African news roundup for 1 November 2026

Here are today's top African news stories, selected from the press. Each headline links to the full article on the publisher's website.

"Incredible, brilliant, magical", the YOG opening ceremony made a lasting impression — The YOG opening ceremony at the Abdoulaye Wade stadium, blending Senegalese and African cultures with Olympic symbols, thrilled spectators, athletes, and volunteers alike, all unanimous in describing it as "... (RFI)

YOG Dakar 2026: the pride of an Africa making Olympic history — For the first time, the African continent is hosting an Olympic event. The opening ceremony of the Youth Olympic Games took place on Saturday, 31 October at the Abdoulaye Wade stadium in Diamniadio. Until 13... (France 24)

YOG Dakar 2026: meeting the French flag-bearers — 🇫🇷 Two young talents, one shared pride in representing France! Just before the opening ceremony of the Youth Olympic Games, France 24 went to meet Elsa Lepinay and Raphaël de Boussac... (France 24)

Kickoff for YOG Dakar 2026 — Kickoff this Saturday for the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Dakar, Senegal. It is the first time an Olympic event is being held on African soil. In Dakar, this dream is becoming a reality for an entire... (France 24)

Mauritania: student strike ends following agreement with the government — An agreement was reached this Friday, 30 October between the Ministry of Higher Education and the four student unions, putting an end to several weeks of strikes and class disruptions. (RFI)

Algeria: inauguration of Africa's second-largest solar farm — The El Foulia complex, located in southeastern Algeria, has been commissioned this week to address the region's energy challenges while diversifying national electricity production. This... (RFI)

YOG Dakar 2026: What Senegalese people think and expect from the Games — Just hours before the opening of the Youth Olympic Games, Senegalese citizens interviewed by BBC News Afrique share their expectations, hopes, and what they would like to see change after the YOG... (BBC Afrique)

Healthcare, China's other soft power in Africa — The hospital ship Ji Xiang Fang Zhou is sailing along the West African coast to offer free medical care. This initiative illustrates the vast "Health Silk Road" shaped by Beijing for over sixty... (Jeune Afrique)