Angola

Gabon’s Political Transition and the Release of Ali Bongo Ondimba The former President of Gabon, Ali Bongo Ondimba, has been freed from house arrest and has journeyed to Luanda with his family, according to a recent announcement from Angola's presidency. Removed from power in a coup in August 2023, Bongo and his family had been held in Libreville amid allegations of embezzlement and corruption. Holding sway over Gabon for more than five decades, the Bongo family's reign concluded amidst a torrent of allegations and a…

Ali Bongo Ondimba, the former president of Gabon, has recently embarked on a new chapter in his life following his ousting in a military coup back in August 2023. Accompanied by his wife, Sylvia Bongo, and their son, Noureddin, the family has left their home country for Angola. A statement released by the Angolan presidency confirmed their safe arrival, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing saga of Gabonese politics. This transition for the Bongo family isn't just one of geographical relocation; it’s a significant shift…

The Economic Forecast for Sub-Saharan Africa: A Landmark and a Journey The World Bank, a critical institution in shaping global economic policies, projects an encouraging uptick in economic activity for Sub-Saharan Africa. Expectations are set for growth to rise from 3.3% in 2024 to 3.5% in 2025, eventually accelerating to 4.3% by 2026–27. However, as with any journey, this optimistic outlook is littered with obstacles and uncertainties that could shape the path forward. Intriguingly, not all the region’s…

The World Bank predicts a modest but notable increase in economic activity across Sub-Saharan Africa, projecting growth to rise from 3.3% in 2024 to 3.5% in 2025, with expectations to further accelerate to 4.3% by 2026-27. This forecast brings a glimmer of hope, yet many underlying challenges remain. According to the latest Africa’s Pulse report, the growth potential of the region is heavily influenced by a few heavyweight economies. Angola, Nigeria, and South Africa, among the largest economies on the continent,…

In a commendable display of leadership and commitment, Angolan President João Lourenço has announced a voluntary contribution of $5 million to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). This decision is not merely a financial gesture; it represents a pivotal step towards strengthening regional health security and promoting sustainable health financing across the continent. This noteworthy announcement emerged from a high-level meeting held recently in Luanda, where President Lourenço engaged in…

As of March 23, 2025, Angola finds itself grappling with a severe cholera outbreak, a public health crisis that has claimed 329 lives among 8,543 recorded cases across 16 of its 21 provinces. This alarming situation has been particularly devastating in Luanda and Bengo Province, where over 75% of the cases have emerged. Tragically, it’s estimated that a third of those who succumb to this disease do so before they even reach a healthcare facility. What does this say about access to medical care in these regions? In response…

The recent joint summit between the Eastern African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) brought fresh hope for peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The gathering resulted in the establishment of an expanded panel tasked with spearheading peace initiatives in a region fraught with turmoil, following Angola’s withdrawal as a mediator. This strategic adjustment is vital, considering the DRC’s ongoing struggles. The revised panel features an impressive lineup of former leaders,…

Angola is stepping into an ambitious role, attempting to mediate the ongoing turmoil in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). The focus lies on facilitating direct negotiations between Kinshasa, the capital of DR Congo, and the M23 rebel group, which has recently captured significant territories. During a recent meeting held in Luanda, Angolan President João Lourenço unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at establishing dialogue between the warring factions. His commitment to fostering peace in the region cannot be…

A noteworthy meeting recently unfolded in the bustling city of Luanda. It was an encounter that could potentially reshape the future of a troubled region. DRC President Felix Tshisekedi engaged in dialogue with Angolan President Joao Lourenco—an interaction worthy of the spotlight. Following these discussions, Angola courageously pledged to mediate between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebels. A bold move indeed. What's next, you ask? A direct negotiation has been…

The Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) has made a momentous announcement: the 17th U.S.-Africa Business Summit will take place in 2025 in the vibrant city of Luanda, Angola. This summit promises to be an extraordinary gathering, welcoming over 1,500 delegates, which will include heads of state from across Africa, government leaders, senior officials from the U.S. government, and executives from both U.S. and African enterprises. What lies ahead is a platform rich with potential, where discussions will explore a myriad of…