Africa in Focus: Governance, Growth, and Reform Shaping the Continent’s Future

Welcome back to The Vault! Here’s our bulletin on recent policy developments.

Cameroon

  • Protests in Cameroon as Biya Secures 8th Term

Ethiopia

  • Abiy Ahmed Urges Shift from Conflict to Construction in Tigray
  • EU & Ethiopia Forge Private-Sector Road to Reform

Kenya

  • Kenyan Voter Seeks Freeze on 2027 Poll Preparations
  • Kenya Launches Cross-Border Health Cover for Its Global Citizens
  • Ruto Unveils Major Social Housing Push in Elburgon & Marigat
  • Kenya Opens Public Consultation on Overhaul of Consumer Protection Bill
  • Kenya Lifts Logging Moratorium on Mature Trees

Malawi

  • Malawi’s High Court Opens Path to Safe Abortions for Sexual-Violence Survivors
  • Malawi’s Fresh Parliament Sworn in with Ambition and Momentum
  • K720 Million SPICE Initiative Set to Transform Agriculture
  • Executive Order Bans Raw Mineral Exports

South Africa

  • Big Leap for HIV Prevention as South Africa Registers Twice-Yearly Jab
  • South Africa Launches e-Mobility Energy Drive to Accelerate EV Adoption
  • South Africa Relaunches TB Caucus
  • SA Launches National Action Plan to Tackle Substandard & Falsified Medical Products

Nigeria

  • Nigeria’s SSS Takes Down Coup-Call on Social Media
  • Nigeria Green-Lights $2.3B Borrowing to Bridge 2025 Gap
  • Nigeria’s Reps Move to Make Local Governments Federating Units

Ghana

  • NAFCO Inaugurates Audit Committee
  • Ghana Bets on e-Spending to Clean Up Public Finances

 

CAMEROON

Protests in Cameroon As Biya Secures 8th Term

Protests erupted across Cameroon on October 27, 2025, following the official announcement that long-time incumbent President Paul Biya secured an eighth term with 53.66% of the vote in the October 12 election. Opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who claimed victory based on polling station tallies, rejected the official results, asserting widespread fraud. The political tension led to violent demonstrations in major cities including Douala and Garoua, resulting in several deaths and over 100 arrests. The unrest reflects deep divisions in Cameroon’s political landscape amidst ongoing separatist conflicts in the Anglophone regions. The protests and government crackdown threaten national stability as Biya, at 92, extends his 43-year rule. Calls for mediated dialogue have emerged to defuse the crisis, though no resolution has yet materialized.

ETHIOPIA

Abiy Ahmed Urges Shift from Conflict to Construction in Tigray

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed accused the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) on October 28, 2025,of breaching the Pretoria Peace Agreement by diverting federal funds allocated for development toward militant activities. Speaking to parliament, Abiy emphasized the government’s desire to avoid further conflict in Tigray, urging a focus on national development through peaceful means. He reiterated that any attempts to overthrow the federal government by force would fail and stressed the need for disarmament, reform, and cooperation to ensure lasting peace. The Prime Minister highlighted the illegitimacy of the TPLF’s regional administration formed through disputed elections and called for inclusive interim governance as per the peace accord. This development underscores ongoing tensions and challenges in implementing peace in Tigray, with significant implications for stability and progress in Ethiopia.

EU & Ethiopia Forge Private-Sector Road to Reform

Ethiopia and the European Union on October 28, 2025,signed a €90 million Joint Action Plan for 2025 aimed at supporting Ethiopia’s post-conflict economic reforms and reconstruction efforts. The agreement aligns with Ethiopia’s Home-Grown Economic Reform Agenda and the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy, focusing on land governance, nature conservation, women’s empowerment, and migrant integration. The signing ceremony in Addis Ababa also featured the launch of a Public-Private Dialogue (PPD), fostering collaboration between the Ethiopian government and European businesses to address challenges such as customs, taxation, and investment protection. This renewed partnership, under the “Team Europe” approach, is expected to enhance sustainable development and create new investment opportunities. The initiative reflects a deepened bilateral cooperation rooted in shared goals for peace, prosperity, and inclusive growth.

KENYA

Kenyan Voter Seeks Freeze on 2027 Poll Preparations

A voter, Bernard Mwanzia, filed a petition in the Kenyan High Court on October 29, 2025, seeking to suspend all preparations by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for the 2027 General Elections. Mwanzia argues that the current electoral framework has “constitutional dents,” raising serious legal questions over the legality and suitability of ongoing preparations. He seeks conservatory orders to halt IEBC activities to prevent the expenditure of public resources on potentially unconstitutional processes. The petition emphasizes protecting the people’s sovereignty under Article 1 of the Constitution and notes that as of October 11, only about 20,754 new voters had registered out of a targeted 6.3 million. This legal challenge presents a significant hurdle for IEBC, which also faces budget cuts, pending bills, and delayed boundary reviews, potentially impacting the credibility and timing of the 2027 elections.

Kenya Launches Cross-Border Health Cover for Its Global Citizens

A new medical insurance cover for Kenyans living in the diaspora was launchedon October 27, 2025, through a partnership between Kenya Diaspora Alliance (KDA), Jubilee Health Insurance, BUPA Global, and Kenbright Insurance Brokers. This innovative diaspora medical cover provides seamless healthcare access for members and their families across borders, addressing a significant healthcare challenge faced by diaspora communities. The plan integrates local coverage by Jubilee Health Insurance with international benefits from BUPA Global’s extensive network of over 2.4 million healthcare providers worldwide. The initiative supports Kenya’s transition to Universal Health Coverage under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) and responds to studies showing healthcare as a top priority for diaspora remittance spending. This new cover aims to reduce the financial burden of medical emergencies on families both abroad and in Kenya, enhancing continuity of care and promoting economic growth through diaspora engagement.

Ruto Unveils Major Social Housing Push in Elburgon & Marigat

President William Ruto on October 28, 2025,launched the Boma Yangu Michinda Social Housing Project in Elburgon, Nakuru County, and broke ground on a 382-unit housing development in Marigat, Baringo County. The Elburgon project will deliver 2,680 homes, including studios and two- and three-bedroom units, expected to house over 9,300 residents and transform the agriculturally rich town into a modern urban hub. The Marigat development will feature a mix of social, affordable, and market housing units with facilities like a kindergarten, clubhouse, and borehole. Both projects incorporate sustainable designs with energy efficiency, rainwater harvesting, and inclusive access for vulnerable groups. These initiatives form part of the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), creating jobs for local workers and boosting the informal economy through contracts for local artisans. The housing projects aim to provide dignified, affordable homes, spur urbanization, and improve living standards, marking a significant step toward addressing Kenya’s housing deficit and promoting economic growth.

Kenya Opens Public Consultation on Overhaul of Consumer Protection Bill

Kenya commenced public participation on the Proposed Standards Bill, 2025, aimed at modernizing the country’s consumer protection framework by repealing the outdated Standards Act (Cap 496) On October 27, 2025. The Bill, sponsored by the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, seeks to introduce a modern legal structure for standardization, metrology, and conformity assessment to ensure goods and services meet internationally recognized safety and quality standards. This legislative reform, anchored in Article 46(1) of the Constitution, promises enhanced consumer rights protections, fair trade promotion, and increased competitiveness of Kenyan exports in global markets. Stakeholders from various sectors including consumer rights groups and industry players have engaged in consultations, providing feedback on compliance and enforcement mechanisms. The public is invited to submit their views by November 14, 2025, ensuring inclusive participation in shaping the final law.

Kenya Lifts Logging Moratorium on Mature Trees

President William Ruto on October 27, 2025, lifted Kenya’s nationwide logging ban, allowing the harvesting of mature trees in forests across the country. His decision aims to boost the timber industry, reduce reliance on imported furniture, and create local employment opportunities, aligning with the government’s broader economic development goals. The move permits regulated logging, with plans to sell mature trees to local sawmillers and promote sustainable practices, including replanting. Environmental groups, however, express concern that this decision could lead to deforestation and ecological degradation, especially in critical water towers like the Mau Forest. The government emphasizes that the logging will be controlled and part of a responsible management framework to balance economic benefits with environmental conservation.

MALAWI

Malawi’s High Court Opens Path to Safe Abortions for Sexual-Violence Survivors

The Malawi High Court on October 28, 2025, delivered a landmark ruling granting girls impregnated through rape or defilement the legal right to access safe abortion services, affirming protections under Section 19 of the Gender Equality Act. The ruling followed a case brought by a 14-year-old rape survivor denied a safe abortion, with the court condemning the denial as harsh and inhumane and affirming that reproductive rights include the right to timely, compassionate abortion care. Judge Michael Tembo emphasized the need to consider mental and physical health, ordering the Ministry of Health and Malawi Human Rights Commission to facilitate accessible services for survivors. This groundbreaking decision marks a significant victory for sexual violence victims, reinforcing their dignity and health rights. It also sets out a precedent urging law reform in a country with stringent abortion laws contributing to unsafe procedures and high maternal mortality.

Malawi’s Fresh Parliament Sworn in with Ambition and Momentum

Malawi celebrated a historic parliamentary on October 27, 2025, swearing-in ceremony welcoming 111 newly elected Members of Parliament at the Lilongwe Parliament Building. The event was marked by a vibrant display of democracy and diversity, with MPs pledging to uphold the Constitution and serve their constituents with integrity. Among those sworn in were key political figures including Foreign Affairs Minister George Chaponda and MCP Secretary-General Richard Chimwendo Banda, signaling a blend of experience and renewal. The ceremony reflected high hopes for effective governance and accountability amid a substantial turnover of MPs, with only 36% returning, indicating voters’ demand for change. Political analysts and civil society have called on the new Parliament to prioritize food security, equity, and transparent legislation.

K720 Million SPICE Initiative Set to Transform Agriculture

Malawi’s Ministry of Youth and Sports on October 28, 2025,launched the K720 million SPICE project, funded by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), aiming to transform youth employment and agri-food systems reform. The Strengthening Policy Implementation and Institutional Capacity for Youth Employment Creation and Agri-Food Systems Transformation (SPICE) project focuses on improving policy environments and institutional coordination across ministries, targeting key agricultural value chains like soybeans, groundnuts, and maize. With over half of Malawi’s population under 18, this initiative addresses youth unemployment by promoting inclusivity and economic empowerment through agriculture-led growth. A Reference Group will oversee implementation, ensuring cross-sector collaboration aligned with Malawi2063 and the National Youth Policy. This launch signifies a policy-driven, long-term commitment to convert youth from job seekers into innovators and drivers of agricultural modernization, marking a vital step for Malawi’s sustainable development.

Executive Order Bans Raw Mineral Exports

Malawian President Arthur Peter Mutharika on October 26, 2025,issued an executive order prohibiting the export of raw, unprocessed minerals to promote local value addition and industrialization. The ban covers a wide range of minerals including uranium, rare earth elements, gold, diamonds, and copper, aiming to ensure these resources contribute to national economic growth. Processed and value-added minerals are exempt from this prohibition, encouraging the development of local refining industries. The order carries penalties for violators and mandates monitoring to assess economic and environmental impacts. This policy shift is expected to enhance Malawi’s mineral sector’s contribution to industrial growth while attracting investment in mineral processing.

SOUTH AFRICA

Big Leap for HIV Prevention as South Africa Registers Twice-Yearly Jab

South Africa made history on October 27, 2025, as the first African country to register the groundbreaking twice-yearly anti-HIV injection, Lenacapavir, approved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA). This revolutionary jab, providing six months of protection with just two annual doses, was hailed as a “game-changer” in HIV prevention, offering a more convenient and discreet alternative to daily pills. The approval accelerates plans for a limited public sector rollout in April 2026, targeting high-risk populations including adolescent girls, young women, and key groups. Lenacapavir’s registration involved collaboration with the European Medicines Agency under a global fast-track initiative, underscoring South Africa’s proactive stance against the HIV epidemic. This significant advancement is expected to bridge prevention gaps, reduce new infections, and strengthen public health outcomes in a country with one of the world’s highest HIV burdens. The launch symbolizes hope for millions and a decisive step in transforming HIV prevention on the continent.

South Africa Launches e-Mobility Energy Drive to Accelerate EV Adoption

South Africa launched a pioneering initiative on October 28, 2025, to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), focusing particularly on electric two-wheelers like scooters and bikes. This initiative supports urban mobility, environmental sustainability, and cleaner transportation by addressing affordability and infrastructure challenges. Urban centers including Cape Town and Johannesburg, are leading the rapid adoption fueled by government incentives such as reduced import duties, tax breaks for local assembly, and investments in solar-powered charging stations designed to operate independently of the national grid. This approach is designed to tackle issues like load-shedding and encourage green energy transition. With the EV market projected to grow significantly, this initiative is expected to reduce fossil fuel dependency, lower transportation costs, and create new economic opportunities across South Africa.

South Africa Relaunches TB Caucus

South Africa relaunched its TB Caucus in Parliament, on October 28, 2025, led by Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi and National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza, as a decisive political strategy to combat the country’s persistent tuberculosis epidemic. TB remains South Africa’s leading cause of death, claiming approximately 56,000 lives annually, with an estimated 54% of cases co-infected with HIV. The caucus, part of the Global TB Caucus network, mobilizes parliamentarians to foster political commitment, increase public awareness, and ensure accountability in TB response efforts. Despite progress, only a quarter of TB patients are successfully treated each year, underscoring the need for intensified testing, early diagnosis, and innovative treatments including a new vaccine expected by 2028. The relaunch aims to bridge the gap between health services and communities, reduce stigma, and promote policy coherence to end this preventable disease.

SA Launches National Action Plan to Tackle Substandard & Falsified Medical Products

South Africa launched its National Action Plan (NAP) On September 30, 2025, to combat substandard and falsified medical products, a critical initiative to safeguard public health across the country. Developed by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) in partnership with the National Department of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO), the NAP targets a global health crisis where one in ten medical products in low- and middle-income countries are substandard or falsified. The plan’s three pillars—prevention, detection, and response—focus on strengthening border controls, monitoring supply chains, and enforcing regulations to protect patients from fake medicines, especially those for HIV, tuberculosis, and chronic diseases. This coordinated effort aims to reduce treatment failures, prevent avoidable deaths, and ease economic burdens on households and health systems. The NAP also fosters regional collaboration to harmonize standards across Africa, cementing South Africa’s leadership in ensuring medicine safety. The initiative empowers communities to identify and report unsafe products, marking a milestone in health security.

NIGERIA

Nigeria’s SSS Takes Down Coup-Call on Social Media

Nigeria’s State Security Service (SSS) on October 29, 2025, arrested Innocent Chukwuma in Oyigbo, Port Harcourt, for using social media to call for a military coup aimed at suspending the Nigerian government. Chukwuma, known on X as @TheAgroman, urged the military to “dispose of APC” and join the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), reflecting rising political tensions amid an alleged coup plot involving senior military officers. His social media accounts were suspended, and he is cooperating with investigators. This arrest comes amid a broader crackdown following reports of military and civilian collaborators in the plot. The incident underscores Nigeria’s fragile political climate and heightened security vigilance against threats to democratic governance. It also highlights the government’s firm stance on safeguarding constitutional order through intelligence monitoring and swift action against incitement. This event signals increased scrutiny of online expressions that challenge national stability.

Nigeria Green-Lights $2.3B Borrowing to Bridge 2025 Gap

The Nigerian House of Representatives on October 29, 2025,approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to secure $2.347 billion in external borrowing to part-finance the 2025 budget deficit and refinance maturing Eurobonds. This borrowing plan includes $1.23 billion for budget support and $1.12 billion to refinance Eurobonds due in November 2025, with options including Eurobond issuance, loan syndications, and direct borrowing from international financial institutions. In a historic move, the House also authorized the issuance of Nigeria’s debut $500 million sovereign Sukuk bond in the international capital market, aimed at financing infrastructure projects and diversifying Nigeria’s financing sources. This approval follows significant external financing secured by Tinubu’s administration since 2023 to support economic reforms and development initiatives. The funds are expected to help bridge revenue shortfalls, stabilize public finances, and stimulate economic growth amid challenging fiscal conditions.

Nigeria’s Reps Move to Make Local Governments Federating Units

e Nigerian House of Representatives began on October 29, 2025,considering a landmark bill to amend the 1999 Constitution to formally recognize Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory as autonomous federating units alongside federal and state governments. Jointly sponsored by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen and Rep. Adewale Hameed, the bill aims to grant LGAs full constitutional status and financial independence, strengthening grassroots democracy by protecting local governance from interference by state governors. This reform has broad bipartisan support and addresses longstanding demands for local government autonomy, deemed essential for improving public service delivery like education, healthcare, sanitation, and security. If passed and ratified by most state legislatures, the amendment would deepen Nigeria’s federal structure, promoting inclusive development and political stability. It marks a historic shift toward empowering communities and enhancing democratic decentralization after previous failed attempts to guarantee local autonomy.

GHANA

NAFCO Inaugurates Audit Committee

Ghana’s National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) on October 28, 2025,inaugurated its first-ever Audit Committee since its establishment 15 years ago, marking a historic step towards enhancing transparency and accountability in the organization’s financial management. The five-member committee, mandated by the Public Financial Management Act, 2016, includes representatives from NAFCO’s Governing Board, the Internal Audit Agency, and the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana. Tasked with overseeing financial reporting, internal controls, risk management, and compliance, the committee will ensure accurate auditing processes and lawful spending. NAFCO’s CEO, George Abradu-Otoo, described the move as part of broader institutional reforms aimed at curbing financial irregularities and promoting efficient resource use. The establishment of this committee is expected to strengthen governance, reduce audit infractions, and restore public confidence, significantly improving the management of Ghana’s food security efforts.

Ghana Bets on e-Spending to Clean Up Public Finances

Effective January 2026, Ghana will fully automate public expenditure through the Ghana Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), ending the issuance of manual cheques by the Comptroller and Accountant-General. This move aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem emphasized that all government spending must now strictly occur within this electronic platform to prevent unauthorized expenditures. Alongside GIFMIS, the Ghana Electronic Procurement System (GHANEPS) will also be mandated for all public procurement activities, helping to curb corruption and inefficiencies. This digital shift is expected to improve government service delivery, boost public trust, and promote efficient use of resources, as Ghana prepares to implement budget reforms under President John Mahama’s administration.

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