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
World Energy Transition Outlook 2026: 1.5°C Pathway
16th October 2026 The global energy transition has entered a decisive new phase. Renewable energy deployment continues to break records, technology costs have fallen... →
US agency to do more equity investing in Africa, official says
By: Reuters 9th October 2026 The US International Development Finance Corp plans to increase direct equity investments, including in Africa and the critical minerals sector,... →
Africa’s next growth chapter starts with capital closer to home
9th October 2026 Africa enters the FT Africa Summit this year facing a familiar question in unfamiliar circumstances. How does the continent finance growth when... →
Pan-African law firm launches Labour Laws in Africa 2026 Guide as employers navigate mounting workforce risk across the continent
8th October 2026 With Africa expected to account for more than half of global population growth between now and 2050, and home to the world's youngest population,... →
Jonathan Oppenheimer emphasises urgency of tackling climate change challenge 
By: Martin Creamer 7th October 2026 With the prospect of even more extreme climate change, with the challenges faced in the environmental space worldwide, the importance of a... →
The global panel on inequality needs African evidence: here’s how it could work
7th October 2026 World leaders have been asked to support a proposed International Panel on Inequality. Brazil, Norway, South Africa and Spain, together with Nobel... →
Daily Podcast – October 06, 2026
6th October 2026 Making headlines: Voters urged to ‘rescue’ Joburg from ‘corrupt crime-council ecosystem' Ramaphosa punts campaign to plant 1bn trees over 5 years... →
Military coups promise change – 4 ways they can leave African countries worse off
6th October 2026 A military coup d’état is the ouster of an elected president or head of state, usually through the use or threat of force. Putschists (those who... →
World Bank raises Africa's 2026 growth forecast, urges AI investments
By: Reuters 6th October 2026 The World Bank has raised Africa's 2026 economic growth forecast to 4.3%, citing stronger performance across the region, and urged governments to... →
Africa’s new credit agency: why it’s needed
5th October 2026 The formal launch of the Africa Credit Rating Agency (AfCRA) has required considerable institutional commitment. It brings to fruition an effort... →
