Despite regional efforts to limit United States military expansion in Africa, both Somalia and Somaliland have offered access to key ports and air bases, highlighting growing competition for strategic influence in the Horn of Africa. Somalia has formally offered to renew a military agreement granting the US access to its ports and airports, reinforcing its…
De Beers, Africa’s largest diamond miner, posted a sharply wider $511 million loss in 2025 as weak Chinese demand, U.S. tariff pressures and softer global prices weighed on its worldwide operations, including key mines in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. De Beers reported a significantly larger loss in 2025, with an underlying EBITDA loss of…
Despite a R500 million offer to connect 5,000 rural schools, Starlink remains unlicensed in South Africa. The standoff has escalated as 14,000 residents find ways to access the service anyway, putting Musk at odds with ICASA’s strict regulatory framework. Starlink remains unlicensed in South Africa despite offering a R500 million deal to connect 5,000 rural…
Recent involvement among African governments, foreign lenders, and global partners highlights the potential benefits of well-structured IMF programs for the continent. Zambia has requested a new IMF program in 2026 to support its ongoing economic reforms and budget stability. The country previously completed an Extended Credit Facility that provided $1.7 billion after a lengthy debt…
The European Union (EU) has launched its first defence dialogue with Nigeria, marking a milestone in efforts to strengthen security cooperation between the two partners. The EU has contributed a total of €234.4 million to date to support Nigeria’s security task force, enhancing its capabilities, responsiveness, and coordination in tackling regional security challenges. The EU…
Meta has come under fresh regulatory scrutiny in Africa after competition authorities in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa opened a formal investigation into changes to WhatsApp Business rules that could reshape the region’s fast-growing AI ecosystem. African competition regulators have launched a formal probe into Meta’s policy changes to WhatsApp Business. The…
Rwanda’s apex bank has expressed concern over a growing reluctance among businesses to accept low-denomination coins, warning that all coins remain legal tender and must be honored in transactions. BNR warns businesses against rejecting small-denomination coins, especially the Rwf20, reminding them all coins remain legal tender. The rise of digital payments has led many merchants…
Egypt is preparing to roll out its largest-ever Mediterranean gas drilling campaign in 2026, in a move officials say will strengthen domestic supply and reduce reliance on imports. Egypt plans its biggest Mediterranean gas drilling drive, targeting first output from West Meina by the end of 2026. Officials say the push will boost domestic supply…
Libya has awarded key fuel supply tenders to major Western energy traders, marking a significant shift away from Russian refined product imports as the North African producer restructures its oil sector. Libya has awarded major fuel supply tenders to Western energy traders, signalling a shift away from Russian imports. Companies including Vitol, Trafigura, and TotalEnergies…
