Firms

The recent revelations regarding a mining company's alleged involvement in trafficking conflict minerals from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) illuminate a complex and troubling chapter in the region's ongoing struggles. According to a report by Reuters, this marks a significant moment as it is the first time the United Nations has explicitly named an organization purportedly complicit in such activities since the M23 rebel group seized control of vital mining territories last year. The confidential UN…

Mali has officially taken control of the Yatela and Morila gold mines—two sites that had previously been left abandoned by their foreign owners, according to a government announcement over the weekend. This significant move reflects a broader trend in West Africa, where military-led governments are increasingly asserting control over strategic natural resources in response to soaring gold prices. The aim? To invigorate local economies and lessen reliance on foreign entities. Gold is not just a shiny metal; it represents…

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…

The Growing Challenge of Business Closures in South Africa As we step into 2024, South Africa finds itself grappling with a troubling trend: the continued rise in business closures. In April alone, over 100 companies faced liquidation, marking a 13.2% increase compared to the same time last year. This statistic isn't just a number; it reveals the deep-rooted challenges that continue to plague the South African business environment. Digging deeper into the data, we see a notable increase in voluntary…

The Significance of the Recent U.S.-Ukraine Economic Pact On a pivotal Wednesday in Washington, D.C., history was made when Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent signed a landmark economic agreement. This contract not only lays the groundwork for future cooperation but also serves as a vital message in the current geopolitical landscape. The Treasury Department emphasized the significance of the deal, stating, "This agreement signals clearly to Russia that the Trump…

The Impact of Tariffs on Small Businesses and Economic Stability The recent implementation of a staggering 145% duty on Chinese imports is more than just a headline; it’s a potential tipping point for many American businesses. Ryan Petersen, the CEO of Flexport, raised this alarming possibility during a recent episode of The Prof G Pod, asserting that this drastic measure could lead to "mass bankruptcies." His insights prompt us to ask: what happens to small businesses when the market suddenly shifts beneath their feet?…

Would you quiet your mind for a moment to ponder a fascinating development on the economic horizon? Nigeria's vibrant oil and gas sector, a linchpin of its economy, is drawing attention far beyond its borders. At the forefront of this attention are an astounding 74 Chinese enterprises, all set on a mission to invest, innovate, and invigorate. This movement was highlighted in a recent statement issued by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), stirring a crest of anticipation across both…

Consider this: A tranquil holiday town, brimming with warm sunshine and the laughter of vacationers, suddenly finds itself grappling with an environmental tragedy. Anapa—a charming town on the Black Sea coastline, home to about 80,000 residents—has been thrust into a battle against a formidable adversary. This enemy, however, is not a tangible one; it is an oil spill that has stained over 30 miles of its pristine beaches. The stakes are high, and the mayor, Vasiliy Shvets, valiantly champions the town's cause. On…

"We are not waiting for anyone with open arms. There will be a price to pay for past decisions," said Anton Alikhanov, Russia's industry and trade minister. Such a statement, curt and unwavering, was delivered to reporters on Thursday, as relayed by the state news agency TASS. Amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, now stretching into its third year, there exists a remarkable trend—nearly 475 foreign companies have quoted adieu to the Russian marketplace, according to data from the Leave Russia database provided by the…

The Hobyo-Port Initiative (Courtesy of MyProperty) Pretty recently, Turkish builders have been all about turning African air and sea ports into some real head-turners. Summa Construction is knee-deep in airport ventures in Nigeria. Meanwhile, Metag Holding, hailing from Ankara, inked a $70 million blueprint to spruce up Hobyo Port, Somalia's mighty second-largest. These Turkish enterprises are grabbing the spotlight with their big plays in boosting African airwaves and waterways. "Metag Holding's freshly inked pact looks…