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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

Spiro fuels electric vehicle expansion in Africa

The Dubai-headquartered motorcycle manufacturer raised $50 million from the continent’s trade finance bank.
EV motorbikes in Kenya.AFP via Getty Images

At-home HIV care cuts new infections by 70%, research finds

Some African nations have teams that provide door-to-door health checkups, but HIV testing and drugs are often only available at clinics.
A nurse provides an HIV drug in South Africa.Ihsaan Haffejee/AFP via Getty Images

What Sudan can teach Ethiopia as Eritrea conflict looms

Both sides have a lot to lose and diplomacy is a less costly option.
Sudan’s colonial-era Republican Palace in ruins due to conflict.Sudan’s colonial-era Republican Palace in ruins due to conflict. Cameron Hudson.

Ecowas proposes major marine protection zone

The world’s high seas — international waters beyond any country’s control — have long been exposed to overfishing, shipping, and plastic pollution.
Santa Maria beach, Cabo Verde.Santa Maria beach, Cabo Verde. Michel Porro/Getty Images.

Somalia offers to renew US access to ports

Mogadishu’s offer comes days after the breakaway region of Somaliland reiterated a similar proposal.
Berbera port in Somaliland.Feisal Omar/Reuters

Nigerian fintech Fairmoney looks to expand to phones, vehicles

The move is the latest push among African fintechs to broaden services and capture a larger share of customers’ business.
Mobile banking in Rwanda.Godong/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Dangote oil refinery to go public on Nigerian stock exchange

The move would portend a huge win for the Nigerian stock market’s ambition to generate interest for local and foreign investors.

Ethiopia, Eritrea risk new war as tensions escalate

Deteriorating relations between Addis Ababa and Asmara have created a “powder keg” in the region, the International Crisis Group warned.

Relief, but no reset: South Africa recalibrates after US tariff ruling

Pretoria previously faced the highest tariff rate on the continent.

South Africa plans $3 billion LNG plant

Around 40% of South Africa’s population lack reliable access to electricity.

Africa holds $29.5 trillion in mineral wealth, report finds

About $8.6 trillion of these mineral assets remain undeveloped, according to the Africa Finance Corporation.

Nigeria announces oil fee reforms to boost revenue

The announcement is the latest move by Africa’s top crude producer to boost its coffers and comes just a year ahead of presidential elections.

US spends $1M per deportee to African nations

Africa has become central to the administration’s deportations strategy, which has the stated aim of expelling “millions of illegal migrants.”

Botswana targets drug manufacturing in health emergency recovery

The country is in talks with producers of generic drugs to develop local production.

Africa’s creative economy offers new investment opportunities

The sector could be worth $200 billion across the continent by 2030, according to the Brookings Institution.

Venture capital funding for African startups is ‘stabilizing’

Africa’s startup scene has entered “a phase of disciplined stabilization,” a report found, after years of declining investment.

South African telecoms giant MTN acquires IHS Towers

IHS, which was founded in Lagos, operates nearly 29,000 towers across key MTN markets including Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, and Rwanda.

Russia expands its soft power influence across Africa

The Russian Orthodox Church has expanded to at least 34 countries in recent years, and Russia has tripled its scholarship places for African students.