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
Parallel financial systems are reinventing Africa’s financial landscape
23rd July 2026 The digital revolution has enabled African countries to broaden access to financial services for the benefit of all Africans. Smart phones have... →
African banks bet on debt guarantees to lure private capital to infrastructure projects
By: Reuters 23rd July 2026 With aid budgets shrinking and development finance under pressure, African governments and development banks are increasingly turning to debt... →
Daily Podcast – July 21, 2026
By: Halima Frost 21st July 2026 Making headlines: Treasury confirms signing of govt’s $1.5bn development policy loan with World Bank; Trade conditions remained tight in June; And,... →
Global hunger declines across continents but climate, trade risks loom, UN says
By: Reuters 21st July 2026 Global hunger declined for a third consecutive year in 2025, with improvements recorded across every continent, although mounting risks from... →
Shadows of past political violence shape the lives of young Africans for years – a study of nine countries
20th July 2026 Political violence refers to the use of force by groups pursuing political goals. It can include attacks on civilians, armed clashes, riots and... →
SECTION27 submissions to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights
20th July 2026 As African states face growing pressure to respond to the climate crisis, SECTION27 has filed written submissions as amicus curiae (friend of the... →
How to become a legal project manager in Africa: The IILPM certification guide
17th July 2026 Technically excellent but struggling with matters that drift, budgets that overshoot, and clients who feel out of the loop? The problem is not... →
How to lead and resource your legal project team for maximum performance
17th July 2026 Being a brilliant lawyer does not automatically make you a good legal project leader. Legal expertise is about knowing the law and applying it... →
In-house counsel: How to run your legal department like a high-performing business unit
17th July 2026 The expectation of in-house counsel has changed. At organisations across Africa — from Old Mutual and ABSA to mid-sized corporates across the... →
US immigration regime undoes FIFA World Cup’s promise of universality
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 17th July 2026 By blocking many Africans from participating and attending, the US has made a mockery of FIFA’s apparent commitment to universal access. The 2026... →
