The countries that attract the most attention are not always the ones that leave the strongest impression.

Egypt was the only African nation to make Gallup's latest list of countries viewed favourably by Americans, while bigger economies such as Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya were absent. Whether that reflects diplomacy, culture, tourism, history or simple familiarity, it is a reminder that how a country is perceived abroad can be just as influential as its economic size.

In an increasingly connected world, reputation has become a form of soft power, and sometimes it travels much further than trade figures or GDP rankings.

A coalition of over 120 community groups, trade unions, and civil society organizations has launched a national campaign to defuse South Africa's escalating immigration crisis.

The initiative aims to shift public anger away from vulnerable migrants and toward political and economic elites blamed for high unemployment, service delivery failures, and inequality.

This pushback responds to a June 30 ultimatum by anti-immigrant groups like "March and March" demanding undocumented foreigners leave, which has already caused fear and displacement in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.

While border enforcement has intensified, the government and opposition parties are calling for urgent parliamentary action to stop vigilante actions. Read more…

🇺🇸 South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya absent as Egypt makes list of countries Americans like most

Egypt emerged as Africa's sole representative in Gallup's 2026 favorability ranking, placing 11th with a 59% rating.

Major nations like Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya were excluded without explanation despite their strong US ties. The poll took place amid shifting international alliances, trade disputes, and strained relations between Washington and several African capitals. Read more…

🇿🇼 Zimbabwe turns to its precious metals and critical minerals to shield itself from the US war

Zimbabwe’s mines ministry announced an immediate and indefinite suspension of the exportation of all raw minerals and lithium concentrates. The government accelerated its planned 2027 deadline to curb widespread malpractice, under-declaration, and mineral leakages.

This urgent intervention aims to enforce strict compliance, system efficiency, and mandatory in-country value addition. Read more…

🇿🇦 Africa’s second-richest man is now closer than he has ever been to $20 billion

Johann Rupert’s net worth has surged to a record $19.9 billion, putting him just $100 million away from the $20 billion mark.

The recovery follows a brief 2026 slump where he temporarily lost his position as Africa’s second-richest person to Nigeria's Abdulsamad Rabiu.

The rebound was driven by strong demand for Richemont luxury goods in China and the Americas. Read more…

Top 10 safest countries in Africa, according to latest global peace ranking

The world became less peaceful for the 15th time in 18 years due to conflicts in regions like Sudan, according to the 2026 Global Peace Index. Yet, multiple African nations stand out for safety and low violence, led by Mauritius which ranks 18th globally as the continent's safest country.

Lower scores on the index signify greater peacefulness and security.

Source: Global Peace Index

🇨🇩 DR Congo battles former colonial ruler Belgium for millions of maps revealing where its copper, cobalt and mineral wealth are located

The Democratic Republic of Congo is pushing to recover millions of colonial-era geological records held in a Belgian museum.

These maps and files contain vital data on copper and cobalt deposits needed for modern technologies. While a US firm backed by Bill Gates previously agreed to help digitize them, Belgian officials insist digital copies be shared directly with Congolese authorities. Read more…

🇮🇱 Israel sparks diplomatic row with broad ebola travel ban on 5 African nations

Israel has imposed sweeping travel restrictions on citizens from five African countries—DRC, South Sudan, Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda—over Ebola concerns.

Airlines must deny boarding to any foreign national who has visited these nations within 21 days.

Kenya has strongly protested its inclusion, stating it has zero reported cases after conducting over 80,000 tests. Read more…

While Africa produce nearly 60% of the world's cocoa, it accounts for less than 5% of global chocolate consumption. Most harvested beans are exported raw to Europe and North America, where they are processed into final consumer products and sold back to global markets at a premium.