Author: James Ndwaru

• Nigeria’s cost of living crisis has been the worst in decades, exacerbated by worsening food insecurity and record inflation. 
• The lack of enough resources has led to insecurity in Nigeria as people fight for scarce resources and food.
• In response to Nigeria’s cost of living crisis, Tinubu announced a state of emergency in July and intends to begin grain distribution in the coming weeks.

Tinubu’s Reforms worsen Nigeria’s cost of living crisis

Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, is grappling with the worst cost of living crisis in decades and a worsening food security situation. A significant portion of the population is experiencing extreme food insecurity. After assuming power in May 2023, Bola Tinubu’s administration adopted bold but unpopular reforms that further strained the already-battered economy.

Nigeria imports food and fuel and was buffeted by rising commodity prices due to a glim global economic situation in the last two years. President Tinubu …

• Egypt’s economy has recently been on life support as the national debt continued to mount.
• The investments from Saudi Arabia and further funds anticipated from the World Bank and IMF will give Egypt enough cash to meet its debt obligations and maintain stability in its recently floated currency.
• The significant official and bilateral support announced and marked policy steps that Egypt has taken will, if maintained, support macroeconomic balancing.

Egypt’s economy on life support

Egypt’s economy has recently been on life support as the national debt continued to mount. The Egyptian currency has weakened against the US dollar, with rising inflation rates close to 30 per cent, occasioning a capital flight. Moreover, the overlapping global shocks and the domestic supply of bottlenecks have adversely impacted the country’s economic activity.

Egypt has also suffered from rising global interest rates and soaring commodity prices in international markets. These overlapping factors widen the …

• Submarine cable systems form the crucial infrastructure at the heart of the global network and internet connectivity. 
• Seacom, a leading player in the submarine cable systems market, launched Africa’s first broadband submarine cable system in 2009.
• As Africa navigates digital infrastructure challenges, there’s hope on the horizon with several transformative internet projects poised to reshape the continent’s digital landscape.

The crucial role of submarine cable systems

The Internet is the backbone of modern communication, powering everything from global commerce to personal communications. At the heart of this global network lies a critical infrastructure often unseen and unthought of by the average user: submarine cable systems.

These undersea pathways are vital for international data exchange, carrying over 99 per cent of the world’s telecommunications traffic. A recent incident involving damage to Seacom’s cable in the Red Sea offers a stark reminder of the vulnerability of these underwater lifelines and the …

• The ambitious Dubai Real Estate Vision 2040 is set to propel the UAE real estate sector towards a revolutionary expansion period.
• The International Property Show stands at the vanguard of this dynamic market, offering a platform for local and international exhibitors to unveil their latest projects and forge connections.
• Through improvements to transportation and social infrastructure, the Master Plan is anticipated to open up numerous economic opportunities, especially in the real estate sector.

Dubai Real Estate Vision 2040 Going Global

Dubai’s International Property Show (IPS) marks its 20th edition, indicating the city’s unyielding allure in the global real estate arena. This prestigious event, inaugurated by His Excellency Engineer Marwan bin Ghalifa, is a showcase and a confluence of innovation, opportunity, and vision, reflecting Dubai’s ambition and strategic trajectory towards the Dubai Urban Plan 2040.

Dubai’s real estate sector is experiencing a vibrant upswing, characterized by robust growth across all domains—residential, …

• Tanzania’s Mining Act, which governs the exploration, extraction, and processing of minerals, is crucial in shaping the industry’s landscape.
• Since gaining independence, Tanzania’s approach to mining legislation has evolved significantly.
• The Mining Act in place today in Tanzania was designed to create a conducive environment for mining investments while safeguarding the nation’s interests and promoting sustainable development.

Tanzania’s mining sector is a significant pillar of the economy, contributing to the country’s GDP, employment, and foreign exchange earnings. The Mining Act, which governs the exploration, extraction, and processing of minerals, is crucial in shaping the industry’s landscape.

Over time, evolving challenges and the dynamic global mining environment have necessitated periodic reviews and amendments to this legislation. The latest proposed bill seeks to amend the Mining Act to address current issues, enhance sector governance, and ensure the sustainable development of Tanzania’s mineral resources.

Historical Context and Evolution of Mining Legislation in Tanzania

• The men’s world marathon record holder, Kelvin Kiptum has died in a road accident aged 24, in Kenya, his home country.
• Born in the Rift Valley, Kenya’s long-distance running bastion, Kiptum was barely a teen when he began following elite athletes training in the legendary high-altitude region.
• At just 24 Kiptum was one of the most exciting road-running prospects in recent years.

The men’s world marathon record holder, Kelvin Kiptum has died in a road accident aged 24, in Kenya, his home country. The grisly road accident also claimed the life of Kiptum’s coach, Rwandese Gervais Hakizimana, with a third occupant of the vehicle, Sharon Kosgey, surviving the crash and rushed to hospital.

The police have reported that Kelvin Kiptum, lost control of his vehicle while driving in Kaptagat Uasin Gishu County, in the southwestern part of Kenya, at 11 pm local time.

According to the local county commander, Peter …

• Burundi and Rwanda relations have hit a new low, with the Burundian government suspending ties with Rwanda, closing the Rwandan border.
• The diplomatic row between Burundi and Rwanda has a complex history, with tensions dating back to the colonial era and continuing into the post-independence period.
• The border closure further strains relations between Burundi and Rwanda, as well as the larger East African Community (EAC).

Burundi and Rwanda relations have hit a new low, with the Burundian government suspending ties with Rwanda, closing the Rwandan border, and “chasing” out Rwandese nationals.

Burundi has accused its neighbour of supporting rebel attacks in the region. The move comes after Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye accused Rwanda of backing the Red Tabara rebel group, which orchestrated an attack near Burundi’s western border, where 20 people lost their lives, including women and children.

“We have closed our borders (with Rwanda), anyone who tries to …

Africa will be the second fastest-growing regional economy in 2024. Over 10 African countries will experience substantial GDP growth. In October 2024, the International Monetary Fund emphasized Africa’s pivotal role in global economic development and resilience.

Africa could face economic headwinds this year. However, some of the continent’s brightest spots are lighting up the economic prospects. According to the International Monetary Fund, six of the top 10 performing nations globally are projected to come from Africa in 2024.…

• President Mama Samia Suluhu Hassan is leading Tanzania to become Africa’s greatest transportation corridor. 
• The comprehensive transportation developments in Tanzania are strategically designed to boost economic growth, enhance regional trade, and foster regional integration.
• Tanzania faces challenges in financing and meeting construction timelines for its ambitious projects.

In the heart of East Africa, a remarkable transformation is unfolding. Led by President Mama Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania is emerging as a formidable economic powerhouse on the continent. Under her stewardship, the nation strategically harnesses its geographic location and embarks on ambitious infrastructure projects that promise to redefine its role regionally and globally.

With a visionary approach, President Suluhu Hassan is steering Tanzania towards becoming Africa’s most significant transportation corridor. This transformation is anchored in large-scale investments in transportation infrastructure, encompassing rail, road, air, and sea connectivity. These initiatives reflect an acute understanding of the pivotal role that efficient, modern transportation systems …

• Continuing from the discussion of evolving US-Africa trade relations, a key aspect of this dynamic is the strategic objective of countering Chinese influence on the continent.
• By 2024, Africa is poised to undergo a significant shift in geopolitical and economic dynamics, emerging as a crucial arena for global powers such as China and the US.
• The evolving focus on Africa is driven by its transforming economic landscape, marked by rapid growth, a youthful population, and abundant resources, attracting attention from major players seeking strategic advantages.

By 2024, Africa will have witnessed the beginning of a new age in the geopolitical and economic dynamics of the world. In recent years, the continent has shifted its focus from humanitarian issues and developmental assistance to becoming an important strategic arena for the world’s leading powers, particularly China and the US. Several elements are coming together to highlight Africa’s growing importance internationally, driving this …