Travelers from six African countries are now facing higher costs and stricter scrutiny as the $250 Visa Integrity Fee, legislated in July 2025 and formally enforced from October 1, 2025, is fully applied alongside new digital and biometric requirements. Travelers from six African nations face increased visa application costs and stringent vetting procedures as of…
Benin and Niger have expelled each other’s diplomats, deepening a standoff between the two West African neighbours and highlighting growing diplomatic strain in the region. Benin and Niger have both expelled each other’s diplomats, marking a significant diplomatic standoff. The tensions escalated following Benin declaring two Nigerien officials persona non grata, prompting a reciprocal measure…
Angola has taken another step toward strengthening its upstream oil output and downstream energy security after the N’Dola Sul project officially began production in late December, bringing new barrels and gas into the country’s export and domestic supply chain. The N’Dola Sul offshore project in Angola commenced operations in December, aiming to enhance the country’s…
Ghana’s currency has recorded its first full-year gain against the U.S. dollar in more than 30 years, buoyed by surging gold prices, rising reserves, and a weakening greenback. Ghana’s cedi has achieved its first annual appreciation in over 30 years, increasing by approximately 41% in 2023. The strength of the cedi is attributed to high…
Somaliland has strongly rejected claims that it struck a secret military or political deal with Israel in exchange for diplomatic recognition, pushing back against allegations that the self-declared republic had offered Israeli basing rights or agreed to the resettlement of Palestinians on its territory. Somaliland has rebutted claims that it engaged in a covert agreement…
As 2026 begins, several African countries remain in the global financial spotlight due to elevated debt burdens, macroeconomic fragility, and ongoing negotiations with major international lenders alongside increased scrutiny from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The FATF issued a grey list categorizing countries with strategic deficiencies in anti-money laundering and terrorism financing measures. Eight…
HOF Capital, a fund co-founded by Onsi Sawiris of Egypt’s billionaire Sawiris family, and BlueFive Capital are in talks to acquire Porsche AG’s stake in the company that owns the Bugatti supercar brand. HOF Capital and BlueFive Capital are reportedly negotiating a joint acquisition of Porsche’s share in Bugatti Rimac. Discussions also include acquiring Porsche’s…
The African economy is powered by large commercial centers. They serve as entry points for trade, investment, and innovation by concentrating resources, talent, infrastructure, and opportunity. Large commercial hubs in Africa are pivotal to the continent’s trade and innovation development. Safety perceptions significantly influence urban economic competitiveness and international reputation. Insecurity leads to increased operational…
UK-listed Europa Oil & Gas has moved closer to drilling a large shallow-water gas prospect off Equatorial Guinea after sealing a farm-in agreement with a Chinese investor, strengthening momentum behind one of its most promising African assets. UK-listed Europa Oil & Gas has secured a Chinese partner for its high-impact EG-08 gas block offshore Equatorial…
