By Dominic Wabwireh with AP The International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) officially commenced operations on Monday, establishing a new multilateral platform for resolving interstate, international investment, and commercial disputes through peaceful mediation. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee, alongside 87 senior officials from 31 of the 37 signatory states. Representatives from contracting nations, including Nicaragua, Venezuela, Pakistan, and Kenya, addressed the gathering, highlighting IOMed’s potential to foster a more equitable international order and promote peaceful conflict resolution. Bolstering Hong Kong’s legal status The establishment of the organization’s headquarters in Hong Kong is seen as…
Author: Montage Africa
There’s something special about tasting home when you’re miles away. Whether it’s the aroma of grilled chicken or a creamy cappuccino in a café with African décor, these South African food chains are making their mark across continents. These restaurants aren’t just brands, they’ve become cultural ambassadors, proving that the global menu isn’t complete without Africa’s flavours. 1. Nando’s – South Africa’s flame-grilled pride Born in Johannesburg in 1987, Nando’s has grown into a global powerhouse with over 1 200 outlets in more than 30 countries. It’s best known for its Portuguese-style peri-peri chicken – a spicy recipe rooted in…
Gaming in Africa is generating billions in revenue while funding schools, infrastructure and youth initiatives, says Alex Mabunda. South Africa.- Africa’s gaming sector is increasingly being recognised as a “fifth estate” of development, an independent force driving social and economic progress beyond traditional government or media. This is according to Alex Mabunda, CEO of South African management consulting firm Ntiyiso Consulting Group, which has been a strong advocate for the role of gaming in Africa’s socio-economic development. More than just entertainment, the industry is channeling billions into schools, infrastructure, community projects and youth initiatives, positioning gaming as a driver of empowerment, innovation and inclusive growth across the continent. Mabunda emphasised…
By Rédaction Africanews with agencies Uganda’s electoral commission on Tuesday said that 15 January has been set as the final date for the country’s general elections. Eighty-one-year-old President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, is seeking re-election in the polls. Now Africa’s fourth longest-ruling leader, his government has changed the constitution twice to remove age and term limits. A former rebel, Museveni has been credited with stabilising Uganda, promoting economic growth, and combating HIV/AIDS. But critics denounce his government’s suppression of political opponents, human rights abuses, and corruption scandals. Museveni’s main contender is expected to be pop…
Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, says continuous and robust collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations will enhance agricultural productivity and promote sustainable development across the country. The Minister noted that such partnership would also create more employment opportunities for Nigerian farmers while ensuring food and nutrition security for the nation. The Minister made this known during a bilateral meeting with the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, Dr. QU Dongyu, on the sidelines of the 2025 World Food Forum (WFF) held recently in…
A drone strike near Khartoum International Airport early Tuesday has raised fresh concerns over security and cast uncertainty on Sudanese authorities’ plans to reopen the airport for domestic flights after a 30-month shutdown caused by the nation’s ongoing civil war. Eyewitnesses reported hearing drones over central and southern Khartoum, followed by multiple explosions between 4:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. local time. The attack occurred just a day after Sudan’s Civil Aviation Authority announced that ”domestic flight operations would resume on Wednesday, October 22, following the completion of necessary technical and operational arrangements.” The planned reopening was seen as a symbolic…
Borno State Governor in Notheast Nigeria, Babagana Umara Zulum, has called for a comprehensive, coordinated, and multifaceted strategy anchored on regional collaboration to address the deepening security and humanitarian crisis in the Sahel region. Governor Zulum made the call while delivering a keynote address at a roundtable session of the 5th Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development held in Aswan, Egypt. Speaking against the backdrop of Borno State’s long-standing experience with the Boko Haram insurgency, the governor noted that a purely military approach has proven inadequate in restoring peace across the Lake Chad Basin and the wider Sahel. “The…
Morocco has increased its 2026 budget for the health and education sectors by 16%, allocating 140 billion dirhams ($15 billion) to improve service delivery and address long-standing social demands across the country. According to a statement from the royal palace, the increased funding reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening social welfare and reducing inequalities, following recent youth-led protests calling for better healthcare and education. The allocation represents about 10% of Morocco’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The royal palace also projected that “the country’s economy would grow by 4.8% in 2026, up from 3.8% in 2024, driven by domestic demand and…
Madagascar’s coup leader Colonel Michael Randrianirina has named businessman Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo as the nation’s new prime minister. Randrianirina who was sworn in as President on Friday seized power a few days before, in the wake of massive youth-led protests that forced out his predecessor. The new leader said he appointed Rajaonarivelo as head of government due to his experience and “connection with international organisations that work with us.” He replaces Ruphin Zafisambo, who was appointed by former president Andrey Rajoelina just two weeks ago. Rajaonarivelo is a well-known figure in the Malagasy economic and financial ecosystem. Prior to his appointment, he led…
His location remains unknown following an apparent coup attempt led by an elite army unit that joined mass youth-led anti-government protests demanding his resignation. The country has been gripped by weeks of demonstrations that began over electricity and water shortages and have since grown into a broader movement against poverty, corruption, and rising living costs. Thousands of mostly young protesters again filled the streets of Antananarivo on Tuesday, calling for Rajoelina to step down amid mounting frustration over his leadership. A turning point came on Saturday when the powerful CAPSAT military unit defected and declared control of Madagascar’s armed forces.…