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Intelligence for the New World Economy

D.C.
BXL
Lagos

Riyadh
Beijing
SG

Intelligence for the New World Economy

Semafor World Economy

Tiisetso Motsoeneng

Tiisetso Motsoeneng

Tiisetso Motsoeneng has spent more than a decade reporting on South Africa’s political economy. At Business Day, he oversaw coverage of the post–state capture politics. Before that, he served as Reuters’ head of corporate news for Southern Africa.

Pretoria sends envoys across Africa over migrant attacks

Mozambique said five of its citizens were killed across South Africa, while Kenya, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe have issued security advisories to their nationals.

A man draped in a Ghana flag waits to be repatriated from South Africa.

South Africa picks Ramaphosa critic for inquiry chair

The inquiry will assess whether President Ramaphosa should face impeachment, following a scandal over money at his game farm.

Makashule Gana.

Iran war threatens major food shortages in Africa, S&P warns

Key fuel and fertilizer exports have been all but blocked by disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.

47-year-old civil engineer Anyoghe Akwa, who also grows cocoa, inspects in his cocoa farmland.

South African households grapple with water shortages

The water crisis is likely to hand the country’s main opposition parties leverage ahead of local elections later this year.

Residents of an informal settlement outside of Johannesburg carry water.

South Africa agrees $2.3B power lifeline

The intervention aimed at helping ferrochrome producers is an attempt by Pretoria to stabilize a smelting sector roiled by soaring electricity costs.

A smelting facility in South Africa.

South Africa hikes key interest rate as Iran war drives inflation

The move positions South Africa at the vanguard of a small group of emerging markets hiking rates to cushion the impact of the Iran war.

A customer shops for groceries at a market in Johannesburg.

Chinese vehicle trade deficit with S.Africa hits $3.5B

The deficit is twice the size it was four years earlier and South Africa’s largest bilateral automotive trade deficit with any country.

Ramaphosa launches defense against fresh impeachment push

The president is responding to an inquiry centered on his handling of the theft of $580,000 cash hidden inside a sofa at his Phala Phala private game farm.

South Africa seeks 15-year AGOA extension

South African officials warned that short extensions of the free trade deal undermine investor confidence and disrupt regional manufacturing plans.

South Africa police clash with displaced migrants

The forceful clearance of migrant workers has been condemned by rights groups.

South African grocer Pick n Pay raises nearly $300M

Pick n Pay sold a 12.5% stake in Boxer, which has seen its valuation surge since its IPO in 2024.

Germany overtakes US as South Africa’s second-largest bilateral trade partner

US tariffs hit South Africa’s value-added goods the hardest, with the country’s vehicle and transport equipment sector absorbing the bulk of the damage.

South Africa’s rail network opens to 11 private firms

The move is aimed at boosting mineral exports and easing financial pressure on state-owned Transnet after years of operational crisis.

Rwandan president shrugs off US sanctions over DR Congo

Paul Kagame said Washington’s moves will not alter Kigali’s stance over eastern DR Congo.

South Africa arrests intelligence chief on corruption charges

Feroz Khan faces charges including corruption and the illegal possession of and dealing in precious metals.

South Africa’s Ramaphosa turns to courts to stall impeachment

The South African leader pledged to challenge a decision by the country’s top court, which revived an impeachment inquiry against him.

Energy crisis pushes South Africa into classic policy trap

The government last month slashed the fuel tax levy, a temporary measure meant to ease the pain caused by rising fuel prices.

South Africa’s top court revives Ramaphosa impeachment probe

The constitutional court said parliament had acted unlawfully by blocking the process in 2022.