- A high cost of living index can affect a country's global perception. African countries such as South Africa and Kenya, which draw considerable tourist and expatriate communities, may risk losing their appeal if living expenses grow without a corresponding increase in quality.
- The construction of eight additional tanks will increase crude storage capacity at the $20 billion Dangote Petroleum Refinery by 41.67%, bringing the total capacity to 3.4 billion litres.
- Transportation is the backbone of businesses worldwide, and in Nigeria, the lack of a reliable rail system has led to a heavy reliance on the highways.
- Across Africa, many countries face the challenge of holding passports that rank low on global mobility indexes. Somalia has the least powerful passport in Africa, allowing access to only 35 countries and ranking 102nd globally.
- A low GDP forecast is a critical indicator of potential challenges ahead. This projection for African countries in 2025 signals deterring engagement in industries such as manufacturing, services, technology, and infrastructure.
- A recent survey shows improved customer service in SME banking as financial institutions in Ghana and Nigeria seek long-term relationships with expanding businesses.
- Despite Nigeria’s longstanding reputation as the top tech innovation hub of Africa, Kenya for the second year in a row has drawn the largest total annual funding.
- Last year, South Africa dominated the top spots, holding the top five positions for the highest crime rates. In the latest rankings, six cities from South Africa still feature prominently, reflecting the ongoing security challenges faced by the country.
- There have been several oil explorations by major oil conglomerates in the Southern African country of Namibia in recent years. Shell has announced a $400 million write-down related to an offshore oil discovery in Namibia, deeming the project commercially unviable.
- In 2023, despite submitting half as many Schengen visa applications as those from Asia, African applicants were twice as likely to be rejected, with rates 14 percentage points higher than Asian applicants.
- Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs provide a pathway for individuals to acquire citizenship in a country by making substantial financial contributions to its economy.
- The China Development Bank has announced a $254.76 million loan to Nigeria for the construction of a railway project. China’s involvement in Nigeria’s railway modernization program is part of its broader Belt and Road Initiative.
- Low-income countries (LICs) included 63 emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs) in 2000. The number since then has changed significantly, with more African countries emerging as middle-income economies.
- Some of the continent’s busiest airlines, such as Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways, strive to maintain reliability but are not immune to disruptions. Kenya Airways ranked highest for cancellations, with 2,263 flights cancelled out of 46,578 total flights.
- The human metapneumovirus (HMPV), though not a newly discovered virus, is gaining attention in Africa as nations brace for illnesses reminiscent of the COVID-19 scare.
- Seychelles holds the title of the strongest passport in Africa for 2025, granting its holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 156 countries, ranking 25th globally.
- Kenya, along with Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa—collectively known as Africa’s “Big Four”—continued to dominate the venture funding landscape in 2024. However, there was a noticeable decline in the amount of funding raised compared to previous years.
- Senegal and Chad have criticized French President Macron's remarks suggesting African countries are ungrateful for France's security role in the continent.
- Although affordable African cities with a low cost of living appeal to budget-conscious individuals and businesses, they may struggle to attract high-end projects and luxury sectors looking for more wealthy consumers.
- Maintaining a healthy current account balance has become more important than ever in 2025 as some African countries continue to struggle with the combined weight of local developmental issues and global economic uncertainties.
- The standoff in Mali, coupled with threats by Burkina Faso's military junta to revoke mining permits and the seizure of a French-operated uranium site in Niger, has raised concerns among Western mining companies.
- For decades, Russia and Africa have shared a strong and mutually beneficial relationship, based on common historical ties, economic partnerships, and military alliances.
- Data from a report by the International Trade Centre revealed that the loss from Nigeria’s unrealized export potential is sitting at a whopping N4.6 trillion ($3 billion).
- It is impossible to overestimate the importance of affordable rent as African cities continue to expand. It is fundamental to sustainable development and economic resilience.
- The prevalence and types of crimes vary widely across African countries. According to the Numbeo Crime Index, South Africa is Africa's most crime-affected country, with a crime index score of 74.7.
- The son of Uganda’s president, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, recently made a distasteful remark about the leader of the country’s ruling opposition, Bobi Wine.
