South Africa
Iran war switches energy investment priorities from climate to security where electricity is king - IEA
The Iran war has switched up government’s priorities and energy investments are now driven less by climate targets than by security concerns, as governments respond to the second major energy crisis in five years.
African countries see SMRs as key to future nuclear development
Small modular reactors are increasingly being seen as the future of nuclear power in Africa, with a growing number of countries viewing the technology as a way to expand electricity access and support long-term economic development.
Nigeria's Daya raises $2.4mn to expand stablecoin payment network across Africa
Daya's oversubscribed pre-seed funding highlights investor confidence in blockchain-based financial infrastructure as African businesses increasingly adopt digital dollar settlements.
Global growth to stabilise in 3Q26 as Iran ceasefire eases energy shock - Erste Bank
A framework agreement between Washington and Tehran has already pulled oil prices lower, but Erste Group's quarterly outlook warns the inflationary scar tissue from the conflict will outlast the crisis itself across the world.
Deal total signed with Global South at SPIEF likely tops $100bn
This year’s St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) was considered a flop as few international companies bothered to make the trip. However, some $100bn worth of deals were signed with Global South companies.
South Africa's MTN eyes Iran exit as potential US sanctions relief hopes revive
MTN Group (JSE: MTN) could finally unlock its long-troubled 49% stake in Iranian operator Irancell if diplomatic contacts between Washington and Tehran eventually lead to sanctions relief.
Toyota launches EV sport utility vehicle bZ4X in Kenya, following South Africa and Morocco rollouts
Toyota has launched the fully electric bZ4X in Kenya, extending its gradual rollout of battery electric vehicles across Africa after earlier introductions in Morocco in April and South Africa last month.
“BRICS bank” extends $1bn loan to South Africa to finance infrastructure upgrades in eight municipalities
South Africa secures $1bn loan from the New Development Bank to upgrade water, sanitation and waste infrastructure in its eight largest municipalities, highlighting Pretoria's growing reliance on the BRICS-backed lender.
World Bank cuts Sub-Saharan Africa growth forecast as energy shock bites
The World Bank warns that higher energy costs and weaker external demand stemming from the Middle East conflict are outweighing the benefits of structural reforms, stronger commodities prices
LONG READ: The Post-Pax Americana Interregnum has already started
Empires tend to last about a hundred years, and true to form the Pax Americana has passed its peak. What follows is decades of instability and lower growth as the leading countries of the world vie to fill the void. The Interregnum has started.
Illicit gold networks fuelling conflict, organised crime across Africa and global south, GI-TOC warns
Illicit gold has become a critical source of financing for organised crime, armed groups and sanctioned regimes across Africa, a Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime report finds.
Where do deaths outnumber births? - OWID
For most of human history, more people were born each year than died. Populations grew very slowly for most of this history, then rapidly in recent centuries, as child mortality plummeted and people lived longer.
The demographic point of no return: the world is running out of mothers
China and the EU have crossed the threshold beyond which population decline is mathematically irreversible. Once the median age of women passes 40, a country no longer has enough potential mothers to keep the population stable.
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Supply chain disruptions are back at 2022 levels – Statista
Global supply chain pressures have risen again in recent months, returning to levels last seen during the height of pandemic-related disruptions, Statista reports.
The world's record heatwaves - Statista
According to NASA, there is “unequivocal evidence that Earth is warming at an unprecedented rate”, Statista reports.
Lesotho signs $6.2bn hydropower and AI project with aim of becoming power exporter
The agreement Lesotho signed with US-based Convalt Energy to develop a 1,200MW hydropower project and an AI data centre is valued at almost three times Lesotho's GDP.
China’s BYD captures 35% of Africa EV market, as latecomer rival Tesla bets on Morocco
Chinese EV giant BYD upped its market share from just 4% in 2023 as electric vehicle sales on the continent accelerated. Tesla is betting on Morocco, Africa’s leading EV manufacturing hub.
South Africa moves to tighten crypto controls after court ruling on Bitcoin
South Africa is moving to tighten oversight of crypto after High Court ruling exposes potential gap in exchange-control framework by finding such assets don't qualify as conventional currency.
AfDB forecasts Africa growth slowdown to 4.2% in 2026 amid global tensions
Africa demonstrates resilience despite tighter global financial conditions and supply chain disruptions, supported by improved macroeconomic management, agricultural output, and higher commodities prices.
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