markets

A New Dawn for African Capital Markets In recent months, a palpable shift has occurred in the landscape of African finance. Governments and corporations across the continent are beginning to re-enter international capital markets, opening doors for a fresh wave of funding opportunities. After a protracted period of restricted access, marked by various economic challenges, this renewed engagement presents an invaluable chance for diversification. A recent report from Citigroup Inc. outlines this optimistic reality,…

In today’s increasingly connected world, expanding a business across borders is enticing but fraught with challenges. Founders and investors alike can easily get swept up in the buzz of international expansion, often overlooking a critical truth: what works 'anywhere' does not necessarily translate to 'everywhere.' It requires a blend of global vision paired with meticulous localized execution. As someone who has been on the front lines, navigating the intricate waters of West Africa's markets as Country Director and…

Recent developments in the Middle East have sharply escalated tensions, particularly following the U.S. strike on Iran's nuclear facilities this past Sunday. The strike has raised immediate concerns about potential retaliation from Tehran. Yet, the immediate implications extend beyond defense and security; they seep into the very fabric of global commerce and economy. The prospect of Iran blocking shipping within the Strait of Hormuz—a threat the country has frequently made—could send tremors…

The Current Landscape of Fuel Prices in Ghana: A Closer Look The landscape of fuel prices in Ghana seems complex, yet at the heart of it lies a noteworthy paradox. Even amidst a remarkable appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi by 24% since January 2025, fuel prices have remained high. It's almost as if the very currency gains have created an illusion of affordability, while consumers at the pumps still feel the sting of rising costs. As reported by GlobalPetrolPrices.com, the current fuel price in Ghana stands at an…

Evaluating U.S.-Africa Trade Relations: Insights from 2024 In 2024, the landscape of trade between the United States and Africa painted a compelling picture of a shifting economic dance. This is not merely about numbers; it's about people, industries, and futures intertwined. The exports reveal not only the diversity of economies—ranging from resource-rich nations to dynamic consumer markets—but also a tangible strengthening of ties. Have you ever stopped to think about the stories behind these statistics? Let's dive…

In recent discussions about cost reduction initiatives, one example that stands out is Nigeria's Dangote Refinery, which has made headlines by cutting prices. Yet, many African nations are still grappling with the persistent challenge of soaring diesel costs. The implications of these high prices extend far beyond mere numbers on a fuel pump; they ripple throughout entire economies, impacting everything from agriculture to transportation. Diesel serves as the lifeblood for numerous sectors, including…

Pakistan’s Strategic Expansion: Building New Maritime Trade Corridors with East Africa As we find ourselves amidst an increasingly tense global trade environment, sparked by none other than former U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs, Pakistan is turning its gaze toward new opportunities. This time, the focus is on the vibrant economies of the East African Community (EAC). With fresh maritime trade corridors on the horizon, Pakistan is eager to explore this promising market. The EAC comprises eight diverse…

Today, shares across Asia and Europe saw a notable surge, and the frantic bond sell-off appears to have stabilized following a surprise announcement from U.S. President Donald Trump. The President indicated that he would temporarily lower the hefty tariffs he had recently imposed on numerous countries. However, the overnight rally in U.S. stocks and the dollar lost some of its momentum as tensions escalated between the U.S. and China, leaving investors baffled by the administration's inconsistent approach to tariffs. As…

OX Delivers: Flat Pack Trucks Driving African Trade Let me introduce you to OX Delivers, an ambitious and pioneering British startup that has made significant strides in the world of electric mobility. The brilliance behind their enterprise lies in their creation of the world’s first flat-pack electric truck tailored specifically for the unique challenges of the Global South. But what truly sets OX Delivers apart is their novel "transport as a service" model—an idea that feels almost…

Wall Street's major indexes began the day on a positive note after a challenging selloff, which has resulted in the loss of trillions of dollars since last week. Investors are now closely monitoring any signs that the US may be open to negotiations regarding some of the aggressive tariffs. The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 2.3% in the morning session, while the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite index saw increases of 2.6% and a remarkable 3.7%, respectively. In Europe, markets continued their recovery from the…