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
US-China rivalry puts Africa’s climate diplomacy to the test
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies Updated 1 hour 50 minutes ago Current geopolitical tensions could be catastrophic for climate action, especially Africa’s renewable energy transition. Climate action,... →
IMF to visit Uganda next month for negotiations on new programme
By: Reuters Updated 2 hours 14 minutes ago An International Monetary Fund staff team plans to visit Uganda next month for more negotiations on a new support programme, the IMF's resident... →
[WATCH] Africa’s Road to Prosperity: 10 Things to Know
Updated 3 hours ago Africa is the world’s fastest-growing region, yet it still grapples with extreme poverty. How can African countries leapfrog traditional... →
SA: Ronald Lamola: Address by International Relations and Cooperation Minister, to introduce President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, the SADC Public Lecture, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus (14/08/2026)
14th August 2026 The world is undergoing significant transformation. Great power competition is intensifying. Advanced economies are turning inward. Events beyond... →
SADC can be a testing ground for turning African minerals into development – UN ECA
By: Schalk Burger 14th August 2026 Demand for critical energy transition minerals, including cobalt, copper, graphite, lithium, manganese, nickel, platinum group metals (PGMs) and... →
Thabo Mbeki Foundation merges with WDB Trust
By: Thabi Shomolekae 13th August 2026 The Thabo Mbeki Foundation and the WDB Trust have officially consolidated to establish the Thabo and Zanele Mbeki Foundation, aimed at driving... →
Africans migrate for jobs mostly within the continent: why regional skills partnerships are needed
13th August 2026 In 2024, 25.1-million Africans were living in other countries on the continent. Labour migration has long been a defining feature of Africa’s... →
Zambia votes in elections expected to favour incumbent Hichilema
By: Reuters 13th August 2026 Zambia goes to the polls on Thursday in a general election widely expected to give President Hakainde Hichilema a second term, although frustration... →
Country Focus Report 2026 - Botswana - Mobilizing Botswana’s Development Financing at Scale in a Fragmented World
12th August 2026 Chapter 1 reviews Botswana’s recent macroeconomic performance and outlook for 2026–2027, highlighting the impact of the downturn in the global... →
2026 Africa Sustainable Development Report
12th August 2026 This 2026 Africa Sustainable Development Report is released as African countries advance through the final phase of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable... →
