Africa is on track to be declared polio-free
It has been three years since the continent’s last reported case of the virus.
Sub-Saharan Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa spans dozens of countries south of the Sahara, each with distinct challenges and achievements. This archive collects milestones in health, education, conservation, and economic opportunity from across the region — reported with context and care.
Scientists in South Africa discover a cure for the deadliest strain of tuberculosis
The new drug regimen tested has shown a 90% success rate against a deadly plague, extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis.
Supreme Court of Malawi bans thin plastic production
The court’s decision makes production of thin plastics under 60 microns in thickness illegal with immediate effect.
Kenya passes law requiring free sanitary towels for schoolgirls
Schoolgirls who have reached puberty will now receive free sanitary towels from the government, a new law aimed at minimizing absenteeism and putting them at par with their male counterparts says.
Kenya launches largest wind power plant in Africa
The farm, known as the Lake Turkana Wind Power (LTWP) will generate around 310 megawatts of power to the national grid and will increase the country’s electricity supply by 13%.
Ethiopia begins planting 4 billion trees to fight deforestation
Hundreds of thousands of volunteers are needed for the planting and bedding in of the four billion saplings.
Endangered rhino numbers ‘soar by 1,000%’ in Tanzania after crackdown on poaching gangs
The number of endangered rhinos in Tanzania has risen from just 15 to over 150 after a government crackdown on industrial-scale poaching, officials claim.
Judges in Botswana unanimously rule to decriminalize homosexuality
In the landmark ruling, the southern African nation’s High Court rejected sections of the penal code that criminalize same-sex relations and impose up to seven years in prison.
Democratic Republic of Congo completes its first peaceful transfer of power
Felix Tshisekedi has been sworn in as the president of the DRC, in the vast central African country’s first transfer of power through an election in 59 years of independence.
Tanzania bans the use of plastic bags
In a historic conservation move the government of the United Republic of Tanzania has announced the ban on plastic bag use beginning June 1, 2019.