Southern Africa

The Recent Update to the EU Financial Blacklist: Implications for Africa The European Union (EU) has recently revised its financial blacklist, introducing five African nations—Algeria, Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, and Namibia—into a category that raises serious concerns about deficiencies in their anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing systems. This update signifies that these countries are now classified as high-risk jurisdictions. As a result, EU financial institutions must exercise enhanced due…

Burkina Faso has taken a monumental step toward asserting control over its natural resources by officially transferring five gold mining assets to its state-owned mining company. This move marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s efforts to enhance its sovereignty and economic position in the global mining industry. This transition was confirmed through a decree published late Wednesday, signaling the completion of a process that began in August 2023. The government’s actions reflect a growing desire to centralize management…

The recent passing of Edgar Lungu, former president of Zambia, at the age of 68, has ignited a tumult of emotions and disagreements regarding his funeral arrangements. This multifaceted situation has left many baffled, particularly as it highlights a broader narrative of division between his family, political party—the Patriotic Front (PF)—and the current government. At the core of the controversy is the location and nature of Lungu's final send-off. The government, seeking to honor his legacy with a state funeral at an…

DHL Group is making a substantial commitment to the future of healthcare in Africa and the Middle East by planning to invest approximately €500 million, which translates to about $575 million, in healthcare infrastructure over the next five years. This ambitious initiative seeks to cater to the ever-growing demand for medical logistics and services in these rapidly evolving markets. This strategic move is, in part, a response to the increasing influence of China in the region. As noted by Bloomberg, the demand…

Burkina Faso's Bold Move to Enhance National Profit in Gold Mining In a significant development for its mining landscape, Burkina Faso has officially increased its free-carried equity stake in key gold mining projects from 10% to 15%. This change comes in line with the provisions outlined in the new Mining Code, which was adopted in August 2024. It's a pivotal moment, one that reflects a larger narrative of national sovereignty and economic empowerment. This adjustment affects several prominent mining assets, including…

When navigating urban landscapes, it often feels as if we’re playing a complex game of chess against time—only to find ourselves frequently checkmated by relentless traffic. These cities consistently rank high on the traffic index, a measure that evaluates various factors including traffic volume, travel delays, and the inherent inefficiencies present within their road systems. Isn't it interesting to consider how something as routine as commuting can influence so many aspects of our daily lives? Traffic isn't…

Zimbabwe's Strategic Shift in Lithium Exports: A Bold Move Toward Local Processing Zambia is set to implement a significant change in its mineral export policy by banning the export of lithium concentrates starting January 2027. This decision, announced by Mines Minister Winston Chitando, is part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing local value addition within the mining sector. “With effect from January 2027, the export of lithium concentrates will no longer be allowed,” he stated during a press briefing in Harare.…

Recently, China has unveiled an ambitious initiative aimed at providing zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African countries that maintain diplomatic ties with it. This development represents a significant step towards deepening economic cooperation and positions China as a key player in trade and investment on the African continent. But as this partnership blossoms, it raises questions about the implications for regional relations and the global economic landscape. Notably, this offer does not extend to Eswatini,…

The recent statements made by Aliou Touankara, a member of Mali's National Transitional Council, unveil a growing frustration within Bamako regarding Ukraine amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Sahel region. This sentiment is not just a fleeting reaction but an indicator of the ripple effects that international conflicts can have on local politics. “I believe the first step has already been taken—diplomatic relations with Ukraine have been severed. It would also be prudent to consider banning Ukrainian…

Sarah Aderibigbe, known to the world as Ayra Starr, has made headlines once again. At the prestigious 25th annual BET Awards held at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, she walked away with the coveted title of Best International Act for 2025. Her victory was remarkable, especially when considering the formidable competition she faced. Among the nominees were notable names such as Tyla from South Africa, Rema representing Nigeria, and Black Sherif from Ghana. The list also included talents from across the globe, including…