Despite strong GDP growth over the last ten years, Africa has failed to generate economic opportunities for its young population – and that spells trouble for a sustainable future. It’s a key finding of the 2018 Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG), released Monday by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. The…
People may think that African wildlife is already facing enough threat from climate change or illegal trafficking, but the continent’s preserves are facing up to USD$2 billion in funding shortfalls that threaten protected areas. That’s according to Peter Lindsey, director of the Lion Recovery Fund and co-author of new research…
Zimbabwe’s deteriorating economic situation has led to another round of panic buying and price spikes on food, fuel and other necessities, with the government announcing price controls to try and curb the outcry. Vice President Kembo Mohadi said Tuesday that the government will enforce laws against hoarding supplies to inflate…
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Senegal’s President Macky Sall joined Chinese President Xi Jinping in declaring the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing a success as it ended Tuesday. The summit issued the Beijing Declaration (Toward an Even Stronger China-Africa Community with a Shared Future) to advance their…
All eyes have been on British Prime Minister Theresa May during her visit to Johannesburg, where she signed a joint statement on trade with South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Eswatini – but on Wednesday, it’s German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s turn to visit the continent. Merkel begins a three-nation tour…
China’s President Xi Jinping delivered an address to the BRICS Business Forum on Wednesday that urged leaders to seize an unprecedented moment of global opportunity while warning against the rise of nationalism, a pattern seen in the United States and some European countries. “The next decade will see faster changes…
Botswana continues to be an economic bright spot in southern Africa, with the latest International Monetary Fund (IMF) assessment showing a rebound from slower GDP growth in 2017 that’s tied to stronger diamond sales and higher government spending. The IMF assessment team, led by Enrique Gelbard, completed a visit to Gaborone…
The UK’s development finance institution, CDC, and Standard Chartered Bank today announced an up to USD$100 million in investment funding to grow businesses in Zimbabwe – a move that heralds a new start for the country as the UK has long withheld support while awaiting economic and social reforms. The…
A nationwide general strike Wednesday in South Africa drew thousands of protesters, with marches in at least six cities including Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. The strike, coordinated by the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU), meant to “bring South Africa to a standstill” over the country’s economic plight,…
China has defended its role on the African continent, following word that United States lawmakers plan to investigate Beijing’s expanding footprint in African nations and across the globe. Devin Nunes, a Republican member of Congress from California and Chairman of the U.S. House Intelligence Committee, said Sunday that as part…
President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe has arrived in Côte d’Ivoire, where he was greeted by President Alassane Ouattara as both head for the Africa CEO Forum to be held Monday in Tuesday in Abidjan. Mnangagwa will present his plans for economic recovery, and with former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo will participate…
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday welcomed Yang Jiechi, Special Envoy of President Xi Jinping of China, as he opened a two-day official visit in Cape Town. Ramaphosa said the re-election of President Xi presented an opportunity for South Africa to deepen its strategic cooperation with China at a…
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey began a tour of four African nations on Monday in Algeria, where he met with Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia to discuss cooperation on counterterrorism, energy, and economic development and trade. It is Erdoğan’s second visit to Algeria since becoming president in 2014 and he…
A budget crisis in Namibia has forced the suspension of all international travel for ministers and elected officials through the end of February. It’s the latest announcement from President Hage Geingob as the southwestern African nation tightens up on government spending. “This directive is specifically in the interest of curtailing…
President of Botswana Ian Khama delivered his final State of the Nation address Monday, as he prepares for the end of his term and the transition to Vice President Mokgweetsi E. K. Masisi’s tenure. In the address, Khama reiterated “Botswana’s strong support for the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is the…