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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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A tale of star-crossed sisters

In 1970s Ghana, a period of intense economic decline, two sister make a promise with devastating consequences.
Half Lives, by Krystle Zara Appiah

Nigerian-born artist taps memories for Obamas portrait

Njideka Akunyili Crosby was commissioned to paint the first joint portrait of the former US president and first lady, Barack and Michelle Obama.
Njideka Akunyili Crosby with the Obamas in front of the portrait.
Njideka Akunyili Crosby with the Obamas. @barackobama/Instagram.

South African holds world’s oldest ultramarathon

The nearly 55-mile race was held soon after Cape Town was designated a World Marathon Major.
The Cape Town Marathon 2026.
The Cape Town Marathon 2026. @capetownmarathon/Instagram.

FIFA bans use of vuvuzelas at World Cup

The vuvuzela became a symbol of South African football following its widespread use in the 2010 World Cup, which was hosted in the country.
Football fans blow vuvuzelas during the 2010 World Cup.
Ivan Alvarado/Reuters

‘The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind’ gets London stage debut

The musical is an adaptation of a memoir about a young Malawian boy who builds his own windmill to generate electricity during a period of famine.
Press night performance of The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind in London.
Aimee Rose McGhee/Dave Benett/Getty Images

Ghanaian artist El Anatsui dominates Frieze New York sales

‘LuwVor I,’ a sculpture crafted from aluminum, copper, and wire, sold for $2.2 million, more than double the next highest seller at the prestigious art fair.
A piece by El Anatsui.

Chinese solar exports to Africa surge

The energy crisis sparked by the Iran war has fueled global demand for renewable energy.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nigerian ecologist wins major environmental prize

Iroro Tanshi won the award, dubbed the “Green Nobel,” for her work protecting endangered bats from wildfires.

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.