Southern Africa

As cities across Africa experience rapid expansion, the importance of efficient traffic management becomes increasingly evident. Those urban centers that prioritize seamless transportation systems are likely to attract investment, tourism, and skilled talent. But what does this really mean for the heart and soul of a city? Imagine walking through a bustling marketplace or a tranquil park, both made vibrant by the people who can move freely and with ease. It's fascinating to consider how time saved through a…

Last year, South Africa proudly took the helm of the G20 presidency, launching a robust campaign to showcase its diverse assets while advocating for a broader African narrative. This November, on the 22nd and 23rd, Johannesburg will host the annual summit, marking a historic first for the continent. Leaders from the 19 largest economies, alongside representatives from the European Union and the African Union, will gather to deliberate on pressing global issues. In an interview with AllAfrica, Neville Matjie, head of Brand…

This Father’s Day, an ode echoed from Namibia to Kenya, resonating with profound truths about the pivotal role of fathers in our lives. Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah articulated a heartfelt reminder: in an era increasingly fraught with challenges, when children often find themselves on precarious paths, the influence of fathers as positive exemplars is indispensable. This statement raises an important question—what exactly makes a father a role model? Is it just their presence, or is it the way they navigate…

As the specter of conflict looms larger in the Middle East, African nations are stepping forward, echoing global calls for restraint and diplomacy. Their voices resonate with a shared understanding: peace in one corner of the world is intrinsically linked to peace everywhere. This awareness comes in the wake of Israel's massive Operation Rising Lion, a military offensive that has sent ripples of concern throughout the international community, especially after its targeted airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and strategic…

South Africa's Military Withdrawal from the DRC: A Moment of Reflection In a recent announcement reported by Sputnik Afrique, South Africa’s Defence Minister, Angie Motshekga, warmly welcomed a contingent of 249 soldiers returning from duty in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Her words resonated with both pride and poignancy as she extolled their “unwavering patriotism” in one of the African continent’s most tumultuous zones. It brings to mind the dual nature of military service—intense duty and the…

The economic landscape of Africa continues to evolve, and one of the markers of this transformation is the Forbes Global 2000 ranking. In 2025, 17 African companies made it to this prestigious list. South Africa leads the charge with an impressive 14 entries, followed by Morocco with 2, and Egypt with 1. This strong representation is more than just numbers; it tells a story of ambition, resilience, and strategic growth against a backdrop of global challenges. According to Forbes, the 2025 Global 2000 companies…

Understanding the Recent Trends in the South African Stock Market Recent reports highlight a significant trend: nearly double the $1.9 billion in outflows recorded from early 2023 to early 2024 have left the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). As the Reuters report emphasized, this growing apprehension among investors is striking, particularly given that the JSE remains one of the world's top-performing markets in 2023. How do we reconcile this dichotomy? According to Bank of America, South African equities…

On June 9, an impressive ultra-large container vessel (ULCV), the MSC Rifaya, docked at Durban port, South Africa, making an unplanned stop for emergency repairs after its journey from Ashdod, Israel. This unexpected visit marked a significant moment in maritime logistics, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of South African shipping infrastructure. The MSC Rifaya, a colossal vessel nearly 400 meters in length, weighs over 200,000 metric tonnes. This immense ship holds a prominent place in the realm of…

In recent times, the landscape of gold mining in Africa has been evolving rapidly, as nations across the continent actively seek to assert more control over their natural resources. This journey toward resource nationalism is gaining momentum, and Tanzania stands at the forefront of this movement. A significant policy decision has just been made, placing Tanzania alongside other African countries that are reevaluating their relationships with foreign mining companies. With rising global gold prices, this initiative…

In a chilling warning, labor unions have revealed that up to 20,000 jobs in Lesotho hang in the balance, driven by the looming threat of a staggering 50 percent tariff hike from the United States. This situation brings to mind George Bernard Shaw’s words: “Progress is impossible without change.” Yet, for many in Lesotho, change feels more daunting than progressive. Until the Trump administration's controversial imposition of new tariffs, Lesotho enjoyed duty-free status under the African Growth and Opportunity Act—an…