Africa: All of Africa Today - August 11, 2026

Zambia's 13 August election will see a tight contest between the ruling United Party for National Development and the Tonse-Pamodzi opposition alliance, headed by Brian Mundubile. The opposition is facing pressure over alleged state interference, restrictions on opposition activity, and controversial legislative changes. Zambia's government has made progress on debt restructuring, economic growth and inflation, but high living costs remain a major concern for voters.

The Democratic Republic of Congo's Ebola outbreak has claimed over 1,900 lives, with a majority occurring in communities before patients receive treatment. The WHO warns that poor transport systems and healthcare services' concentration in Bunia exacerbate the situation. Nigeria has reported 1,000 confirmed cases of Lassa fever, with 237 deaths, concentrated in Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo and Benue states.

At least 53 healthcare workers have also contracted the virus. Malawi's Ministry of Lands will release findings from a pilot land ownership audit in Lilongwe, uncovering irregularities in plot allocations in affluent areas. The audit has raised concerns about politically exposed individuals linked to irregular land acquisitions.

The UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) is auctioning various assets as Washington prepares to end funding for the mission by the end of 2026. Climate change is altering malaria risk in Africa, with rising temperatures expanding transmission areas in southern Africa and high-elevation regions in East Africa. However, parts of West and Central Africa may become too hot for optimal malaria transmission.

The UN urges countries in emerging risk areas to bolster malaria prevention and surveillance while maintaining elimination efforts in high-burden regions.