Business and Finance

Namibia has shut the door on Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture, Starlink, denying its bid to secure a local licence. The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) turned down the application on the grounds that the company failed to meet the country’s local ownership requirements. Under Namibian law, at least 51% of any telecommunications provider must be held by citizens or locally owned entities. While Starlink’s network now spans roughly 25 African nations, it has hit similar regulatory roadblocks…

Access to safe water is transformative for communities, enhancing health, boosting agricultural productivity, and providing women and girls with the precious time needed to focus on education, careers, and leadership roles. This year, World Water Day emphasizes this critical connection with the theme, "Where water flows, equality grows," drawing attention to the essential relationship between water security and gender equality. More on the AfDB AllAfrica page.

In response to ongoing global fuel shortages, the South African government is engaging in discussions with Nigeria to establish a 12-month fuel agreement. This move reflects the urgency among African nations to secure necessary supplies. Meanwhile, the National Taxi Council has issued a warning that taxi fares could increase if the escalating conflict in the Middle East continues to drive fuel prices higher within South Africa.

Hospitals across Zimbabwe were thrown into turmoil as nurses walked off the job, leaving wards understaffed and patients without care, in a push for higher wages and allowances. At Parirenyatwa hospital, operations slowed to a near standstill, with student nurses drafted into critical units to keep services running. The walkout erupted just days after a similar action at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital. Nurses said their frustrations have intensified following recent fuel price hikes that have sent transport costs soaring.…

The Conversation Africa reached out to five academic experts from Nigeria, South Africa, Senegal, Kenya, and Ethiopia to explore the pressing issue: Is the recent surge in oil prices negatively impacting your nation's economy? Across the board, their responses echoed a shared sentiment...

At least 132 people have died and dozens more were injured as heavy rains continue to batter large parts of Zimbabwe, the Department of Civil Protection said in its latest report.

South Africa faces April 2026 hikes in electricity tariffs and fuel prices, adding pressure on households Electricity tariffs and fuel prices in South Africa are expected to rise in April 2026, with per‑litre fuel costs potentially increasing by up to R5, though final figures have not been confirmed. Electricity tariffs and fuel prices were expected to increase in April 2026, with the per‑litre rise at the pump possibly reaching as high as R5, a development that would further stretch household budgets. The anticipated…

Domestic Petrol Prices Rise Amid Global Supply Concerns Initial hopes for a reduction in domestic petrol prices sparked by the International Energy Agency (IEA) announcing that oil-producing nations would ramp up production now appear to be short-lived. Just as expectations rose, the Iranian government's alarming statement regarding the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical global supply route—sent international oil prices surging again. This unexpected turn of events followed assurances of price cuts from…

West African shipping companies are revising routes and business plans as the escalating crisis in the Middle East disrupts global maritime corridors, industry officials and analysts say. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and heightened insecurity in the Red Sea and Suez Canal have pushed up operational costs — most notably insurance premiums — and prompted firms to consider rerouting, suspending services or passing fees on to importers and exporters. Boma Alabi, chairperson of the Shipping Association of Nigeria, said…

Nigeria to Host Intra-African Trade Fair 2027, Building on Past Success The Federal Republic of Nigeria has officially signed the hosting agreement for the fifth Intra-African Trade Fair 2027 (IATF2027), taking over the baton from Algeria, which successfully hosted the fourth edition that recorded an impressive US$49.94 billion in trade and investment deals. The agreement signing ceremony took place in Lagos, the designated 'host city', highlighting Nigeria's commitment to enhancing intra-African trade. This event was…