SOUTH AFRICA | IN THE NEWS TODAY

Rand Weakens During Afternoon Trade on Profit-Taking
The South African rand eased during the trading day as investors locked in gains following a gold-driven rally earlier in the week. The move reflects broader global market volatility rather than a sudden domestic shift, with currency performance still closely tied to commodities and external risk sentiment.
Source: Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/south-african-rand-eases-profit-taking-after-gold-led-gains-2026-01-13

AGOA Extended by US House, but South Africa’s Status Remains Uncertain
The US House of Representatives approved a three-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act during the day. However, South Africa’s continued eligibility remains unresolved amid strained bilateral relations, introducing uncertainty for exporters dependent on US trade preferences.
Source: Africanews
https://www.africanews.com/2026/01/13/us-house-passes-3-year-agoa-extension-but-south-africas-inclusion-is-unclear

Political Calls Intensify for Disaster Declaration Over Foot-and-Mouth Disease
As the outbreak deepened during the day, Freedom Front Plus urged government to declare a state of disaster. The spread poses serious risks to the livestock sector, rural employment, and export markets, with containment measures under increasing scrutiny.
Source: IOL
https://iol.co.za/business/2026-01-13-south-africa-urged-to-declare-state-of-disaster-over-foot-and-mouth-disease-outbreak

Wildfires Continue to Threaten Wildlife Across the Western Cape
Fires reported throughout the day continued to endanger wildlife and conservation areas in the Western Cape. Authorities warned that dry conditions and shifting winds could prolong fire activity, compounding ecological and resource pressures.
Source: Xinhua
https://english.news.cn/africa/20260113/d62c1cf49be14e7f907dd7489c95be46/c.html

Ramaphosa Highlights Growth and Climate Alignment During UAE Visit
During engagements reported today, President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasised that economic growth ambitions and climate action can advance together, positioning South Africa as a destination for sustainable investment and green partnerships.
Source: SAnews.gov.za
https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/president-uae-visit-economic-growth-ambitions-and-climate-action-are-mutually

Western Cape Reports Reduction in Road Fatalities This Week
The provincial mobility department announced today that weekly road fatalities have declined at the start of the year. Officials attributed the improvement to enforcement and compliance but cautioned that the trend remains fragile.
Source: gov.za
https://www.gov.za/news/media-statements/western-cape-mobility-records-reduction-weekly-road-fatalities-13-jan-2026

Escaped Rhino Safely Returned to Kruger National Park
Wildlife authorities confirmed today that a rhino that had wandered beyond park boundaries was successfully relocated back into Kruger National Park, underscoring effective coordination between conservation teams.
Source: Good Things Guy
https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/runaway-rhino-kruger-national-park

AFRICA | IN THE NEWS TODAY

China Signals Readiness to Deepen Strategic Cooperation With Africa
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated today that Beijing is prepared to expand strategic cooperation with African nations, reinforcing long-term diplomatic, trade, and development engagement across the continent.
Source: Prensa Latina
https://www.plenglish.com/news/2026/01/13/wang-china-ready-to-expand-strategic-cooperation-with-africa

Regional Political Developments Across East and Southern Africa
Updates reported today included Uganda’s evolving election landscape, former Malawian president Peter Mutharika marking 100 days since his political return, and Somalia announcing the severing of diplomatic ties with the UAE.
Source: DW AfricaLink
https://www.dw.com/en/africalink-news-january-13/av-75494412

Ethical and Localised AI Governance Gains Attention

Discussions published today emphasised the importance of African-specific ethical AI frameworks that address inequality, governance capacity, and data sovereignty rather than importing global standards wholesale.
Source: JD Supra
https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/ai-today-in-5-january-13-2026-the-eth-88341

WORLD | IN THE NEWS TODAY

Iran Protests Escalate as Trump Signals Support
Throughout the day, President Donald Trump urged Iranian protesters to continue demonstrations, warning of tariffs against nations trading with Iran. Iranian officials cautioned that foreign involvement could worsen unrest.
Sources: Al Jazeera, Reuters
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2026/1/13/iran-protests-live-tehran-says-its-prepared-for-any-move-by-trump
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/iranian-mp-warns-greater-unrest-urging-government-address-grievances-2026-01-13

Russia Condemns US Rhetoric on Iran
Russia’s foreign ministry warned today against US interference in Iran’s internal affairs, framing Washington’s statements as destabilising to regional security.
Source: Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/world/russia-slams-us-strike-threats-warns-against-interference-iran-2026-01-13

Global Central Bankers Defend Fed Chair Powell
Central bank officials rallied behind Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell today after renewed political threats from Trump, with markets responding to concerns over monetary policy independence.
Source: Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/global-central-bankers-defend-feds-powell-after-trump-threat-2026-01-13

World Bank Forecasts Resilient Global Growth for 2026
The World Bank reported today that global economic growth is expected to improve in 2026 despite tariff pressures, citing easing inflation and stabilising demand conditions.
Source: Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/world-bank-sees-resilient-global-growth-2026-despite-tariffs-fading-dynamism-2026-01-13

Greenland Signals Preference to Remain Aligned With Denmark
Greenland’s prime minister stated today that the territory prefers continued ties with Denmark ahead of discussions with US officials, pushing back on renewed American interest.
Source: Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/denmark-greenland-foreign-ministers-meet-vance-rubio-wednesday-amid-trumps-2026-01-13

Drone Attacks Disrupt Black Sea Oil Transport Routes
Two oil tankers servicing a key Kazakh export terminal were reported today to have been struck by drones, raising concerns over energy security and regional transport stability.
Source: Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/two-oil-tankers-roads-cpc-terminal-hit-by-drones-tuesday-sources-say-2026-01-13

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