The inaugural Alamein Africa Forum, held alongside the 8th African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in El-Alamein, Egypt, highlighted Africa’s evolving geopolitical and economic priorities. Leaders focused on deeper regional cooperation, investment and strategies to unlock the continent’s economic potential.

Summit takeaway highlight Africa's priorities in geopolitics

At least nine women have been killed in separate incidents of violence in South Africa, sparking renewed public concern over gender-based violence. The deaths have prompted calls for stronger action to protect women and address persistent violence against women in the country. Authorities are facing growing pressure to tackle the issue and improve safety. The latest incidents have reignited debate over South Africa’s response to gender-based violence and femicide.

South Africa women’s killings spark outcry, 9 women killed in violence

A study had previously found that Africa is splitting, and when this happens, a new ocean will emerge. Now geologists have discovered that the timeline for this has moved back, which means this split will now occur much sooner than predicted. An active rift has reached a "critical threshold" and will soon split apart, giving way to a new ocean. The research was published in the journal Nature Communications.&nbsp;While this ideally means a few million years, in geological terms, it is not that far. Christian Rowan, a geoscientist at Columbia University, said, "We found that rifting in this zone is more advanced, and the crust is thinner, than anyone had recognised." The change is largely in Eastern Africa that has “progressed further in the rifting process than previously thought.”<h2>How is Africa splitting?</h2>Geological changes are a part of how continents, oceans and mountains form on Earth. Sometimes the tectonic plates meet, while at other times they drift apart. The East African Rift System is responsible for what's happening in the continent, where the African Plate is splitting into two. The bigger one, with the majority of the continent, is the Nubian Plate to the west, and the smaller one is the Somali Plate, with the eastern coast and the island of Madagascar.&nbsp;The focus of the study was the Turkana Rift, which stretches for hundreds of kilometres through Kenya and Ethiopia. They estimated the thickness of the crust in this region by analysing previous seismic measurements. At the centre, it is only around 13 kilometres thick. This is quite low considering that it is more than 35 kilometres thick along the edges of the rift region.&nbsp;When the crust becomes thinner than about 15 kilometres, it is in a phase called "necking", during which the break-up of the continent is confirmed to happen. This phase will last a few million years, after which it will enter "oceanisation, the stage where oceans form. The necking stage has been going on for around 4 million years.&nbsp;When the crust becomes extremely thin, magma will erupt and cool down to form a basin. Water from the Indian Ocean will rush in to fill this seafloor. Scientists say this is already happening in the Afar Depression in northeast Africa near the Red Sea.<h2>Ancient human fossils found in the African Plate rift region</h2>Interestingly, the earliest hominin fossils and evidence found in this area are also four million years old. Scientists say the two are definitely linked, as this shows that sedimentation began accumulating faster, creating the perfect conditions for a detailed record of life from that time. "The temporal coincidence between this tectonic transition and the onset of continuous, thick fossil-bearing strata suggests that the necking phase provided critical conditions for fossil preservation," they wrote in the study. &nbsp;

Africa is splitting and will give way to a new ocean a lot sooner than previously estimated. The Turkana Rift has become extremely thin at the centre, meaning the break-up has hastened. However, this would still mean a few million years, but in Earth terms, it is quite soon.

A study had previously found that Africa is splitting, and when this happens, a new ocean will emerge. Now geologists have discovered that the timeline for this has moved back, which means this split will now occur much sooner than predicted. An active rift has reached a "critical threshold" and will soon split apart, giving way to a new ocean. The research was published in the journal Nature Communications. While this ideally means a few million years, in geological terms, it is not that far. Christian Rowan, a geoscientist at Columbia University, said, "We found that rifting in this zone is more advanced, and the crust is thinner, than anyone had recognised." The change is largely in Eastern Africa that has “progressed further in the rifting process than previously thought.” How is Africa splitting? Geological changes are a part of how continents, oceans and mountains form on Earth. Sometimes the tectonic plates meet, while at other times they drift apart. The East African Rift System is responsible for what's happening in the continent, where the African Plate is splitting into two. The bigger one, with the majority of the continent, is the Nubian Plate to the west, and the smaller one is the Somali Plate, with the eastern coast and the island of Madagascar. The focus of the study was the Turkana Rift, which stretches for hundreds of kilometres through Kenya and Ethiopia. They estimated the thickness of the crust in this region by analysing previous seismic measurements. At the centre, it is only around 13 kilometres thick. This is quite low considering that it is more than 35 kilometres thick along the edges of the rift region. When the crust becomes thinner than about 15 kilometres, it is in a phase called "necking", during which the break-up of the continent is confirmed to happen. This phase will last a few million years, after which it will enter "oceanisation, the stage where oceans form. The necking stage has been going on for around 4 million years. When the crust becomes extremely thin, magma will erupt and cool down to form a basin. Water from the Indian Ocean will rush in to fill this seafloor. Scientists say this is already happening in the Afar Depression in northeast Africa near the Red Sea. Ancient human fossils found in the African Plate rift region Interestingly, the earliest hominin fossils and evidence found in this area are also four million years old. Scientists say the two are definitely linked, as this shows that sedimentation began accumulating faster, creating the perfect conditions for a detailed record of life from that time. "The temporal coincidence between this tectonic transition and the onset of continuous, thick fossil-bearing strata suggests that the necking phase provided critical conditions for fossil preservation," they wrote in the study.

Africa is splitting and will give way to a new ocean a lot sooner than previously estimated. The Turkana Rift has become extremely thin at the centre, meaning the break-up has hastened. However, this would still mean a few million years, but in Earth terms, it is quite soon.

Africa is splitting, and a lot sooner than estimated, giving way to a new ocean

The World Athletics Championships will be held in Africa for the first time in 2029, with Kenya’s capital Nairobi chosen as the host city for the prestigious track and field event.Kenya is among the world’s strongest athletics nations, especially in distance running and is second only to the United States on the all-time World Championships medal table. The event will then move to Germany in 2031, with Munich set to host the championships for the first time.&nbsp;World Athletics president Sebastian Coe called Nairobi’s selection a historic development and pointed to Kenya’s strong connection with athletics.&nbsp;“Taking our championships to Africa for the first time will be historic,” Coe said after announcing the decision following the Ultimate Championship in Hungary. “Athletics is woven into the fabric of Kenya.”&nbsp;Kenyan sports minister Salim Mvurya also welcomed the decision, saying the championships would give the world a chance to see a country where running is deeply connected to its identity.<h3>Passionate fans get their moment</h3>Coe said World Athletics research showed that Kenya had the most passionate track and field fans among the markets surveyed.&nbsp;Nairobi’s bid was also helped by its existing sports infrastructure. The championships will be held at a stadium that is already undergoing upgrades ahead of Kenya’s co-hosting of the Africa Cup of Nations next year.&nbsp;“It was important that the World Athletics Championships should come to Africa when we had the right host, the right bid and the right circumstances,” Coe said. “Nairobi has demonstrated emphatically that this is their moment.”&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/definitely-feel-bad-for-yourself-kuldeep-yadav-opens-up-on-india-test-snubs-1789479090406">'Definitely feel bad for yourself': Kuldeep Yadav opens up on India Test snubs</a>&nbsp;However, hosting the event could also bring greater attention to Kenya’s doping record. Several top Kenyan athletes have faced suspensions in the past decade and among them is marathon world record holder Ruth Chepng’etich, who is currently serving a three-year ban.&nbsp;Nairobi defeated bids from London and Rome to win the right to host the 2029 championships. London last staged the event in 2017.&nbsp;The World Athletics Championships will continue with their traditional format. Next year’s edition in Beijing will run for 10 days and include the full programme of events.&nbsp;This will be different from the three-day Ultimate Championship in Budapest, which featured an invitation-only field and major cash prizes instead of the traditional medal-based format. Events including the men’s triple jump, shot put, race walks and marathon were not part of that competition.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-punishes-kranti-gaud-pakistan-team-after-women-s-asia-cup-here-s-why-1789470253890">ICC punishes Kranti Gaud, Pakistan team after Women’s Asia Cup: Here’s why</a>&nbsp;The Ultimate Championship has not yet announced a host for its 2028 edition. However, Coe said there had already been strong interest following its first edition.&nbsp;“I think the proof of concept worked pretty well. There are things that we will obviously look at and adjust,” Coe said.&nbsp;Before Nairobi hosts the World Athletics Championships in 2029, Beijing will stage the next edition, followed by Munich in 2031.

The 2029 World Athletics Championships will make history in Nairobi as the first edition of the global competition to be held in Africa.

The World Athletics Championships will be held in Africa for the first time in 2029, with Kenya’s capital Nairobi chosen as the host city for the prestigious track and field event. Kenya is among the world’s strongest athletics nations, especially in distance running and is second only to the United States on the all-time World Championships medal table. The event will then move to Germany in 2031, with Munich set to host the championships for the first time. World Athletics president Sebastian Coe called Nairobi’s selection a historic development and pointed to Kenya’s strong connection with athletics. “Taking our championships to Africa for the first time will be historic,” Coe said after announcing the decision following the Ultimate Championship in Hungary. “Athletics is woven into the fabric of Kenya.” Kenyan sports minister Salim Mvurya also welcomed the decision, saying the championships would give the world a chance to see a country where running is deeply connected to its identity. Passionate fans get their moment Coe said World Athletics research showed that Kenya had the most passionate track and field fans among the markets surveyed. Nairobi’s bid was also helped by its existing sports infrastructure. The championships will be held at a stadium that is already undergoing upgrades ahead of Kenya’s co-hosting of the Africa Cup of Nations next year. “It was important that the World Athletics Championships should come to Africa when we had the right host, the right bid and the right circumstances,” Coe said. “Nairobi has demonstrated emphatically that this is their moment.” Also Read - 'Definitely feel bad for yourself': Kuldeep Yadav opens up on India Test snubs However, hosting the event could also bring greater attention to Kenya’s doping record. Several top Kenyan athletes have faced suspensions in the past decade and among them is marathon world record holder Ruth Chepng’etich, who is currently serving a three-year ban. Nairobi defeated bids from London and Rome to win the right to host the 2029 championships. London last staged the event in 2017. The World Athletics Championships will continue with their traditional format. Next year’s edition in Beijing will run for 10 days and include the full programme of events. This will be different from the three-day Ultimate Championship in Budapest, which featured an invitation-only field and major cash prizes instead of the traditional medal-based format. Events including the men’s triple jump, shot put, race walks and marathon were not part of that competition. Also Read - ICC punishes Kranti Gaud, Pakistan team after Women’s Asia Cup: Here’s why The Ultimate Championship has not yet announced a host for its 2028 edition. However, Coe said there had already been strong interest following its first edition. “I think the proof of concept worked pretty well. There are things that we will obviously look at and adjust,” Coe said. Before Nairobi hosts the World Athletics Championships in 2029, Beijing will stage the next edition, followed by Munich in 2031.

The 2029 World Athletics Championships will make history in Nairobi as the first edition of the global competition to be held in Africa.

Nairobi to host Africa’s first World Athletics Championships in 2029

In a glaring example of how wildlife can hold its own despite increasing human presence, three African wild dogs travelled a record 4000 kilometres across Zambia to find a mate. Scientists said this is the furthest that any African land mammal has journeyed in search of a potential partner. The research was published in the journal Ecology.&nbsp;This was a major accomplishment for the three brothers, considering the other wild dogs died after getting caught in illegal snares. Three other female dogs almost completed a journey of almost the same distance, but didn't finish after one of them got caught in a snare.&nbsp;African wild dogs hunt and travel in packs. They are one of the rarest predators on the continent, but only about 6,000 of them remain today. They are known for covering huge distances to breed and to find new territories. The animals follow strict social rules and cannot breed within the pack. This leads them to leave when they are about two or three years old in search of a mate.<h2>The epic journey undertaken by African wild dogs</h2>The wild dogs covered around 420 kilometres in a straight line. But since they had to navigate through a broken landscape, this journey ended up being 10 times this number. Known as dispersals, they are different from migration because, in the latter, animals return and travel again for food and suitable habitat when the seasons change.&nbsp;The researchers who tagged the dogs with GPS collars, said that the animals took a route that was filled with obstacles, mostly linked to humans. They travelled through Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, and heavily developed industrial areas. Their movement also shows that wild dog populations across eastern and southern Africa remain connected.&nbsp;Lead author, Professor Scott Creel of Montana State University, said, “It's plausible to believe that every major wild dog population in eastern and southern Africa, other than fenced ones, are potentially connected.”<h2>Wild dogs revisit the spot where a mate had died</h2>&nbsp;It also revealed a behavioural pattern where the dogs kept returning to the same location. Scientists found that they did so because one of their mates had died in that specific place.The study revealed the dangers facing wild dog populations in Africa. It lends credence to calls for creating strips of natural land that connect separate wildlife areas broken apart by roads, towns, or farms. This has to be outside protected areas since they are "not functional in the long term," co-author Bruce Ellender said.&nbsp;Africa's longest migration happens among wildebeest that travel seasonally between Tanzania and Kenya, covering a distance of more than 640 kilometres. Caribou undertake the longest single land migration, travelling 1350 kilometres on a two-way trip. Meanwhile, grey wolves travel more than 7000 kilometres in a year. &nbsp;

A pack of wild dogs undertook a journey of 4,000 kilometres, travelling through Zambia, including areas inhabited by humans and dodging life-threatening obstacles in search of a mate. Scientists said this is the furthest a land mammal had ever travelled.

In a glaring example of how wildlife can hold its own despite increasing human presence, three African wild dogs travelled a record 4000 kilometres across Zambia to find a mate. Scientists said this is the furthest that any African land mammal has journeyed in search of a potential partner. The research was published in the journal Ecology. This was a major accomplishment for the three brothers, considering the other wild dogs died after getting caught in illegal snares. Three other female dogs almost completed a journey of almost the same distance, but didn't finish after one of them got caught in a snare. African wild dogs hunt and travel in packs. They are one of the rarest predators on the continent, but only about 6,000 of them remain today. They are known for covering huge distances to breed and to find new territories. The animals follow strict social rules and cannot breed within the pack. This leads them to leave when they are about two or three years old in search of a mate. The epic journey undertaken by African wild dogs The wild dogs covered around 420 kilometres in a straight line. But since they had to navigate through a broken landscape, this journey ended up being 10 times this number. Known as dispersals, they are different from migration because, in the latter, animals return and travel again for food and suitable habitat when the seasons change. The researchers who tagged the dogs with GPS collars, said that the animals took a route that was filled with obstacles, mostly linked to humans. They travelled through Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, and heavily developed industrial areas. Their movement also shows that wild dog populations across eastern and southern Africa remain connected. Lead author, Professor Scott Creel of Montana State University, said, “It's plausible to believe that every major wild dog population in eastern and southern Africa, other than fenced ones, are potentially connected.” Wild dogs revisit the spot where a mate had died It also revealed a behavioural pattern where the dogs kept returning to the same location. Scientists found that they did so because one of their mates had died in that specific place. The study revealed the dangers facing wild dog populations in Africa. It lends credence to calls for creating strips of natural land that connect separate wildlife areas broken apart by roads, towns, or farms. This has to be outside protected areas since they are "not functional in the long term," co-author Bruce Ellender said. Africa's longest migration happens among wildebeest that travel seasonally between Tanzania and Kenya, covering a distance of more than 640 kilometres. Caribou undertake the longest single land migration, travelling 1350 kilometres on a two-way trip. Meanwhile, grey wolves travel more than 7000 kilometres in a year.

A pack of wild dogs undertook a journey of 4,000 kilometres, travelling through Zambia, including areas inhabited by humans and dodging life-threatening obstacles in search of a mate. Scientists said this is the furthest a land mammal had ever travelled.

3 wild dogs, 1 epic journey: African brothers trek 4,000 km through Zambia to find a partner

Rising waters in Kenya’s Rift Valley are driving large crocodiles into human communities, forcing wildlife authorities to launch urgent relocation efforts. Lake Baringo and other Rift Valley lakes have reached record levels after extreme rainfall, raising fresh concerns over the impact of climate change on people and wildlife.

Kenya: Wildlife has been brought dangerously close to humans

Kenya says it will register undocumented Burundians and other East Africans living in the country, easing fears sparked by President William Ruto’s directive targeting foreigners in small-scale businesses. Hundreds of Burundians rushed to process travel documents as Kenyan authorities moved to regularise the status of those without proper papers.

Kenya cracks down on foreign traders and small retailers 

The organizers of the All Africa Art &amp; Chess Championship (AAACC) 2026 have announced that the maiden edition of the continental event will be held from October 1 to 4, 2026, at the iconic Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, Egypt, bringing together artists, chess players, cultural ambassadors, innovators, entrepreneurs, and tourists from across Africa and beyond.With the theme, "Connecting Africa Through Art, Chess, Innovation and Culture," the championship is designed to promote continental integration through creative expression, intellectual competition, cultural exchange, and tourism while showcasing Africa's rich artistic heritage and emerging creative economy.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-in-global-top-20-in-ultimate-frisbee-sport-sees-growth-across-states-1788763980709">India in global Top 20 in Ultimate Frisbee; sport sees growth across states</a>According to the organizers, the four-day event will feature an international art exhibition, a continental chess championship, cultural performances, business and investment networking sessions, innovation showcases, tourism experiences, and recognition awards.The championship is expected to attract leading visual artists, chess masters, art galleries, collectors, educational institutions, corporate organizations, government agencies, development partners, and tourism stakeholders from across the African continent.Speaking on the significance of the event, the organizers stated that the initiative seeks to create a sustainable platform that celebrates African excellence, encourages youth participation, strengthens cross-border collaboration, and positions Africa's creative and intellectual industries as catalysts for economic growth and cultural diplomacy."The All Africa Art &amp; Chess Championship is more than a competition. It is a continental movement aimed at connecting Africa through creativity, strategy, innovation, and shared cultural heritage. We are creating opportunities for collaboration, investment, tourism, and sustainable development while showcasing the immense talent that exists across the continent," the organizers said.Beyond the championship, participants will have the opportunity to experience guided heritage and tourism activities in Egypt, providing a unique blend of competition, networking, and cultural exploration.The organizers have called on governments, diplomatic missions, corporate organizations, financial institutions, development agencies, educational institutions, and private-sector stakeholders to support the initiative through sponsorships, strategic partnerships, and exhibition opportunities.Registration is now open for artists, chess players, exhibitors, sponsors, volunteers, and delegates from across Africa and the international community.Further information on registration, sponsorship packages, exhibition opportunities, travel arrangements, and participation guidelines is available at aaacc.online. &nbsp;

The maiden All Africa Art & Chess Championship 2026 will take place Oct 1–4 at the Grand Egyptian Museum, merging art, chess, culture, and innovation to drive continental unity and economic growth.

The organizers of the All Africa Art & Chess Championship (AAACC) 2026 have announced that the maiden edition of the continental event will be held from October 1 to 4, 2026, at the iconic Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, Egypt, bringing together artists, chess players, cultural ambassadors, innovators, entrepreneurs, and tourists from across Africa and beyond. With the theme, "Connecting Africa Through Art, Chess, Innovation and Culture," the championship is designed to promote continental integration through creative expression, intellectual competition, cultural exchange, and tourism while showcasing Africa's rich artistic heritage and emerging creative economy. Also Read - India in global Top 20 in Ultimate Frisbee; sport sees growth across states According to the organizers, the four-day event will feature an international art exhibition, a continental chess championship, cultural performances, business and investment networking sessions, innovation showcases, tourism experiences, and recognition awards. The championship is expected to attract leading visual artists, chess masters, art galleries, collectors, educational institutions, corporate organizations, government agencies, development partners, and tourism stakeholders from across the African continent. Speaking on the significance of the event, the organizers stated that the initiative seeks to create a sustainable platform that celebrates African excellence, encourages youth participation, strengthens cross-border collaboration, and positions Africa's creative and intellectual industries as catalysts for economic growth and cultural diplomacy. "The All Africa Art & Chess Championship is more than a competition. It is a continental movement aimed at connecting Africa through creativity, strategy, innovation, and shared cultural heritage. We are creating opportunities for collaboration, investment, tourism, and sustainable development while showcasing the immense talent that exists across the continent," the organizers said. Beyond the championship, participants will have the opportunity to experience guided heritage and tourism activities in Egypt, providing a unique blend of competition, networking, and cultural exploration. The organizers have called on governments, diplomatic missions, corporate organizations, financial institutions, development agencies, educational institutions, and private-sector stakeholders to support the initiative through sponsorships, strategic partnerships, and exhibition opportunities. Registration is now open for artists, chess players, exhibitors, sponsors, volunteers, and delegates from across Africa and the international community. Further information on registration, sponsorship packages, exhibition opportunities, travel arrangements, and participation guidelines is available at aaacc.online.

The maiden All Africa Art &amp; Chess Championship 2026 will take place Oct 1–4 at the Grand Egyptian Museum, merging art, chess, culture, and innovation to drive continental unity and economic growth.

Grand Egyptian Museum to host All Africa Art & Chess Championship 2026

In a bid to create a "fair world" with a "fair map", the United Nations voted for a world map to reflect the true size of Africa. While on the current map it appears similar to Greenland, the continent is actually 14 times larger than the island. Its size means that it can fit "the United States, China, India, Japan, Mexico and much of Europe" with land to spare, according to online campaign group #CorrectTheMap. Africa can also comfortably fit three Canadas.&nbsp;The Mercator map has been in use since the 16th century and over generations has created the perception that Africa isn't very large. Critics say this has pushed the countries near the equator to the background when it comes to development needs and the potential they hold. Countries like America are projected as bigger and more important.&nbsp;But as we now know, Africa is way bigger than the map shows. So why does the map not show the true size of Africa? This is because of the party whose interests this map was made to serve.<h2>Why does Africa appear smaller on maps?</h2>&nbsp;The Mercator map was designed in 1569 by the Flemish cartographer Gerardus Mercator. It was meant to help European explorers navigate across the world. Meridians and parallels were drawn as straight lines that cross at right angles to navigate treacherous voyages. Charting the surface of a globe on a two-dimensional chart accurately was tricky. Mercator stretched out the northern and southern extremities of the globe to fill the gaps near the poles left when the equator was used as the centre of the map.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mercator-projection-intentional-deception-or-a-navigation-necessity-1788748301373">Mercator projection: Intentional deception or a navigation necessity?</a>&nbsp;With this system, Western cartographers had more space to mark towns, cities, and roads in their part of the world. This led to the regions at the equator being pushed to the background. Whether the maps showed their true size or not didn't matter as much to the Westerners, even though Africa has just as much to be mapped.&nbsp;So now, Canada, Russia, the United States and Europe all appear bigger than they are. Even Greenland, which is only about the size of the Democratic Republic of Congo, looks the same as Africa.<h2>Mercator map linked to power dynamics</h2>&nbsp;Critics say that this wrong visual representation of the size of countries and continents on the Mercator Map lends them an air of power and intimidation. "The term ‘power of representation and representation of power’ sums up quite well how maps and the rise of the Western nation-state system – and with that, empire and colonialism – are linked," Marianne Franklin, professor of Global Media and Politics at Goldsmiths, University of London, told CNN in 2018.Equal Earth projection This was an equal area map created by a team of cartographers in 2018 to represent the true size of all continents, especially Africa. It was adopted by the African Union's (AU) 54 member states in February, who stated that it "more accurately represents the sizes of all continents, particularly Africa".&nbsp;Several groups have been campaigning to end the use of the Mercator Map. They say that its adoption is a deliberate attempt to create misinformation about Africa. Kenyan geographer Kioko Muendo told BBC that the Mercator map has downplayed the African continent's vast resources, population and investment opportunities.&nbsp;Even though the UN vote is non-binding, it will lead to most institutions in the world shifting to an equal world map.

Why hasn't Africa been shown in its true size on the world map till now? It is 14 times larger than Greenland, yet it looks the same as the island, even though the latter is extremely small. This is because the maker of this over 450-year-old map chose to prioritise the West. 

In a bid to create a "fair world" with a "fair map", the United Nations voted for a world map to reflect the true size of Africa. While on the current map it appears similar to Greenland, the continent is actually 14 times larger than the island. Its size means that it can fit "the United States, China, India, Japan, Mexico and much of Europe" with land to spare, according to online campaign group #CorrectTheMap. Africa can also comfortably fit three Canadas. The Mercator map has been in use since the 16th century and over generations has created the perception that Africa isn't very large. Critics say this has pushed the countries near the equator to the background when it comes to development needs and the potential they hold. Countries like America are projected as bigger and more important. But as we now know, Africa is way bigger than the map shows. So why does the map not show the true size of Africa? This is because of the party whose interests this map was made to serve. Why does Africa appear smaller on maps? The Mercator map was designed in 1569 by the Flemish cartographer Gerardus Mercator. It was meant to help European explorers navigate across the world. Meridians and parallels were drawn as straight lines that cross at right angles to navigate treacherous voyages. Charting the surface of a globe on a two-dimensional chart accurately was tricky. Mercator stretched out the northern and southern extremities of the globe to fill the gaps near the poles left when the equator was used as the centre of the map. Also Read: Mercator projection: Intentional deception or a navigation necessity? With this system, Western cartographers had more space to mark towns, cities, and roads in their part of the world. This led to the regions at the equator being pushed to the background. Whether the maps showed their true size or not didn't matter as much to the Westerners, even though Africa has just as much to be mapped. So now, Canada, Russia, the United States and Europe all appear bigger than they are. Even Greenland, which is only about the size of the Democratic Republic of Congo, looks the same as Africa. Mercator map linked to power dynamics Critics say that this wrong visual representation of the size of countries and continents on the Mercator Map lends them an air of power and intimidation. "The term ‘power of representation and representation of power’ sums up quite well how maps and the rise of the Western nation-state system – and with that, empire and colonialism – are linked," Marianne Franklin, professor of Global Media and Politics at Goldsmiths, University of London, told CNN in 2018. Equal Earth projection This was an equal area map created by a team of cartographers in 2018 to represent the true size of all continents, especially Africa. It was adopted by the African Union's (AU) 54 member states in February, who stated that it "more accurately represents the sizes of all continents, particularly Africa". Several groups have been campaigning to end the use of the Mercator Map. They say that its adoption is a deliberate attempt to create misinformation about Africa. Kenyan geographer Kioko Muendo told BBC that the Mercator map has downplayed the African continent's vast resources, population and investment opportunities. Even though the UN vote is non-binding, it will lead to most institutions in the world shifting to an equal world map.

Why hasn't Africa been shown in its true size on the world map till now? It is 14 times larger than Greenland, yet it looks the same as the island, even though the latter is extremely small. This is because the maker of this over 450-year-old map chose to prioritise the West.&nbsp;

Putting 3D on 2D surface - Why is Africa's true size not shown on the world map?

Africa is racing to expand hydroelectric power to close its massive energy deficit, utilizing only about 10% to 15% of its vast potential across major river basins like the Nile, Congo, and Zambezi. Tanzania is the latest to join the race with the inauguration of the 2,115-megawatt Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant, a landmark project expected to strengthen electricity supply and accelerate industrial and economic development

Africa on track to develop its economy using renewable and efficient energy

Chad's president Mahamat Déby has pardoned political rival and former prime minister succès masra who was serving a 20-year sentence, paving the way for his release from prison. The decision to pardon masra comes four days after the president promised to free several convicted individuals - to foster national unity, peace and reconciliation


Chad President's pardon on rival widely seen as a calculated political strategy

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has thanked African Union forces for years of support while calling for their eventual departure from the country. Arguing that Somalia is now better equipped to handle its own security challenges, the president said the nation can increasingly take responsibility for protecting its people and territory. The announcement marks a significant moment in Somalia’s long journey toward stability, sovereignty and self-reliance.


Somalia move towards greater national control of its security

China’s yuan is steadily expanding its influence across Africa, moving beyond trade settlements into banking, debt financing, investment, and even tax collection systems. As Beijing strengthens financial links with African economies, it is also building the infrastructure needed to support wider yuan adoption. The shift reflects growing efforts by several countries to diversify away from the U.S. dollar and deepen economic ties with China. Could the yuan emerge as Africa’s leading alternative currency for trade and finance?

Yuan builds a financial foothold in Africa 

The ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has killed 2,325 people, surpassing the 2,299 deaths recorded during the 2018–2020 epidemic. The toll makes the current outbreak the deadliest Ebola outbreak recorded in the country's history.

Ebola outbreak becomes deadliest in DR Congo's history

A senior French diplomat is facing disciplinary action after an investigation into a pattern of private visits by young women to his official residence in the Central African Republic.  The conduct allegedly breached diplomatic security rules and triggered concern among elite French security officers. 

Report: French ambassador in Africa 'invited women for sex' 

Kano state in Nigeria married off 1,500 couples in a single ceremony on Friday as part of a government initiative to help low-income residents cover marriage costs and support family stability.

Kano hosts a mass wedding for couples facing the cost of marriage

Africa’s lions are under pressure from shrinking habitat, growing settlements and conflict with people living close to wildlife areas. The warning comes as conservationists mark world lion day, with experts in Kenya pointing to retaliatory killings and poisoning as major threats to the continent’s top predator


Human expansion is putting Africa’s big cats under pressure

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is battling its fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record, with more than 3,800 confirmed cases and over 1,700 deaths reported since the epidemic was declared in May.

Health officials say the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola has spread across multiple provinces, with nearly 90% of infections concentrated in Ituri Province. The World Health Organization (WHO) and Africa CDC have warned that the outbreak continues to worsen due to armed conflict, attacks on healthcare facilities, funding shortages, and low community trust.

With no approved vaccine or treatment available for the Bundibugyo strain, experimental vaccines and therapies have been fast-tracked into clinical trials. Canada has approved a Phase 1 human trial of an mRNA vaccine specifically targeting this Ebola variant, becoming only the second country after the United Kingdom to authorize such testing.

DR Congo Faces Worst-Ever Ebola Outbreak | Over 3,800 Cases, WHO Rushes Experimental Vaccine Trials

Algeria's parliament elected its first ever woman speaker, making Khalida Boufedeche the fourth-highest ranking official in the country.

Algerian parliament elects Khalida Boufedeche its first woman speaker

A major controversy has erupted after a map of Africa displayed by the U.S. State Department at the AIDS 2026 Conference in Rio de Janeiro reportedly mislabeled every African country.

The incorrect map quickly drew criticism from delegates and observers after analyses found major geographical errors, including Nigeria being shown as a landlocked country in the Sahara, Mozambique placed in the Horn of Africa, and Ivory Coast located on the wrong side of the continent.

The controversy deepened after reports revealed that the presentation slide contained an AI watermark, indicating it had been created using OpenAI tools. The U.S. State Department accepted responsibility for the mistake, saying a staff member hastily modified the presentation before the event. OpenAI said it was investigating the reports surrounding the incident.

U.S. Govt's Map of Africa Sparks Controversy | Wion 

A map displayed by the U.S. government during the AIDS 2026 Conference in Rio de Janeiro has sparked controversy after reports claimed that every African country was incorrectly labelled or misplaced.

The map reportedly showed Nigeria as a landlocked country, placed Mozambique in the Horn of Africa, and positioned Ivory Coast on the wrong side of the continent. The slide also reportedly carried an OpenAI watermark, raising questions about whether AI-generated content was used without proper verification.

U.S. Sparks Controversy After Mislabeling Every African Country on Conference Map

At least five Kenyan police officers have been killed in a deadly attack allegedly carried out by the Somali militant group Al-Shabaab. The assault highlights the continuing security challenges along the Kenya-Somalia border, where militants have repeatedly targeted security personnel and civilians.
Authorities have launched investigations and intensified security operations in the affected area as concerns grow over cross-border militant activity. The latest attack underscores the persistent threat posed by Al-Shabaab despite ongoing counterterrorism efforts in the region.

Somali Militant Group Attacks Kenyan Officers, 5 Killed | Wion News 

A South African couple found themselves in a rare situation when they witnessed a humpback whale “supergroup” consisting of nearly 300 of the giant marine mammals gathering together.


Humpback Whale supergroup stuns South Africa 

At least 30 people were killed when armed men attacked a village in Nigeria's ​northwestern Kaduna state early on Monday, two ‌residents said.
Dogon Rana, secretary to the village head, said gunmen stormed the community shooting randomly and burning houses. Eight ​children were among the dead, while four ​other people sustained injuries.

Gunmen storm Naridon village in Kaduna, eight children among those killed

Hundreds of togolese protesters took to the streets of the coastal town of Vogan to demand the restoration of Togo’s previous constitution, saying the 2024 reforms have allowed longtime leader faure gnassingbé to remain in power indefinitely.


Togo opposition groups demand old constitution back

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to worsen, with confirmed cases now crossing 2,473 and nearly 1,000 lives lost. The Bundibugyo strain, which has no approved vaccine or treatment, is spreading fastest through Ituri and North Kivu provinces, with cases also reported beyond DRC's borders. Health workers are racing against time as hospitals fill up and containment efforts struggle in remote, conflict-affected regions.


Ebola crisis deepens in DR Congo: 2,473 confirmed cases as virus spreads across provinces

Africa has become the continent with the highest number of people suffering from hunger, according to the UN's latest State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2026 report. Nearly 309 million Africans, or 20% of the continent's population, are facing undernourishment despite a slight improvement in hunger rates.

The report highlights that 66.6% of Africans cannot afford a healthy diet, more than double the level recorded in Asia. Climate change, armed conflicts, economic hardship, rising food prices, and the impact of the Iran conflict on energy and fertilizer costs have worsened food insecurity across the continent.

Africa becomes world's hunger epicentre | 309 million face food crisis

A monkey with striking orange lips and a black furry coat has been officially recognised as a new species in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Colobus Congoensis: Fifth new monkey species identified in Africa the last 75 years 

Ebola frontline workers in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo have gone on strike over months of unpaid salaries, disrupting response efforts in one of the country's most vulnerable regions. The protest highlights growing concerns over delayed funding and the impact on healthcare workers battling infectious disease outbreaks.

Ebola frontline workers protest delayed pay in Northeast DR Congo

US envoy Frank Garcia is expected to present a proposed migration deal to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during high-level talks.
The discussions are likely to focus on migration cooperation, regional security, and strengthening bilateral ties between the United States and Nigeria. The proposed agreement comes amid broader international efforts to address migration challenges and enhance strategic partnerships.

Envoy Frank Garcia in Nigeria, Tour to Focus on Security & Counter-terrorism

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Algerian parliament elects Khalida Boufedeche its first woman speaker

U.S. Govt's Map of Africa Sparks Controversy | Wion

U.S. Sparks Controversy After Mislabeling Every African Country on Conference Map

Somali Militant Group Attacks Kenyan Officers, 5 Killed | Wion News

Humpback Whale supergroup stuns South Africa

Gunmen storm Naridon village in Kaduna, eight children among those killed

Togo opposition groups demand old constitution back