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steel exports steel products
  • Ongoing China’s real estate crash is causing a ripple effect in the steel industry.
  • Market prices for steel have fallen sharply in Asia amid the flood of Chinese exports.
  • At the same time, Sub-Saharan Africa metal exports are relying on anti-dumping laws to stay afloat.

China's real estate bubble has busted and with it caused a global ripple in the metal markets and especially the Asian economic giant's steel exports business.

Stanislav Zinchenko the CEO of GMK Center notes that China’s investments in the real estate and construction sector in general, which are the largest consumers of steel, fell by 7.2 per cent between January and May of last year.

The first effect of the real estate crash has been the drop in demand for steel products. With the fall in domestic demand for steel, China has turned to the new frontiers to drive steel exports.

The result of…

Kenyan Shilling
  • Kenyan Shilling, which has been on a free-fall against the Dollar since mid-last year, fell to a record-low of 162 to the greenback with projections it could tumble further into the year.
  • The unit has shed over 31 per cent of its value to the dollar year-to-date, as the Fed rate hikes in the US took a toll on currencies across the different markets.
  • According to Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the Kenyan shilling also ceded ground against the Euro, Pound Sterling and the Japanese Yen.

The Kenyan government is facing a major headache as the country’s currency continues to fall against the US Dollar and other major currencies, hitting a new low this week.

Kenyan shilling, which has been on a free-fall against the dollar since mid-last year, fell to a record-low of 162 to the greenback with projections it could tumble even further this year.

The local…

Kenya-Uganda oil deal | East African Court of Justice
  • Uganda has moved to the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) over alleged Kenya's move to block it from importing its refined petroleum products.
  • In 2016, Uganda opted to work with Tanzania to develop a pipeline to evacuate crude oil from its fields in Hoima, western Uganda.
  • This dealt a blow to an initial plan to jointly construct a 1,500-kilometre-long pipeline from oil-rich Hoima to Kenya’s Lamu port, a project envisioned to cost about $2.5 billion.

Kenya’s fallout with Uganda on importing refined petroleum products has caused another rift between the neighbouring countries, threatening trade and bilateral relations.

On December 28, last year, Kampala lodged a case at the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) against Nairobi for blocking its plans to shift from purchasing petroleum products from Kenya to importing consignments.

Over the year, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in Uganda have picked imports from Kenya Pipeline’s depots in Eldoret…

Shell exits Nigeria's oil and gas sector
  • After nearly a century, Shell has decided to exit Nigeria's oil and gas sector.
  • Shell has faced persistent challenges over the years, grappling with numerous onshore oil spills caused by theft, sabotage, and operational difficulties.
  • In December 2022, Shell agreed to pay $15.9 million in damages to communities in Nigeria's Niger Delta impacted by numerous oil leaks.

After nearly a century, Shell has decided to exit the Nigerian oil and gas sector. The British multinational is selling Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), the entity that owns onshore oil assets in the nation's Niger Delta region.

As fate would have it, Shell is selling SPDC to the Renaissance consortium, an alliance of ND Western, Aradel Holdings Plc, First E&P, the Waltersmith Group, Petroleum Development Company Limited and Petrolin.

This deal, reported at a value of $1.3 billion, with further payments of up to $1.1 billion, could offer local…

Zimbabwe lithium industry
  • Zimbabwe earned US$209 million from lithium exports in the first nine months of 2023.
  • The country's lithium potential has captured significant attention, particularly from Chinese investors who have injected over US$1 billion in the mineral's value chain.
  • Lithium is a critical component in the production of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Global electric vehicle (EV) car sales increased by 60 per cent in 2022, reports the International Energy Agency.

Zimbabwe is emerging as a pivotal player in satisfying the surging demand for lithium, a vital element used in the production of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Zimbabwe has the largest lithium reserves and mines in Africa, while globally the country ranks high amongst the leading lithium producing and supply countries after Chile, Australia, China, Argentina and Brazil.

According to an article by Reuters published on November 1, 2023, Lithium is set to become Zimbabwe's third biggest mineral export after gold and…

Medical tourism
  • With untapped potential in private healthcare, skilled doctors, and a growing interest in medical care, South Africa is making its mark in providing top-notch healthcare services.
  • Only 297 people came to South Africa for medical reasons in October 2023, less than 0.1 per cent of all visitors. Even though it seems small, it's a sign that more people are choosing South Africa for specialized medical care.
  • Medical tourism refers to travelling abroad for medical care or treatments not available at home or which are more expensive there than elsewhere.

South Africa is becoming a popular choice for people seeking medical treatment, not just for vacations. The South African medical industry has pioneered many ground-breaking surgeries and medical research, including the world’s first heart transplant and more recently, the world’s first middle-ear bone transplant using 3D printed components. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) recognizes the country for its excellent healthcare,…

acquisitions Zimbabwe's banking sector
  • CBZ Holdings, FBC Holdings, and ZB Financial Holdings have all played a pivotal role in shaping Zimbabwe’s banking sector this year.
  • One of the most notable transactions in 2023 involves CBZ’s acquisition of a 36.35 per cent stake in First Mutual Holdings Limited.
  • 2023 saw FBC Holdings execute a strategic move by acquiring Standard Chartered Bank Zimbabwe Limited. 

This year has proven to be a transformative period for Zimbabwe’s banking sector, witnessing significant acquisitions that have reshaped the landscape. In particular, three major players, CBZ Holdings Limited (CBZ), FBC Holdings Limited (FBC), and ZB Financial Holdings (ZB), have played a pivotal role in these developments.

These acquisitions signify a dynamic shift in Zimbabwe’s banking sector, with key players strategically positioning themselves for growth and market dominance.

Acquisitions shaping Zimbabwe’s banking sector

One of the most notable transactions in 2023 involves CBZ’s acquisition of a 36.35 per cent stake in First…

South Africa labour market
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a key player in transforming South Africa's labour market and empowering its youth population.
  • Initiatives focused on AI education and skill development can equip the youth with the competencies necessary for the evolving job market.
  • This ensures that they are well-prepared for the increasing integration of AI technologies across various industries.

Africa is home to the world's youngest population, but unfortunately, 60 per cent of the continent's unemployed are youth, as highlighted by the United Nations. This trend is mirrored in South Africa, despite the government's efforts, such as allocating R5.2 billion in tax relief in the 2022 National Budget to spur economic recovery and encourage youth employment.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been acutely felt in South Africa's labour market. According to Labour market dynamics in South Africa 2022 report published by Statistics South Africa, stringent containment measures resulted in a

The World Bank IMF
  • World Bank foresees $12 billion in support for Kenya between 2023 and 2026.
  • This financing is subject to approval as East Africa’s economic powerhouse continues to depend on borrowing to bridge budget gaps in the wake of high recurrent expenditures and revenue shortfalls.
  • The World Bank said it is fully committed to support Kenya in its journey to become an upper-middle-income country by 2030.

Kenya stands to benefit from up to $12 billion in financing from the World Bank over the next three years, as indicated by the global lender, ensuring continued support for the debt-saddled country.

This is subject to approval, the World Bank noted on Monday, as East Africa’s economic powerhouse continues to depend on borrowing to bridge budget gaps in the wake of high recurrent expenditures and revenue shortfalls. The World Bank stated that it is fully committed to supporting Kenya in its journey to become an…

Tanzania economy
  • Tanzania is significantly scaling up regional integration through cross-border trade.
  • The East African country is also banking on a rebound in the tourism industry with receipts doubling to $2.7 billion in February 2023.
  • Overall the number of investments powering Tanzania economy increased by 128 percent by February 2023.

Tanzania is poised to emerge as a premier investment destination not only in East Africa but across the entire continent, driven by its robust economic growth. The recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) report underscores this positive trajectory, indicating that the nation's GDP is expected to grow from the current 5.2 per cent to an impressive 6.1 per cent next year.

Remarkably, Tanzania's economy is resilient, overcoming the challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic that hindered growth in various regions. The World Bank's economic overview for Tanzania reflects a notable GDP growth rate of 4.6 per cent in 2022, with expectations of…