Africa news today 2017

Here are some of the top news stories from Africa in 2017:

Politics

• January 2017: The African Union (AU) launches a new free trade area, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), aimed at increasing intra-African trade and economic integration.
• February 2017: The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) holds presidential elections, with Felix Tshisekedi declared the winner, sparking controversy and protests.
• March 2017: The African Union suspends the membership of the Gambia, following the country's decision to withdraw from the organization.
• June 2017: The African Union launches a new initiative to promote peace and security in the Sahel region, following a summit in Nouakchott, Mauritania.
• October 2017: The African Union holds a summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where leaders discuss issues such as migration, terrorism, and economic development.

Economy

• January 2017: The African Development Bank (AfDB) predicts that Africa's economy will grow by 3.4% in 2017, driven by increased investment and infrastructure development.
• February 2017: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicts that Africa's economy will grow by 3.1% in 2017, driven by increased oil production and improved agricultural output.
• March 2017: The African Union launches a new initiative to promote economic integration and cooperation among its member states.
• June 2017: The African Development Bank (AfDB) approves a $1.5 billion loan to support the development of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
• October 2017: The African Union holds a summit on economic development, where leaders discuss issues such as infrastructure development, trade, and investment.

Health

• January 2017: The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the number of new HIV infections in Africa has declined by 30% since 2000, thanks to increased access to antiretroviral therapy.
• February 2017: The African Union launches a new initiative to combat malaria, with a focus on increasing access to insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor residual spraying.
• March 2017: The WHO reports that the number of new Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo has declined significantly, thanks to increased surveillance and response efforts.
• June 2017: The African Union launches a new initiative to promote health and well-being in Africa, with a focus on increasing access to healthcare services and improving health outcomes.
• October 2017: The WHO reports that the number of new cases of cholera in Africa has declined significantly, thanks to increased access to clean water and sanitation.

Conflict and Security

• January 2017: The African Union launches a new initiative to promote peace and security in the Sahel region, following a summit in Nouakchott, Mauritania.
• February 2017: The United Nations reports that the number of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Africa has increased significantly, due to conflicts in countries such as South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Nigeria.
• March 2017: The African Union suspends the membership of the Gambia, following the country's decision to withdraw from the organization.
• June 2017: The African Union launches a new initiative to promote peace and security in the Horn of Africa, following a summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
• October 2017: The African Union holds a summit on peace and security, where leaders discuss issues such as terrorism, piracy, and human trafficking.

Environment

• January 2017: The African Union launches a new initiative to promote sustainable development and environmental protection in Africa, with a focus on increasing access to renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• February 2017: The United Nations reports that the number of people affected by drought in Africa has increased significantly, due to climate change and poor rainfall.
• March 2017: The African Union launches a new initiative to promote sustainable agriculture and food security in Africa, with a focus on increasing access to irrigation and improving agricultural productivity.
• June 2017: The African Union launches a new initiative to promote sustainable tourism and wildlife conservation in Africa, with a focus on increasing access to protected areas and promoting eco-tourism.
• October 2017: The African Union holds a summit on sustainable development, where leaders discuss issues such as climate change, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture.