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.

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.

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.

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.

South Africa and Australia are contesting the second Test in Gqeberha, with the series capturing attention across multiple countries. Australia were skittled for 99 after a strong Proteas bowling display on day four, while captain Temba Bavuma played a key innings when South Africa's batting wobbled. Scott Boland has been a standout for Australia, taking four wickets including two in two balls on a rain-hit day.

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.

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 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.

South Africa are on the verge of beating Australia in the second men's cricket Test at St George's Park in Gqeberha, with captain Temba Bavuma's heroics putting the hosts in control. Australia's problems mounted as Steve Smith's injury added to their woes, while batting deficiencies were exposed again despite Scott Boland taking four wickets in a rain-affected spell. Nathan Lyon's omission is also under scrutiny.

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 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.

The FBI and Justice Department say Operation Blackout, a coordinated crackdown on scam centers in Ghana and Nigeria, seized roughly $17 billion in assets and cryptocurrency and led to 28 arrests. The operation targeted networks behind online fraud schemes, and authorities are presenting it as one of the largest seizures of its kind against West African fraud operations.

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.

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.

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.

Australia slumped to 6-65 in the Second Test against South Africa, a batting collapse described as the third of its kind this century, with Labuschagne's struggles continuing despite an injury boost for the tourists. Scott Boland took four wickets as the hosts' batting problems were exposed, while Temba Bavuma and Marco Jansen's 106-run stand sparked a South African fightback. Faf du Plessis said it is 'a little bit early' for South Africa to make changes.

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 Africa defeated Australia in the second men's cricket Test at St George's Park in Gqeberha, with captain Temba Bavuma's long innings the standout performance. Reports describe Australia being on the back foot and Mitchell Marsh admitting his side were outplayed during the series. Attention now turns to weather interruptions and South Africa's selection permutations, while a Proteas batting standout has vowed to carry the form into the World Cup.

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.

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.

Australia and South Africa are facing off in multiple sports at once. The Springboks have hit the Wallabies early in a rugby Test in Perth, while the countries' cricket teams are also meeting, with South Africa naming their XI for a Test and Australia's top-order batting under scrutiny. Joe Root's childhood friend reportedly rescued Australia's innings, and captain Temba Bavuma framed the contest as a battle against Australian identity itself. Commentators say Australia's batting order problems hint at deeper troubles despite a start that is 'no disaster'.

Actress Anna Safroncik is competing on the new season of Italy's Ballando con le Stelle on Rai 1, training a Quickstep with professional dancer Leonardo Lini. Italian media are profiling her Ukrainian origins, her rumoured romance with Tommaso Cicchinelli and her love of tennis, while outlets also examine the personal lives of the show's other contestants and bookmakers' favourites.

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.