AFR

Commentary warns that fighting has resumed in Ethiopia, with broad implications for stability in the Horn of Africa and across the continent. Analysts argue the renewed conflict carries consequences beyond Ethiopia's borders, affecting regional security, great-power competition, and international policy toward Africa. The piece urges closer attention to what renewed warfare there could mean for African and global affairs.

Australia hold the upper hand in the second Test against South Africa in Gqeberha, with Scott Boland taking four wickets, including two in two balls, on a rain-hit second day. South Africa's batting problems were exposed again as play spilled into day three. Selection calls are also drawing comment, with Nathan Lyon sidelined and Kagiso Rabada missing the first Test while Anrich Nortje returned.

Australia are touring South Africa for a cricket series that has drawn global attention. Australia lead 1-0 in the 2nd Test after an outrageous outfield catch from an Aussie player, while Nathan Lyon has been sidelined in a bold selection call. Earlier in the tour, South Africa won the ODI opener after an Australian middle-order collapse, leaving Australia determined to avoid a clean sweep, with weather a factor.

The International Monetary Fund says African economies are performing well despite the economic shocks caused by the war involving Iran. The assessment points to resilience across the continent even as the conflict disrupts trade, energy prices and other pressures. No further details about specific countries or figures were given in the available reporting.

Israel's election is being followed closely across the African continent, from Morocco in the north to South Africa at the continent's southern tip. Observers are tracking the outcome for its implications for African-Israeli relations, diplomatic ties and regional politics. The vote has drawn interest well beyond Israel and the Middle East, with African media and audiences paying close attention to the result.

Israeli voters head to the polls on October 27, and the election is being followed closely across the African continent, from Morocco to South Africa. Al Jazeera reports the vote could test whether Israel's ties with African nations endure, with governments and analysts weighing how the outcome might reshape relations.

The second Test between South Africa and Australia is under way at St George's Park in Gqeberha, with rain and a wet outfield causing repeated delays. Scott Boland took four wickets as South Africa's batting frailties were exposed again. Australia are chasing a series win, while hosts' selectors kept their team announcement late; Kagiso Rabada returned to bolster the bowling, and Nathan Lyon's omission has drawn debate.

South African Reserve Bank governor Lesetja Kganyago has said he sees upside risks to inflation, a signal that price pressures in Africa's most industrialised economy could prove stronger than currently forecast. The remarks point to continued caution on interest rate policy, with markets watching closely for hints on whether borrowing costs will remain elevated.

The Governor of the South African Reserve Bank is speaking about how the country's central bank is managing several economic shocks at once, including inflation pressure and currency volatility. The comments come as policymakers in South Africa weigh interest rate decisions amid a challenging global and domestic economic environment.

The World Health Organization's Regional Office for Africa has issued an update on the cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe. The outbreak remains a public health concern, with health authorities monitoring cases and response efforts. The update is drawing attention as regional health officials track the spread of the disease and coordinate containment measures.

The United Nations political affairs department (DPPA) issued its daily news briefing covering developments in Libya, Yemen and Central Africa. The roundup groups three of the world's ongoing conflict and political crises into a single update, reflecting continued international attention to peace efforts and instability across the Middle East and Africa.

Economist Tyler Cowen has published an essay in The Free Press arguing that the United States needs more African immigrants. He contends African migration would benefit the American economy and help address demographic and labor challenges. The argument lands amid an ongoing and heated US debate over immigration policy, where the case for expanding—rather than restricting—immigration remains contested.

The head of the World Health Organization has called for urgent action to promote, provide and protect health across the Eastern Mediterranean, a region hosting some of the world's most severe humanitarian crises. The appeal covers countries including Sudan, where conflict has devastated health services, and stresses the need for international support to deliver care to vulnerable populations.

India and Japan are intensifying efforts to secure critical mineral supplies from Africa, part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on dominant producers such as China. The approach, described as an 'Africa Pivot', focuses on partnerships with African resource-rich countries for minerals essential to batteries, electronics and clean energy technologies. Analysts note the push reflects growing competition among Asian powers for influence and resources across the continent.

Health security leaders and policy experts are urging targeted investment to strengthen Africa's health systems as the global funding landscape shifts, with traditional donors reassessing commitments. Speaking at high-level discussions, they argued that focused financing for surveillance, workforce and emergency response capacity is essential to protect the continent against future disease outbreaks.

The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly is drawing attention to Africa’s place on the global agenda. Commentators, including the United Nations Development Programme, are framing the session as a moment that revealed where the continent’s priorities and partnerships are heading next, from development financing to Africa’s voice in multilateral decision-making.

A US lawmaker has put forward a proposed deal with Africa's fifth-largest gold producer that would exchange access to the country's mineral wealth for technology. Details of the proposal, including which minerals and technologies would be involved and how the arrangement would work, have not been made clear. The plan is drawing attention because of growing Western interest in securing critical minerals from Africa amid competition with China.

South African regulators have revised the rules governing how weight-loss drugs may be customised, according to a Reuters report. The change affects compounding and adaptation of obesity medications in the country. Details of the specific measures and their implications for patients and pharmacies were not provided in the available coverage.

South Africa and Australia are locked in a closely fought Test series, with South African captain Temba Bavuma scoring a century to drag the hosts back into contention. Reports say South Africa seized control as Bavuma provided the heroics, while an earlier match saw a record-breaking quartet of Australian performances put the visitors in full command.

Egypt has called for concrete follow-up on the outcomes of the quadrilateral summit held in Alamein, which brought together regional partners to address instability in the Horn of Africa. Cairo is urging that commitments made at the summit be translated into action to support peace and security in the region, particularly amid ongoing tensions linked to Sudan.

South Africa's batting problems were exposed again in the second Test against Australia at St George's Park in Gqeberha, with Scott Boland taking four wickets. Temba Bavuma stood tall while his teammates stumbled, and Australia's Matt Renshaw was floored by a spectacular catch. Fans are also tracking the day-by-day rain forecast, which could shape the match's outcome.

Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi has publicly backed teammates Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan's successor captaincy figure Mohammad Agha and Saim Ayub as the team prepares for the upcoming ODI Tri-Series. He sent a strong message of confidence ahead of the tournament, expressing support for the batting line-up as Pakistan fine-tune their squad ahead of major competitions.

Nigeria host Mozambique on October 23 in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Sub Regional Qualifier C. The hosts arrive with winning momentum and are seen as favourites, but Mozambique could spring an upset as both sides chase progress toward the global T20 World Cup. Fans and pundits are sharing previews and predictions ahead of the match.