DRC tightens grip on cobalt supply and pricing
The Democratic Republic of Congo has launched a strategic reserve for cobalt and other key minerals, giving the state greater control over global supply and prices. As the source of roughly 70% of the world’s cobalt, the move allows regulators to stockpile unused export quotas and release them strategically to stabilize markets. It builds on […]
Africa’s agrochemicals market surges
Africa’s agrochemicals market is projected to grow to $15 billion by 2031, driven by climate change, rising food demand, and increased government support for farmers. As shifting weather patterns invite invasive pests and labor shortages intensify, farmers are increasingly turning to precision insecticides and digital monitoring tools to save their yields. Fertilizers currently dominate the […]
IMF warns Africa’s recovery threatened by Iran war
Sub-Saharan Africa closed 2025 on its strongest economic footing in over a decade, with faster growth, falling inflation, shrinking deficits, and fresh sovereign rating upgrades. However, these gains are now under threat due to the Iran war, according to the International Monetary Fund. The organization has trimmed its growth forecast for the year to 4.3%, […]
Afreximbank raises millions despite credit rating downgrade
Afreximbank is proving that investor confidence outweighs credit ratings. Despite a public spat with Fitch Ratings—which saw the bank’s rating slip into “non-investment grade” territory—the pan-African lender successfully raised $800 million through Samurai and Panda bonds in Japan and China. By tapping into Asian markets, the bank demonstrated its resilience, bypassing traditional Western concerns over […]
Platinum surge drives strong mining growth in February
South Africa’s mining industry recorded strong output growth of almost 10% in February compared to the same period last year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by more than two percentage points. The growth was primarily driven by the platinum group metals, which rose by more than 50% year-on-year. Chromium ore came next, rising by nearly 30%, followed […]
DRC set to become Africa’s 5th largest economy
The Democratic Republic of Congo is set to surpass Ethiopia and become sub-Saharan Africa’s fifth-largest economy this year, according to the IMF. Driven by a mining boom and a currency that has strengthened more than 25% against the dollar, Congo’s GDP is forecast to hit $123 billion in 2026. The nation recently raised $1.25 billion […]
China’s Africa strategy shifts as global tensions rise
China is recalibrating its Africa strategy, shifting from infrastructure-for-resources deals to a more integrated trade and industrial model anchored in Hunan Province. Under the “Hunan Model,” Beijing is emphasizing supply chain integration, manufacturing, and green technology exports. The results are striking: China-Africa trade surged 17.7% in 2025, with Hunan’s exports of electric vehicles, lithium batteries, […]
Nigeria regains frontier market status
Nigeria is back in the global spotlight after FTSE Russell officially restored the nation to its Frontier Market index, effective September 2026. This move comes nearly three years after the country was downgraded to “Unclassified” and marks a major victory for President Tinubu’s economic reforms. The reclassification follows meaningful improvements in foreign exchange liquidity and […]
