West Africa’s Top Companies: Ivorian Growth vs. Nigerian Struggles
West Africa’s economic landscape in 2025 showcases contrasting fortunes. Ivorian companies have experienced significant growth, with four entries in the regional rankings and the BRVM stock exchange reaching a record $36 billion market capitalization. In contrast, Nigerian firms face challenges, notably due to the naira’s devaluation. Dangote Cement’s market value has declined from $11.2 billion […]
Accra’s Financial Leaders Unite to Mobilize Domestic Capital for Growth
Ghanaian leaders from private equity, securities, and pensions sectors have launched a collaborative “Compact” to boost local institutional investments in venture capital and private equity. Signatories include firms like Deloitte, EY, KPMG, Aruwa Capital, and the Venture Capital Trust Fund, alongside regulators such as the Securities and Exchange Commission and the National Pensions Regulatory Authority. […]
Addis Moves to Lift Decades-Old Law Banning Foreign Property Ownership
Ethiopia is poised to lift its longstanding ban on foreign property ownership, aiming to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and stimulate economic growth. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced the government’s finalization of new legislation to permit foreign individuals and entities to own real estate, a significant shift from the previous policy rooted in the 1974 […]
Africa’s Path to Reducing Poverty: Investing in Agriculture for Growth
A significant portion of the impoverished live in rural areas, primarily employed in agriculture. Despite agriculture’s vital role in GDP, it remains underfunded. A study analyzing ten African countries found that external financing for agriculture yields the highest impact in reducing poverty. Additionally, reducing non-agricultural spending and reforming tax policies can further boost agricultural investment. […]
African Development Bank Revives Lobatse Clay Works to Boost Industry
The African Development Bank has supported the revitalization of Lobatse Clay Works (LCW), a key brick manufacturer in Botswana. After ceasing operations in 2017 due to outdated infrastructure, LCW has undergone significant upgrades, including the installation of energy-efficient kilns and automation technologies. The plant now boasts an annual production capacity of 36 million bricks, positioning […]
Moody’s Warns U.S. Tariffs Could Strain African Banks via China
Moody’s has cautioned that U.S. import tariffs may indirectly affect sub-Saharan African banks through macroeconomic channels, particularly a potential slowdown in China. While African banks aren’t directly targeted by U.S. tariffs, reduced demand from China—an essential export market for African commodities—could decrease export volumes and prices. This downturn may lead to lower trade-finance fees for […]
Sudan’s Ongoing Conflict has Devastated Key Medical Research Infrastructure
The Mycetoma Research Centre in Khartoum, established in 1991, was among the institutions destroyed. Founded by Professor Ahmed Fahal, the center was the only one dedicated to studying mycetoma, a neglected tropical disease. Fahal expressed profound loss, stating, “All that I did over 40 years has turned to ashes before my eyes.” The Sudanese National […]
Nigeria’s Electricity Crisis Worsens Amid Grid Failures, Soaring Generator Use
Nigeria has the world’s largest population without electricity—over 90 million people—due to decades of underinvestment and deep dysfunction in its power sector. The national grid, historically unreliable and capped at around 6GW, lags far behind demand, forcing reliance on costly, polluting generators that supply over twice as much power as the grid. Privatisation attempts have […]
Cobalt Demand Projected to Rise Over 10% in 2025
The Cobalt Institute forecasts a significant demand surge in 2025, projecting a 10% increase, reaching approximately 227,000 tonnes globally. This growth is primarily driven by the expanding electric vehicle (EV) market and the widespread use of rechargeable batteries in consumer electronics. In response to previous oversupply and declining prices, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), […]
Gaborone’s Hunting Revenues Surge Amid UK Trophy Import Opposition
Botswana’s 2024 hunting season generated $4 million from wildlife license sales, nearly doubling 2023’s $2.7 million. The revenue, primarily from elephant hunting licenses, supports community development and conservation efforts. However, the industry faces growing opposition from European nations, including the UK, Canada, and Belgium, advocating for bans on importing African wildlife trophies. Botswana’s government and […]
