• Jingdong Steel will invest $500 million to build a steel plant in Algeria’s M’sila province.• The plant will use 80% local raw materials and generate over 3,000 jobs.• Half of its output will serve the Algerian market, the rest will be exported. The Chinese group Jingdong Steel plans to invest $500 million in a new steel plant in Algeria, according to a June 2 statement...

• South Africa launches initiative to create SASCO, its first national shipping firm since 1999.• A steering committee will explore models including ship acquisition or buying local operators.• The project aims to reduce reliance on foreign carriers and boost maritime sovereignty. Since the dissolution of Safmarine in 1999, South Africa has relied entirely on foreign carriers to transport...

• MAAUN aims to sign deals with 50 universities in 21 countries to boost academic strength.• The partnerships will support research, student mobility, and higher education quality.• Execution and funding will be critical to the long-term impact of the initiative. With Sub-Saharan Africa projected to have over 800 million youth by 2050, according to UN data, improving higher education...

• Nigeria plans to double milk output to 1.4 million tons annually within five years.• The strategy includes a national livestock council and a six-pillar growth program.• Public-private partnerships with firms like Arla and Promasidor drive sector momentum. Nigeria, the largest milk and dairy market in West Africa, is advancing a strategy to boost local production and reduce import...

• Qatar and Rwanda discussed stronger ties amid Doha’s economic expansion in Africa.• Qatar Airways holds 60% of RwandAir and is a key funder of Bugesera airport.• Talks also addressed Rwanda–DRC tensions and regional cooperation efforts. The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and the Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier...

• Nigeria will deploy seven million smart meters to curb power cuts and boost electricity revenue.• The move supports a broader reform to end estimated billing and repay CFA3.3 trillion in sector debts.• Authorities plan to phase out subsidies for heavy-use customers and enforce stricter compliance. Nigeria's Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, announced that the country is relying on...

Government aims to embed AI in public health as part of digital transformation Pilot project launched in two hospitals, tied to broader national digital strategy Strategy targets improved care, accessibility, and health system governance The Madagascar authorities have pressed ahead with digitizing their healthcare system, following the launch of a project in March to digitalize...

Coris Bank International Côte d’Ivoire receives $34.3 million loan from Proparco to support SMEs The financing complements a renewed trade guarantee facility agreed in April 2025 Partnership with Proparco has expanded across multiple Coris Group subsidiaries since 2021 Coris Bank International Côte d’Ivoire (CBI CI) has secured a senior loan of €30 million, or...

Global storage capacity to double by 2025, lifting demand for lithium, phosphorus, and manganese BESS sector could account for 20% of battery market by 2030 Shift to LFP batteries weakens outlook for cobalt and nickel in energy storage With their crucial role in the energy transition, demand for critical minerals has surged in recent years. While the electric vehicle market remains...

African countries' public debt service forecasted to average 137.4% of their annual climate financing needs by 2030, says a report by the Institute for Economic Justice. Despite Africa’s overall external debt being relatively low, debt service payouts have reached the highest level since the early 2000s debt crisis. The continual rise of Africa's debt service is curtailing the...