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- Afreximbank first quarter 2025 net profit surges by 21% to $215 million
- As US tariffs sting, AfDB’s Adesina calls for bold realignment of African trade
- Africa’s leapfrogging from oil and gas is not the quick energy fix the world seems to think it will be
- Dry weather spell sours Kenya’s first quarter tea exports
- Tanzania’s X blockade signals deepening purge on opposition chiefs ahead of elections
- Fresh reforms to unlock Burkina-Ghana trade opportunities
- Integration vital in unlocking Africa’s $180Bn digital trade economy
- Tanzanian Prof Janabi nominated to steer WHO Africa Region office
Industry and Trade
- Among the hardest hit countries by US tariffs are Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius, Botswana, Angola, Algeria, and South Africa.
- Across Africa, at least 22 nations are facing up to a whopping 50 per cent US tariffs for almost all their products.
- AfDB boss warns 47 out of Africa’s 54 nations stand to suffer direct blows from US tariffs, potentially shrinking export earnings and draining vital forex.
As the clang of new US tariffs reverberates across global markets, Africa finds itself bracing for a storm not of its own making. In an era where trade walls are rising instead of falling, African economies—many still finding their footing in a post-pandemic world—may soon feel the weight of protectionist policies emanating from Washington.
Speaking to CNN’s Christiane Amanpour, African Development Bank (AfDB) President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina painted a sobering picture: 47 out of Africa’s 54 nations stand to suffer direct blows from the …
- Kenya’s tea exports fell sharply by 20 per cent to 157,514 tonnes in the first quarter of 2025 owing to a prolonged dry spell in growing areas.
- Statistics show that between January and March, Kenya earned $356M from tea exports—down from $446M.
- Kenya’s tea has always found a steady market in Pakistan, the United Kingdom, Russia, Sudan and Chad.
Kenya’s tea sector, long a pillar of the country’s export economy, is feeling the sting of unpredictable weather patterns. According to the latest data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), revenue from Kenya’s tea exports fell sharply by 20 per cent in the first quarter of 2025, a downturn attributed to lower shipment volumes following a prolonged dry spell in tea growing areas.
Between January and March, Kenya earned KES46.07 billion (about $356 million) from tea exports—down from $446 million recorded during the same period in the …
- Burkina-Ghana border post suffers from poor management, weak agency coordination, and widespread non-compliance.
- Burkina Faso’s exit from ECOWAS continues to negatively impact future trade policies, border protocols, and regional cooperation.
- For decades, Burkina Faso has depended good relations with Ghana to access the sea, so it can ship its minerals and cotton to overseas markets.
A new study has unveiled a number of reforms to rev up opportunities that cross-border investors eyeing Burkina-Ghana trade corridor can bank on to grow. For years, landlocked Burkina Faso has depended establishing good relations with Ghana in order to access the sea, so it can ship its minerals and cotton to overseas markets.
However, red tape has always hampered the movement of goods, and labour along the border. The situation worsened even further with the start of insurgency in Burkina Fase about a decade ago. Ever since, traders – especially women – have to …
- IMF urges countries to broaden the tax base, increase tax rates where applicable, reduce arbitrary exemptions.
- Lender seeks a predictable and progressive tax code, coupled with corporate income and property tax collection.
- IMF says strengthened tax collection capacity, integrity and accountability, including through digitalization, can yield significant revenues for countries.
A weakening demand across the world markets, lower prices of key commodities and tight financial markets are set to deal a body blow to economic growth in Africa in 2025. Faced with this uncertainty, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is proposing a number of measures for policymakers including increasing taxes, labour reforms, and changes in the running of State-Owned Enterprises.
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) latest projections, Sub Saharan Africa’s growth is set to ease to 3.8 per cent this year before posting 4.2 per cent expansion next year. This reflects a downward revision of 0.4 percentage point …
- Africa’s future remains uncertain as economies weather chronic funding shortfalls, persistent trade disruptions, and a sharp rise in debt burdens.
- Faced with these challenges, however, investing in smart infrastructure, and supply chains that power intra-African trade could be among the most transformative plans of the decade.
- Enhancing tax revenue through digitalisation, widening the tax base, and administrative efficiency could also help economies to thrive.
At a time when the global economic order is being reshaped by cascading crises—from pandemics and climate change to geopolitical conflicts and mounting debt—Africa’s future remains uncertain.
During African Consultative Group meeting with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, held on the sidelines of the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington D.C., Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), delivered a compelling vision for the continent: Africa must lean into resilience, inclusion, and transformation to secure its future.
While addressing global …
- African coffee entrepreneurs are turning the Gulf region into the next big destination for the continent’s bean exports.
- With its deep-rooted coffee culture and growing appetite for specialty and ethically sourced brews, the Gulf is turning into a premium destination for African exports.
- Amid fluctuating Arabica prices, Gulf buyers are beginning to turn their attention to high-quality Robusta—and African producers are ready to deliver.
In January 2025, the World of Coffee Dubai trade show once again underscored the United Arab Emirates’ emergence as a serious player in global coffee trade—and Africa was at the center of this evolution. The event offered more than just exhibition space; it served as a launchpad for African coffee entrepreneurs to introduce their brands to a high-potential, high-growth region: the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.
For entrepreneurs like John Francois of Asili Coffee in Ghana and Willy Kanyinda Kadima of Cocoi Café in the …
- Kenya has secured seven investment deals valued at over $823 million, ranging from smart transport to agriculture and textile manufacturing from China firms.
- In tourism, China’s Hunan Conference Exhibition Group and Huatian Hotel Management Company will invest $23 million to establish a footprint in Nairobi.
- Anhui Jiubao Electronic Technology Co. Ltd, will commit $50M in the set p of a smart traffic component manufacturing plant.
- As relations with the U.S. sour, Chinese companies are diversifying risk and building parallel economic partnerships.
As tensions between Washington and Beijing intensify, the East is rewriting its foreign investment playbook. At the center of this recalibrated strategy is Africa—a continent long viewed through the dual lenses of aid and extractive interests, now emerging as a new frontier of industrial expansion and diplomatic wooing.
Kenya, East Africa’s economic powerhouse, has become a prime target. This week, President William Ruto is being treated to red carpet …
- International Property Show 2025 shines a spotlight on PropTech, sustainable design, and strategic partnerships driving the future of real estate.
- Key forums tackle pressing topics—from regulatory frameworks and residential leasing trends to the burgeoning influence of PropTech in reshaping the market.
- Speakers underscore the need for digital adoption, including AI, to ensure efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness.
The third day of the International Property Show (IPS 2025) concluded with a dynamic showcase of ideas, partnerships, and innovations that are set to redefine the future of real estate in Dubai and beyond. With robust participation from industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, the day unfolded as a compelling narrative of transformation driven by technology, sustainability, and global collaboration.
From the outset, IPS 2025 reaffirmed its position as a leading platform for international dialogue on real estate development. The main conference featured high-level panel discussions that tackled some of the sector’s most pressing topics—from …
- Over 1,600 brands and 50+ nations converge as Dubai champions sustainability and innovation in the wood industry.
- Showcase features panel discussions and workshops on market trends and logistics.
- Expo aligns with Dubai’s Climate Action Plan and the vision for a green and sustainable wood industry.
The 21st edition of the Dubai WoodShow opened this week at the Dubai World Trade Centre with a central theme: innovation and sustainability are now the twin engines driving the global wood industry.
Held from April 14 to 16, the show has drawn participants from over 50 countries, bringing together industry giants, thought leaders, and innovators under one roof to explore the future of wood manufacturing, technology, and sustainable construction. The exhibition showcases over 1,662 global brands, including powerhouses such as Pfeifer, Biesse, SCM, HOMAG, Pollmeier, and the American Hardwood Export Council.
Championing sustainability through innovation
Inaugurated by Mahir Abdul Karim Julfar, Executive Vice …
