Written exams for Burkina Faso's direct civil service competitive examinations were held from 15 to 22 July 2026 in 13 centres, and all 108 planned competitions were administered. Forty competitions have already published their eligibility results.
SOTRACO, Burkina Faso's public urban transport company, has seen its share capital rise from 800 million to 5 billion FCFA and received 530 new buses. Its network is extending to Banfora, Gaoua, Manga and Fada N'Gourma.
Zambian incumbent Hakainde Hichilema was re-elected in the first round with about 60% of the vote, ahead of Brian Mundubile (about 38%). Mundubile alleges irregularities in the vote count, without providing evidence.
The vernix caseosa, a white coating on some newborns, is neither sperm nor kaolin eaten during pregnancy. Produced by the fetus, it protects the skin and helps the baby's natural defences, according to gynaecologist Sibraogo Kiemtoré.
IAMGOLD Essakane SA, where women make up nearly 12% of the workforce, reaffirms its commitment to women's leadership. On 4 August 2026, its Gender Committee held a conference in Ouagadougou on the topic, bringing together the mine's female employees.
Mining revenues paid into the national budget rose by more than 202 billion FCFA between 2024 and 2025, reaching 838.106 billion FCFA. The increase is attributed to mining sector reforms, including a higher free state stake and royalty rates, as well as the gold price.
Welcomed in Yaoundé by Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute, the Indomitable Lionesses were congratulated by President Paul Biya after their 2026 Women's AFCON win against Malawi. The popular celebrations brought together the ruling party and the opposition, including the MRC.
The Senegalese Parliament has adopted a revision of Article 37 requiring the head of state to declare his assets upon taking and leaving office. A government amendment now extends this obligation to the Prime Minister and the National Assembly president, which the article describes as politicised.
During a visit to Libreville, President Félix Tshisekedi reaffirmed his will to hold an inclusive national dialogue in the DRC, without setting a date. The article notes that the participation of the M23 and the constitutional revision project complicate the process, amid opposition from the C64.
The Burkinabè delegation won a Level Two Award (equivalent to a silver medal, GAITE category) at the 2026 International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence (IOAI), held in Astana, Kazakhstan, from 2 to 8 August.
Chérif Kounta, a 14-year-old founder of Alpha IA, has designed "FasoNova", a Burkinabè artificial intelligence. The provided text is incomplete, and the title does not match the content.
Incumbent Hakainde Hichilema leads Zambia's presidential election with 58.87% of votes from 135 of 226 constituencies counted. Opponent Brian Mundubile claims victory, while a suspension of the count has raised concern.
The national competitions steering commission reports on the 2026 civil service direct recruitment written exams: 108 competitions administered, a few incidents (attempts to take exam papers out, phones, head coverings), and progress on marking and eligibility lists.
Cameroon won the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations by beating Malawi 3-0 in the final, a first for the Lionnes. They were welcomed as heroes on their return to Yaoundé and paraded through the city to cheering crowds.
Security Minister Mahamadou Sana laid the foundation stone for the rehabilitation of the Bangr-Weogo urban park in Ouagadougou. The project costs 75 billion FCFA overall, with a first phase of 5 billion FCFA, and the first infrastructure is due by December 2026.
Communication Minister Gilbert Ouédraogo visited the 2026 baccalaureate graduates called to the mandatory patriotic immersion in Tenkodogo on 15 August 2026. He urged them to behave responsibly, cultivate integrity and use social media responsibly.
Morocco has promulgated Law No. 19.25 on stray animals, which took effect on 14 August. It sets up the management of stray dogs and cats, shelter centres and a national database, amid criticism linked to the 2030 World Cup.
The Mobile Economic Control and Fraud Repression Brigade (BMCRF) carried out inspections of basic consumer goods (rice, oil, sugar, soap) in several neighbourhoods of the capital. Several shops and stores caught in violation were closed and sealed for speculation, illegal pricing, selling expired…
President Ibrahim Traoré received the Étalons U20, UFOA-B champions, and announced plans to change how national teams are supported. He congratulated the coach and urged the team to aim for the 2027 U20 AFCON in Ghana.
A workshop is being held in Kaya from 17 to 22 August 2026 to define the teaching framework for the planned specialised vocational high schools of the IPEQ. Four schools are planned in Bagré, Samandéni, Kaya and Gomponsoum.
