Eastern Africa: a region of 20 states shaping regional dynamics
Meteorological agencies and the UN have reported a very strong El Niño that has continued to intensify in August 2026. Forecasts show record-warm Pacific sea-surface temperatures, rising global heat and an elevated risk of droughts, floods and food insecurity that will push tens of millions more people into acute hunger this year and next.
Two Africa-wide efforts and a national drive highlight rising commitment to biodiversity and reforestation. UN officials warn biodiversity loss remains urgent as Africa grapples with climate shocks, while Ethiopia readies to plant 800 million seedlings in a single day as part of the Green Legacy Initiative, underscoring continental leadership in climate resilience.
Tanzania has 222,057 tonnes of seed cotton in 2025/26 and is pushing to keep more value at home by expanding spinning, weaving and garment manufacturing. The Nyamatara Industrial Zone is under development, with land compensation already paid and infrastructure underway. Government and private sector leaders say investment is needed to unlock domestic processing and create high-value jobs.
The wandering glider dragonfly migrates across continents, riding monsoon winds. Researchers confirm a single global population and record routes of up to 18,000km, highlighting the insect’s remarkable adaptability.
The world faces a record-breaking El Niño that is likely to bring extreme weather patterns. The UK government is advising households to prepare for supply disruptions, with Environment Secretary Angela Eagle highlighting the need for resilience as droughts, floods and cyber threats threaten food security.
Climate patterns have intensified this year, driving heatwaves, droughts and floods across multiple regions. Governments are mobilising finance, strengthening resilience, and adjusting policies as temperatures and rainfall shift. Aid budgets face pressure while activists warn of rising humanitarian needs.
The CIA has released 71 presidential daily briefs from 1998–2001, detailing Osama bin Laden’s movements, financing and networks. The documents include warnings that bin Laden may strike the US and pursue weapons, but do not reveal new details on the attacks themselves.
Aliko Dangote has opened a month-long IPO for Dangote Petroleum Refinery, offering roughly 3% of the company to retail investors from 14 September with minimum purchases of 10 shares. The sale will fund plans to double capacity to about 1.4m barrels per day and expand listings outside Africa, while critics warn of concentration of ownership and valuation risks.
Investors in Nigeria and across Africa are rushing to subscribe to the Dangote Refinery IPO, described by promoters as a “People’s IPO.” The offer is the largest ever in Africa and aims to broaden ownership, attracting retail and institutional investors while highlighting risks around valuation, leverage and execution. Regulators and analysts caution on long-term sustainability despite short-term excitement.
A global report shows 2025 was among the driest years for river flows in 35 years, with groundwater and glaciers dwindling. Major river systems are under stress from drought, pollution and overexploitation, prompting calls for action and data-sharing to protect communities and economies.
Britain has reached a deal with Mauritius to cede sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, while maintaining a 99-year lease on Diego Garcia and its strategic base. The agreement has yet to gain legal force as the US expressed concerns and opposition from Washington has slowed parliamentary passage.
Kenya's government says its stake and a public share offer will accompany the Dangote refinery project, which is moving toward groundbreaking despite ongoing land disputes and court orders. Officials promise transparency and local participation while Dangote stresses investor interest and regional job creation.
El Ni no is strengthening and is forecast to peak in December 2026. Observations show record sea-surface temperatures with far-reaching impacts on heat, rainfall, and droughts across regions. Forecasts warn of continued extreme conditions into 2027 as nations prepare.
Motsepe has defended Africa’s stance on AFCON, saying Africa’s interests are protected as CAF weighs returning to a two-year cycle. The plan has broad African support but faces leadership tensions while Infantino’s influence looms. Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are set to host the next edition.
Amref Health Africa has called for stronger domestic financing and primary healthcare, warning that declines in external aid risk weakening health systems. The Berlin World Health Summit is used to push reforms and outline plans for Africa Health Agenda International Conference 2027 in Kigali.
Since Friday, drone strikes have killed more than 160 people across western Sudan and in disputed Abyei, including at least 50–80 civilians in West Kordofan and an attack on Amiet Market near Abyei that has left scores dead and dozens wounded. Authorities and aid groups have blamed both the Sudanese military and the paramilitary RSF; the UN has warned of rising civilian harm.
French authorities have reported the first recognised human infection with Shamonda virus in a severely immunocompromised patient who died in early October. The virus has been detected in livestock across 14 European territories since summer and is spread by biting midges; officials say no health risk to the general population has been identified.
A multi-storey building under construction in Nairobi’s Eastleigh area has collapsed, killing and injuring several people. Rescue teams are coordinating amid fears of further collapses as authorities probe building approvals and safety standards.
Kenyan and regional security services have disrupted a trafficking network along the coast. Three suspects have been arrested in Kwale and Msambweni, with more investigations under way. The operation follows recent large-scale seizures and aims to dismantle the financiers and organisers of drug trafficking.