The Latest Breaking News from Africa

The world is drowning in discarded electronics – from broken phones and laptops to old refrigerators and medical equipment – and only a tiny fraction is being recycled. Now, as electronic waste surges to record levels, more than 180 countries have gathered in Geneva to confront the growing crisis.

The conclave to elect the new pope begins on 7 May, and while there are no official candidates for the post, these are the cardinals considered to be leading the race.

A recent Afrobarometer study has shown declining trust in public institutions over the past decade among African citizens. Study findings call into question the credibility and legitimacy of state institutions like the presidency, parliament and security forces, including the police. The study also shows that many Africans still believe in…

Yemeni group vows to continue attacks at sea after latest strike, which raises fresh questions about US military operations in region

A team of scientists who study vertebrate fossil tracks and traces on South Africa’s southern Cape coast have identified the world’s first fossil pangolin trackway, with the help of Indigenous Master Trackers from Namibia. Ichnologists Charles Helm, Clive Thompson and Jan De Vynck tell the story.

Workers at contractor in Accra say they have suffered from depression and anxiety as a result of their work

Millions of people around the world live with rare diseases, most of them caused by a misstep in their genes

As world leaders gather in Rome for Pope Francis’s funeral on Saturday, many Catholics are wondering if the church could soon elect its first black pope. With Africa home to one in five Catholics, the idea of a pope from the continent is gaining ground.

In 25 years, investment in the fight against malaria has prevented two billion infections and 13 million deaths, most of them in Africa, which carries nearly all of the burden of the disease. But as cases rise for a fifth year in a row and US funding is cut, experts…