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Intelligence for the New World Economy

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Intelligence for the New World Economy
Semafor World Economy
Jenny Vaughan

Jenny Vaughan

Africa News Editor

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US backs Madagascar rare earths project

The announcement is part of Washington’s efforts to chip away at China’s dominance of the critical minerals sector across Africa.
A Malagasy worker walks along an access track at mining giant Rio Tinto’s project.
Ed Harris/Reuters

Zimbabwe gets its first lithium processing plant

The development of the plant is part of efforts by African governments to capture more of the added value in mining industries.
A roasting plant during a site visit by Zimbabwean Minister of Mines and Mining Development Polite Kambamura at Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe.
Philimon Bulawayo/Reuters

Coming El Niño could cost Africa $20 billion, AfDB says

Extreme droughts and flooding threaten food and water security, while infrastructure damage could leave countries struggling to repay loans.
The aftermath of a cyclone in Madagascar earlier this year.
Stringer/Reuters

Chinese firms invest $900 million into new Angolan port

Luanda is seeking to develop its free trade zone, part of its efforts to diversify its oil-dominant economy.
An aerial view of ships waiting to dock at a port in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Luanda.
Ships off the coast of Luanda. Saul Loeb/Reuters.

Cameroonian designer Ayissi showcases couture in Paris

Ayissi is the only designer from sub-Saharan Africa to ever take part in Paris’ haute couture shows.
Imane Ayissi’s designs at Paris Fashion Week.
Fashion Channel/Youtube

African nations eye nuclear for energy security

South Africa and Egypt are the only countries in Africa with established nuclear projects, but several other countries are looking to follow suit.
Electricity pylons carrying power from Koeberg nuclear power plant are seen in Cape Town.
Sumaya Hisham/Reuters

South African rooibos tea seeds head to space

The journey is part of an experiment to see how the plant grows beyond Earth’s atmosphere.

Human vaccine trials begin for latest Ebola strain

The trial comes as the virus spread to two new provinces in the DR Congo, fueling fears the fast-moving outbreak is becoming harder to contain.

Viral Ethiopian Instagrammer uses trash for fashion

Since his first post on March 30, the young creator has gained 6.5 million followers on Instagram.

Senegal’s president to set up new political party

The move follows weeks of political turbulence between Senegalese officials over how to handle the country’s debt crisis.

East African animators break onto global stage

The Addis-Ababa-based studio behind ‘Sunday Morning’ took home two awards.

Rising fuel costs boost African EV sales

In most African markets, Chinese EVs cost the same as their internal combustion engine alternatives, according to research firm BMI.

Nairobi, Kigali sign fuel import agreements

Landlocked Rwanda relies almost entirely on overland transit of fuel from ports in Kenya and Tanzania.

Senegal lawmakers move to limit presidential powers

The move signifies a deepening political turmoil as the nation grapples with a debt crisis.

Ebola outbreak could cost Africa $3.6 billion

The UN’s worst-case scenario involved the outbreak spreading beyond DR Congo and Uganda.

Uganda orders closure of two major media outlets

The head of the country’s military, who is also the son of the current president, said he did not “believe in ‌a free press.”

US to provide new experimental Ebola drug

Slowing the virus’ spread has been hampered by the fact that there is no known treatment or vaccine for the new Bundibugyo strain.

Kenya signs deal with Chinese firm for airport upgrade

The agreement comes as Nairobi faces increasing competition from Ethiopia and Rwanda, which are jostling for power as East Africa’s main travel hub.