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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

African currencies among best performers in 2025

The stellar year was driven by soaring commodity prices and rising economic stability.
South African Rand coins.Mike Hutchings/Illustration/Reuters

Guinea election expected to cement autocrat’s rule

Mamady Doumbouya, who seized power in a coup in 2021, is predicted to win a seven-year term, cementing the autocrat’s rule in the West African nation.
Electoral workers count votes during the presidential election.Souleymane Camara/Reuters

Touadéra set to extend his term as president of the Central African Republic

The incumbent looks likely to win another five year term despite slowing growth and a worsening security situation.
A poster for Touadéra. Leger Serge Kokpakpa/Reuters

African Cup of Nations shifts to 4-year cycle

The move will align the tournament with European sporting calendars after years of complaints from clubs.
African Cup of Nations Qualification, Egypt vs Botswana.Amr Abdallah Dalsh/Reuters

Ghana approves bill to legalize the use of cryptocurrencies

Crypto is increasingly popular among digitally savvy consumers and businesses on the continent trying to hedge against currency volatility.
Representation of bitcoin cryptocurrency.Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo/Reuters

Trump withdraws US ambassadors to Africa

Washington has removed top-level representatives in more than half the countries of sub-Saharan Africa.
US President Donald Trump. Jessica Koscielniak/File Photo/Reuters

UAE blockchain project eyes Africa growth through M-Pesa deal

The initiative is part of a push for Abu Dhabi to deepen its financial ties with African countries.

Zambia amends its constitution ahead of election

President Hakainde Hichilema said some constituencies should be split into smaller ones in changes that will also increase the number of lawmakers.

Botswana’s economy forecast to shrink as diamond sector slumps

Botswana, the world’s largest producer of diamonds by value, relies on the precious stones for around one-third of its national revenue.

Nigerian oil giant Heirs Energies secures $750M loan

The oil producer hopes to boost investment into an oil field that has doubled in capacity in four years.

US plans to fund controversial hepatitis B vaccine trial in Guinea-Bissau

Washington is sending $1.6 million to a Danish research group “with ties to the US anti-vaccine movement,” reported NOTUS.

The energy trap at the heart of Africa’s stalled industrialization

How does the continent get out of a self-reinforcing cycle of low energy and low productivity?

Ghana asks US to extradite former finance minister accused of corruption

Ken Ofori-Atta stands accused of causing financial losses while he was in government.

K-pop power player HYBE looks to African market

The entertainment company behind mega-popular boy band BTS announced a new joint venture with several regional music veterans.

Kenya announces new $300M power deal

The agreement is with a consortium comprising pan-African infrastructure investor Africa50 and the Indian government.

Kenya pushes back as US eyes more African health deals

A handful of countries have signed agreements with Washington but a Kenyan court case has raised growing data privacy concerns.

US threatens ‘severe consequences’ for S. Africa as rift escalates

The comments came after Pretoria reportedly expelled several Kenyan nationals sent to help members of the country’s white minority relocate.

US loans Angola $500M for major railroad

The loan is part of White House efforts to counter China’s influence on the continent, while gaining access to Africa’s vast mineral resources.