MEDIA REVIEW AND MONITORING
27 September 2025
1. Ethiopia signs nuclear energy deal with Russia
Ethiopia has signed a nuclear energy cooperation agreement with Russia, a deal
aimed at establishing a peaceful nuclear power program within the East African
nation. The memorandum of understanding, signed by Russia's state-owned
nuclear company Rosatom and the Ethiopian Ministry of Innovation and
Technology, outlines collaboration in areas such as the development of nuclear
infrastructure, the creation of public awareness around nuclear energy, and the
exploration of using nuclear technology for applications beyond power
generation, including medicine and agriculture. This agreement is part of
Ethiopia's broader strategy to diversify its energy sources and bolster its
industrial development.
2. Seven compelling reasons for diasporans to consider relocating to
Zimbabwe
This article presents Zimbabwe as an attractive destination for diasporans,
outlining seven key reasons to consider relocating. These include the country's
rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, a favorable cost of living coupled with
investment opportunities in a recovering economy, and the chance to contribute
to national development. The author also highlights improved political stability, a
pleasant climate, warm and welcoming local communities, and the personal
fulfillment of reconnecting with one's roots as compelling incentives for a return.
3. President Chapo wants counter-insurgency led by the Armed
Defence Forces of Mozambique
President Filipe Nyusi, addressing the nation on the 59th anniversary of the start
of Mozambique's independence struggle, emphasized that the fight against
insurgents in Cabo Delgado must be led by the country's own Armed Defence
Forces (FADM). While acknowledging and welcoming the support of international
partners like Rwanda and the Southern African Development Community (SADC)
mission, President Nyusi stressed that external forces are in a supplementary
role. He argued that national ownership of the counter-insurgency campaign is
crucial for achieving effective and lasting peace, asserting that Mozambicans
themselves must be the primary agents in securing their country's stability.
4. AU Appeals for 196 Million USD to Support Somalia's Security
Transition
Disclaimer: Any opinions or articles presented in this review are solely those
of the media source and do not represent those of the African Union.
In a urgent appeal at the UN General Assembly, African Union Commission
Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has called for $196 million in international
funding for 2025 to support the African Union's final security mission in Somalia
(AUSSOM). While acknowledging Somalia's progress, Youssouf warned that
without this predictable financing, hard-won gains against groups like Al-Shabaab
could be reversed, jeopardizing stability. He emphasized that this mission is a
critical, time-bound bridge to full Somali security ownership, and he urged the
UN, EU, and other partners to provide the necessary support to ensure Somalia's
transition to sovereignty and prosperity.
5. Post-war Somalia proves multilateralism can make the world a better
place, says President
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia presented his country's post-war
recovery as a testament to the success of multilateralism and global solidarity.
He outlined Somalia's progress in combating terrorism, preparing for its first full
national elections in over five decades, and pursuing economic self-reliance
through debt relief and regional integration, such as joining the East Africa
Community. The President also called for international support on global issues,
including an immediate ceasefire and a two-State solution for Palestine, while
urging for accessible financing to help frontline nations like Somalia combat
climate change, for which it has established a National Climate Fund.
6. President Mahama calls for Africa’s representation as permanent
member on UN Security Council
Ghanaian President John Mahama called for Africa to be granted a permanent
seat on the United Nations Security Council, arguing that the current structure is
outdated and unjust as it excludes the entire continent from permanent
representation and the power of veto. He emphasized that this reform is crucial
for the UN to maintain its legitimacy and relevance, as Africa's significant global
population and its central role in many of the council's agenda items, such as
peace and security, demand a direct voice in decision-making processes.
Mahama positioned this change as a matter of equity and a necessary step for
Africa to have a meaningful way in shaping international peace and security
policies that directly affect it.
7. Egypt, Korea sign $10M agreement to advance vocational training in
green automotive technologies
Egypt and Korea have signed a $10 million agreement to advance vocational
training in Egypt, as reported by Business Today Egypt. The funding, provided by
the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), is designated for a project
aimed at enhancing the technical skills and employability of the Egyptian
workforce. The initiative focuses on modernizing and developing vocational
training programs by incorporating advanced technologies and improving training
methodologies to better align with the demands of the local and international job
markets. This partnership is intended to support Egypt's economic development
Disclaimer: Any opinions or articles presented in this review are solely those
of the media source and do not represent those of the African Union.
goals by creating a more skilled labor force capable of meeting the needs of
modern industries.
8. ‘Africa’s voice is not heard’: Leaders issue call for equity, justice and
courage
During the UN General Assembly's high-level debate, African leaders presented
a unified and urgent call for equity and systemic reform of the United Nations.
They argued that the current global order is unfair, leaving the UN at risk of
irrelevance as it faces polycrises like climate disasters, unresolved conflicts, and
crippling debt. The leaders grounded their appeals in their nations' direct
experiences with fragile economies, climate impacts, and a lack of opportunity,
asserting that a weak and imbalanced UN cannot fulfill its founding promise to
serve "We the peoples."
The calls for change were specific and forceful. Presidents from Guinea-Bissau,
Ethiopia, and Botswana, along with vice presidents from The Gambia and South
Sudan, collectively demanded a democratization of international institutions,
particularly the UN Security Council. They argued that the Security Council must
be expanded to include permanent representation for Africa and the Global
South, stating that faith in multilateralism can only be restored if all nations have
a meaningful voice in decision-making. Without this, they warned, the UN lacks
legitimacy and strength.
Beyond structural reform, the leaders highlighted the acute vulnerabilities of their
nations, including external shocks from food and energy crises, coercive trade
measures, and unsustainable debt. They called for international partnerships that
prioritize resilience, support for African-led solutions, and concrete actions like
debt cancellation. The overarching message was that true justice and global
stability can only be achieved through courage and a fundamental reshaping of
the international system to ensure inclusion and fairness for all.
9. JICA announces withdrawal of Japan-Africa 'hometown' exchange
program
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has terminated its "JICA
Africa Hometown" exchange program, which linked four Japanese cities with
African nations, due to a significant public backlash fueled by misinformation.
The program, launched in August, faced widespread speculation on social media
that it was a scheme to settle immigrants in Japan, leading to a flood of protest
calls and emails that became an excessive burden for the participating
municipalities. Although JICA denies conceding to the misinformation, it decided
to scrap the program to protect the cities from further disruption, with plans to
carefully review the initiative's content while hoping to continue supporting
international exchanges in the future.
10. Africa’s oil, gas output to reach 11.4m bpd by 2026 – Report
Disclaimer: Any opinions or articles presented in this review are solely those
of the media source and do not represent those of the African Union.
According to the forthcoming State of African Energy 2026 Outlook report,
Africa's oil and gas production is projected to reach 11.4 million barrels per day
by 2026, driven by major offshore investments and exploration in countries like
Nigeria, Mozambique, and Angola. The report also highlights a parallel and
significant expansion in renewables, with billions invested in solar and wind
power, while natural gas is expected to remain the dominant source for electricity
generation through 2050. Despite a projected quadrupling in energy demand and
a growing population, the continent's share of global emissions is expected to
remain low, positioning Africa for a unique low-carbon development path that
balances fossil fuel revenue with clean energy growth.
11. From Discoveries to Development: Strategic Growth in Africa’s Oil
and Gas Basins
Africa's hydrocarbon sector is at a strategic turning point, moving beyond a
reliance on mega-projects to a more nuanced approach that balances geology,
infrastructure, and politics. Recent high-impact discoveries, particularly in the
deepwater Orange Basin of Namibia and South Africa, are driving a Southern
African renaissance, while West Africa sees a resurgence with promising
prospects in Côte d'Ivoire and São Tomé and Príncipe. A key insight is the
growing appreciation for the strategic value of smaller, faster-to-production
projects and even non-commercial wells that de-risk basins, as they generate
early revenue, build political goodwill, and foster local capacity, ultimately
creating a more sustainable and promising path to unlocking the continent's
energy potential.
Disclaimer: Any opinions or articles presented in this review are solely those
of the media source and do not represent those of the African Union.