Business and Finance

After a decade of deliberation, Zimbabwe has finally enacted the long-discussed Mines and Minerals Bill. This pivotal legislation endeavors to address the myriad mining-related challenges that have plagued the nation for years, rekindling hope for transformative solutions. Originally drafted in 2015, the Bill reflects significant revisions to outdated colonial-era statutes that have governed the sector since 1961. The previous laws were rife with ambiguities, allowing some mining enterprises to exploit loopholes at the…

In a significant step towards enhancing regional energy infrastructure, HYDRO-LINK, a specialized company based in the United States, has embarked on an ambitious project to construct a 1,150-kilometer (720 miles) electricity transmission line linking Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This $1.5 billion endeavor is anchored by a recent memorandum of understanding with the Angolan government. The DRC, endowed with a wealth of minerals, faces an acute challenge: an erratic power supply that stifles its…

Human Rights Watch has issued a compelling call to action, urging the Guinean government to conduct an investigation into the disturbing abduction and torture of Mohamed Traoré, a distinguished lawyer and former president of the national bar association. Over the weekend, armed intruders stormed his residence, seizing Traoré and his daughter in a harrowing display of force. Known for his outspoken criticism of Guinea's military junta, which seized control in September 2021, Traoré's situation highlights the escalating…

The High Court in London has delivered a significant ruling, establishing that Shell plc and its former Nigerian subsidiary must be held accountable for long-standing oil pollution in the Niger Delta. This decision signals not only a potential shift in legal precedents but also raises critical questions about corporate responsibility in environmental matters. In this instance, the Bille and Ogale communities in Rivers State have brought forth serious allegations. They assert that the infrastructure owned by Shell has led to…

Business leaders and influential figures from across Africa have converged in Luanda, Angola, for the much-anticipated 17th U.S.-Africa Business Summit. This significant event is organized by the Corporate Council on Africa and proudly hosted by the Angolan government. Participants range from heads of state representing nations such as Algeria, Botswana, and Ethiopia to policymakers and industry leaders eager to explore new opportunities and forge stronger economic collaborations. Imagine the bustling atmosphere of the…

The United Kingdom has renewed its commitment to the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS)—an initiative that aims to strengthen trade relationships with developing nations. This program, introduced in 2023, opens doors for Nigeria and 36 other African countries, allowing them to export over three thousand products with either no duties or significantly reduced tariffs. "Nigeria plays a pivotal role in the UK's aspirations for global trade," remarked British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery. He…

Recently, a troubling video from Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ogun State ignited a wave of indignation across social media platforms. The footage depicted women students subjected to unwarranted physical contact from female staff members tasked with checking for bras prior to an examination. This incident raises several uncomfortable yet crucial questions about conduct, authority, and the rights of students in educational settings. The university, thus far, has opted to remain silent, not providing any immediate…

The military government of Mali is embarking on an ambitious campaign to consolidate control over its gold industry, a sector long dominated by foreign enterprises. Recent developments suggest a significant shift, characterized by a decisive push to reclaim authority from multinational operators, particularly in light of support from Russia. The junta's actions signal a broader intent to stimulate local processing capabilities, moving away from reliance on foreign entities. In a striking move, a Malian court recently…

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…

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…