China to scrap tariffs on African exports in push to boost trade
The plan is expected to benefit more industrialized African nations with growing manufacturing capacity, such as Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, and Morocco
China increases lending to Africa under Belt and Road projects
As China funds infrastructure in Africa, experts question whether the rising debt could pressure countries into giving up critical assets.
Zimbabwe moves to ban lithium concentrate exports starting 2027
The export of lithium concentrates from Zimbabwe will end in 2027 as part of a national push for domestic value addition.
Export boom fuels Ethiopia’s optimism for next year’s economy
Ethiopia forecasts stronger economic growth and rising export earnings for the next fiscal year, while planning a slightly larger budget deficit amid ongoing debt talks.
Central Bank of Kenya lowers rate to 9.75%
Kenya’s central bank has lowered its key lending rate to 9.75 percent to promote economic growth and support lending to the private sector.
Aramco’s $5 billion loan to Nigeria hits a wall amid oil price fall
Falling crude prices and limited output complicate Nigeria’s oil loan negotiations with Aramco and other lenders.
IMF backs Senegal’s self-funding but probe continues
Senegal’s push for fiscal independence is praised by the IMF though the misreporting issue remains unresolved.
IMF praises Senegal’s tax drive but holds firm on debt case
The IMF supports Senegal’s efforts to improve tax compliance and reduce reliance on external debt but says it won’t affect the ongoing misreporting case.
Egypt’s foreign assets shrink after March IMF boost
Egypt’s net foreign assets dropped by $1.5 billion in April after a March increase following IMF approval and investor inflows into treasury bills.
UAE’s IRH buys controlling stake in Congo’s Alphamin
IRH acquired 56 percent of Alphamin Resources for $367 million to secure key mining assets in Congo’s Bisie mine, a major global tin producer.
Egypt reroutes Nile water to develop upscale desert city near Cairo
Egypt plans a new desert city west of Cairo supplied by diverted Nile water to support housing and agriculture.
South African rand eases after Thursday’s jump
Dollar strength and lingering concerns over U.S. fiscal debt and potential tariff hikes weighed on the currency, despite South Africa’s own supportive monetary signals
Afreximbank: Ghana is current on loans despite creditor tensions
Ghana’s current repayments to Afreximbank put it at odds with other lenders seeking losses amid debt talks.
AfDB taps Mauritania’s super banker Sidi Ould Tah as next chief
The African Development Bank group appointed Mauritania’s Sidi Ould Tah as its new president starting September.
SA central bank cuts rate as inflation stays low
South Africa’s central bank made a modest rate cut after April inflation undershot the target range again.
East Libya may stop oil over NOC pressure
Libya’s eastern government may declare force majeure on oil fields and ports citing assaults on the National Oil Corporation
Tunisia expects grain harvest to jump 64 percent this season
Tunisian officials anticipate a strong grain harvest of 1.8 million tons this year thanks to improved weather conditions.
US backs Kurdish gas deals despite Baghdad’s legal challenge
Washington says Kurdish contracts serve shared interests and encourages Baghdad and Arbil to expand domestic gas production.
Syrian leader says reconstruction work is only just beginning
At a major Aleppo event, Syria’s president Sharaa said rebuilding the nation has begun and called on Syrians to work together for recovery.
AfDB cuts Africa’s 2025 growth forecast over tariffs
Africa’s economic growth slows as AfDB revises forecasts down because of US tariffs and market shocks.
Guinea cancels 129 mining permits to control resources
Guinea joins regional military regimes by cracking down on foreign mining to boost revenues and control resources.
Guinea cancels 129 exploration permits to tighten asset control
A senior ministry official said the permits, mainly for gold, were revoked to free up unused resources for new investors
South Africa offers to buy US LNG to strengthen trade ties
South Africa has proposed importing US LNG over ten years as part of a broader trade deal to strengthen economic ties and cooperation.
Nigeria to launch two lithium plants funded by China in 2025
The $600 million plant near the Kaduna-Niger border is due to be commissioned this quarter, while a $200 million refinery near Abuja is nearly complete
China and Indonesia boost trade with local currency settlement
China and Indonesia signed an updated MoU to expand the use of local currencies in trade and financial transactions, aiming to strengthen bilateral economic ties.
Uganda signs $800M deal with Islamic Development Bank
The three-year deal will also support infrastructure projects in health, transport, and energy
Cameroon approves foreign loan to ease cash shortfall
Cameroon will borrow $348 million internationally to support government cash flow and cover budget gaps in 2025.