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Intelligence for the New World Economy

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Intelligence for the New World Economy
Semafor World Economy
Paige Bruton

Paige Bruton

UK Newsroom Fellow

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Chinese solar exports to Africa surge

The energy crisis sparked by the Iran war has fueled global demand for renewable energy.
Juba Solar PV Park in South Sudan.Thomas Mukoya/Reuters

Investment into health R&D could unlock $668B for Africa

The goal could be achieved if African governments meet the African Union’s call to invest 1% of their GDPs in health, a report said.
Scientific officer Asiphe Besethi works in the research lab at the University of Cape Town’s Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine.Esa Alexander/Reuters

EV imports to Africa from China surged in 2025

African countries imported more than 44,000 electric vehicles from China last year, according to China’s commerce ministry, up from more than 19,000 in 2024.
People wait at an electric vehicle (EV) power charging station in Victoria Island, Lagos.Sodiq Adelakun/Reuters

US inflation jumps to 3.8%, the highest level in three years

The spike was largely caused by fuel price increases sparked by the war in Iran.
Gasoline prices are displayed as fuel costs continues to climb close to record setting territory in Encinitas, California.Mike Blake/Reuters

New digital atlas sheds light on Africa’s wetlands

Since the 1970s more than a third of the world’s wetlands have disappeared, largely due to climate change and urbanization.
Wetlands surrounding Lake Chilwa in Malawi. Eldson Chagara/Reuters

Nigerian ecologist wins major environmental prize

Iroro Tanshi won the award, dubbed the “Green Nobel,” for her work protecting endangered bats from wildfires.
Nigerian ecologist Iroro Tanshi.Nigerian ecologist Iroro Tanshi. Goldman Environmental Prize/YouTube.

Africa’s insurance sector buoyed by growing middle class

The market is expected to top $166 billion by 2034, up from $98.5 billion in 2025, global market research firm IMARC Group forecast.

US inflation jumps, though long-term war impact yet to be seen

“Core” inflation, which removes volatile food and energy prices, only increased modestly.

A South African artist is changing the way viewers understand Picasso’s Guernica

Dumile Feni’s artwork is on display directly opposite Pablo Picasso’s famous anti-war painting.

World Bank agrees $540M Uganda urbanization financing package

The funding aims to enhance all-weather roads, stormwater drainage, street lighting, and public markets.

Nigerian film explores transformational power of AI

Makemation is being screened internationally following a successful run in theaters across Nigeria.

Record 10 African nations qualify for World Cup

Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, and Ghana are among those due to compete in the tournament, as are Africa Cup of Nations finalists Morocco and Senegal.

Campaign for African artifacts looks to AI to expedite returns

The platform helps to collate and narrativize the often-fragmented research and bureaucracy involved in the return of artifacts to Africa.

Promised sickle cell cure could be on horizon for Africans

While treatment options for the inherited blood disease have long been available, scientists now believe that a cure for sickle cell may lie in gene-editing.

Surge in happiness across Africa driven by youth satisfaction

Congo Brazzaville, Niger, and Togo have seen a rise in youth happiness in recent years, according to Gallup’s 2026 World Happiness Report.

Russia expands its soft power influence across Africa

The Russian Orthodox Church has expanded to at least 34 countries in recent years, and Russia has tripled its scholarship places for African students.

South African video game allows players to conduct heists on Western museums

Players of Relooted can reclaim artifacts that colonialists plundered from Africa.

Nigeria makes big gains in fight against neglected tropical diseases

Nigeria could unlock $19 billion for the country’s economy by 2030 by eliminating NTDs, but foreign aid cuts threaten advancements.