West African republic, stable democracy with a rising economy.
ECOWAS members have endorsed the Nigeria–Morocco Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a 6,800-km conduit linking 13 West African states with potential to export 30 bcm of gas annually. The project aims to diversify energy supplies, boost regional integration and support electricity generation, while weighing security and financing risks as construction eyes 2028 start.
Arsenal confirm William Saliba has a back injury from World Cup duties and will undergo a rehabilitation programme. Surgery is not required; the club plans to strengthen the centre-back position this summer while preparing for the season opener against Coventry.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is underway in Morocco with 16 teams, 34 matches, and a new qualification tie to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Morocco hosts; Nigeria defends the title as several debutants join the field. Kick-off times start at 17:00 GMT across venues, with the final on Aug. 16.
Two Ghanaian nationals have submitted a petition to the International Criminal Court alleging repeated, widespread attacks on African migrants in South Africa between 2015 and 2026 and accusing South African authorities of failing to prevent or prosecute those responsible. The ICC has confirmed receipt; South Africa says the petition does not meet the court's threshold and insists domestic law can respond.
Real Madrid has secured the deal for RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, with reports suggesting a fee well above €100m. Paris Saint-Germain has withdrawn from the race, and Diomande is set to undergo a medical in Madrid as the transfer window moves forward. Liverpool and Arsenal are re-evaluating targets.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has published an open Instagram letter arguing the World Cup was a global success marked by safety, joy and unity, amid ongoing criticism over visas, officiating and controversies that surrounded the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has published a long open letter defending the organisation's management of the 2026 World Cup. He says critics have spread hate and false rumors while millions experienced joy and safety across the tournament, which faced visa, ticketing and disciplinary controversies.
At AIDS 2026 in Rio de Janeiro, a State Department slide displayed a geostrational map with several errors and an AI watermark. The incident has prompted scrutiny of internal processes, with the agency accepting responsibility and vowing review. Coverage notes the broader context of donor funding and program continuity for PEPFAR amid spending shifts.
Amanda Knox’s Edinburgh Fringe show Cartwheel has drawn renewed attention and protest after Stephanie Kercher criticised it as normalising violence against women. Knox defends the piece as a personal, motherhood-focused account of surviving wrongful imprisonment. Fringe organisers emphasise freedom of expression, while petitions call for cancellation.
Bournemouth has completed the signing of 22-year-old António Silva from Benfica for about €24.7m, with add-ons bringing potential total to €29.7m. The Portuguese defender, who has 20 caps and featured in World Cup and Euro 2024 squads, joins under manager Marco Rose to bolster a squad aiming for stability after a summer of heavy player sales.
Barclays has analysed five tech shakeups to identify traits of surviving software firms. Winners tend to have healthy margins, strong cash flow, low debt, and high productivity, allowing them to adapt amid industry shifts. The study suggests financial strength and operational discipline may outpace rapid growth in guiding resilience.
Kroger has been consolidating its store footprint, closing around 60 underperforming locations over 18 months as part of a broader restructuring. The company is accelerating moves after acquiring Giant Eagle, with some stores shifting to Kroger Marketplace formats and others staying market-adjusted.
Malawi has completed the repatriation of its nationals from South Africa, bringing home 56,723 people after four months of mass return transport. Many had laboured in South Africa’s farms and industries since 2019, facing harsh conditions before returning to Malawi’s villages and towns.
Guinea‑Bissau has organised a constitutional referendum for 30 August 2026 that would replace its semi‑presidential system with a stronger presidency, cut parliament seats and raise candidacy fees ahead of planned December elections. Kazakhstan has held a vote to elect a new single‑chamber Kurultai under a constitution that allows President Tokayev to run for a seven‑year term; four other pro‑government parties have entered the 145‑seat legislature.
Uber has winded down its operations in Nigeria and Uganda after a thorough review, effective September 2, 2026. The move comes as part of a global restructuring that includes cutting about 3,300 jobs. The company remains committed to sub-Saharan Africa but is refocusing investments on growth, automation and markets with stronger opportunities.
Carlos Queiroz has been re-appointed head coach of the Ghana Black Stars, returning to lead the team for the next phase of its programme. He takes charge after a period of upheaval, aiming to guide Ghana into Afcon qualification and beyond.
Arsenal has beaten Chelsea in a London derby, continuing their strong start to the season. Other results included Manchester United drawing 2-2 with Everton, and Hull City continuing to challenge xG conventions. The weekend’s slate reshapes the early table as clubs chase consistency ahead of the international break.
Former Glencore traders, including Alex Beard and Andy Gibson, have denied conspiracy charges tied to alleged corrupt payments to government and state-owned oil officials in Nigeria, Cameroon and the Ivory Coast. The trial is slated for 2027 after the Serious Fraud Office case proceeded in London.
The Malian army faces a major assault by JNIM at the Dioura base on Sept. 10, with hundreds of militants and civilian concerns. In response, Mali’s military leadership proclaims operational pressure while authorities note casualties and the strategic impact on security in the region.
The US State Department has approved visas for a scaled-down Iranian delegation, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, to attend UN General Assembly High-Level Week in New York. Washington has placed travel curbs and bans on luxury purchases for the delegation while denying visas to Palestinian Authority leaders, prompting a separate General Assembly vote allowing Mahmoud Abbas to speak virtually.
Pope Leo XIV has opened a four-day visit to France focused on defending the value of human life and meeting abuse survivors. The trip has prompted protests and fresh criticism: survivors and campaigners say the church has not provided timely justice and want transparent trials, while French reparations bodies have awarded hundreds of victims compensation.
Burkina Faso has inaugurated Raffinor-BF, a state-backed gold refinery in Ouagadougou with 164 tonnes annual capacity, aiming to process gold domestically and cut reliance on foreign firms. The project is part of President Traoré’s push for greater state control of minerals amid security challenges and concerns over the informal mining sector.
The Ghana Football Association has terminated the contract with veteran Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz by mutual consent, ending a turbulent five-month spell after his reappointment in September. Ghana faced defeats in AFCON qualifying, including a 4-2 loss to Gambia, and the team sits at the bottom of Group C.