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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

Senegal’s political avalanche

Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye decision to fire his popular prime minister, Ousmane Sonko, has sparked a political crisis.
A supporter holds a campaign poster depicting Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko.A campaign poster depicting Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. Zohra Bensemra/File Photo/Reuters.

Benin’s new president focuses on economic prosperity

Romauld Wadagni, the former finance minister, promised to ensure citizens benefit from the growing strength of the country’s economy.
Benin’s President Romuald Wadagni waves as he walks next to his wife Nathalie Villette-Wadagni.

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.
The MSC container ship is docked while a truck drives past containers at the Durban Harbour, in Durban.Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters

African Development Bank meets amid Iran war, Ebola

The week-long gathering is the first since Sidi Ould Tah, Mauritania’s former finance inister, was elected the lender’s president a year ago.
Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Development Bank.

Kenya’s mobile money tax plans threaten M-Pesa growth

President William Ruto’s administration wants to impose a new 16% value-added tax on services by payment platforms.
A customer conducts a mobile money transfer, known as M-Pesa, at a Safaricom agent stall.Thomas Mukoya/Reuters

How China forced Europe to reconsider Africa’s industrialization

As Europe seeks alternatives to Chinese manufacturing dominance, Africa has a chance to renegotiate its place in the global economy.
A worker at Dynamic Fluid Control, one of Africa’s largest valve manufacturers that exports valves at the company’s facility in Benoni, east of Johannesburg, South Africa, July 28, 2025.Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters

Senegal’s president fires prime minister, dissolves government

Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s move follows months of public disagreements with Ousmane Sonko over how to tackle a public debt crisis.

How SpaceX is making a quiet bet on Africa

That lofty ambition to connect over 3 billion people to the internet sits at the heart of Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet business.

Resin analysis of incense in Pompeii links Roman city to African trade

Resins from African rainforests were likely traded alongside other commodities from sub-Saharan Africa via the Red Sea, researchers said.

South Africa police clash with displaced migrants

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

Chinese solar exports to Africa surge

The energy crisis sparked by the Iran war has fueled global demand for renewable energy.

Africa Finance Corporation commits $100M to digital growth

The move is unusual for the Africa Finance Corporation, which mainly deploys capital for infrastructure projects.

Investment into health R&D could unlock $668B for Africa

The goal could be achieved if African governments meet the African Union’s call to invest 1% of their GDPs in health, a report said.

Nigeria’s president uses young technocrats to control economy

Nigeria’s septuagenarian president has appointed a new generation of policymakers but critics claim ethnic bias.

Solar minigrids in Nigeria could offer major jobs boost, report finds

Off-grid solar electricity is among the solutions the World Bank is backing to halve the continent’s energy gap.

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.

Kenya cuts fuel prices after deadly protests

Nairobi has been rocked by demonstrations, with four people killed and dozens injured.

Ebola hits central Africa, prompting race for vaccine

There are no treatments for the current Ebola strain, which has already killed 131 people.