South Africa, South Sudan
ACCORD, Pretoria's mediator of choice

Eswatini
African trio pips Portugal's Conduril to water contract

On 31 July, a consortium consisting of an Eswatinian company and two Malawian firms will launch a drinking water and sanitation project in Manzini in the centre-west, one of the four regions of Eswatini.

South Africa
Zane Dangor makes his influence felt at foreign ministry

The director-general of South Africa's foreign ministry is pleading for Pretoria to distance itself from Moscow. His influence is an irritation for some in the ruling ANC, which is keen to maintain good relations with Russia.

The New Guard
Guinea, Ethiopia, Togo, South Africa

Every Wednesday, Africa Intelligence spotlights the next generation of movers and shakers in business and politics.

Guinea Louis Camara, a miner taking on the oil sector

Ethiopia Brook Taye, Addis's economic eminence grise

Togo Karl Lawson, cyber events guru

South Africa Philani Mthembu, batting for BRICS

South Africa
Pretoria's international cooperation fund struggles to make its mark

The government's African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund was intended as an instrument of soft power across the continent, but its track record is rather underwhelming.

South Africa
Ramaphosa's international relations expert, Ramokgopa, sees her star continue to rise

The president's international relations adviser Maropene Ramokgopa is preparing for the diplomatic marathon that will take Cyril Ramaphosa to Nairobi and London. She is also playing a key role in the run-up to the ANC congress in December.

South Africa
Pretoria's vested interest in keeping Russia close

Pro-Moscow ministers are stepping up efforts to boost relations between both countries. They are succeeding in shifting the neutral stance advocated by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

South Africa
Pretoria quietly drops threats to withdraw from International Criminal Court

In July, the ANC is intending to formally confirm its change of stance towards the court based in The Hague. However, it is still not moving against suspected perpetrators of human rights abuses who are present on South African soil.

Morocco, South Africa
Ramaphosa appoints senior diplomat to fill year-long embassy vacancy in Rabat

Disputed Western Sahara's status remains an obstacle to normalisation between South Africa and Morocco.