Momentum Insights across Africa is Momentum Africa’s newsletter covering stories of interest in policy, governance and corporate spaces from across West Africa, East Africa and South Africa.
Here’s a round-up of the latest headlines from the countries and organisations we follow, curated from top media sources on August 13, 2025
- Sylvia Blyden Responds to Endorsement of Fatima-Blyden for First Female Presidential Ticket in 2028
- SLPP Promises to Prevent APC from Regaining Power, Declares State House Communication Director
- UDP Vows to Sue Seedy Njie Over Recent Allegations
- Ivory Coast: Thousands Protest Against Ouattara’s Fourth Term Bid
Insights Across West Africa
Sierra Leone 🇸🇱
Sylvia Blyden Responds to Endorsement of Fatima-Blyden for First Female Presidential Ticket in 2028 (Sierraloaded)
Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden has firmly rejected calls for a joint presidential ticket with First Lady Fatima Maada Bio in Sierra Leone’s 2028 elections, clarifying her loyalty to the APC and denying allegations of conspiring against or bullying Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh.
SLPP Promises to Prevent APC from Regaining Power, Declares State House Communication Director (Sierraloaded)
SLPP Communications Director MYK Berewa has vowed the party will work to prevent the APC from returning to power, saying it would risk undoing the progress made under President Julius Maada Bio’s administration.
Sierra Leone Enacts National Country Planning Act 2025, Repealing 1946 Law (Sierraloaded)
Sierra Leone’s Parliament has passed the National Country Planning Act 2025, replacing a 79-year-old law to modernise urban and rural development, promote climate resilience, and improve living standards nationwide.
Gambia 🇬🇲
UDP Vows to Sue Seedy Njie Over Recent Allegations (The Voice)
The United Democratic Party has rejected recent allegations from Deputy Speaker Seedy Njie linking it to tribalism and other misconduct, calling the claims baseless, accusing him of past anti-democratic actions, and warning the ruling party against electoral malpractice ahead of the 2026 elections.
Côte d’Ivoire 🇨🇮
Ivory Coast: Thousands Protest Against Ouattara’s Fourth Term Bid (Africa News)
Thousands of Ivorians protested in Abidjan against the barring of key opposition leaders, including Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam, from the October presidential election, while opposing President Alassane Ouattara’s contested bid for a fourth term.
Insights Across Central Africa
Gabon 🇬🇦
Oligui Nguema Places His Ministers Under Contract With the Nation (Infos Gabon)
Gabon’s President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema has opened the first government seminar of the Fifth Republic with a call for ministers to deliver on six national priorities, including basic services and economic diversification. He said the new governance approach will focus on discipline, transparency, and regular performance reviews.