and environment
South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Bernice Swarts, says forests are critical to supporting healthy economies and environmental sustainability. She was speaking at the International Day of Forests (IDF) event held at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden in Roodepoort, west of Johannesburg, in the Gauteng Province. The event highlighted the essential role forests play in economic development, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and community livelihoods, stressing the need for strong policy implementation and sustainable forest‑management practices. Thuto Ngobeni reports.
BMF President Mpho Motsei highlights financing Africa’s recovery at summit
The most highly anticipated day for Channel Africa has finally arrived, as the station hosts its first‑ever Africa Matters Summit on Wednesday, March 25, in Johannesburg, South Africa. Held in partnership with the Wits Business School (WBS), the summit brings together experts, researchers and thought leaders to examine how Africa can thrive amid the challenges posed by climate change. Taking place under the theme “Financing Africa’s Recovery,” the event focuses on unlocking investment, strengthening climate resilience and identifying pathways for sustainable growth across the continent. Asanda Beda spoke to Mpho Motsei, one of the summit’s sponsors and the President of the Black Management Forum (BMF), about the importance of the gathering and the role of African leadership in financing the continent’s climate‑resilient future.
East Africa wrap with Denis Beru, Journalist and Team Leader at Grassroot Journalism Kenya
Now to some of the stories making headlines across the East Africa region, where political tensions, infrastructure ambitions and human‑rights concerns are unfolding simultaneously. From post‑election unrest in Tanzania and governance questions in Madagascar, to major cross‑border railway developments linking Kenya and Uganda, the region continues to navigate a complex mix of opportunity and instability. Added to this are climate‑related disasters affecting several countries, painting an even more challenging picture for governments and communities. To help us make sense of these developments, and what they could mean for politics and security in the region, we’re joined by Denis Beru, Journalist and Team Leader at Grassroot Journalism Kenya.
Structural bottlenecks continue to weigh on South Africa’s growth outlook
Professor Philippe Burger, Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences and Professor of Economics at the University of the Free State, says South Africa’s economic growth remains constrained by supply‑side challenges such as electricity shortages, water‑supply issues, and weak local‑government service delivery. He emphasises that the country urgently needs structural reforms, deeper regional market integration, and energy diversification to unlock higher and more inclusive growth. Professor Burger made these remarks during an interview with Channel Africa on Monday, on the sidelines of the two‑day Southern Africa, Towards Inclusive Economic Development (SA‑TIED) Phase II Close‑Out Conference underway in Pretoria. Channel Africa’s Reporter, Micheal Mbewe, spoke with Professor Philippe Burger, Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences and Professor of Economics at the University of the Free State.
Aid deliveries delayed as conflict drives up costs: IFRC
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is warning that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is causing major disruptions to humanitarian supply chains worldwide. Rising transport costs and delays across sea, land and air routes are slowing the delivery of essential aid, leaving vulnerable communities waiting longer for life‑saving assistance. To unpack the scale of the challenge and how the IFRC is responding, we speak to Nikola Jovanovic, the IFRC’s Global Supply Chain Coordinator for Emergencies.
New NWRA‑SA 2026 project to quantify South Africa’s water supply
South Africa will, over the next five years, embark on a major water‑research initiative through the newly launched National Water Resources Accounting System for South Africa (NWRA‑SA 2026) project. The initiative is a comprehensive water‑resources assessment designed to quantify exactly how much water the country has, a critical step in strengthening long‑term water security, planning and management. The data collected through the NWRA‑SA 2026 project will be used by Statistics South Africa to produce national water statistics, helping policymakers, planners and researchers better understand water availability, usage patterns and future risks. Thuto Ngobeni reports.
Climate crisis deepens as Africa prepares for finance‑focused summit
As Channel Africa prepares to host its first‑ever Africa Matters Summit on Wednesday, themed “Climate Change: Financing Africa’s Recovery”, the United Nations’ weather agency is warning that the planet’s climate system is more out of balance than ever before. The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has released its State of the Global Climate 2025 report, revealing record‑breaking levels of greenhouse gases, unprecedented ocean heat, and accelerating glacier melt. The findings highlight how far the world has shifted from climate stability, underscoring the urgency for climate finance, adaptation support and stronger global action. Channel Africa’s Lebogang Mabange reports.
SA Health Ombud finds serious violations at two Gauteng hospitals
South Africa’s Health Ombud has made serious findings against two hospitals in the Gauteng Province. Among the violations uncovered is the case of a mental‑health patient at George Mukhari Academic Hospital, a public facility, who was denied food and medication as a form of punishment by healthcare professionals. At Netcare Femina Hospital, a private facility, the Ombud’s investigation found critical clinical errors, including a case in which adrenaline was administered intravenously instead of through nebulisation to a neonate patient, a mistake with severe potential consequences. The Health Ombud released the findings during a media briefing in Pretoria on Monday, highlighting systemic failures in patient care, staff conduct and clinical protocols across both institutions. Sisi Segalo has more on the story.
TB remains among the world’s deadliest diseases as Africa faces ongoing challenge
As the world marks World TB Day, attention is once again turning to tuberculosis, still one of the deadliest infectious diseases globally and a major public‑health challenge across Africa. Countries like Mozambique remain among the hardest hit, with more than 100 000 people developing TB each year, and thousands of cases still going undiagnosed. Health experts warn that stigma, weak health systems, and now climate‑related disruptions are complicating efforts to curb the disease. Floods, cyclones and extreme weather events often disrupt treatment, hamper community outreach and overwhelm already stretched health facilities. Despite these challenges, there is growing evidence that community‑led approaches, supported by digital tools, could be a game-changer. Mobile health platforms, rapid diagnostic innovations and community health workers conducting door‑to‑door screening are helping to close the detection gap and improve treatment adherence in several high‑burden countries.
SA’s Home Affairs Minister conducts oversight visit to Beitbridge Border ahead of Easter
South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, together with the Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, on Monday conducted a ministerial oversight visit to the Beitbridge Port of Entry in Musina, Limpopo Province. The visit forms part of the BMA’s preparations for the upcoming Easter period, one of the busiest travel seasons across South Africa’s ports of entry. Authorities are focusing on strengthening border‑security operations, improving traveller‑flow management, and ensuring that systems and personnel are adequately prepared for the anticipated surge in cross‑border movement. Channel Africa’s Reporter Micheal Mbewe has more.
Ithuba Holdings to Exit as South Africa's National Lottery Operator
Ithuba Holdings is preparing to step down as operator of South Africa's National Lottery at the end of May, bringing to a close over a decade at the helm. During that time, the company says it has raised billions of rand for charitable causes and supported community development across the country. Ithuba has also expanded beyond South Africa into countries including Botswana, Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya, reflecting a growing footprint across Africa's lottery sector. To reflect on Ithuba's legacy and future plans, I'm joined live now by Michelle van Trotsenburg, Ithuba Holdings Head of Corporate Relations...
Funding Africa's climate is not an issue of Charity, but justice and compensation: Ngubeni
Channel Africa's Africa Matters will be launched in two days in partnership with Wits Business School in Johannesburg, South Africa. The theme is this year's summit is climate change: financing Africa's recovery" - to discuss this more, Thami Ngubeni, who is one of the facilitators at the summit. Her focus will be on financing, and where will Africa get the funds from? Ngubeni shared more...
US Deploys MQ-9 Drones and 200 Troops to Nigeria for Intelligence Support
The United States has deployed MQ-9 Reaper drones and around 200 troops to Nigeria in what officials describe as a non-combat, intelligence-support role, aimed at helping tackle the growing threat of Islamist militancy in the country's north. The move comes amid a resurgence of attacks by armed groups, raising fresh questions about regional security and the evolving role of foreign partners in West Africa's counterterrorism efforts. To unpack what this means on the ground and for the wider region, Abuja-based security analyst, Chidi Omeje, who is also the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Security Digest...
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