Africa
Africa is the world's second-largest and second-most-populous continent, covering about 30.3-million square kilometres and home to more than 1.4-billion people as of 2023. The continent comprises 54 recognised sovereign states and is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Indian Ocean to the east and the Red Sea to the north-east. Africa straddles the equator and encompasses diverse climatic zones, from tropical rainforests in the Congo Basin to the Sahara Desert in the north and the Kalahari Desert in the south. The continent is extraordinarily rich in natural resources, including significant deposits of gold, diamonds, platinum, copper, cobalt, oil and natural gas, which underpin much of its mining and energy sectors. Africa's economy is characterised by a mix of agriculture, mining, manufacturing and services, with infrastructure development, energy access and water provision remaining critical challenges across many regions. The continent has experienced rapid urbanisation and population growth, driving demand for electricity, transport networks and sanitation systems. Major regional economic communities include the African Union, the Southern African Development Community, the East African Community and the Economic Community of West African States. Africa's business landscape is shaped by both established markets such as South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt and Kenya, and emerging economies seeking to attract foreign investment and diversify their industrial bases. Climate change, political stability and governance remain key factors influencing economic development and infrastructure investment across the continent.
Africa Updates
Partnerships between government, business and civil society are often tense: 3 tips on how to manage them
Updated 5 hours ago The Southern Africa Food Lab has brought businesses, farmers, government and community groups together since 2010 to help address the problems of... →
Moody's sees ongoing surge in Africa's private credit market
By: Reuters 8th September 2026 Africa's private credit market is set for further expansion as companies and infrastructure projects seek alternatives to constrained bank lending,... →
Multotec highlights global success as it hands over CEO baton at Electra Mining Africa 
By: Martin Creamer 7th September 2026 South Africa’s Multotec, whose equipment is now used to optimise recoveries and reduce cost of ownership in mineral processing plants in 100... →
Africa gets only 23% of the climate finance it needs – and pays too much for it
7th September 2026 African countries have committed themselves to cutting greenhouse gas emissions and protecting their people from the worsening effects of climate... →
Europe’s heatwave warning for Africa: fast-track a climate leapfrog
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 7th September 2026 A looming super El Niño makes Africa’s leap from fossil fuels to a renewables-dominated energy mix urgent. The heatwave that swept Europe this... →
SA: Blade Nzimande: Address by Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, at the Gala Dinner of the 2026 National Research Foundation Award (03/09/2026)
4th September 2026 It also helps us to grapple with some of the most profound questions which have intrigued humanity since the appearance of our species in the... →
Africa's greatest mineral asset isn't underground
2nd September 2026 The global race for critical minerals is entering a new phase. No longer defined solely by access to mineral reserves, it is increasingly being... →
SA: Cyril Ramaphosa: Address by South Africa's President, at the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium of South Africa, Cape Town (25/08/2026)
26th August 2026 At the centre of discussion at the Summit was the work we must collectively undertake to further integrate the economies of our region.... →
Africa must unlock the capital beneath its farmers’ feet
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 26th August 2026 Agriculture is the foundation for Africa’s economic takeoff, but without land tenure reform, its potential will remain untapped. Africa’s quality... →
Zambia closes courts on last day to file election challenge
By: Reuters 24th August 2026 Zambian authorities closed the country's top courts on Monday, blocking access to the premises on the last day that the opposition could file a... →
