Business Africa

Time now for our daily market update feature, and today we are joined by Zwelakhe Mnguni, Chief Investment Officer at Benguela Global Fund Managers, to unpack the key drivers shaping markets and what investors should be watching... Talking Points: The African Development Bank has projected that Africa's growth to slow to 4.2% in 2026 as Middle East tensions push up fuel, food and fertilizer costs. Morocco has overtaken South Africa as Africa's leading industrial economy, driven by stronger manufacturing growth, export diversification and industrial policy reforms, according to the AfDB. Senegal's IMF talks face renewed uncertainty after the dismissal of PM Ousmane Sonko, heightening political risk and bondholder concerns over debt restructuring and fuel subsidy reforms.

East African countries are renewing efforts to reduce the importation of second-hand clothing, commonly known as mitumba, is a Swahili term literally meaning "bundles".   These clothes imported from the US, Europe and China are said to pose major economic, environmental, and industrial challenges problems for the East African Community (EAC). Uganda introduced a new environmental levy on used clothing imports, Kenya has proposed tax changes targeting the sector while in Rwanda  the importation of second-hand clothing and shoes has been restricted. Some critics have warned that millions of people depend on the 'mitumba' trade for affordable clothing and employment, while supporters of tighter restrictions argue that cheap second-hand imports undermine local manufacturing.   Joining us to reflect on this is Jeff Mbanga, Business Editor of 'The Observer' newspaper in Uganda..

oday on our Africa Markets update take a look at some of the key market movements shaping regional equities, currencies and commodities. From Nigeria's fastest economic growth in a decade, to Senegal's bond performance following the recent political changes. Our market analyst Viv Govender - Senior Analyst & Portfolio Manager at Rand Swiss, joins Unathi to unpack all these and more.... Talking Points: According to new GDP figures reported by 'BusinessDay Nigeria, Nigeria's economy has recorded its fastest growth rate in a decade The United States forces have reportedly . forces have reportedly conducted "self-defence strikes" in southern Iran, a development that could heighten geopolitical tensions and raise concerns over potential disruptions to global oil supply routes and energy markets. Senegal's bonds have fallen sharply in the wake of the appointment of economist Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo as the country's new prime minister. Mining activities in parts of South Kivu Province, in the Democratic Republic of Congo have been suspended for three months in a move that is aimed at putting an end to illegal mining.

The digital banking landscape continues to evolve. First National Bank, FNB has launched a digital capability tool designed to help people better understand and manage their finances through accessible and practical ways. The My advisor AI-powered financial coaching tool uses ones banking data to build a personalised financial wellness dashboard, helping manage spending, track debt, build ones budget, and plan for financial goals. Nhlanhla Mahlangu reports.

The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has suspended mining activities for three months in parts of South Kivu province, specifically in the Mwenga and Shabunda territories. The government says the move is aimed at cracking down on illegal mining, mineral smuggling, and armed groups benefiting from uncontrolled extraction. This occurs against the backdrop of the Ebola outbreak in the country. South Kivu is rich in gold and coltan, minerals that are critical for electronics and battery supply chains. To give us an update on the current developments in the country we are now joined by Jimmy Shukrani Bakomera, Channel Africa's correspondent in the DRC....

The newly elected ninth President of the African Development Bank, Dr Sidi Ould Tah, has called for Africa to redefine its development narrative at a time of mounting global economic uncertainty, climate pressures, and growing demands for infrastructure and energy investment.   Speaking on the continent's future prospects at the AFDBAM 2026 Africa Day celebration in the Republic of Congo, Tah said Africa should no longer be viewed through the lens of poverty and deficits, but rather as a continent rich in resources, resilience, economic potential, and regional solidarity, with the capacity to drive its own transformation despite ongoing global crises. Our economics reporter innocent Semosa has more...

As Africa marks Africa Day today, economists say the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, known as AfCFTA, could become the continent's biggest economic game changer amid growing global uncertainty. Some Experts believe deeper intra-African trade could strengthen economic resilience, boost industrialisation, and unlock new opportunities for businesses and young entrepreneurs across the continent. Let's unpack this feather with Jason Hamilton Guest lecturer in Corporate and Development Finance at Stellenbosch Business School.

As pressure grows on countries to confront climate change, pollution, and rising levels of waste, attention is increasingly turning toward the circular economy a system. A recent study comparing the original BRICS countries, Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has found that while some emerging economies are making significant progress in reusing waste and building circular economies, some continue to lag behind in key areas, including recycling infrastructure and policy implementation. Joining us now is Aifani Confidence Tahulela, PhD candidate and researcher at the Durban University of Technology at the DUT BRICS research Institute in South Africa.

In today's markets slot we look at the impact of South Africa's (SA) inflation rate on possible increase on the interest rate. We turn also turn our attention to the trade balance.  We also turn the spotlight on the African Continental Free Trade Area.  For more on this, we're joined on the line by Koketso Mano, FNB Senior Economist.

Millions of people across the continent today remain excluded from formal credit systems, in spite of their being economically active, running businesses and earning incomes. This is because traditional lending models rely heavily on formal credit histories, leaving large segments of the population outside the reach of mainstream financial services. But artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming the global banking sector, and as a result financial institutions are increasingly exploring new ways to assess creditworthiness using alternative data. Joining us to discuss how AI-led lending is reshaping credit access in South Africa, and what this means for banks, regulators, and underserved consumers is Eshmael Mpabanga Regional Head - Southern Africa & Senior Vice President at Intellect Design Arena.

As the continent marks Africa Day, conversations around Africa's future are expanding beyond history, unity, and culture. Today, the African diaspora has become one of the driving forces behind Africa's economic growth. From remittances and startup investments to skills transfer and business development, millions of Africans across the globe are helping to shape stronger economies and support communities back home. This Africa Day, our economics reporter, Innocent Semosa, takes a closer look at Africa's economic outlook and the role the diaspora is playing in shaping the continent's future.

Power Utility Eskom has issued a warning to South Africa's (SA) city of Johannesburg that it could face electricity supply interruptions due to unpaid municipal debt totalling over $260 million.  It is regarded as one of the largest urban economies in Africa as well as the continent's leading financial centre and s now uder immense pressure to resolve the debt dispute before electricity interruptions begin. Joining us now to reflect on this is Energy Analyst Chris Yelland.

Time now for our weekly Business Round Up, were we look at the biggest stories shaping Africa's economic and investment landscape. Joining me as usual is Victor Kgomoeswana - author of Africa Is Open For Business and Africa Bounces Back, and the Executive Director for Marketing & Communication at the University of Limpopo - to unpack the developments making headlines across the continent..... TALKING POINTS: -Tharisa plc's $545 million Zimbabwe investment highlights how African countries are increasingly competing for strategic mining capital tied to global demand for critical minerals, -Zimbabwe reopening livestock imports from the Western Cape province in South Africa signals improving regional trade confidence and stronger animal disease management cooperation, -Emmanuel Macron's remarks on slavery reparations reignite global debate over colonial accountability and the economic legacy of the transatlantic slave trade,

South Africa (SA) is positioning itself  at the forefront of the global green hydrogen revolution. Speaking at the World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam , the country's Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau says Africa is no longer asking whether it can participate in the green hydrogen economy, but is now preparing to shape and supply it.   Tau, who is part of Team SA attending the summit, says decarbonisation remains central to the country's industrial policy and economic future. Our Economics reporter innocent Semosa has the details.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has wrapped up his two-day State Visit to Botswana aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the neighbouring countries. During the visit, President Duma Boko and President Ramaphosa co-chaired the 6th Session of the Botswana–South Africa Bi-National Commission on Thursday, where both nations signed a number of MOU's and a committment to fast-tracking high-impact priority projects focused on boosting trade, economic cooperation, infrastructure connectivity, regional integration, sustainable development and agriculture. To shed more light on the significance of this economic diplomacy milestone for both countries and the broader SADC region, we are now joined on the line by Professor Philippe Burger, Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences and Professor of Economics at the University of the Free State.

This evening on our SME Feature, Kenyan based enterprise that transforms discarded glass bottles into elegant handcrafted décor and functional homeware. The journey for founder Nyandia Kamawe, began during the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic has evolved into a sustainable business creating jobs for women, supporting the circular economy, and redefining how waste can be turned into value. From artistry and environmental conservation to entrepreneurship and women's empowerment, we explore how MokoMaya is building a business with both social and environmental impact.

South Africa (SA) stands ready to partner with Botswana, as the once diamond rich nation marches towards the diversification of its economy in the wake of declining sales on the global market. For many years, Botswana has been an economic jewel of Africa. Botswana was stable, wealthy, and free of economic chaos.But today, Botswana's economy is collapsing into crime, stagnation, and political turmoil with investors fleeing the country. More from our correspondent in Botswana Shingarai Madondo.

Business institutions and investors from SADC, COMESA, and the East African Community have converged in Malawi for the 36th International Trade Fair, which kicked off this Thursday. The fair aims to showcase products and unlock investment opportunities between local companies and regional economic blocs. Opening the event, Malawi's Minister of Trade, Tourism, and Industry, Symon Itaye, emphasized that Malawi is aggressively positioning its business entities to fully benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area.  George Mhango, filed this report from the trade fair grounds.

South Africa's (SA) Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, has called for urgent action to accelerate Africa's development agenda, as the continent marks 25 years of the New Partnership for Africa's Development NEPAD. Speaking at the NEPAD@25 High-Level Business Breakfast in Cape Town, Mashatile stressed that Africa must move beyond exporting raw materials and instead focus on industrialisation, regional integration, infrastructure development and intra-African trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area. Our economics reporter Innocent Semosa has more.

In our markets slot for today we look at Africa's energy transition as it gathers pace, unlocking grid capacity, accelerating infrastructure financing and crowding in private capital will be critical to ensuring the continent's energy ambitions translate into meaningful economic growth, energy resilience and industrial development. Deerosh Maharaj, Executive Head, Energy, Infrastructure & Mining at Business and Commercial Banking, Standard Bank South Africa (SA), joins us on the line.

Across Africa, millions remain locked out of traditional banking systems, with more than half of adults in Sub-Saharan Africa still unbanked. but that gap is now driving one of the fastest-growing fintech revolutions in the world. From mobile money platforms to blockchain-powered payment solutions, innovators are reshaping how people save, spend, and move money across borders. But as digital finance expands, so do concerns around fraud prevention, privacy, and the protection of consumer data.  Thelma Okorie, Group Data Protection and Privacy Counsel at Yellow Card joins us now to help explains how African fintech companies are tackling these challenges while opening new economic opportunities for businesses and everyday consumers alike.

The14th Aviation Stakeholders Convention has concluded with calls for more collaborations and partnerships. Senior aviation decision-makers from across the globe met in Johannesburg South Africa this week to forge the partnerships and strategies necessary to unlock Africa's aviation potential.  Hosted by the African Airlines Association and South African Airways under the theme: "Resilient African Aviation: Partnerships - Empowerment - Profitability, the convention brought together over 400 delegates to discuss collaboration, connectivity, sustainability, innovation, and the future growth of aviation across the continent. Nhlanhla Mahlangu reports.

Tensions between the United States (US) and Iran continue to escalate, with growing instability in the Strait of Hormuz threatening one of the world's most critical oil shipping routes. From vessel seizures to intensified fears of prolonged disruptions to global energy supplies, the ongoing developments have drawn direct attention from AfrIca's largest economy, South Africa (SA).  The country's Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister has confirmed that government will send a delegation to the Strait of Hormuz to assess the geopolitical and economic risks facing global fuel supply chains and SA's own energy security. Joining us now to reflect on these developments is Dr Sizo Nkala. Senior Research Fellow at the University of Johannesburg Centre for Africa-China Studies.

South Africa's (SA) consumers are once again feeling the pressure at the pumps, as inflation accelerated sharply in April. Headline consumer inflation rose to 4% from 3.1% in March, driven largely by a record surge in fuel prices.  Statistics SA says fuel costs recorded their steepest monthly increase since the current CPI series began in 2008, with petrol and diesel prices climbing sharply.  Our Economics reporter innocent Semosa has more.

As G7 Finance Ministers meet in Paris with rising energy prices dominating discussions, African countries continue to grapple with mounting debt pressures, higher borrowing costs and growing uncertainty in the global economy amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.  Against this backdrop of mounting economic pressures and leadership challenges across the continent, our economics reporter Innocent Semosa examines what is at stake for Africa as leaders search for solutions to secure sustainable growth and long-term economic resilience.

As Africa's mining sector faces increasing pressure to deliver tangible economic value. This comes against the backdrop of previous Mining Indaba gatherings, where discussions have consistently centred on unlocking Africa's mineral wealth, attracting investment, and strengthening partnerships between governments, investors, and mining companies.Against this evolving landscape, Investing in African Mining Indaba is set to unveil the official theme for Mining Indaba 2027. To unpack these developments further, we are now joined by Laura Nicholson, Industry Director at Investing Mining Indaba.

The Chief Executive Officer of AUDA-NEPAD, Nardos Bekele-Thomas, is urging African leaders to move with greater urgency in transforming the continent's bold development plans into real, measurable results. Bekele-Thomas was speaking at an AUDA-NEPAD gala dinner in Johannesburg, South Africa, held in honour of its Steering Committee and marking 25 years since the establishment of NEPAD.  Our economics reporter, Innocent Semosa has more.

Time now for our daily weekly update, and to unpack some of the most notable market movements for today is Grant Nader-Portfolio Manager at Benguela Global Fund Managers.. .. Please find below Talking Points : * The World Bank's Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency says it plans to more than double its annual guarantees for Africa to $6.4 billion, in a move aimed at de-risking investment and unlocking more private capital for infrastructure and development projects across the continent. * Fuel marketers in Nigeria are pushing back against legal action linked to import licences and the Dangote refinery, raising fresh concerns over competition, fuel supply dynamics and market concentration in Africa's largest economy. * Ghana's central bank is seeking to purchase up to 30 percent of gold produced by mining companies to strengthen the country's foreign reserves and support currency stability amid ongoing global economic uncertainty. * G7 finance ministers are holding emergency talks in Paris over the escalating Strait of Hormuz crisis, as fears of disruptions to one of the world's most critical oil shipping routes continue to rattle global energy markets and inflation outlooks.

Ghana has finalised its $3 billion bailout programme with the International Monetary Fund. Refelcting on the programme, the government says it helped reduce inflation, strengthen the cedi, and improve economic growth. Ghana sought assistance from the IMF back in 2022 as a result of rising debt, high inflation, and a weakening economy after Covid-19 as well as the war in Ukraine. The country has announced that it will now advance towards a new IMF programme called the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI), which supports economic reforms without giving direct loans. Joining us now to reflect on this is Dr Frank Bannor - Research Associate, Public and environmental economics Research Centre (PEERC) at the University of Johannesburg South Africa. He is also lecturer at the Ghana Institute Management and Public Administration.

Malawi's dire fiscal state is increasingly a cause for concern not only for the country but by the African continent. Rising debt exceeding 85%, poor revenue collection and high domestic borrowing are some of the leading pressure factors for this financial state. To avoid the total collapse of its economy, Malawi has turned to the World Bank for assistance. To help us shed some light on the dire financial challenges faced by Malawi, is Dr Bertha Bangara Chikadza, President of the Economics Association of Malawi (ECAMA).  

Let's now head to Kenya, where President William has called for an emergency cabinet meeting. This follows massive disruption in the public transport sector after operators downed their tools. They are protesting the recent fuel price hike. Some operators engaged police in running battles after blocking roads. Many Kenyans were left stranded as more opted to stay at home or work remotely, leaving many roads empty and  cities deserted. Police say upto 250 people have been arrested, while over 100, including three police officers are nursing injuries. Joining us now for an update is Alex Kiarie, Channel Africa's Nairobi correspondent.

Africa's aviation future has taken centre stage as the Airlines Association Aviation Stakeholders Convention officially kicked off in Johannesburg, South Africa (SA) bringing together key industry leaders and stakeholders from across the continent. The Association AFRAA, in partnership with SA Airways are hosting the 14th Aviation Stakeholder Convention and 3rd African Aviation Summit 2026. Held under the theme: Resilient African Aviation: Partnerships - Empowerment - Profitability, the gathering is one of Africa's leading forums for air transport industry stakeholders by to dialogue, exchange knowledge and experiences for the development of the travel ecosystem. Nhlanhla Mahlangu reports.

While some might think that interior design is not an important factor in choosing a home and can be addressed later after purchase or rental, interior design expert Vinette Diab-Nicholls differs says that today,  successful property investors understand that a home is no longer just about square metres and location, as high quality tenants are looking for a lifestyle. As the property market continues to evolve, this suggests that aesthetics and tenant experience are becoming key economic factors. Vinette Diab Nicholls is owner and head designer of Giava Interior,  an award winning interior design studio catering to residential, hospitality, retail and corporate clients. She joins us now to share key insights about how to elevate an investment property.

China's Ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng, says Beijing's zero-tariff policy for African exports is aimed at creating a mutually beneficial and sustainable trade relationship between China and the continent. Speaking on Friday during a webinar reflecting on China's recently implemented zero-tariff policy on goods from African countries, Ambassador Wu Peng stressed that the initiative should not be viewed as charity, but rather as a strategic effort to deepen economic cooperation and balance trade relations. Channel Africa's reporter Micheal Mbewe filed this report.

On this week's Business Round-Up on today, we look at the biggest stories shaping Africa's economic and investment landscape. Host Thami Ngubeni is joined by Victor Kgomoeswana - author of Africa Is Open For Business and Africa Bounces Back, and the Executive Director for Marketing & Communication at the University of Limpopo - to unpack the developments making headlines across the continent. Talking Points: -Appian Capital Advisory is a private equity investment firm has secured a 95% stake in Namibia's Omitiomire copper project through the purchase of Omico Copper -According Ghana Statistical Service (GSS)'s latest Monthly Indicator of Economic Growth (MIEG), Ghana's economy expanded by 7.7% in February 2026 -Nigeria's Elipse International Ltd's investment in domestic copper processing infrastructure has seen the mining sector experience significant growth and development. -Egypt's startup ecosystem is starting to mature, with increased investor confidence and growing activity in sectors like logistics, fintech, and e-commerce.

Spontaneous protests and anger have marked Kenya's overall disappointment over the recent fuel fuel price hikes that were announced on Thursday evening. As the nation now looks at a possible new normal of diesel costing more than petrol, public service vehicle operators have threatened to paralyse operations from Monday if the government does not rescind the decision. For an update, we are now joined by Alex Kiarie -Channel Africa Correspondent based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Today on the Africa Market Update we look at rising debt pressures, geopolitical risks and major energy deals are shaping Africa's markets. Joining us now is Viv Govender, Senior Analyst & Portfolio Manager at Rand Swiss.... Talking Points: -Morrocco and Nigeria anticipate signing an intergovernmental agreement in the fourth quarter of 2026, in a infrastructure and energy project that is expected to transform Africa's position in global gas supply, -Nigeria's president, Bola Tinubu, is calling for changes to the global financial system, highlighting growing sovereign risk pressures across African economies, -Iran's Foreign Minister has reportedly accused the United Arab Emirates of direct involvement in military operations against Iran during a BRICS meeting, raising fresh geopolitical risks and concerns over potential impacts on global oil markets

Zambia is intensifying efforts to attract investment into its energy sector, as the country accelerates its transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy following the devastating drought that affected hydropower generation between 2023 and 2024.  Speaking to Channel Africa, on the margins of the recently concluded Zambia Investment Forum in Pretoria, Zambian energy expert Hope Chanda Musonda says the country has already added hundreds of megawatts of renewable energy to the national grid through solar and other clean energy projects. Channel Africa's reporter Micheal Mbewe spoke with Zambian Energy Expert Hope Chanda Musonda.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu says Africa must move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps to strengthen intra-African trade and economic cooperation. Speaking at the 13th edition of the Africa CEO Forum, President Tinubu urged African nations to deepen collaboration, unlock investment opportunities, and build stronger partnerships capable of driving sustainable growth across the continent. The forum brought together policymakers, government officials, business leaders, and industry experts to discuss Africa's economic future and strategies for inclusive development. Channels Africa's economics reporter, Innocent Semosa, has more.

At the 2026 Africa CEO Forum in Rwanda, President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, has used the platform to address Africa's top business leaders, policymakers, and investors on the continent's economic future.  Speaking at the high-profile gathering, President Kagame focused on strengthening Africa's private sector growth, improving regional integration, and accelerating investment-led development as key drivers for sustainable economic transformation. Channel Africa's economics reporter innocent Semosa has more.

African business leaders, investors, heads of state, and senior government officials from across the continent and beyond, have converged in Kigali, Rwanda for the Africa CEO Forum which began today.   This year the event is taking place under the theme: "The Scale Imperative: Why Africa Must Embrace Shared Ownership."  To reflect on what can be expected form the event is Teddy Kaberuka, International Consultant and Economic Analyst and AI strategist based in Rwanda.

Domestic tourism is expected to remain a major driver of growth for South Africa's (SA) tourism sector as Africa's Travel Indaba 2026 concludes in the city of Durba, in KwaZulu Natal province. Industry stakeholders say initiatives aimed at encouraging local travel are becoming increasingly important amid global economic pressures and changing consumer spending patterns. To reflect on this year's Indaba and the state of domestic tourism,  Head of SA Hub for Domestic Tourism at SA Tourism, Mashoto Mokgethi.

In today's markets slot we look at the Standard Bank Kasi SME Pitch Challenge. Now in its second national edition, the competition offers qualifying entrepreneurs across all the nine South African (SA) provinces the chance to compete for provincial prizes and ultimately a grand prize of $60 000 in the  national finals later this year. The provincial round of applications of the contest opened earlier this month on the 6th and  closes on the 22nd.   For more on the competition, Lesiba Matladi - Senior Manager for Enterprise and Supplier Development at Business and Commercial Banking, Standard Bank SA.

United States (US) President Donald Trump is in Beijing for high-stakes talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, aimed at stabilising relations between the world's two largest economies. The two-day summit is expected to focus on trade, technology, regional security, and maintaining a fragile trade truce between Washington and Beijing. Joining us now to reflect on the significance of this summit is Emmanuel Matambo, from the Stellenbosch Institute for advanced study, based in South Africa.

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has told global investors that Africa’s infrastructure sector remains one of the world’s biggest untapped economic opportunities. Addressing the opening of the BlackRock Infrastructure Investment Conference in Cape Town on Wednesday, Ramaphosa said increased infrastructure investment across the continent could nearly double Africa’s GDP by 2040. His remarks come as the government intensifies efforts to attract foreign investment and drive infrastructure-led growth, following South Africa’s recent Investment Conference, which secured billions in new commitments.  Channel Africa’s Reporter, Michael Mbewe, filed this report.

Global energy markets remain on edge as investors continue to respond to uncertainty surrounding tensions in the Middle East. To unpack the key market movers and what they could mean for African investors, businesses and consumers, Herman van Papendorp, Head of Asset Allocation at Momentum Investments, joins with the latest insights from the financial markets review.

As online betting continues to grow across the continent, some business leaders in South Africa have warned of the serious consequences associated with it. With the industry attracting more young people, experts have cautioned that it may be contributing to addiction, overspending, rising gambling-related debt, and increasing financial pressure on households. Joining the discussion to reflect on this is Sean Coleman, CEO of the South African Bookmakers’ Association.

South Africa’s rail sector has faced years of operational challenges, including cable theft, vandalism, infrastructure backlogs and declining freight volumes. Business leaders have repeatedly warned that inefficiencies at ports and along rail lines continue to weigh heavily on economic growth. The state-owned logistics company says it has made significant progress in modernising the country’s rail network, improving infrastructure management, and opening the sector to greater private sector participation.  Our South Africa Economics Reporter, Innocent Semosa, has more.

Agriculture on the continent is facing one of its most unpredictable periods in recent years, amid climate shocks, rising fertiliser and fuel prices, as well as global geopolitical tensions that have increased transport costs while disrupting key supply chains. A recent analysis by Absa AgriBusiness argues that resilience has now become the defining factor for success in African agriculture. This evening on the programme, the question is: what will it take to absorb and adapt to ongoing global shocks, and what key role can financial institutions across the continent play? Joining the discussion is Zama Sangweni, Agricultural Economist at Absa AgriBusiness.

South Africa has commended Zimbabwe’s efforts to modernise the Beitbridge Border Post, describing plans to expand the crossing infrastructure as critical to improving regional trade and easing congestion at Africa’s busiest land border. Speaking at the South Africa–Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission mid-term review in Pretoria on Wednesday, co-chaired with Zimbabwe’s Permanent Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ambassador Albert Ranganai Chimbindi, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Deputy Director-General, Tebogo Seokolo, said discussions are already underway between the two countries on the possible construction of a third bridge at Beitbridge. Channel Africa’s Reporter, Michael Mbewe, filed this report.