The scramble for geopolitical alliances in Africa continues, taking on new dimensions, including deeper diplomatic engagement and the entry of new actors from the Gulf States. The Africa Report outlines some of their key interests, while the Council on Foreign Relations notes some emerging concerns about these partnerships.

Nelson Mandela International Day was observed on July 18 to honour Mandela’s legacy. Across South Africa, citizens marked the day with numerous acts of service in their communities, among them dozens of chefs who volunteered their time to prepare meals for the hungry. In Nelson Mandela: The Black Pimpernel,  Elleke Boehmer narrates how Madiba’s persona played a central role in advancing his political goals of freedom and equality in South Africa.

• Ayra Starr’s win at the 2025 BET Awards for Best International Act marks a significant milestone not only in her rising career but also in the international appeal of the Afrobeats genre of music.
• Eighteen-year-old South Sudanese basketball player Khaman Maluach becomes the NBA’s highest-drafted player and is heading to play with the Phoenix Suns.
• King Bubaraye Dakolo, Gada IV of Ekpetiama Kingdom in Nigeria has teamed up with various civil society organizations (CSOs) to file a lawsuit against Shell for environmental damages caused by the company’s exploration activities in the Niger Delta.

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Ayra Starr performing at Shoke Shoke Festival in 2023. 4 March 2023. Photo credit: Capital FM Kenya, CC BY 3.0.