Kenya

Kenya’s population to hit 70m amidst fertility decline, new report

In a report by the National Council for Population and Development (NCPD), Kenya’s population is expected to hit 70.2 million in the next two decades, with the population morphing into a more youthful one.

Despite the declining fertility rate, the number of Kenyans is expected to reach 57.8 million by 2045 and continue growing over the next 50 – 60 years with the present population momentum.

There were 47.6 million people enumerated in the Kenya Population and Housing Census 2019, which was 4.3 times the population enumerated in 1969 during the first census taken after independence.

(Nation)

Tanzania

Tanzania sets sights on rising medical tourism

The government has urged major hospitals in the country to develop robust strategies to attain International Standard Health Accreditations and earn a reputation for attracting more medical tourism visitors.

Medical Tourism Coordinator in the Ministry of Health, Dr Asha Mahita, said once the hospitals acquire the accreditation, they will instil trust among visitors in reliable and high-quality healthcare services. Dr Mahita made the call during the Strategy on Certification and Accreditation to Unlock Tanzania’s Medical Tourism Potential meeting in Dar es Salaam on Thursday.

Dr Mahita emphasized that medical tourism is a growing trend worldwide, adding that the government is committed to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and services to promote medical tourism and boost foreign exchange earnings.

(Daily News)

Uganda

Uganda, South Korea sign UgShs1.9 trillion deal for infrastructure loan.

Uganda has signed an agreement with South Korea for a $500 million loan to help finance infrastructure in the country.  The new credit will likely add to Uganda’s growing debt problems that prompted Moody’s last month to downgrade its country rating, citing “diminished debt affordability.” South Korea’s EXIM Bank will provide the loan, the ministry said in a post on X.

(The Monitor)

Rwanda

Kagame, Habineza, Mpayimana meet requirements to run for President – NEC

The National Electoral Commission (NEC), on June 6, issued a provisional list of presidential and parliamentary candidates indicating that only three out of nine aspirants for the presidency, out of the nine who filed candidatures meet the requirements by law.

The provisional list of presidential candidates for the 2024 elections, slated for July, features incumbent President Paul Kagame, who is the flag-bearer of the ruling Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF Inkotanyi); the Chairperson of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, Frank Habineza; and independent aspirant Philippe Mpayimana.

While announcing the list on public broadcaster, Rwanda TV, NEC Chairperson Oda Gasinzigwa said that the commission received nine candidatures of presidential aspirants, and after screening them, three made the cut. The aspirants who fall short of the requirements are Herman Manirareba, Innocent Hakizimana, Fred Sekikubo Barafinda, Thomas Habimana, Diane Rwigara, and Jean Mbanda.

However, not all is lost for the aspirants who did not meet the requirements. According to law, aspirants whose files are incomplete can submit their missing documents before June 14, the date when the final list will be made public, according to NEC.

(The New Times)

Ethiopia

Ethiopia, Singapore sign MoU on bilateral consultations, statement of intent

During Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s stay at the Istana in Singapore, a Memorandum of Understanding on bilateral consultations and a Statement of Intent between Ethiopia’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics and Singapore’s Ministry of Transport.

The signing ceremony was presided over by the leaders of the two nations, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.  Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and his counterpart of Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong have also agreed to enhance ties in various fields between the countries.

(ENA)

Eritrea

President Isaias Afwerki holds talks with President Yoon Suk Yoel

President Isaias Afwerki met with President Yoon Suk Yoel of the Republic of Korea yesterday at the State House in Seoul, engaging in extensive discussions.

During the meeting, President Yoel congratulated President Isaias on the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries and expressed South Korea’s readiness to further strengthen relations and cooperation with Eritrea.

President Isaias expressed his appreciation to the people and Government of South Korea for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation. He also noted that the various summits recently convened by several partners attest to Africa’s growing importance and role in the newly emerging global order. President Isaias emphasized that these endeavors must be supported by Africa’s rapid industrialization to extricate the continent from a subsistence economy.

(Shabait)

Sudan

Sudan delegation attends St. Petersburg Economic Forum

Malik Agar, Vice-President of the Sovereignty Council, arrived in Russia on Monday alongside a high-level delegation for the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, taking place from June 5-8. The delegation includes Foreign Minister Hussein Awad, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Dr Jibril Ibrahim, and Minister of Minerals Mohammed Bashir Abdallah.

(Dabanga)

Somalia

UN, ATMIS and other leaders congratulate Somalia on its election to the UN Security Council

The United Nations in Somalia and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) have both congratulated the Somali Government and its people on the country’s election to the UN Security Council for the 2025-2026 term.

Acting UN special representative James Swan said that the election of Somalia to the UN Security Council is a clear testament to the significant development and progress made by the country over the past years.

“Somalia has come a long way over the past three decades on its path to peace, prosperity, and security. Election to a seat on the Security Council is recognition of that commendable progress,” stated James Swan, the UN Secretary-General’s Acting Special Representative for Somalia.

(Radio Dalsan)