Here are the top stories from Africa: Gunna is set to perform in Nigeria before heading to South Africa for his show, while Bushiri has claimed his crowd at FNB Stadium was bigger than Chris Brown’s.
In Nigeria, President Tinubu presented a 47.9 trillion naira ($30 billion) budget for 2025 and has arrived in Lagos for the Christmas and New Year holidays. Ademola Lookman was crowned the 2024 CAF Player of the Year, celebrating his remarkable achievements in football.
Meanwhile, over 126 shops were destroyed in fire incidents across Niger markets, causing significant losses. In regional news, South Africa and Mozambique have agreed to strengthen border security measures to address ongoing challenges and improve trade flow.
GUNNA TO PERFORM IN NIGERIA, AHEAD OF HIS SA SHOW
Gunna is set to perform in Nigeria for the first time this week as part of Coca-Cola’s ‘Rhythm Unplugged’ at the highly anticipated Flytime Fest happening this weekend.
He will perform on Sunday, 22 December 2024, at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos, Nigeria.
Gunna will be joined by some of Africa’s biggest stars, including BNXN fka Buju, Fireboy, Olamide, Davido, and Ayra Starr.
The event marks the start of Flytime Fest’s four-day lineup, featuring Olamide on December 23, Davido on December 24, and Ayra Starr on December 25.
ALSO READ: Gunna to headline Heineken® House in Joburg
BUSHIRI: MY CROWD AT FNB STADIUM WAS BIGGER THAN CHRIS BROWN’S
Prophet Shepherd Bushiri has criticized South African media for their coverage of Chris Brown’s recent concert at FNB Stadium. In a social media post, Bushiri compared the concert’s reported 94,000 attendees to his own Crossover Night prayers, which he claims drew 110,000 people multiple times.
“So Chris Brown’s concert at FNB Stadium drew a crowd of 94,000 and the South African weirdo media is going crazy crowning him; ‘the biggest crowd puller’. What a shame. Hate is really an animal. They are trying to pay a blind eye on my meetings in the same stadium where we recorded an all-time high in numbers with 110,000 people attending my Crossover Night prayers for four consecutive times”.
Bushiri accused the media of ignoring his achievements while exaggerating Chris Brown’s success. “Despite the FNB Management posting it on public display, no South African media wrote about it, till date,” he stated.
He further accused the media of unfair bias, saying they dismiss his gatherings as “brainwashing” while celebrating concerts as entertainment. “The South African media is trying to enthrone Chris Brown and de-throne the Gospel… Soon South Africans will wake up to the real agenda happening in their land,” Bushiri added.
PRESIDENT TINUBU’S 47.9 TRILLION NAIRA ($30 BILLION) BUDGET FOR 2025
President Bola Tinubu presented the 2025 Budget of N47.9 trillion to the National Assembly, describing it as the “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity.”
The budget focuses on addressing economic growth, poverty reduction, human capital development, and national security. Tinubu emphasized that the budget aims to strengthen the economy, improve trade and investments, and boost vital sectors like oil, gas, manufacturing, and infrastructure.
Key Highlights of the 2025 Budget
- Revenue and Spending
- Projected revenue: N34.82 trillion
- Total government expenditure: N47.9 trillion
- Debt servicing: N15.81 trillion
- Budget deficit: N13.08 trillion (3.89% of GDP)
- Economic Targets
- Inflation to decline from 34.6% to 15%
- Exchange rate to improve to 1,500 Naira per USD
- Crude oil production target: 2.06 million barrels per day
- Sectoral Budget Priorities
- Defence & Security: N4.91 trillion to secure the country and equip security forces.
- Infrastructure: N4.06 trillion for major projects like:
- Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway
- Sokoto-Badagry Highway
- Health Sector:
- N402 billion for infrastructure investments
- N282.65 billion for the Basic Healthcare Fund
- Focus on revitalizing hospitals, improving resources, and reducing medical imports.
- Education:
- N826.9 billion allocated for infrastructure, including Universal Basic Education (UBEC) and 9 new higher institutions.
- N34 billion disbursed through Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to over 300,000 students.
- Agriculture & Food Security
- Funding and resources provided to farmers to boost productivity and ensure food security across the nation.
- Security and Peace
- Increased funding for military, paramilitary, and police forces.
- Continued provision of modern tools and technology to secure national borders and communities.
- Commitment to defeating insurgency, banditry, and other security threats.
ADEMOLA LOOKMAN NAMED 2024 CAF PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Ademola Lookman, Nigeria’s Italian-based striker, has been named the 2024 CAF Player of the Year, marking back-to-back wins for Nigeria after Victor Osimhen took the title in 2023.
Lookman’s standout performances for the Super Eagles, particularly during the last African Cup of Nations, along with his excellent form for Atalanta in Italy’s Serie A, secured him this prestigious recognition.
Lookman, known for his versatility and sharp goal-scoring abilities, played a crucial role in lifting his teams’ competitive edge, earning praise from analysts and fans alike. His success highlights the resurgence of Nigerian football on the continental stage.
Meanwhile, Zambia’s Barbra Banda claimed the women’s Player of the Year Award at the ceremony held in Marrakesh, Morocco. Banda’s remarkable achievements and consistency have made her a key figure in Zambian women’s football, inspiring a new generation of athletes in her country.
PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU ARRIVES IN LAGOS FOR CHRISTMAS, NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu arrived in Lagos on Wednesday (18 December) after departing Abuja to observe the Christmas and New Year holidays.
His flight touched down at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport at 3:25 pm, where he was greeted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat.
Earlier, Tinubu had submitted the N47.96 trillion 2025 budget to the National Assembly during a joint session.
OVER 126 SHOPS DESTROYED IN NIGER MARKETS
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has reported that two fire incidents on December 15th and 16th destroyed not less than 126 shops at the Panteka Gwari Market and the Tunga Business Area in Chanchaga Local Government, Niger State.
The agency shared this in a post-disaster assessment update on Wednesday, detailing the extent of the damage.
According to NEMA, the fires caused losses worth millions of naira, affecting items such as “furniture materials, aluminium windows, generators, shoes, iron scraps, and more.”
The destruction has had a significant impact on businesses in the area.
While assessing the aftermath, the agency confirmed that “no casualties were reported,” despite the scale of the damage. This comes as a relief, considering how devastating such occurrences can be for local traders and residents.
The agency reiterated its commitment to providing support where necessary and encouraged affected traders to remain hopeful as recovery efforts are considered.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO LAUNCH CONTACTLESS PASSPORT RENEWAL IN FOUR STATES
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, revealed that the federal government will introduce the contactless passport renewal system in four states starting January next year.
He clarified on Arise TV that the earlier December timeline could not be achieved.
The pilot phase of the contactless passport renewal will take place in Lagos, Abuja, Rivers, and Kano.
Internationally, the service will also be launched in the U.S., UK, Italy, and France in January, following its successful introduction in Canada.
The Minister emphasized the importance of a step-by-step rollout to avoid disruptions. “In my experience, you don’t launch a project of that magnitude all over at the same time. There will be what we call the system shock, and once there’s a system shock, it erodes the benefit that you aim to derive.”
He noted that the phased approach began with Canada, where contactless passports are already being produced. “By January, we’re taking it to four countries, which include the UK, United States, Italy, and France. And of course, in Nigeria, we’re opening it up in Lagos, Abuja, Rivers, and Kano,” Tunji-Ojo explained.
SOUTH AFRICA, MOZAMBIQUE TO STRENGTHEN BORDER SECURITY
South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, met with Mozambique’s Minister of Interior, Pascoal Ronda, in Malelane, Mpumalanga, on Wednesday to address the ongoing disruptions caused by Mozambique’s post-election turmoil.
Since the disputed October 9 general election, Mozambique has faced widespread violence, disrupting economic activities and the movement of goods and people. The meeting focused on easing disruptions at key border posts, particularly the Lebombo and Ressano Garcia ports of entry, which are vital for trade and regional integration.
A joint statement released after talks said the “disruptions have had a significant negative impact on the economies of both countries and the free movement of people and goods between our two countries”.
“Many companies have suffered losses as a result of the disruption in trade. Should the situation persist, there is great danger of food and energy insecurity.”
“There are protection and security measures that will be implemented by the defence and security forces, including escorts if necessary,” Minister of Interior Pascoal Ronda told reporters.
The Ministers agreed to strengthen communication channels and increase collaboration to limit disruptions to trade and supply chains. They also identified alternative routes and committed to deploying additional resources to expedite trade and reduce the impact of border delays on operations.
Both countries emphasized the need to secure trade infrastructure and ensure the smooth flow of goods and people across borders. The disruptions, they noted, have severely affected businesses, with some companies incurring significant losses. Prolonged challenges could escalate food and energy insecurity in the region.
Lamola’s department praised the work of senior officials and agencies from both sides in mitigating the negative effects so far. Despite the challenges, the Border Management Authority confirmed on Monday that operations at the Lebombo port of entry are currently running smoothly, even as holiday travel increases.
NAFDAC DECLARES ABA MARKET A HUB FOR FAKE DRINKS
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has declared Eziukwu Market, also known as Cemetery Market in Aba, Abia State, as a center for producing and distributing fake drinks and beverages.
During a raid on Tuesday, December 17, NAFDAC’s South-East Director, Martins Iluyomade, condemned the illegal operations, calling them “weapons of mass destruction.” He expressed frustration over the market’s continued activities despite a major crackdown in December 2023.
It is baffling that individuals remain recalcitrant and determined to make money at the expense of the lives of their fellow citizens,” Iluyomade stated.
He added that market leaders, who previously signed an undertaking with NAFDAC to identify and expose perpetrators, “now have serious questions to answer.”
The raid exposed a wide range of fake and adulterated products, including wines, whiskey, yogurt, carbonated drinks, dry gin, chips, and other beverages. These items were either produced in filthy conditions or re-labeled with new dates after expiration.
Martins Iluyomade expressed concern over the number of expired products being re-validated and urged consumers to stay alert. “Consumers must remain cautious to avoid endangering their health,” he warned.
DANGOTE REFINERY CUTS PETROL PRICE TO N899.50
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced another price cut for Premium Motor Spirit, bringing it down to N899.50 per litre. This follows an earlier reduction to N970 per litre on November 24, as part of efforts to ease the economic burden on Nigerians as the holiday season draws near.
The price adjustment is designed to reduce transportation costs at a time when travel expenses traditionally rise. For millions of Nigerians, the holiday period often comes with increased financial pressures, making this move particularly timely and beneficial.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Dangote Group’s Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, highlighted the company’s dedication to supporting Nigerians through impactful initiatives that address everyday economic challenges.
BOTSWANA PRESIDENT DUMA BOKO DISMISSES CLAIMS OF RECEIVING ANKOLE CATTLE FROM PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA
President Duma Boko of Botswana has firmly rejected claims that Zimbabwe’s President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, gifted him 10 cattle of the elite Ankole breed.
The big-horned cattle breed, now popular among African leaders, is owned by Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa at his Phala Phala Farm, and Zimbabwe’s Mnangagwa at his Precabe Farm in Kwekwe.
Botswana’s Tuesday Grill reported that Boko accepted the herd “out of courtesy, despite historical disagreements with Mnangagwa on issues like human rights” and has not taken the cattle to Botswana yet.
A statement from Emang Mutapati, the President’s Press Secretary, labeled the allegations as “baseless and unfounded.”
The statement reads: “The Office of the President categorically refutes false allegations that President Duma Boko has received any breed of cows or similar gifts from His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa of the Republic of Zimbabwe.”
The office of President Duma Boko described the allegations as intentional propaganda designed to harm Botswana-Zimbabwe relations and misinform the public. It further stressed that President Boko has no involvement in farming or cattle-related activities.
Zimbabwe’s government addressed the matter through its Permanent Secretary of Information, Nick Mangwana, who wrote on social media:
“President Mnangagwa did not give President @duma_boko Ankole cattle.”
CYCLONE CHIDO KILLS 45 IN MOZAMBIQUE, HUNDREDS INJURED

At least 34 people were killed and 43 injured after Cyclone Chido struck three northern provinces of Mozambique on Sunday (14 Dec.) and Monday (15 Dec.), with officials warning the toll could rise as rescue efforts continue.
In addition, the heavy winds and rainfall from Cyclone Chido have left over 35,000 homes damaged or destroyed.
Following a visit to the affected areas late Monday, Luisa Meque, chair of Mozambique’s National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction, reported that approximately 2.5 million people have been impacted by the cyclone.
Several districts in Cabo Delgado province, including the capital Pemba, suffered severe damage from the cyclone. It made landfall on Sunday (15 Dec.) in Mecufi district, where destruction was almost complete, with all homes damaged and very few buildings left standing.
ETHIOPIA OPENS DOORS TO FOREIGN BANKS
Ethiopian lawmakers have approved a new law allowing foreign banks to operate in the country, a major step in the government’s effort to boost foreign investment.
With over 120 million people, Ethiopia is Africa’s second most populous nation and has one of the largest economies in sub-Saharan Africa. Since taking office in 2018, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has pushed for economic reforms to open up the tightly regulated market.
The law, passed on Tuesday, permits foreign banks to set up branches, subsidiaries, or representative offices and allows them to acquire shares in local banks. However, foreign investors are limited to owning a maximum of 40% in any Ethiopian bank. Currently, the state-owned Commercial Bank of Ethiopia dominates the banking sector.
MNANGAGWA PRAISES HIS GOVERNMENT ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2024
During the closing Cabinet meeting for 2024 at State House, President Emmerson Mnangagwa commended the government for its progress throughout the year, acknowledging its ability to navigate various challenges.
He highlighted the success of the 2024 Cabinet Calendar, noting that the year’s meetings were characterized by open and impactful discussions. The President applauded the outcomes of these deliberations, which contributed to national growth and policy direction.
On a critical note, President Mnangagwa expressed disapproval of junior officials standing in for absent Ministers at essential meetings. He directed that, moving forward, only Directors and senior officials would be allowed to attend Working Party Meetings to ensure better decision-making processes.
President Mnangagwa stated that Deputy Ministers will be required to sign Performance Contracts and receive detailed briefings to enhance their roles.
He commended the Cabinet for hosting the SADC Summits, which showcased government unity. The President also pledged continued support for vulnerable citizens through the Food Deficit Mitigation Programme, ensuring food distribution remains free of extra charges.
President Mnangagwa highlighted the success of economic measures in driving growth and stability. He commended green energy projects as key to solving energy supply issues.
He acknowledged progress in housing delivery and encouraged continued investment. He also called for speeding up digital government services and improving communication strategies to ensure effective information delivery.
DR CONGO FILES LAWSUIT AGAINST APPLE OVER USE OF CONFLICT MINERALS
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has taken legal action in France and Belgium against Apple subsidiaries, alleging the use of conflict minerals.
According to lawyers representing the government, Apple benefits from minerals looted in the DRC, which are funneled through global supply chains. They argue this implicates the company in crimes carried out by armed groups controlling mines in eastern Congo.
Congo is a key supplier of tin, tantalum, and tungsten—known as 3T minerals—used in electronics like computers and smartphones. However, UN experts and human rights groups report that some artisanal mines are controlled by armed groups responsible for massacres, mass rapes, and looting.
Apple, while not sourcing minerals directly, states that it audits suppliers, publishes reports, and supports initiatives to improve mineral traceability.
“These activities have fuelled a cycle of violence and conflict by financing militias and terrorist groups and have contributed to forced child labour and environmental devastation,” read the joint statement by three law firms in the US, France and Belgium.
After the cases were filed on Tuesday, Apple said it “strongly disputes” the allegations.
“As conflict in the region escalated earlier this year we notified our suppliers that their smelters and refiners must suspend sourcing tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold from the DRC and Rwanda,” Apple said in a statement, referring to fighting in eastern DRC.
“We recognise the situation in the region is very challenging and we have increased our support to organizations that do vital work helping communities,” it added.
Lawyers representing Congo allege that Apple relies on minerals stolen from the country and funneled through global networks, which they say makes the company indirectly involved in crimes happening in Congo.
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