Just twelve days into 2026, the year is already unfolding at a rapid pace. Early January saw Venezuela’s oil industry plunge into geopolitical turmoil after a US military operation that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro on 3 January. In southern Africa, South Africa is marking a major milestone, celebrating more than 240 consecutive days without power blackouts. Meanwhile, Ethiopia has begun construction on what is set to become Africa’s largest airport, a flagship project designed to strengthen the country’s position as a regional aviation and logistics hub.

Against this backdrop, the International Monetary Fund projects that Africa will host more high-growth economies than any other continent in 2026. Thami Ngubeni spoke to Victor Kgomoeswana, author of Africa Is Open for Business and Africa Bounces Back. Victor is also the Executive Director for Marketing and Communication at the University of Limpopo.