East Africa

African Copper Exports: Unpacking Potential and Opportunities In examining the landscape of Africa's copper exports, a rather startling statistic emerges: just 42 countries together account for a mere 2% of Africa’s copper export value. This underscores a significant disparity in how the continent's rich mineral wealth is distributed. Despite vast resources, many nations seem to lack full access to the economic benefits derived from copper and other metals. Thus, one can't help but ask: how can Africa leverage its…

In the second quarter of 2025, Zimbabwe's stock market witnessed a remarkable surge in foreign participation, signaling a renewed wave of investor interest. As economic fundamentals strengthen and the country stabilizes its new gold-backed currency, many are beginning to observe the potential that Zimbabwe holds. But what does this really mean for the economy and those involved? According to the latest quarterly newsletter from the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE), foreign investor activity climbed to an impressive…

In a dramatic turn of events last Friday, the Somali National Army (SNA) and the Ugandan People's Defense Force (UPDF) successfully thwarted an attack by al-Shabaab militants on a military base in the Lower Shabelle region. This incident resulted in the deaths of 18 militants, illustrating both the resilience of national forces and the ongoing threat posed by the insurgents. The assault, which targeted key positions in the Sabiib and Anole areas, was a coordinated effort by al-Shabaab.…

Aliko Dangote, recognized as Africa’s wealthiest individual, has stepped down from his role as Chairman of the Board of Directors at Dangote Cement Plc. This transition symbolizes not just a shift in leadership, but the close of an illustrious chapter for one of the continent’s most significant cement manufacturers. Succession planning is critical in any corporate environment. In a recent announcement from Premium Times, we learned that Emmanuel Ikazoboh, the newly appointed chairman, will now steer the…

The Luxury Revolution in Africa: A New Era of Exclusive Getaways Imagine a sun-drenched private island off the coast of Tanzania, where the azure waters meet pristine beaches, and your every whim is indulgently catered to for a staggering nightly rate of around $50,000. Guests enjoy exclusive access to luxurious villas, a private catamaran, and helicopter transfers—all nestled within a protected marine reserve. This spectacular destination is not merely a utopian fantasy; it is a tangible embodiment of Africa's rapidly…

Senegal Joins NASA Artemis Accords: A New Dawn in Space Diplomacy On July 24, 2025, amidst the bustling energy of Washington, D.C., a remarkable event unfolded at NASA Headquarters. This signing ceremony was not merely formal—it represented a pivotal moment for Senegal as it firmly entrenched its commitment to science, technology, and space diplomacy. It felt like a dream to many—a dream that spoke to the potential of a nation ready to reach beyond its borders and explore the cosmos.…

Ivory Coast, known as the world's largest cocoa producer, is a country deeply intertwined with the chocolate industry, especially for consumers in Europe. Approximately two-thirds of the cocoa harvested in this West African nation finds its way to European shores, fueling a booming market that many might take for granted as they enjoy their favorite chocolate bars. But behind this rich industry lies a more complex narrative—one fraught with environmental impacts and social issues. The tale of cocoa farming, unfortunately,…

Exploring Africa's Luxury Hospitality Boom Imagine a private island nestled off the enchanting coast of Tanzania. Here, guests are willing to pay around $50,000 a night for the exclusive use of a sumptuous villa, a luxurious catamaran, and swift helicopter transfers—all within a protected marine reserve. This idyllic escape isn't just a dream; it symbolizes a burgeoning segment of Africa's luxury hospitality market, which is rapidly gaining momentum. A recent Bloomberg report notes that…

Experts are cautiously optimistic about a groundbreaking male contraceptive making waves in Africa. Traditionally, family planning has heavily leaned towards women, often sidelining men in crucial conversations about reproductive health. Enter Adam, a remarkable water-soluble hydrogel injection designed to provide reliable contraceptive protection for up to two years. The implications of this innovation are nothing short of transformative. Born out of the lab at Contraline, a biotechnology company in the United States,…

Addressing Vulnerabilities and Risks: The Somali Entrepreneur's Journey in Unstable Times Source: Equals blog The Landscape of Vulnerability In a world where stability often feels like a fleeting ideal, Somali entrepreneurs are particularly susceptible to the winds of change. As they navigate the complex tapestry of identities within their communities, they frequently find themselves under heightened scrutiny. There’s a palpable risk of being drawn into political fault lines, whereby their businesses could be unfairly…