Within weeks of assuming the US presidency earlier this year, President Trump had waded into South Africa’s domestic politics.In May, a week after granting refugee status to nearly 60 Afrikaners, Trump doubled down when he ambushed South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa with claims that white farmers in the country were being killed and persecuted in an extraordinary White House showdown.From August South African goods bound for export to the United States have been subject to a 30% tariff, the highest rate currently effective on the continent. Trump linked that decision to these allegations.It is not just South Africa that has…
Author: Johnson Akinyi
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The Nigerian Economic Society (NES) is set to honour the Director of the Intergovernmental Group of 24 on International Monetary Affairs and Development (G-24), Iyabo Masha, with the 2025 NES Distinguished Fellowship Award. NES also noted that the Nigerian Vice President, Kashim Shettima, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Yemi Cardoso, and others will be honoured during its annual conference. The award recognition is part of the highlights of the 66th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Economic Society, to be held between 8 and 11 September, at the NAF Conference Center, Kado, Abuja. In its statement congratulating…
In SummaryAfrica’s geography anchors world trade. Egypt’s Suez Canal, South Africa’s ports, Kenya’s gateway role, and Mauritius’s location show how nations turn position into power.Africa holds the largest reserves of cobalt and platinum-group metals, minerals that power smartphones, electric vehicles, and the clean energy transition.Egypt’s Suez Canal remains unmatched, carrying up to 15 percent of global trade and proving how one African passage can shape the global economy.Deep Dive!!Lagos, Nigeria, Monday, September 1 – Africa’s geography has always shaped the world. Its position between continents, oceans, and trade networks made it central to history. Today, that same location gives it…
In SummarySomalia’s community-led rangeland restoration has revived over 200,000 hectares of grazing land in five years, reducing livestock losses during dry seasons.Zimbabwe’s adoption of drought-tolerant crops like sorghum has increased yields by up to 40% in dry regions, boosting food security despite erratic rains.South Africa’s water recycling projects now supply nearly 10% of urban water demand, easing pressure on traditional sources during extended dry periods.Deep Dive!!Lagos, Nigeria, Wednesday, August 27 – Drought influences how African nations plan for food security, water management, and sustainable growth in 2025. Countries are moving beyond short-term relief efforts to long-term strategies ensuring communities thrive…
Land ownership and governance are central to economic stability, investment attraction, and social development in Africa. As of 2025, several African nations have advanced frameworks that provide legal clarity, transparent administration, and security of tenure, creating environments conducive to private investment, infrastructure development, and agricultural productivity. According to the World Bank, secure land rights are strongly correlated with higher economic output, as property can be leveraged for credit, collateral, and business expansion. Across the continent, governments are increasingly recognizing that modernized land ownership systems are not merely bureaucratic tools, they are critical levers for national growth and investor confidence.…
During London Climate Action Week (LCAW), Africa Investor (Ai) released two flagship publications in support of the historic South African G20 Presidency, advocating for significant changes in nature-based investing and global climate finance. The Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) Investable Asset Classes Working Group and Africa Investor collaborated to create the G20 Nature Investment Roadmap 2.0, which calls on G20 leaders to embrace a strategic change that acknowledges natural capital as a real, productive public asset. The roadmap warns that if nature and ecosystem services are not protected, the global economy could lose $80 trillion over the next 25 years.…
The University of Benin Teaching Hospital’s (UBTH) departing Chief Medical Director, Darlington Obaseki, has cited the absence of hospital staff strikes and protests as his biggest accomplishment. During his book launch and valedictory event on Friday, Obaseki made this statement. He claimed that throughout his eight years in charge as the hospital’s chief medical director, no strikes or protests were organized by the staff. In his book “A Legacy of Reform: A Future Assured,” Obaseki praised the staff for their cordial working relationship during that time. He claims that people frequently inquire about his best accomplishment. I have provided multiple…
After the end of apartheid South Africa embarked upon one of the world’s most extensive attempt to redress racial inequality. At the centre of this effort is Black Economic Empowerment (BEE), a set of policies that, in effect, mandate firms to sell discounted assets to black investors, hire more black managers and procure more from black suppliers. But the flagship scheme of the African National Congress (ANC), the party in charge since 1994, is being questioned like never before.
In 2017, I gave a TEDx talk entitled‘Who Will Own Our Future Unicorns?’ At the time, the only billion-dollar startup on the continent was Jumia – a pan-African e-commerce, logistics and payment company – which became a unicorn in 2016.Yet I was convinced more would emerge; and they did in 2019, with Fawry and Interswitch. Since then, we’ve witnessed more African startups achieve billion-dollar valuations, attract international funding, and even exit to major global players.This represents a significant growth-marker for the continent’s start-up ecosystem, with many of these businesses solving critical pain points and becoming an essential part of our…
The TOP CHARITY Auction has redefined philanthropy in the luxury sector, earning the title of Europe’s Best Luxury Auction Event from the Luxury Lifestyle Awards. Set against the historic backdrop of King Jan III Sobieski’s Palace in Wilanów, Warsaw, the gala was a remarkable fusion of high art, business and social impact. Raising $11.5 million in just 90 minutes during its latest edition and nearly $21 million over three editions, the event exemplifies how luxury and philanthropy can seamlessly unite to drive lasting change.A Platform for Art and PhilanthropyThe auction showcased an extraordinary collection of works, including pieces by Magdalena…