World Bank approves $45 million for Zambia under Second Climate and Economic Resilience Programme

The World Bank has approved $45 million for Zambia under the Second Zambia Climate and Economic Resilience Programmatic Development Policy Financing. Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane says the approval signals renewed international confidence in the country’s economic‑ref…

South Africa's Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources warns motorists to prepare for increased fuel costs

South Africa’s (SA) Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, says the ongoing United States–Israel war could push fuel prices even higher, warning motorists to prepare for increased costs at the pump. Speaking at the Southern Africa Oil and Gas Conference currently underway in…

Ramaphosa calls for stronger collaboration and investment in transport infrastructure to support economic growth across the continent

South Africa’s (SA) President, Cyril Ramaphosa, has called for stronger collaboration and increased investment in transport infrastructure to support economic growth in SA and across the African continent. Delivering the keynote address at the inaugural National Transport Conference at the Gallagh…

Private transport users to face the most severe impact of rising transport‑cost inflation due to higher petrol prices

As the US–Israeli conflict with Iran enters its third week, global oil prices remain elevated, with Brent crude trading above $103 per barrel. Independent economist John Loos says that in South Africa, private transport users are likely to face the most severe direct impact of transport‑cost inflat…

Latest market developments with Koketso Mano, Senior Economist at FNB

FNB Senior Economist Koketso Mano unpacks South Africa’s latest economic indicators, including the economy’s 1.1% growth, last month’s inflation figures, and retail sales results for January.

W Hospitality Group report shows 675 hotels and resorts currently in development across Africa

Africa’s tourism and hospitality sector is showing strong growth, with hundreds of new hotels and resorts planned across the continent. A new report by the W Hospitality Group reveals that 675 hotels and resorts are currently in development in Africa, reflecting growing investor confidence in the r…

Rwanda to invest up to $6 billion in nuclear power plant

Rwanda plans to invest up to $6 billion in a nuclear power plant to secure reliable electricity supply and support long‑term economic growth. The country aims to deploy small modular reactors (SMRs) to expand its generation capacity and drive industrial development. The East African nation hopes …

Rising global oil prices force South Africa’s low‑cost airline FlySafair to introduce temporary fuel surcharge

Rising global oil prices have forced South Africa’s low‑cost airline, FlySafair, to introduce a temporary fuel surcharge as it grapples with sharply higher jet‑fuel costs linked to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. The airline says the price of Jet A1 fuel at South Africa’s coastal airports ha…

Africa’s tourism sector feels the impact of Middle East conflict as flight disruptions through Gulf hubs threaten inbound travel

The ongoing conflict in Iran is reverberating across global travel markets, with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) estimating daily losses of at least $600 million in international visitor spending across the Middle East. The crisis has disrupted air travel, shaken traveller confidence and …

Gabon formally requests an IMF programme to stabilise the country’s finances

The World Bank estimates that Gabon’s economy grew by 2.9% in 2024, driven largely by the oil sector and public‑works projects. However, the Central African nation remains heavily dependent on a narrow export base, with 97% of its exports coming from oil, manganese and wood. The Bank warns that d…