The most important in this week’s headlines out of and concerning Africa, for those who need help catching up.

In this week’s news, Netflix expands to Africa,  the IMF addresses falling oil prices and economic hardships in Nigeria and Cameroon, and Egypt’s new parliament gets to work.

[/media-credit] Video streaming service Netflix is now available in all 54 African countries.

1. Netflix Officially Launches in Africa

Netflix announced this week that it is now available in 130 additional countries, including all African countries.

Many people in these nations took to Twitter to express their excitement and their criticisms. The move highlights the growing economic interest in Africa, but it might be a threat to local programming and streaming alternatives.

Many users on Twitter didn’t seem to mind, however, saying that Netflix is more affordable and has a wider range of programs available. Others are worried about internet speeds, saying that only those who can afford unlimited data will be able to actually use the service.

2. IMF Urges African Countries To Diversify Their Economies

Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund(IMF), visited Cameroon this week to urge Central African countries to diversify their economies.

Legarde’s visit comes following a drop in oil prices around the world, terrorism, and political unrest. Cameroon was hit hard by these issues, but has fared better than it’s neighbors because it has already diversified it’s economy by branching out into agriculture, construction, and energy.

Legarde urged the other Central African states to follow Cameroon’s example, and to work together in order to do so.

3. Egypt Holds First Parliament In Three Years

Egypt’s first parliament in three years met this week . The previous parliament was dissolved in 2012, when protests lead to the over throw of President Mohamed Morsi.

The Parliament has 15 days to ratify the 300 laws that have been passed by Interim President Adly Mansour and current President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi since 2012. The parliament is predominately made up of MP’s who support  Sisi, but the sessions have so far not been without tension and debate.

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Raevyn Goates

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