RAA Africana

The political landscape in Gauteng has hit a stalemate as Nkululeko Dunga, the Provincial Chairperson of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), declared a firm condition for any future cooperation with the African National Congress (ANC). Dunga stated that the Red Berets will not consider reentering a cooperation agreement or a coalition government within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality unless the current Mayor, Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, tenders his resignation. This ultimatum follows months of fractured relations and public disagreements between the two parties over the governance and financial management of the city. The friction between the ANC and EFF in Ekurhuleni reached a boiling point after the collapse of their previous power sharing arrangement, which saw EFF members holding key Mayoral Committee positions. Dunga, who previously served as the MMC for Finance, was removed from his post by Mayor Xhakaza, a move the EFF viewed as a betrayal of their working relationship. The...

  The Gauteng Liquor Traders Association (GLTA) has officially voiced its strong opposition to a new proposal by the Gauteng Liquor Board that seeks to significantly hike liquor license fees.  The association, representing thousands of small and medium sized tavern owners and traders, argues that the proposed increases are not only exorbitant but also poorly timed.  Traders contend that the industry is still struggling to recover from the long term economic fallout of the pandemic and persistent inflation, making any additional financial burden a threat to their survival. At the heart of the rejection is the claim that the Liquor Board failed to conduct an adequate socio economic impact study before suggesting the new fee structure.  The GLTA points out that many township based traders operate on thin profit margins and that a steep rise in administrative costs could force many legal establishments into the informal, unregulated sector.  By making compliance una...

The Nasdaq listed company currently making headlines alongside TikTok star Khaby Lame is Rich Sparkle Holdings ANPA.  After announcing a massive all stock acquisition of Lame’s core business, Step Distinctive Limited, in mid January 2026, the company’s stock experienced a meteoric rise followed by a devastating crash.  This deal, valued at approximately $975 million, was designed to transition Lame from a content creator to a controlling shareholder in a public entity, effectively industrializing his global influence. In the days following the announcement, speculative trading sent Rich Sparkle’s stock skyrocketing by over 650%, at one point reaching a peak share price of $180.64 on January 15. This surge briefly pushed the company’s paper valuation to over $16 billion, technically making Lame a multi-billionaire on paper.  However, market analysts quickly raised red flags, pointing out the company’s tiny public float less than 5% of its shares were available for public t...

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a strategic investment of ₦11.76 billion aimed at bolstering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and revitalizing the nation's industrial sector.  This funding, part of the 2026 capital budget for the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria SMEDAN.  represents a significant push to deepen financing and accelerate industrial planning.  The Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, John Enoh, emphasized that this allocation is central to the "Renewed Hope" agenda, focusing on local content and industrial self-sufficiency. A primary component of this financial deployment is the "Grow Nigeria for MSME Development" program, which has been allocated ₦2.1 billion to scale enterprise support services across all 36 states. Additionally, ₦1.4 billion has been earmarked to convert existing Industrial Development Centres into "Common Facility Centres."  These hubs are designed...

The focus has been on moving from reforms to results, with a push for local manufacturing and skill acquisition to combat youth unemployment.  The 47th Kaduna International Trade Fair draws to a successful close today, Sunday, February 15, 2026, marking a pivotal moment for West African commerce.  Organized by the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA), this year’s event was held under the timely theme From Reforms to Results, Economic Transformation through Sustained Local Content Development."  As the gates close at the Kaduna International Trade and Investment Centre, the fair has solidified its reputation as a premier platform for transitioning theoretical economic policies into tangible industrial growth. Throughout the ten day event, a major highlight was the collaborative push between the public and private sectors to tackle youth unemployment.  The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) made a landmark announcement during the ...

The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) issued a critical alert today, February 12, 2026, warning of a significant 935 megawatt (MW) reduction in electricity generation across the national grid.  This drop represents a nearly 20% cut from the country's current available capacity of approximately 4,753 MW.  The shortfall is the result of a coordinated four day maintenance shutdown of a major gas supply facility operated by Seplat Energy Plc, a key joint venture partner of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited NNPC Ltd.  According to NISO’s formal statement, the maintenance exercise is scheduled to run from February 12 through February 15, 2026. During this window, the reduced gas flow into the NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company NGIC pipeline network will directly impact several of Nigeria’s most critical thermal power stations.  Major plants including Egbin, Azura, Sapele, and Transcorp are expected to see immediate output constraints, while other stati...

The Kogi State Government has officially announced the temporary closure of major markets, motor parks, and public event centers across the western senatorial district of the state. This drastic measure comes in response to a significant surge in terrorist activities and persistent security threats that have plagued the region in recent weeks. By restricting movement and large gatherings, the state authorities aim to disrupt the operational logistics of criminal elements and prevent coordinated attacks on vulnerable civilian populations during peak commercial hours. Governor Usman Ododo’s administration emphasized that this decision was reached after extensive consultations with security agencies and traditional rulers who have raised alarms over the infiltration of bandits into border communities. The western part of Kogi, which shares boundaries with states like Ekiti, Kwara, and Edo, has become a strategic corridor for kidnappers and armed groups. Officials believe that markets and ...

In a decisive move today, February 2, 2026, the European Union has refined its automotive roadmap, signaling a major policy adjustment that favor Range-Extended Electric Vehicles (REEVs). While the 2035 ban on new internal combustion engine (ICE) sales remains the long-term target, new regulatory flexibility introduced this week acknowledges the infrastructure challenges currently slowing full battery-electric adoption. This "strategic recalibration" is expected to double REEV sales by 2030, as manufacturers pivot to bridge the gap between traditional hybrids and pure electric models. For European industrial giants like Volkswagen, Renault, and Stellantis, this policy shift provides a critical lifeline. REEVs—which use a small combustion engine solely as an on-board generator to charge the battery—are now being incentivized as a "pragmatic" transition technology. Market analysts at TrendForce suggest that annual sales in this segment will surge to 3 million units by...