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Intelligence for the New World Economy

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Intelligence for the New World Economy
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Semafor Africa

Africa braces for more Iran war fallout as Dangote steps up

The IMF said the biggest casualties from another disruption to the Strait of Hormuz will likely be smaller, oil-importing economies in sub-Saharan Africa.
A motorcycle taxi carries passengers during a strike by public transport operators driven by rising fuel costs, linked to global supply pressures following the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Nairobi, Kenya May 19, 2026. REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya
Thomas Mukoya/Reuters

Catnip lotion found to be effective mosquito repellent in Uganda study

Researchers found that 6% catnip oil lotion was just as good at repelling mosquitoes as the main ingredient in widely used brands.
A researcher from the Uganda Virus Research Institute places a mosquito sample into a tube.
James Akena/Reuters

Ebola health workers say they are yet to be paid

The protests by health workers puts efforts to contain the virus’ spread further at risk.
Red Cross workers wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) disinfect the house of many who died of Ebola.
Gradel Muyisa Mumbere/Reuters

Nigeria investigates Big Tech over use of local news content

The probe, announced this week, is the second major inquiry in three years against global tech firms undertaken by Nigeria.
People read newspapers in Lagos.
Sodiq Adelakun/Reuters

Nigeria rejects IMF’s findings of extra-budgetary spending

Abuja blamed poor interpretation of its financial reporting method for the misunderstanding.
A view of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) logo at its headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Benoit Tessier/File Photo/Reuters

Businesses brace for prolonged unrest in South Africa

Boardroom sentiment has soured in an economy already grappling with the world’s highest unemployment rate, collapsing municipal services, and intensifying political agitation.
An anti-immigrant demonstrator throws a bottle at a building in Johannesburg.
Oupa Nkosi/File Photo/Reuters

US lacks scores of ambassadors in Africa

Some 41 African countries currently lack a confirmed envoy, including Nigeria, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Libya, and Sudan.

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.

South Africa’s Treasury freezes Johannesburg budget

The decision is part of a crackdown on allegedly wasteful spending just months before local government elections.

Nigeria opens $250M lithium processing plant

The plant, built by Chinese companies Jiuling and Canmax, will process 3 million metric tons of lithium ore per year.

South Africa mulls tax cuts to boost industrial growth

The move comes after the country lost its top spot as Africa’s most industrialized economy.

Ghana gold dispute draws in president’s brother

A legal row involving a company run by a brother of the Ghanaian president threatens to dent investor confidence in the country’s mining sector.

East African animators break onto global stage

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

Dangote eyes expansion into Tanzania

The Nigerian billionaire held talks with Tanzania’s president last week, and formal talks to finalize a deal are to be held soon.

Economists warn Africa faces prolonged crunch

A US-Iran ceasefire is unlikely to ease short-term conditions in a region badly impacted by the war.

DRC to extend fuel subsidy cuts for mining companies

The government said it was “rationalizing” fuel support by targeting sectors able to absorb market prices.

Lawsuits threaten Nigerian opposition challenge to Tinubu

Opposition parties say the cases raise concerns about transparency and rule of law ahead of January 2027 elections.

The debate over AGOA is missing the point

The US needs to stop thinking of Africa as a collection of bilateral relationships and start building a continental trade and investment strategy.