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African nations losing 5% of GDP to climate change

Business /

African nations are losing up to 5% of their GDP annually due to climate change, with the continent experiencing a significant impact from global warming, according to a new report released Monday. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) noted that African countries are allocating up to 9% of their budgets to climate adaptation. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo highlighted the accelerated warming in Africa, which is outpacing the global average and impacting food security, public health, and stability. Despite contributing less than 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, Africa is highly vulnerable to extreme weather, including droughts, floods, and heatwaves. The report, focusing on 2023—one of Africa’s hottest years—urges investment in early warning systems and meteorological services. Without adequate measures, up to 118 million Africans could face severe weather events by 2030. In sub-Saharan Africa, adaptation costs could reach $30-50 billion per year over the next decade. Recent extreme weather events, including floods affecting 300,000 people in West Africa and a severe drought in Zambia, underscore the urgency. The pattern of extreme weather continues into 2024, with significant flooding in the Sahel and an unprecedented heat wave in West Africa earlier this year.

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China urges African countries to unite ‘Global South’

Africa /

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on African leaders to unite the “Global South” in advocating for international equity and justice amid major global changes. In meetings with African leaders attending the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, Xi stressed the importance of solidarity among developing nations. Xi highlighted new partnerships, including a “Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation Partnership” with South Africa and proposed three types of collaboration with Kenya: mutual trust, win-win cooperation, and strategic alignment on international and regional issues. With Comoros, Xi emphasized cooperation as a model of equality and solidarity, offering support to combat poverty and utilize the country’s geographical advantages. He also invited Seychelles to join the China-Indian Ocean Development Cooperation Forum and urged faster sustainable use of marine resources. Regarding Eritrea, Xi proposed enhanced cooperation in energy, infrastructure, and agriculture, noting shared views on international matters. In discussions with Guinea, Xi highlighted FOCAC’s role in boosting practical cooperation and supporting Guinea’s development. With Chad, Xi supported the country’s sovereignty and security, while Chad reaffirmed its adherence to the “One China” policy. In his meeting with Malawi, Xi discussed leveraging opportunities from China’s modernization and increasing cooperation in various fields. Xi reiterated Africa’s crucial role as a global power and China’s diplomatic focus, advocating for a multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization. The FOCAC’s ninth summit will take place in Beijing from September 4-6, with leaders from over 50 countries attending. Eswatini will not participate due to its diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

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Africa has almost 4,000 new mpox cases in a week

Africa /

Africa is experiencing a sharp rise in mpox cases, with nearly 4,000 reported in the past week, according to the continent’s public health body. Dr. Jean Kaseya, head of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), shared this update during an online briefing on Tuesday. In the past week, Africa reported 81 mpox-related deaths, bringing the totals to 22,863 cases and 622 deaths. Despite promises of 380,000 doses of mpox vaccines from Western partners like the European Union and the United States, this amounts to less than 15% of what is needed to control the outbreaks, particularly in Congo, the epicenter of the global health emergency. The first batch of promised vaccines for Congo, including 50,000 doses from the U.S. and 15,000 from the GAVI vaccines alliance, is now expected to arrive on September 1 after delays related to documentation and emergency authorization. Congo has also requested at least 2 million additional doses from Japan, with negotiations reportedly advanced. The new mpox variant, first identified in Congo, is causing significant community transmission elsewhere, including nearly 800 cases in neighboring Burundi over the last month. The U.S. has donated 10,000 doses of mpox vaccines to Nigeria, marking the first known donation to Africa since the current outbreaks began. Nigeria has recorded 40 mpox cases this year. The Africa CDC is developing a unified response plan for the outbreaks, which will be presented to African heads of state in September. Meanwhile, health measures and hygiene practices are being promoted across Africa to slow the virus’s spread, though enforcing these measures is challenging in Congo’s displaced camps amidst ongoing humanitarian crises.

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