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
UJ solidifies continental leadership in 2026 sustainability rankings
By: Thabi Shomolekae Updated 1 hour 47 minutes ago The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has officially cemented its status as Africa's premier institution for societal and sustainable impact.... →
Daily Podcast – June 22, 2026
By: Thabi Shomolekae 22nd June 2026 Making headlines: Police deployed as anti-migrant deadline looms; Ramaphosa urges African health sovereignty, self-reliance in wake of Ebola... →
Ramaphosa urges African health sovereignty, self-reliance in wake of Ebola outbreak 
By: Thabi Shomolekae 22nd June 2026 President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted the critical need for African nations to establish self-reliance during health emergencies. Stressing that... →
African health security is vital to save lives and protect jobs
22nd June 2026 Dear Fellow South African, A little over four years have passed since South Africa emerged from the state of disaster that had been declared in... →
Ramokgopa urges Africa to turn cross-border power plans into bankable projects
By: Mariaan Webb 17th June 2026 Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has called for Africa to accelerate the implementation of cross-border electricity... →
Do aid cuts fuel violent conflict in Africa? How to promote peace
11th June 2026 The last 18 months have seen a historic decline in development aid budgets from various donor countries, in a period where many of them are... →
Africa must create conditions that allow investment to flourish, Junior Indaba hears
By: Martin Creamer 9th June 2026 Mining's future will not be built only by the largest companies. Even though major mining houses are economically critical, history has shown that... →
SA: Cyril Ramaphosa: Address by South Africa's President, on illegal Migration and anti - foreigner protests (07/06/2026)
8th June 2026 Over recent months, South Africans from every walk of life have raised concerns about migration and illegal immigration. These concerns are being... →
South African green hydrogen first-movers given major boost
By: Martin Creamer 5th June 2026 Enticing support for first movers into green hydrogen project development is on offer via a first-of-a-kind government-led framework designed to... →
South Africa private sector contracts after four months of growth, PMI shows
By: Reuters 3rd June 2026 South Africa's private sector contracted in May as output and new orders fell amid higher fuel prices and uncertainty linked to the Iran war, a... →
