Many African energy plans rely heavily on foreign expertise, limiting local autonomy. New training programs aim to build African skills in energy planning and data analysis. Lack of in-house capacity slows independent policy development and widens donor influence. African countries face major challenges in their energy transition as they continue to depend on foreign help to design...

In southeastern Morocco, near the Algerian border, lies Merzouga—a small village at the heart of the Saharan desert, known for its monumental dunes and stark, captivating landscapes. Far from the bustle of urban life, Merzouga offers a different rhythm, shaped by caravans, wind, sand, and light. This Saharan oasis sits at the edge of Erg Chebbi, one of Morocco’s two major ergs, where golden...

• Lifezone Metals will invest $942M in Tanzania’s Kabanga nickel project over 18 years.• Project targets $14.1B revenue with a 4.5-year payback despite weak nickel prices.• Tanzania holds 16% stake, expecting $3.6B in taxes and royalties. U.S. mining company Lifezone Metals now plans to invest $942 million to develop the Kabanga nickel project in Tanzania. This...

• Dangote Group generates over 1,500 MW, a third of Nigeria’s available power.• Dangote says Nigeria should generate 50,000-60,000 MW, citing systemic failures.• He urges local investment in energy, blaming capital flight for power deficits. Dangote Group generates over 1,500 megawatts (MW) of electricity for its industrial operations. This amount represents roughly one-third of...

The CFA zone remains Africa's primary cotton production hub. After a promising rebound in the 2023/2024 season, recovery prospects for 2024/2025 are facing a tougher reality due to climate uncertainties and ongoing pest and disease challenges. Seed cotton production in the CFA franc zone reached 2.3 million tons in the 2024/2025 season. This represents an 11.5% drop from the 2.6 million tons...

United Bank for Africa (UBA) plans to raise over 157 billion naira, approximately $102.5 million, through a rights issue. The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NGX) officially announced this in a market bulletin issued July 16. According to the bulletin, UBA proposes issuing 3,156,869,665 ordinary shares, each with a nominal value of 50 kobos and a unit price of 50 naira. The issue will proceed on...

France will return the skull of a Sakalava king, along with those of two of his warriors, to Madagascar in August 2025. This repatriation comes 128 years after their beheading in 1897. Madagascar's Minister of Communication and Culture, Volamiranty Donna Mara, confirmed the ceremony last week, marking the culmination of a 22-year diplomatic request. Beyond the symbolic gesture, Antananarivo...

The Democratic Republic of Congo is making a bold statement with its first World Music and Tourism Festival. Through this event, it aims to become a leading cultural force in Africa while simultaneously working to build up its still-developing tourism sector. The World Music and Tourism Festival (FMMT) energized Kinshasa from July 16 to 18, 2025. Centered around the theme  “The Rumba...

Highlights: • New 1% US tax on outbound remittances to take effect January 1, 2026• Africa received $100 billion in remittances in 2023, outpacing aid and FDI• Informal channels may rise as senders look to avoid higher costs At a time when remittances are a key source of external financing for African economies, a new US tax threatens to slow down formal money transfers and redirect...

Highlights: • Kobold Metals signed an agreement in principle with the DRC government on July 17, 2025.• The deal includes the Manono lithium project, which has strategic value.• The agreement signals U.S. efforts to counter China’s influence and support DRC stability. U.S.-based Kobold Metals has signed an agreement in principle with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for mining...