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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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World Bank agrees $540M Uganda urbanization financing package

The funding aims to enhance all-weather roads, stormwater drainage, street lighting, and public markets.
An aerial view shows residential neighborhoods in Kampala, Uganda.Thomas Mukoya/Reuters

Nigerian film explores transformational power of AI

Makemation is being screened internationally following a successful run in theaters across Nigeria.
A still from the film, Makemation.nollycritic/YouTube

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.
DR Congo’s national team. DR Congo’s national team. Eloisa Sanchez/Reuters.

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.
France’s former Culture Minister Rachida Dati at a ceremony in February for the official restitution of a sacred talking drum to Cote d’Ivoire.A restitution ceremony for a sacred talking drum, returned from France to Côte d’Ivoire. Bertrand Guay/AFP via Getty Images.

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.
A scientist in Cameroon looks through a microscope.Daniel Beloymou Olomo/AFP via Getty Images

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.
School children in Niger react playfully to the sight of a camera on the street.Scott Peterson/Getty Images

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.

Africa’s electricity demand surged in 2025

Data showed improved electricity supply in South Africa — which accounts for a quarter of the region’s consumption — led the boost.

Iemanjá Festival celebrates Brazil’s African religious heritage

Thousands of observers lined the beaches of the city of Salvador to make offerings to Iemanjá, the Yoruba goddess of the sea.

Ethiopia’s $1B bond faces new obstacles

Some investors said they would take legal action after a creditor committee chaired by China and France blocked the initial restructuring agreement.

Ghana, Google ink AI education deal

They aim to develop AI-powered education tools in local languages, starting with Twi, Ewe, Dagbani, and Hausa.

Scientists discover Namib Desert beetle cools down when running

The Onymacris plana, a darkling beetle, is the first known land animal that gets cooler as it exercises, scientists said.

EU sells banned pesticides to Africa

Agriculture employs more than half of the continent’s population and contributes around 35% of its GDP.

South Africa cuts interest rate as inflation eases

The National Treasury’s decision to scrap plans to raise value-added tax helped to revise down inflation forecasts.

US sees unexpected hiring surge in September, though concerns remain

The long-delayed September jobs report showed that 119,000 jobs were added, while 4,000 jobs were lost in August.

Ghana’s Asante receive 130 artifacts from UK, South Africa

Around 100 of the items were returned by the South African mining company AngloGold Ashanti, which had purchased them on the open market.