Africa’s AI economy is experiencing rapid growth, with projections indicating a substantial increase from an estimated US$4.51 billion in 2025 to US$16.53 billion by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.42%. This expansion, detailed in a new Mastercard whitepaper, is anticipated to significantly transform labor markets. Mastercard
In recent years, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, particularly the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar, have significantly intensified their economic engagement with Africa. Beyond traditional trade and remittance flows, this engagement reflects a calculated strategy to diversify investments away from oil dependency, secure access to critical resources, and
Nigeria, already Africa’s leading natural gas exporter, is embarking on a significant expansion of its gas production and export capabilities. This new phase is marked by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) signing six long-term gas supply agreements (GSAs). These 20-year contracts, which collectively cover 1.29 billion standard cubic feet of gas
In May 2025, the European Commission formally launched an anti-dumping investigation into the import of passenger car and light‐truck tyres from China, following a complaint by EU tyre manufacturers claiming unfair price practices and harm to European producers. If the inquiry confirms dumping and injury, Brussels may adopt provisional measures
When Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak and China’s Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang met in Beijing for the 22nd Intergovernmental Russian-Chinese Commission on Energy Cooperation, the tone of the discussions made one thing clear. Moscow and Beijing are not simply trading energy, they are deliberately building a long-term partnership rooted
China’s Ministry of Commerce has announced that from 1 January 2026, electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers will be required to secure export permits before shipping their cars overseas. The policy marks a decisive shift in Beijing’s oversight of its fast-growing EV industry, intended to encourage the “healthy and sustainable” development of
President Xi Jinping called on the nation to persevere and move forward resolutely in the pursuit of Chinese modernisation. Speaking at a reception in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to mark the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Xi—who also serves as
Last week, a significant policy change occurred when former US President Donald Trump signed an executive order implementing a substantial $100,000 (£74,000) fee for applicants to the H-1B visa program. This program has historically served as a primary pathway for skilled workers, especially those from developing nations like Nigeria, to
Three years into Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s leadership, Burkina Faso grapples with a tension between its pursuit of national sovereignty and the safeguarding of civic freedoms. Traoré, who was 37 when he seized power, has emulated the revolutionary image of Thomas Sankara, a figure revered by many Africans. He champions anti-imperialism
Africa’s burgeoning youth population, projected to exceed 830 million by 2050, presents a unique opportunity. As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform economies and societies worldwide, the critical question for Africa is not its engagement with AI, but rather how it can leverage AI to foster local innovation and ensure