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Intelligence for the New World Economy

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Intelligence for the New World Economy
Semafor World Economy

Semafor Africa

The Iran war’s ‘lag effect’ on Africa’s economies

While the IMF only downgraded the continent’s economic growth by 30 basis points last week, a prolonged conflict could have much graver consequences.
Traders transact at the Mile 12 Market ahead of Muslims festival of sacrifice (Eid Al-Adha) on Ikorodu road in Lagos, Nigeria, June 4, 2025.Mile 12 Market in Lagos, Nigeria, June 4, 2025. Sodiq Adelakun/Reuters

US senators voice concern over lack of funding to halt terrorism in Africa

They pointed out ambassadorial vacancies, gutted humanitarian programs, and a lack of transparency.
A soldier patrols near the wreckage of a suicide car bomb blast in Somalia.Abdifitah Hashi Nor/AFP via Getty Images

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.

Kenya lowers tax revenue goal amid Iran war impact

Kenya requested rapid financial support from the World Bank to help it manage the economic shocks sparked by the Iran war.
A general view shows a section of the skyline of the central business district of Nairobi.Thomas Mukoya/Reuters

Ethiopia’s Tigray province renews parliament, raising tensions

The country is still recovering from a civil war in the region that stymied attempts to liberalize one of Africa’s biggest economies.

Taiwan cancels Eswatini visit after neighbors block airspace

Eswatini is the only African country with official diplomatic relations with Taiwan, which China considers a renegade province.
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te.Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te. Yimou Lee/File Photo/Reuters.

Mining giant BHP mulls Zambia copper exploration

The move would mark the firm’s first large-scale project in Africa for more than a decade.

Nigeria’s Tinubu replaces finance minister in surprise reshuffle

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu replaced Wale Edun with Taiwo Oyedele, a junior finance minister who oversaw a revamp of the country’s tax system.

Competition to provide satellite internet heats up in Africa

SES, Amazon, and Starlink are all competing to bring Africa’s population online via satellite internet.

Major kidney genomic study in Africa finds new risk factors

Researchers found new genetic variants driving chronic kidney disease, offering potential targets for future drugs or diagnostic tools.

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.

China’s solar panel exports to Africa surged in 2025

China exported 18.8 gigawatts of solar panels to Africa last year, 48% more than in 2024, according to new analysis from the energy think tank Ember.

Pope Leo XIV’s 11-day Africa tour

Africa is the fastest-growing part of the Catholic Church worldwide, accounting for nearly 300 million believers in 2024.

Nigerian airlines pause plan to shut down operations countrywide

Airlines have been among the businesses hardest hit by the impact of the Iran war.

South Africa scraps apartheid-era capital controls

Pretoria hopes the new system will make it easier for investors to move money out of the country.

South Africa’s Kganyago rejects ‘wait-and-see’ approach

South Africa’s central bank governor Letsetja Kganyago told Semafor World Economy the bank could not be “complacent.”

War sends Africa debt costs spiraling

The Iran war is raising debt costs for African countries, sparking warnings that some economies could default as interest rates soar.

DR Congo miner commits more copper to US

The 500,000-tonne pledge would come through Gécamines’ joint venture with Swiss commodities trading company Mercuria.