AU - Africanews

1. Iran, US prepare for talks in Oman

   Iran and the United States were preparing for talks on Friday in Oman, with Washington looking to see if there was any prospect of diplomatic progress on the Iranian nuclear programme and other issues while refusing to rule out military action

2. Egypt's inflation expected to slow in January as food prices fall

   Annual inflation has fallen from from a record high of 38% in September 2023, thanks in part to an $8 billion financial support package signed with the IMF in March 2024

3. Remaining 89 kidnapped Nigerian Christians return home

   They were among nearly 200 worshippers abducted by criminal gangs from three churches in the north of the country in mid-January.

4. Activists announce a new aid flotilla for Gaza of over 100 boats

   Campaigners described the upcoming mission as the biggest civilian-led mobilisation against Israel's actions in the Palestinian enclave.

5. African students win global prize for AI education system without internet

   In some parts of the world, access to education remains difficult due to a lack of Internet connection or even smartphones. To tackle this challenge, students Happy Niyorurema and Mame Niang from Texas Christian University have developed a solution that delivers educational content over the phone.