Africa
Africa is the world's second-largest and second-most-populous continent, covering about 30.3-million square kilometres and home to more than 1.4-billion people as of 2023. The continent comprises 54 recognised sovereign states and is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Indian Ocean to the east and the Red Sea to the north-east. Africa straddles the equator and encompasses diverse climatic zones, from tropical rainforests in the Congo Basin to the Sahara Desert in the north and the Kalahari Desert in the south. The continent is extraordinarily rich in natural resources, including significant deposits of gold, diamonds, platinum, copper, cobalt, oil and natural gas, which underpin much of its mining and energy sectors. Africa's economy is characterised by a mix of agriculture, mining, manufacturing and services, with infrastructure development, energy access and water provision remaining critical challenges across many regions. The continent has experienced rapid urbanisation and population growth, driving demand for electricity, transport networks and sanitation systems. Major regional economic communities include the African Union, the Southern African Development Community, the East African Community and the Economic Community of West African States. Africa's business landscape is shaped by both established markets such as South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt and Kenya, and emerging economies seeking to attract foreign investment and diversify their industrial bases. Climate change, political stability and governance remain key factors influencing economic development and infrastructure investment across the continent.
Africa Updates
Africa attracted investment in 2025; the challenge is turning it into broader industrial development – Unctad
By: Schalk Burger 7th July 2026 Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows to Africa reached about $70-billion in 2025, which was below the exceptional $94-billion recorded in 2024,... →
Ramaphosa hails investor confidence in digital economy
By: Lumkile Nkomfe 6th July 2026 President Cyril Ramaphosa has commended the recognition by global technology companies of South Africa’s ambition to become a leading digital... →
Nigeria joins IEA, boosting global energy governance
By: Schalk Burger 2nd July 2026 Nigeria has joined global organisation the International Energy Agency (IEA), which deepens the IEA's cooperation with Africa’s most populous... →
Africa's Road to Prosperity
2nd July 2026 Africa is the world’s fastest-growing region, yet it still grapples with extreme poverty. How can African countries leapfrog traditional... →
Africa gains direct route to WSTC grand final
2nd July 2026 Africa will host a continental stage of the World Schools Team Championship for the first time, determining the team that will represent the... →
Daily Podcast – June 30, 2026
30th June 2026 Making headlines: South African cities shuttered as anti-migrant protests gather pace Tony Leon defends communications firm And, Ebola outbreak... →
Ebola outbreak could cost Africa up to $3.6bn, UN says
By: Reuters 30th June 2026 The United Nations said on Tuesday that an Ebola outbreak could cost Africa up to $3.6-billion and hundreds of thousands of jobs, potentially... →
Green trade, regional value chains and new partnerships for cooperation: accelerating green industrialisation through partnerships with a focus on Africa
26th June 2026 Global trade is being reshaped by a new ‘security–sustainability’ nexus. As supply chains are reconfigured for resilience, regional partnerships... →
UJ solidifies continental leadership in 2026 sustainability rankings
By: Thabi Shomolekae 24th June 2026 The University of Johannesburg has officially cemented its status as Africa's premier institution for societal and sustainable impact. According to... →
Daily Podcast – June 22, 2026
By: Thabi Shomolekae 22nd June 2026 Making headlines: Police deployed as anti-migrant deadline looms; Ramaphosa urges African health sovereignty, self-reliance in wake of Ebola... →
