A lodge called Fort Orange is built on the Dutch Gold Coast (Ghana), and will be one of the few structures of this period to survive through the 21st century. Not actually used as a lodge until the 1870s, merchants originally make it a trading post. In 1690, the structure will be enlarged and made into a fort (pic: left) to rival Fort Sekdondi (pic: right), a fort built only a few hundred metres away by the British in 1682. The fort will be largely destroyed in 1698 during a war between the Dutch and the English, but will be rebuilt in 1726. In 2023, it is used as a lighthouse.

The Bank of Egypt issues the country’s first banknotes, in the Egyptian pound. Two camels appear on the front; the sphinx on the reverse.

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An exact but smaller replica of Mali’s Great Mosque of Djénne is built in the small French town of Fréjus for use by African soldiers of the Tirailleurs Sénégalais, the French Army unit recruited from France’s African colonies. 135,000 African soldiers served in France during World War I (1914-1918), and the people of Fejus wish to show their appreciation. The Tirailleurs Sénégalais will return in ten years to serve in World War II.

At a time when air travel is very expensive, and much more expensive than it will be in 2023, West African Airways Corporation’s “Hausa Flyer” (a Bristol Flyer cargo/passenger plane) becomes the cheapest means of travel along its Accra–Lagos-Ibadan–Kano route. The flight costs only £3 (equal to £121 in 2023 - when an air ticket from Lagos to Kano alone averages £268 and the average ticket price from Accra to Lagos is £301). Flight time from Lagos to Kano is four hours. The same trip by train is more expensive, and takes two days.

U.S. President Jimmy Carter (centre: left) visits Liberia, and meets with Liberia President William R. Tolbert (centre; right). The trip shows renewed U.S. interest in West Africa.

State of Senegal’s African Renaissance Monument is dedicated by 19 African Heads of State. The idea for the statue came from President Abdoulaye Wade, who wanted to build something impressive. The 52 metre-tall heroic sculpture of a man, woman and child by Senegalese sculptor Ousmane Sow is criticised for its expense. Art critics find it ridiculous, but tourists will make it a “must see” attraction.

The Islamic terror group Ansar Dine begins imposing Sharia Law on Timbuktu, Mali. The entire Christian population of the city flees for their lives. Women are targeted by the militants for stoning and harassment.

Sudan's Salma al-Majidi becomes the first woman to coach Sudan's male national football club, the Falcons of Jediane.

For the first time in 30 years, Kenya Airways ceases flying, as Africa's airlines are hard hit by the global Covid-19 pandemic’s curtailment of travel. Africa’s tourism, restaurant and hospitality industries are also suffering from a drop-off of customers.

In a spectacular tribute, 22 ancient Egyptian royal mummies are moved on elaborate customised vehicles and with hundreds of costumed attendants from the Egyptian Museum to the new National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation.

Benin's singer-songwriter Angélique Kidjo wins what is considered the world music industry's highest honour, a Grammy Award, for Best World Album for her album Mother Nature. The album's songs are as diverse as her collaborators: African producers and musicians Yemi Alade, Burna Boy, Mr Eazi, Zeynab, Shungudzo, Sampa The Great, Rexxie and Salif Keita.