Africa / Features
Russia's expanding pull in Africa is pushing Western influence out
Moscow’s expanding presence in Africa has largely unfolded in silence, but the shift it represents is profound. Like in the game of Risk, Africa’s sheer size and its treasure trove of untapped raw materials is becoming increasingly important.
Armenia courts African countries to supply diamond industry
Armenia is seeking partnerships with African producers of rough diamonds to ensure a stable supply for its diamond processing industry and diversify away from sanctions-hit Russian suppliers.
From blood diamonds to critical minerals: Sierra Leone’s mining transformation
Once defined by war and blood diamonds, Sierra Leone is now looking to turn its rich but underdeveloped mineral base – iron ore, gold, rutile and bauxite – into a driver of economic recovery and long-term investments.
Who is going to Moscow May 9 victory day parade?
Who will attend Putin’s Victory parade on May 9? The guest list will be a barometer of Russia’s standing in the world and how far he has got in building an alternative international community in the Global South.
Minerals for security: can the US break China’s grip on the DRC?
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is offering the United States significant mining rights in exchange for military support.
Russia to capitalise on Africa’s growing energy demand
Russia has been intensifying its efforts to strengthen energy partnerships with African countries, indicating a broader strategy to enhance its geopolitical influence across the continent.
Trump’s Liberation Day tariffs will accelerate BRICS bloc trade cooperation
BRICS avowedly seeks to challenge Western-dominated institutions of global economic governance, as well as to displace the US dollar from its entrenched role in the world economy. Its job just got easier thanks to Trump.
Trump and Carthage: The end of history revisited
What has gone wrong with the world? Protests and wars have broken out across the globe. Analysts are warning that weak countries could face problems but the strong ones are suffering from a deeper long term rot that will change the world order.
Welcome to the new transactional world order
Welcome to the new world order. Values and liberal democracy is giving way to a world run on the basis of deals.
US-South Africa relations sink to new low with ambassador who “hates America” expelled amid racism allegations
US-South Africa relations have tanked since Donald Trump took office. In the latest salvo, Washington has expelled South Africa’s ambassador, whom Marco Rubio called a “race-baiting politician” who “hates America” and Trump.
Guns and gold: how two coups reshaped Burkina Faso’s mining sector
Burkina Faso sits atop some of West Africa’s richest mineral deposits, yet vast reserves remain untapped. As Africa’s fourth-largest gold producer, it has long relied on the precious metal to drive its economy.
Liberia’s mining resurgence: from conflict to opportunity
Liberia’s vast mineral wealth has been both a blessing and a curse. Rich in iron ore, gold and diamonds, the country was once a major exporter, but decades of civil war shattered the industry.
PANNIER: Prince Karim Aga Khan IV obituary
Spiritual leader who mingled with heads of state and royalty leaves behind tremendous amount of grassroots work that will benefit Ismaili Muslim communities for generations to come.
Can Eritrea’s mining sector flourish under autocratic rule?
Eritrea – known as Africa's North Korea – is attracting considerable Chinese interest in its vast mineral resources despite the regime's autocratic nature.
Gold and guns: how civil war keeps Sudan's mineral riches in the ground
Sudan is a treasure trove of untapped resources – vast reserves of gold, iron ore and other precious minerals. However, the country’s ongoing civil war and profound political instability suffocate its economic potential and keep out FDI.