Racism: What’s Happening Across Africa Right Now

Racism shows up in sport, politics, and everyday life across the continent. On Eco News Africa we collect the most talked‑about stories so you can see what’s really going on, not just the headlines. Below you’ll find quick takes on recent incidents, community projects, and what leaders are saying.

Sports Arenas and Anti‑Racism Measures

Football clubs are feeling the heat. In a recent Libertadores match, Bahia beat The Strongest 3‑0, but the game also sparked talk about CONMEBOL’s anti‑racism campaign. Fans and players demanded stricter penalties for racist chants, and the governing body promised tougher rules for the next season. It’s a reminder that even high‑profile games can become a platform for change.

Another case came from the Club World Cup where Al Ahly’s goalkeeper held off Messi’s Inter Miami. While the match ended in a draw, the tournament’s organizers highlighted their commitment to zero tolerance for racism, installing new monitoring tools in stadiums. These steps show a growing awareness, but many fans still call for faster action.

Community Actions and Policy Pushes

Grassroots groups are tackling racism where it hits hardest. In Rancho Mirage, the Sunnylands Center hosted an Earth Day Family Day that included workshops on how environmental injustice often falls on marginalized communities. The event linked climate talks with racial equity, showing the two issues aren’t separate.

In South Africa, the Social Assistance Service (SASSA) announced a deadline for grant recipients to disclose extra income. While the policy is about fraud, critics argue it can disproportionately affect black households who rely on informal work. Activists are urging the government to consider the racial impact before tightening the rules.

Meanwhile, the UK is tightening its skilled‑worker visa requirements, raising the skill level to graduate‑level. Immigrants from African nations worry the change could limit opportunities for qualified professionals, feeding into a broader conversation about systemic bias in immigration policy.

Each of these stories points to a larger pattern: racism isn’t a single event but a web of attitudes, policies, and practices that touch every sector. By staying informed, you can spot the patterns and support the actions that matter.

If you want to keep up with the latest anti‑racism developments, follow our tag page. We update it with new articles, interviews, and opinion pieces as they drop. Whether you’re a student, activist, or just curious, there’s something here to help you understand the fight against racism in Africa today.

Got a story you think should be featured? Reach out to our editors. Real change starts when we share what we see, talk about it, and hold those in power accountable.

Referees' Controversial Decisions and Racism in Serie A: A Cloud Over Italian Football

The scrutiny of Serie A referees for their inconsistent decisions and inadequate handling of racism raises serious concerns about the integrity of Italian football. Mario Balotelli's 2019 racist abuse by Hellas Verona fans is a case in point, with critics slamming the lenient €50,000 fine levied against the club by the FIGC. Calls are intensifying for stricter measures against racism and greater support for referees in confronting this deep-rooted issue.