Ivory Coast expects its worst cocoa mid-crop in 15 years due to severe drought and heat, threatening the global chocolate industry with higher prices.

Trump, who frequently pressured OPEC during his first term, suggested on Thursday that Saudi Arabia and OPEC should lower oil prices

Botswana’s new president, Duma Boko, seeks to finalize a deal with De Beers and diversify the country’s economy, which relies heavily on diamonds.

Nigeria has increased mobile tariffs by 50 percent, citing operational costs, as inflation hits a 30-year high.

TotalEnergies has reiterated that its giant gas project in Mozambique will only resume when “peace and security” return to the Cabo Delgado region, following reports of a further delay.

Zambia’s copper output increased by 12% in 2024, reaching roughly 820,670 metric tons, driven by a recovery in production at key mines such as Lumwana and Konkola Copper Mines.

Thungela Resources has appointed De Beers executive Moses Madondo as its new CEO, succeeding July Ndlovu, who retires in August due to the company’s retirement policy.

Tunisians in remote areas are facing severe natural gas shortages amid a cold snap, with shipping delays and increased demand exacerbating the issue.

Mozambican President Daniel Chapo has stated that his government will not review contract terms with energy companies like TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil for planned LNG projects.

Nigeria’s oil reserves rose 1.45% in 2024, while crude output surged 26% due to reduced theft, though a production gap remains to meet 2025 targets.

The rise in inflation was primarily driven by higher demand linked to the festive season, with food and non-alcoholic beverages contributing significantly to the price increases

The UAE-Malaysia agreement includes plans to explore investments in data centers and artificial intelligence, alongside opportunities in logistics, ports, food security, and pharmaceuticals

Devastated traders in the West African nation of Ghana are seeking aid to rebuild the country’s largest second-hand clothing market. The Kantamanto Market in the capital Accra was ravaged by a fire on the night of Jan. 1 that reduced huge swaths of it to ashes and destroyed millions of used clothing items. According to a statement Sunday by the Ghana-based Or Foundation, nearly 8,900 stalls were destroyed and 10,000 people were directly affected. “15 million secondhand garments arrive from the Global North in Kantamanto Market every week, and the community of more than 30,000 people working in Kantamanto Market is responsible for recirculating 25 million pieces of second-hand clothing every month through resale, reuse, repair and remanufacturing. It’s a vibrant hub of creativity and a necessary alternative to fast fashion,” the charity said, emphasizing the market’s vital role. A representative of the Or Foundation confirmed to Anadolu on Monday that they were seeking donations to help rebuild the businesses. “This funding will be dispersed according to the expressed priorities of market leadership. Resources are needed to rebuild…Resources will be needed to keep individuals afloat physically, financially and spiritually,” the foundation said in the statement. It said that while it was not able to confirm actual financial losses, nearly 60% of the market was burnt to ground. Most of the items sold in the market came from the US, Canada and England. Although the reason behind the fire is still under investigation, rebuilding has begun, according to a report by the Ghana News Agency. Ghanian President John Mahama’s special aide and spokesperson Joyce Mogtari Bawah said the administration will “soon begin enhancing the market.” Former Trade and Industry Minister Alan Kyerematen was among those leading with donations to help the devastated businesses. Given the enormity of the damage caused by the fire, the All Traders Association at Kantamanto sought support from everyone. “Our doors are open for support to rebuild our market,” it said. People also called on big fast fashion brands to contribute to the market’s reconstruction. “Tens of millions of dollars were lost in equipment, bales of secondhand clothing, infrastructure and other supplies,” it said.  “The Kantamanto community spends over $300 million on bales every year, over half of which is paid to the Global North exporters.”

Cocoa farmers in Ivory Coast are concerned about the impact of a persistent lack of rain on the upcoming mid-crop, which could lead to lower yields and poorer bean quality.

The Malian government has begun enforcing a provisional order to seize gold stock at Barrick Gold’s Loulo-Gounkoto mine, escalating a dispute between the miner and the government over a new mining code.

ITA Airways has resumed direct flights to Tripoli, Libya, marking the first such service by a major West European airline in 10 years due to the ongoing conflict in the country.

Zambia’s Securities and Exchange Commission has sanctioned Standard Chartered for mis-selling Chinese property bonds to a local client, according to a source.

Ethiopia has launched a new securities exchange, a significant step in Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s efforts to liberalize the country’s economy.

Sudan’s introduction of new banknotes has bolstered the economy and supported the Burhan’s army war efforts, but it has excluded millions from the financial system, drawing criticism.

Tourism, which contributes about 7% to Morocco’s GDP, remains a vital source of employment and foreign currency for the North African nation

Gemfields has called on Zambia to reverse the recently re-imposed 15% emerald export tax to prevent negative impacts on the sector’s sustainability and investment appeal.

On Wednesday, the kwacha was trading at 27.95 per dollar, just above its latest record low of 28.05 on Tuesday

China Development Bank has released a $254.76 million loan to Nigeria for the construction of a railway line connecting Kano and Kaduna, a crucial project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Despite emerging from default last year, Zambia’s kwacha faces significant challenges, dropping to record lows due to drought pressures.