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
SA: Blade Nzimande: Address by Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, at the Gala Dinner of the 2026 National Research Foundation Award (03/09/2026)
4th September 2026 It also helps us to grapple with some of the most profound questions which have intrigued humanity since the appearance of our species in the... →
Africa's greatest mineral asset isn't underground
2nd September 2026 The global race for critical minerals is entering a new phase. No longer defined solely by access to mineral reserves, it is increasingly being... →
SA: Cyril Ramaphosa: Address by South Africa's President, at the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium of South Africa, Cape Town (25/08/2026)
26th August 2026 At the centre of discussion at the Summit was the work we must collectively undertake to further integrate the economies of our region.... →
Africa must unlock the capital beneath its farmers’ feet
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 26th August 2026 Agriculture is the foundation for Africa’s economic takeoff, but without land tenure reform, its potential will remain untapped. Africa’s quality... →
Zambia closes courts on last day to file election challenge
By: Reuters 24th August 2026 Zambian authorities closed the country's top courts on Monday, blocking access to the premises on the last day that the opposition could file a... →
Zambian police summon opposition leader following disputed election
By: Reuters 21st August 2026 Zambian police have summoned opposition leader Brian Mundubile for questioning over alleged national security threats in the latest escalation of a... →
Why the EU’s new AI law matters for South African newsrooms
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 21st August 2026 SA and legacy media can use this world-first legislation to improve their role as guardians of information integrity in an African context. This... →
Let us be our own and build our own future
By: Saliem Fakir 21st August 2026 The Stoic philosopher Seneca once wrote: “If you have passed through life without an opponent, no one can ever know what you are capable of, not... →
Parly champions coordinated regional strategy for migration governance, expansion of legislative dialogue 
By: Thabi Shomolekae 20th August 2026 Parliament must move beyond reactive measures and lead the charge in building robust governance systems, driving evidence-based policies, and... →
Millions of Africans are displaced without crossing a border – and their needs are often overlooked
19th August 2026 The eruption of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo in May 2026 sparked a major crisis.... →
