Features

KINSHASA (Capital Markets in Africa) – Former Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabilastrengthened his grip on the nation’s parliament after the Constitutional Court disqualified more than 20 opposition lawmakers. Former opposition leader Felix Tshisekedi succeeded Kabila in January, following disputed elections in which Kabila’s supporters secured majorities in both chambers of parliament and in provincial assemblies. Second-placed Martin Fayulu claims he obtained the most votes and that Kabila did a secret deal with Tshisekedi to deprive him of victory…

LAGOS (Capital Markets in Africa) – Streaming will help Nigeria’s film industry, Africa’s most vibrant, reach a much wider audience. In December 2018, EbonyLife Films, a studio in Lagos, Nigeria, premiered Chief Daddy, a feature-length drama about an eccentric billionaire who dies suddenly, touching off a madcap scramble among his relatives over his estate. The movie was an immediate hit with audiences in Nigeria. By the end of the month it had emerged as the country’s…

GABORONE (Capital Markets in Africa) – Botswana, which has the world’s biggest population of elephants, lifted its suspension on hunting, a move that is likely to spark further debate on a politically charged issue in the southern African nation. The government would ensure that “reinstatement of hunting is done in an orderly and ethical manner” and in accordance with the law and regulations, the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism said in emailed statement Wednesday….

LONDON (Capital Markets in Africa) – The British prime minister’s alienation of her party, parliament and European leaders put her on the wrong road to Brexit deliverance Theresa May was dealt a poor hand when she became prime minister, and proceeded to play it very badly. Perhaps no leader in 2016 could have satisfied British expectations of Brexit. Advocates of leaving the European Union had made many promises about the benefits, and been deliberately vague on the details. But…